Getting Ready for the USA!

This week, Madi & Cati have been on Easter break.

They've been shopping, shopping and more shopping...

By far, yesterday was the most productive because they shopped for art to use as design inspiration for their new bedrooms in Fort Myers.

We went to this funky little art gallery where they bargained for bold, contemporary pieces of artwork.

More Notes on Cupping

Love cupping...

This morning, I feel more balanced when I did my sun salutations and more centered when I did my morning meditation.

Oh and by the way, I slept through the night!

Take that jet lag!

Cups and the Back

Yesterday, I went to the local massage place, KungJun Massage. I needed a foot massage - I was convinced that a massage would balance my qi and help me get over my debilitating and exhasting jet lag. My massage therapist, #20, started massaging my feet and old me my circulation was poor and I have cold wind in my body. I tried to explain that earlier in the week I sat on a plane for almost 14 hours over the Pacific Ocean. #20 merely looked at me and calmly said - you need ba guan (cupping). Cupping refers to an ancient Chinese practice in which a cup is applied to the skin and the pressure in the cup is reduced (by using change in heat or by suctioning out air), so that the skin and superficial muscle layer is drawn into and held in the cup. Its supposed to draw out cold wind and break up congestion along meridian lines and acupuncture/acupressure points. What it does is create hickey-like circles all over my back but I have to admit - I feel better. I still have jet lag but feel like I am more balanced.

Boredom - A Poem

A poem by Cati, age 12.

BOREDOM

A dull shadow that lurks over your shoulder
It feeds off of your enoyment and excitement
Energy is non-excitant when it's around
It's a monster that lives and breathes miserable

It surrounds you, it's everywhere
In class and at home, it follows you
You can't stop it
Its power is incredible

Your mind is tired and your eyes slightly closed
Its power takes over
It has got you under its spell
Your mind stops to function, paying attention is not on your mind

Are You Listening To Me?

Thoughts and Intentions for My Daughters...

Are you listening to me when I tell you that you are a special person full of passion, joy and love? Are you listening to me when I whisper in your ear while you are sleeping that I love you? Are you listening to me when I gently urge you to be an individual full of confidence, passion, zest, bliss and positive shakti?

If Dad and I can teach you one thing – it is to be proud of who you are and to celebrate, every day, your individuality. Dare to be different, dare to follow your dreams, dare to be passionate, dare to take risks. No matter whether you succeed beyond your wildest dreams or whether you don’t meet your goals – you will still be loved. You will still always have a home. You will still have four ears that will listen, two mouths that will offer encouragement, four arms that will hug you and four eyes that will always look upon you with love and endearment.

Some people think it is safe to follow the crowd and not be an individual, not to dream, not to be passionate, not to take risks. This is wrong. Its safer to follow your heart and allow it to take you on a journey to find your dreams. Its safer because you will always be loved, no matter what!

Love you!