Favorite Scenes of daily DC living

As we depart DC today for our new adventure in Louisville, KY.....I wanted to reflect on all of the scenes of my daily life in D.C. It is each and every moment of our days that add up to fully living a beautiful life; full of ups and downs, ugly and pretty, fast and slow, sun and gloom, smiles, laughs and tears.... through these days of living fully in D.C, below are the patterns, textures and visual expression of daily DC life. Fond memories holding a special place in my heart.

Living near Union Station was absolutely convenient (although it did have some headache producing moments during high tourist season) ~ Scenes from my morning commute to work)

It's amazing to think how much of DC I've visited and experienced all because of the Metro....we like to complain about it all the time, but honestly, I'm super grateful for it. 

Scenes from walk home ~ I have to admit I will not miss walking through Union Station at 6:30pm (top right) ~ It was always so hectic. Nor will I necessarily miss the spooky garage in Union Station we had to walk through to get home...always reminded me of a scary movie. But, once you turned the corner from the garage....the sight of home (the big red/brick building) made me anxious to get there as soon as I could....and of course I'll miss the colorful Hopscotch Kids mosaic which decorated the H street bridge)

I think this is my favorite picture of scenes of Senate Square ~ Loved the different patterns and textures that surrounded my days. 

Scenes from inside our building which was always clean, refreshing and soothing to walk into. 

I really did LOVE living in Senate Square. It was a well designed, beautiful property. I felt safe and secure within the 'compound', met  lovely individuals and lived the first 2.5 years of marriage with my hubby here, holding memories to last a lifetime.

With bitter-sweetness ~ we say goodbye. 

So long, Farewll, Auf Wiedersehen

So long, Farewll, Auf Wiedersehen, Adieu, Adieu, Adieu....

To you, and you and you!

D.C. and your lovely people and our lovely friends...

Goodbyes are not forever, they simply mean I'll miss you, until we meet again!

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Picture Taken in a store in NYC during our Yoga & Vegan Adventures

Goodbyes, Tears, To be Missed & Yogi Dislikes

In the last few weeks in DC, we have been saying lots of Goodbyes at dinner gatherings, parties, 'post yoga glows', team lunches, happy hours.....ahhh....It's been a stream of goodbyes. Normally, I'm not a super emotional person, but with each goodbye and as the weeks have past, my eyes are becoming more and more teary-eyed. The truth is, I am a bit emotional about this move. Super excited to explore Louisville, own a home with my husband, build a community in a new city, be closer to family.....but I can not hide the fact that I'm super sad to leave such an amazing city and especially group of friends, coworkers & yogis. During our time in DC, you were my family away from family. You will be Missed.

With that.....I thought I'd share with you my TOP to be Missed and NOT to be Missed things in DC. ~ Yes....even yogis can dislike something (or in my case quite a few things).

Will be Missed

 

Friends!!!

We have so many friends I'd like to put an image of here...
but I thought it most appropriate to share the first friends
we made in D.C. who have been a staple in our lives.

 

Tranquil Space Yoga cOMmunity

From our Post Yoga Glow after my last class at Tranquil Space

Senate Square Yoga cOMmunity

Enjoying a final Savasana in our sacred 3rd floor lounge yoga converted space

 

The Capitol

Recent Art Journalling ~ Words read:
"DC, You hold a special place in my heart and will be missed!!"

 Metro

Infamous Metro, taking me to and fro ~ Stop featured is Chinatown

 The Senate Square Rooftop

Ahhh Pool....we shared many saturday's together, I will miss you as my self-care retreat

  

Bike share

Great Memories of Bikeshare getting me to and fro...
but best memory of all was using the bikes to sight-see with family

 

Car2go

Great Memories zipping around DC with my mom in the Car2go

 

Yes, even a Yogi has Dislikes ~ Not to be Missed

Tourists
(sorry...I know this is kind of mean)

 

People who stand on left side of an escalator during rush hour

 

Walking from the metro to anywhere in the rain

 

