Monday, December 31, 2007

Happy New Year 2008!



HIGHTLIGHTS OF 2007
  • Having Doug's mother, Katie, in close proximity
  • Attaining Apprentice Teacher/Level 1 with the Ron Fletcher Program Of Study, completing comprehensive study with the Pilates Conservatory
  • Unity Church Of Practical Christianity membership and service
  • Unity Women's Retreat in Leakey, TX
  • Finding a Pilates home at Studio C with Jean, Dana and Roseanna
  • Doug's induction as a Trustee of the Riot Relief Fund, NYC
  • Girls Weekend in the Hamptons with Heather, Shelly and Jessica
  • Reunion with Naples Pilates gang
  • Doug's 60th, Jessica's 25th, Frank's 50th, Smith-Conner wedding
POSSIBILITIES FOR 2008
  • Study another language
  • 4 - 6 wk vacation in the summer
  • New Year's in Australia
  • Build my Pilates clientele and Pilates For Stylists
  • More time at home
READING IN 2007
  • Buddha, A Story Of Enlightenment - Chopra
  • Happiness For Two - Stoddard
  • SuperFoods Healthy Lifestyle - Pratt
  • Barefoot Contessa At Home - Garten
  • Fat, Broke And Lonely No More - Moran
  • Return To Life - Pilates
  • The Husband - Koontz
  • Can't Wait To Get To Heaven - Flagg
  • Blink - Gladwell
  • Bless His Heart - Ford
  • Mysteries Of The Middle Ages - Cahill
  • Whitehorn Woods - Binchy
  • If Democrats Had Any Brains, They Would Be Republicans - Coulter
  • Power To The People - Ingraham
  • The Secret - Bryne
  • The Princess And The Pea - Child
  • You Are Your Choices - Stoddard
  • Manual For Living - Epictetus
WATCHING In 2007
  • Rome
  • Keeping Mum
  • No Reservations
  • The Secret
  • Journeyman
  • The Impressionists - BBC/Netflix
  • House Of Cards - BBC/Netflix
  • Enchanted
  • Next Food Network Star
  • Cirque De Soleil
  • Boynton Beach Club
  • Miss Potter
  • Curse Of The Golden Flower
LISTENING in 2007
  • Seal IV - Seal
  • Wreck Of The Day - Annie Nalick
  • All The Right Reasons - Nickelback
  • Awake - Groban
  • BB King
  • Tony Bennet
  • Goo Goo Dolls

Sunday, December 30, 2007

Bells in Italy 12/07



Click on photos to enlarge!

It was a great experience to celebrate Christmas in Florence this year. There were no crowds to fight, prices were a bit more reasonable and the Florentines were especially friendly. There really aren't many places you can witness Christmas Mass as it has been done since the 1400s or Santa (Babbo Natale) piloting a gondola!

A few places we enjoyed in particular this trip in Florence...

Hotel Savoy
The staff treated us as if we were visiting their homes. Our room had a view of the Duomo. The Savoy sits on the corner of the Piazza della Republicca, which is in the center of historic Florence. The lounge played American Christmas standards as well as chill/ambient music. There was a great internet connection in the basement. The food was delicious. The hotel is owned by the Rocco Forte hotel group. We will definitely look to stay at other properties such as the one opening next year in Prague.

Trattoria Gabriello From the Piazza Repubblicca, head east on Via Porta Rossa , which becomes Via Condotta. Restaurant is #54, 055/2102098. You must have the Ribollita, a tuscan bean and cabbage stew thickened with day old bread.

Trattoria Antellesi
via Faenza 9, 055/216990. In the area of the San Lorenzo cathedral and the Mercato Centrale. Our favorite dish this time was beef tips slow cooked in tomatoes and wine, known as Stracotto.

Trattoria Bordino
Via Straccieatella, 9, 055/213048. After crossing the Ponte Vecchio heading south, you make the second left. It's hidden a bit in a neighborhood. We have always gone at lunch and had the Bistecca alla Florentine. Perfect when in the vicinity of the Pitti Palace and Boboli Gardens. Very reasonably priced.

Harry's Bar
Perhaps its a cliche but we made our first visit this time. I love the one in the Sherry Netherland on Central Park/5th Ave. This did not disappoint. We had a late supper after walking from our hotel along the waterfront. We started with the customary Bellini. They also make excellent wine recommendations.

Boboli Gardens
These gardens are a not to be missed activity for us. We spent a majority of our time walking the most southern part of the gardens, where we discovered many covered arched paths. It will be the coolest part of the gardens anytime of year.

Pineider
A stationer/cartolaio located on the Piazza della Signoria. They have been making some of Florence's finest papers since 1774.

Rivoire

Piazza Signoria. Renowned for their chocolates, we enjoyed our priciest cafe latte and dish of cookies here! Across the Piazza from the Ufizzi.



and in Rome...

Albergo del Senato
The hotel is located on the Piazza Rotunda, also known as the Pantheon. It's a lively piazza and ideally located to Piazza Navona and the Vatican. Consider yourself lucky to be served by Mauro.

L'Angoletto
Piazza Rondanini 51, 06/6868019. A block or so walk from the Pantheon. Fresh fish deliciously prepared. I highly recommend the Shrimp (Gamberi) Scampi, grilled Flounder (Dimenamento) or Mussels soup (Zuppa Cozze).

Jeff Blynn's
v Parioli, 06/8070444. While they feature good Italian cuisine, what I like is the fantastic American hamburger and french fries. In the summer, the patio is divine. North of the Borghese gardens, the via Veneto and Embassy area.

Our trip arrangements were made by a wonderful agent named Bestsy Patton at Betty McLean Travel. Betsy is recognized by Con de Nast as one of the Top 100 agents in the country and the agency is a Virtuoso member. We met her in Naples, however, she has planned two trips for us since relocating flawlessly. I highly recommend using Betsy. There is a nominal booking charge. She is the master at coming up with unique and memorable activities abroad. The guide she arranged for us was through the Arno Travel Agency, if you were to prefer dealing with them directly.

