WoYoPracMo

I've got a blog sister out there that has a very familiar theme: her blog is entitled yoga gumbo - a simmering pot of yoga, cooking, parenting and whatever else bubbles up. Don't you love it? So in addition to being one of my fave blogs, Yogamum also started a social network called WoYoPracMo (just say it a few times out loud, you'll get it), which stands for World Yoga Practice Month. Here's a little history:

We kicked off World Yoga Practice Month on January 1, 2008 with a challenge: practice yoga every day in January. A bunch of yogis and wanna-be yogis signed up, and something amazing happened: the group became more than just a bunch of people stepping onto their yoga mats every day. It became a supportive, inspirational community of yoga practitioners all over the world. We were having so much fun that we decided we didn't want to give it up at the end of January, and continued with monthly themes...If you are not into the whole "goal" thing, that's cool too. Feel free to hang around and check out the blogs and forums. From Ashtanga to Iyengar, newbies to longtime practitioners, everyone is welcome to join the fun. 

The rules are simple: practice yoga every day in January. Your practice can be as short as 10 minutes! If you accomplish this goal, you will be in the running for prizes. 

OK, so I have to admit that at first the thought of getting all spun up about making sure I do yoga every day had me a little worried. But then I started thinking more about it-I mean, isn't this what I am teaching people to do?! My point being, you CAN do yoga every day without being all goal-obsessed about it. It doesn't have to be an hours-long, hard-core practice to count. I am thinking, for days when I might not get an "official" practice in, how about some après-ski yoga (since I'm going to be skiing a lot this month - more to come on that shortly), restorative poses before bed, yoga play with my 3 year old. Or what about just sitting down on my mat without a plan or goal and see what happens? There's a lot of room to play here. So I say, don't be intimidated by the every day thing. This is a great way to kick off the new year and your 2009 yoga practice by bringing it into focus and figuring out what yoga is to you. And that is something different every day. Practice and all is coming, indeed.

Namaste and Happy New Year! 

Princess Pose

Here's a photo my sister-in-law just sent from Christmas, of Morgane in Princess Pose. Santa brought her a princess chest containing 3 different costumes, and he could have stopped right there - it was all we could do to get her to open her other presents. It was definitely yet another lesson on living in the moment - who the hell cares what else is under the tree, when this is doing it for me right now? So, with that in mind, hope you're not worrying about New Year's resolutions just yet, and enjoying the in-between it's-still-the-holidays zone in effect til January 1 

(I am!).

Carousel Christmas

In Missoula with my husband's family for Christmas and it's been snowing since we arrived on Sunday...this morning we opened presents while it continued to come down, and I was thinking it doesn't get much better than this. I've spent the last few days doing things I don't normally do: not rushing around or worrying about where I have to run to next, carousel riding with Morgane, watching tv (yesterday I watched James Bond movies all afternoon), and Bikram yoga. It's been a delicious and different blend. 

The other day we stopped off at Morgane's fave place here, the Missoula carousel. It's this gorgeous, colorful creation of hand-carved wooden horses that move to the music of an organ. And it also goes really fast. On this snowy day, we were the only ones there - what a treat! For each of our 3 rides, Morgane was thrilled beyond belief to pick a new horse. As we rode around and around and her joy only seemed to grow, it occurred to me that these are the moments we live for. A private carousel ride with my daughter, beaming with joy, going round and round without having to worry about getting anyplace or accomplishing anything. Why it is so hard sometimes to stop what we are doing and give ourselves this kind of gift? The sort that really keeps on giving? 

I wish you and your family many of these moments now and in the year to come. Merry Christmas, Happy Holidays, all the best in whatever you celebrate this time of year. 

And a partridge out in the snow

The other morning I was awakened by Morgane whispering in my ear, "Mom, you gotta come see the birds". Intrigued, I followed her to the window, and rubbed my eyes. Then went to get my glasses. There were indeed 5 large, round moving lumps nestled in the snow, but I couldn't really process what I was seeing, it seemed so unusual. Or maybe I just wasn't fully awake yet. Morgane told me, "I saw them from my bedroom window." Which by the way, is upstairs. Glad she got husband's stellar eyesight. We watched them rustle about for awhile, and I went to get the camera and further investigate exactly what kind of birds bury themselves in fresh snow. I ventured outside in hopes of a good shot, but alas got too close, and suddenly off they flew in one fluid motion - 5 lovely, plump partridge. (Wildlife note: I did a little bird research, and I'm still not quite sure about the difference between a partridge and a grouse; they appear to be pretty darn close. Therefore, I decided to call these guys partridges given the approaching holiday and in honor of the song.) I didn't get the photo, but stood there smiling after witnessing this event. What a wonderful start to the day. 

