Friday night I attended an event hosted by S.O.M.O.S (Society of the Muse of the southwest - an organization devoted to writers) at Cafe Tazza (yes they do serve espresso drinks). It was a quintessential Taos experience. The adobe walls, painted in vibrant colors, the ristras (wreath of dried chilis) hanging from the ceiling and the packed antechamber livingroom of writers, poets, and wannabe's was intoxicating. I felt like a real writer. This combined with receiving accolades on a written piece during my thursday morning writing group has made this a banner week - despite having a chest cold, not sleeping well and not able to work out at the gym.... I coupled my experience with finishing Natalie Goldburg's novel, "Banana Rose" set in Taos, NM - it was fun to recognize alot of the landmarks she mentioned - altho - alas there is no more Rexall Drug's that has a soda fountain and serves malteds. Goldburg moved to Santa Fe sometime ago and is still an active writer and teacher. On my wish list is the desire to attend one of her writing workshops (she wrote, "Writing down the Bones" among other books.
The night's readers included Dave Perez, a local well known writer, who read from his memoir in progress, "Wow" about growing up puertorican in NYC in the 1960's and his antics at a catholic private school, St. Luke's, and his comedy routine as an unruly altar boy. We then heard from a classically trained flamingo guitarist and the ending of the evening was two readings from NY Times bestseller author, Lisa Valdez Rodriguez from Albuquerque who read from a young adult novel, "The Haters" and her current book to be published in July '09, "The Husband Habit". Perez and Rodriguez were both hilarious, colorful, and riveting. It gave me some idea of what publishers are looking for in fiction/non fiction material. Especially with Rodriguez who has already published 6 books.
Although I attended the event solo it was obvious that many of the folks there know each other and there appears to be a definite "inner circle of writers" in Taos that I can only dream to be a part of. I've discovered that like any field of training there is a writer's jargon, "prompts, scenes, pacing, character development, plot development, point of view - first person, third person, narrative, etc." At least I now know what most of the words mean....
Firming and toning has come to a stand still this week as I focus on recovering from a chest cold. I haven't been to the gym since last Monday but am hopeful that this week will be more conducive.
The Tarot class continues on Saturday mornings. We covered 3 more major arcana cards and got assigned yet more homework, 2 videos and meditation time. I'm anxious to actually do the readings and yet know that the background historical info is critical to meaningful interpretations.
Sunday, February 1, 2009
Sunday, January 25, 2009
Firming and Toning
Another week of 5x at the gym; Tina was right things are getting easier. Except that's it's a double edged sword because the better I do the more she adds to my workout routine.... The lunges are now accompanied by 10# weights and I'm nowing doing "ball wall squats" with a large exercise ball pressed up against the wall. Boy I really know where my quad muscles are located. This coming week I start a pilates class on Monday and Wednesday with another trainer at the gym, Rosa. It will be Mondays 3 - 4:30 and Weds 12 - 1:00 - all intended to build core muscles in the abdomen. You mean I really have an abdomen underneath the rolls?
The diet is progressing; I don't notice any cravings for sugary foods but do still hunger for salt and crunchy food, ie: popcorn and chips. Being a popcorn fanatic, movies aren't worth it without a bowl of the salt and fat, it's hard to limit myself to only 2 cups of the lowfat microwave stuff. It's almost easier to have none at all. It's also a challenge to eat so many times a day - I feel like I'm constantly eating, preparing or storing food and yet I do know that it's much healthier and easier on the digestive system to have frequent small meals rather than 3 large ones - especially as the day goes on.
With all this work I have noticed that I've already gone down almost one whole size as I had to return something to TJ Maxx on Thursday during a trip to Santa Fe. I tried on some summer shorts/skirts and they fit in the smaller size! My weight hasn't changed even one ounce but Tina assures me that muscle weighs more than fat - a fact I'm well aware of from my days as a Curves owner - so it's not discouraging. It's more important to me how my clothes fit and how I generally feel.
The liquid herbal supplements are becoming easier to get down; the gag reflex has relaxed somewhat - not that I'm ready to take on anything else.
