Yoga Noodles

Fall at the Farmhouse...

2011-11-12T08:59:00.000-08:00

Ok, so I know it has been ages since I last blogged...time truly does fly by, sometimes, and I think I just woke up this morning and realized that the holiday season is just around the corner and the eve of a new year is creeping up to the front door. Have I just been too busy to notice? Maybe, but I think I've spent the past few months loosing my way a bit...too many obligations and conflicting interests, perhaps...and a little bit of the magic of life at the farmhouse has gone by without proper attention. Today, I awoke to a warm fire crackling and the smell of pumpkin spice bread in the toaster (the benefit of a husband who lets me sleep in on Saturday mornings) and truly felt that familiar tingle that is November in the foothills of the Great Smoky Mountains.

Hot, dry weather this summer resulted in more muted colors this fall, but the farmhouse is still beautiful. We set out our pumpkins and mums and put the plaid throws out on our deck chairs so we could enjoy the chill of autumn evenings. A couple of weeks ago, the house got a bit of a face lift with the addition of a new roof...we miss the terracotta tiles, but the bright red shingles make the house look so pretty. We are looking forward to a new sun porch and deck in the coming weeks (before Christmas, I hope!) and Crawdad and my step-dad are back at work renovating the basement. My artistic shelves have been quite popular, and I think I will take a similar artistic approach to our bathroom re-design next year.

Of course, fall at the farmhouse means time spent in the kitchen. I have been organizing my homemade Yoganoodles cookbook for a couple of weeks in preparation for the holidays and love finding authentic Appalachian recipes for sawmill gravy and Christmas Stake Cake to add to the mix. Recently, I even ran across a recipe for Upside Down Apple Gingerbread in a 1957 cookbook published by the Great Smoky Mountains Association...I've not tested or tweaked it, but I'll let you know how it goes! Tonight, we are meeting up with friends for a moonlight bike ride around the loop road in Cades Cove. I've promised to bring cookies, so I've already spent most of my morning combing through recipes and trying to decide my orange infused chocolate coconut cookies or maybe those yummy, chewy cookies made with brown sugar.

Oh, plans...baking, creating, remodeling. I can hear my mother say "how will you ever find the time?" She's right, of course. We never really "find" time...but we do get to choose the things that fill-up the time we have. So today, I choose to fill my time with a little flour, a little sugar in my sunny farmhouse kitchen...and tonight I get to enjoy friends and a November full moon in the mountains of East Tennessee.

A rainy Saturday and other things...

2011-03-26T19:31:00.000-07:00

After a really tough week - for many reasons - I felt ready to embrace a rainy Saturday. Normally, I find myself a bit resentful of rain on the weekends. Most of my errands are accompolished between Saturday and Sunday afternoon, and the weekends generally offer my only opportunity to spend some time in the studio painting or sewing. My studio has amazing natural light, but cloudy days leave the room rather dim and dreary, and shopping, making deliveries, and doing yardwork are not much fun in the rain. But today was different. The cloudy skies somehow gave me the perfect excuse to take it easy...move a little more slowly, lingering here and there...

I was ready for some much needed downtime, but first things first, so, I washed the dishes, poured a strong cup of Crawdad's (otherwise known as the hubby) coffee, and sat down with a couple of chocolate chip cookies for breakfast. The coffee cleared my mind (sorry, but I really can't give the cookies credit for that), and I looked out the windown to check for rain.

No rain yet. I threw on my tights and a sweater and headed downtown to teach my Saturday yoga class. It's important to clarify here that I don't consider teaching yoga to be work in any way and, since my current schedule offers so little time to teach, I'm thrilled by every opportunity. Anyway, after class, the skies were still grey, but the rain was holding back a bit, so I made a side trip to Benefit Your Life, a wonderful health food store specializing in gluten free and all natural products. (I'll tell you all about them later, as they will be carrying some of my fabric pieces including my aprons, pillowcases, and market totes, but until then, check them out online.) Then, it was off to the market for veggie burger fixins and Peroni beer, before I weaved my way back home. Still, no rain.

I didn't bother to change clothes (yoga clothes are, after all, known for their comfort). Wrapped in a blanket, I snuggled up on my bed with the dogs, a good book, and the remote control. I watched the Biography channel, napped and read, and enjoyed the occassional interruption by one child or another who wanted to join the fun. Later, Crawdad and the kids (believe it or not) pitched in to help cook dinner. Since it still hadn't stared raining, we decided to put the burgers on the grill and then we all piled up in the living room to watch TV. The air was cool enough for a low fire and we watched TV, laughed and debated, and enjoyed a little family time.

I've been cleaning the kitchen and listening to the kids. I just realized that Crawdad has fallen asleep in the wingback chair...and it's raining.

I'm not really sure when the rain started, but I guess it doesn't really matter. The idea of a rainy day has been enough...enough to give me a reason to let go, relax, and re-group and that has been a gift. Tomorrow, I will once agin turn my attention to projects and spend my time immersed in fabric, paint, and a little G. Love. But as a punctuation to a really stressful week, I've enjoyed my day...although I don't have much to show for it, except a full belly and a few more chapters in the book I'm reading...but I'll crawl in bed soon, turn out the lights, and listen to water dripping from the gutter outside my bedroom window, grateful for a rainy Saturday.

The Kitchen Shelves...and other lessons in patience

2011-03-15T18:28:00.000-07:00

As promised...let me tell you about my kitchen shelves. There are only two of them and they aren't very long, but I must say I'm pretty pleased with the way things turned out, which is a really good thing because it only took forever to plan, design, and create this little bit of kitchen art. The process started in September...

You'll recall that we began working on our tiny kitchen last fall. Well, it isn't quite finished - the holidays hit and my free time got stretched between work, projects for clients, gifts for friends...you get the idea, and I;ve spent the last couple of months playing catch-up. Still, we've made progress, and I'm grateful for that. Always intended as a part of our kitchen re-do, the shelves, however, took on a life of their own.

I guess it's fair to say I suffer from AADD...Artistic Attention Deficit Disorder. Somewhere down deep, I had an idea about how I wanted the shelves to look, but I kept bouncing from one design to another. My husband and I debated whether they would work better on this wall or that, we planned for 3 shelves, but I changed my mind after the wood was purchased and cut to size, so we ended up with two by default...oh, and the brackets (you get the idea). In short, my kitchen shelves became one big lesson in patience.

Patience is a funny thing...it takes a certain patience to sit in traffic or stand in line. Pregnancy was a huge test of patience for me and my children will tell you that waiting for Christmas morning or the last day of school is no picnic. I have friends that are models of patience as they wait for loved ones in the military serving overseas to come home. It takes patience to loose weight, quit smoking, and save money. It takes patience to mend a broken heart, paint your nails, and wait for water to boil. It's hard to practice patience with other people...and maybe even harder to have patience with youself. And that's the lesson of my kitchen shelves - I had to be patient with me.

Well, I finally settled on size and design, spent a couple of weekends with various paints, prints, and mediums, and finished each shelf with a bit illustration. My patience paid off and I'm pleased with the detail, color, and funky attitude these functional art pieces have added to my kitchen. With walls painted, tile border finished, and shelves up, I am beginning to see the big picture...a little trim work, floor finishing and cabinet paint and we'll be able to sit back and...well, maybe not relax, exactly, but at least enjoy the view while we wash dishes! But that will have to wait for another day...I'm back at work in the studio for the next couple of weeks...another opportunity for patience.

Simply Sacred...

2011-03-14T18:58:00.000-07:00

I know it has been ages since I've written and I can only tell you that I've thought a hundred times about what I might share. Basically, the past couple of months have been busy...more than busy, and I find myself, as I'm sure many do, simply chasing the day.

I had planned for this blog to be about patience...and my kitchen shelves (yes, there is a connection there, I promise)...but that post will have to wait for another day. I am, by the way, quite pleased with my little shelf creation...just so you know it was worth the wait. But the shelves are only a small part of the past few weeks and I promise more on projects later.

Today, however, I was taking a moment to watch a little TV with our daughter, Gentry (she has been a little under the weather this weekend and needed a some Mommy time) and I heard something that touched me. A Jewish Rabbi was talking about the orthodox Jewish diet and explained that the diet was an extension of the idea that we should celebrate holiness in our daily life.

I was touched...he had somehow articulated what I haven't quite been able to put into words. I am frequently asked by friends, family and co-workers why I choose be a vegetarian. As crazy as it may sound, I really do believe everything is sacred and somehow, I feel a deeper harmony with Mother Earth if I don't eat meat. But honoring the holiness of daily life is bigger than what I eat...it really is how I choose to live...

My husband scratches his head at my insistance that the bed be made each morning. My daughter doesn't quite understand why I use my good china once a week. A full moon fills me with a sense of wonder and I love to hear the windchimes sing on a windy night. I light candles every evening and almost always have a fresh vase of flowers under the window. I feel comfort in a bowl of soup and a yummy glass of wine on a weeknight, a kitchen filled with the smell of fresh bread and shelves designed and created by yours truly, and an evening spent wrapped in a blanket watching the sunset from my back porch.

None of this is ovewhelmingly significant, but our lives are crafted in the little moments...moments spent recognizing the holiness of daily life. Celebrating the sacred simply means paying attention, living in harmony and gratitude, honoring the day with a soft spirit, and remembering that everything that surrounds us...no matter how small or mundane...is a holy gift.

I'll tell you all about the shelves, the virtures of patience, and future projects another time. Today, I'm just enjoying their beauty...and the end of the day.

I Resolve to Evolve...

2011-01-05T19:20:00.000-08:00

I have always loved candles...small votives of illumination warm corners of my house, my walkway, and my studio. They are like little accessories nestled in my cupboards and shelves, smiling away bringing a sense of peace and calm to even the most cluttered of spaces.

Things...even the most ordinary of items...look different in candle light. So, I guess it shouldn't come as any surprise, that, my first meditation of this new year found me quietly gazing at a small white candle, thinking about my ever growing list of New Year's Resolutions.

I began by resolving to read more books...novels, nonsense, and more. I resolve to write letters, not just email, and spend more face time than Facebook time with my friends. I resolve to create a little bit everyday, pay attention, and do yoga. I resolve to run a half-marathon and enjoy it. I resolve to plan a little better, manage my money and my health, and play with my dog. I resolve to embrace opportunity, the moment, and my children. I resolve to evolve...into what, I don't know, but to move forward...curious, confident, and with grace.

I look forward to sharing my year with you...with a deep breath, learning to let go of that with separates who I am from all that I am meant to be. Weclome, 2011...make yourself at home!

Art Walk this Weekend!!!

