the wish studio

an unveiling

2008-04-29T08:22:00.000-05:00

the new wishstudio is unveiled! can't wait to meet you over there...

new year, new things to come...

2008-01-08T20:20:00.000-05:00

new inspirations to

live your most

fabulous, creative and mindful life

coming soon to the wish studio!

november is true confessions issue

2007-11-06T21:34:00.000-05:00

photo by brian kershisnik for skirt! magazine

check out this publication i stumbled upon today... skirt! is a free monthly magazine "all about women...their work, play, families, creativity, style, health and wealth, bodies and souls..." the boston edition is full of creative ideas, fabulous features about amazing local women, and fun and fantastic lifestyle inspirations. they are also in other hip cities such as houston, jacksonville, atlanta and charlotte and many more. look for the green distribution box in you area. (found this one in davis square).

kimberly wilson event postponed

2007-10-21T20:40:00.000-05:00

the hip tranquil chick designer trunk show and yoga & creativity workshops will be rescheduled for spring 2008 once the wish studio has settled into its new home!

any local gals wanting to be inspired by kimberly a little sooner, check out her fabulous htc retreat in upstate new york this march.

in the meantime, stay tuned to the htc podcast for all things hip and tranquil.

taking stock

2007-10-16T20:20:00.000-05:00

the studio :: new news... *wish studio* is currently seeking a new home. after much debate, we have decided to move onward and find a new space for our creative community (due to some logistical issues that are beyond our control). it is not without some regret that we have come to this decision, but we anticipate that this change will inspire a renewed sense of hope and excitement in all those who have supported and joined in our community!

the blog :: taking the advice from those of you who had responded to my previous post about whether or not to mix business with personal blogwise, i have decided to reclaim my old blogging identity, under a pink sky, for a place to record my own personal journey through this crazy thing called life! i am excited to pick up where i left off a year ago, and now seperate work stuff from personal stuff. *wish studio* will remain a place for creative souls to connect and gather, but come and read under a pink sky for musings of my (own) mostly rosey world!

inspirations :: this past weekend i trecked down to the south shore for the much anticipated creative bazaar, hosted by the ever-so-sweet melba. some highlights were having my cards read (with such truth and intuition) by jamie, meeting and chatting with kari aka the fabulous artsy mama, catching up with my favorite sweetpea, jes and her sweet mama (photo of her vintage collaged form ~ so fun, and for sale in her shop!), seeing all of heidi's new goodies and dreaming about all the possibilities to come for her, crossing paths again with karen and her adorable family and seriously coveting her new totes. it was a great afternoon to share with amazing crafters and blogini friends!

wishmamas :: the doula difference

2007-09-25T14:19:00.000-05:00

If you listen my four year old daughter playing with her dolls, at any given moment you may overhear her say "Hello, my name is Grace and I'm going to be your doula." You may see her helping her pony "push out the baby" and welcome newborn ponies into the world with loving support. Her role-playing usually involves healthy, positive birthing experiences, and nothing in the world makes me happier.

The word "doula" is part of my four year old's vocabulary and trust me, she won't be afraid to share what it's all about. For the past two years, I've been going through a training program to become a Certified Doula (CD) through Doula International (previously Doulas of North America). In our home, there is lots of talk about birth, bodies, and babies. As a new mother of two children, my birth experiences are still somewhat fresh in my mind. Both of my births were quick, natural, and problem-free. I did not choose to have a doula present with me for my births, mainly because I didn't know enough about the benefits of having one by my side. When I look back, having a doula would be the one thing that I would have done differently.

So why have a doula if everything went so smoothly? And what IS a doula, anyway? Lots of people that I speak with don't know what a doula is, let alone realize the important role that one can play in the birth. 'Doula' comes from the Greek word meaning 'to mother.' In present times, a doula is a professionally trained, non-medical person that offers physical, emotional, and informational support to mothers and their birth partners. As a group, doulas tend to believe in the power and strength of birthing mothers, informed consent, and parent and child based care. Doulas can encourage mothers to believe in themselves and their bodies during birth and beyond.