Tuesday, December 18, 2007

Buona Natale

Doug and I wish you all a Merry Christmas. We will be celebrating the holiday in Florence, Italy. Our hotel is on my favorite Italian piazza, Piazza della Repubblica, which is the scene of the town's Christmas tree and steps from the Duomo, where we will participate in Mass.

Ciao!




Saturday, December 15, 2007

Musashi's 9 Tenets

Japan's most famous Samurai is Musashi. He is believed to be one of the most skilled swordsmen in history. Musahsi's book on strategy, tactics and philosophy, entitled The Book Of 5 Rings, is studied by an unlikely combination of Humanities students, military cadets, martial arts enthusiasts and businessmen today. Musashi left his body peacefully one week after completing another volume, The Way Of Self Reliance in 1645 at age 62 (considerable for a warrior of his stature).

In the Book Of 5 Rings, he defined 9 principles...

Do not think dishonestly.

The Way is in the training.

Become acquainted with every art.

Know the ways of all professions.

Distinguish between gain and loss in worldly matters.

Develop intuitive judgement and understanding for everything.

Perceive those things which cannot be seen.

Pay attention even to trifles.

Do nothing which is of no use.

-Miyamoto Musashi


Musashi is one of the great men that my husband studies. Others include Gandhi, Founding Fathers such as Jefferson, Franklin and Payne, as well as modern men such as Deepak Chopra, Bruce Lee, the Dali Lama and his father, Chauncey Bell.

Since the first years of our being married, Doug has carried the 9 Tenets of Musashi with him in his planner. He speaks of them so often that I can recite several of them without having ever read Musashi's book. Doug refers most often to "Do not think dishonestly" and "Do nothing that is of no use". My friend, Michael Sullivan, has recently reminded me that the thoughts and movements of this martial arts Master are worth revisiting. My husband, Doug, is my inspiration and my teacher.






Tuesday, December 11, 2007

Pumpkin Pudding - SUPERFOOD Rx



Patty's Pumpkin Pudding was featured in Superfoods Rx by Dr. S.Pratt. It's as tasty as Pumpkin Pie without the offending crust and grams of sugar. A great way to get a serving of a healthy superfood this Christmas.


Ingredients:

  • 1/2 cup granulated sugar (I reduce to 1/3 of brown sugar or xylitol)
  • 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
  • 1/2 teaspoon salt
  • 1/4 teaspoon ground ginger
  • 1/4 teaspoon ground cloves
  • 2 large eggs
  • 1 can (15 oz.) pumpkin
  • 1 can (12 fl. oz.) evaporated milk
Directions:

PREHEAT oven to 350° F. Lightly grease 11 x 7-inch baking dish. ( I use a glass pie plate).

COMBINE sugar, cinnamon, salt, ginger and cloves in small bowl. Beat eggs in large bowl. Stir in pumpkin and sugar mixture. Gradually stir in evaporated milk. Pour into prepared baking dish.

BAKE for 40 minutes or until center is slightly wiggly. Do not overbake. Let cool on wire rack. Serve immediately or refrigerate.

Monday, December 10, 2007

Pilates Conservatory Completion

My classmates and I spent most of last week taking a variety of exams in our final unit of Pilates comprehensive study. I was fortunate to receive calls and emails from friends and family wishing me success.



This collage captures a few images of the week. You can see that we are an attractive bunch! Now we are good looking AND highly qualified. The Christmas card-like picture was taken from the window of Pat Guyton Pilates. Doug has been affectionately referring to us as the Pilates Mafia. He was quite thoughtful and brightened the day of all with a bouquet of beautiful flowers.

Now we all face the daunting task of preparing for our industry's national certification exam. But, in this moment, we have reached a place where we can pause in our journey and celebrate our accomplishment.

Saturday, November 24, 2007

Intrepid Fallen Heroes Fund

America's military is at war while its citizens are at the mall." -Ronald Winter

Doug and I are spending our holiday with daughter, Jessica, in Athens, GA. We were touched with the spirit of gratitude that is Thanksgiving as we witnessed Altanta give standing ovations to the soldiers assembling in the airport preparing for overseas deployment to war. The rest of us felt hassled by plane delays and crowds at the rental car counters so it was good to have things put in perspective. We arrived safely from our travels to enjoy a delicious meal Jessica had prepared for us. We said a prayer for the young men and women's safety at the airport and Doug said Grace over Thanksgiving dinner. We spoke about how fortunate we are, acknowledged how happy we feel.

As a family, we discussed again our desire to give money in honor of Christmas in ways that would be most meaningful for us. We have made several attempts to simplify holiday excess in the past. Last year, we proposed a family donation to a military charity in lieu of a gift exchange. Not everyone was excited to do so and we subcumbed to traditional gift giving and made a personal family gift. This year, we will find the courage of our convictions to do the right thing.

Our holiday dollars will go to the Fallen Heroes Fund . We will make donations in honor of our family and friends but will be refraining from gift exchanges except in a few circumstances. Knowing that there are family and friends who will still send a gift, we are looking for ways to donate these items to military families in need as well.

I have some truly poor relatives but my immediate family, extended family and our friends enjoy a life full of riches. We have comfortable homes, drive nice cars and take great vacations. I can't help but believe that the energy, time and money expended to express Chirstian love might be better if diverted to those most in need of benefits or most deserving of receiving.

Doug and I are usually partial to organizations that help children, particularly with regards to literacy and education. Yet with the state of the world, we recognize that our well being, our very way of life is secured everday by the ideals, work and sacrifice of America's Armed Services.

This holiday season, we will break from hindering observations and obligations to honor the Christ that lives in us as well as the people who ensure that we may practice our Christain beliefs without harm coming to us and our homeland.

May God bless America's Armed Services as He has blessed my family and our friends. While we have much to be thankful for this Thanksgiving, it is to them we are most grateful.



