Mikomoto Pearl Parure

Haven't posted in a while...no excuses, just the explanation of spring, summer, business, mom stuff, student stuff, yoga stuff...there ya go. A great summer and now, back to work.

Hope you can check out a listing that I just ran on my site for my friend who just became a grandma a few weeks ago. This set belonged to her mom, who passed a few years ago, and it is very special.

ESTATE! MIKIMOTO OPERA NECKLACE BRACELET EARRINGS SET PARURE Item Number: 6218

Drop me a note and please, if you've not already done so, join my Family Jewels page on facebook!

Family Jewels on Facebook

Namaste,
Lisa
FAMILY JEWELS ONLINE SHOP

www.pranalisa.com (for those locals who want to do some yoga with me!!)

Check out Food Democracy Now | Sample Letter - Close the Millionaire Corporate Farm Subsidy Loophole

Hi,

I want you to take a look at: Food Democracy Now | Sample Letter - Close the Millionaire Corporate Farm Subsidy Loophole 

groovin'

Well, I started off with a bang, just a bloggin' away, and here it's been over a month and nada. I've not been slacking...I am still high from my yoga teacher training, and, I think, not waiting for the other ball to drop. Working from the inside out. Teaching a lot, taking care of myself, being of service to my students.

Lots has happened...my son survived college spring break in Panama City, the city was blanketed by snow, I finished my basement home yoga studio, and I've begun teaching yoga classes out of my home..
PRANALISA PRANAKRIYA

It's been fun, scary, enlightening, frustrating, plus other emotions as well. After hearing so much positive feedback about my shift as an instructor, I had a humbling experience as a student at my home class stayed for under a minute and then left. My heart stayed with the people who stayed in class...I know I cannot please everyone all of the time, and that's ok. It has to be.

So this is a quickie..just a check in. I've fallen back in love with my home and the studio I've created downstairs. I no longer have a housemate and am enjoying the privacy and space and organization I have without that second person in my space.

I'm groovin...and grateful.

The Shift

The past several weeks have been a whirlwind of growth and intensity as 6 months of training towards my 200 hour yoga teacher certification culminated in an amazing and beautiful graduation ceremony for my classmates and me and our receiving our Certification Diplomas. After another 23 hours of intense physical and mental work on and off the mat this past weekend, including athletic yoga asanas, vigorous sun salutations, and each student's practice teaching for a facilitator, we enjoyed a lovely reception and delicious food. My mother, one of my best friends, Walter, and the owner of the yoga studio where I've been teaching, Decatur Yoga and Pilates, who is greatly responsible for sparking my yoga journey all came to share the evening with us all. I even received lovely fresh flower bouquets!

Several of us, including myself, not wanting to end the celebration after the friends, family, and food was gone, went to see a sold out show at the Variety Playhouse of Michael Franti and Spearhead. Franti is an activist, a musician, a filmmaker, and a yogi...not necessarily in that order. He writes about love and peace, accountability, empowerment, and speaking up for what is right and against what is wrong. I'm in love with this man.

Here's my little amateur video of a minute or so of the show.



Well, those who know me know that I rarely go out at night, often choosing to be in bed by 8 or 9pm..so this was an exception for me. I figured I'd go to the concert, stay for a few songs, then leave so I could be in bed before 9 or 10 that night. It didn't happen. I found a seat early on, and once the music began, I hopped up and danced for the next 2 1/2 hrs. The positive energy was overwhelming, and I got caught up in it. I simply couldn't stop! And this is from someone who has proclaimed to not care for live music...afterall, I went to concerts all the time in the late 70s through the late 80s...I was done. But this concert was different...it rocked, yes, but it was about being active and positive and having the power to change not just yourself, but the world. Idealistic perhaps, but why not? Can't hurt.

This week has been anything but anticlimactic. Perhaps I am still on a pink cloud. Perhaps my dedication to abstaining from sugar and caffeine for a solid period of time has given me physical strength and mental clarity and focus...whatever. I see and feel the possibilities so much clearer now. I see that the end of this training is only the beginning of more growth. I see that while the intense work has subsided in this area of my life, yet more intense work and growth is needed in other areas. I also see that my greatest actions are those that give service and compassion to others. Staying present and calm and still are such gifts. I'm still human. I still forget all these things at times. But the training has caused a shift. I have taught several classes this week...more than usual...stepping up to substitute teach when I've been asked, even at last minute, and I see the yoga room and the students differently. I know now that I have my own special contribution to offer and it is enough. I know also that each student is a gift and that I am still and always will be a student as well.

Shifting...churning...growing.

It's all good.

Endings are only New Beginnings

In the summer of '93, a couple of months before my son turned 4 (and I was to be 28), I bought my current home in downtown Decatur. It was a dream to be in a neighborhood that was not only safe but also a real community with friendly neighbors and a great shops and restaurants within walking distance. ...much different than the inner city war zone I had lived in for 7 years prior. I figured that within a few months, 6 tops, I'd have the house organized and fixed up just like I wanted it.

It's early 2009. My son is in his 2nd semester as a freshman at UGA and will be 20 in September. My home is nearly "there". I'll be 44 in September. This summer marks 16 years since I moved into my 1954 brick ranch. Lots of changes have taken place from renovations, additions, and decor, to my own personal changes with boyfriends, housemates, careers, and inner growth.

As I work towards putting the finishing touches on my own personal home yoga studio, 800 square feet of clean, fresh, open space, I can't help but be on the verge of tears (of joy) everytime I walk downstairs and see the evolution which has taken place. After nearly 6 years of my basement being an extra-large doghouse, filled with all the lovely (and yes, I am being sarcastic) aromas of big hairy mutts, what began as a "easy" job of removing some carpet and painting the floor turned into a huge project. Two layers of ooky, stained, yucky carpet, a layer of deteriorated padding and the surprise layer of old asbestos tile attached with thick black mastic glue later, and now I have an ecologically sound acid stained marble-like floor. Some small area rugs, artwork on the walls, a small library of yoga and health books, yoga props and mats, and a sound system, and I have my own little nirvana.

While decorating, I came across a dream board I had put together several years ago, and I decided to display it. I think it was about 3, maybe 4 years ago when I sat around with friends, magazines, glue and scissors, and made my collage. I got so into it, that I did both sides of the poster and then began some smaller ones. A common them was yoga, health, and nutrition, along with positive affirmations as to my own personal strength and abilities.

