Yoga in France

The beauty of Yoga is that it goes with you where ever one travels.  On my holiday abroad I'm very happy to be working with a great yoga instructor, Mehdi Zidhane. 
Check out his work at Seed OneEarth White Ocean 
Pretty fabulous work he is doing. I love positive people who want to make an impact in the world using their unique gifts and talents (yoga and all). 

In traveling, I see that yoga in France, and all over the world, is growing and becoming more and more popular.  Practicing in the Tuileries Gardens by the Louvre Museum is one of my favorite spots.  I'm sharing some photos of our acro-yoga flow and acro-yoga Thai massage.  I love yoga and meeting great people who have the same passion as me...
Yoga has lead me into a wonderful international community.

Poetry Slammin' Paris Style

Writing is my release.  Poetry is my therapy.  I've been writing poems for a long time; it's a gift my mother has handed down to me.  I have been beyond lucky to meet some great people as I travel and one particular artist is pretty amazing.  His name is Jean Claude and he is ranked second in France for poetry slamming.  His words are power and captivating.  He's soulful and has a true purpose and passion to share his stories with others.  Check out his work (even order his CD) at Un Repris D'justesse - L'ADAGE.  I had the privilege to read an English/French poem with him, wow!  During the night I also read one of my own poems that I've shared with you below.  Enjoy...
LIFE

I'm twisting I'm turning
I'm jumping I'm leaping
I'm living life

I'm falling, free fall
No boundaries, without a wall
I'm living life

I travel I see
I love I believe
I move I dance
Life is a beautiful trance

Color has no limit
Age has no bounds
I look into one's soul
I am a citizen of the world

My Heart is racing
Mind is pacing
Pressure to perform
Never wanting to be the norm

I laugh I cry
I hate judgmental people
I am shy

I'm driven
running the race
Wanting to leave the world a better place

Peace
Love
Lignt
Yes, I Am Living Life.

Eiffel Tower

Need I say more? Tourists love it, locals tolerate it. I have to see it every time I come to Paris. My favorite thing to do is take a picnic and sit in the park behind the masterpiece. There are 2 large grass sections perfect for blankets, picnics, champagne and napping. I've found the best spot to take a full photo shot is at the back of the last park. The best time to go is early evening for photos in natural light and for pictures when it lights up. From 10pm-1am, summer hours, the Eiffel Tower lights up for the first 5 minutes of every hour. It is spectacular! The Eiffel Tower is one of my favorite spots in Paris. I sit there and feel at peace; I sit and stare in grateful Awh... Need I say more.

Joëlle bébé Eniola

I am an adopted aunt to a beautiful little baby. She is so precious. Adorable is an understatement! My good friends Stephanie and Kevin invited Eni into the world this May. As I'm staying with them on my holiday at their place in France, I can't get over how cute this little one is. What's even more fun is that when I was little I used to ask my parents if they would get me a black baby for Christmas...I'm weird, now you really know how weird! Yep, as a little girl friends of ours adopted a black baby and I wanted one too, so it was on my Christmas list 3 years running. Go ahead, laugh:)
It's amazing to see how with time we often get what we want, what we need. Now, I am blessed to be an adopted aunt to my beautiful Eniola. Elle mignonne, ellle est belle... She's cute, she is beautiful.

X-Men

Didn't think I'd travel to France to get hooked on X-Men but I had no plans just a ticket. You never know what can happen when having open travel plans... X-Men movie marathons and everything in between. My friend Kevin has the entire movie series. I watched one, now I can't stop! Today we are watching the last one. This stuff is intense. I get so into it that last night Stephie and Kevin were laughing at how fixed and focused I was on the movie...they had to tell me to relax and breathe. I find that hilarious as in my daily job as a yoga teacher I'm always telling others to relax and breathe... To the last movie of X-Men... Relaxing, Breathing, and All. This picture is a shot from the spot where all the X-Men watching has occurred. :)

First days in France

My first days in France have been nothing like I expected - or has it?  Day one - taxi took me to the wrong apartment (we somewhat laughed).  Arrived to see my adopted baby niece (she is adorable).  Took a walk around the city and stopped at Police Station (my girlfriends phone was stolen).  Bought French wine at grocery where a little boy told me he loved me in the check-out line...I almost stole him he was so cute.  Man, the French are good at romancing even as children!  Ate dinner at 10pm and stayed up late watching movies with my french friends.  Day two was shopping - need I say more - I will look fab when I return.  4 sexy dresses, ah hummm!  Took a nap in a park, read a book, drank champagne and ate a Nutella crepe... life could end as I know it.  Ended the day with dinner party at my friends flat (9 French and me).  We ordered take out sushi (they deliver sushi here to your door like pizza).  We laughed and goofed off.  2 new babies in the mix and lots of fun.  I have not laughed that hard in a long time.  The men here are so funny - they love to prank and goof off.  I'm so happy to be alive I can't tell you how grateful I am.  Getting ready to visit my favorite place in Paris (Notre Dame)... ahhh, I am lucky - yes, I know this to be true :)))))))

Reach out to others...

