Well, Hello! We have come catching up to do. How are you? How’s your summer? I wish we could sit and have that conversation in person {though you could share summer highlights in the comment box on Olliebop. I’d love to hear what you’ve been up to!}.
All is well here, with many happy summer moments to look back upon. It’s also been way too nutty. The kitchen renovation and our comings and goings have been overwhelming at times. Current kitchen status: I’d say 75% done. No countertops for another two weeks, and Mr. BOP and I need to empty the first floor of the house this week because we’re having the floors refinished — while we’re “at it.” See? We’ve done this to ourselves! We haven’t cooked for real in a month, and I can’t wait ’til it feels like home again around here.
Highlights of our summer so far — a fun-filled reunion with Mr. BOP’s family here at our house, Hudson’s booming DJ business {7 jobs in 6 days the first week of summer!}, Ella’s performance as Sharpay in High School Musical, a trip to the beautiful Adirondacks, time spent with special friends from afar, two kids off to sleep away camp, and a stunning NYC family wedding at the Boathouse in Central Park this past weekend. Simultaneously, we’re awaiting supply lists and schedules in the mail, as we look ahead to Middle and High School. Bittersweet, for sure.
So, all of this has pulled me away from my computer, and for the lack of posting {and Facebooking, and Tweeting} I do apologize. Next summer I’ll put up a vacation notice to make it official and guilt-free. I know you understand.
So back to that Moment of Zen. Here’s a simple thing that I’m happy to pass along:
For the days that I have little time and too much stress, I’ve discovered Rodney Yee’s Yoga for Beginners DVD with guest instructor {and now Yee’s wife} Colleen Saidman. This isn’t a red-hot new release by any means, but it was recommended by a massage therapist friend as a quick way to decompress and stretch. It’s divided into several 15 minute segments and able to be squeezed in as necessary. I’ve especially enjoyed Saidman’s “Rejuvinating” segment {I choose the “inspirational” narrative vs. the instructional}, filmed with the Hawaiian ocean in the background. For anyone who is a true beginner, it is recommended to review the pose guide first.
I picked up the DVD at Target {it’s also on Amazon} for less than $10. I do have some yoga experience, and this is not a challenging workout — but I have used it for a quick re-centering and stretching amidst a busy day. For that it has been a beautiful thing. For a preview, or a whole wealth of videos from which to choose, check out Giam TV. A free ten day membership allows you to stream this video as well as thousands of other peaceful offerings. Namaste.