And here I am..mid February 2009. Things seem to always take longer than I had envisioned, but the visions are coming through. I've been teaching yoga now for over 3 years and this Sunday I will be graduating from my yoga teacher training with a 200 hour certification. I am about 2/3rds of the way through my holistic nutritional consultant program and should be finished within about a year. I am healthy and strong. And I'm even somewhat sane.

Oh yeah...I'm humble too. While the basement is finished, my yoga training is nearly over, and I am beginning to see the light at the end of the tunnel regarding my nutrition studies, I realize that all these endings just make way for the beginnings that are yet to come. Once I achieve my 200 hour certification, I will more than likely begin taking workshops in pursuance of my 500 hour yoga training. And once I finish school, I'll have to focus on my direction as a health counselor and direct my energy in a way that can best serve my clients. And of course, once the basement appears "finished", I'm sure some other changes will be in store as I begin to use the space in a productive way for the first time in many years.

Before I know it, Alex will finish college, marking the beginning of a new world for him...work, career, graduate school...who knows. And I may end up selling my home afterall, though with my basement finished and all the new beginnings ahead who knows.

My mantra for today:
Inhale possibilities; exhale fear.

Life is good.

The Cash for Gold Scams

You've probably seen them.the commercials with famous dudes, like Ed McMahon telling you how much dough you can make by cashing in your old gold.

Well, in case that little voice popped up in your head and said, "RIP OFF!!!"...

LISTEN TO IT!

I knew it.

Read THIS:
http://redtape.msnbc.com/2009/02/blogger-cash4go.html#posts

If you have old gold, like broken chains, old ring settings that have no real antique value or attractiveness, please, find a reputable dealer who will give you a fair price.

First, go online to see what actual gold value is on the open market. There are many sites that list the current fair market value. Many of these sites also offer online calculators to determine the value of the gold based on the carat content. 18K gold is 75% pure gold, 14K is 58.5%, 10K is 38.5%, 9K is 33.3% and so on.

Second, make some calls to some local pawn shops and ask them what they are paying per gram weight for whatever carat you have. 10K and 14K are generally most popular.

Third, stay away from the phone book ads or TV ads. Instead, call a reputable jeweler and ask him or her if they are buying gold and what they pay. Often they will pay much more than a pawn shop.

Fourth...finally, unless you are desperate, shop it around until you find someone willing to pay you at least 90% of the current fair market value. A simple google search found this:

http://www.midstatesrecycling.com/karat.php (I am not suggesting using them, only their online caculator...and note, they charge a $100 processing fee on any request, as do many and most places. The more you have the better as far as minimizing these "smelting" or processing fees)

Be aware, though, that in desperation, the bottom feeders are likely to come out and that you will most likely get a small fraction of what your gold is actually worth. As of this morning, gold is about $913 an ounce...there are about 28 grams or 20 dram weights per ounce.

One final suggestion. If you have gold in the form of a Victorian brooch, an old watch chain, an art deco filigree ring, or any other piece of vintage or antique jewelry and it is NOT damaged and IS still wearable, do NOT scrap it..its antique and collectible value is generally MUCH higher than what even the best paying scrap dealer will ever pay. If that is your situation, and you want to sell or consign a piece of fine jewelry or estate stuff, just give ME a call and I promise you an honest and fair assessment!

A Tale of the Bracelet

I just wrote about my feather "lure" from the 1980s, and thinking about jewelry I've had over the years sparked my memories of the early years of being a collector and jewelry dealer.

Back in the day, I was always on the hunt for great jewels...no early morning yoga or long runs before the sun came up. Nope...if I was up before dawn, it was for a flea market, antique show, or to check out the estate and yard sales. It was the late 1980s, and it seems that barely a week went by back then that I didn't find at least one or two fabulous finds. Treasures such as Roseville vases, antique wide brimmed hats, and even a Steiff stuffed giraffe (which I still have) for a $1.

One day, I was driving to open my shop from my first home, a Sears Craftsman's bungalo in southeast Atlanta's historic Grant Park. This required me to drive through a pretty sketchy section of town, which was filled with old pawn shops, abandoned strip malls, and junk stores. Most of these junk stores were truly just junk...not the "junque" that I was looking for, so I rarely stopped. This particular day, however, I felt compelled to go into a store I was passing. I'm not sure why...all that was outside were old broken lamps and repaired vacuum cleaners. But I stopped anyway.

So I walked inside to find a cramped dusty shop filled with typical junk store stuff....appliances, FTD milk glass vases, bad 70s art, chrome and glass furniture that hadn't yet had its resurgence. The shop had a big spaceheater that was cranked up to about a bazillion degrees, and an elderly black couple were watching The Jeffersons on an old console TV. It was so hot and loud that I was ready to just turn around and leave, but then I saw It..the Glass Jewelry Showcase. I walked over to the showcase. I began peering inside...past the strands of broken faux pearls, past the goldtone contemporary earrings, past the costume rings. I had very little hope..though I DID have some hope...until the elderly lady said, "Oh, an antique dealer just came in yesterday and bought all our good jewelry." Bubble bursted, I prepared to say thanks and walk out...then I saw it.

The bracelet.

Among the dusty junk jewelry was a bangle bracelet. It was tarnished with little diamond shaped purple stones and little clear stones. It was missing a purple stone. Somehow, though, it caught my eye and prompted me to ask how much. "Three dollars," the woman replied. I thought for a moment...."hmmm, it's missing a stone, I'll offer $2." So I made my offer, which was promptly denied. Again, on the verge of walking out, I studied the bracelet for another moment...it was hinged, and it seem well made for an old brass and glass bracelet. Then the true test of value hit me...at $3, it was still cheaper than a Wendy's sandwich (I ate those back then!). So, I figured, what the heck...I coughed up the 3 bucks and left. The bracelet got thrown into a "fixer-upper" project box and somewhat forgotten.

A few weeks, maybe months later, while playing "show and tell" with a friend, looking at jewelry that I'd bought fairly recently, I came across the bracelet. For the first time, I actually really looked at it...the open backs behind each stone, the high quality of the setting, the nice construction...and then I opened it, also for the first time. Instantly, my friend asked, "what does "14" mean?" WHAT?? FOURTEEN? Uhh...well, here I was, jewelry dealer/buyer/collector extroidanaire and I had failed to even look for a mark. I had assumed that gold didn't tarnish and hadn't even bothered to check.

