The simple things bring a smile to my face...
I enjoy the movies! Watching on Netflix and attending in the theatre. I realize that some may think it's a waste of time but it's nice to have something to laugh or cry with and relate to. Movies can take you places you've never been before. See sights that you've never seen before and help you dream of the places that you will eventually travel to! Goodness, I watched 'Under the Tuscan Sun' when it came out and then started planning my trip to Sicily and Italy. One of the best trips I've ever been on!
If you don't have time to read the book, watch the movie. If you have a cause that you support or deeply believe in, watch the documentary and share it with others. Want to have a more in depth view of what's going on in other places of the world, watch a foreign film. I enjoy them all!
I'm writing this as I'm watching the Oscars tonight. I enjoy seeing everyone dressed up and celebrating. I did my own celebrating this evening by having a glass of Pink Champagne and some artisan pizza. Simple, but nice. Last weekend I went to Old Town Fort Collins at the Lyric Cinema and watched the Oscar Shorts films that were nominated. They were great! Today I went back to the Lyric and watched 'The Artist'. Excellent movie! I always enjoy a vanilla bubble tea while there. It's a must to try at least once if you've never had one. The Lyric is a unique viewing experience in and of itself with couches and old movie seats. They have wine and cheese plates, various baked goods, teas, etc.
So, why wait to celebrate a special occasion while you can create one yourself? Life is what you make it! If a movie can move you or touch your heart, then watch it. If watching the Oscars, sipping Pink Champagne brings a smile to your face, then do it.
Much Love,
Robin
Sunday, February 26, 2012
Thursday, December 29, 2011
The Most Wonderful Body Therapy Experience - WATSU
Happy New Year!
I hope everybody had a Merry Christmas celebrating with friends and family. Hoping JOY, PEACE, LOVE and ABUNDANCE into your lives for 2012 and for the years to come!!!
In water, without the restrictions of gravity or the physical limitations of solid surfaces, your body has the freedom to move in ways impossible to duplicate on land. As tight muscles release and thoughts slow down, you become deeply relaxed.
Watsu is based on the healing principles of Zen Shiatsu. This ancient Japanese practice uses pressure points, stretches, and gentle twists to balance energy in the body. Flowing movements and soothing bodywork are woven into a healing "dance" as you are floated, stretched, and cradled in warm water."
I believe that some things happen in life for a reason without not necessarily knowing why at first. On the 12th of December I locked my keys in my Tundra when I was at Whole Foods after Pilates. I didn't realize it until I went to check out. Funny thing is my father added me to their AAA plan just the week before so I called and got it arranged for them to come unlock my door. :) I stood and waited for awhile and then asked if they had somewhere to sit down being that I wasn't very familiar with the Tulsa store. So I sat in their lunch/coffee area by the window and looked out waiting for the guy to arrive.
Tracy, a friend of mine that I had not seen since 1999, just happened to be going out the door by my table. I called her name and we got to visit for a few minutes. She's learning massage and needed new people to work on so we exchanged our business cards. I received an excellent massage from Tracy and her instructor Rick on Monday and learned of WATSU that same day. Rick said that we should try WATSU and so we both received a free session Wednesday night.
It was simply beautiful! To have the freedom and movement in the water, to have someone guiding you through each movement and then the rest of your body following along. At one moment I felt I was dancing and another I wasn't thinking about anything but just allowing my body to move with the flow of the water. I felt my spine adjust and tight muscles release. The relaxing music added to the entire experience as well! I think everyone should experience WATSU! I simply don't know how to describe any better than it was beautiful, relaxing, freeing, liberating, peaceful, comforting, etc... If you feel you may not be comfortable with someone holding you in the water, then ask if you can come watch a session first.
To learn more about WATSU:
National certification as a Watsu practitioner requires 550 hours of technical aquatic training. Also required for certification are classes in Zen Shiatsu, anatomy, physiology, principles of body mechanics and movement, and professional ethics. For more information visit: www.watsu.com
If you are in the Tulsa area contact Rick Muratet at 918.629.2167. He works out of the Siegfried Health Club at St. John Medical Center-1819 E. 19th St., Tulsa, OK. His fee is $65.00 per hour. I have a pdf file of his brochure that I can forward as well. It was nice to be there again as my last position at St. John was in 1993 at the health club in Therapeutic Exercise Services.