X2 bus on behalf of my husband - his nemesis

Being late for something due to unforeseen metro, bus, no-taxi's

Walking home from the grocery store during a random act of unexpected downpour

 

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* Notice a theme about my dislikes, most seem to have something to do with my commute, definitely ironic, because it is one the things I love about DC ~ the freedom of not having a car *

Tranquil Space Finale ~ Favorite Music

Tonight will be my last class at Tranquil Space. I still don't think it's quite hit me yet....probably not until next Wednesday when the reminder on my phone will likely tell me to go teach. :)

I've designed this special class to be full of my favorite sequences, poses, transitions and of course music. Enjoy!

Humane Society Fundraiser Success!!

Yesterday was my finale class at Senate Square. I was excited to link it with a Fundraiser for the Washington Humane Society. As a cOMmunity, we raised $130 ~ amazing for a group of 9 individuals tonight. So proud of the the lovely yogis who came together to share with the animals of our community.

Class was followed by a delicious potluck full of veggies options, a few glasses of wine and great conversation. I will MISS all of you (you know who you are!!) and absolutely wish our paths will cross again.

If you are interested in supporting the Washington Humane Society, they are hosting a Pet-a-Palooza on Saturday, September 29th. Check out the flyer below or this link.

P.S. ~ My Big Kitty and Little Kitty wish are super grateful as well!

Favorite Upper Back Tension Release

For me, after a long work day at the computer, my upper back tightens up and I begin to notice how shallow my breath has been all day, and how much tension has crept up from my shoulders into my neck and jaw. If this sounds at all familiar to you, you may want to try a simple, restorative, relaxing heart opening, upper back releasing pose....(you could even do this yoga pose in front of the couch and still watch a little bit of TV with your family).

The only think you may want to have is 2 yoga blocks. However, you could also use a rolled up blanket, pillow, or potentially even a book or two to achieve the same effect. If you would like to have relatively inexpensive yoga blocks ~ check out amazon.com, where I ordered the blocks pictured below.

Heart Opener 

1. The blocks are on the same level - this allows the neck to be in relatively the same line as the rest of the spine (less of a back bend)
2. The block under my back, is just under my shoulder blades, you will know you are in about the right place if it's not painful and you can easily open your arms out in this shape, often referred to as 'goal post' arms
3. What do you do with your legs? - You can extend them out long in front of you, or you can bend the knees out to the side and place the soles of your feet together (supta baddha konasana)

Deeper Heart Opener

The only difference between the picture above and this, is that the block under my head is one level lower.
This allows for a deeper back bend. If you do not have blocks, you could easily use a small pillow or blanket. If you feel comfortable and open in your neck/throat area, you can completely remove the block under your head.



You may notice this pose has a lot of similarities to Fish Pose, Matsyasana. It does. It is a supported version of this pose. For me the supported versions, pictured above, are comforting and soothing. A gentle way to expand through my front ribs and release some of the tension that builds up in my upper back and neck. It is also a place, where I can close my eyes for a few moments and rest (not sleep, just be still and quiet). Also, because the body is in a bit of a back bend, you will notice the stomach stretches a bit. Which after a long day of sitting, hunching or even a bit of ab-work from a workout (and even after "my eyes were bigger than my stomach" dinner), this pose can feel really great as the stomach is gently stretched.

So....with that, I wish you a few moments to find yourself in this supported fish pose. If you have any favorite tension release poses, I would love to hear about them. Send me a picture of yourself in your favorite restorative, stress relieving pose, and I will accumulate and share in a future post.

Bike Time!

My dad sent me this picture today of Audrey Hepburn on a bike. Adorable!

My dad is making me a bike as a housewarming gift for our new home in Louisville. I'm super excited about exploring Louisville on two wheels. With a cute basket filled with my yoga mat or fresh veggies from the nearby farmer's market. Excited!

P.S. ~ Super proud of my dad's ability to refurbish vintage bikes....can't wait to share pictures with you!