My bracelet turned out to be an authentic art deco period piece, circa 1920s-30s, 14K, diamonds and amethysts. My first real find! I kept it for a while and eventually found a jeweler to cut an amethyst to replace the missing one....for $50...due to the diamond shape and custom cutting, it was a bit pricey, but well worth it. I "test drove" that bracelet several times over the next year, enjoying it immensely. Eventually though, I decided to "recycle it on...and I offered it for sale in my shop. A dealer soon came in and bought it...for $900!

Unfortunately, I don't have a photo of the bracelet, but I will always remember the thrill of the hunt and of finding great treasures like this bracelet. It's been over 20 years since that fateful day, and while every so often, something wonderful comes my way, I doubt I'll ever find another art deco bracelet even close to that one again.

Now, I can only hope I can disprove that last statement!

The Lures

When I was 15, it was 1980...in Atlanta, the night scene was hopping with all night gay bars, intimate concert venues like the Agora Ballroom, and we even had the Limelight Disco...commonly referred to as The Slimelight (located next door to "Disco Kroger", I might add, first grocery store to have a sushi bar, at least in the south). Like many of my friends, I had a fake ID, and we all frequented these places as much as we could. Drinking age was 18, so from the time most of us were 15, give or take a couple of years, it was fairly easy to get into any club we wanted.

I don't remember where I got them , but my favorite, and possibly only piece of jewelry from the time I was in my early to mid teens, was a pair of long brown feather earrings that tickled the tops of my shoulders. I had a big brown over sized knitted sweater with a big tiger on the front, which I would wear with my feather earrings and jeans. While that was my favorite outfit, I actually probably wore those earrings nearly every day, regardless of what else I was wearing. By early 1981, I was at a high school called Open Campus West, which was filled with hippies (well, wannabes, but no one told us we were actually born too late to be REAL hippies), rebels, and single teen moms. I was a combo of the first two. My feather earrings fit in quite nicely, and I felt too cool with my tall suede moccasin boots with the fringe around the top, my too-tight jeans, and my tiger sweater, smoking cigarettes in the parking lot and skipping class to eat the $1.99 breakfast special at Cocos.

By summer of 81, a few months before I was to turn 16, my friends and I had found a little dive called Hedgens. They were known for having great live music ever night, so a new haunt was found for my feather earrings and me. The first night I went their, I saw a band called The Numbers, and I was enamored with them. My group quickly befriended the guys and began going to their gigs around town. I had a special interest in Hays, the drummer. He was in his early 20s...yes, too old for an almost 16 year old...but that's another story! I remember the first night we ever spent alone with one another, we stayed up all night just talking until the sun came up...and it was actually fairly innocent...I was fully dressed...and in case you are wondering, yes, I was wearing my long feather earrings.

Hays and I fell quickly and madly in love. I graduated school soon after at age 16, got a full time job and an academic college scholarship, and about a year after meeting we got an an apartment together. We stayed together for about 4 and a half years, til I was 20, but Hays always told me that while he was always attracted to me for many reasons, it was my feather "lures" that sealed the deal. I'm 43 now and Hays is almost 52...it's been about 23 years since we split, though we have remained friends all these years. I am actually invited to his wedding this summer, and he lives only about 2 or 3 miles away. And yes, he still wants to be a rock star. And yes, I still have my earrings, though they have lost a little bit of their fluff over the years. I really should start wearing these again! Who knows, maybe the next catch will be a keeper.

CH CH CH CHANGES

Before I begin my topic for today, I just want to identify this photo. I took this picture in Greece this past summer at a museum in Athens. It is of an ancient strand of amber beads...natural and original of course! As a collector and lover of amber for the past 20+ years, seeing these ancient strands moved me...unfortunately none were for sale! (since this is a jewelry blog, kinda, sorta, I wanted to include at least a little blurb that made this jewelry related!)

So, today is a big day. (and yes, my blog title is ripping off David Bowie's song: Changes) Despite your personal political opinions or where you live on the globe, chances are, you have some sort of feeling about the fact that at noon today, (eastern time), Barack Obama will be sworn in as the 44th president of the United States.

While our country gets a new president, my basement is being changed from a doggie-house to a yoga studio and office. It's a small change in the scope of the world, though for me, it is huge...and something I have dreading due to the work and money involved.

From various conversations I've had with people from all parts of the political spectrum, nearly all have expressed in agreement that change is certainly needed regarding the direction of our country. Of course the "what" and "how" part of that equation differs greatly, though that is not the purpose of my post today. Fact is, "change" has been a common mantra from many..most, I believe...and it makes me think of a quote I have heard...something that is often my own internal mantra:

"If nothing changes, nothing changes."

I am not sure of the original source of this quote...I probably heard it in a support group or read it on a bathroom wall somewhere. (If you know the source, please let me know!) The first time I heard it, I did a big "DUH"...it seemed so simplistic and almost silly. Then it set in for me more and more as I realized that besides the big picture, I often kept expecting change in my life, yet resisted actually doing anything different. That of course brings to mind this quote, which I believe was Albert Einstein:

"Insanity: doing the same thing over and over again and expecting different results."

I know for me, I am SOOO guilty of being insane according to dear old Al's definition. I basically want it NOW. Whatever "it" may be. And while my friends and family and acquaintances may view me as a go-getter type...perpetually running around, wearing many hats...single mom, business owner, yoga teacher and practitioner, nutrition student (not to mention all the literal hats I have worn...wide brims, fedoras, pill box, cloches...but I digress), I have to be honest here: when it comes right down to changing...I DON'T WANNA. Well, I want the RESULTS....it's the actions that often hold me up.

Yes, full disclosure here...I want to be slim and pretty and look like I'm 25 forever, but I want to be able to do it while eating whatever I want when I want, and without having to exert much mental or physical effort. I want to be the best nutrition consultant in the world, but I don't want to take the time to study and research. I even want to have the best inventory in the world on my site, but I don't necessarily want to wake up extra early to get to the estate sales and antique shows before anyone else. Oh yeah...and I am impatient....when I DO implement a change, for example, giving up sugar, I want the extra 5-10 lbs that I may be holding onto to miraculously disappear within 24 hours of consistent mindful, healthy eating.

I guess the cool thing is that while my little brat ego which lives inside of me, hoping for a chance to rear its ugly head, can think those thoughts, my "real" self, the part of me which knows the truth, certainly doesn't EXPECT change without actions. For this, I am grateful.

