Yoga in the Baja

In our efforts to remain as healthy and active as we can in our retirement years Rob and I are always trying new activities for fun. We have been attending yoga classes here in San Felipe.

We are “finding our centre” like the cartoon says. Haha. More like trying to lose some of our center if we can stop drinking those deadly margaritas.

Yes, Rob is coming with me to class. There are a few brave enlightened men in the class. But like that “Men are from Mars,…. Women are from Venus book, I suspect men look upon yoga a little differently than us women.

Seriously though, Holly, the yoga instructor at the El Dorado Ranch community here in San Felipe is an amazing teacher. I have learned more about healing chakras and energy pathways and such. And my body is moving in new ways.
I feel a little bit like a rubber “Gumby” if ya remember Gumby and Pokey????? And this photo reminded me of that. Kind of appropriate for yoga in Mexico don’t ya think?

So I think Robs favourite pose is “downward dog” although he keeps calling it downward dirty dog by mistake,…..

So, “dog gonit” I am feeling pretty good about our choice to spend the winter in San Felipe. It is a new experience for us as a couple to stay in one fixed place instead of travelling around in the pleasure way Van and we will enjoy that again as well but it’s always refreshing to try something new.

So I think my New Years Resolution will be as always to live well, laugh often and love much and I will add “stretch myself”in all things. How will you stretch yourself in 2016?

 

Dare to be Different

Have you seen this Utube video of the granny who surprises everyone with her dancing capabilities? http://youtu.be/PP9b_91PHi8
I want to be that gal. I’m 56 years old, retired and lovin’ life. Eccentric? Sure. That’s my goal. So with that in mind I will tell you about my recent experience at Breitenbush Hot Springs in Oregon.
https://breitenbush.com
My childhood friend who lives in Portland suggested we go to a yoga and meditation retreat. We intended to do this at fifty but life got in the way. Set in the Cascade forest with a glacier fed river running through it,….

and dotted with natural hot springs,…

It certainly is everything and more than advertised. However, this is where the whole spa thing took a left turn for me into eccentric land. “DIFFERENT” for me was the mention in the brochure of “clothing optional soaking pools.” What isn’t readily apparent from the pool photo is that my friend and I went in total darkness for our first soak. We set our alarm for early morning and left our rustic cabin nestled in the forest.

And donning headlamps and coats as bathrobes we crept stealth like through the forest to the meadow pools. It felt to me like I was twelve years old and back at church camp. Maybe I misinterpreted one of those Ten Commandments. Wasn’t there one that stated ” Thou shalt not swim naked in hot tubs over 50?..”
So,…. after our morning swim we would hike the trails surrounding the retreat rather than stay inside practicing yoga with very limber younger people. Haha

Hiking to me is a mindful yoga experience anyway. After forest serenity we would ready ourselves for the dinner GONG which would herd the guests and community for lodge meals. Yes, a gong.

The meals offered at the lodge were the “sumptuous organic vegetarian” delights as noted in the brochure.
But this is where it becomes “DIFFERENT” again for me. I do believe that with retirement comes a responsibility to pay attention to health and nutrition so as not to become a drain on the health system. So eating my vegetables is more important than ever. Veggies do have the power to change your world. I lost 7 pounds by changing just a few things. With all the popularity of the superhero right now how come there isn’t a vegetable hero? How about a flying female eggplant? Have I just stepped into eccentric land?

Having said that, I must admit that “Kentucky Fried Chicken” is still in my diet plan at least once a year. But I don’t drink sugary cool-aid and definitely not at retreats.

In conclusion, I think it’s important to step out on a limb once in awhile.

It probably shouldn’t be that tree limb though,……

And now for those of you who think I’m nuts.

Next up? I don’t have a clue. Maybe dancing lessons! But I have time. I’m not 90 yet.

