Someone's Got Talent

Andrew is the ceramicist behind these creations...

Now you may be able to anticipate future gifts in years to come.

Summer Loving Had Me a Blast

One highlight of working downtown all summer long was spending my lunch hour at the beach. I slipped a bathing suit top on under my clothes, kicked off my work shoes and rolled up my pants so I could dip my toes in the cold California sea. The warmth of the sun, the sound of the waves, and the smell of the ocean air relaxed and recharged me and made me a better teacher.
Fresh picked goodies from the garden. I successful grew a whole head of garlic from one little clove! Digging up bulbs is like digging for treasure.
My friends. I am grateful to have a solid group of quality friends in Santa Barbara.

I Modonnari, The Italian Street Painting festival at the SB Mission.

Getting my hippie on at the annual Summer Solstice parade which was hot, hot, hot.

What were the highlights of your summer?

I heart Yoga

 
Photographing Happy Buddha in Makawao, on Maui

Practicing yoga has been on my to-do list for years. I took "gymnastics" as a child, which was actually just some muddy footed country kids doing yoga stetches and somersaults in our neighbor's racquetball court. Then I had a brief love affair with hot Bikram yoga one summer on Maui while home from college. And since then it has only been in the few minutes I spend stretching after gym workouts that I strike a pose (rarely).

I've been taking 2 to 3 classes a week. I doubt I'd be as content/happy/balanced as I've been without it. The job I'm working this summer is pretty intense. High-needs tiny little kids in the poorest neighborhood in the area. The external rewards (money, positive leadership, morale) are limited but the teaching part, the actual connection with kids is powerful and worthwhile.

Before I start spewing sobs stories about life in the ghetto, I'll share some positive aspects of my yoga experience this summer:

*One class I go to plays really fun music in creative ways. We dance freely for a few minutes. It's extremely popular with around 50 people squeeze in until our mats are practically touching. The teacher has a humble sort of charisma that reminds me of John Cusack.

*I can suddenly do half-moon-pose after six weeks of falling down. My strength and balance are returning which make me think I'll be able to at least pretend to surf with my sister in Hawaii (soon!)

*I've lost weight without trying/keeping track/ or strapping myself to an exercise machine. A welcome surprise. My fat pants are falling off and my snug clothes are comfy again. hooray!

*I see the slightest suggestion of muscles on my body. Wow. I'm on my way to two-pack abs.

*My mind is clear and I feel a warm happy glow (endorphins?) which make me less likely to call my sisters/cousin/neighbors and rant about erroneous parking tickets, skunk attacks, social injustice, etc.

*My regular yoga teacher has given me prayer beads from India, vegan chocolate, and lots of compliments. Did you know I have open hips?

*I'm learning to train my unruly mind with meditation. Being aware of my breath is helping me at least recognize the path to being a calmer and more present person.

*Free tea.

Anyway, I strongly recommend it.

Growin' Thangs

I may have posted a picture of an artichoke bloom before--but, I grew this one myself. They are a creative addition to funky/fun flower arrangements.

Pumpkins in July--say what? These sweet little sugar pumpkins were happy surprises. Pumpkin seeds from last fall managed to sneak their way into my beds through my compost. YUM.

Sprouted potatoes off the kitchen counter are now planted in my accidental potato patch.
Tomatoes galore. I was admiring the bubbles on these sweet little cherries and gave them a photo op. My favorites are the little orange sungolds tomatoes.
We took the kids in my class to Butterflies Alive at the Natural History Museum. Sixteen preschoolers were astonished by the thousands of butterflies enjoying nectar rich goodies. I have to say, I am a lot happier working. Most days confirm the decision I made to be a teacher.

My San Francisco Treat

Last month, before our hectic summer schedules begans, we took a road trip up to the Bay Area. I am not a city girl at all, but I think San Francisco is truly my favorite big city.
Up near John Muir Redwoods... I hadn't known such rugged outdoor perfection was just across the Golden Gate bridge.

I started off the trip with a few days in Palo Alto, bonding with my little cousins.

Cool pictures Andrew took while we played at the very hands-on Exploratorium Museum. Gotta get some science/education in on vacation, right?
I have many more wonderful pictures from this trip that intend to post one of these days. I have less than a month until I'm Hawaii-bound. Travel always begets more travel.

100th Post

Magical, mythical, marvelous...

I went sailing with three rugged pirates yesterday (one being my dad). They picked me up in a dinghy on a nearby beach and we headed down the coast. Ten hours later, due to light winds, we docked in Ventura.

Dolphins swam along side the boat and seals waved to us with their flippers. Sailing is so peaceful, with no engine rumbling or diesel smells. Just the sound and smell of the sea.

We drove back late. A skunk was waiting for me as I turned into the stairs to my house. I got sprayed right in the face!
Gross.

There are no skunks in Hawaii.

Hi Friends

My computer is back from the shop.
Someday soon I will straighten out the internet situation.

Right now I am on a five minute internet break at a coffee shop to update y'all.

June was great! I missed the internets but it was probably a healthy break from screen time.

I am working long hours with preschoolers, which I enjoy most days. Very entertaining. And exhausting or energizing, depending on the day/moment.

I have taken up yoga and go practice at a studio a few days a week after work. I am hooked.

We are going to Hawaii for nearly a month in late August. The islands are calling. I am far less homesick in Cali than I was in Oregon but now that I have a plane ticket I am feeling those pangs.

I eat mounds of squash out of the garden every day. Want some?

Love,

Emily