The tarot class progresses; each week we explore the history and symbolism of 4 new cards - this week it was the Emperor, The Hierophant, The Lovers and the The High Priestess. The instructor assigns movies, books and meditation for homework each week - surely enough to keep us busy. It's amazing to me to get a glimpse of the historical symbolism in the cards - much like art history and to learn about cultural beliefs stemming from B.C. up through the Medieval Ages. It puts modern Christianity and Judaism in a different perspective when you know more of the history of the "original movers and shakers". The Cathars, The Knights Templar, the Crusdades, The Gnostic Bible, Hermetism, Greek Mythology - to name but a few.
The diet is progressing; I don't notice any cravings for sugary foods but do still hunger for salt and crunchy food, ie: popcorn and chips. Being a popcorn fanatic, movies aren't worth it without a bowl of the salt and fat, it's hard to limit myself to only 2 cups of the lowfat microwave stuff. It's almost easier to have none at all. It's also a challenge to eat so many times a day - I feel like I'm constantly eating, preparing or storing food and yet I do know that it's much healthier and easier on the digestive system to have frequent small meals rather than 3 large ones - especially as the day goes on.
With all this work I have noticed that I've already gone down almost one whole size as I had to return something to TJ Maxx on Thursday during a trip to Santa Fe. I tried on some summer shorts/skirts and they fit in the smaller size! My weight hasn't changed even one ounce but Tina assures me that muscle weighs more than fat - a fact I'm well aware of from my days as a Curves owner - so it's not discouraging. It's more important to me how my clothes fit and how I generally feel.
The liquid herbal supplements are becoming easier to get down; the gag reflex has relaxed somewhat - not that I'm ready to take on anything else.
The tarot class progresses; each week we explore the history and symbolism of 4 new cards - this week it was the Emperor, The Hierophant, The Lovers and the The High Priestess. The instructor assigns movies, books and meditation for homework each week - surely enough to keep us busy. It's amazing to me to get a glimpse of the historical symbolism in the cards - much like art history and to learn about cultural beliefs stemming from B.C. up through the Medieval Ages. It puts modern Christianity and Judaism in a different perspective when you know more of the history of the "original movers and shakers". The Cathars, The Knights Templar, the Crusdades, The Gnostic Bible, Hermetism, Greek Mythology - to name but a few.
Monday, January 19, 2009
First week
So I did make it to the gym five times last week; a combo of cardio, strength training with the weight machines and free weights and swimming. Tina, my personal trainer, led me thru 2 sessions of upper and body strength training - the day after I could really tell - my muscles were really sore.... Let's just say stairs and changing levels of any kind were a challenge. She assures me that that will only be temporary and that my muscles will adjust - at least until she adds up the reps to 3 sets of 12's rather than 2 sets....
I've can't remember ever being so preoccupied with my body as I have over the last week - between eating 5 - 6 small meals/day, drinking at least 8 glasses of water, taking tinctures to support my liver, pancreas, thyroid, etc., fiber tablets 6x/day, detox with foot patches and herbs - it feels like a full time job. Hopefully my body is eliminating toxins and building my immune system. Oh by the way at the "heart party" last Monday I tested out at a chronological age of 35 which I thought was pretty good considering I'm 56! I did start on the L Arginine though to assist with lower my cholesterol and they retest for free in a month to check on progress.
I have still managed to get some writing done and my two classes have started up again to give me focus. Nothing like having a deadline looming to get you motivated.
I'm still trying to safeguard Mon, Tues and Weds as writing days, so far so good.
I also started a new class on Saturday morning on the history and uses of the Tarot taught by Taroist, Jan Walker, with over 30 years of experience and research in the Tarot. It's definitely a college level class because I walk away after two hours with over 6 pages of notes.... Learning about the archetypes and their history is fascinating; each week she assigns homework as well so this should be really helpful for my intuitive readings.