My situation is not ideal at this time but I am open to giving and receiving what is out there! In a previous blog I had mentioned I'm not quite sure what I'm going to create with my situation. One is the benefit of spending more time with my family. The other is that I'm working with Karen at Total Pilates in Brookside once a week and she's been great! Because I locked my keys in my truck that day, it allowed the time for me to hang out at Whole Foods and run into Tracy. If Pilates had not happend that day I would not have been at Whole Foods. I'm sure you're getting the picture. So now I've re-kindled an old friendship, made a new friend and experienced WATSU. So I feel amazing and have a smile on my face and am grateful for the blessings in my life!
Regardless of your circumstances are you OPEN to giving and receiving goodness into your life?
Much Love to you all,
Robin
BENEFITS of WATSU
• Deep relaxation
• Increased body awareness
• Improved postural alignment and breathing
• Improved range of motion, muscle tone and circulation
• Calmer mind
• Reduced muscle tension
• Reduced symptoms of chronic stress
• Lower blood pressure
• Facilitated recovery of emotional issues
CONDITIONS RESPONSIVE TO WATSU
(May be subject to doctor’s approval)
• Rehabilitation from sport injuries including muscular strain, sprains, stress fractures or surgery
• Occupational/over-use syndromes
• Chronic pain including headaches
• Chronic fatigue and sleeping problems
• Fibromyalgia
• Stress and anxiety related disorders
• Neuromuscular disorders
• Breast cancer rehabilitation
• Stroke
• Pregnancy
I hope everybody had a Merry Christmas celebrating with friends and family. Hoping JOY, PEACE, LOVE and ABUNDANCE into your lives for 2012 and for the years to come!!!
I have to share with you the most wonderful body therapy experience I've ever had in my life! It's called: WATSU - aquatic body work.
"Watsu Aquatic Bodywork embraces the therapeutic value of a warm water environment – taking full advantage of its natural healing properties. During a Watsu you experience secure support, effortless movement, and the gentle resistance of warm water.
In water, without the restrictions of gravity or the physical limitations of solid surfaces, your body has the freedom to move in ways impossible to duplicate on land. As tight muscles release and thoughts slow down, you become deeply relaxed.
Watsu is based on the healing principles of Zen Shiatsu. This ancient Japanese practice uses pressure points, stretches, and gentle twists to balance energy in the body. Flowing movements and soothing bodywork are woven into a healing "dance" as you are floated, stretched, and cradled in warm water."
I believe that some things happen in life for a reason without not necessarily knowing why at first. On the 12th of December I locked my keys in my Tundra when I was at Whole Foods after Pilates. I didn't realize it until I went to check out. Funny thing is my father added me to their AAA plan just the week before so I called and got it arranged for them to come unlock my door. :) I stood and waited for awhile and then asked if they had somewhere to sit down being that I wasn't very familiar with the Tulsa store. So I sat in their lunch/coffee area by the window and looked out waiting for the guy to arrive.
Tracy, a friend of mine that I had not seen since 1999, just happened to be going out the door by my table. I called her name and we got to visit for a few minutes. She's learning massage and needed new people to work on so we exchanged our business cards. I received an excellent massage from Tracy and her instructor Rick on Monday and learned of WATSU that same day. Rick said that we should try WATSU and so we both received a free session Wednesday night.
It was simply beautiful! To have the freedom and movement in the water, to have someone guiding you through each movement and then the rest of your body following along. At one moment I felt I was dancing and another I wasn't thinking about anything but just allowing my body to move with the flow of the water. I felt my spine adjust and tight muscles release. The relaxing music added to the entire experience as well! I think everyone should experience WATSU! I simply don't know how to describe any better than it was beautiful, relaxing, freeing, liberating, peaceful, comforting, etc... If you feel you may not be comfortable with someone holding you in the water, then ask if you can come watch a session first.