2010-11-11T18:25:00.000-08:00

I have been scrambling in the studio for the past two weeks trying to finish some new work for the Art Walk at Trillum Cove...home of Southern Fried Gallary and other amazing shops in Townsend, Tennessee. I have been experimenting with new techniques and creating some interesting mixed media pieces. After putting the finishing touches on a custom piece for Baby Sophia (a close friend is expecting her arrival next month), I've managed to finish six of the eight planned new pieces and will be showing them at the show this weekend...and, although I've got gunk galore (paint, glue, gesso, ink) caked to my fingernails, I'm pretty pleased with my efforts so far and excited to be included in this "First Annual" event!

More good news, I have a new camera (Darby's Advanced Photography class at school took the final breath of my dear old digital, may she rest in peace), so I hope to have some pretty sweet photos of the event. That said, my current run of photos is fairly bleak, since I haven't really had time to tinker with the new equipment, but, as I said, I've been scrambling a bit!

Scrambling is really an understatement...I've had to enlist yoga friends to cover a few of my evening yoga classes, my husband has totally rearranged his schedule to be available for the event, my kids are holding down the fort - including dish washing and dog care - and I've got at least 12 phone calls to return. Isn't it funny how even the good stuff in life manages to spin us around until we're so dizzy we think we're going to fall down or throw up! To my credit, however, I vowed to try to enjoy every moment in my studio, deadline or not, since I don't get to spend nearly as much time creating these days as I would like. I've made sure to have plenty of Candy Kisses, hot coffee, and my stash of favorite CD's at the ready...and I even managed to eat dinner with the family a couple of times this week!

All in all, I may be tried, but I'm reminded once again that I am truly blessed...I have the most amazing family in the world and an incredible group of hard-core, understanding friends. I have chocolate and caffine and a dog that still loves me, even though we haven't played fetch for days. My nails may be various shades of green and my hair needs...well, something...but I'm looking forward to this weekend and all of the surpises it might bring. Check out Souther Fried Gallary's blog for more event info and, if you're able to drop by, be sure and say "hello"...oh, and bring a cup of strong coffee for me!!!

Livin Life...

2010-10-16T08:57:00.000-07:00

Once again, I'm marking time by the change of the seasons. Since September here in East Tennessee was unusually warm, the onset of autumn has taken me a bit by surprise. Cooler weather, which ususally brings out the knitting needles, hot cocoa recipes, and all things honoring evening shadows, full moons, and the color orange, has simply left me chilly and wondering where my sweaters are. Life seems to be rolling right along without any consideration of my schedule or list of unfinished projects. Honestly, I guess this is as it should be...too much control short circuits creativity, I think, so I it's time to embrace the moment and remember that this orangic flow to my days really is like a breath of fresh air.

Available at Southern Fried Gallery

I've spent much of the last few weeks in the studio. I'm excited to say some of my originial folk art and a few of my fabric pieces are now available at the Southern Fried Gallery in Townsend, Tennessee...a unique shop filled with creations by local artists and handmade gurus. I'm thrilled to be included with such a talented group of artists, but new projects tend to eat up the edges of my day and sometimes I forget to notice the leaves changing colors or dusk creeping in earlier each evening. Then, several nights ago, I heard the old barn owl begin to sing. Time for a break, I think, so we decided to take a deep breath this weekend and host our first bonfire of the season.

There really is something to be said for simply living life. I'm so blessed that I enjoy all that I do...even when it feels a little overwhelming...but it is so easy to get lost in creating a life and forget to simply enjoy living the one we already have. Tonight, I plan to do just that...roasted veggie soup is already simmering on the stove, hats and gloves have been secured, and I just pulled our old quilts out of the cedar chest...all in preparation of a night by the fire in the company of old friends. Tomorrow I can plot, organize, and update my weekly planner, but for a few hours this evening, I'm going live life...totally in the moment, watching the stars and maybe even adding a little harmony to that barn owl's song.

Making Decisions...

2010-08-29T08:34:00.000-07:00

I've come to accept the fact that although practicing yoga has given me greater awareness, clarity and focus, there are still moments when I feel completely overwhelmed and confused. I still spend unnecessary time each morning debating what to wear (especially if I ended the night before eating a huge bowl of ice cream while watching Project Runway), and I don't dare attempt grocery shopping without first developing a detailed list. It took weeks to choose which veggies to plant in my garden and a year before I finally decided to color my hair (which I love, by the way). This week, I've faced yet another round of decision drama...what color should we paint our kitchen?

This really isn't a new question, since we've been planning our kitchen remodel for months. Still, I've changed my mind at least 50 times to the point that my husband, Crawdad, finally gave me a deadline and vowed he would pick the color himself should I fail to make a decision. So, faced with such a scary ultimatum, I moved everything out of my kitchen, Gentry and I primed the walls, and I sat back to take it all in...

Now, you really need to understand that chaos may be the intricate border that outlines my daily life, but physical disorder gives me vertigo...seriously. My hands were shaking just taking this picture and I get slightly sick at my stomach every time I walk through this room...I just can't think straight when things are all piled up. Not the best situation to be in when faced with decision making. Add to that the fact that the artistic side of my brain thinks in multiples...if blue is good, then purple, pink and yellow are even better...you get the idea! Still, I really want my kitchen to be a peaceful place and, since the room is tiny with no real options to expand, I plan to use lighter shades to open the space and give it a little room to breathe, so multiple color combos are, unfortunately, out.

I've spent weeks going through magazines and color swatches. I researched painting techniques and interviewed dozens of friends and co-workers regarding their personal color choices. I've meditated and calculated and spent at least 3 hours at Lowe's in the last two days. Finally, I think I've made a decision...

Pale lemon yellow and a pretty light grey. Crawdad gave in and agreed to use tile instead of a traditional chair rail (he is debating whether to tile the back splash behind our kitchen counter as well) because I told him it would take me at least another week to decide what color to paint it! I'll have to deal with the chaotic clutter for a few days, but the kids are having a blast eating Chinese take-out and pizza, since my oven has been temporarily relocated to the middle of the kitchen. At least the fridge is still plugged in and full of cold beer - a home improvement must have!

Today, I'm taking a deep breath and a couple of ibuprofen before I finish sanding and priming. I feel so confident since decisions have been made and really can't wait to see it all come together. Now, if I could just decide on paint for the bathroom...

Life Changing...

2010-08-10T18:45:00.000-07:00

About this time each year, I feel an internal shift as summer winds down into fall and the kids go back to school. Soon, the air will begin to feel cooler, our days will be shorter, and our easy family life will pick up speed, racing head long into autumn with barely a breath to spare before the holidays. So, as I think about the coming school year, I can't believe how much our lives have changed in recent years.

This weekend, I found myself wondering about life changing events. First, I met a lovely young lady in my Saturday morning yoga class. She was a beautiful bride-to-be looking forward to walking down the aisle that evening. I was touched that she chose to share a part of her special day with me and I can only imagine the many special life changing moments waiting for her in the years to come. Later, I found myself sharing baby stories at the baby shower for our family's newest edition...my cousin's little girl, Emory Kate. I had been working all week on her baby gift, and I don't know if it was the fun I had testing various shades of pink or the joy I of painting rainbows and clouds, but I kept remembering clearly those tender moments before the birth of my own daughter and how peaceful I felt.

It's funny how life changing events seem to unfold...some expected and long anticipated, others more surprising, and still others so gentle and subtle that we are rarely aware of their significance until we look back and realize how much things have changed. I remember writing my name over and over again the night before my wedding, thinking how odd it would be to have a new last name. I remember clearly how much my own life changed at the birth of our son and then shifted again when our daughter came along. I remember my children's tentative first days of kindergarten and recently esprinted those moments again as our kids entered middle and high school. I remember losses, successes, career changes and relocations...and still our lives continue to evolve.

Our son is 16 years old now and planning on driving to school and just yesterday, we registered his car for a school parking permit. And even as he doesn't recognize how much his life is beginning to change, I, too, am working through my own life changing moments...adjusting to life with teenagers, multiple careers, life in this old farm house. I'm looking back with a bit of a sigh, I'm afraid, but still looking forward to whatever tomorrow might bring!

Ready for a little downtime...

2010-07-09T17:13:00.000-07:00

Well, it's once again time for the Huddleston Clan to pack the beach towels and sunscreen and head south for a little rest and relaxation...and we are really looking forward to a little downtime. For the next couple of weeks, my on-line shop will be closed, but I will still check in occassionally, so don't hesistate to contact me with questions. In the meantime, feel free to drop in and have a look around and check out my favorite finds from other talented indie artists and visit our new Facebook page for more Yoga Noodles stuff.

When we return, I will be busy on some new creative projects including my new shop at the Southern Market in Knoxville, Tennessee. I'm honored to be included among such a creative group of vendors and hope to be up and running this fall, so stay tuned for a peek at the shop and some new designs just in time for the holidays!

Finally, I want to send a big "Thank You" out to those who have graciously agreed to cover classes for me while I'm gone. My scheduled has been updated here, so scroll down the right side of my blog for class information. Don't think for a moment, however, that I'll be missing out on yoga...my mat is already packed safely in the car and I'm ready for a little early morning yoga on the beach.

Namaste'

Independence Day...

2010-07-01T11:11:00.000-07:00

Spring is filled with the pastels of Easter, Autumn is all about deep orange and rich ruby, and there's always the Christmas tradition of dressing everything in red and green. Summer, however, is all about the red, white and blue and Independence day is Summer's signature event! I really enjoy pulling out my collection of stars and stripes...it begins on Memorial Day when we drape our American Flag over the back deck and then I keep adding on until my whole house has taken on the easy, clean colors of summer. Red, white and blue, after all, perfectly compliment seashells and suntans.

As easy as it is to create harmony with red, white, and blue, independence, however, is more complex. We gather with family and friends, grill out burgers, eat apple pie and enjoy our annual fireworks parade, but independence is something that should be celebrated each and every day.

I am thankful for people who think independently...those who go out on a limb, stretch the boundaries, and develop new ideas. I am amazed at the budding independence I see in my children...their confidence and acceptance as they begin to explore their place in our world. I am inspired by those who live independently...growing their own food and creating by hand both things necessary and things luxurious. I am humbled by those who willingly sacrifice their own comfort, freedom, and lives to secure social and economic independence for others. And, although my definition extends beyond the lofty ideas of our founding fathers, I'm certain that without a few stars and stripes, a flag imprinted on a coffee mug, or one day in July set aside to embrace that which makes us independent, this simple, powerful idea, an idea which has defined us as a nation, might be forgotten.

Happy 4th of July...I wish you both fireworks and fun this Independence day...and maybe a quiet moment to reflect, to smile, and to be happy you live in a country that celebrates in red, white, and blue.

Laid Back Summer Fun...

2010-06-16T06:31:00.000-07:00

I love summer. Daily I hear remarks about how hot the weather has been, how humid the air feels, how generally sticky and uncomfortable things seem...but I have to admit, although autumn is my favorite time of year, I'm still like a school kid anxious for a break from my typical schedule and the inevitable slowing down that comes with hot days and humid nights.