So only one more week of a cleanse, thank goodness. After that my naturopath recommends that you really only need it once or twice a year. Barbara Tracy, the naturopath, explained a very plausible reason for my recent pancreatitis. She said that because I've had my gallbladder removed my liver and pancreas have been working overtime to digest what I eat and she says it was probably only a matter of time before either my liver or pancreas became annoyed at the overwork. So she's prescribed some digestive enzymes to aid with the process - probably something I'll have to be aware of for the future. I am really pleased that she is the first doctor that has come up with a reasonable explanation because the hospital docs weren't able to....
I've can't remember ever being so preoccupied with my body as I have over the last week - between eating 5 - 6 small meals/day, drinking at least 8 glasses of water, taking tinctures to support my liver, pancreas, thyroid, etc., fiber tablets 6x/day, detox with foot patches and herbs - it feels like a full time job. Hopefully my body is eliminating toxins and building my immune system. Oh by the way at the "heart party" last Monday I tested out at a chronological age of 35 which I thought was pretty good considering I'm 56! I did start on the L Arginine though to assist with lower my cholesterol and they retest for free in a month to check on progress.
I have still managed to get some writing done and my two classes have started up again to give me focus. Nothing like having a deadline looming to get you motivated.
I'm still trying to safeguard Mon, Tues and Weds as writing days, so far so good.
I also started a new class on Saturday morning on the history and uses of the Tarot taught by Taroist, Jan Walker, with over 30 years of experience and research in the Tarot. It's definitely a college level class because I walk away after two hours with over 6 pages of notes.... Learning about the archetypes and their history is fascinating; each week she assigns homework as well so this should be really helpful for my intuitive readings.
So only one more week of a cleanse, thank goodness. After that my naturopath recommends that you really only need it once or twice a year. Barbara Tracy, the naturopath, explained a very plausible reason for my recent pancreatitis. She said that because I've had my gallbladder removed my liver and pancreas have been working overtime to digest what I eat and she says it was probably only a matter of time before either my liver or pancreas became annoyed at the overwork. So she's prescribed some digestive enzymes to aid with the process - probably something I'll have to be aware of for the future. I am really pleased that she is the first doctor that has come up with a reasonable explanation because the hospital docs weren't able to....
Sunday, January 11, 2009
Starting with a Cleanse
My friend, Andy Mason, from Pittsfield, Kansas lost well over a 100 #'s last year using the Isagenic program, daily exercising and emotional release work.... He inspired me by writing a weekly blog, "Unzipping Your Fat Suit" about his efforts and successes. I have decided to follow his example and keep a written public record of experiences along the same vein.
As is true for alot of us I have started the new year affirming my desire to release more weight, improve my health, lower my cholesterol & blood sugar and get fit. So to assist and support me I have taken advantage of a special offer by one of the personal trainers at the gym where I work and have contracted for 8 sessions with her to get me started on my workout routine. Additionally she is a distributor for Synergy, Intl., (Ron Williams, award winning weight lifter and nutritionist)and I have decided to try one of their products, Argi-9, which is a natural derivative of arginine - an all natural supplement which helps lower cholesterol. Tomorrow there is a "Healthy Heart" party at the gym where for $30 they test your heart functioning and determine the developmental age of your heart. I hope it's at least within the decade of my chronological age or younger....
And yesterday at Cid's, the natural health food store in town, I bought an organic total body cleanse (sans the flu), detox patches for my feet (several people I know swear by them)and stocked up on brown rice, veggies, flax seed, ezekial bread, and organic fruit. I traded a session with a medical intuitive early in the week and basically, without getting too personal, she told me that a cleanse and healing diet would definitely be in my best interest. I naively thought that not eating much for 3 weeks and having the typical symptoms of the flu would have definitely cleansed me.... She educated me about the fact that that was only a "superficial" cleanse and did not get at the deeper level of toxins and the crud that builds up in all our intestines over the years - especially if we have ingested more than our fair share or refined carbohydrates. Who me?
Of course they all tell me to stop drinking coffee; start drinking green tea instead - and eat complex carbs (think whole grain), organic fruits and vegetables and essential fatty acids as well as filtered clean water. I plan to ease myself into this; doing it all at once would be a sure fire way to give up within 3 days. So I plan to approach the changes in a series of steps:
Step 1: workout at the gym 5x/week; alternating upper and lower body resistance training and incorporating cardio exercise via the treadmill/elliptical
Step 2: Eliminating refined carbs from my diet
Step 3: By then I should be prepared to do the total body cleanse
So now that means I'm off to the gym for my 30 min session of cardio....