Links to Inspire

From my Quote Art Journal  ~
I enjoy pasting quotes or sayings from magazines or writing  inspiring quotes in one central location. It's great to bring to yoga class with me, full of inspirational readings for the beginning or end of class. 

I've been enjoying the blog-sphere. I think I'm coming into the blog world a bit later than everyone else (it's the story of my life, I didn't start liking New Kids On the Block as a child until the year they fell apart...my mom bought tickets as a birthday gift....and of course the concert was cancelled) Ha!

Anyway... Each of us have so much inspiration in us and many of our social media peers are out there spreading insights, tips, inspiration, ideas for creativity....etc.

I wanted to share just a few of my favorites that I came across this week. Bookmark and revisit later when you need your daily dose of pick-me-up Inspiration.

• 50 Amazing Gifts from Living in the NOW 
• 78 Inspirational Quotes to Start Your Fire
• The 10 C's of Compatibility ~ Great reminders for special relationships 
• Thoughts are like Chipmunks ~ offering this quote from the Upanishads

Watch your thoughts; they become words. Watch your words; they become actions.

Watch your actions; they become habits.

Watch your habits; they become character.

Watch your character; for it becomes your destiny. 

Music Inspiring Calm Tranquil Movement

Last night's yoga class had a lovely feel to it...sometimes music really can transform a practice.

The music inspired a sense of calm tranquility and had moment of up~beats fostering heat and an environment of twisting action as we prepared for revolved bird of paradise. 

Eye Candy Inspiration

Today's #AugustBreak is brought to you by some visual eye candy inspiration:

Audrey 

Classic, Elegant, Beautiful Role Model for Simple Chic Style

Audrey is my favorite actress for her simple chic style, elegant demeanor and mesmerizing eyes....and of course for her cute movies. I found all of these pictures from perusing Pinterest tonight and decided to showcase these because I'd never seen them before. 

Pictures courtesy of: Pinterest 1 , Pinterest 2, The world of photographers, Witanddelight

Best Stress Reliever....

My husband always tells me the best way to de-stress after a long day at work (or when I'm just in one of those crabby moods) is to pet my kitties. Apparently he's read or heard (or maybe he made it up...who knows)...that petting animals relieves stress.

But, I must say it works...whenever I take time to slow down and pet my cats, I always feel better....and it's so obvious they are happier too. Today's #AugustBreak brought to you by Big Kitty....

Not ready to say goodbye yet.....

Yesterday we were excited to host our D.C going away party ~ final bash ~ on the rooftop of our building. The rooftop is such a lovely backdrop to share lasting memories with our friends. After an afternoon of discussion and mingling over good food, the sun began to set and the evening progressed as friends were making their way home....a knot started to form in the back of my throat....

It was the realization that we are actually moving in 3 weeks. I still don't think it's hit me yet...probably won't until we are sitting on a plane with both of our cats, or maybe when we are sleeping in an empty house for a week on the other end of the flight before our furniture arrives....

Day by day, as I begin to say these goodbyes, I'm learning how strong a connection we've made in a short 2.5 years to people, community, FRIENDS in D.C. I truly hope it is NOT goodbye, but rather, see you soon...and when I say, you are more than welcome to visit us in Louisville, I ABSOLUTELY mean it.

Last night someone asked me what my top 3 things I would miss and not miss would be.....more to come on those details in a future post...but as you can tell from this post; my top thing I will miss is the PEOPLE, friends we've met. Those of you who have been our family, when we did not have family in the area. You will be loved always and missed deeply.

Watermelon Break

Yesterday we held a gathering of friends as our 'last' DC hurrah....and for dessert we decided on watermelon.

I think it's been YEARS since I bought and cut open a watermelon. It was a good reminder to slow down and enjoy the simple succulent summer treasures.

Have you had an opportunity to find a moment of #augustbreak in your day?

The Artist's Way ~ Path to Creatitivity

Today's August Break photo feature is brought to you by my day off work. I took the opportunity to spoil myself with an hour poolside and taking the time out of my day to crack open The Artist's Way. This book was gifted to me by Kimberly Wilson and raved by many yogis and artists I've encountered in D.C.