Arlington National Cemetery 2007

UPDATE: A reader named Rog alerted me to some questionable practices of our favorite military assistance charity, Salute Our Heroes. He forwarded an article from Forbes that outlined fund allocations we were not comfortable with. We have found a new organization, the Fallen Heroes Fund and I have revised this post to reflect this new course of action. We are most happy that 100% of the fund go to military personnel and veterans and all administrative costs are paid by Trustees.

Monday, November 12, 2007

In Gratitude To Veterans

Today I want to introduce you to a soldier and veteran that Doug now calls friend. His name is Brandon and he is currently serving in Afghanistan in the Army.

I have not had the pleasure of meeting Brandon yet. We have a dinner date when he returns to the States and San Antonio.

From his picture, I can see he is impressive. The Pilates teacher in me immediately notices his straight spine and great posture. Without the weaponry, his physique indicates a formidable opponent should one meet up with him in combat. If I was of a pacifistic or cowardly nature, Brandon would scare the hell out of me. I am pretty sure I am not of those natures and Brandon actually reassures me. I hope the Taliban actually never lay eyes on him while he goes about destroying them.

Today my prayers and thanks are with Brandon and men and women like him. Those who suit up, meet the enemies that are defined for them and put their lives on the line for American ideals and pitiful paychecks. Those who have returned mercifully alive from the world's war zones so that we may live in our comfortable homes, be distracted with our petty activities and concerns and sit around tables speaking arrogantly about politics and conflicts deserve our graciousness and gratitude.

Brandon, I respect, honor and thank you for your service to this country and what you do on my family's behalf. Return home safe and sound so that we may celebrate you at our table.

Friday, November 9, 2007

Learning To Breath

Breath is one of Contrology's (what Joe Pilates called his exercise method) fundamentals. It is also one of 6 Pilates principles adhered to by any competent Pilates teacher today. Joe taught that life began with an inhale and ended on an exhale. Master teacher Kathy Corey remarks that life longevity is simply always following an inhale with an exhale.

One of my clients recently observed that he would have to learn how to breath all over again in his study of Pilates. It is likely that we all need to learn how to breath again to enhance our feelings of vitality and well being.

Mary Bowen shared that we are all "sipping and sucking." These are really tied to infantile behaviors and they prevent us from optimally oxygenating the body. Ron Fletcher and Pat Guyton teach me that the inhale must be so filling as to press the ribcage out to the sides and back, that the exhale returns the ribcage to so that it encircles the spine and organs. The chest should lift rather than the shoulders and the belly does not protrude. Ron admonishes, just as Joe did, that the inhale should match the exhale in depth and length.

Breath isn't something attended to when one is meditating, relaxing or exercising. Breath is the physical expression of life. Breath is literally life.

Really breath today.
Really feel the ribcage open and close in symphony with the lungs expanding and contracting.
Inhale.
Exhale.

Wednesday, October 17, 2007

Impeccability

im·pec·cable (im pekÉ™ bÉ™l)

adjective

  1. not liable to sin, incapable of wrongdoing
  2. without defect or error; faultless; flawless

"Develop a sense of impeccability in everything you do. Impeccability is to do your best in whatever you are engaged in." -Carlos Castedenda, Tales Of Power

My husband Doug will be amused when he reads this post and discovers I am quoting Carlos Casteneda. Actually, I am quoting Castenada quoting the Sorcerer Don Juan.

For a Trailing Boomer such as myself, I view Castenada as part of the Baby Boomer's Trinity, along with Zen Buddhism and Socialism. You simply did not receive a college degree in the late 60's or early 70's without having read something of Castenada's, along with doses of the brand of Buddhism brought to our Pacific shores by Vietnamese monks escaping their war torn country and flirting with Europe's problematic social-political experiment. I have watched documentaries on Castenada but, on principle, have managed to avoid to read an entire book! I am not all that sure that I buy it. I'll keep my thoughts about Socialism and non Asian Buddhists to myself...however, I was instantly grabbed when my Baby Boomer Pilates teacher spoke of impeccability as she quoted Castenada. It is a word I hear Doug use. No wonder, he has a entire bookshelf upstairs dedicated to the work of Don Juan and Carlos.

Prompted by my hearing the word in a new context, I looked it up. Impeccability means the absence of sin and is an attribute of Christ. Roman Catholics believe the Virgin Mary was impeccable through the special grace of God. For the rest of us, it is a state that one aspires to but cannot attain. This is why I like the second line in the Castenada quote, that impeccability is doing our best in whatever we are engaged in. Now that is something I can do. I found a Don Juan point I agree with, that the warrior derives power from being impeccable.

I am pleased to be reminded to develop my sense of impeccability. In this case, Pat meant in my practice and performance of Pilates as a student and teacher. But I will do well to do all things with a commitment to flawlessness. As for opening up to the teaching of Don Juan, in spite of the messenger being a drug abusing anthropologist, perhaps there is a lesson or two there for me.

Monday, October 15, 2007

This October

This October holds lots of activities in store for Doug and I. We are notorious for filling every available space on the calender, in spite of some sincere intentions to do otherwise. We really do like to be home. But when an invitation to a special event or occasion comes, we can seldom let it pass by.

New York City
First up is the 144th Annual Riot Relief Luncheon. Doug will begin serving a term on the Board Of Trustees to this worthwhile good works endeavor. The Riot Relief Fund was the recipient of most of the dollars our Supercuts business donated in sympathy after 9/11. 100% of the Fund goes to the families of fallen Police and Firemen or Law Scholarships. We were introduced to the Fund by our friends, Peter Brown and Alexandra Stoddard. Our friends, the Aguirres and Hildes, will be on hand to celebrate and honor Doug as he accepts a leadership role.




Doug, Carolyn, Peter and Alexandra
San Antonio, TX March 2007








Maggie and Frank Aguirre
San Antonio, May 2007




Tampa
Next is to Florida for Melissa Connor and Derek Smith's wedding. Melissa and Derek are dear friends our daughter and ours as well. Along with Melissa and Derek, we will get to celebrate Jessica's 25th birthday with all her college friends. It will be a great reunion.