Today, the United States will inaugurate a new president...and not just any president, but the first black president, and a scholarly one at that. While I don't expect that tomorrow, all the current economic, environmental, and social issues will suddenly cease to exist, I do have hope that this is a start. I have to do my part of course, as do we all. So today...I'll ship some packages to customers of my website, go on a brisk walk to the yoga studio, read some for school, and get a few other things done in my life. Nothing back breaking or mind blowing. Just a few steps in the right direction.

My Yoga Story (a reprint)

this is a copy of a blog post that I wrote for Yoga Journal early sept 2008
(click on the title of this blog or below to see the rest of the pictures from my trip to Greece...the photo above is from Santorini with a new friend I met while there)

I began a dedicated, regular yoga practice about 5 years ago right before I turned 38. I was at a crossroads in my life after many years of battling my body, my addictions, my obsessions, and my life in general. I felt I was on a hamster wheel, running all the time, yet getting nowhere. I spent so much time in my own self induced isolation, overeating, over exercising, over working, and then becoming paralyzed, zoning out with the TV or computer.

I sought help by joining a support group for my food and eating issues about 6 months before I began my yoga practice, and I began taking Bikram yoga for one reason...to continue to lose some weight and to be slim and physically in shape. Years of running and harsh physical activity was no longer suitable for me, not for my body, mind or spirit. So I began practicing hot yoga and as a creative way to finance my classes, I cleaned the studio in what was to become a very zen-like exchange of energy with the studio owner. Something clicked, and somehow, I was hooked. Yes, my body changed; while I was not overweight to begin, a few pounds melted off and I began to accept and even like my reflection in the mirror. But a deeper change was beginning.

What I found was that I began to get in shape from the inside out. My basic personality of being an outspoken open person didn't disappear, but I began to be more mindful, a better listener, more compassionate, of greater service to others, humble. I didn't come to yoga for these things. They just happened. Actually they ARE happening. After about a year, I thought I was at an intermediate level with my practice; after a year and a half I realized I was a beginner...a beginner on all yogic levels. The journey, I discovered, was just beginning. The physical benefits are undeniable, but the subtle and not so subtle internal shifts are the miracles.

As I turned 40, I felt the best I ever had felt in my life. Yes, I still had life happening...a teenage son, eating and body image issues, and working towards a balanced life in general. However, the willingness to change, to grow, is what I have found is the important thing. It's not seeking perfection in life. It's remaining teachable. As one very wise yogi told me, it's keeping a beginner's mind, as the possibilities are endless for beginners.

One day, after nearly 2 1/2 yrs of a 5-7 day a week yoga practice, the teacher overslept, and the class asked me to lead them through the class. I was nervous, and I am sure I wasn't the best teacher or that I led the best class ever, but I did it. By serving the students, not only were they grateful to me, but I also did myself a service of feeling the joy of giving back. A new path had begun, and my cleaning barter for my classes became a part time job of leading a silent yoga class to seasoned practitioners each week. I was nervous at first, but then I delved within and did my best, letting go of the results. The students loved the classes, and a regular group formed a core of devoted yogis whom practiced with me weekly.

Other blocks in my life began to lift. While I still reach for food compulsively at times, it does not rule my life as it once did and I don't feel trapped in a body that is unfit or unhealthy. After years of tossing around the idea of going to school to pursue a degree in holistic nutrition, I finally enrolled in school and am nearly 2/3rds of the way through with my program. Last year I attended a training and received a 100 hour certification to teach a type of hot yoga, and this year I not only am receiving another 100 hour certification, but I began a long and involved process to receive my Yoga Alliance 200 hour yoga teacher training certification. For nearly 3 years now, I have been teaching 1-4 yoga classes each week in a lovely studio, something I had never, not in my wildest dreams, envisioned doing in my life.

I will be 43 years old on September 18th. My life is nothing like I could have envisioned and I am forever grateful for it all. My son left for college a few weeks ago and I am processing the myriad of emotions that have been flowing through me. Most of the time I deal with them in ways that are mindful; sometimes I make less than ideal decisions. The point is that I am living my life the best way I can for today, learning from mistakes, accepting my humanness, remaining humble and open, and being of service to others. I am not seeking perfection nor do I always act in ways for which I am proud. Yoga helps me to recognize, to be aware, and to keep a beginner's mind.

Yoga is a tool to keep me from becoming stagnant with my life and it reminds me to be grateful and to have an open heart.

If you've read this little ramble, thanks for sharing my journey with me. I initially began writing this as a way to enter a contest to go to a yoga conference, but to tell you the truth, I continued to write this as a way to get in touch with the way I am honestly feeling today. Letting go of the results is a gift, and for today I can honestly say that the results are really not so important as being able to share my story today.

Sat nam.
Lisa
Click HERE to see pictures of my trip to Greece in July 2008

Open to the Possibilities

That's Hadley. She's one of my great-nieces...my other great-niece, Sari, will be 2 yrs old next month; Hadley's nearly 16 months old. You know you're young when you can still be "months" old. I think I'm about a bazillion months old..that must mean I'm still young too.

The picture was taken in Blairsville on Thanksgiving '08...click here to see the rest. Hadley's dad is my nephew, Brian, and I think she just may be his clone.

Hadley and Sari have breathed a new life energy into my family. Their little new bodies and minds are so open and clear, and it seems that as a family unit, my family has grown and matured. I dare say that we actually ENJOY family functions a bit more. At least I do.

Ten years ago I would have not believed that one day I would look forward to the next wedding or Bar Mitzvah or holiday. Instead of dread, I find myself usually excited and happy for a chance to see everyone...especially the babies.

I saw Wayne Dyer yesterday and he was talking about how everything we do comes down to two things..we are either acting on fear or love. Today I am staying open to the possibilities...that I can choose love and not fear. That I can release ego and act mindfully and in line with the universe.

If I can grow to a point where I actually enjoy my family (most of the time...I'm not talking about miracles!), then anything is possible.

Today I am definitely open to the possibilities.

The Antiquer's Rant: Why Antique Malls Are Going Out Of Business

Post from a fellow blogger..

The Antiquer's Rant: Why Antique Malls Are Going Out Of Business

JUNKIN' AND ROMANCIN'...or..MY SORDID PAST

Most of you know me as a 43 year old single mom to a 19 year old college boy who lives a fairly structured low key life. In bed early most nights, awake before dawn, daily yoga classes both as a teacher and a student, and owner of an online antiques and jewelry business. But back in the 80s, I was a much wilder soul. Disco was dying down, but I was still revved up. When I lost my waitress job and ended up finding my niche as an antique dealer, I didn't realize it would lead to me meeting the man who would later become my son's father.