There are two types of doulas: birth doulas and antepartum (postpartum) doulas. Doulas in general act as advocates for the mother and facilitators and support for their partners (if applicable). Birth doulas accompany a woman in labor and support the mother's emotional needs throughout. Birth doulas specialize in non-medical skills, and do not perform any clinical tasks just as vaginal exams or fetal monitoring. A birth doula stays by the mother's side throughout the whole labor, ensuring consistent presence and reassurance.

A postpartum doula also provides valuable emotional support and guidance, and helps the family make a smooth transition into welcoming a new member. Postpartum doulas can also provide breastfeeding assistance. Postpartum doulas are specially trained in mother and newborn care, and can also help the new mother with childcare, laundry, light cleaning and errands. A mother can choose to have the support of a birth doula, a postpartum doula, or both.

Doulas have the ability to refocus the mother in her toughest times, and remind her of her strength and ability get through her most difficult moments. A doula also can assist with birth plans, provide emotional, physical and informational support to mother and partner, can suggest positioning and coping mechanisms during labor, interact and support the partner during the birth process, assist with breastfeeding and especially the initial latch, and most importantly is there for the mother from the start of labor until hours after the baby is born, providing continuous support and care.

There are numerous benefits of having continuous labor support, which include (but are not limited to) improved obstetric outcomes, better breastfeeding success, improved self esteem, and increased satisfaction with the birth experience. In many cases, having a doula present directly correlates with positive mother-infant emotional ties. Dr. John Kennell and Dr. Marshall Klaus (in the late 1970's) found that doulas in the labor room improved the bond between mother and infant and seemed to decrease the incidence of complications.

The best way to see the power and valuable support a doula can offer is to talk with families that had a doula present with them during their births. Most mothers will go on and on about the importance of their doula helping them through their toughest times, and how beneficial the support was. Even though I consider my own births positive experiences, I believe that having a doula present could have been the source of strength and encouragement that I needed when I was feeling doubtful and scared. If there is a number three baby somewhere in my future, I can be certain that a doula will be by my side, offering the constant comfort that is so important during birth.

Nina Gilbert is a Massage Therapist, a Doula, and the mama to Gray (4) and Joey (1.5). She lives in MA, and can be found sewing, crafting, cooking, or being a human jungle gym. Read more about her life at http://www.thewholeself.blogspot.com/.

"and she totally rocks!"...mindy

crazycollage #3 :: inspiration from a crazyquilt

2007-09-24T07:34:00.000-05:00

o.k...i know this is cheating a bit since i didn't make this quilt myself, but i love it none the less. i just couldn't squeeze out a collage this past week, but i still wanted to share a post and thought this was a creative substitute. this is The quilt i scored (after much haggling) at jes's antique flea market a few weeks ago.

i saw it on one of the very first tables, but the asking price was a bit high so i moved on. but i couldn't stop thinking about this yummy piece ~ huge and heavy and so colorful with all the vintage bits of 60 and 70's fabric...i saw myself snuggling up underneath it with a glass of wine and a good book, or with my entire family on the couch (it's that big!). as i headed to the car to leave, i walked back over to the table and made a firm and final offer which was turned down and i had to walk away again (hoping the vendor wouldn't let me). he called "okay, okay...", and gave in. the rain was coming, the market was thinning out, and i won :) as a newbie flea marketer, i was proud of my resolve and great deal i scored (asking $80...ended up paying $25). love this soooo much!

this quilt inspires me...