Some SASKATCHEWAN Cardio Humour😜

You might question how cardio can be humorous? Well let me share my recipe for cardio in Saskatchewan. I promise it includes a little Muhammad Ali boxing, a little sexy Flashdance routine and a tiny bit of Jillian Michaels strength training. I continue to make workouts a part of my retirement schedule even after a typical middle aged sleep! What is that?

So follow along with me and you too can enjoy my workout tip of the week,…..even if this is your attitude towards excercise

Summer in Saskatchewan is a great time to amp up your cardio and if you are travelling through our fine province make sure to experience my prairie cardio routine,…….It doesn’t cost a thing!

RECIPE for a good budget cardio workout in SASKATCHEWAN:

INGREDIENTS required – 2 TRAIL RUNNERS.
Directions – SPREAD your body out on the nearest grid gravel road. Begin running and STIR up a real sticky sweat. BAKE yourself at 30 degrees Celsius. GLAZE your body with a nice smelling lotion.

If you follow the directions carefully this recipe should YIELD one swarm of bee’s or approximately THREE,………. whipping around your head and causing you to PUNCH the air like Muhammad Ali. You know his lyric??? float like a butterfly? to avoid the sting of the bee? Or something like that,…

So if that doesn’t scare off the damn bee swarm – try a little Flashdance. Stomp around like a “Maniac.” I tried it but I did not resemble that gorgeous fit dancer even a little bit.

Imagine a couple of saddlebags of cellulite on her hips and gray up her hair and you will get the picture.

Lastly, be sure to add a little strength training into your workout. A few push ups do wonders for your core.

While you are running along the grid there is sure to be a pick-up truck roaring past you, kicking up a spray of gravel. Hit the ditch on all fours and while you’re down there do a few planks and push ups 🌿 in the weeds. Jillian Michaels? You need to try our SASKATCHEWAN PRAIRIE cardio.

Seriously though, SASKATCHEWAN is much more than grid roads and prairie sunsets. Come check it out! http://www.tourismsaskatchewan.com/things-to-do

Photo Sources:
http://www.losingweightforall.com/2014/02/weight-loss-motivation-part5.html
https://m.facebook.com/bloghuts/photos/a.165573060170914.40827.103104253084462/881561141905432/
http://www.playbill.com/news/article/photo-call-a-first-look-at-flashdance-the-musical-on-tour-starring-emily-pa-201242

Weeding is Wonderful?

Well it’s been awhile since I have posted,…… Get it? Posted?

I have been busy WEEDING in my yard. I have neglected my blog 😢 I have no time excuses due to a recent retirement. So rather than weed, I decided to take my camera along for a Buffalo Pound, Saskatchewan hill hike this morning. And then something happened. I was inspired again by the nature around me – even the weeds,..
Those dandelion seeds remind me of little children who have such fun blowing them in the wind.

I guess I was wishing that the weeds would all disappear in my yard – that “Samantha” from the “Bewitched” series would snap her fingers and my yard would be weed free,….. BUT

I like to be lazy for part of the day. Then I choose to hike in the hills. A good walk in nature always energizes me.

,…. and yes there are weeds everywhere. And the prairie grass is not freshly mowed

And I am more than okay with that. My wish in retirement is that I remind myself daily to appreciate nature and take whatever path is put in front of me. I am kinda on a mission to discover the non- career me,…….

I know that life will present obstacles like this loop of barbed wire

But when those bad days trip me up I will always look for the bright side. I did trip on that barbed wire. I am not a ballerina by any means! More like Elaine from Seinfeld trying to dance. BUT on my knees I got all up close and personal to an awesome colored dragonfly!