To learn more about WATSU:
WABA – WORLDWIDE AQUATIC
BODYWORK ASSOCIATION
If you are in the Tulsa area contact Rick Muratet at 918.629.2167. He works out of the Siegfried Health Club at St. John Medical Center-1819 E. 19th St., Tulsa, OK. His fee is $65.00 per hour. I have a pdf file of his brochure that I can forward as well. It was nice to be there again as my last position at St. John was in 1993 at the health club in Therapeutic Exercise Services.
My situation is not ideal at this time but I am open to giving and receiving what is out there! In a previous blog I had mentioned I'm not quite sure what I'm going to create with my situation. One is the benefit of spending more time with my family. The other is that I'm working with Karen at Total Pilates in Brookside once a week and she's been great! Because I locked my keys in my truck that day, it allowed the time for me to hang out at Whole Foods and run into Tracy. If Pilates had not happend that day I would not have been at Whole Foods. I'm sure you're getting the picture. So now I've re-kindled an old friendship, made a new friend and experienced WATSU. So I feel amazing and have a smile on my face and am grateful for the blessings in my life!
Regardless of your circumstances are you OPEN to giving and receiving goodness into your life?
Much Love to you all,
Robin
BENEFITS of WATSU
• Deep relaxation
• Increased body awareness
• Improved postural alignment and breathing
• Improved range of motion, muscle tone and circulation
• Calmer mind
• Reduced muscle tension
• Reduced symptoms of chronic stress
• Lower blood pressure
• Facilitated recovery of emotional issues
CONDITIONS RESPONSIVE TO WATSU
(May be subject to doctor’s approval)
• Rehabilitation from sport injuries including muscular strain, sprains, stress fractures or surgery
• Occupational/over-use syndromes
• Chronic pain including headaches
• Chronic fatigue and sleeping problems
• Fibromyalgia
• Stress and anxiety related disorders
• Neuromuscular disorders
• Breast cancer rehabilitation
• Stroke
• Pregnancy
Wednesday, November 16, 2011
Acorn Squash and Mango Soup
ACORN SQUASH and MANGO SOUP
Serves: 7
Ingredients:
1 Tbs Organic Coconut Oil (may add more if needed)
2 Acorn Squash
2 Mangos peeled and cut in strips and then smaller pieces
1/2 organic onion (or whole onion)
5 organic celery stocks
5 organic carrots
4 cups organic vegetable broth
1/4 - 1/2 cup unsweetened vanilla almond milk
2 cloves of garlic
Season to taste with:
celtic sea salt (light gray) can be purchased at a health food store
pepper
chili powder
garlic powder
paprika
cinnamon
Cut acorn squash in half and set seeds aside. Place on a baking sheet flesh side down and cook for 30 minutes on 375. Melt 1 Tbs organic coconut oil in soup pot. Place chopped: onion, celery, carrots & mangos in pot until onion is translucent. While veggies are sauteing put spices in according to taste except for cinnamon. Pour vegetable broth over veggies and let simmer for 20 minutes after coming to a boil.
Remove squash from oven and scrape out of shell. Place in pot and cook for an additional 5 minutes. Using a slotted spoon remove contents a little at a time from pot and place in blender until smooth & poor back into pot. (This will take 4 - 5 times) It's ok to have some pieces that did not get ground up. Pour in 1/2 cup of filtered water in mixture if too thick. Add cinnamon to taste. If you desire creaminess, pour 1/4 cup + almond milk into soup gradually.
To roast the seeds: Rinse the seeds and allow them to dry. You can pat them dry but I find that allowing them to dry naturally makes the roasting better. On a parchment-lined baking pan, spread the seeds out. Sprinkle with celtic sea salt and drizzle with coconut oil or butter. Bake at 350° for 10 min or until they begin to brown or become fragrant.
To serve, pour soup into bowl. I put 2 small scoops of heated organic black beans for extra protein in the middle of the bowl and garnished with the roasted seeds and sliced pear. Most people may not want to eat the shells but it doesn't bother me.