* to keep my creative spark
* to look at the bits and pieces, as well as the big picture
* to work for what i want
* to seek comfort and closeness
* to not overthink and just let things flow together
* to keep family and friends close by
* to not underestimate myself
* to live in color
* to slow down
* to indulge in small pleasures that light up my soul

these lovely ladies are collaging too...
april bella kirsten michelle michelle sharon sheri and nina

crazycollage #2 :: reflections on a crazybeautiful week

2007-09-14T11:46:00.000-05:00

coffee shop collage 9.14.07

saturday :: off to beautiful midland maine for an art retreat i was so lucky to be a part of. it was days full of everything wonderful, and i was so at ease surrounded by such lovely kindred souls. i felt myself expand in the company of such creativity and generosity of spirit, and even though we were all meeting for only the second time, it felt like a gathering old friends. we laughed and lamented, created and crafted, partied and played, and shared such a wonderful time. thanks to all of you for a truly inspiring time!

mini bridal shower
tammy, leah the bride~to~be, jes our fab hostess, heidi, me

art in the making

sunday :: we squeezed in a morning at the antique market before the rain moved in. these girls know how to get a deal! there were so many goodies to be had. i ended up with a huge and hippie lovin' handmade quilt, some beautiful 18th century music books, and a couple jars of homemade jams and relishes.

monday :: back into the groove and a mad dash to get things ready for a super busy week. recieving a long awaited package in the mail (my new laptop - yay!) and feeling like a kid on christmas morning. spending time collaging with the wee one and savoring the afterglow of the art weekend :)

nina beana and 'pure pad thai'

tuesday :: errands galore to fullfill the list of stuff to bring to school...slippers, rainpants, a small ceramic mug, sandbox sand, and so on. anticipation of a brand new school year in a wonderful new school. yoga class and dinner at the organic garden with one of my favorite all time mamas putting my world at ease :)

wednesday :: the first day of school. a beautiful morning of little sunflowers finding their way into the world, and letting them bravely go. new faces, new rhythms, and so much pride and joy! soaking in the new surroundings, the songs, the candlelight and nature, all wrapped in the smell of homemade baking bread. not that this day wasn't special enough, a new cousin, arriving a little early, was born today!

thursday :: feeling my way into a new routine, tired and sleepy, but enjoying the newness of this journey and the possibilities ahead. thinking about all we will learn over the coming year and making small adjustments along the way. a wonderful surprise nomination for this award by the lovely kirsten michelle...i accept with humble gratitude, and pass on the award to nina, who i admire and adore, and who inspires me to just be me.

friday :: a quiet morning spent collaging in a coffee shop. made on a whim, everything in this piece was found in my purse...a stamp book, an ink cartridge package, paint samples, business cards, a brochure, some stickers, and an old thank you card. it was fun to whip this up so spontaneously!

here are a few more gals whipping up collages for crazycollage month:

april
bella
kirsten michelle
michelle
sharon
sheri

hope it has been crazybeautiful for you too!

fall 2007

2007-09-13T11:14:00.000-05:00

more to come soon...check back!

crazycollage #1 {belated}

2007-09-09T20:57:00.000-05:00

mixed media collage by mindy, jes, tammy, leah, and heidi

it was a beautiful weekend to create friendships and art...5 bloggie friends on the farm + the hostess-with-the-mostess + loads of creativity + wine and chocolate + a special wedding shower + antiquing & loads of goodies + late night chatting = an amazing weekend artist's retreat.

yes, it was a busy weekend full of so much fun and inspiration. i have to say that i really felt completely in my element. jes was the best hostess on the 'plenty-to-do-farm' (appropriately named :) and with heidi, leah, tammy, and a guest appearance by susan (who i was so sad to have missed), the weekend was packed with laughter and creativity.

i will post more in the morning :) miss you all, all already! xo

thank you to all who are playing along for crazycollage month...
bella
sharon
michelle
april
kirsten-michelle

can't wait to see the creations evolve!

wishmamas :: sometimes all you need is a little validation

2007-09-03T20:55:00.000-05:00

4 days old....to 4 years old

from day one (conception really), the journey of motherhood is as crazy of an adventure as anyone could ever imagine. every day there are new challenges as well as new highs to experience. the scenery is always changing and evolving...some days are dreamy and filled with pivotal moments you know you will never forget, others are those where you feel like you've reached an all new parenting low, and most are slow and steady and good.