As is true for alot of us I have started the new year affirming my desire to release more weight, improve my health, lower my cholesterol & blood sugar and get fit. So to assist and support me I have taken advantage of a special offer by one of the personal trainers at the gym where I work and have contracted for 8 sessions with her to get me started on my workout routine. Additionally she is a distributor for Synergy, Intl., (Ron Williams, award winning weight lifter and nutritionist)and I have decided to try one of their products, Argi-9, which is a natural derivative of arginine - an all natural supplement which helps lower cholesterol. Tomorrow there is a "Healthy Heart" party at the gym where for $30 they test your heart functioning and determine the developmental age of your heart. I hope it's at least within the decade of my chronological age or younger....
And yesterday at Cid's, the natural health food store in town, I bought an organic total body cleanse (sans the flu), detox patches for my feet (several people I know swear by them)and stocked up on brown rice, veggies, flax seed, ezekial bread, and organic fruit. I traded a session with a medical intuitive early in the week and basically, without getting too personal, she told me that a cleanse and healing diet would definitely be in my best interest. I naively thought that not eating much for 3 weeks and having the typical symptoms of the flu would have definitely cleansed me.... She educated me about the fact that that was only a "superficial" cleanse and did not get at the deeper level of toxins and the crud that builds up in all our intestines over the years - especially if we have ingested more than our fair share or refined carbohydrates. Who me?
Of course they all tell me to stop drinking coffee; start drinking green tea instead - and eat complex carbs (think whole grain), organic fruits and vegetables and essential fatty acids as well as filtered clean water. I plan to ease myself into this; doing it all at once would be a sure fire way to give up within 3 days. So I plan to approach the changes in a series of steps:
Step 1: workout at the gym 5x/week; alternating upper and lower body resistance training and incorporating cardio exercise via the treadmill/elliptical
Step 2: Eliminating refined carbs from my diet
Step 3: By then I should be prepared to do the total body cleanse
So now that means I'm off to the gym for my 30 min session of cardio....
A Taoseno New Year
The day before New Year's Eve I treated myself to a much needed massage after my three week experience with the stomach flu/pancreatitis. Christina inquired about my NY's eve plans; in my trance I mentioned that I didn't have any yet and automatically/politely asked her about hers. She shared that she was going to a Dance celebration at the Taos Dance Academy which would include a free-form 5rhythyms dance (ala Gabrielle Roth), meditation, intentions, a manifestation ritual and a gong recital. Count me in. She said that it was from 7 pm - midnight and that the doors would close at 7:15pm so as to build the energy in the group and maintain the cohesion of people attending. So, not having been out and about for several weeks, I decided that this would be my debut back into the world and an inspiring way to usher in 2009.
Visuddha is the dance instructor and her website is: www.movedandbemoved.com - she leads weekly women's and mixed dance groups using the 5 rhythyms method. Almost 40 people participated; we started the evening by being smudged with wet sage, removed our shoes, took in our mats and journals and started in circle, holding hands and affirming our intentions for 2009. We ceremonially released anything from 2008 which no longer served us and welcomed our heart's desires for the new year. Excellent health is certainly on the top of my list; dear to my heart following the recent three week ordeal.
At the end of the evening, after sweating, praying, meditating and drawing we curled up on our mats and sleeping bags and listen to Visuddha beat the gongs in different patterns and hear her friend Elizabeth chant in acapella in accompaniement. A magical evening; I had no trouble falling asleep after arriving back at my earthship at 12:15.
Visuddha is the dance instructor and her website is: www.movedandbemoved.com - she leads weekly women's and mixed dance groups using the 5 rhythyms method. Almost 40 people participated; we started the evening by being smudged with wet sage, removed our shoes, took in our mats and journals and started in circle, holding hands and affirming our intentions for 2009. We ceremonially released anything from 2008 which no longer served us and welcomed our heart's desires for the new year. Excellent health is certainly on the top of my list; dear to my heart following the recent three week ordeal.