The first house my husband and I lived in was a small, old house on 10 acres of land. We moved in November, just in time to enjoy spending Christmas with our family. The house really wasn't set-up for entertaining, however, so we hosted our first large scale party several months later on Memorial Day when the weather was warm and we could take advantage of the acres of hayfield surrounding around our house. What fun we had! Since then, we've lived in homes large and small, but most of our parties are still held outdoors with tents, bonfires, potato salad and a whole lot of laid back fun.

For Memorial Day this year, we had friends and family over to celebrate our son's birthday...Darby turned 16 this year. Tables and chairs were set up on the deck and out under a tent in the field near the fire pit. Adults were chatting and playing horse shoes (yes, we have a regulation horse shoe pit), while the kids were running around, riding bikes, playing music, etc. At one point in the evening, I noticed my now 16 year old son and a friend sitting around the table on our deck playing a board game. I was surprised, but I don't know why...Checkers, Dominos, Rook, and Crazy 8's have long been a part of our family summer tradition and game boards and card decks are packed along side the sunscreen on camping trips as well as our annual trek to Florida. Still, Darby's interests have been so diverse lately, and, at 16, he really is evolving right before my eyes into an amazing young man. In that moment, however, time seemed to stand still and I felt such sweet peace...to be reminded that no matter how grown up my children may seem, some things truly never change.

The green, hand painted game board is one of my own design...just a breath of inspiration as I watched my son have fun doing the simplest of summer things. Long ago we began loosing pieces to our game boards - two kids, two dogs, and two relocations have left me with a random assortment of game pieces, I'm afraid, so we began collecting bottle caps and using them instead...we've also used buttons, pennies, and pretty much anything lying around. Nothing complicated here, but as functional as it is funky. This board design really illustrates the simple, summer lifestyle we've embraced. So, grab a game board or pull out that deck of cards, pop off a bottle cap, and take a deep breath. Summer only comes around once a year...enjoy.

Stuffed Green Peppers...yum!

2010-05-26T11:09:00.000-07:00

The veggies have been planted, farmer's markets are up and running, and the warm weather is rockin the south. My own veggie patch is struggling along, but my herb garden is thriving, so I thought I would share an herb-friendly recipe I enjoy this time of year...although I'm still buying my bell peppers at the market, I get to use my herbs freely and the clean-up for this one is easy. Grab a cute apron and a big spoon and try my version of Spanish Rice Stuffed Green Peppers!

4 large green bell peppers

2 cups white rice

1 medium onion - chopped

1 or 2 cloves garlic - minced

2 cans fire roasted tomatoes or salsa

3 cups veggie stock

2 packages veggie sausage

1 tbsp. pork seasoning

fresh chopped oregano, basil, thyme from the garden

or about a teaspoon each dried herbs

1 tbsp. garlic powder

1 teaspoon chili powder or spiced rub seasoning

olive oil

salt

Heat oil in a large sauce pan. Add rice and cook on medium heat until brown. Add the onion and minced garlic. Heat together for about 5 minutes until the onions are really soft. Add the veggie stock, canned tomatoes or salsa, about a teaspoon or so of salt, and any other herbs your desire. Bring to a boil then reduce to simmer. Cover and let cook about 25 minutes...depending on the rice (check the package for additional cooking information).

While the rice is cooking, brown the veggie sausage in olive oil. Add the pork seasoning (no worries, it's just herbs, no meat products), herbs from the garden (or dried), garlic powder, chili powder, and a pinch or two of salt. Cook together on medium heat for about 5 to 10 minutes, then reduce heat to low.

Prepare bell peppers by cutting away the core and hollowing out the inside of each pepper. Add the sausage mixture to the Spanish rice. Stuff each pepper with the rice/sausage stuffing and place on a large baking sheet. Drizzle olive oil over each pepper and sprinkle with salt. Bake in a pre-heated 450 degree oven for 25 to 30 minutes or until the peppers are soft and the top of the stuffing is firm and slightly crusty (your kitchen will smell amazing). Remove the cooked peppers from the oven and let them stand for about 5 minutes...pour a glass of wine and enjoy!

Getting Organized...

2010-04-28T08:28:00.000-07:00

Since I have some custom orders to fill, I decided that my sweet little studio needed a bit of cleaning and organizing...not unlike the rest of this old farmhouse! I'm afraid that my time spent painting and playing in my veggie patch had left the studio more than a little bit messy, so...time for spring cleaning, so to speak!

I have spent much of the last few days fabric shopping (not that I'm complaining, mind you!) for paisley and floral prints...oh, and a new iron since Darby's foray into silk screening destroyed my old one when he accidentally tipped it over onto some jumper cables in the garage. Although I still can't find my fabric scissors, I'm planning on creating some new Namaste' Pillowcases and other bed linens, but I think I've got enough fabric for a few other projects. The patterns have inspired me so much,t I find myself doodling paisley designs instead of doing other, more important things like washing dishes or doing the laundry, but I'm sure my doodles will turn up in my artwork before too long, so I still considered it time well spent.

Speaking of painting, although I haven't finished tweaking the veggie patch artwork, I'm already planning my next set of projects, so I made an early morning trip out to the barn to search for some old wood. I got a little side-tracked when I uncovered these old plant pots...dirty, of course, but in great shape, so now my mind is winding its way down new creative roads.

I've decided I don't take nearly enough time for planning and organizing. Like many of you, my days can get pretty overwhelmed with the day-to-day stuff like brushing my teeth and cooking dinner and, since I seem to have a little bit of project ADD, I feel like my creative mind is going in twenty different directions at once! Still, organizing clears the path for inspiration, I think...and certainly points out that I have five bottles of Caribbean Blue paint, but only one bottle of yellow. It gives me a road map for accomplishment and a sense of clarity. Getting organized is sort of like taking a deep, cleansing breath and I kind of like that idea.

Now...if I could just find those scissors...

Going Green Gracefully...

2010-04-26T15:52:00.000-07:00

Since this subject has come up twice in one day, I find my self wondering what it means to "go green." Does that mean I commit to only buying products labeled "Certified Organic?" Does it mean I simply recycle, compost, and do my level best not to waste water or any other natural resource? Do I have to drive a hybrid car? Does it mean that I adopt a sustainable living philosophy and only consume things I can create or grow with the resources available just outside my front door? Does it simply mean that I don't use chemicals on my budding veggies?

Truthfully, it means all of the above and quite a bit more, I think. Each of us approach living on Mother Earth according to certain limits - time, skills, location, etc. - so shouldn't every effort made to honor and protect this little planet we call home be applauded? Unfortunately, all of this chit chat about "green living," "organically grown," and "environmentally friendly" has opened the door for the worst of human shortcomings: a self-righteous attitude.

Although the intentions might be pure, we've fallen into a nasty habit of measuring our behavior based on a sense of self-righteous pride...deciding that the actions of others just simply fall a little short. We look down our noses into our neighbors grocery carts and mentally note their lack of involvement in healthy living simply based on their purchase of non-organic cereal. We mutter under our breath about the amount of non-recycled garbage in our neighbors trash cans. We plant backyard gardens all the while feeling pretty smug and enlightened without ever considering where our compost, top soil, or seeds come from - and if we do, we're all the more smug for it!

A friend of mine, Peaceful Peacock Julie, encounter this green bias first hand while marketing her rather unique reusable tea bags. Although most reactions have been positive, even this small step into the more murky than green waters of environmental awareness has met its fair share of self-righteous judgement because these tea cuties just might not be green enough. Instead of simply thanking her for thinking outside the box (or bag, in this case), she was chastised for using "organic cotton" and not other materials. So sad.

Me? I believe that every decision we make has an affect and that each choice to conserve, recycle, and re-think our approach to life on this plant collectively adds up to a greener Mother Earth. Every decision is important and any attempt to honestly make a difference should be met with a smile and words of encouragement. Only then will we have the courage and tenacity to take on bigger environmental challenges - small steps, and all that. We need to go green a little more gracefully - with patience for those just beginning to walk their green path and inspiration from those futher up the road.

Just a Yoga Noodle...

2010-04-12T07:43:00.000-07:00

I am often asked, "What is a Yoga Noodle?" Well, I guess you could say that a Yoga Noodle is a little bit of this and a little bit of that. Just like a big pot of soup, I believe that a Yoga Noodle is filled with flavors, aromas, and textures - some expected and familiar and others as unique as a family recipe. Yoga Noodles is a lifestyle, not just a practice...it's as much about time spent at the flea market as time spent on the mat and time spent in the kitchen as time spent in a yoga class.

Yoga is art, athleticism, and meditation. These things don't simply exist for an hour a couple of times a week...they are a part of everything we do, and, perhaps more importantly, how we approach life. For me, yoga isn't as serious as it is refreshing - I call it "easy vinyasa" - and so I would maintain that we are all Yoga Noodles if we live off the mat what we practice on it. Some days are challenging, others are strong. Some days are less focused and others are smooth as silk. Some days are all about doing and other days are all about being.

Yesterday, I found myself doing a lot. I got up early and began my errands, which included a trip to Lowe's for top soil, kitchen hardware, and paint swatches as well as Thress's for herbs and lettuce plants. Next, my daughter, Gentry, and I set out for the Flea Market. My find of the day: two painted, wicker butterfly lanterns - I have a weakness for garden lanterns! Then, it was back home to try out my new kitchen sink (love it!), do a little spring cleaning, and whip up some yummy stuffed peppers for dinner.

Did I do yoga? Not technically...I never once unrolled my mat and, although I managed a few fairly challenging balancing poses while vacuuming, I can't say I attained anything resembling asana. Still, it was, for me, all yoga, all day long. I lived yesterday with an easy flow...enjoying every beautiful, peaceful moment...and at the end of the day, I felt as physically tired and completely centered as I would have had I had spent 90 minutes on my yoga mat.

I would encourage you to embrace this "easy vinyasa" attitude and begin to see how your yoga practice has filtered into your everyday...whether its Downward Dog or daffodils; plank pose or pot pie...it's all a part of being just a little Yoga Noodle!

Hyacinth and Ahimsa...

2010-03-31T13:02:00.000-07:00

I'm really not a very experienced gardener. That's not to say that I don't have a lifetime of exposure to gardening, but, aside from house plants, my own efforts have been fairly limited to some herbs, a few vegetables, and a random sampling of flowers (with an emphasis on random and sampling). After years of trial and error (with an emphasis on error), my approach to gardening has evolved into something practical and low maintenance...I plant sage, basil, rosemary, and thyme for cooking; tomatoes and peppers because I use them almost daily; flowers for color; and lavender for luck.