one thing all moms have in common is our need one another! there really is nothing better than talking to other mamas who have walked in your shoes, who can tell you about their triumphs and war stories, and who have obviously lived (successfully) to tell the tales! i am lucky to have mamas like these in my circle...and i want to hear from You too!

so, gather 'round the coffee table and tell me your mama stories ~ old and new...the best and the worst... tell me what you love about being a mom, and tell me what you wish you could change about being a mom so i know i'm not the only one. remind me about the newborn year and the 1's and 2's, and help me see what's coming with the 4's and 5's etc...share your experience so others can nod and smile with you (and me).

it truly takes a villiage, and while i am going through some tough mama challenges, it is all of you who will help inspire me to rise above. michelle, and her most recent post, already has me nodding, yes ~ thank you.

motherhood can be so isolating sometimes, but hearing someone verbalize a feeling you share helps you to realize you are not an crazy as you feel...validation helps :)

getting messy :: join me for crazycollage month

2007-08-31T13:02:00.000-05:00

i have been noticing lately that in most of my creative endeavors, my journal writing, my art, my recipes, my style of dress and so on, that i am often hindered by a desire for precision. i have always been this way. i wouldn't say that it is neurotic or compulsive, just...neat...predictable even.

i am often surprised and frustrated by this; this need for premeditation and thoughtfulness, and planning. i tend to get bogged down in the details and trying to create within certain mental perameters. i often end up with results that are very buttoned up and compartmentalized. it takes me hours to make a collage becuase i am always trimming things precisely and making sure things fit together and match. i want to throw together a quick collage in a few minutes without worrying about the end result. this perfectionism is helpful to me in a lot of ways, but sometimes i just want to be messy!

inside, i feel free spirited, colorful and bohemian. i want my outsides to reflect this. it seems somewhat counterintuitive though to try to be more messy. maybe this is a grand metaphore for my life in general...this trying to fit everything neatly together. i am working on letting stuff go ~ less micromanagement in all ares of my life!

for my creative self, i am going to work on being more messy even if it's just between the pages of my journal (bought keri smith's wreck this journal to get me going!). i do have some great creative projects ahead, a couple for a wonderful bloggie art retreat next weekend (more on that later!).

so to put this free spirited style into practice, i am going to host a crazycollage month for september. anyone who would like to join in can leave me a comment here. i will post my collage every friday, and link to whoever else is participating. there are no rules :) that's what this is all about right? just post your piece each friday in september to share ~ come and get messy with me!

making it last

2007-08-27T06:18:00.000-05:00

it is so amazing to me how fast time slips by...the end of summer is here. it has been a whirwind season full of good things; so much to be grateful for. with fall being my favorite season, i find myself wanting to dive right in to apple picking and warm sweaters and hot drinks. so, i have decided to take this week to really slow down...to enjoy the last week of summer wholeheartedly and drink in every last drop of sun and sand. changes are on the wind, but i am resisting the urge to fast forward into autumn mode. here are some of the juicy summer bits i am so, so grateful for...

...my favorite pink flip flops
...lazy mornings, and lots of down time with the whole family
...the birth of a brand new cousin, and another almost here
...a taste of the simple life out on the farm
...cheeksplitting smiles and lots of laughter on fast amusement park rides
...feeding (in total wonder and awe) a group of fallow deer
...lots of adventures with harry, ron, hermione, and bella, edward and jacob
...being surrounded by wishmamas
...meeting eric carle and being warmed by his kind words and smile
...first time success of growing green beans, watermelon, pumpkins, and cucumbers in our garden
...making so many wonderfully amazing and inspiring connections at the studio
...tide pools and crabs and sand dollars and seaglass, and finding beach rocks everywhere in my house :)
...turning the corner from toddlerhood to childhood (((sigh)))
...really swimming in the ocean, which i haven't done in years
...hanging with uncle A at his pool
...a newish hairdo
...lots of sweet iced coffee with soy milk

and so much more...hope it was a beautiful season for you!

wishmamas :: playdate this friday

2007-08-21T08:02:00.000-05:00

Lunch Playdate & Fall Clothing Swap

friday, august 24th
10am to 1pm
north shore children's museum
294 essex street
salem ma
(off street parking...bring change)

