simmer

See, I'm still around. I just don't feel the need to publish the details of my life lately.

So, you'll still hear from me from time to time. Mostly, though, you'll have to be in contact with me in order to hear or know anything current. I'm clearing out stale cobwebs and making more space for the important things.... dinner and laughter and wine with friends and family, staying out of debt, praying, living life to the fullest for the honor and glory to God, loving with my heart open.... you know, dancing in the rain, getting dirty, and all that. Running and yoga-ing and travelling. All those things that tug at your heart with yes and want and desire. I'm making space for that by clearing out the nonsense.

A blog. And Facebook. and yes, even twitter... I'm putting it all to a simmer. And turning up the heat on the rest of life. The real life that is sweet, sour, bitter, hot, cold, and palpable. The one that doesn't require a technology filled screen to view.

And every once in a while, I'll share some little something here and there.

Hot Yoga, Jumpy Castles, and Switzerland

I tried hot yoga for the first time last week. It was... well, hot. The last time my pores oozed that much sweat was the dead of summer while training for a marathon; 6 milers, 3 times a week plus long runs, in SC humidity and the afternoon heat (the only time my weekday schedule gave me to run) all the way through October. Ah, marathon training. Hot yoga, while tough, was not as strenuous as all that. It's a little gross to be that drenched but also very intoxicating. It gives you a feeling of cleansing and purity. I'll definitely be going again. And that's not just because I'm so cheap I refuse to let my deal go unused ($20 for 20 classes), though that is part of it.

I'm about to start a running study and I'll need the yoga for cross training. I have to admit, though, I'm beginning to wonder if I shouldn't give up running in place of jumpy castles. Most of my friends know and understand my love for jumpy castles. Really, what's not to love? My dad came to own one by happenstance and I'm happy to admit we use it on fairly regular occasions. This weekend was one of those. We had all my nieces and nephews in town so we set it up and went to jumping. Who needs running when you have a jumpy castle? Fun was had by all, including myself.... even if I may have pulled a muscle trying to show my niece a toe touch. Go figure. Those running hamstrings really don't like doing toe touches.

Last night I had the privilege and pleasure to go to an artist talk at the Fine Arts Center. It was a double pleasure. I got to see an awesome clay exhibit on Native Clay. Beautifully stunning pieces.... I have no words. Then, Boris Bally gave a talk. What an amazingly creative, passionate, and intelligent person! I ate up every bit of it, thoroughly enjoyed his work, and was inspired by all of it. The biggest problem is my new love of Switzerland. Boris grew up there and through his few comments about the place... I've decided I may have to move there. 9 am snack? 2 hour lunch with wine? 4 pm snack? Amazing craftsmanship and intelligent design everywhere? It sounds like my kind of place!

The rest of my life has resumed its normal chaos.... plus the commute which means I sleep even less than I did when I lived 10 minutes from everything. Go figure. Alas, if this is where God will have me, it's perfect. The good news? I'll be debt free in a year, maybe sooner... given things go as planned. And not including those pesky student loans.