Years ago, I became very frustrated with my gardening skills. I spent hours reading gardening books as if they were some sort of bible filled with mysterious knowledge. I obsessed over my plants, but was never quite able to figure out appropriate watering schedules and was overwhelmed by the concept of adequate soil preparation. So, I gave up. I resigned myself to simply enjoy the wildflowers and honeysuckle vines that filled my yard and developed my love for farmers' markets that could provide me with veggies so beautiful I couldn't imagine them ever growing in my sad patch of dirt. I stuffed silk flowers in my vases and read my beloved gardening books like novels...filled with pure fiction and interesting characters. Then, just as I was embracing my non-gardening life, our daughter, Gentry, brought home a small potted plant.

It was a school project. Apparently, they had planted some sort of seed and, once it sprouted, they had to take it home and monitor it's growth. My anxiety was almost overwhelming. I was clearly not emotionally prepared. All of my nurturing skills were reserved for the kids, the dogs, and my yoga students with very little left over. But, since systematically destroying Gentry's science project was not an option, I did what I do best...I took a deep breath.

Gentry wasn't sure what the plant was, exactly, only that it was some sort of bean, so, I couldn't run to one of my beloved gardening books and determine it's moisture to sunlight ratio. With few other options, I approached this plant just like I approach my yoga practice...organically. When the soil felt dry, I watered it. When the plant seemed to droop, I moved it to a sunnier spot. When it was warm outside, I set it on the deck. When it was cold, I set it on the stove. Most importantly, I loved this little plant...and I'm sure it felt that love: in my touch, in my breath, in the sound of my voice. Unintentionally, I was practicing the essence of what has become my signature approach to gardening...ahimsa.

Ahimsa is a doctrine found in both Hindu and Buddhist religions. Now, to be fair, I'm neither Hindu nor Buddhist, but the concept of ahimsa is mirrored in Christianity by the Golden Rule...do unto others as you would have them do unto you. It's simply a celebration of all life; recognizing that every life is sacred and requiring that we treat the living world with respect; that we commit to do no harm in thought or deed. Even the Native Americans recognize the sacredness of life, requiring that when we consume nature, we understand that we are absorbing a type of spiritual energy and that we do no harm...ask permission, take only what we need, and say thank you...all done with a heart filled with love.

I loved that little plant. And it grew. The first few inches amazed me. The next few inches required a new pot. Several inches later, we re-potted again...and it continued to grow. I came to believe that every time I looked at it, it grew an inch, eventually overwhelming my kitchen window and winding it's way down into the sink and over the counter. I never did anything particularly special for this little plant...but I made sure to do no harm.

I never really thought I would have a philosophy about gardening, but I've come to believe ahimsa is the key. I've got several pots of flowers this spring. A couple of my pots are hold-overs from last year. They should have died off months ago (they were never designed to survive the winter), but a little water, a warm stove, sunshine on a pretty day, and a little pruning kept them flowering all winter long. Just the other day, I noticed my hyacinth beginning to bloom. They look so fresh and smell amazing and, as with my yoga practice, my relationship with these lovely flowers is intuitive...a little water if the soil feels dry, plenty of sunlight, and a lot of love. Most importantly, I will simply try to do no harm.

Oh, and as for those gardening books...a couple stacked up and my potted pansies are just the right height to soak in a little morning sunshine!

On a winter morning...

2010-02-16T06:51:00.000-08:00

The ground is covered with a thin, crusty layer of snow. Shades of grey swirl together in the sky until they merge into the shadows of distant mountains, confusing my senses and leaving me to wonder where one ends and the other begins. My breath is visible in the air for brief moments, until crisp wind washes the space around me without thought or apology...leaving this space vacant, quiet, and completely still.

My mind searches for warmth and drifts to colorful memories...to vibrant shades of blue, green, and yellow. My ears reach out to hidden sounds...to squirrels rustling in the woods and the hollow echo of a distant woodpecker. And then, just as I become mesmerized by the striking and simple beauty of this cold morning, I hear a familiar sound. A gentle whine.

My skin feels tight over my muscles as I walk toward the house, careful to avoid any ice still sleeping on the steps. My fingers refuse to linger, numbly manipulating the handle on the back door, as it tends to stick in icy weather.

Inside, my body tingles, struggling to adjust to warmth, to the gentle rhythms of my kitchen, to the bright colors teasing my eyes, and the reassuring tick of the clock on the wall.

Then I feel it...that familiar and friendly sensation of warm breath behind my knee and soft fur brushing against my legs. Should I feel relieved to be inside, safe, sound, and warm...or simply grateful I was able to fully experience the hidden beauty of this cold morning? With a small sigh, I gaze down and smile softly at my dog.

I give her a snack and pour myself a cup of tea. If I'm lucky, she won't need to go outside again for a few hours.

Chipping Paint and the Perfect Pose...

2010-01-26T07:28:00.000-08:00

I guess it's fair to say that I spend and unusual amount of time staring at my toenails. No, I don't think I have a "thing" for toes, but given the fact that I have spent most of the last decade teaching yoga, it's understandable that I spend at least an hour or two each day in some form of a forward bend (both on and off of the mat) gazing at my toenails. I'm still not impressed with what I see.

I don't have pretty feet. Aside from genetics, my feet have been fairly banged up from running, hiking, and time on the mat. Still, I do my best to disguise my shortcomings with bright, funky nail polish carefully applied to each nail. (After all, I wouldn't want my weekly parade of yoga students to be distracted by the sight of my naked toenails and topple out of a Downward Facing Dog!) The problem with nail color is that it eventually thins and chips, leaving the nails looking sadly neglected and less than perfect. But wait...my nails were never perfect to begin with, so why does chipping nail polish bother me so much?

Let's face it...we aren't a perfect bunch. We eat too much, move to little, laugh inappropriately, tell secrets, and set completely unrealistic expectations for ourselves and others. Still, we all want to improve...to look better, act better, do better, be better. From finances to friendships, we measure our perfection by these arbitrary and external standards. Sometimes, we achieve our goal, briefly...then, just like chipping paint, perfection thins and chips, exposing us for what we really are: perfectly normal.
I'm not saying that we shouldn't have goals or abide by certain ethical, moral, and virtuous standards. I'm simply saying that there is a certain freedom in embracing chipped nail polish, peeling paint, gray hair, wrinkles, second place, an average test score, an old car, an unfriendly neighbor, and yes, even that Downward Facing Dog (your heels don't really have to touch the ground, you know!).

Look around today...not with judgement, but with an appreciation for all of the little imperfections. Smile a little and know that it's OK to be something less than perfect. Forward Bend:

First, there is no such thing as a Perfect Pose...but there is definitely such a thing as feeling perfect in a pose! Forward Bend is simply that, bending the body in half...reaching beyond the mind to bring the heart closer to the earth. This pose provides for an intense stretch through the back as well as hamstrings, calfs, and perhaps even the shoulders. Following is my very modified version...it allows for imperfection (and a opportunity to check out your toenail polish!).

Sitting comfortably on the mat, extend both legs out in front of you. Breathe deeply and let your breath pull you up through the crown of your head until you spine feels really long and your body resembles the letter "L".
Exhale and relax your shoulders. Inhale and extend your arms overhead. Exhale and gently reach forward with your chest. Bend your knees slightly and/or widen your legs, if necessary, to reach forward.
Breathe deeply and come back to a sitting position. Exhale and lower the arms.
Repeat 3 to 5 times
On your final repetition, exhale gently reaching forward with your chest. Inhale and remain here. Exhale, relax your head, neck, and shoulders and allow your upper body to sink deeply toward your thighs. Although your back may have begun to round a bit, continue to lengthen your spine with each breath and sink deeper into the pose as you exhale.
Finally, breathe and lift the face and chest slightly, then exhale and gently roll up the spine until you come back to a sitting position.
Smile.

A Familiar Routine...

2010-01-14T08:42:00.000-08:00

When it's cold outside and night creeps in by late afternoon, I turn, almost instinctively, to familiar things. So, I guess it should come as no surprise that when I was feeling a bit uninspired yesterday and in need of some renewed energy, I turned to my most familiar of haunts...the book store.

I love books. I don't simple enjoy reading books, I love the way they feel and smell. I love they way they look piled in my bookcases and squeezed into every available corner from the pantry to the piano top. When I was young, my mother made it a point to take us "girls" to the library once every two weeks in the summer and as often as possible throughout the rest of the year. We lived deep in the county and, at that time, there wasn't a community branch minutes from our door, so we went downtown to the main library...a trip I anticipated with great excitement! These early adventures set in motion not only a love of books, but a ritual of spending time browsing shelves, reading book jackets, and turning pages...a familiar routine that seems to quiet my thoughts and calm my nerves.

Yesterday did the trick...I visited the Book Eddy, a local bookstore stuffed with everything from Tom Clancey to a 1879 copy of the Grange Almanac. With one of the store's cats as my only company, I took my time quietly reading, thinking, and dreaming. I came away with a 1942 copy of Mrs. Miniver and a Elizabeth Taylor novel reprinted from the 1940 original...oh, and a cookbook, of course! Refreshed and renewed, I think I smiled the rest of the afternoon.

We all need the familiar things to keep us grounded. It's the landscape of the day to day: a basket of yarn nearby for winter knitting; a cup of soup on a cold day; savanansana at the end of a yoga class; a good book and a warm blanket...you get the idea. It feeds the soul and warms the heart. There really is a little zen in the ordinary, every day stuff, I promise!

A Brownie Ritual...

2010-01-09T08:32:00.000-08:00

It is roughly 12 degrees outside and there is snow on the ground and ice on the roads. I've spent most of my morning snuggled under a quilt, quietly sipping coffee and thankful to be warm and cozy in my little farmhouse.

It's exactly this type of day...a frozen Saturday in January...that my mind turns to domestic matters: household chores, knitting, coupons, and, of course, cooking. From a very early age, I came to associate cooking with cold weather. My mother (who at one time managed a full-time job, two part-time jobs, and a family) was rarely home with any significant free time, but icy roads and snowy windows in East Tennessee meant we weren't getting out of our back-country house and gravel driveway unless there was a dire emergency. So, left with unexpected free time, she made brownies and hot chocolate much to my delight.

Later, my sister and I continued this tradition - baking homemade brownies every time school was closed due to snow. With the first mention of wintery weather in the forecast, my mother would stock up on supplies: bread, milk, and eggs, of course, but always enough cocoa, flour, sugar, and vanilla to weather the storm.

Just yesterday, as my own daughter was preparing hot chocolate, I phoned my mother and found her, predictably, baking brownies. Although I've spent a great deal of time in the kitchen the past couple of days baking casseroles, cooking beans, and making chili, I had not yet craved a warm pan of brownies...until now.