$5 per child (includes museum enrty fee and pizza/juicebox lunch)
$2 for mom's lunch - pizza and water
RSVP by 8/23!

bring your little ones to play at the museum...a great small, interactive space where you can safely let them run and enjoy! while the kids are busy, spend some time with other moms chatting and swapping kiddie clothes for the fall.

what to bring: gently used fall/winter kids clothes and accessories, snacks and extra drinks if desired, bags to bring home your new fall goodies. lunch will be served at noon.

feel free to email me with any questions...see you there!

mindy & nina

my feel good corner

2007-08-18T12:00:00.000-05:00

i have been asked by tan!a to share with you my "feel good corner". i love this idea of claiming a little place that makes you feel calm and centered and nurtured. we should all have such a place carved out for ourselves.

my feel good corner is my cozy side of the bed. i love the warm comfy feeling in this relaxing space ~ really the only space that is my very own (unless there is a 4 year old stowaway that sneeks in in the middle of the night :)

i love this space because of the butter colored walls, because of the antique king sized bed that was my grandparents, and because of the yummy jewel colored bohemian quilt i searched and searched for. i love the sunlight that streams in through the south facing windows all day long, and the ocean breeze that lightly sweetens the air. i love the rousseau print that hangs over our bed called the "sleeping gypsy", and the fact that my hubby has had it since before we met because he believes it gives him good dreams. i love the smell of the sandalwood candle burning as i read and settle in to sleep. i love my peaceful and cozied up husband beside me as we talk about our day or our dreams, or just enjoy a moment of quiet.

where is your feel good corner? leave me a comment here to share...

launching a new partnership

2007-08-13T07:20:00.000-05:00

brenda stanton & paola abello
LWL Boston

ladies who launch, boston and wish studio are teaming up on the north shore to help inspire women to launch their creative dream as well as connect with one another! our studio will be hosting exciting LWL events, as well as providing a wonderful space for LWL members who want the opportunity to soft~launch their idea or business. our first joint event will be announced soon!

to find out more about ladies who launch you can visit the national website. for boston area events and current entrepeneurship & creativity incubators, goto the local LWL page. to subscribe to the LWL Boston newsletter, please email paola abello with your request.

if you can imagine it, we can help you bring your idea to life...the possibilities are endless!

hip tranquil chick, kimberly wilson coming to wish!

2007-08-11T12:28:00.000-05:00

join kimberly
at wish studio

~ for ~

wish studio's hip & tranquil designer trunk show

dates to be announced ~ spring 2008

come to wish studio as it is transformed into a swanky indie boutique for this evening's exciting event! as our special guest, kimberly will treat us to a reading of her book, Hip Tranquil Chick ~ A guide to life on and off the yoga mat, and will also be available for signing your book or cd! *these items will be available for purchase at the event*

along with other local creative designers (to be announced), kimberly will be showing her fabulous tranquiliT clothing and jewelry line for you to purchase ~ and will even be offering a special event discount! don't miss out on this fun filled evening of connecting with other like minded souls, as we celebrate all things creative, hip and tranquil!

yin yoga
and
yoga & creativity workshops

while in the boston area, hip tranquil chick kimberly wilson will lead two dynamic workshops at wish designed to relax your soul and inspire your creativity!

yin yoga (10 to 11:30am) ~ the perfect slow and deep practice of holding floor poses for three to five minutes at a time. with an emphasis on the connective tissues of the hips, thighs, pelvis, and lower spine, it is the ideal compliment to the more muscular "yang" form of yoga. savor drawing your awareness away from your muscles and deeper into your bones to experience a strong sense of calm, opening and tranquility.

yoga & creativity (12 to 1:30pm) ~ explore the interplay of your creative side on and off the yoga mat. you will be led through a yoga sequence designed to get your creative juices flowing and then into an interactive discussion on living more creatively. the artistic tools you will take away from this workshop will help you add more fun, consciousness, and flair to your daily life!

