Insipration From the Ranch

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I just finished another great book called Ranch of Dreams, the true story of Black Beauty Ranch - an animal sanctuary nearly 1,200 acres large - in Texas. In addition to making me want to book a flight to see this incredible operation in person ASAP, the book had me dreaming of ranch-inspired style... western wear, dusty desert scenes, utilitarian forms, you name it. Here are a few of my Ranch of Dreams themed picks.

That's one nice place to relax after a long day.

When I think ranch fare, I think chili, and where there's chili there should be cornbread!

I love the idea of desert labyrinth. Perfect for a dry space.


Detailed view of a beautiful print available on Etsy.

A handmade Giddy Up Cowboy print skirt, also from Etsy!

Relaxing Yoga Pose: Supported Bridge (part 3)

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As we've seen in Parts 1 and 2 of the relaxing yoga pose series, yoga doesn't have to be complicated or make you look like a pretzel in order to be effective and provide restorative and relaxing benefits. In fact, one of the most relaxing yoga poses I know is Supported Bridge with a block. I like this pose so much that whenever I make it to yoga a bit early I grab a block and assume the position - it is the perfect way to achieve a gentle stretch yet totally let go. It's easy to get into - just lay on your back, bend your knees, and place your feet firmly on the ground hip-width apart. Use the strength of your thighs and glutes to lift your hips into air, and slide a yoga block on it's second tallest height under your sacrum (just above your tail bone) before slowly lowering your weight onto the block. Allow your arms to rest alongside you body, close your eyes, and take some deep breaths - you're whole chest can really begin to open here.

Not familiar with yoga blocks? These foam, cork, or wooden blocks are handy tools often used to modify more challenging yoga poses. A foam or cork block works especially well for supported bridge pose as they're a bit softer on the sacrum. I just invested in a couple foam blocks to complement my practice at home, and found some good quality, inexpensive options on Amazon. I recommend going for blocks that are 4" x 6" x 9" - the 3" blocks tend to be too narrow for my liking. Of course, if you don't have a yoga block and want to try out supported bridge, a strategically placed chapter book or two can give you the same idea.

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Lazy Sunday: Philosophizing

I just finished a great book called Socrates Cafe by Christopher Phillips and it's had me feeling especially philosophical all weekend. The book recreates dialogues from Socratic inquiry discussions Phillips has facilitated in cafes, assisted living homes, elementary schools, and prisons around the country, along with his own reflections and fitting bios and anecdotes of philosophers past and present. Anyone ready to bring a deeper level of inquiry and curiosity into their own life can channel their inner Socrates by asking questions, and more questions, and still more questions... For example, in one senior center a participant asked the question, what is home? The questioning went from there - When is one most at home? Is home a physical location only? Can a person have more than one home? Can you return home? Can one be without a home?

Phillips wraps up the book by quoting from Socrates's Apology - an excerpt I think fits quite well given the current state of US affairs: "As long as I breathe and have the strength to go on, I won't quit philosophizing... Esteemed friend, citizen of Athens, the greatest city in the world, so outstanding in both intelligence and power, aren't you ashamed to care so much to make all the money you can, and to advance your reputation and prestige - while for truth and wisdom and the improvement of your soul you have no care or worry?"

The Street Sailor

It is incredibly windy in Boston today, but the wind brings with it one of my favorite characters of the city - the street sailor. Perhaps one of the things I love most about living in the same place for a while is that you get familiar with the cast of "strangers" you see on a regular basis - the guy with the paw-print tattoos I always seem to spot on the T, the woman with silver hair who faithfully walks her tiny white dog on Newbury Street every Saturday, the young woman eternally studying at the library as I browse the latest nonfiction arrivals.

The street sailor is no exception. Flying across Copley Square on his homemade, wind-powered scooter, it's impossible to not brighten up at the sight of him. I have no idea what his name is, what his occupation might be, or even how many years he has under his belt (he moves too quickly to tell), but I am always heartened to see him, skillfully gliding his Razor through the crowds of people milling about. He's out in rare form today - I caught him balancing his entire contraption on his chin for the benefit of a few young boys who looked on in awe.

Relaxing Yoga Poses: Legs Up The Wall (part 2)

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I mentioned in my first post about relaxing yoga poses that there are many time-tested positions that calm both the body and mind. Legs Up The Wall is another relaxing pose that offers a gentle stretch, reduces stress, and re-ups your energy. The pose itself is as self-explanitory as it sounds - start by sitting on the floor directly next to a wall and swing your legs up so that they rest - slightly bent - against the wall as you lower your torso onto the floor. You will end up lying perpendicular to the wall as the photos show. You can place a pillow under your back or hips to make the pose more comfortable, and might experiment with moving your hips closer to the wall or further away depending on the flexibility of your legs. You might let your arms rest out to the side, palms open to the sky, or bring your arms up over your head to gain a side-body stretch.

Whatever variation of Legs Up The Wall you choose, you'll gain the benefits of this leisurely inversion, such as stretching the backs of the legs, relieving swollen or tired legs, ankles, and feet, and flooding the body with energy. For maximum impact, enjoy the posture for about 5 to 10 minutes. Close your eyes, keeping the back of your neck flat on the floor, and breathe down deeply into your belly as you feel the tension melt out your body.

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Sewing Projects

As you may recall from a previous post, I'm an advocate of adult education courses. My most recent conquest, "Sewing for Beginners", was a total blast - and my efforts yielded some fabulous creations too. Our class of 10 learned all about threading, backstitching, interfacing and more. Fueled by clementines, peanut butter sandwiches, and Arcade Fire, we spent two Saturdays crafting ruffled aprons and pleated shoulder bags and laughing about the rookie mistakes we endured along the way. I'm already excited about what I'll stitch up next...

A shot of my ruffled apron - the pattern we used was definitely intended for a shorter person, but it's definitely the kind of apron you put on for serving food... not so much cooking it.

The inside of the pleated shoulder bag - I couldn't resist the green polkadot fabric (purchased at Grey's Fabric and Notions, you must check this place out if you're near Boston).

Lazy Sunday: Winter Walkabout

It's cold, it's grey, and spring is no where in sight - but fighting cabin fever is not optional, it's a must. Download a few interesting podcasts or some new tunes and pop on some headphones, wrap up in a warm colorful coat (everyone could use a cheery sight), strap on some weather-impervious boots capable of slip-free ice trekking, cover your mitts with fingerless gloves (no need to take them off should you stop for a warming beverage along the way), and top it all off with a knitted cupcake hat (I actually have this one thanks to my fantastic boyfriend)! You my friend are ready to beat cabin fever in style. Once you're thoroughly exhausted from walking about in the brisk air, enjoy some hot chocolate and relish in your conquer of the winter chill.