I think I woke up with the smell of brownies in my nose - I must have been dreaming about them. Brownie desire is a hard thing to shake, so I uncurled myself from the sofa and rummaged through my cupboards searching for the necessary ingredients. Somewhere in the process, I realized that this really isn't about wanting to eat a brownie...this is about honoring a ritual and paying homage to a tradition that has become somewhat sacred...passed from mother to daughter, from one generation to the next. Regardless of the recipe, brownie baking on a cold winter day is an experience - the measuring of the cocoa, the lobbying for who gets to lick the spoon, the smell of warm brownies in the oven...

Since baking brownies should be a shared experience, following is a simple recipe for you to enjoy. As with most of my recipes, this one isn't really that original, but simply an evolution of other recipes I've tried. You will notice there is no mention of butter or eggs, so a couple of adjustments should make this one an nice version for my vegan friends...happy baking!

A Simple Brownie Recipe:

1 1/2 cups flour
1 1/2 cups sugar
1/2 cup cocoa powder
1 tsp baking soda
1 tsp baking powder
1 tsp salt
1 1/2 cups milk
1/3 cup oil
1/2 tsp vanilla extract
1/2 cup chocolate chips (optional, but remember to dust them with flour so they don't sink!)

Preheat the oven to 325 degrees and grease a 8x8 inch baking pan. In a bowl, combine all of the dry ingredients - you might want to sift them together to prevent lumps. Then add the wet ingredients. Stir gently to combine. Stir in the chips and pour into the pan. Bake for about 50 minutes - this works for my oven, but yours might take longer. Cool and cut...then snuggle up and enjoy!!

(In case you were wondering, my kids ate most of the brownies while I was typing up this blog...no final picture, but they sure tasted good!)

Quilting...and a little yoga thought

2009-12-21T10:45:00.000-08:00

I think quilts are beautiful. Although I'm not a quilter myself, I'm often inspired by the creative designs and beautiful patterns in handmade quilts - not to mention the attention to detail. In an age of mass consumption and manufacturing, it takes so much patience and love to actually piece and sew a quilt by hand. More than that, I think it takes a unique ability to focus on what's in front of you while understanding the bigger picture.

The artwork pictured above was made for a charity auction benefiting Give 5 in Chattanooga, Tennessee. As I said, I'm not a quilter, but I was inspired by a photo I had taken of a quilt drying on my clothesline, and so I decided to create a "quilt" on wood. Each "square" is a individual illustration that has been decoupaged onto wood...I pieced each square separately just as you would piece a quilt. What an experience! I soon realized that quilting isn't for the faint of heart! But more importantly, I began to appreciate the ability to stay completely focused in the moment without loosing sight of the big picture.

In yoga, we talk a lot about being centered and in the present. What I'm afraid we miss, however, is the deeper understanding that this moment was birthed from the one before it and evolves into the one beyond it. How we are right now is both a product of all that we have been and will determine what we bring into the future. And, since it is so important to live this moment well, we should also remember that we are only a small part of a much bigger whole. As intricate a design as our "piece of the quilt" might be...shades, shadows, detail and all...it is just one small piece of a much larger quilt.

Needless to say, I have renewed respect for quilters and fabric artist of all kinds. And although my quilt might not be designed for physical warmth, I know that the money raised in the auction will go toward helping needy families this time of year. I'm just a small piece...trying to live this moment really well and happy to be a part of a much grander quilt in the world.

It's My Favorite Time of the Year!!

2009-11-09T06:26:00.000-08:00

I love this time of the year...there is a chill in the air, even here in Tennessee, and the mist over the mountains is so intense. I love the night sky and the way the moon and stars seem a little clearer and a little closer as the nights grow longer. Maybe it's the changing color of the leaves or maybe it's because I am a November child...maybe it's simply that this is the time of year filled with holiday anticipation...but whatever the reason, I feel more confident, peaceful, and grounded as the calendar begins to wind down.

Recently, we gathered up the brush and dead leaves, invited family and friends, built a fire pit, and hosted a small bonfire party. The evening was perfect...clear and just almost cold with stars dancing all around. The food was pretty good too...veggie dogs and chili, and, of course, plenty of marshmallows to roast. Oh, and really good beer to warm the blood. It was wonderful!

I talk frequently about the virtues of a simple life, but sometimes it seems beyond our reach. These are the moments made for bonfires and friends...when everyone is comfortable and the conversation is easy...when you can hear the wood popping in the fire and feel warm food in your belly...when you can see your breath in the air and be overwhelmed at the beauty of the stars. That's when life kind of boils down to it's roots and we can see who we really are.

I love this time of year...!

Smores and such...

We've all enjoyed smores by the camp fire and it's hard to beat the basics of graham cracker, chocolate bar and roasted marshmallows. Still, it's fun to play around with new combinations, so here are a few options you might want to try at your next cookout or camping trip. Enjoy!!

Make the basic smore recipe but sprinkle cinnamon on the marshmallow after it's been roasted.

Substitute chocolate chips for a chocolate bar (mash them into your roasted marshmallow.) Experiment with other chips including peanut butter and butterscotch or even use chocolate candies like M&Ms. Combos are great...how do you think they came up with the Reese Cup?!

Substitute a chocolate chip cookie for the graham cracker. Any other cookie will do...peanut butter (yummy!) sugar cookies, or even oatmeal cookies work great!

Drizzle carmel sauce over your smores or skip the smore entirely and simply drizzle chocolate or carmel sauce over your roasted marshmallows!

Have fun making memories!

This Time of the Year is Made for the Moon...

2009-10-26T06:34:00.000-07:00

I love this time of the year...when the weather gets cooler and shadows fall in the afternoon. The trees are turning beautiful shades of red and orange so that we can enjoy one final show before they go to sleep and everything becomes quite and still in the cold of winter. This is the time of year for wrapping up in an old quilt with new yarn to knit or a good book to read. And, just as summer is the time to embrace the sun, Autumn is made for the Moon.

I have always loved nights when the moon is full and so bright that you don't need a flash light when stepping out after dark. To me, there is a certain electric magic in the air on moonlit nights...a time for fairy tales and intuition...and a time to wonder at the beauty and mystery of the universe.

Most yoga students are familiar with the vinyasa series of asanas (poses) know collectively as the Sun Salutation. Less know, but equally beneficial is a series of poses known as Chandra Namasker or Moon Salutation. While the Sun Salutation expresses stepping forward in life to accept challenge and be strong, the Moon Salutation expresses looking inward to illuminate creativity and joy...to time spent by the fire knitting or drinking tea.

So, embrace each morning and enjoy an invigorating series of Sun Salutations, but take some time, maybe late in the day when the shadows start to inch across the floor and think about the Moon...and all that brings you joy.

Chandra Namasker (Moon Salutation*):

Begin in Tadasana (Mountain Pose). Breathe and bring the arms overhead reaching slightly behind the body. Return to the center and leaning gently to the right side (Half Moon Pose) then to the left. Return to center and exhale to a forward fold.

Step the right foot back and then walk the body over to the right side so that the body is folded forward and the legs are spread wide apart. If you are comfortable, place the hands on the feet (Head to Feet pose). Inhale, then exhale and roll up the spine to a standing position, legs still wide.

Inhale and bring the arms overhead. Exhale and fold the body to the right leg (Head to Knee pose). Breathe and lift the arms back to standing and repeat to the left side. Repeat to standing and then return to Head to Feet pose. Breathe. Exhale and walk the torso back around to the front of the mat.

Bend the left knee and turn the back toe (right leg) coming into Crescent Moon pose (low lunge). With an exhale, step the right leg up into a modified squat or forward fold then repeat Crescent Moon pose on the other side, stepping the left leg back and bending the right knee.

With an exhale, lift the hips and come to Downward Dog. If you feel comfortable and strong, raise the right leg. Hold to inhale then exhale to lower. Repeat with the left leg.

Breathe into Plank pose and then lower all the way to the floor. Breathe up into Cobra pose. Exhale to Downward Dog or a low squat. Inhale and move to forward fold. Exhale back to Tadasana (Mountain).

*Please note some transitions might vary from a traditional practice.

Running...and wearing pink!

2009-09-30T15:59:00.000-07:00

If you haven't already figured it out, I've been doing a bit of running lately. I've actually come to look forward to it...the fresh air, the sounds of squirrels and birds, the way that the trees keep time with the wind..with my breath. Short of yoga, it is almost perfect zen.

I've been inspired. And now, I want to give back. So, I've chosen to run on Saturday, October 24th in the annual Komen Race for the Cure in Knoxville, Tennessee. This will be my first organized event - and my very first 5k! I'm both excited and nervous, as you can imagine! I guess it is only inevitable that after spending so many years sharing my yoga life with so many amazing people that I have come to know far too many that have faced the challenge of Breast Cancer. It's impossible to explain the lessons in courage that I've learned from them...and the shared loss when a battle bravely fought has become too much. For this reason, it only seems fitting that my first 5k be in their honor and with their spirit.

The photo is of an original illustration I created in honor of the Race for the Cure. I titled in "Celebration Shoes" and it is captioned with the words "Celebrate, Laugh, Embrace, Smile." Obviously, my shoes are every shade of pink I could create! A print of this illustration is for sale for a limited time in my shop at http://www.yoganoodles.etsy.com/ and all proceeds from its sale will go to the Komen Race for the Cure.

I would love for you to own a copy of "Celebrate Shoes," but even if you choose not to purchase, you can still contribute to my fundraising efforts by visiting http://komenknoxville.donordrive.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=event.fundraising&eventID=506&participantID=6717

Thanks for your support...and maybe you too will be inspired to wear pink and run!

A Little Bit of Poetry...

2009-09-08T07:57:00.000-07:00

"I ran...through the wet underbrush and shadows of old trees with coiled roots. I ran...beyond the heavy mist that settled deep in my lungs. I ran...up hills and into ditches, my shoes muddy and moist.

I ran...through all that was familiar, and harsh, and cold.

Behind the barn and through the vines, I ran toward the sun...warm and filled with yellow light...fresh and clean. I ran into a field of butterflies and felt their gentle wings touch my skin.

I ran into the present...into all that is possible."

Jana Huddleston...September 2009.

I have the recipe, now I need a Cookie Jar!

2009-08-24T06:00:00.000-07:00

OK, I LOVE cookies...most any kind will do, but my most favorite cookies involve chocolate chips. I love making them, I love smelling them, and I really love eating them! Cake is fine and I eat my fair share of ice cream, but cookies are definitely at the top of my list!

Years ago, my mother-in-law gave me a Winnie-the-Pooh cookie jar. Our son was only about a year old, and it was probably more for his amusement than mine, but I've always been fond of Pooh Bear and enjoyed having a deep jar for my yummy baked cookies. The jar managed to survive a couple of moves, but several years later, it met it's match with my daughters cat who took great pride in her ability to break and enter. That's exactly what she did to the jar...she broke it, then climbed inside. Poor Pooh Bear!