Palm Beach Gardens
Frank Prescuitti is turning 50 Oct 6. Frank and I met over 20 years ago at a Paul Mitchell distribution company. Frank taught me a great deal about image, marketing and salesmanship in our earlier days. I was lucky to work with Frank but even luckier that, once our industry relationship was no longer necessary, his wife, Crystal, became one of my best friends. They both seek a refined and gracious life and it is always a joy to be in their company.

Boulder
It's back to Pat Guyton's studio and the Pilates Conservatory for Unit 2 of my teacher program. This unit focuses on the entire syllabus of Joseph Pilates' Cadillac and Spine Corrector work, along with the useful adaptations of First Generation Teachers such as Mary Bowen, Kathy Grant and Ron Fletcher.

West Texas
Doug and I will join Paul and Suzan Newkirk and their friends on a trip west in Texas to round out the month. There will be motorcycle riding, fine dining, comfortable beds, star gazing, beautiful open scenery, margaritas and a few lies and false reports.







Lajitas, Texas





Oct 31 will find us at the end of our drive handing our candy to the neighborhood children.

We are blessed and we are grateful!

Saturday, October 6, 2007

Meditation

Friends and I enjoyed a night a few weeks ago where we watched the movie, The Secret. It prompted an inquiry about methods of meditation.

Some years ago, I took a 3 part class on meditation giving by Rev. Karen Tudor, my current minister who was then at Unity Church Of Christianity in Houston. Below are some lessons she shared with our class...

Differences Between Prayer, Meditation and Contemplation:

Prayer - any mind/heart activity that is God-directed. (Life Of Prayer, pg 8)

Meditation - purposeful stilling of the mind and body to receive from God.

Contemplation - practice of holding an object, idea or word for the purpose of greater understanding and revelation.

Setting Up a Meditation Practice:

-
Patience
- Deciding on Time of Day
- Setting Up Atmosphere

Sounds: Music, Chants, Tones or Mantras, Crystal Bowls, Chimes/Bells/Drums, Natural sounds, Silence

Sights: Lit candles, Altar w/ pictures or icons, View from a window, Light/Darkness

Scents: Incense, Scented candles, Oils

Postures: Lying down, Standing, On Floor, Bench or Pillow, Mat or Blanket, On Chair-spine straight, Walking, Kneeling, Yoga poses

Focal Points: Breath, Body, Heart Center, Scripture, Holy Word or Name, Mirror

Inspirational Text: Sacred books such as Bible or Torah, Bhagavad Gita, Tao te Ching, Poetry

Developing a Routine:

-
Inspirational reading
- Prayer
- Affirmations
- Relaxation Stretches
- Journaling Insights

Recommended Reading:

Deepak Chopra - Seven Spiritual Laws Of Success, Book Of Secrets
Thich Nat Hahn - all writings
Rumi - poems
Marsha Sinetar- Ordinary Peple as Monks and Mystics




Monday, September 24, 2007

For Katie
















In memory of Katherine Bell, my mother-in-law, who passed away September 9, 2007.

I wish I had known you when

I wish I had known you when you dressed and danced like Astaire and Rogers.

I wish I had known you when you courted and married your life mate, Chauncey.

I wish I had known you when you were raising your three small children.

I wish I had known you when you served your Baltimore community as a member of the Junior League.

I wish I had known you when you made the big move to make a home on the southern coast of California.

I wish I had known you when you organized New Thought events and promoted the movement.

I wish I had known you when you struggled to find meaning in your life after your children were grown.

I wish I had known you when you explored and traveled the world in your golden years.

I wish I had known you when your spine was straight, your body was strong and your lifestyle was active.

I wish I had known you when you thought private thoughts and dreamed secret dreams.

I wish I had known you then.

By Carolyn Bell

A loving daughter-in-law

Friday, September 21, 2007

Autumn Equinox

Time has come again when we will experience the two times a year when light and dark are equal and balanced. Day and night are each 12 hours long. We mark this time with harvest festivals and spooky, superstitious rituals that playfully caution us about the long nights ahead.

The Spring Equinox seems to come and go without my ever noticing. But I have been honoring the Autumn Equinox for a number of years now. It is a perceptible time of change, apparently one I am awake to. This is especially true with the passing of my mother in law in recent days.

Today was a needed day of nurturing. I took a nap. I did not practice Pilates. I washed clothes. And I pulled together ingredients for a Butternut Squash and Apple soup from my fridge bins. As Doug and I were chopping, it occurred to me that this was our first autumnal meal. The winter squash has a tough exterior, which helps it to endure. The apples are plentiful and help to sweeten things a bit.

My usual observance is to make a seasonal soup. Usually, I pull out a recipe with black beans, chorizo sausage, sweet potatoes and corn. I like to roast tomatoes in the oven before they go into the pot. This year's inspiration was Ina Garten's Butternut and Apple Soup. I substituted ginger and cinnamon for the curry. I also prepared homemade Pumpernickel croutons from a beautiful loaf of bread that I got a Paula's Bear Moon Bakery in Boerne, TX a few days ago.

Soon we will be facing Halloween, Thanksgiving, Christmas and New Year's Eve holidays. In this brief moment of time, we can recognize and rejoice in universal balance, abundant bounty and space to rest and catch our breath.


Sunday, September 16, 2007

Butterfly

Butterfly

Spread your wings and fly

Through the sky so high

You spent so long living in a cocoon

Now it's time to sing your own tune!

-Mary Permann

Mary and Carolyn, May 2007


Monday, September 3, 2007

Martha Graham's Prayer

There is a vitality, a life force, a quickening
That is translated through you into action,
And because there is only one of you in all of time
This expression is unique,
And if you block it,
It will never exist through any other medium,
And be lost.
The world will not have it.
It is not your business to determine how good it is,
Nor how valuable, or how it compares with other expressions.
It is your business to keep it yours clearly and directly,
To stay open and aware to the urges that motivate you.