At the end of the evening, after sweating, praying, meditating and drawing we curled up on our mats and sleeping bags and listen to Visuddha beat the gongs in different patterns and hear her friend Elizabeth chant in acapella in accompaniement. A magical evening; I had no trouble falling asleep after arriving back at my earthship at 12:15.
Sunday, December 28, 2008
Girl, Interrupted
Well it has been awhile since I've blogged.... Two weeks ago I developed symptoms of what I thought was the standard stomach flu. It kept on even after five days but I didn't get concerned until I started feeling some intense pain in my abdomen area - which after a day of that and no sleep, prompted a visit to the local ER which resulted in a five day admission to Holy Cross Hospital in Taos with a diagnosis of pancreatitis. No particular medicines were needed other than IV fluids to address dehydration. Apparently I am in the 30% of people for whom there is no known cause for the inflammation - typically it's provoked by alcoholism/drug addiction or gallstones in the bile duct around the pancreas. Neither of these two were true for me; the latter was ruled out by an MRI and CAT scan.... What can I say about my stay in the hospital other than it was way too much daytime TV and bland liquids, although I did develop an affinity for the Knox brand instant chicken broth and will have to make sure I have it on hand in emergencies. The morphine was effective in managing the pain for the first two days and since then I've been pain free. Eating is progressing very slowly - I have lost almost 20#'s - and my appetite is minimal.
Needless to say I've been giving myself lots of Reiki as well as receiving energy from scores of others. Affirmations for restored health and wholeness also have become my mantra as well as an openness to receive any "learnings" from the recent episode....
Christmas was way too quiet, me and my daughter's cat, Gunther, and I AM grateful that I was at least home to enjoy the quiet rather than the sterile setting of the hospital. I was well enough to eat a baked potato for Xmas dinner - one of my favorite treats at any time - must be the Irish in me! Last night I felt well enough to work a shift the gym, Northside, and it was a welcome diversion from my own four walls. Being sick sure makes you appreciate your health; something that I must confess that I usually take for granted as I typically don't get sick very often.
So this is the first writing I've done in a few weeks but writing groups start up again the first week of January so I'll be back to it then....
Needless to say I've been giving myself lots of Reiki as well as receiving energy from scores of others. Affirmations for restored health and wholeness also have become my mantra as well as an openness to receive any "learnings" from the recent episode....
Christmas was way too quiet, me and my daughter's cat, Gunther, and I AM grateful that I was at least home to enjoy the quiet rather than the sterile setting of the hospital. I was well enough to eat a baked potato for Xmas dinner - one of my favorite treats at any time - must be the Irish in me! Last night I felt well enough to work a shift the gym, Northside, and it was a welcome diversion from my own four walls. Being sick sure makes you appreciate your health; something that I must confess that I usually take for granted as I typically don't get sick very often.
So this is the first writing I've done in a few weeks but writing groups start up again the first week of January so I'll be back to it then....
Tuesday, December 9, 2008
Let It Snow
The local news station was abuzz last night with predictions of snow for New Mexico, especially the northeastern part and the mountains. I chuckled as I listened to their description of 500 plow trucks, possible school closings and an "inch" of snow in Albuquerque! I woke up this morning expecting to see the results of a snow storm only to find about 2 inches on the ground; someone had told me the previous evening that this might be the case, although, they assured me that the mtns would probably get 6 - 12 inches. OMG - they don't know what winter is! I suppose I should reserve this smug statement until at least the end of March '09 - not having lived thru a Taos winter yet. Reliable sources have informed me that it doesn't snow that much in the valley and that if the sun is shining (which it is 300 days/yr) it melts by early afternoon - making the evening commute safe and dry. I enjoyed the brief feeling of being "snowed in" this morning because my skylights and slanted windows were fully covered by snow until the sun caused it to streak and allow patches of light to shine through. One of the things I like about New England winters is that feeling of be buried (as long as it doesn't last too long, or we go without power for no more than 24 hours) - the stillness of a world dumped with a foot or more of snow - no one moving too fast or venturing too far. A perfect excuse for a day off from normal routines, school, work, obligations with the expectations of a day spent in pajamas or sweat shirts, lounging by the fire/woodstove with a good book, a cup of tea and the only duty being the timing of when to shovel your walk - during the storm or after you've gotten it all? My guess is that the power doesn't often shut down here - it hasn't yet in 4 months but it's early yet. Even though I live in the high elevations (5000 feet above sea level)there isn't much wind here, lightening or other forms of weather disturbances.