Now that I am back in an old farm house, storage space is once again more concept than reality and I don't have room to keep a plate of fresh baked cookies on the counter. (Not to mention, we now have a dog that could medal if Counter Surfing were a competitive sport). So, I find I am in need, once again, of a jar for my cookies.

I spent the weekend trolling through the shops of my friends at http://www.etsy.com/. Oh, the lovely things I've found! Etsy.com is the place for all things handmade. Etsy sellers are a talented and friendly bunch from all over the world, although you'll probably find someone right in your own community, and the types of items available on etsy.com are as varied as the artists. Now, I can't make up my mind what to buy!

Take a peek at my weekend etsy finds on your right, or visit my etsy shop at http://www.yoganoodles.etsy.com/ and click on "Favorites". Let me know which one you think would be the perfect cookie jar for me, or do a little shopping of your own and let me know what you find!

Now, for a recipe...since we are talking about cookies, here is a simple Chocolate Chip Cookie recipe to add to your cookbook:

3 cups unbleached white flour

1 teaspoon baking soda

3/4 cup applesauce

3/4 cup honey (try to buy local!)

2 teaspoons vanilla extract

3/4 cup semisweet chocolate chips (soy chips work for my vegan friends!)

1/2 cup nuts (optional)

Preheat oven to 350 degrees and combine flour and baking powder in a bowl. In a separate bowl, combine applesauce, honey, and vanilla. Add the flour mixture to the applesauce mixture then stir in the chips and nuts. Mix well. Drop cookie dough by spoonfuls onto a cookie sheet (use parchment paper or oil the sheet slightly, as the honey will tend to stick). Flatten the dough with the back of a spoon. Bake for about 12 minutes or until brown. Makes 3 to 4 dozen cookies

Don't like to bake? No problem! For a limited time, I am offering my Coconut Chocolate Chip Cookies in my etsy shop! To order, visit me at http://www.yoganoodles.etsy.com/. Enjoy!

"What have you been up to?"

2009-08-09T11:40:00.000-07:00

I love moving back to an old, familiar place...everywhere I go, I run into old friends and former yoga students. Each one greets me with a warm hug, a smile, and the same question, "So, what have you been up to?"

What have I been up to? I guess I've just been living life! I've picked up a few new hobbies, explored some rusty, dusty creative talents, and yet I'm still a mom, wife, daughter, and sister. I still have kids and dogs. I'm still married. I still teach yoga. I still don't have time to read and hate to do laundry. I still have less time than I have projects to finish and I'm still just trying to figure it all out!

If I've changed at all in the last few years, I would have to say I focus more on being than on doing. I've always been ready and willing to listen, to pay attention, but now I think I'm beginning to understand what it means to "listen quietly." Funny what you discover about yourself when you listen...

A forever doodler and truly closet artist, I've been experimenting with some ink illustration and have been blessed with great feedback. Most of my work, I've discovered, is what I "hear" when I listen quietly. More importantly, it allows me to express myself in a completely nonverbal way (something this life-long talker has found to be profound), and...well, has its own kind of "zen" and that makes me smile.

This old farm we now call home is full of wonderful inspiration...muscadine grapes growing around the barn, clover crawling up old tree stumps, rabbits (huge rabbits) hidding in the brush around an old creek. My sewing room offers a huge window and just enough space for my yoga mat and art table so I can take it all in, breathe it all out, and enjoy...at least until it's time to do the laundry!

Contact Paper and Jell-O Molds

2009-06-23T09:39:00.000-07:00

What can I say about moving...it's stressful, exciting, challenging, and filled with the unexpected. Using this very basic moving recipe, I find that moving into a really old house is heavy on the unexpected! Case in point, my kitchen...

I knew going in that the kitchen was in serious need of TLC and an updated look. The walls appear to be papered in some sort of Holly Hobby print. Worse yet, the colors are mustard yellow and brown and all of it is dirty beyond belief. The former owners purchased the property in 1976...a grand time for Holly Hobby, Jello molds, and bell bottom pants. Equally, 1976 must have been a revolutionary time in home decor given the popularity of such time savings products like contact paper - you know, the printed paper that isn't quite poster board but certainly not wallpaper.

Contact paper - still available today - comes in a variety of prints and designs, widths and lengths. It has been used to update closet shelves and kitchen drawers and my mother used it regularly in our cabinets and dresser drawers. She never, however, was bold enough to use it on the wall, so imagine my surprise when I decided to see how difficult it would be to remove the paper on my kitchen walls and discovered it was simply contact paper! Every wall, the shelves, drawers, and even the back panel of the built in spice cupboard are all papered with contact paper!

And speaking of the drawers, the former owners left something else unexpected behind...a handful of old product cookbooks including the Peter Pan Peanut Butter Cook Book and other booklets dating from 1962 to 1978. My favorite is Joys of Jell-O, an undated, spiral bound volume of recipes for everything from a Cherry Cola Mold to Ring-Around-the-Tuna.

I wonder what life in my kitchen was like for the homemaker of 1976. I imagine her with newly papered walls (admittedly a vast improvement from the interesting shades of green paint that graced the walls when she moved in) and a brand new book of recipes by her side tackling Christmas dinner or making dessert on for a 4th of July party. I imagine her pride and sense of peacefully domesticity. I imagine her embracing life on the farm, in an old house, filled with the unexpected.

I am enjoying my old kitchen, although I have already made plans for its renovation. I'm sure that, in the process, I'll have many more unexpected moments. For now, I'm peacefully settling in and trying to appreciate simple things like contact paper (I've already re-papered my cupboards and shelves) and jello molds, although I've not attempted any of my new found recipes yet. Stay tuned...

Farmer's Market Veggie Dinner:

We just moved, so I won't have a garden of my own this summer. That doesn't mean I'm without fresh veggies! I'm a true believer in supporting local farmers and lucky to live in an area with farmer's markets, veggie stands, and neighbors with gardens close at hand! Here is a quick and easy veggie dinner...oh, with a little something unexpected!

(Serves about 6 or my family of 4)

portobello mushrooms - any variety; roughly chopped
2 large green peppers
large onion
3 chopped carrots
lettuce and/or other greens
1 cup sugar snap peas
6 lices soy bacon, chopped
chopped or dried thyme
dried sage (1/2 tablespoon)
1/4 cup apple barbeque sauce
basil infused olive oil
worcestershire sauce

Saute chopped onion and green pepper in the olive oil until tender. Add bacon, thyme, sage, and about a tablespoon of worcestershire sauce. Cook for about 3 minutes. Add mushrooms and more oil, if necessary. Cook for 4 minutes. Add another tablespoon of worcestershire sauce and barbeque sauce. Cook for 5 minutes.

Toss lettuce with chopped carrots and peas. Place a bed of lettuce on a plate and top with cooked veggies, including a little of the oil/sauce mixture from the pan. Serve with a yeasty roll and a good glass of wine. Yum!

Simple Rhythm...

2009-05-30T17:46:00.000-07:00

I love a routine. I love the certainty that each day will begin at about 5:00am and end at about 10:00pm. I love knowing that my cereal bowls are always on the second shelf and that the coffee cups are next to the sink. I love picking up the mail at the post office in the morning after yoga and listening to 70's music while I cook dinner. Simple tasks repeated each day take on their own rhythm...stirring my morning cup of coffee, washing dishes, sweeping the kitchen floor, making the bed. They put the day into perspective, give it context, and make me feel secure. It's this rhythm that connects making bread to paying bills and leaves just enough space to enjoy both.

I did the art work (photo above) as a Mother's Day gift for my mother-in-law, Lisa. She, too, loves a routine. It is hard to see in the photo, but the illustration is captioned saying "Inhale happiness, Exhale peace," a quote familiar to many of my yoga students, as I use it often in class. One breath is connected to the next in a simple, everyday rhythm...unique and familiar connecting what goes on within us with all that is around us.

Currently, we are in the process of moving. I am excited about being back with family and old friends, but my daily routine has been greatly affected and I can't wait to unpack my cereal bowls (they miss their second shelf home, I'm sure). And, although I'm still stirring coffee and washing dishes, my mind feels as scattered as my belongings. So, until I'm settled into my "new" routine, I will remember to breathe deeply and enjoy the simple rhythm.

A Little Yoga in My Kitchen...

2009-04-26T07:58:00.000-07:00

I am always inspired by the domestic work of women in the early years of our history. Without the conveniences we have come to take for granted, every day efforts to cook and clean took time and careful attention. Deeply connected to their work, I believe there had to be a flow, not unlike the flow of energy we study in yoga.

Yesterday, I decided to make homemade pizza for dinner. The plan was worked out early in the day and the afternoon was spent gathering ingredients. Finally, apron on, I began to work. The process really isn't that complicated in this century, as we have modern, energy efficient ovens and fast acting yeast. Still, preparing the veggies and putting it all together takes time...and here I found a little yoga in my kitchen.

First, chopping vegetables is, perhaps, the most meditative thing I do in the kitchen - aside from washing dishes, and since I own a dishwasher that is much loved, my dish washing experience is fairly limited. Vegetable chopping, however, takes time and is filled with a rhythm all of its own. Onions take a little more effort than, say, mushrooms. And peppers crunch when the skin hits the knife. Oh, and the smells! In these moments, I'm not thinking, I am truly being...completely in the present, connected in all of my senses. I feel calm and at ease.

Then comes the dough and with it comes Gentry, my daughter. Dough making is specific and vigorous. Almost like asana (yoga poses), it takes effort and focus. I stir, she pours...she kneads, I knead...she rolls, I wrap...you get the idea. We don't talk much...connected to the task at hand, anticipating how one ends and the next begins.

Finally, we put it all together. Now, I get to step back and watch Gentry. I don't tell her what to do or how to do it, I simply give guidance without judgement..."More cheese?" "Did you oil the pan?" "Don't forget the mushrooms." She has listened, observed, practiced, and now is creating her own experience. For me, this is pure joy.

Don't get me wrong, we aren't particularly serious about our pizza making. It's great fun and filled with a lot of flour on the floor and usually interrupted several times by one of us scolding Sister, the dog, who frequently visits the garbage can! We giggle and are generally pleased with our progress (oh, pride!).

Think about your yoga practice...class begins in meditation, it moves through breath and challenge, ideally you feel free to explore your edge in each pose in your own way, and I hope that it brings you joy. Unfortunately, many people believe that these experiences are limited to class or time spent on the mat. But we don't have to look far to find these moments in our day to day. They've been around for hundreds of years.

I believe the more simple your life, the more of these moments you will find. I'm quite sure that Appalachian women cooking in their country kitchens in 1890 had never even heard of yoga, but the rhythm of their lives created what I like to call "the zen of living." Baking, cleaning, sewing, gardening...the day to day wasn't easy, but it was full of meditative moments, physical and mental focus, and that unique brand of humor and joy that comes from a life simply lived.