If you look close it appears that “SHE” is hanging on to a blade of grass for dear life,….. because after all a giant just about crushed her. So call me a little crazy but I decided to read up about the dragonfly. I believe people/ things/ insects always cross your path for a reason and anyway,….. reading about the dragonfly was a good excuse to not go back to my weeding!
http://www.dragonfly-site.com/meaning-symbolize.html,
Wow, this article is pretty timely for my life right now. The Dragonfly rocks! I am going to adopt some of the aspects of this “Damselfly”.
The dragonfly, in almost every part of the world symbolizes change and change in the perspective of self realization; and the kind of change that has its source in mental and emotional maturity and the understanding of the deeper meaning of life. The traditional association of Dragonflies with water also gives rise to this meaning to this amazing insect. The Dragonfly’s scurrying flight across water represents an act of going beyond what’s on the surface and looking into the deeper implications and aspects of life. – See more at: http://www.dragonfly-site.com/meaning-symbolize.html#sthash.JwwUZric.dpuf
Well, I don’t ever intend to become too mature,….. That just is no fun!

The dragonfly’s agile flight and its ability to move in all six directions exude a sense of power and poise – something that comes only with age and maturity. The dragonfly can move at an amazing 45 miles an hour, hover like a helicopter fly backwards like a hummingbird, fly straight up, down and on either side. ,…… The best part is that the dragonfly does it with elegance and grace that can be compared to a veteran ballet dancer. – See more at: http://www.dragonfly-site.com/meaning-symbolize.html#sthash.U6TNPe97.dpuf

Ha Ha Ha. Well I guess the ballet dancer part isn’t happening 😜
So I hope YA had fun with me along my discovery walk. All of this crazy blog happened because of weeds. It’s all about ATTITUDE!

Sources
Pinterest – Dandelion Quote
https://www.etsy.com/ca/listing/153195896/painting-digital-art-dandelion-art-with?utm_source=Pinterest&amp%3Butm_medium=PageTools&amp%3Butm_campaign=Share

Pinterest Quotes about weeding
https://quip.io/ebaird

http://www.dragonfly-site.com/meaning-symbolize.html

Are you MORE or LESS?

Today I ask myself “Do I want to be more or less? Retired for about six months now, I find myself questioning my purpose. I have Jekyll and Hyde days. Sometimes I want to be my MORE side – the type A person who always needs a project. And other days I tend to be LES – that’s my name – the lazy type to enjoy a good book. Since it is already 11:00 AM, I guess I have pretty much wasted the morning? But WAIT,……. Does life always have to be about accomplishment? Can I not just be content to lay around?

Dogs seem to feel it’s okay to rest in the sun.

Birds seem to do a lot of flitting about aimlessly

Little children seem to be content with very little

Is it BaaaaaaaaaaD to just want to be lazy?
BRUNO MARS doesn’t seem to think so

So on that note,…… I think that I have been lazy enough for the morning. Retirement for me continues to be a search for meaning. I don’t need things but I do crave experiences which provide ample material for my creative urges. And just like this Koala Bear from our Australian adventure is grasping for the best,…..

I too will keep turning over new leaves to find my purpose. That reminds me,….. I need to harvest some lettuce leaf from the garden,……


I guess what I am saying is that we need to remind ourselves to smell the flowers once in awhile!

LEAF Your Stress Behind

When all seems like chaos similar to this feature photo – a mish mash of tree limbs – “leaf” it all behind and come for a walk with me.

While one cannot always walk amongst the Redwoods in Redwood National Park can Ya not find a leaf somewhere near you?
In Saskatchewan we are more likely to find the Birch.

And birch trees are glorious but with the Redwood trees I couldn’t help but think of that old TV show “The Friendly Giant.” For those of you old enough to remember the giant, he always told us viewers to “Look up, look waaaaaaaay up” and Jerome the giraffe would pop his head in the window of the castle. Ha ha.

Maybe that is why I have a thing for the giraffe,….. Anyway, these giant Redwoods make YA look waaaaaaay up

and UP some more,……

After a day in amongst these beauties the only stress I had was my pain in the neck.
STRESSED is really DESSERTS spelled backwards! So remember how dwarfed most of our worries become when we look at the big picture

Here is a bit of science for you. Yes, I do read those National Park pamphlets in order to educate myself 😜 Apparently when a tree undergoes stress it will show up as “BURLS” which are large growths or knots on it’s stalk. Here is an example from Humboldt Redwoods State Park

Now, I don’t know about you but don’t you think those knots add character and beauty to that old tree? So now I welcome stress and know there is beauty in all my knots and lines and cellulite and wrinkles. 💃
My blogging goal is always to entertain, to educate (only a little) and to give YA a smile. Try out this fun personality test but don’t stress yourself out.