Stephanie, my French friend. I met her while living in Vienna. We both were new to the Austrian capital and became fast friends. She is so kind and generous... Beautiful inside and out... And, her laughter is contagious! Lucky was I the day I befriended Stephanie.

I remember feeling so lonely and went to a lecture where I saw this stunning woman sitting all by herself. Because I had just moved to a new country I was sensitive to others who seemed alone. I decided to go and introduce myself to this woman and sit with her. To my surprise she would turn into my dear friend.
Sometimes in our loneliest hours we can still reach out to others. I did. Because of that I'm on my way to Paris to see my friend Stephanie and visit her new baby. Yes, just befriending a stranger who was alone... I'm now an adopted aunt to a beautiful French baby. I am blessed!

Something's beginning to happen...

I'm ready. Opening my life to what is to come, I wait with positive anticipation. I believe something is unfolding, something really good and bigger than me. I can't put my finger on it yet but I can feel that it's in motion. To life. To love. To living free. To leaving the world a better place. I'm ready. I know something good is unfolding. Yes, yes, yes.

Writing

In the in between, that's where I do my best writing. When the mind is in transition from overload to rest. My creative ideas and thoughts flow. In removing myself from the busy-ness of life I can actually hear my own voice. Writing is my connection. Writing is my therapy. Whether it is a poem, a blog, a short story or an essay on life, writing will always be a part of my journey. Thanks for allowing me to share some of my writings with you... More to come.

Just thinking...

I'm a spiritual creature. I believe in something bigger than me. As I fly abroad I'm reminded of my roots. Listening to Ben Harper's rendition of 'Picture of Jesus' on my I-pod...I am moved. I'm taken back to my time in Africa. A region in so much turmoil yet so rich in love and faith. I worked with the abandoned, yet instead of helping them they forever spoke to me. People with absolutely nothing- yet with deep joy and belief. I'm still taken back from the happiness I saw in the eyes of the hopeless. They have taught me so much... In our Western ways we so often forget what's really important in life (nothing of the material). As I fly to Paris there is a part of me that will always be in Africa... I am blessed to be able to see both the riches and the slums. And, what I've seen is that materialism does not equal happiness. The deepest joy I've ever seen has been in the poorest of the poor. Now that's something to think about...

On my way to Paris

18 months, that's how long since I've been to France. 18 months ago I moved back from Europe. It's been a journey that's unfolded into me becoming a successful yoga teacher and doing what I love as a career. I am grateful. Work has been so good that I have not had time to break away. Now as I'm turning 33, a holiday is deserved. I'm on my way somewhere over the Atlantic as we speak. Here's to going back to a city I love... Paris. Here's to the new. Here's to the unexpected. Here's to traveling... Yes, I'm beyond happy!:)

Traveling and Photography... My Loves!

I love traveling and I love taking photos of my journey.  My home is filled with pictures from all over the world - pictures I have taken.  As I have recently visited Mexico, I am sharing some of my favorite shots with you.  This week I am preparing for my trip to France.  Leaving in less than 5 days!  Pulling out the Cannon 40D and anticipating some great new photo opportunities.  Traveling and Photography... two of my hobbies that bring me JOY! :)  Enjoy some of my favorites knowing that more from Paris will be coming soon...

Happy Birthday Grandma Reva

Today is my Grandma's 83rd Birthday!!!! Grandma Reva is the only grandparent I have still alive.  This is the first year she has been living in an assisted living community for her big day as she was recently diagnosed with Alzheimer's. 
I hate that disease with a passion!  I love my grandmother!!!

Growing up my grandma was the one whom I always went to.  She lived down the hill from me and we would often sit on her big front porch and swing.  I will always cherish and remember the times of us just sitting... talking, rocking, and drinking diet coke's together.  Happy Birthday Grandma Reva - I can't wait to Skype with you later today so I can sing to you and we can laugh.

Taking Breaks

I often find that I have to take a break from writing.  It's something that I love and something that I will always come back to but when busy it's the first thing that goes.  In the last two months, I've started teaching yoga more than full-time.  Two new yoga studios have opened where I'm teaching on a regular basis and my current work load with private clients is continually growing.  All is good, but so much growth that all I've been doing is working.... one down dog at a time!
We strive for balance in life at least that's what we're told is best for us.  Yet I find that balance is a continual shift - it's a work in progress.  Moments in life will be very busy.  Moments in life will be quiet.  I've gone from living in Vienna (one of the most quiet times) to working and living as a successful yoga instructor in beach Mayberry (an overly busy season).  In order for me to do what I do for a living and keep my sanity, I take breaks.  Whether it's time away from blogging, taking a weekend and laying low, or booking a trip to relax and restore - I often find that I have to take breaks.

July 4th

Never been on a boat in the Pacific to celebrate Independence Day. This year I joined my Southern California adopted family and set sail, literally. We coasted through the ocean and I felt truly relaxed and at peace. The day was filled with fireworks, food, friends, and fun! While I do love nothing more than traveling, I am so grateful to live in a country that represents freedom. Blessed to have the rights and privileges I do... Happy to celebrate July 4th...on a boat!:)