A nice wine pairing would be Pinot Grigio to bring out the crispness of the pear and mango.
Enjoy!
Note: I choose to cook with organic coconut oil because when heated it does not oxidize and turn into free radicals which can damage your body. I love organic extra virgin olive oil but only use it for salads and dipping bread because it will oxidize when heated.
HAPPY FALL
Much Love,
Robin
Serves: 7
Ingredients:
1 Tbs Organic Coconut Oil (may add more if needed)
2 Acorn Squash
2 Mangos peeled and cut in strips and then smaller pieces
1/2 organic onion (or whole onion)
5 organic celery stocks
5 organic carrots
4 cups organic vegetable broth
1/4 - 1/2 cup unsweetened vanilla almond milk
2 cloves of garlic
Season to taste with:
celtic sea salt (light gray) can be purchased at a health food store
pepper
chili powder
garlic powder
paprika
cinnamon
Cut acorn squash in half and set seeds aside. Place on a baking sheet flesh side down and cook for 30 minutes on 375. Melt 1 Tbs organic coconut oil in soup pot. Place chopped: onion, celery, carrots & mangos in pot until onion is translucent. While veggies are sauteing put spices in according to taste except for cinnamon. Pour vegetable broth over veggies and let simmer for 20 minutes after coming to a boil.
Remove squash from oven and scrape out of shell. Place in pot and cook for an additional 5 minutes. Using a slotted spoon remove contents a little at a time from pot and place in blender until smooth & poor back into pot. (This will take 4 - 5 times) It's ok to have some pieces that did not get ground up. Pour in 1/2 cup of filtered water in mixture if too thick. Add cinnamon to taste. If you desire creaminess, pour 1/4 cup + almond milk into soup gradually.
To roast the seeds: Rinse the seeds and allow them to dry. You can pat them dry but I find that allowing them to dry naturally makes the roasting better. On a parchment-lined baking pan, spread the seeds out. Sprinkle with celtic sea salt and drizzle with coconut oil or butter. Bake at 350° for 10 min or until they begin to brown or become fragrant.
To serve, pour soup into bowl. I put 2 small scoops of heated organic black beans for extra protein in the middle of the bowl and garnished with the roasted seeds and sliced pear. Most people may not want to eat the shells but it doesn't bother me.
A nice wine pairing would be Pinot Grigio to bring out the crispness of the pear and mango.
Enjoy!
Note: I choose to cook with organic coconut oil because when heated it does not oxidize and turn into free radicals which can damage your body. I love organic extra virgin olive oil but only use it for salads and dipping bread because it will oxidize when heated.
HAPPY FALL
Much Love,
Robin
Tuesday, November 15, 2011
With FALL comes Change
Fall is my favorite season of the year although it never really last very long in CO as the snow comes early. What does Fall represent to you? I like the warmth of vibrant colors of leaves and the crispness in the air. Time to pull out your favorite sweater, go on walks on trails with fallen leaves, eat apple crisp and watch football!
Fall has also been a time of change for me. In October of 1999 I left OK pulling a u-haul trailer behind my Mercury Cougar and headed to CO excited to what was ahead of me. I grew up going to the mountains of CO for one week every August with my church youth group and it was called 'Youth Quake'. It started in 1978 and they are still going every year. Youth Quake and CO really made an impact on me and I felt more alive in the trees and the mountains than anywhere else. For those of you that know me understand that I love cruises for the fun, food, adventure and the beauty of the ocean but my heart remains true to CO.
On Nov. 4th I left CO and moved back to OK into my parents home due to not being able to find full time work. 12 years is a long time to live in a place where I always wanted to be but didn't get to for various reasons until I was 31. I finally got there! To come back was not a part of the plan except for visits to see my family. So it's rather obvious to everyone around me that I'm facing this with much resistance.