Here is the link for you,…..
http://mordenl.tumblr.com/post/63071368382/this-is-cool-l00k-at-the-trees-and-choose-the-one
I will “leaf” you with a few more photos

and Rob and I and the Pleasureway must move on

Hope you will continue to PEEK

at my crazy blog when we have OREGON stories next up,……

SOURCES
http://mordenl.tumblr.com – Tree Personality Test Via Pinterest
http://en.m.wikipedia.org/wiki/The_Friendly_Giant

SNOW time like the present to enjoy WINTER 💭

Even though sometimes Winter lacks color

That does not mean it lacks beauty

Bundle up and try cross country skiing

Or try catching a fish?

Notice the beauty in your own backyard

Or take a trip,….

You never know who you may meet,……..

What good is the warmth of summer without the cold of winter to give it sweetness.

John Steinbeck

ENJOY TODAY

Pleasureway RV Trip #1- Palliser Regional Park, Saskatchewan

Our first RV experience – wow, is it nice to be out of the tent!
Being Saskatchewan’ians! we chose the Saskatoon, Saskatchewan based company PLEASUREWAY for our first van purchase. Hippies at heart, we would have loved the mystical Volkswagon van , but our mature side won out for something a tiny bit more practical in our advancing years- lol

Our new retirement home

I am a list maker and a quazi- organizer, so the first purchase was non- stick cupboard liners to avoid that annoying clacking of dishes.
In a hurry to to break in the van, we just threw in our camping gear – Rob swept out the entryway,
We loaded up the dog , As well as the golf clubs and got on the road.
In keeping with the “Hippie Wanna Be” theme, our satellite radio station had to be CLASSIC VINYL of coarse. So the STONES, ACDC, and the DOORS played while we looked out the WINDOWS.
The weather doesn’t get any better than Sept in Saskatchewan

We arrived in time for a sunset walk at Palliser Regional Park after finding a campsite with a view of Diefenbaker Lake.

A quick and easy picnic supper with of coarse , WINE

And of coarse no RV trip is completely without it’s challenges,…. This photo may be a little confusing. Rob looks like he is in love with the golf clubs , but that smile is a frustrated grimace as he tries to wrestle them out of the back corner, behind the couch/bed – and move them out of our way so we could actually eat.
This reduction in living space is gonna take some getting used to,….. I’ve never really had to ask permission to move my golf clubs, my husband and my dog out of my way before trying to get the bathroom door open,,,,
Stay tuned for more adventures of “Rob n Les”

Beauty through Adversity

Sometimes life throws you a few curve balls and it’s up to us as to how we react! I believe each of us are responsible for our thoughts and actions.
This picture is one of my fave’s – taken at Hopewell Rocks in New Brunswick. I feel fortunate for having captured this tenacious tree at low tide in all it’s beauty. When the tide comes in, of coarse it leaves very little room for growth, but look at what adversity has done to the rock! I think we grow stronger and more beautiful inside through struggle!

Gray Photo for a Gray Day!

 Yes, it’s a gray rainy day in Saskatchewan and the normal response would be depression –  “Oh, what am I going to to do today? It’s crappy outside,….. But we are responsible for our own happiness!  

So, I cleaned out some closets, experimented with some new healthy salad recipes and looked through old photos. Then I motivated myself to put on my runners and workout on the treadmill in our rain-free garage. Now my old back feels all caved in and swayed like the barn roof, but I’m glad I made use of a gray day.

I still prefer the black and white photo over the color version – just need those gray skies once in awhile to fully appreciate the sunny ones!

ALWAYS ENJOY TODAY!