It was a cold and rainy winter night (ok, I don't really remember if it was cold or rainy, or if it was winter yet, but that makes for a better story), and my cousin/ fellow antique junkie met a couple of antique dealer quasi-hippie dudes from West Virginia at the local antique monthly flea market, Elco. Elco was a staple for most antique dealers and pickers back then...god rest ELlen and COokie's souls (they were the "EL" and the "CO")...the founders of the famous market. Long story short, Brad and Dave were quite the charismatic guys, and I even discovered quickly that Brad was the ex husband of a friend of mine who I'd heard of for quite some time. "Oh you're the a**hole I've been hearing about," I said..."Yep, that's me." (word: when a guy admits he is an a**hole, that should be a big earning sign...I'm just saying..) And a romance began.

Brad was tall and dark....he kinda looked like the love child of Clark Gable and Tom Selleck..well, a combination of Clark and Tom if they drank a lot. I do mean a lot....Wild Turkey was his morning mouthwash. He was 36; I was 22. While today, if I met someone like Brad, a bazillion red flags along with images of Robot from Lost in Space with his flailing robot arms saying "WARNING WILL ROBINSON DANGER ALIENS APPROACHING" would be shooting through my head, back then it was just exciting. I guess my stupidity was a good thing or else I'd probably be a barren woman today. Alex (my kid) definitely wouldn't be here...so, no regrets. Not a one.

I know, part of this post is entitled "MY SORDID PAST" but that was just a lure to draw you in. Yes, there was the good, the bad and the ugly...for now, I really just want to focus on the antiquing and romancing part. Brad was the first straight guy I had ever met who enjoyed sitting up late at night "playing" jewelry with me. I swear...he loved it....and so did I. We'd be all cuddled up in our jammies (or, well, uh, nevermind) after a long day of junkin' with boxes of baubles and trinkets all over the place. As we sorted out the stuff to sell, he'd drape necklaces and bracelets on me, and we'd decide what would become "keepers" and what was inventory for my store or antique shows. We'd frequent flea markets, antique shows and shops, pawn shops and yard sales. Brad lived in West Virginia and would come down to Atlanta every month or so for Elco. We had a blast most of the time.

My favorite times with Brad were when we went on the road. We were pretty spontaneous back then...even after Alex was born only a couple of short years after we met. Seems we'd just pack up some bags and hop in the car whenever we felt like it; next thing we knew, we were on the highway with a flea market guide and a map, heading towards the next big flea market or antique mall. Before Alex was born, we were a bit more amorous, at least while we scoured the countryside, driving down obscure roads (after tossing the map down) and hoping that by some sort of divine intervention, a cool little shop would somehow appear. And appear they did...all the time. Yes, we were young and silly and in love, and while we drove, we'd be kissing and, well, "making out", ready to stop at the first shop we found.

Once, we had been driving through south Georgia for a couple of hours, happy just to be together, and in the distance we saw a little house....I said how perfect it would be to find an antique shop at that very moment, how it would truly be an awesome way to round out what had been a perfect day of riding through the country being all "schmooey" with my man. As we drew nearer, it was as if the angels were singing as we saw the little neon "ANTIQUES" sign in the window and the rockers and other antiques on the porch. The house was packed with all kinds of great stuff: turn-of-the-century American oak dressers and wash stands, English burl walnut wardrobes, porcelain and china, dolls, and my all time favorite, a few cases of jewelry here and there. I can't say I remember just what I bought that day. I know it was something...maybe an old piece of American art pottery or a little doll. It doesn't matter...what does matter is my memory of how good it felt to be with someone who shared my passion for hunting down antiques and the thrill of the "kill".

We went to so many places in the few short years we were together...the now defunct Esau's flea market in Knoxville, Tenn (where we set up each month and sold our wares), the Anderson, S.C. Jockey Lot, home of what was supposed to be the southeast's largest flea market (I bought a collection of authentic Victorian mourning jewelry there), Webster flea market ( I bought a miniature bronze Victorian statue of a nude Neoclassic style woman. I still have it..I passed on the goats for sale), and many more. When we were in West Virginia, we would go to country auctions, finding copper kettles, farm collectibles, and of course, more jewelry. I still have the carved wooden leaf pin with dangling carved acorns with bakelite tops....it's similar to this pin for sale in my shop.

Perhaps one of the most memorable trips we ever took was soon after we met. We were driving back from his mother's home in Bridgeport, West Virginia, and it began to snow. By the time we got to Virginia, it was really coming down. We stopped for dinner and our car was covered with a few inches by the time we finished eating. So we got a room at a nearby hotel and in the morning, it was still coming down hard. We decided to check out and brave the roads, and within a short distance, even the highway was closed off. The next week was spent inching along a few miles, then finding the nearest little city, an antique shop if we could, then a hotel, room service, and romantic nights together with our found treasures and each other. We were in the middle of what was probably the worse blizzard to ever hit the entire east coast and having the best time I can imagine. When we arrived in Atlanta, nearly a week had passed and the city was buried under nearly a foot of snow. It was beautiful...and so were the glitzy jewels vintage collectibles we found along the way!

When Alex was about 2, I remember going to "Little Washington" Pennsylvania for a big flea market to set up a booth and go shopping as well. It was a harness racing race track location and the dealers would all meet at night and watch the last races, then spend the night and wake up before dawn to start selling. It was all very exciting...to watch the races, to camp out, the anticipation of finding some rare and wonderful antique or bauble to either keep or sell for a nice profit. The possiblities were endless and the mystery of it all was absolutely electric. Mix that with the fact that I was with my favorite people in the world...my son and his father...and I can't think of a time that I was happier. All of us cuddled up all night in our van to stay warm, not really being able to sleep too well (well, Alex did)...fun, exciting, and so different than my life today. I still have an old photo from that day in Little Washington...Alex being held up on a little bicycle that was too big for him at the time, and Brad in his Panama straw hat.

I have other memories...so many...like the time we found a store in Clendenin, West Virginia while driving back from his home in Bridgeport. It was closed but the owners lived above the shop and after much knocking, they came down and opened up for us. I found an old Shirley Temple coloring book there. Or the time when it was dark and we found an odd little shop that was just packed with all kinds of good stuff. An elderly black couple lived there...I think the man's name was Franklin...not sure. The spooky thing was when his wife told him to answer the phone...and THEN it rang. Brad and I gave each other a "look" (think Twilight Zone theme song playing in the background of our minds...do do do do, do do do do....), and we never forgot the couple, the little weird psychic incident...or the cool antique African trading beads I bought there.