I adore these kind of Montana moments. Last week, I came home one afternoon to see a herd of elk thundering down the hill behind our house. Not that long ago, I was sitting working at the computer when a bald eagle flew by, just like that. It makes me stop whatever I am doing and exclaim, "Holy Shit!" Yeah, not exactly an eloquent musing on the power of nature, but it so appropriately describes what I am feeling. It's like I am witnessing these timeless rhythms of nature intersect with my modern, nutty world, and zing - the hair stands up on the back of my neck and I utter profanities. It's like this intersection causes some kind of primitive physiological response. It's pretty cool. I don't think I'll ever get tired of it. And happily, the partridges seem to have decided that they like our house, because we keep seeing them snuggled up out there in the snow. So we've changed that lyric in the 12 days of Christmas song to, "And a partridge out in the snow".

Cheese & Chocolate

What is it about winter weather that makes me crave cheese and chocolate? After our good old stand-by healthy dinner last night of salmon, cous cous and asparagus (Morgane's and my fave), tonight we are having fettuccine with gorgonzola, sage, and heavy cream. Without apology, I might add. And for dessert, freshly-made chocolate peppermint bars. Oh yeah. I practiced second series Ashtanga today, so that will hopefully help my metabolism process all this. Yum, yum and yum. Here's the peppermint bar recipe, they are quite easy and I'm pleased with how they turned out: 

Chocolate Peppermint Bar Cookies

• 1/2 cup all-purpose flour
  
• 1/2 cup unsweetened cocoa powder (not Dutch-process)
  
• 1 teaspoon baking soda
  
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
  
• 1 stick (1/2 cup) unsalted, softened butter
  
• 3/4 packed dark brown sugar
  
• 1 large egg (I use 2 at high altitude)
  
• 1 cup semi-sweet chocolate chips
  
• 1 cup coarsely crushed peppermint hard candies (I use a meat mallet on a large candycane)
  

Put oven rack in middle position and preheat to 375. Line a 13 x 9 inch baking pan with foil, allowing a few inches of foil to hang over the edges. Coat with cooking spray. Whisk together flour, cocoa powder, baking soda and salt in a small bowl. Beat together butter and brown sugar in a large bowl with an electric mixer at high speed until pale and fluffy, approx 3 minutes. Beat in egg(s). Reduce speed to low and mix in flour mixture until just combined. Stir in chocolate chips and candy. Spread dough evenly in pan and bake until puffed and beginning to pull away from sides of pan, about 20 minutes. Cool completely in pan on a rack, then lifting with foil, transfer to a cutting board. Cut into bars and lift off foil with a spatula. 

Enjoy!

I want candy

From a Bon Appetit magazine that I saved:

On the fringe of winter, we crave ingredients with stronger flavors. Bright blood oranges, earthy chard, bitter frisée, rich nutty cheeses - and, always timely, chocolate.

We're definitely not on the fringe here, it's been 20 below since Sunday. We've had heat problems at our house, a power outage, dogs that cannot stay outside for more than 10 seconds in the cold so therefore are using our house as their alternate toilet, and exploding frozen soda cans that I stupidly put in the garage to keep cold. Yep, it's been a fun couple of days. SO, what a perfect time to treat myself to the offerings of my absolute fave place in Boz - Le Châtelaine. I lived in France and spent a lot of time sampling European chocolate - and this stuff ranks at the top of the list. Right here, in Bozeman, MONTANA. 