yin yoga and creativity workshop delux package includes both workshops,

as well as tea and light refreshments between classes for $45

* early registration price $40 before october 10th *

a la carte workshops are $25 each, for either yin yoga or yoga & creativity

(and does not include tea and refreshments)

pre-registration is required
coupons and discounts are not available for these workshops

reserve your spot today by contacting wish studio

by phone: 781.842.2215

by email: wishstudio@comcast.net

SoulCollage workshop

2007-08-08T06:37:00.001-05:00

Saturday, August 18, 2007

Loving Ourselves...Warts and All:

Working With Aspects of the Shadow

Presented by Karen Mann, SoulCollage Facilitator in Melbourne, Australia

We all have aspects of ourselves that we wish we could hide and pretend that they don’t exist. These shadowy parts can include: the jealous self, angry self, guilty self, lazy self, the victim, the inner critic, the liar, the addict, the opinionated one, the judgemental one, and the impatient one…etc.

Often these parts of self may seem broken, disgusting or weak. We sometimes try to suppress them because they seem unacceptable and do not fit in with the ‘norms’ in society.

Through this SoulCollage workshop we will approach our shadow aspects as a mystery to be explored, rather than a problem to be solved or an illness to be cured. You will learn to see your shadowy aspects as only one piece of you and not as your whole being.

This workshop will allow you to:
Let go of your ideals of perfection
Transform painful experiences into wisdom.
Find self-acceptance and compassion for ALL aspects of yourself
Reconnect with your authenticity
Stop blaming others and take responsibility
Open your heart and begin loving yourself again

Karen Mann is an artist, art teacher, Lifestyle Coach, yoga and meditation teacher, and SoulCollage® facilitator. Karen has been working with SoulCollage cards for more than two years and facilitates a variety of SoulCollage Groups. She also works with individuals. Karen is based in Melbourne, Australia. For more information, or to contact Karen, please visit her website, Flying Colours Creativity.

12:00 - 5:00 pm

$50.00 (inlcudes a light lunch)

email Anne Marie Bennett for registration

also...don't miss Anne Marie and SoulCollage at

justBe...connected this october!

classes and workshops :: august 2007

2007-08-06T09:11:00.000-05:00

yoga classes and workshops

mondays ~ preschool yoga (11:45 to 12:30) $5 drop in

tuesdays ~ gentle yoga (6 to 7 pm)

thursdays ~ kundalini yoga and meditation (8:30 to 9:45)

yoga classes cost $15 to drop in or $60 for a 5 class card *summer special, buy one class card, get one free! offer available until 8/19*

**no yoga classes the week of august 12th**

********************

coming this fall...

vinyasa flow class
yarn yoga ~ combining the zen of knitting with the joy of yoga
global mala project and events

also..

*very special guest *

kimberly wilson

Hip Tranquil Chick author, yoga & creative lifestyle guru

all the way from DC, kimberly will be joining us this november for a fabulous evening book signing event and trunk show of her signature tranquiliT clothing line. she will also be teaching a wonderful yin yoga and creativity workshop while she is here in beverly. details will be announced soon, so stay tuned!

workshops and events

8/18 SoulCollage...Loving Ourselves (12 to 5pm) ~ SoulCollage®, created by Seena B. Frost, is an intuitive process of self-discovery which uses the art form of collage to pay homage to all facets of your unique life. This process allows you to acknowledge and honor all of you: your inner self, the people in your community, and the world around you—both natural and spiritual. Each one of us is a collage of personalities, roles, concerns, dreams, and challenges. This process helps you to become more mindful of your authentic self, as well as encourages and supports you on your journey towards wholeness. A light lunch will be served. $50 Please contact Ann Marie Bennette for registration.

8/24 Wishmamas Playdate & Fall Children's Clothing Swap at NS Children's Museum in Salem (10 to 1) $5 per child includes museum admission and pizza lunch.

8/25 wishes@work...first meeting! (10:30 to 12:30) are you a creative business person? do you want to connect with other artsy entrepeneurs for support, resource sharing, and goal setting? this group will meet once a month to help move you forward on your creative work venture.