The pizza was wonderful, by the way...fresh and rich and yummy. My husband declared it was the best he had ever had and everyone helped clean up without complaint. Peaceful domesticity!

Yummy Veggie Pasta

2009-04-23T11:54:00.000-07:00

I love this recipe! It is so simple...and you know I am all about simple! The kids were out of school yesterday, so we spent the day outside enjoying Earth Day 2009. It was great fun, but it left me pretty tired by dinner time. Simple Veggie Pasta to the rescue!

Beans and Pasta:

1 1/2 cups uncooked macaroni pasta

1/4 cup veggie broth

1 zucchini, cut and sliced

1/2 chopped onion

1 can (15 1/2 ounces) butter beans - rinsed and drained

1/2 can chopped Italian tomato - or fresh tomato chopped and seeded

2 teaspoons Cajun Seasoning

Garlic flavored Olive Oil

Grated Parm. cheese

salt

Prepare the pasta according to the package and rinse and drain the beans. Heat the broth in a skillet (medium heat) then add the zucchini and onion. Cut for about 5 minutes. Stir in the beans, tomato and seasoning. Drizzle a small amount of the oil in and let it cook for another 3 to 5 minutes. Drain the pasta. Return the pasta to the pot and add the veggie mixture. Drizzle with more of the oil, add the cheese and salt to taste.

Enjoy!

(Variation from original recipe printed in the Vegetarian Times)

Earth Day Tote Bag

2009-04-21T08:53:00.000-07:00

I grew up in the country among tall grass, old trees, wildflowers, and homegrown vegetables. I still wonder at the various shades of green in my lawn...I still look for 4-leaf clovers...I still smile when I hear the birds rustling in their nest outside my bedroom window.

So much can be written about the importance of recycling, our need to conserve very limited resources, or the need for new fuel sources. Today, I simply want to honor the earth and remind myself to look out, above, and below and all she has to offer.

So, in honor of Earth Day on April the 22nd, I made this simple tote bag. I used special fabric for the body - filled with reminders about conservation and recycling - and did some recycling of my own by using scrap fabric for the "yin/yang" symbol and lining.

This bag is for sale at etsy.com (www.yoganoodles.etsy.com). Now, I'm off to look for that 4-leaf clover!

New Projects!

2009-04-14T06:36:00.000-07:00

Just thought I would share a few of the custom designs I have been working on in the past few weeks! With summer weddings just around the corner, I've had several requests for fun and unique brides gifts. One of my clients had previously purchased my Simply Reversible Apron and dish towel, but wanted a some colorful dishtowels to match.

A yoga student of mine has a daughter getting married in May. She asked for pieces that would coordinate with her daughter's French Country theme. After making an apron and dishtowels, I created a clothespin bag and ironing board cover as well. I liked the look so much, I duplicated the bag for sale in my online store, www.yoganoodles.etsy.com (ironing board covers can be custom ordered).

Mother's day is around the corner and I have several pieces on my sewing table including a shorter version of my reversible apron and some non-fabric accessories. Stay tuned!

Only an Easter Tie

2009-04-14T04:58:00.000-07:00

I love to make stuff...can't you tell! I admit that I get a bit attached to the stuff I make (a good example would be my children - I made them and I am very attached!) and that can create a bit of a problem when I am asked to design something for someone else. I don't care how simple the project, when it's finished, I feel that I am personally invested and can only hope it is loved by its new owners as much as it was loved by me. And, since I tend to make things that are useful as opposed to simply decorative, I like to imagine that I am also investing in the future of the newly married couple in need of dishtowels; the little girl sleeping on my handmade pillowcases; the young wife learning to cook; or, in this case, the 5-year old boy proudly wearing his new Easter Tie.

I had never made a boy's tie before. Although the process seemed simple enough, I quickly became overwhelmed by its dimension. Little boys' necks are far smaller than I realized and to create a tie that was designed in proportion to a 5-year old torso was far more complicated than I originally thought. As many of you know, I don't work with pre-written patterns (I've always had a problem following directions and coloring inside the lines), so I had to re-work this tie at least 3 times.

To make matters worse, the child's grandmother picked out the fabric - a cotton blend - that didn't really hold up to my...well, manipulations. She had used this fabric to create other items for her grandaughters, so I had a limited amount of usuable yardage. Once, when I thought that I had a permanent rip in a seam, I felt a very real sense of hysteria. And if you didn't know, hysteria isn't useful when you are trying to thread a needle! Such a simple thing, this tie, but I believe I put more thought and effort into about 4 inches of its length than my daughter's complete Halloween costume. Several hours and doses of Motrin later, a tie was born and I, quite predictably, was attached - so to speak.

I sent it to the grandmother with tales of its creation and she promises to send pictures of her grandson proudly wearing his tie on Easter Sunday. In my mind, I like to picture this little boy as very impressed with himself. I like to think that friends and family smile and compliment him on his grand appearance. I like to think that this special tie will, somehow, create Easter memories for this little boy that he will share with his own children many years from now.

This little boy may never hear how his tie came to be, but I can only hope he appreciates its humble beginnings and my investment in his future. If not, I will have to be satisfied to simply know that his mom managed to tie it around his little neck, that he wore it with only minor complaint, and that it didn't unravel or split open. After all, it's only a tie...

Tree Pose and My Potted Herbs

2009-03-05T12:39:00.000-08:00

I know that Spring is not officially here, but it's happening all over my kitchen table. Just as I did last year, I began growing my herbs indoors in container pots. I always start small - just a few herbs I use frequently - and then see where it takes me.

After spending years with plastic flowers and a lone shamrock plant, I discovered herb gardening quite on my own and I have to say that I don't really have a method or plan. I tend to toss things about and see what takes. I prefer what I like to call "natural" gardening - if it takes root, great, but if not...well, it wasn't really meant to be. This works for me, in part, because I don't really have the time for fussy gardening that requires a lot of attention, but mostly because I'm just wired this way. I mean, if you over think it, gardening is pretty overwhelming - I get really confused about things like acid-based soil compounds and temperature zones. For me, I simply try to balance sunlight, water, dirt, and a genuine love for what I'm doing while I'm doing it. The beauty of my "method" is that I am always amazed when something actually grows!

One of my favorite yoga poses is Tree Pose. As a teacher, I love to observe students as they approach this pose. Why? Because tree pose is about growth - and we don't all grow in the same way - and growth is about balance. And although the process of finding the right balance for each of us is different, the elements are generally the same: inner awareness (sunlight), energy (water), a strong sense of who we really are (dirt), and a genuine love for what we're doing while we're doing it. And since growth is such a balancing act, much like standing on one foot in Tree Pose, we're always a little amazed when it happens.

My basil has sprouted and my rosemary already smells wonderful. I even have a little bud on the one flower I planted! (I'm not much for planting flowers, but I purchased some heavenly soap from Pangea Organics - www.pangeaorganics.com. Each container is 100% biodegradable and contains seeds. Plant the container and the seeds will bloom!) Other pots are covered in plastic and percolating in my kitchen window. I check them constantly, waiting to see the first signs of little seedlings popping up through the soil.

Will my sage be strong this year? Will my mint be consumed by bugs once again? Will I be able to stay in Tree Pose for a full 10 breaths? Who knows! Growth doesn't come with a guarantee or timeline. It requires patience and strength. Sometimes, it even feels a little uncomfortable...like grit under your fingernails after potting plants. But with a little sunlight, water, dirt, and a genuine love for what I'm doing while I'm doing it it just might happen!

Tree Pose (Vrksasana):

Standing in Mountain Pose (Tadasana) with both feet firmly planted in the floor, inhale deeply and exhale slowly.

Maintaining a steady breath and a steady gaze, bend the left knee and lift the left foot off the floor. (Stretch the toes of the right foot into the floor and lengthen the right leg for balance.

Open the left knee away from your body placing the bottom of the left foot against the inside of the right leg. Don't sink into the right hip or allow the hip to twist open.

Inhale and lift the hands out to the side. If you feel steady, grow higher, breathing and lifting the hands all the way over head. If you feel strong, exhale and bring the palms together above the head.

Continue to hold the pose, inhaling and exhaling 5 to 10 times. Release slowly and repeat on the other leg.

The Cornish Hen Egg

2009-02-25T03:59:00.000-08:00

I am the only person I know that has on display a hard-boiled Cornish hen egg. It sits sweetly in a crystal shot glass next to other semi-fancy glassware in my china cabinet. I think it is beautiful.

I'm not sure what drew me to this egg. Maybe it was the color, a light blue/green...one of those true "shades of nature" that aren't easily duplicated. Maybe it was its small size. Maybe it was simply the fact that it was from a Cornish hen and I have never had a Cornish hen egg before. Truly, it was probably all of the above...and a little more. My fascination with this egg began the moment I saw it.

I am a vegetarian, which basically means that I don't eat meat (and, yes, that means I don't eat any meat - including fish). I do, however, eat dairy products (I would exclude these as well if I were vegan), but I am really picky about the quality of the dairy products I use. Especially eggs.

Before we moved to the Chattanooga area, we lived a couple of hours north of here on 6 acres of land in Knox County. It was my parent's property before my husband and I took over the place following the death of my father. My dad dabbled in farming - he raised cows and pigs; had a huge, struggling garden; boarded a couple of horses for a time; raised collies; and my sister even owned a goat. We never had chickens, mainly because my mother refused, so I never had the experience of snatching eggs or feeding the hens. When my husband and I moved to the property in 2002, my yoga business and young children kept me busy and I didn't feel the need for gardening or farm animals. What an opportunity missed!

Now, we live in a small neighborhood - each house with about an acre or so on cul-de-sac streets; newer, more energy efficient homes. I don't think my contemporary neighbors would appreciate cackling hens roaming in my back yard! So, my husband met a local farmer and we now get our eggs from him - fresh, covered in dirt and chicken poop, and wrapped up with love.

This is how I met my blue/green egg. It was covered in poop and nestled among 11 larger, brown eggs. It stood out, but in the most serene way imaginable. It reminded me that nature is unexpected. It wasn't what I pre-planned for that day, but just what I needed. It reminded me that there is more to life than our routines and predictable natures allow us to grasp. It made me smile for no particular reason on an otherwise very ordinary day.

My egg won't last forever, and that is ok too. But its presence has given me a forever feeling. Each week, when my husband brings home a fresh supply of eggs, I get excited. I tingle all over in anticipation of what might be. I can't wait to look into the box and I am constantly amazed at what I find. Eggs large and small; spotted and pale; picture perfect and, well, less so. And if I am lucky enough, maybe another one from a Cornish hen.