So no need to listen to the radio/TV for closings/cancellations and although car thermometer says it's 23 degrees out it feels like the low 40's.
I guess it's off to work I go then. Which in my case, since this is a Tuesday, is to the "Wired" Cafe on Felicidad St. behind Albertson's for a cafe au lait and a day of writing.
So no need to listen to the radio/TV for closings/cancellations and although car thermometer says it's 23 degrees out it feels like the low 40's.
I guess it's off to work I go then. Which in my case, since this is a Tuesday, is to the "Wired" Cafe on Felicidad St. behind Albertson's for a cafe au lait and a day of writing.
Sunday, December 7, 2008
Holidaze
It's taken me over a week to recover from Thanksgiving. My two daughters, Erin and Jenn came to visit; one for a week and the other for three days. During that time my place was taken over including the computer, TV, kitchen area, bathroom and living space. I even shared my bed with Erin as there is only a pull out futon in the living area. I used to live in a much larger 3 bedroom house with two full bathrooms when they were growing up. Thank God for that. I didn't think I was so territorial until the square footage shrunk and we were all trying to fit into a small one bedroom house. I silently cringed each time I noticed debris piling up on the floor, liquids spilling over on the stove and dishes stacking up uncleaned in the sink. I guess I am a creature of habit, after all, and guess I get more so as time goes on; especially since I have been living solo for the past three years. Don't get me wrong; I was thrilled to see them, our feast except for the overdone roast chicken was delicious and the highlight of our visit was the stop at Ojo Caliente for an afternoon of soaking in awesome outdoor mineral pools followed by dinner in the Artesian Restaurant. And I was secretly not unhappy to see them go - hence my recovery this week of doing laundry, vacuuming, cleaning the bathroom and rewashing certain pots and pans. And of course now that's it's been a week I miss them again. I also overindulgenced, a fine American tradition, and avoided the face off at the gym and the scale. So I have allowed myself a week of being out of sorts, sitting with an ambivalence about sharing my space and staying out of routines that I find nurturing and comforting.
I find it difficult to maintain my patterns: ie: meditation, working out at the gym, writing time, bedtime, etc. when I'm in relationship with others. I too often bend my routine to their preferences - only to discover that unsuspecting resentment creeps in after a time - even though they didn't ask me to change for them.... I know this is my issue and one that I notice when I am in the same living space with others.
Christmas will be easier; I'm visiting Jenn in Durango, CO; she will be working during the day, teaching skiing to those on vacation and we'll spend a few evenings together. I'm hoping that she can manuever us a discounted room at the ski resort where she works so that I can happily pass my time in the indoor pool and hot tub balanced with hot drinks sitting by the fireplace reading or knitting. My goal is to balance our selections of evening activities - allowing her a choice for one night and me the other. I'll let you know how it works out....
I find it difficult to maintain my patterns: ie: meditation, working out at the gym, writing time, bedtime, etc. when I'm in relationship with others. I too often bend my routine to their preferences - only to discover that unsuspecting resentment creeps in after a time - even though they didn't ask me to change for them.... I know this is my issue and one that I notice when I am in the same living space with others.
Christmas will be easier; I'm visiting Jenn in Durango, CO; she will be working during the day, teaching skiing to those on vacation and we'll spend a few evenings together. I'm hoping that she can manuever us a discounted room at the ski resort where she works so that I can happily pass my time in the indoor pool and hot tub balanced with hot drinks sitting by the fireplace reading or knitting. My goal is to balance our selections of evening activities - allowing her a choice for one night and me the other. I'll let you know how it works out....
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