I am the only one that can change my outlook on my situation. What can I create from this? I'm not quite sure yet... BUT I do know that I first have to start with the attitude of gratitude. I am thankful that I have parents that love me and took me back into their home as an adult. I'm also thankful that I get to spend more time with them and my extended family. Although not all of my experiences in CO were great I am thankful for the people that I met that impacted my life and for the opportunities I had. How many people get to live in a ski town for 10 years at over 8,000 feet?
If you've read/watched my previous blogs you'll see me in the garden in Fort Collins. I got to garden for the first time in my adult life! I was introduced to Klemmer and Associates via a Bible study in which I met so many amazing people! I was in a wonderful neighborhood in Fort Collins that really made me feel welcomed. (I miss you guys!) I got great care at Big Toe Pilate's Studio and Spine Correction Center of the Rockies while in Fort Collins, Dr. Joel Berenbeim, D.O. in Denver over the last 9 years, David Siegfried @ Moutainland Physical Therapy in Granby & Kami Filiatrault for massage and Pilates in Winter Park. I had a great team and I am so thankful for your care!
We go through different seasons in life sometimes not understanding why they have to end and new ones begin. I am asking for your prayers during this transition. I am excited about my future and a little scared at the same time. I'm still looking for jobs in the FC and Denver areas and have started looking in the Tulsa area since I'm living in Owasso now.
I've attached some pictures from my fall harvest! Tomorrow I will post a recipe for Acorn Squash and Mango soup. It turned out great!
Much Love,
Robin
Fall has also been a time of change for me. In October of 1999 I left OK pulling a u-haul trailer behind my Mercury Cougar and headed to CO excited to what was ahead of me. I grew up going to the mountains of CO for one week every August with my church youth group and it was called 'Youth Quake'. It started in 1978 and they are still going every year. Youth Quake and CO really made an impact on me and I felt more alive in the trees and the mountains than anywhere else. For those of you that know me understand that I love cruises for the fun, food, adventure and the beauty of the ocean but my heart remains true to CO.
On Nov. 4th I left CO and moved back to OK into my parents home due to not being able to find full time work. 12 years is a long time to live in a place where I always wanted to be but didn't get to for various reasons until I was 31. I finally got there! To come back was not a part of the plan except for visits to see my family. So it's rather obvious to everyone around me that I'm facing this with much resistance.
I am the only one that can change my outlook on my situation. What can I create from this? I'm not quite sure yet... BUT I do know that I first have to start with the attitude of gratitude. I am thankful that I have parents that love me and took me back into their home as an adult. I'm also thankful that I get to spend more time with them and my extended family. Although not all of my experiences in CO were great I am thankful for the people that I met that impacted my life and for the opportunities I had. How many people get to live in a ski town for 10 years at over 8,000 feet?
If you've read/watched my previous blogs you'll see me in the garden in Fort Collins. I got to garden for the first time in my adult life! I was introduced to Klemmer and Associates via a Bible study in which I met so many amazing people! I was in a wonderful neighborhood in Fort Collins that really made me feel welcomed. (I miss you guys!) I got great care at Big Toe Pilate's Studio and Spine Correction Center of the Rockies while in Fort Collins, Dr. Joel Berenbeim, D.O. in Denver over the last 9 years, David Siegfried @ Moutainland Physical Therapy in Granby & Kami Filiatrault for massage and Pilates in Winter Park. I had a great team and I am so thankful for your care!
We go through different seasons in life sometimes not understanding why they have to end and new ones begin. I am asking for your prayers during this transition. I am excited about my future and a little scared at the same time. I'm still looking for jobs in the FC and Denver areas and have started looking in the Tulsa area since I'm living in Owasso now.
I've attached some pictures from my fall harvest! Tomorrow I will post a recipe for Acorn Squash and Mango soup. It turned out great!
Much Love,
Robin
Saturday, October 29, 2011
Where's my TOYS??
If you own a dog then you'll understand how crazy we can be about our four legged friends! They are family. They are pure joy and offer unconditional love... So, I have to admit that I talk kind of different to Cheyenne at times but it's all in fun. According to Caeser they're not supposed to be like children but if you've never had a child, well...