Martha Graham,
Choreographer

THE DELICIOUS QUOTE FROM
"HERSELF"~~~~~~~~~~BEAUTIFUL AND "FULL", ISN'T IT?
THAT IS PART OF A LETTER MARTHA WROTE TO AGNES
DEMILLE YEARS AND YEARS AGO WHEN AGNES WAS
GOING THROUGH A PERIOD OF THE "CREATORS' ANGST".
THEY WERE ON-AGAIN-OFF-AGAIN FRIENDS~~~~~ WITH
DEEP MUTUAL RESPECT. AGNES ONCE TOLD ME THAT
SHE CONSIDERED MARTHA THE GREAT DANCE ARTIST
OF THE CENTURY~~AND I THINK THAT PRICKED HER EGO
AT TIMES~~IN-TA-RESTING, EH?

-written to me by Ron Fletcher,
Martha Graham Dancer,
circa 1947-1952
Student of Joseph Pilates
First Generation Pilates Teacher and the Ron Fletcher Program Of Study

Monday, August 27, 2007

Jess and Kat















Daughter Jessica is now hard at work in Student Affairs
at the University Of Georgia. Meet her new dear
friend, Kat, pictured left!

Thursday, August 23, 2007

Manual For Living - Epictetus

"First, say to yourself what you would be; then do what you have to do."

"Some things are within our control, and some
things are not."

"Things and people are not what we wish them to be nor what they seem to be. They are what they are."

"Conduct yourself in accordance with the laws of nature."

"We cannot choose our external circumstances, but we can choose how we respond to them."

"The important thing is to take great care with
what you have while the world lets you have it."

"The surest sign of the higher life is serenity."

"Wherever you find yourself and in whatever circumstances, give an impeccable performance."

"Content yourself with being a lover of wisdom, a seeker of the truth. Return and return again to what is essential and worthy.


"You will never earn the same rewards as others without employing the same methods and investment of time as they do."

"...reconsider who you associate with."


"Once you know who you are...you will know what to do."

"What is the right thing to do now?"

"It is our duty to stand by our friends in their hour
of need."



Excerpted from "The Art Of Living" by Epictetus as interpreted by Sharon Lebell. The Manual For Living consists of essays 1-79 in the book.

Wednesday, August 22, 2007

Friday, August 17, 2007

Nick's Baked Chiken & Vegetable Rigatoni

Nick, our nephew, and Katie, Doug's mom, are arriving this afternoon from LAX. I prepared a make ahead dish so we could attend to our reunion and getting Katie settled in to her home without the extra work of making dinner later in the day.

This is one of those dishes devised by looking in the fridge and coming up with something that utilizes what one has on hand. The plethora of vegetables and minimal sauce were selected with Nick in mind.

Nick's Baked Chicken & Vegetable Rigatoni
Serves 4 - 6

2 cups Rigatoni, medium size, cooked and drained
1 tbs olive oil
2 chicken breasts, cooked and diced
1/2 lg onion, diced
4 cloves garlic, minced
2 cups vegetable medley, cut into chunks,
such as red bell pepper, broccoli, yellow squash and zucchini

1 14.5 oz can diced tomatoes in juices or 1 pt cherry tomatoes
1 cup mozzarella, shredded
1/4 cup parsley, chopped
2 tbs basil, chopped
salt and pepper
1/4-1/2 cup prepared Marinara sauce
optional: dash of cream
1/4 bread crumbs
1/4 grated Parmesan
1 tbs butter

Preheat oven to 400.
Heat saute pan and put in olive oil. Add onions and bell pepper, cooking until onions soften. Add garlic, zucchini and squash, sauteing 2-3 min. Add the broccoli and saute until color changes. Stir in chicken, tomatoes, mozzarella, parsley, basil and salt and pepper. Add rigatoni and marinara sauce. Stir together Parmesan and bread crumbs
Use non stick spray or butter to prepare 9 x 12 baking dish. Pour in rigatoni, chicken and vegetable mixture. Sprinkle on Parmesan crumb mixture and place pats of butter atop dish. Bake until top is golden brown, 30-40 minutes.

Tuesday, August 14, 2007

Mexican-Style Farmer's Soup with Scott Hitt

Scott came for a visit this weekend. We had a long overdue catch up. Scott and I were introduced almost twenty years ago at a J H Enterprises/ Paul Mitchell event. We became friendly as Sales Consultant (him) and Educator (me). Later, Scott would become a business partner in three full service salons and real estate investments. He was also a valued employee of our company, La Carina Supercuts. He is family.

One can often find Scott in front of a big pot of something to feed many friends in Land-O-Lakes, FL. He taught me how to make a soup that he has been served by the cook on the ship he works on in the Gulf.

Mexican-Style Farmer's Soup
Serves 8

3 lbs Ground Sirlon
1 Lg Onion, diced
2 Bell Peppers, julienned
2 cans Rotelle Tomatoes w/ Green Chiles
2 lbs New Potatoes, halved
1 Pkg Frozen French Green Beans
1 bunch Cilantro, chopped
1 tbs Garlic Powder or 4-6 cloves garlic, minced
1 1/2 tsp Salt, or to taste
2 tsp Cumin, or to taste
Pinch Red Pepper Flakes
Cracked Black Pepper.
3 Qts Water or Beef Broth
Olive Oil for sauteing

Add olive oil to stock pot and brown ground beef. Drain meat. In same pot, saute onions and peppers until translucent. Return meat to pot and add fresh garlic if using. Add canned tomatoes, potatoes and broth or water. Bring to a boil and add seasoning. Simmer 10-15 min. Add green beans and cilantro and simmer until potatoes are soft and beans are to desired crispness. Adjust seasonings.
Serve with tortilla chips, sprinkled cilantro or splash of sherry vinegar.