I can't say I miss the days of driving all around and living off of convenience store snacks and fast food, sleeping in the van, and schlepping stuff to display at flea markets and antique stores. Nor do I miss the drama that also went with my relationship with Brad. I am, however, grateful for the memories of what turned out to be a bygone era in my life....times spent with a man whom I loved very much, combining our passion for "junque" and each other, as well as our love for our baby, Alex.

~~~~~~~~~~~~~
This made me smile so I thought I would share:

Apple Introduces Revolutionary New Laptop With No Keyboard

Apple Introduces Revolutionary New Laptop With No Keyboard

Meditation: Cool 3D Animated Video

This is short but so profound. Whether you meditate, do yoga, or just like a good animation, check it out!

Article: Rhinestone Jewelry Sizzles in a Slow Economy

Another quickie...and this time jewelry related...a helpful fellow jewelry dealer shared this article regarding rhinestones...thought I would share it too.

Stay tuned for some jewelry stories from the past 23 years of my "junquing" and yard "sale-ing" experiences. The story of the diamond and amethyst deco bracelet, the Newcomb College vase, and the ever-entertaining "sh*t you'll never find" treasure that I actually DID find! Memories....

PS: Photographed is a lovely rare pair of vintage Trifari hair barettes. From my "keeper" collection. CLICK HERE to VIEW them!

A Quick Post this Crisp January Morning: JACK LALANNE

I had a few minutes and just wanted to share the following video. Many of us have heard of Jack...he's 94 years old now and still kicking ass.

I love this man! I haven't eaten any refined sugar in over 2 weeks and I feel so good.

Check it out...the video is probably 45 years old.



God bless Jack LaLanne.

PS: Just came by this site: MARK'S DAILY APPLE GUIDE to PRIMAL EATING

http://www.marksdailyapple.com/the-definitive-guide-to-the-primal-eating-plan/

PROCESSED PEOPLE DOCUMENTARY

Came across this and thought it may be worth seeing when it comes out. It's ust a short clip so check it out.

I'm Muffin Everywhere..Working at staying Yogic

Wow...this year is just flying by. Seems like only yesterday it was 2008 and here it is, a week has nearly passed of 2009. Okay, okay...I'm just kidding. kinda. It was practically yesterday when it was still 2008. And the year is actually moving along one day at a time. I think it does that because most of us probably couldn't handle things if it went by faster. While I am not one for resolutions each new year's, I do intend to have an intention each day. I said intend. That is not to imply that I actually remember to set some sort of intention each day. I don't. I believe I've heard a quote, "the road to hell is paved with good intentions." and while I can't say I personally subscribe to that belief, what I do believe is that some action is required in order for one's intention(s) to become a reality.

So far this year (well, actually way before '09), I've had the daily intention to maintain some sort of balance in working on my website listings, studying towards my nutrition degree, and reviewing anatomy as I pursue my 200 hour yoga teacher certification. Unfortunately (or maybe fortunately), I am still human and I find myself procrastinating at times and doing just about ANYthing other than those things in efforts to put off the inevitable...playing an online game, watching a movie, writing in a blog. Uh...er...anyway. You probably get the picture!

So, as a yoga practitioner, student, and teacher, a major intention of mine is to take my yoga practice off of the mat and into my "real" life. Yoga is much more than stretching and achieving a "yoga butt", though as a human, I wouldn't mind that yoga butt I have heard so much about. Really, though, as I work with customers of my online business, focus on nutrition studies, and live my life in general, my daily intention is to BE a yogini...not just physically as in asanas (postures), but in my actions, my words, my thoughts towards others and myself.

It's not always easy, hence the title of my post. Part of my being human is being a 43 year old woman with all sorts of physical, mental, emotional, and spiritual changes occuring. A favorite mantra of mine has been "Bodies change and I am not my body." I think I made that up...or I heard it one day and borrowed it. Regardless...when I remember that phrase, I am so much better off. I happen to be somewhat impatient, as well as currently experiencing some of these "body changes" that I would definitely not choose if I had a choice in the matter. Hormones. I heard about it, I was warned about it, but I didn't really believe that I would be affected. Wrong.

Despite the fact that I am physically active, mentally engaged, nutritionally conscious and knowledgeable, there are some changes that are going on and I am not really thrilled about it. So yesterday, when a dear friend noticed a certain part of me that was, in her words (and I am paraphrasing) "a muffin top in the right place"...ie...where some women would pay to have them surgically enhanced...I responded, (again paraphrasing...my memory isn't what it used to be either) "I'm muffin everwhere." Funny but true. Lately, I feel a bit inflated..I know the upper area muffin top thing going on also is reflected in my snug pants and that puffy feeling.

And I am impatient...being a sugar addict and having had NO sugar now for over a good week, nearly 2 weeks actually (ok, more like a week and a half), I feel that any puffiness from the hormones and the holidays' "Desserts Throughout the City" tours which I led and participated in, should have subsided by now. Right? I should be in my 'skinny' jeans..comfortably...I want it now! (channeling Veruca Salt) But I dare not even slide those babies on right now. Afterall, bodies change and I am not my body. I may be muffin everywhere...today...and that is OKAY.

My intention today is not to drop the few pounds I may have found recently, nor to achieve a yoga butt. Today I feel muffin everywhere. But my real goal, if you want to call it a goal, is my intention to have balance. Today, I'll go to a hot vinyasa yoga class, come home to have a healthy, mindful lunch (sans sugar, what I believe to be truly the most addictive drug on the planet) , get some packages ready to ship to customers, and review some anatomy for my yoga intensive weekend coming up this Friday. That's all I need to do for a mindful, balanced day...today. A yoga butt may come one day. Or not. Today, I'll embrace my inner-muffin...and my outer one. Anyway, muffins are yummy.

PS: the 1st photo is one of me which actually is possibly one of my most UN-favorite, MAJOR-muffiny pictures of me in existence. It's nearly 6 years old and is from a time in my life when I was neither mindful nor yogic. I can see this lack of mindfulness showing in me from the inside out. It still me...muffin or not. The 2nd picture is a bit more current...still me!

Charmed I'm Sure (back to Jewelry!)

Okay, I'm not going to mince words. The primary reason I began this blog was for the blatant self promotion and networking of The Family Jewels. Yup...when I first began my business, the internet wasn't around yet, so now, I want to take full advantage of how small the world wide web (do we even call it that anymore?) has made our world.

Somehow, though, I got a bit sidetracked the past few days with reflections on yoga and philosophy and such...I guess the passing of another year can do that to a person. Well, enough of that...for now! At least for a minute or to I am getting back on track.

