DREAM A LITTLE DREAM OF ME

My wonderful friend back east messaged me today, she was listening to the late great Mama Cass singing the song Dream a Little Dream of Me; she thought of me since it is one of my favorite songs to sing. I played it and sang along, the melody takes you to a far off place where everything you visualize is possible.

That made me start thinking about our dreams; the dreams we have for our future, the visions we have as we sleep. After all this blog is about resolutions and making dreams a reality.  Have you ever had an idea in a dream, and woke up and made the midnight imagination a reality? I did that just recently with an idea I had in a dream. Dreams sometimes hold clues and messages, the key is to be able to retain the information and decipher the code. Listening and hearing is always important in life, whether asleep or awake.

I volunteer with a cat shelter called Kitt Crusaders. They save cats and do so much for the precious felines. I also am involved in Yoga and I have fallen in love with the practice. I wanted to do more for Kitt Crusaders than just volunteer once a week, but what could I do?  I had a dream I held a yoga class fundraiser in a local park and asked a friend of mine to teach it. Mind you, this was just a dream; but so inspiring that I woke up and immediately called Tracy Gittens, my fantastic friend and an amazing aerial yoga teacher in San Diego. I asked her if I were to be able to plan such an event, would she be willing to teach it. Of course she said yes.

I now have the ball rolling for my fundraiser for Kitt Crusaders discovered within the depths of my slumber. After all yogi's in Manhattan practice in Time Square and Bryant Park all the time, so the idea was not unusual or unattainable.

Fast forward a month, I am now in the midst of planning my event. I am waiting for the approval to hold my event at Griffith Park in June, the perfect place to mingle mind and body; with the salt of the earth below our feet and  sun and clouds hovering above our heads as we perform yoga poses for a good cause. It is amazing to me what we can accomplish when we put our minds to it, whether conscious or subconscious.Namaste'

Keeping up with my resolutions update

I have been keeping up with all of my resolutions, as the month of February comes to a close I am doing a check on all I have been working on in since 2012 began. Two months almost down, but lots more to do/continue to do. Most of the resolutions are ongoing and some are one time events.

~Here is my list breakdown so far~
Eating healthy/vegetarian/gave sweets up for lent.
Walking at least 5 days a week.
Yoga weekly, I have been going at least once a week, now going to go more since I have so many classes.
Volunteer for classes, I have earned lots of free yoga classes from two studios,what a blessing.
Volunteer with cats, once a week and working on a fundraiser.
Keeping up with Birthday cards, a few to go out before February ends, then March Birthdays and staying connected through phone calls, texts and emails.This is so important when you live so far from everyone.
Enjoying life, living LA DOLCE VITA
Two Dr appointments so far, Dentist and Eye Dr,
*I have been in contact with an organization/band that performs at nursing homes and brings awareness to the need for entertainment in nursing homes. In March it looks like I will be singing backup and joining the band. This is my resolution to help senior citizens in nursing homes. I starred this one as I am yet to perform, but I have been on contact and I will be joining them on their good hearted quest soon.


Of course I have more, many more resolutions to add as the year progresses, but this is up to date as of February 26th 2012. 


Love and light to all,
Rose

 
 
 

Volunteer work is good for the soul

I have been volunteering at a no-kill cat shelter. It has been so rewarding helping the cats and making time to visit them once a week. I have also been brainstorming for fundraising ideas. One idea came to me in a dream, a yoga class in the park. We will call it "Yoga In The Park For Paws." On the flyer it will say "Come Help Homeless Cats With Your Downward Dog." My wonderful friend from San Diego is going to teach the class. I have to find out which park to have the class at and if we need a permit. I think it is a pretty fabulous idea and I am excited to help such a good cause. 

Staying on track with my resolutions. I had my shoes stretched out so they feel much better when I do my daily walks. The man at the shoe repair fixes my shoes for free, he said I am too beautiful to pay. He is very sweet and I appreciate his kindness. He tells me Hollywood stories while I wait. His best friend and neighbor was the movie star Kathryn Grayson from the movie Kiss Me Kate. It is amazing the stories you hear when you just listen.