Avocado and Grapefruit Salad
Serves 4

2 Avocado ripened, halved and sliced
2 Grapefruit, segmented

Reserve grapefruit juice while segmenting. Coat avocado generously with juice. Arrange fruits on serving dish by alternating avocado slices with grapefruit segments. Oil, herb and seasonings may be added to juice to make vinaigrette. Pink grapefruit gives a more attractive contrast to the avocado, jicama makes a nice addition.

Friday, August 10, 2007

Come September

In my previous post, I AM MY CHOICES, I blogged about making difficult choices. I can now say my difficult choice was discontinue my employment relationship with Aida Zorilla at Studio A. I will fulfill my professional courtesy of giving notice tomorrow. I have been determined to cheerful, professional and maintain a standard of quality in my Pilates work at the studio.

In the space of a few weeks, I have found myself compelled to speak feelings that are overwhelming, recycle thoughts and events in my mind endlessly, becoming so distracted I have really not been available to friends, family or my loved ones, Doug and Jessica.

I began to think of this as a crisis. A small one though. I haven't lost perspective so much as to see that others are dealing with life threatening disease, financial reversals or difficult children and marriages and such. I am lucky to have close friends and associates who have lent me a sympathetic ear, words of wisdom and expressions of acceptance and love.

Our habits and principles help us attain the good life. In fact, the hard life is simply unbearable without routines that ensure we keep our head above water and principles to guides us when we can't find our way.

While I struggle to feel its simple joy, Doug is still there with a lovingly brewed latte each morning. The pleasure in Jessica's voice as she reports on her new adventures in Athens and at Uof GA bring me delight. The rhythmic Percussive Breath has grounded me and my work as a Pilates teacher hasn't ceased to uplift me. Syd Banks' principles of Mind, Thought and Consciousness are there for me as I seek my happiness. My books are within my grasp so that I may find guidance and direction.

One lesson in this is discovering anew how much my friends mean to me. And what I mean to them. So many have extended themselves and strove to help me restore my confidence and a good life. My teacher, Pat, has listened and kept me strong. Rende wrote that I was valuable on a day when that was the furtherest thing that I could believe. Rende's mom prayed for me. Dana reminded me that it boiled down to my "feelings got hurt." Sherri, Rende and Mary wrote me poems. Michael reminded me we were talented and to just let it work itself out. Lisa assured me I could succeed. Frank, Maggie, Suzan and Paul cooked me a meal and celebrated me when it counted. Jean spoke of my uniqueness, how places are a bit brighter when I am around and I am welcome. Shelly and Heather checked in to see how I was doing. Curt says things will get better and I am loved. Anita helped me start a new endeavor. Alexandra pressed me to stay true to me. And Glen, the man who put me on my Pilates path, made me laugh and echoed that the right thing to do is stay with your teacher. Doug Bell has listened, held and loved me through it all. I don't find myself feeling weak very often. But that is the truth at the moment. And all these people and more have kept me tethered and marching forward. I am grateful.

I am still seeking comfort in Alexandra's You Are Your Choices. Chapters such as Your Choices Count Most In A Crisis, Enough Is Enough, Move On, Walk Away, Surround Yourself With People You Trust, Trust Your Subjective Well Being speak to me now.

I am sure that, as people like Glen, Michael and Curt have encouraged, I will come out of this stronger and better. It is only an uncomfortable change of circumstances. I will be able to regain my happiness.

I am taking the next couple of weeks to just rest and restore. I am going to sweat my frustrations and stress out in Bikram Yoga and NIA classes. I am going to enjoy the company of our visiting friends: Scott Hitt, this weekend and Harry and Jean-ne Dent, the 24th. I am likely to go back to the source of my love of Pilates; The Pilates Center Of Naples with Glen, Amy, Jill and Debra to help me get back to what this is all really about.

So Come September, I will:
"I laugh at those who think they can damage me. They do not know who I am, they do not know what I think, they cannot even touch the things which are really mine and with which I live." - Epictetus

"We should know what our convictions are, and stand for them." -Carl Jung

"When people reveal who they are, believe them. The first time." - Maya Angelou

Sunday, July 29, 2007

Triangles














Triangles are arguably the strongest geometric shape in the universe. And I have been thinking and talking about them a lot of late. Symbolically, triangles denote action, dynamism, strength or point to a direction of movement.

Great societies have used the triangle form to build the world's most astounding structures. The Egyptian pyramids continue to be an architectural marvel thousands of years after their construction. The Roman arch beautifies and fortifies doorways, bridges and cathedrals throughout the former empire. Late 1800s US engineers' understanding of the triangle's efficient distribution of weight paved the way for today's mega skyscrapers. A cosmic triangle represents past, present and future states of the universe.

Triangles are just as present in realms outside physics and construction. Christianity has the Holy Trinity and Judaism the Star Of David. Hindu has the Trikona, the Vedic symbol of Shakti, denoting the feminine or aspects of Creation. Yoga has a Triangle Pose, the Utthita Trikonasana. The Chinese Bagua contains trigrams, fundamental to philosophical concepts of the I Ching, Toaism, Feng Shui and Martial Arts. Goethe's relationships of color begins with his Primary Color Triangle. Knights in shining armour rescue damsels in distress and both are tested by evil villains, making up the Power Triangle of Sociopaths for modern psychologists . Even Hollywood has their blockbuster trilogies in the Godfather, Star Wars and Batman.


Triangular diagrams work for 3 parts that are strongly linked or equal in value. Supposedly, the US branches of government would work for a triangle diagram. Alexandra Stoddard communicates her principles of design with a triangular formula of appropriateness, beauty and simplicity. My family unit is a sum of 3 equal parts; Jessica, Doug and Carolyn.


Every Pilates session taught by a Fletcher teacher begins with attention to the feet's 3 weight bearing points. The "foot centers" make a tripod on the bottom of the foot that connects us to the earth. Optimal posture starts in the body by organizing and stabilizing over the feet. We have also begun to teach the "magic triangle" that is made from the 3 points of the pelvis, one each on the front and back. The triangle imagery works just as well for the shoulder girdle.