This evening finds me going through jewelry and collectibles as I decide on things to list on my website.

Sifting through my "keeper" boxes, I found myself drawn to all the charms that I have been collecting for the past 25 years or so. I realize that I have HUNDREDS of charms. Ok, now, don't start accusing me of being a hoarder. I've seen the Oprah and Dr. Phil shows on people who hoard...that's not me. OK, maybe a bit. But hoarders just stash...I sell. And stash. A little.

There is something about charms that make me want to have them all. At least for a little while. Most new charms being made today are fairly boring; I'm talking about vintage charms from the mid 1900s and earlier.

So I perused through my little personal stash, deciding what I may sell and what I would keep. Read on to click over to some of the ones I have decided to sell. Listed are some amazing chunky bracelets, mostly sterling silver charms, many of them movable ones with little wheels that turn, hinges that open, even a Victrola with a crank that works.

Here is one of my favorite bracelets ever...it has ornate baubles and a lovely carved bone elephant, but maybe one of my favorite things about it is the jangly sound it makes when worn.

I remember finding this bracelet many years ago at an antique show. It's a heavy bracelet with lovely 3D charms, most of them a circus motif. My son, now 19, was not born yet. Back in those days, I practically lived to go antiquing, leaving no stone unturned as I found all sorts of treasures.

Maybe one of the coolest bracelets I decided to part with is this one, an ornate Victorian style bracelet with mythological and 3D charms. I'm not sure, but it may be a rare designer piece by Peruzzi.

Of all my charms that I viewed this evening, the ones that bring up the most memories are on a charm necklace that I actually assembled myself. The photos above are of this piece.

I remember sitting up one night several years ago, and while watching sappy Lifetime movies, I took my jump rings, needle nosed pliers, and loose charms I had collected, and made a necklace. I picked charms that had significance in my life, like an ornate Menorah, a gift and a reminder of my heritage. Other charms were symbols of places I had been...like New York, Las Vegas, West Virginia, Georgia (my home), Washington DC, a Statue of Liberty, the Atlanta Stadium (which was demolished to make way for Turner Field several years ago), a glass bottom boat from Silver Springs Florida (one of the coolest places I ever took my son Alex), a roulette wheel from Vegas, a pirate head from the Pirate's House in Savannah where the waitress kept reminding us that "if we left hungry, it was our own damn fault". It was a buffet....ahh, the days of southern cooking and eating it...lots of it. A black enamel kitty charm reminds me of Shiva, rest his little kitty soul, and a trumpet from New Orleans. I didn't actually find most of the charms when I was at the places, but it doesn't matter.

Seeing the Washington Monument charm brings back instant memories of my son and I when we visited DC for the first time. He was about 8 years old on the first visit, and we had an amazing time at all the museums and walking around Dupont Circle, Georgetown. A couple of years later, we went back and marched with Walter in the Gay Pride Parade when he sang with the Atlanta Gay Men's Choir. Nothing like strolling down the streets of DC with hundreds, maybe thousands of people, singing Dancing Queen with a group of beautiful gay men...and your little heterosexual 10 year old son (and yes, he told me he was hetero, even at that young age!).

It's hard to pinpoint a favorite when each one has its own beauty and memories, but one that I doubt I will ever part with is a graduation cap with a peace sign on it. I remember back in the day when my son's father and I were first in love, and we used to drive all around the countryside looking for quaint little antique stores and flea markets. He was from West Virginia, and on one outing, while driving through the mountains we decided to get a little bite at a little bed and breakfast/cafe. We walked in to find not only the most delicious homemade pies, but all around the cafe were little art deco curios filled with things for sale. It was like a dream...homemade pie AND vintage jewelry! I bought a few things that day and that cap was one of them. It hangs proudly from my little homemade necklace.

I now have 2 great nieces and I decided to start them each a charm bracelet. They may not have as much fun with them now, Tickle Me Elmo being a much more compelling attraction, but one day, they will have a little keepsake with tiny mementos. Little reminders of the snapshots of life that make up our memories and make us smile.

I have pages of lovely silver charms if you click HERE, and if you prefer gold, then click HERE. What a fun way to document the memories today for the future.

David Loy: "Healing Ecology: A 'New' Spiritual Perspective"

Buddhist scholar David Loy discusses how the Buddhist religious tradition offers a fresh spiritual perspective on consumerism and ecology during a lecture at Vanderbilt University.

How I spent the first day of 2009/ How did YOU spend yours?

I hope everyone had a lovely first day of 2009.  Atlanta was cold
though we had amazingly beautiful, crisp clear weather.   I woke up
fairly early, though later than usual (I'm up by 5am most mornings as
I teach at 6am on Fridays), felt great thanks to not staying up too
terribly late.  Not being a drinker and not indulging in lots of
sugar (my true addiction) certainly helped.  I had some coffee, a new
habit I brought back with me from Greece this summer (organic fair
trade from Trader Joe's...yum)..I've cut back to about a cup, maybe a
cup and a half, 4-6 days a week...then caught up on emails, had a
nice healthy breakfast, did a little listing on my site.

Then, to start the new year off fresh, I washed bed sheets and
cleaned up a bit...not a crazy-in depth cleaning, but enough to make
the house feel good.  Then I picked my mom up and we went to the
local farmer's market (indoor and year round) where they have an
incredible little restaurant with $5/lb fresh home cooked and healthy
food...lots of ethnic dishes too since many of the cooks are Indian,
African, and Asian.  Best deal in town...and really good.  For about
$11 for both we ate yummy meals and brought home a bowl of homemade
lentil soup.  No collars and black eyed peas though!  So we'll have
to get our health and prosperity from the kale and lentils.  If any
of you ever find yourself here in Atlanta (Decatur), I'd love to take
you on a field trip to the Dekalb Farmer's Market....it's a pretty
amazing place.  After lunch, we shopped and saw so many lovely
people...some shopping and some who worked at the market.  It seemed
everyone was happy and smiling.  A wonderful older man from India,
Raymen, gave me the most wonderful new year's hug.  He is probably my
favorite person there and always asks me how my son and family are
doing whenever he sees me.

My mom is 83 and recently gave up driving, so it was nice to spend a
little time of her and get her out of the house.  (in case you're wondering,
that's her and her granddog, Bart, above)She's been in the
same place since 1962 and while she is still independent, we're
trying to convince her to downsize to a retirement community.  She is