It's tough to top flavor combos like:

• Azteca - ancho chili powder blended with dark chocolate (my all-time favorite)
  
• Jasmine - Jasmine tea infusion adorned with black sesame seeds
  
• Pink Champagne Truffle - blended with Rosé champagne, rolled in sparkly pink sugar, this is a truffle Marie-Antoinette might have adored
  
• Huckleberry - Montana huckleberry pâtes de fruit layered between dark chocolate ganache
  
• Frenchy Sea Salt Caramel - Salted butter caramel made with organic cream, adorned with Camargue Fleur de Sel 
  

Oh. My. Lord. I feel so warm and fuzzy every time I walk out of this place with my gorgeous box containing such beautiful bursts of exquisite flavor. If you don't live here, check out their website and order online: www.chatelainechocolate.com 

Top Gifts with a Twist

It's been a weekend of friends over for dinner and snow/sub-zero temps. Perfect for staying inside and cooking up comfort food all day. Since I've been good about adhering to one of my suggested experiential gifts - the gift of a nice meal and time together - I have to admit that I've found a few material goods I just can't resist. BUT, the twist is, they all go hand in hand with an experience. So I'm feeling kind of proud of myself for sticking with the theme, and getting to indulge in a little traditional Christmas shopping. You've still got 10 days!

1,001 Pearls of Yoga Wisdom: Take Your Practice Beyond the Mat.

This adorable little book includes 1,001 gems related to yoga practice, philosophy, history, you name it, a "treasure trove of yoga". So fun to flip through for instant inspiration and yogic reminders, any time you're craving either. Experience add-on: spark discussions with other yogis.

The Manduka eKO yoga mat. This is my favorite yoga mat, ever. And I've tried a lot of yoga mats. It's super thick, has superior grip (the least amount of slippage potential I've experienced) with a very cool texture they call "sea-grass". Best of all, it's eco-friendly, made from non-Amazon harvested natural tree rubber and not PVC or toxic plasticizers (yuk-doesn't that just sound nasty?). Comes in lovely, calming colors - I've got moss. Be forewarned, it's heavy, but worth its weight in gold. Experience add-on: a gift certificate for yoga classes.

Table Topics. Fun conversation starter question cards in categories like gourmet, family, and general. I can't wait to bust these out over Christmas with my husband's family. Experience add-on: learn new stuff with family and friends.

Buddha Bowl. OK, I know, it's just a combo bowl/mug with a great name, but I fell hard for the description: Designed to nestle with perfect comfort in the palm of your hand, the Buddha Bowl allows you to enjoy rice, tea, soup, cereal, and hot cocoa with ease. Slip your thumb through the hole, seat the bowl in your hand, and experience the Zen of sublime, tranquil simplicity. Experience add-on: dress-up your rituals of coffee, tea, comfort food.

Tree Posing

So here is our Christmas tree. I really tried to capture the height, but am not sure if it translates - what is the deal with things turning out so very different in a picture? I have the utmost respect for good photogs. And here is Morgane practicing tree by the tree. She is very upset about having to hold onto the wall while balancing, but I told her that most of us have to do that at least some of the time. 

The Christmas tree actually encroaches on my yoga space. But today was fun, using ornaments as drishtis. 

OM Christmas Tree

I participated in a Montana tradition over the weekend. AND, I know this to be a FACT vs. an assumption, unlike the meat-as-gift controversy from the other day (although I am taking an informal poll on that one). Husband, Morgane and I headed out into the woods to cut down our own Christmas tree. I can almost feel it coming as I type this...the question, is that really an environmentally conscious thing to do? Actually, if done correctly, yes. But first let me issue this disclaimer - I had already decided to put the environmental concern aside for this year, as it promised to be one of those family Christmas memories that lasts a lifetime, and I do plenty of things year round to reduce my family's carbon footprint. Plus I'd never done it before (husband, being from Montana, grew up with this tradition). But, me being me and the fact that I kept wondering about this, I did a little research. First of all, this tradition is encouraged by the National Forest Service, who sell permits to cut your own tree for $5 and provide guidelines and maps. Here's a little tidbit from a U.S. Forest Services Officer: Harvesting wild trees helps the forest...Judicious thinning strengthens strands. You're taking a tree from the forest, but you're giving that tree's neighbor a better chance of survival. In addition, the city of Bozeman recycles Christmas trees for composting (they did over 90,000 lbs. in 2006), so after we enjoy our tree it will not go to waste.