Somehow, it brings me a sense of wonder at the moment to contemplate the meaning and purpose of triangles. They provide a useful metaphor for distributing the weight of my concerns or pointing me towards a direction or particular action. The triangle is helping me find equality, balance and underlying strength.


Pictured:
Skyscraper, New York City
Sunshine Skyway Bridge, Tampa
Mezquita, Cordova Spain
Triangle Pose, Bikram Yoga
Eye Of Providence, Great Seal Of The United States
Baby Heart Shaped Feet





Sunday, July 22, 2007

Entertaining Styles

I was having lunch with my neighbor, Meera, and the conversation came to parties. Meera had recently co-hosted a baby shower. I was about to throw a book signing. We both were looking forward to parties we are planning for the future: For Meera, designing a Southern menu for a dinner club in the fall and for me, creating a pajama party for my next Ladies In night.

Both of us are lucky to have been raised around women who entertained. Meera's grandmother is reputed to have held over 100 teas through out her days. I remember my mom working herself to a frazzle preparing all the dishes that her 5 children, their romantic mates, 13 grandchildren and the assorted relatives and friends would devour at family celebrations and holidays. The women made others welcome in their home, displayed delicious meals and oversaw many memorable occasions., especially those of Meera's and my childhoods.

Our styles of entertaining have evolved into something quite different from our moms and grandmothers. Meera has two small children so she has found brunches to be the solution for her busy lifestyle right now. I like to host affairs on the casual side, usually setting up a help yourself drink station and buffet on my island.

One of Meera's baby shower co-hosts entertaining style helped us identify a quality that we feel is important: hostessing is an opportunity to put a personal, creative touch on things. We discovered than when we delegate details of an event or party, we want to be careful not to lose our own special flair.

During the selection process on the Next Food Network Star, contestants are asked, what is your culinary point of view? In Daring To Be Yourself, Alexandra Stoddard asks, what is your unique point of view? Is there a better place for us to play with self expression than at home, in the company of our family and friends?

Having others over or throwing a party is work but it is also fun. We all love sharing in relaxing, happy times with each other. I find it intriguing all the ways that I have been entertained by men and women. There really doesn't seem to be a wrong way, except for perhaps when entertaining is sloppy or thoughtless in my mind. I've been to a summer pig roast, a 60th birthday pasta bar and a casual supper with greens freshly picked from the garden out the back door. Each speaks to me about the hosts and hostesses and I am grateful for the pleasant experiences I am left with.

As I host my next events, a few things I'll be thinking about will be:

THEMES: Themes help me get going in a direction. It is simply easier to edit out from all that is available when I have parameters from which to make my choices.

MENU: I usually prepare all my own food. Sometimes a friend will bring an appetizer, salad or dessert. This gives me more control over the dining experience. But if the only way we can see to entertain is by hosting the event where our friends bring over dishes, I say that is the way to go. When I use a caterer, I have definitely ideas about what I want to have. For Deborah Ford's book signing, I worked with the caterer for a Southern cocktail party that honors Deborah's heritage, with items such as biscuit crostinis and pitchers of mint juleps with silver service. I like how some hostesses prepare a signature item when they have catering, such as Alexandra did by preparing Chicken Curry. If I ever have grocery or market tray goods again, I'll follow Aida's example by using my own platter for serving to make it more personal.

FLOWERS: Only for large events do I contract the services of a florist. I have good flower sources and I can save a great deal of money by getting Doug to arrange stemmed flowers for me or using potted plants.

TAKE AWAYS or PARTY FAVORS: These aren't necessary but I love how surprised friends are when I have a little something for them as they depart. Meera's baby shower guests were given tea candles to be lit upon the arrival of the twins. After a cookout, I sent guests home with the potted Hydrangeas I used for the table decor. For Memorial Day, we gave raffia- tied sprigs of Rosemary, the symbol of remembrance.

MUSIC: Doug and I definitely give some thought to the cd selection we play when we have people over. We are fortunate to have many to choose from and our eclectic music tastes allows us to go in just about any direction.

If we're going to go the grocery deli and throw out some cold cuts, we can make an extra trip to serve some artisan breads along with it to make it special. We can sprinkle in fresh herbs, drizzle on some honey, ream a lemon or grate some cheese or chocolate, anything to make things fresher or put a loving hand to the foods we are serving. We can put out flowers that speak to us or have special meaning to our guests. We can light some candles, establishing an atmosphere. We can aks ourselves what our unique point of view is. Whatever we do, let us be inspired as hostesses.

"Acknowledge, accept and appreciate what it is that makes you different." -Sarah Ban Breathnach

"There is something you can do better than anyone else can do it." -Myrtle Filmore

"Being a host is like being in love - you have to think of the other person." - Inn at Ormsby Hill

"The hostess must be like a duck - calm and unruffled on the surface, and paddling like hell underneath." - Anonymous

"To offer wine is the most charming gesture of hospitality." - Alexis Lichine

"Dining is an always was a great artistic opportunity." - Frank Lloyd Wright




Thursday, July 19, 2007

I Am My Choices

"To live wisely, we should choose to think wisely and do what is right, appropriate and true" writes Alexandra Stoddard in her latest book, You Are You Choices-50 Ways To Live The Good Life. The good life promises many opportunities and that we will be bringing out the best in us. Living a good life is about honoring ourselves by pursuing our own happiness as well as helping others toward this goal. The good life demands personal responsibility and we will have to "constantly deal with what is hard to do." How we attain our good life is by "paying close attention to everything we choose to do as well as what we decide to give up or let go."


I have just made a difficult choice. I returned to my copy of ...Choices. She has some wise words for those of us facing difficult decisions. Alexandra tells us that "living the good life is challenging. The commitment to live such a life will not make life easier." She reminds me that what I choose in such times will either make my situation better or worse off. Importantly, she advises: "be as true to you as you can, live according to your own inner compass, you have to step through the door and act and we are not controlled by the obligations or the will of others."