8/27 a mother's wish inc. volunteer night (6:30 to 8 pm)

8 random things

2007-08-04T19:31:00.000-05:00

thanks to the lovely kirsten, i have been tagged to share 8 random facts about myself. here goes...

*We have to post these rules before we give you the facts.
*Players start with eight random facts/habits about themselves.
*People who are tagged write their own blog post about their eight things and include these rules.
*At the end of your blog, you need to choose eight people to get tagged and list their names. Don’t forget to leave them a comment telling them they’re tagged and they should read your blog.

one...i can not read borrowed books because i need to own them. if i love a book, i can't part with it to loan it to someone else ~ like the experience of the story is somehow tied to the actual pages. i love to smell them as well :)

two...my son's first word was "milk" in sign language at 6 months. we used sign language to talk to our son when he was a baby. it was one of the most rewarding experiences as a parent, and one of the most precious gifts we've ever given him. it amazes me what babies are capable of and how much they have to say!

three...i originally went to college to be a physical therapist, then majored in special education before finally deciding to become a graphic designer. i am none of those things today. i am a mother, a creative entrepeneur, and a waitress.

four...2 of my front teeth are false because of a gymnastics injury in high school - i knocked them out with my own knee doing a vault in a competition. i still came in 3rd place.

five...my birthday is an estimated date and may not actually be accurate.

six...i have the records to possibly trace my birth family, but i do not have the desire to cross that bridge, and don't know if i ever will.

seven...i don't like anything vanilla. not ice cream, not pudding, not cake. i'm a chocolate girl all the way!

eight...i had my adnoids removed as a child but they later grew back (who knew?), AND i've had the chicken pox 3 times!

i will tag these lovely ladies: melanie, karen, stefanie, nina, alex, maddie, leah, & sharon

a new perspective inspires change

2007-08-01T13:11:00.000-05:00

a day in the country

fresh blueberries and eggs found right out our door

caring for animals and enjoying nature

there is nothing like a walk in someone else's shoes to spark a change in your own life. after spending a few days farm sitting with my family, i feel completely rejuvinated and newly inspired. i was slightly skeptical of this adventure at first...this was seemingly a bit of a stretch for me. now having shelved this beautiful experience, i realize i am closer to this simple living than i thought, and i want to simplify my own life and bring some of that beautiful farm life home.

wake up earlier...we woke up with the sun each day (the roosters really do call...as do the sheep and the chickens...), and for a girl who really needs her sleep, i didn't think i would be able to adjust to this early morning wake-up call. the change was almost natural though, and i found myself waking up on my own (which i never do), and then making coffee, writing in my journal, and making a big homemade breakfast, all before 7am! it is amazing what you can do in a day when getting such an early start.

cooking with farm fresh ingredients...every day we collected fresh eggs and blueberries. this act of bringing something right from nature to the table was just so magical - not to mention fun and so tasty too. (let me tell you that farm eggs taste 1000 times better than store bought eggs). inspired by this, i want to plan a weekly trip to the local farm to pick up fresh ingredients to cook with. a great way to eat yummier and also support the local growers.

slow down...even though there was lots of work on the farm, there was no sense of urgency at all. such an amazing feeling! we worked hard and sweated and got dirty, but we also were able to really relax and enjoy each moment. i can totally see the appeal of farming for a living!

simplify everything...less really is more. as a family, we really peared down our existence, both physically and mentally, to the bare minimum. i noticed things like only using the same 3 dishes for each meal, like doing only 1 load of laundry because we had less to wash and didn't need more, like watching less t.v. and not needing the computer (although i did do a bit of work emailing via my phone), and having no compulsion to constantly clean because nature and dirt was just part of life. the result was that we had more space and time to really enjoy the days. made me really think about what i really need to live and be happy. our house will go through a major purge as a result.

change your piont of view...you never know where your true happiness lies unless you have some other frame of reference to compare it to. never underestimate trying something radically new and different. it could change your life for the better!