Moving on. We stopped to get our permit and drove into the Bridger Mountains in search of our tree. We hiked into the woods and compared and contrasted, finally settling on a tall, nicely-proportioned beauty. And let me tell you, "tall" in the woods becomes TALL once you get it home...our tree is oh, about 15 feet. Didn't look that big out in the open. It sure beats the little guys we used to get when we lived in NYC/DC. Morgane and I said a little blessing for the tree as husband went to work with the saw, thanking it for sharing its beauty with us. It definitely felt like a memory-in-the-making as we carried our tree back down to the truck, with Morgane running gleefully behind us. It's now standing in our living room in all its glory, memories of Christmases past hanging from its boughs, Morgane settling in each evening to bask in the glow of its lights. We're even working on her learning to balance in tree pose next to it. OM Christmas tree! 

Btw, this year's 78-foot Capitol Christmas Tree is from Montana. The theme is "Sharing Montana's Treasures", showcased with the 5,000 ornaments handmade by Montanans. 

Here's Morgane in the back of the truck with our tree, hiking stick in hand, mission accomplished. 

Gingerbread Yoga

OK, I know I just blogged a few days ago about non-material gift giving, but this is tough to resist: Baked Ideas' Gingerbread Yoga Cookies. What a fun foodie/yoga gift, although they fall into the category of almost too cute to eat. Yum and Namaste.

Where's the (organic) beef?

Today I had a uniquely Montana experience. Let's just say it's not something I've done anywhere else. My horse trainer Janice had a friend in town for an organic ranching conference, needless to say he is an organic rancher. He brought with him loads of organic ground beef that he was selling cheap. Yes, we'd take 25 pounds - so his assistant called me to arrange pick up for this morning. I arrived at the Holiday Inn at the set time and couldn't help but feel like I was involved in some kind of drug deal. I inquired for this person upon my arrival, but no one seemed to know his whereabouts. Wait, weren't we supposed to meet in the parking lot? No answer at the cell number I had for him. My palms got clammy and my mouth dry. Was he not going to show with the goods? I had already planned the next week of dinner menus and beyond using said beef, and was going to give some to my in-laws too (in Montana, it's not unusual to offer gifts of meat). After nervously pacing around for 20 minutes, way past our set meeting time, I had to make a decision to wait longer or head to yoga class. Ugh. I decided to let go of my attachment to the beef and went to class. On the mat thoughts of the yummy stuff and all my recipes kept floating into my head - why was I so fixated on this?? Truly, what bothered me most was that things didn't go according to plan. We spend a lifetime learning how to roll with it, and as someone who has a plan for almost everything, this can really mess with me. It was a good lesson, I concluded as I rolled up my mat. Forget the beef. A few hours later, while putting the lights on our Christmas tree (more on that soon), the phone rang - it was the rancher. "What happened to you?" I asked in a voice that sounded a bit desperate. There had been a very unfortunate accident with his assistant...I'll skip those details, but the happy ending is that I got my beef delivered to my door. I let go and it found me. There is a lesson in almost everything, if you're open to it. 

Give the gift of Experience

A friend of mine who is a mom, author and childbirth educator recently posted on her blog an entry entitled "Think before you buy". Yup, 'tis the season. If more people adhered to this simple idea there would probably be a lot less credit card debt and post-holiday blues come January. It inspired me to further develop my official position on gifts this holiday season: give the gift of an experience. I'm going to give gifts that I feel will enhance well-being and result in a good memory, vs. sit on a shelf somewhere. 

Kimmelin (who led a motherhood discussion inspired by her new book A Dozen Invisible Pieces & Other Confessions of Motherhood at our Mother's Day retreat last spring) writes:

Think about the fact that, here in America, 99% of what we purchase ends up in the garbage or the 'unused' shelf somewhere in our home within 6 months...Think about the fact that manufacturers and retailers depend on the fact that poorly made products break or fall out of fashion sooner than next quarter's credit card statement will hit your mailbox, and in so doing, prompt you to go out and buy more stuff.

The accumulation of stuff gives me angst, just like throwing away things has always made me worry about landfills (prior to actually knowing about landfills, I worried about where it all went). Experiential gift-giving can be creative and fun, and gives us the opportunity to connect with friends and family in a non-material way. Here are a few suggestions: 

• a dinner out together, or if you cook, a home-made meal 
  
• a massage 
  
• a yoga class
  
• a bottle of wine to share over time together catching up (cannot be opened with anyone but you)
  
• a gift certificate to spend a day together doing something you both enjoy outdoors: skiing, hiking, biking, walking the dogs...
  

Do you have some ideas for experiential gift giving? Would love to hear them.