Today Miss Cheyenne got a bath. All of her bedding and toys got washed as well. She always watches me with such intent as I'm gathering them all up. She sees them going in the washer and into the dryer. Today she stood outside the door for awhile as if she was keeping watch. I told her to go on downstairs.
No kidding. As soon as the dryer stopped she ran upstairs and stood by the door again. I normally don't pay attention but today she got me so I decided to have a little fun with her. Check out the pics below and I've also attached a short video as well. I hope she brings a smile to your face!!! She is such a good girl!
Much Love,
Robin & Cheyenne
http://youtu.be/zmk0pLNfKeI
Today Miss Cheyenne got a bath. All of her bedding and toys got washed as well. She always watches me with such intent as I'm gathering them all up. She sees them going in the washer and into the dryer. Today she stood outside the door for awhile as if she was keeping watch. I told her to go on downstairs.
No kidding. As soon as the dryer stopped she ran upstairs and stood by the door again. I normally don't pay attention but today she got me so I decided to have a little fun with her. Check out the pics below and I've also attached a short video as well. I hope she brings a smile to your face!!! She is such a good girl!
Much Love,
Robin & Cheyenne
http://youtu.be/zmk0pLNfKeI
Wednesday, October 26, 2011
1st SNOW of the season!
Just wanted to share with you the first snow of the season! The forecast originally said 4 - 8 inches total for the storm that started last night. Now they are saying 8 - 16 inches total. It's supposed to be in the 60's and sunny this w/end! I'll be posting in the next few days some Fall harvest pictures.
Enjoy the day and the snow!!
Much Love,
Robin
Enjoy the day and the snow!!
Much Love,
Robin
Monday, September 12, 2011
The Power of Kindness
I hope that you were able to watch some of the memorial ceremonies for 9/11. I watched the Shankville, PA memorial over the Internet on Saturday. It was wonderful... I got up early to watch the program with Brian Williams on Sunday morning in NY, the Pentagon and PA. All were very moving.
Do you remember 10 years ago how people were towards each other after 9/11? They wanted to help more, be a better neighbor, daughter, son, brother, sister, husband, wife and friend. People pulled together to help one another. None of us have forgotten about that horrific day but I do believe that once a tragedy passes that over time everyone gets back into their normal way of life. Which is good; however, the simple kindnesses should still be present. The way you express your love to your family and friends should still be prevalent and having a loving and giving heart to those in need.
The people of the US pull together when hurricanes, tornadoes and other tragedies strike as a whole. Do not forget the simple acts of kindness right in your own home, office, neighborhood, church etc. You may have no idea of how your smile or kind word may change someone else's life. You may ask yourself how can I make a difference? Well, simple acts of kindness that are sincere & from the heart without expecting anything else in return. Here's great video that sums it all up.
http://www.powerofkindnessmovie.com/?cm_mmc=CheetahMail-_-MO-_-09.12.11-_-TPOKmovie&utm_source=CheetahMail&utm_campaign=TPOKmovie
Much Love,
Robin
Do you remember 10 years ago how people were towards each other after 9/11? They wanted to help more, be a better neighbor, daughter, son, brother, sister, husband, wife and friend. People pulled together to help one another. None of us have forgotten about that horrific day but I do believe that once a tragedy passes that over time everyone gets back into their normal way of life. Which is good; however, the simple kindnesses should still be present. The way you express your love to your family and friends should still be prevalent and having a loving and giving heart to those in need.
The people of the US pull together when hurricanes, tornadoes and other tragedies strike as a whole. Do not forget the simple acts of kindness right in your own home, office, neighborhood, church etc. You may have no idea of how your smile or kind word may change someone else's life. You may ask yourself how can I make a difference? Well, simple acts of kindness that are sincere & from the heart without expecting anything else in return. Here's great video that sums it all up.
http://www.powerofkindnessmovie.com/?cm_mmc=CheetahMail-_-MO-_-09.12.11-_-TPOKmovie&utm_source=CheetahMail&utm_campaign=TPOKmovie
Much Love,
Robin
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