I have fallen in love with yoga, it makes me feel like I could float. My goal is to really get into my practice and learn all I can about yoga. My one yoga teacher is truly wonderful at teaching.I am blessed to be able to go to three places for yoga.

I shared a half of a  cupcake on Valentine's Day with my husband, but other than that I am on track eating healthy. It is a lifestyle and not a diet but it is ok to splurge now and then. We had a lovely Valentine's Day and I am so very blessed. 

I have also decided to give a portion of my book sales to the animal shelter. It just seems right to me, and I hope I can really raise money for the good cause through my poetry. The resolution for finishing my book will happen within six months or less. Lots of ideas have been swirling within my mind and I am very inspired.

Life is beautiful, and is meant to be savored and shared. When you give you back you receive so much more than you anticipated. I would like to get involved in some other charities but I am taking one step at a time. I will post a link in the future if anyone feels inclined to donate to the cat shelter to help with the medical expenses etc. They have saved so many cats and I am honored to help them, but they need funds to continue their work.

Namaste'
Love and Light from my two cats Rascal and Stormy
Rose

You are only as good as your shoes

I have weird feet, my arches are high and my heals are narrow. Buying sneakers is a chore for me. I had the perfect pair I ordered online that did not require breaking in and made it easy for me to walk miles or work out pain free. They finally saw their last day and I replaced them with a pair of sneakers I found on sale. Now I have to replace those shoes and try to find the ones I had online. My whole body aches since I bought the new sneakers, they are cramping my style and my feet and not making my workout as easy as it has been. I never knew shoes could make your body ache so. You are only as good as your shoes.

I am in love with my yoga practice, and I am so blessed to be able to take classes for free. When class is finished I literally feel like I am floating. My flexibility is still there even though my left knee is having issues. I have been sticking to all of my new year's resolutions and I will be adding more along the way. I plan on learning and perfecting the art of yoga. I am volunteering at the cat shelter once a week, very rewarding to help those precious felines. My goal is to heal in mind, body and soul and feel ageless.

We had a great time celebrating Superbowl Sunday and I made us a vegetarian feast.  I discovered vegetarian buffalo wings and my husband and I went crazy for them. I also made vegetarian sausage sandwiches with kraut and spicy mustard. The whole feast was a treat yet low in fat and calories compared to most food served on football Sundays. It was high in sodium though so I postponed my weigh in for a few days so I would not get a false read from all the sodium. I know I continue to lose weight though, and will weigh in next Monday instead.

February has arrived and time to continue and regroup. Making the best of life and living as well as making all of my goals a reality. It is not as hard as you may think. Much love to all on this rainy Tuesday. I love a little rain to cleanse the spirit and nurture the soil on which our worn soles step upon. Love and light to all and keep forging forward in 2012 yet taking time to live in the moment as well.

Giving Back- Happy February

Happy February to all. I am up early as usual, about to have my healthy breakfast and make some delicious coffee I bought before heading to the dentist. Last week I went to the eye doctor. I have other appointments to follow up in keeping with getting healthy, fit, and fabulous. I have been totally keeping up with all my new year's resolutions;my fitness and diet promises. I am down about six pounds and I love yoga. I also had an amazing opportunity come my way and I gave it my all, whether or not it comes through is not the issue. I gave it my all and now it is in the hands of fate.

I finalized my plans for volunteering at the no kill cat shelter. I will be devoting a few hours of my time weekly to help with chores and of course visit and play with the cats. In the frenzy of trying to make new year's resolutions come to fruition I have to remind myself to stay grounded and make sure some of my resolutions are about making a difference. Giving back is the best reward, and I plan on making sure my 2012 is not only filled with my own personal goals, but also fulfilling the beauty of helping animals and people. I have made the first step in that direction.

It is the first of the month, and this is my first new February resolution to go along with all of the resolutions I began in January. I have been keeping up with all of those personal/fitness goals I have begun and will continue to be dedicated to them as the year progresses.