definitely not too enthusiastic about moving, so it's been a
challenge.  We live about 4 miles apart, so at least I can see her
regularly and be there quickly if needed. There are several nice
senior communities within walking distance from my house, so my
brothers and I are hopeful that within the next 6 months (or less) we
can get her to transition to an apartment where she will be less
isolated.  I want her nearby so I can make sure she eats healthy
foods and gets regular exercise.

After I dropped my mom off, I came home and decided to go to a hot
yoga class where I work.  It was so nice to be in the studio in a
ultra hot room with over 30 other people.  The roomed was a nice
blend of calmness and a buzzing energy.  The theme of the class was
to find "santosha"...or in English, contentment.  And to have
gratitude for that contentment.  It was a perfect message..I can't
think of a better thought to have to begin 2009.  About 75 minutes
later, dripping in sweat, and blissed out, I came home.

I just finished a delicious dinner and will have a bath, make the bed
up with my freshly cleaned sheets (and smooth shaven legs...ohmagosh,
love that feeling), and settled in for the night.  Tomorrow begins
early with my 6am class to teach.

If you've read my little diatribe, thanks for indulging me.  I don't
always have days that flow so nicely, and when I do, it is sure nice
to share it and to hear about how others spent their day.  I'm just
so grateful for mine.

I'll end this email with a sanscrit mantra:

"Lokah somasta sukhino bhavantu"

translated:

May all beings everywhere be happy and free and may, words and
actions of my own life in some way contribute to this happiness and
freedom for all

It's 2009: Another Day, another post, My Yoga story

I barely just began my habit of writing in my blog, and what began as more of a jewelry blog (though I did mention it would be the Family Jewels "& So Much More"), has expanded to some less jewelry related posts. So pardon my digression..I promise I'll get back on target and begin to blatantly self promote more often. Soon.

On the very first day of the man-made calendar year of 2009, I thought I would re-tell a little story of how I began my yoga journey. I first wrote it in the summer right before my 43rd birthday (which was sept 18th in case you want to mark it on your calendar..it's practically around the corner ya know).

I began a dedicated, regular yoga practice about 5 years ago right before I turned 38. I was at a crossroads in my life after many years of battling my body, my addictions, my obsessions, and my life in general. I felt I was on a hamster wheel, running all the time, yet getting nowhere. I spent so much time in my own self induced isolation, overeating, over exercising, over working, and then becoming paralyzed, zoning out with the TV or computer.

I sought help by joining a support group for my food and eating issues about 6 months before I began my yoga practice, and I began taking Bikram yoga for one reason...to continue to lose some weight and to be slim and physically in shape. Years of running and harsh physical activity was no longer suitable for me, not for my body, mind or spirit. So I began practicing hot yoga and as a creative way to finance my classes, I cleaned the studio in what was to become a very zen-like exchange of energy with the studio owner. Something clicked, and somehow, I was hooked. Yes, my body changed; while I was not overweight to begin, a few pounds melted off and I began to accept and even like my reflection in the mirror. But a deeper change was beginning.

What I found was that I began to get in shape from the inside out. My basic personality of being an outspoken open person didn't disappear, but I began to be more mindful, a better listener, more compassionate, of greater service to others, humble. I didn't come to yoga for these things. They just happened. Actually they ARE happening. After about a year, I thought I was at an intermediate level with my practice; after a year and a half I realized I was a beginner...a beginner on all yogic levels. The journey, I discovered, was just beginning. The physical benefits are undeniable, but the subtle and not so subtle internal shifts are the miracles.

As I turned 40, I felt the best I ever had felt in my life. Yes, I still had life happening...a teenage son, eating and body image issues, and working towards a balanced life in general. However, the willingness to change, to grow, is what I have found is the important thing. It's not seeking perfection in life. It's remaining teachable. As one very wise yogi told me, it's keeping a beginner's mind, as the possibilities are endless for beginners.

One day, after nearly 2 1/2 yrs of a 5-7 day a week yoga practice, the teacher overslept, and the class asked me to lead them through the class. I was nervous, and I am sure I wasn't the best teacher or that I led the best class ever, but I did it. By serving the students, not only were they grateful to me, but I also did myself a service of feeling the joy of giving back. A new path had begun, and my cleaning barter for my classes became a part time job of leading a silent yoga class to seasoned practitioners each week. I was nervous at first, but then I delved within and did my best, letting go of the results. The students loved the classes, and a regular group formed a core of devoted yogis whom practiced with me weekly.

Other blocks in my life began to lift. While I still reach for food compulsively at times, it does not rule my life as it once did and I don't feel trapped in a body that is unfit or unhealthy. After years of tossing around the idea of going to school to pursue a degree in holistic nutrition, I finally enrolled in school and am nearly 2/3rds of the way through with my program. Last year I attended a training and received a 100 hour certification to teach a type of hot yoga, and this year I not only am receiving another 100 hour certification, but I began a long and involved process to receive my Yoga Alliance 200 hour yoga teacher training certification. For nearly 3 years now, I have been teaching 1-4 yoga classes each week in a lovely studio, something I had never, not in my wildest dreams, envisioned doing in my life.

My life is nothing like I could have envisioned and I am forever grateful for it all. My son left for college in August, and I am still processing the myriad of emotions that have been flowing through me. Most of the time I deal with them in ways that are mindful; sometimes I make less than ideal decisions. The point is that I am living my life the best way I can for today, learning from mistakes, accepting my humanness, remaining humble and open, and being of service to others. I am not seeking perfection nor do I always act in ways for which I am proud. Yoga helps me to recognize, to be aware, and to keep a beginner's mind.

Yoga is a tool to keep me from becoming stagnant with my life and it reminds me to be grateful and to have an open heart.

If you've read this little ramble, thanks for sharing my journey with me. I initially began writing this as a way to enter a contest to go to a yoga conference, but to tell you the truth, I continued to write as a way to get in touch with the way I am honestly feeling today. Letting go of the results is a gift, and for today I can honestly say that the results are really not so important as being able to share my story today.

As for today, January 1st 2009..I resolve to have no resolutions other than to focus on each day.
namaste....Lisa