#AugustBreak 8.3.12

I'm only through the Introduction and have a few favorite quotes already:

"Art is a spiritual transaction"

"Creativity is like crabgrass - it springs back with the simplest bit of care"

"The theory doesn't matter as much as the practice itself does"

I'm looking forward to reading, creating and playing with this book over the next few months! If you have any tips from your experiences with the book, I would love to hear them.

Today's Shadow

What does your shadow say about you?



Today's #AugustBreak picture

I rarely ever take photo's of myself...but I just so happened to 'see' my shadow today walking home from work. My head was full of a pain and my shoulders were hurting from my overly filled bags.....and I took a moment to see myself in a new light (or shadow rather).

I decide to take some time for relaxing tonight to replenish my mind and my soul. Just a little relaxation, with no guilt!

Take a moment to check-in with your shadow sometimes and see what it's telling you.

My FAVorite party dish

One of my favorite dishes to bring to parties is Edamame Dip. Vegans, Vegetarians and Meat-eaters all love it. It has a smooth and rich texture that goes well with rice crackers or a veggie assortment.

Today's #AugustBreak Picture = All of the ingredients in the dish pre-blending

The dish I made tonight is 1 batch of the below recipe. Two weeks ago, we went to a poolside party where I made two batches and decorated with an assortment of veggies...I couldn't leave the dish alone! (And....it's relatively healthy :))

2 batches of the recipe

For more on how this yoga vegetarian eats, visit the washingtonian where I was featured on what I ate for a day. I picked a day where I knew I would be challenged by parties and dinners with friends...usually the days that would make me go WAY overboard. It is a challenge to keep a food diary and be honest with yourself about why you are eating what you are eating. Very insightful. If you haven't tried it already....I recommend it. Would love to hear your insights.
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Ingredient List
1 cup frozen shelled edamame
1 Tbs. minced fresh ginger
1 clove garlic
1/2 cup silken tofu
1 cup cilantro leaves
3 Tbs. peanut butter
2 Tbs. low-sodium tamari
2 Tbs. fresh lime juice
1/2 tsp. sriracha or chile-garlic sauce

Directions

Serves 8 (makes 1 cup)

1. Bring small pot of water to a boil. Add edamame, and cook 10 minutes. Drain.
2. Place ginger and garlic in bowl of food processor; process until minced. Add edamame, tofu, cilantro, peanut butter, tamari, lime juice, and sriracha. Process until dip is chunky-smooth. Refrigerate in sealed container several hours to allow flavors to develop.

Nutritional Information
Per 2-tbs. serving: Calories: 65, Protein: 4g, Total fat: 4g, Saturated fat: <1g, Carbs: 4g, Cholesterol: mg, Sodium: 210mg, Fiber: 1g, Sugars: 1g

#PHOTOADAYJULY ~ #AUGUSTBREAK

Photos Inspire....or at least make me smile!

I love being an amateur photographer! There is something special about taking pictures that resonate with your heart, especially if you can get an amazing angle, the lighting is perfect or a loved one in a beautiful candid moment.

Recap of the crazy fast, hot and intense #PHOTOADAYJULY:



across from top to bottom: sunshine, on the road, letter, favorite color, open, sign, building, mug, calm, upside down, texture, pet, best part of my day, lunch, finger, a stranger, eyes, big, garden, busy, self portrait, heart, plate 

Remember...we are all amateur photographers. You can capture an amazing moment even with your phone (p.s. that's how all of my pictures were taken = iphoneagraphy)

The month of August, I will be taking part in a new type of daily picture taking. It's using the final month of summer as inspiration to take a break from your day, be in the moment, and capture something that sparkles, makes you smile, engages your mind....really anything!

Follow me on Twitter, Instagram or right here on the blog where I will be posting one picture a day as part of #AugustBreak. If you'd like to join in, more details here.