A piece of art in this “Dwell home” where I stayed

I headed East toward Idyllwild. I was definitely nervous about the commute because I never drive long distances alone. Thankfully, it was a gorgeous California day in the ’90’s, so I rolled down my windows and blasted my radio (my CD player is broken). I was frustrated by the Friday traffic and upset I didn’t leave earlier (my radio had no reception now). I checked myself and decided I couldn’t change my arrival time now and that “God had me be late for a reason” (I’m usually punctual). When I came up to the T intersection of Palms Springs and Idyllwild, I began my ascent up a mountain. Having had such short notice of this trip it hadn’t dawned on me that I would be going up a mountain! I was trepidatious. As I began my drive up; the local radio station kicks in to the Christian station, as I ascended I was enthralled by the beauty and totally calm. Playing was a soulful rendition of “The Lord’s Prayer”; I start to cry at the emotion of it all.

When I arrived at this mansion in the sky where a group of 19 women would stay two days, I noticed someone had just arrived as well. I was so grateful to not be the only one late! She and I entered together and joined the second half of the first yoga session. The waterworks started again! I was so shocked to be where I was in that moment. I am invigorated by the yoga, the music, the glass floor-to-ceiling windows overlooking such majesty. To be in the communion of women who shared my passion was so moving.

The theme of the weekend was purification. That is: your core, motives, mind and purpose. We touched on physical detoxing as well, and enjoyed the nourishment of organic, gluten-free vegetarian cuisine by a personal chef.

The day I was leaving I connected with the woman who arrived simultaneously with me. I said to her “Do you know how beautiful you are?”. She quietly replied “No”. I said “Well, you are”. I knew she needed to hear that. I let her know she had been on my mind since we met. She then shared a whopper with me.

She explained that when I saw her in the parking lot she had already went to the house and was leaving! Her fears and troubles had so burdened her, she couldn’t face them. When she saw that the ladies were in session she thought “now’s my chance”! I pulled up behind her blocking her in. That’s why I was supposed to be late.

I saw similar stories unveiled during my time there. Onion layers being peeled back and deep wounds beginning to heal. I believe I was sent there to encourage and lift up these women. This was confirmed by the little “year book like” notebook we all received. Ladies could write notes to their “sisters” all weekend that could affirm them when they left. Each entry explained that I had brought brightness to the retreat. My favorite notation was “You are salt and light in this bland world”. This resounded with me because I love food!

The Lord is “a Rewarder of those who seek Him” (this was the last verse of the song during my initial yoga session that touched me because over the last 13 years I have been told by 3 separate women to “seek” Him and I would be rewarded).

What happened next blew my mind…

I pulled over to snap a shot on my way up the mountain.

The view I saw this weekend from my bed!

     “We practice with our minds set on whatever is true, noble, right, pure, lovely, admirable, excellent or praiseworthy (Phil 4:8); not with our minds emptied. We meditate on the wisdom of God’s Word (Psalm 119:9-16, 26-27); not on man’s wisdom. We seek the transcendence and glory of God; not our own.”-Holy Yoga website

     Unfortunately, I contracted the dreaded Flu last month and later pneumonia! It was horrifying, my breath was so short I couldn’t talk. I spent all that week in bed. In the following days I had trouble sleeping and went online. It occurred to me that although I had never heard of “Christian Yoga”; I wanted to Google it. Turns out, it sprouted at Saddle Back Church (Rick Warrens’ of The Purpose Driven Life book). There are studios all over Orange County by minitries called Holy Yoga and Yaweh Yoga!

     I was stunned and excited and began to learn more. I  checked the event list and noticed there was a Yoga retreat in Idyllywild, CA I could drive to. I was enthralled! With ideas of opening my own studio- coupled with having felt I could take my yoga practice to a new level by integrating worship music, Scripture… . I really, really, wanted to go! With only one day notice (and a getaway planned with Patrick) I knew he would be wary.

     I went to bed last Thursday not sure if I would attend hours later. During my deep slumber I felt a warmness and energy infuse my body and a glimpse of the retreat, it  jolted me awake at 3:33 am and I knew with 100% certainty that I HAD to go.

I texted the retreat coordinator around 9 am. My hubby said “I didn’t even say it was O.K”. I said “I know, but I must go”. Go I did

     My husband Patrick and I just returned from a very relaxing weekend  in “Slots Vegas” with our kids Tatianna, 7 and Ethan, 5. We have family there and were blessed with a hotel voucher for a free weekend stay at the beautiful Vdara hotel and spa. This is a smoke and casino free hotel. I was thrilled by the modern decor of dark woods and egg- shaped soaking tubs with plush crisp towels in high quantities ( I am not eco-friendly when it comes to towels and linens when traveling)! I insisted that everything in our room be put away to maintain the glorious simplicity, my husband was this close to kicking me out, espcially given the fact that I must disinfect all wipable surfaces and it was a weekend for him to “relax”. What?!