How to make scrambled eggs:

2 fresh eggs
1 tblsp butter milk

Butter (optional)

salt and pepper

Wash and rinse eggs. Crack eggs open into a small bowl and add buttermilk. Whisk until yolks are broken. Heat a skillet to medium heat. Add small amount of butter to skillet, if desired (if the butter milks and turns brown, your eggs may look brown as well, but they will have a wonderful nutty flavor).

Add egg mixture to skillet and stir, move mixture around gentle to scramble. When eggs are fluffy (just before they are done), remove eggs from skillet and place them on a warm plate. Add salt and pepper and enjoy!

Veggie Chili and other things

2009-02-24T04:24:00.000-08:00

I must confess that I wasn't much of a cook when my husband (Crawdad) and I married. As a matter of fact, the first time I turned on the stove in our small apartment, I blew a circuit breaker! I was trying to boil water. Our landlord, a dear friend, felt the need to leave me written instructions concerning the proper use of my stove, as well as how to boil water, once he had fixed the problem.

I learned to cook much in the same way I learned to sew...by screwing up! But, especially when it comes to vegetarian cooking, I've learned a thing or two: I've learned to think way outside the box, to trust my instincts, and not to fear rejection. I mean, not everything turns out the way I plan and, no matter how well I prepare cabbage, Crawdad still won't eat it.

Thankfully, I've been able to create a handful of recipes that I can count on when I need to please the crowd. One is my vegetarian chili. Much like my yoga practice, this recipe is ever changing. I've included the basics here, but every pot of my chili is truly unique, so feel free to add/subract flavors to reflect your own style.

Veggie Chili:

2 packages of veggie sausage

1 onion - chopped

1 cup of good vegetable stock

1 tblsp. flour

1/2 tablespoon chili powder

1/2 tablespoon poultry seasoning

1/2 tablespoon dried rosemary (or one sprig fresh, chopped rosemary)

1 tblsp. ground cumin

salt

4 small cans (8 oz) tomato sauce

3 cans kidney beans (1 c an drained and rinsed)

2 packages chili seasoning (pick the brand you like)

1/2 cup bread crumbs

1/4 cup orange juice

In a skillet, saute the onions until they are clear and soft. Add the veggie sausage and really work the "meat" with a fork to break it up. Brown the "meat." Add the veggie stock to the heated pan then add the flour. Stir quickly to thicken the stock. Add the next 5 ingredients and let simmer for 10 minutes or so.

In a large stock pot, add the tomato sauce, 2 cans of beans, and 1 can of drained beans. When this mixture begins to simmer, add the "meat" and chili seasoning. Stir until it is all really blended. Finally, add the bread crumbs and orange juice. Stir it well and then crank up the heat until the pot is just about to boil. Turn the heat down and let your chili simmer for at least 20 minutes. You could let it simmer for hours, if you prefer.

Serve it hot!

This recipe should yeild several portions of chili. I am a firm believer in the magical properties of leftovers, so I hope you have some for lunch the next day, veggie hot-dogs, mexican pie...you get the idea! Adjust the quantities up or down for the amount that fits your needs.

Let me know what you think!

CPR and other things...

2009-02-18T09:34:00.000-08:00

Every year, I participate in a CPR training. I do this in part because it's required in order to keep my teaching (yoga and fitness) certifications current. I also believe that responsible adults should know how to administer basic CPR and first aid in the event of an emergency. I support the work of the American Red Cross and have great respect for their volunteers and programs. And, although I've been CPR certified for more than 10 years and could simply take a quick re-test, I decided early on that I would devote 4 hours each year to re-fresh my skills. After all, I don't do CPR every day (thank heavens), so there is a natural tendency to forget things.

All in all, I find these trainings to be quite fun! The videos feature dramatized scenarios that are so over the top you can't help but giggle - that is when the machines work - and I love "Connie," a video instructor, whose hairdo changes from segment to segment. The people you meet in class are interesting too. Once, I was partnered with the ex-husband of another yoga instructor I know. He kept drilling me for info and then told me I reminded him of his former wife - but in a good way. At another training, a woman raised her hand and actually asked "How do you spell CPR?" I swear I'm not making this stuff up!

I must say, however, that I have had some wonderful trainers. My favorite was a woman a few years older than me. She was full of life and had a great sense of humor. She was from the mid-west and probably the best CPR trainer I've ever had. Unfortunately, she never, ever, told us her name.

So, yesterday, I made my annual CPR training pilgrimage. It was my first training with the American Red Cross in Chattanooga. There were only two of us that showed up for class, but none the less, it did not disappoint. I still struggled to remove my plastic gloves without transmitting bodily fluid and surprised my 200++ pound partner with my skills at rolling, supporting, etc (I've been doing this a while!). Our trainer was super sweet and by the book, even reminding us not to look at each other's answers during our written test. (For the record, 200++ man had broken the head off of his rescue doll during CPR. I wasn't really tempted to cheat!).

Today, my wrist and shoulder are sore...as they always are after training...but I am grateful for it. Although I really hope I never have to use any skill I learned in class, I am reminded every year that these classes teach something far more important. They teach us patience. Patience with ourselves, patience with others, and patience when things go wrong. And go wrong they will. Granted, it may not be a life-threatening emergency, but every day we are faced with crisis. That's why I practice yoga and that's why I spend a few hours in a yearly CPR class. When you boil it down, the message is the same...clarity, living in the present, physical and mental strength, and, most importantly, how to be a part of a bigger whole...how to give back.

If you haven't stepped into a CPR training, I encourage you to check it out. Contact your local chapter or visit http://www.redcross.org/. Take a deep breath, keep your sense of humor, and learn how to save a life. It is well worth your time!

New Vegetarian Recipes!!!

2009-02-08T09:18:00.000-08:00

Well, I updated my website today including a new recipe for Veggie Pot Pie. To save space, I decided to post my Bean Burger recipe here, as many of you have asked for it. In addition, I am also re-printing my recipe for Pineapple Bread, so I hope you enjoy both!

Bean Burgers:

1 15 oz can great northern beans (or any white bean) - rinsed and drained
1 cup Italian Seasoned Bread crumbs
1/2 cup chopped onion
1 egg - or egg substitute
1/4 cup buttermilk (or soy milk)
1 tablespoon minced garlic
salt
1 teaspoon ground cumin
hamburger buns
sliced cheese - sharp cheddar or pepperjack is best
spray butter or olive oil

Mash beans with fork. Add bread crumbs, onion, egg, milk, garlic, salt, and cumin. Mix well and form into patties. Grill patties for 5 to 7 minutes on each side. Arrange buns on a baking dish. Place bean pattie and cheese on one side of bun. Spray butter or brush olive oil on the other side. Place burgers under the broiler until toasted. Serve warm! Makes about 4 burgers.

Pineapple Bread:

1 cup sugar
1/4 cup oil
1/2 cup applesauce
2 eggs - or egg substitute
15 oz can pineapple - diced
1 1/2 cup flour
1/2 teaspoon cinnamon
1/2 teaspoon baking soda
1/4 teaspoon baking powder
1/4 teaspoon salt

Preheat oven to 350 degrees and grease baking dish.

Stir together sugar, oil, eggs, and applesauce. Drain pineapple and save liquid. Add pineapple to sugar mixture.

In a different bowl, stir together the flour, cinnamon, baking soda, baking powder, and salt.

Now, stir the flour mixture into the pineapple mixture and pour it all into the greased pan. Bake for about 1 hour.

Just before the bread is finished baking, dissolve 1/4 cup sugar into the pineapple juice over heat. When the bread is finished baking, take it out of the oven and pour the juice mixture over the bread...you may not have to use all of the mixture. Let the bread stand and the liquid absorb, 15 to 30 minutes.

Serve warm by itself or with some carmel ice cream...yummy!

For more recipes, check out my website at http://www.yoganoodles.com/!

2009-01-13T12:38:00.000-08:00

I Love Scraps of Fabric!

I have been cutting fabric all day...I prefer to cut all of my fabric first, then spend another day sewing in up into fun stuff! At the end of a cutting day, I am amazed at the pile of scraps - pretty ribbons and blocks that are the remnants of my creative process. I love these fabric ribbons! I can't bear the thought of throwing them away!

I really believe in scraps - fabric, last night's pasta, broken jewelry. These little leftovers require us to be creative; to make something out of almost nothing; to use things in a new way. So, I decide to share with you a few clever ways to use your bits of scrap fabric:

Wear them in your hair. Use several different patterns and weave them into braids or simply tie up ponytails.

Wear them accessories. My 10-year old daughter has perfected this technique. If she finds a scrap long enough, she will wear it as a choker, bracelet, or belt. So cute and so creative!

Knit them into something. This is my personal favorite! When I have a free moment, I tie the ends of scrap fabric to together until I have a big fabric ball. Then, I pull out my knitting needles and go to work. Simple!

Sew them together. You don't have to be a quilter to love small swatches of fabric! Even thin strips can be sewed together. With enough scraps, you can create your own fabric!

Use them in your other creative ventures. When my daughter was little, she used my fabric scraps as clothes for her paper dolls. They also look wonderful as mats for pictures or incorporated into the framed artwork itself. The more scraps you have, the more ideas there are!

Using scraps of fabric is humbling. It reminds us that we are blessed with so much and that attention should be paid to making the most of what we have. Now, what I am going to do with all of these fabric scraps?

2009-01-10T13:54:00.000-08:00

Well it has already been quite a day! It all started when I got up this morning and blinked my eyes...

I use to really enjoy the weekend, but somehow I've managed to cram 80% of my weekly to-do list in to approximately 24 hours. Since I teach yoga classes almost everyday of the week and my "free" time is spent in the design studio working on projects, there are few hours left to, oh I don't know, swept up the dog hair from under the kitchen table or make sure my 14-year old son hasn't left dirty underwear on his guitar stand.

In less than 12-hours I have: selected and purchased new cotton fabric; purchased veggies and baked goods from the Fresh Market and bathroom hardware from Lowe's; made artichoke dip; replaced a shower curtain rod; lost a set of paint pens; listened to my husband install (with a great deal of help) the newly purchased bathroom hardware; found a set of paint pens (not the same set, I'm afraid); talked to my mother twice - highly unusual; talked to myself about a dozen times - not unusual at all; walked the dogs; created this blog. With the exception of purchasing fabric and making the dip, I haven't scratched a thing off of my to-do list.

It takes skill and great effort, I think...to be able to generate this much energy and accomplish absolutely nothing! Fortunately, my yoga training prevents me from worrying too much about the pesky details in life. I just smile and go my merry way and hope that my children are nothing like me. I don't know who said that life happens when you are not looking, but, in my experience, life happens when you blink. And since I can't seem to keep from blinking, I guess life is going to keep rolling whether I am ready or not - so why worry about my silly to-do list?

Oh know, I blinked again!