"If you ever feel confused or stuck, or don't know what choices to make, go outside in search of something beautiful." Yesterday was very hard. I felt physically ill from the thoughts whirling around in my mind. I reached out to several friends to help me reach a conclusion. Midday I found myself looking into the big, bright and beautiful blue eyes of my daughter. I had found something beautiful while I was confused and stuck. I began to calm down. I awoke this morning clear about what was true for me. I made my choice, acted and set consequences in motion. My hope is that I am improving the situation for everyone involved. My prayer is one inspired by Unity, "This God or something better."

I choose to embrace a more uncertain future at the moment. And I take a deep, percussive breath.


"To change one's mind in changing circumstances is true wisdom." Robert Louis Stevenson

"Nothing exists from whose nature some effect does not follow." Spinoza

"It is best to bear what cannot be altered." -Seneca








Saturday, July 14, 2007

Fat, Broke And Lonely No More!

Victoria Moran has published a fun and insightful new book. It's title and cover are catchy but the book is really about the emptiness we carry within us that we attempt to fill with food, things and people.

In my previous post, Announcing Fat, Broke And Lonely No More, I shared a sneak peek of what the book would cover. Now having read it, I want to share what I found most valuable to me in Victoria's writings...new titles are mine!

"Your waist measurement, bank balance, and plans for Saturday night no longer define you."

"You don't have to do it all today, but you do have to do today's share."

Fit

"The first step isn't to change your body. It is to appreciate it."

"What you're looking for is not in the refrigerator."


"Overeating is a direct corollary to underliving."


Prosperous
"We're always ready to start something that could improve our situation. We're not as thrilled about stopping what caused the trouble in the first place."

"Give 10%, save 10% and live well on the remaining 80%."


Attractive
"When you feel complete, you attract other complete people."

"Be relatively easy to get along with."


Victoria writes later that "if it wasn't in the fridge, it isn't at the mall!" Perhaps my favorite chapter in the book is number 2, The Emptiness Epidemic. Victoria explains about the essential emptiness we all have as human beings. This essential emptiness is what causes us to search for meaning in our lives. She points out that there is a difference in searching for meaning in our life and acting on our every desires. To me, she sums up it all up by teaching us that being fat, broke and lonely happens when we get confused about the soul's purpose.

If you haven't already done so, I hope you will add a copy of Fat, Broke and Lonely No More! to your personal library.





Monday, July 9, 2007

Deborah Ford and Friends


Bless His Heart Publishing Party for Deborah Ford held 7.7.07
Posted by Picasa

Friday, July 6, 2007

Pilates Conservatory

Pat Guyton opens the Pilates Conservatory this fall. The Pilates Conservatory will be the educational arm for Pat Guyton Pilates studio in Boulder, CO. The conservatory will offer comprehensive Pilates teacher programs, continuing education, mentoring and seminars.

Pat Guyton is my Pilates Master Teacher. She is the proprietress of Pat Guyton Pilates, Vice President of the Pilates Method Alliance and formerly the Program Director for the Ron Fletcher Program Of Study. I blogged previously about Pat's contributions to me in Milestones and Mentors.

I am very excited that Pat will be publishing the Pilates Conservatory Blog. The blog will be interesting to Pilates teachers and enthusiasts alike. Do check out the link and drop Pat a comment!

Wednesday, July 4, 2007

Let Freedom Ring!


"We hold these truths to be self-evident, that all men are created equal, that they are endowed by their Creator with certain unalienable Rights, that among these are Life, Liberty and the pursuit of Happiness...
And for the support of this Declaration, with a firm reliance on the protection of divine Providence, we mutually pledge to each other our Lives, our Fortunes and our sacred Honor." - United States Declaration Of Independence

"I pledge allegiance to the flag of the United States of America and to the Republic for which it stands, one Nation under God, indivisible, with liberty and justice for all." - Frances Bellamy





Saturday, June 30, 2007

Simply Delicioso Chorizo


Food Network launches Simply Delicioso on July 14 at 11:30 am Eastern. Ingrid Hoffman promises to do for Latin cuisine what Giada DeLaurentiss did for Italian home cooking. It is hard to miss the cleavage of both!

We can get a peek at Ingrid's recipes at her website, Delicioso. Recipes are in English and Spanish and look like they were first broadcast on her Spanish TV segments. I am excited to to see dishes that feature chorizo and lime juice, flavors I came to love from working and dining in Miami.

The recipe I can't wait to try:

Serves: 6

Ingredients

1 package frozen puff pastry sheets
1 12-ounce package chorizo
2 slices white bread, crusts removed
2 tablespoons milk
Egg yolk, slightly beaten

Preparation
  1. Remove the chorizo from its casing and put directly into a hot pan. Cook the chorizo, breaking it up with a wooden spoon. Once it is completely cooked through remove from the pan and drain on paper towels. Take the two slices of crust-less bread and pour enough hot water onto them so that they become soggy. Squeeze out as much liquid as possible and add to the chorizo. Combine the chorizo and soggy bread. Set aside.

  2. Remove the puff pastry from the freezer and defrost according to package instructions.
    Preheat oven to 375°F.

  3. Place the milk in a small bowl. Place the thawed puff pastry sheet, one at a time, on a cutting board and cut it in half. If the pastry becomes too soft lightly flour the surface you are working on so the dough does not stick. You can also place the dough in the refrigerator until it becomes firm again. Place a few spoonfuls of the chorizo mixture in the center of the sheet of puff pastry and roll tightly sealing the edge with some milk. You may cut the ends of the roll with a sharp knife so that it looks neater. Place the roll on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper, seam-side down. Flatten roll slightly with the palm of your hand. With the tip of a knife prick the top of the pastry three times. Repeat the same process with the remaining chorizo mixture and puff pastry. Before placing them in the oven, brush the top of the pastry evenly with the beaten egg yolk. Bake for approximately 20 minutes or until the pastry is golden in color.