connecting through blogging

2007-07-23T07:07:00.000-05:00

i recently learned about this new zine making it's debut this august. i am sure if you are familiar to the artsy blogworld you will recognize several, if not all of the cover features :) i am so excited to get my hands on this issue!

being a part of this bloggie universe is really such an amazing phenomenon. what really inspires me, is the connection you can create with real every-day people. this medium allows you to reach people who otherwise you would never have crossed paths with. it gives you access to voices so loud and clear, they can touch your soul, lift you up, and change your perspective on life.

so often i've heard that blogging is so impersonal, so unreal, so unauthentic. my experience shows completely the opposite. i've met so many amazing women in this space, and when i saw the cover of artful blogging my heart smiled. it was like seeing old friends. there are a few celebrities here in blogland, but for the most part, beautiful inspiration is offered up every day by people just like you and me...people who have a vision to share, a voice to be heard, stories to tell, creations to inspire.

those of you who are bloggers, you know the magic of which i speak. those of you who haven't yet made the leap, here is your inspiration! share yourself with the world. we are all listening...

7.25.07 edited to add...

following a trail of breadcrumbs left by a comment on this post, i found these lovely words. such eloquence and truth, i had to share them with you...

"Been reading a lot of blogs of late. It is such a personal space. Yet so public. As you read this, a large number of people over the world are furiously scribbling away their lives in utmost detail. Waiting for a stumbling footprint of a complete stranger. Who comes unseen and leaves behind a small trail of words; that means the world. And it goes on. Someone shares a picture of her favourite flower. Someone writes of the abandoned dog he had a conversation with. And a faceless lover sits and pines for someone he has been in love with all of his life. But is yet to meet her.

There are endless stories. Some funny. Some exaggerated. Some vague. But all of them real. Well, as real as you and me anyway. I mean I don't know you, but you are here and reading this. And I have written it and hence you are. I don't know if it's complicated. On the surface we can blame/attribute this to technology and get away with it. Back to the usual stuff we do, everyday. Rip a small bag of peanuts, take a telephone call, suddenly remember the smell of an ex-lover. Or hear her mobile phone ring in your head and start looking around feverishly, nervous and excited at the same time. Things we do without realizing, understanding or questioning why. Sub-human almost.

That's why we blog. Because we know how we honestly feel for even a second a day, can now be communicated to someone else. And we don't even know their real names. Or how they look. What jobs they have. What books they read. What they like to eat for dessert. We don't know. We don't care if they are good in bed. We don't care if they are selfish. Or asthmatic. Or if they leave their wet towels on their beds. All we want them to do is read. "Please, I don't know you, but can you be involved in my life for just a brief moment. I really need you, even if I don't know you."

so grateful this little phishie swam by.

yoga at wish :: what's new

2007-07-20T10:43:00.001-05:00

free vinyasa mini workshop
monday, july 23
7 to 7:45 pm
a wonderful opportunity to try this flowing style of yoga, great to relax and rejuvinate.

gentle yoga
tuesday evenings

6 to 7 pm
$15 drop-in or 5 classes for $60
perfect for beginners, or for those of you who enjoy a slower paced class.

kundalini yoga and meditation
thursday mornings
8:30 to 9:45 am
$15 drop-in or 5 classes for $60
a fun class that provides practical ways to help improve health, live more harmoniously, and increase your sense of peace and happiness, set to beautiful music.

preschool yoga
monday mornings
11:45 to 12:30 (time change)
$5 drop-in
a fun filled introduction to yoga for children ages 3 to 5.

*summer yoga promotion*

purchase one yoga 5 class card ($60)

get one free!

offer good through august 19th

look for new classes being added for the fall!

wishmamas :: playdate postponed

2007-07-20T06:53:00.001-05:00

the wordy recipe playdate has been postponed due to inclement weather. please join us next friday, july 27, for a morning of fun...hopefully in the sun!

shining

2007-07-19T14:13:00.000-05:00

a ray of light from the summer postcard swap