Love and light to all and remember a kind smile or a little help for someone less fortunate offers us the best reward in return, and helps us keep everything in perspective. Now it is time for me to drink my liquid gold.

Vision Quest

My husband and I have decided to make a vision board, to harness our energy and share with the universe our goals and dreams. This will be done in the first of February to kick of the second month of the year. What do you have on your vision board. Do not be afraid to vocalize your desires in life.It really works, just try it.

January was a success so far. I have been exercising five days a week and I finally took the first step into a yoga class. I get so many wonderful classes due to my work exchanges and Pink Iron and it is time I took the gifts presented before me. I really enjoyed my yoga class and afterwards felt like I was floating. More serenity through the yoga studio to come.I have the opportunity to take classes three to four times a week.I plan on mastering the art of yoga.Shout outs to Pink Iron, City Yoga, and Swerve Studio and all their amazing owners, managers and staff.

I lost 6 pounds and I continue to forge forward. I tried something that could be a wonderful opportunity and a little scary. The best accomplishment was the fact that I put myself out there and gave it my all, whether or not it pans out is for fate to decide. I also had new yet wonderful friends to help me along the way, making me remember it is our friends and loved ones that shape our lives.

I also have been reminding myself that giving back is one of life's greatest gifts. I am calling the cat shelter to volunteer starting next week. I would like to find a senior home and visit the residents in the near future, in the months to come. I have many resolutions but one of the most important is to make a difference in the world. I hope I am up for that challenge.

Sticking to all of my resolutions, and evolving as the year continues to unfold. A flower does not blossom overnight, it takes time to become the coveted rose.

Love and light to all on this blessed Monday.
Rose

Last Weekend of January

It is the last weekend in January, and I have stayed strong on my diet and fitness goals. I have walked one hour a day five days a week. I have also lost five pounds since I began my weight watchers points in mid January. Tonight I had a small splurge with one slice of cheese pizza, light on the cheese and a diet coke. To be able to stop at one slice is definitely an accomplishment as well as only drinking only one soda, the first in a month. I have been so disciplined with my eating and exercise for all of January. 


I have soldiered forward, even on days when I did not feel well. This week was one of those weeks. I am getting a wisdom tooth and have not felt as well as usual. The old me might have cancelled on my volunteer work for classes programs, the new me followed through with my obligations. I forged forward with my resolutions despite the pain, making a dental appointment for next week. I also finally had my vision checked, and I will be needing reading glasses in the near future.I had my eyes dilated for the first time, a very strange feeling. It made me realize what a gift sight is and it should never be taken for granted. On a bright note, the eye Dr. thought I resembled Catherine Zeta Jones, that made my day. I have other Dr. appointments I need to fulfill in the next few months. I want to be fit and healthy, in mind and body.


Today was end of month cleaning, getting rid of clutter and chaos. An organized home leads to a sense of well being and productivity. I love being able to work for classes at City Yoga, and to be participant in the Seva for classes at Swerve Studio. Pink Iron is the best ladies gym and I absolutely love everyone there. I have a large support system and I am meeting some pretty fabulous people, making it easier to go after my fitness goals. 


February will be my month of taking the classes I have been earning as well as keeping up with my dieting,workouts and walking. The classes are in addition to my workouts. I have discovered the fun of disco music again while speed walking on the treadmill, but I still enjoy my three mile outdoor walks.


I  plan on beginning my volunteer work at the no-kill cat shelter next month. I have some other resolutions for February to add to my list as the month begins, as well as keeping up with the important dates and correspondence to those who mean the most in my life. January's birthdays were mailed and received, February's to follow.  It may seem like a small resolution, but it is one of the most important ones indeed. I am also looking forward to some fun on Superbowl Sunday and Valentine's Day. My husband and I have made a decision to give up something up for lent, keeping with the respect of the season and its meaning.


Signing off for now, I have a yoga class in the morning and my eyes are tired from the dilation. Nothing like slumbering in a serene, clean atmosphere, makes for sweet dreams.

Namaste
Rose