We met up with my family who were also in town at their time share. In Vegas many of the poolside waitresses are in swim suits. Our waitress had a very noticeable, jarring scar that graced her whole torso. My mother asked her if she is required to wear her bikini. She said they gave her an option to wear a one-piece but she is fine with it. She wears her badge proudly, it’s nothing compared to what she survived!

    She explained that while in a car six years ago (she was then 18) a drunk driver slammed into she and her sister after a birthday celebration for her sister’s 13 birthday. The airbag deployed and obliterated her insides. She recounted that her internal bleeding was so severe, blood ran from her eyes and ears. She had a 10% chance of survival! Miraculously, through her shock she was able to calm her little sister. After, she remained in a 2 1/2 month coma, the doctors told her mom that even if she survived she would ” be just a vegetable” (heard that one before). Her mom said “that’s O.K, she will be my vegetable”.

    By now my mom and I were both in tears. She remained in the hospital for six months total after four code blues. Her mother slept next to her every single night. The miracle was that she and her mother were not close and had a contentious relationship-until this. Our waitress said that she and her mom and  her 13 siblings (I know!) are closer than ever and speak on the phone daily. By the way; her little sister had just a broken arm but now drives like “an old lady” at age 19.

     Like many, I may conflict with my parents and other people I care about deeply; we even “agree to disagree sometimes”. Life’s experiences and stories like this one grant us a reminder to savor the moments that we do have with our loved ones.

A little blurry, I know…

Television can get such a bad rap in some groups. I have learned SO much from watching T.V.
I used to be the kind of cook that gave my mom and I salmonella poisoning when I made eggnog as a teenager. I was certain I was a lost cause and my soon-to-be husband knew I would be doing no food prep in our marriage.Then came cable. HHHaaaaallllleeeeelllluuuujjjjjahhhhhhhhh! I discovered Giada on the the
Food Network and learned to cook from watching her show Everyday Italian!

One of my favorite food shows is DC Cupcakes on TLC. I LOVE cupcakes! The show centers on sisters Katherine and Sophie who left their satisfying corporate jobs and started a bakery showcasing their maternal grandmother’s recipes. They have been a roaring success from Day 1.. Today they opened a location in Los Angeles- we had to be there!

My daughter and cousins landed on Robertson and 3rd about two hours before opening. The film crew was there too- we are so glad we got there early because that element slows the line down. Katherine and Sophie were SO sweet and warm! My daughter was wearing a cupcake motif skirt, the sisters loved it so much they wanted a photo with my daughter. Katherine noticed that Tia needed a straw and went and got one and put it in her cup. They explain that they want all their guests to feel like they are in their home and they really do! We kept chatting them up (pregnant Katherine was wearing one of those robot babies in a carrier) while they signed their latest book for me.

I collect signed cookbooks and have them addressed to Tia and I

They are Extremely close to their mom-who they and everyone calls “Mommy”. She is the breakout star of the show and I had her sign my book too. We had the best morning, oh, did I mention the cupcakes taste AAAAmmmmaZing! So delightful. I’m excited that Tatianna and I will have the same closeness that the sisters and Mommy have too! I’ll be whipping up some of their recipes with my new Kitchen Aid Mixer (I have been wanting one for years)!

I look a little velociraptorish!

I can remember being at my parent’s friend’s house on the eve of my dad’s 30th  birthday and hearing him say “tomorrow is “the Big ‘3’-‘O’ “; here I am now 30 years old as well. I’m so grateful for my Mom and Dad  for giving me the core values that have shaped me into my “mature” self :).

My sister reminded me yesterday that I have accomplished “a lot at 30.” When she started listing things I thought “hmm, that does sound impressive”.  For months she has asked me “how I was feeling”! Like I had just received a death sentence. I had to remind her that I have been a “grown-up” for a long time- so nothing much changed for me on November 6, 2012.

On that note, I took Ethan and Tatianna with me to vote after school. It is so important for me to have them experience the privilege of casting one’s vote.The year I turned 18 I was so thrilled to have made the cut-off the night before the election. I hopped into the polling place with my new engagement ring and was so excited to vote!

One meaningful birthday highlight was that I received this fun, chunky, “statement” ring from my sweet friend who hand delivered my gift yesterday. I told Patrick I wanted one months ago and he was like “that it not my territory”, so I let it go. When I opened her gift, I looked to the heavens and praised God for such a wealth of friendships. I knew she was “led” to buy that. I never mentioned it to her but it is EXACTLY what I would have bought myself. It matched my birthday dress perfectly!

I must confess. I wrote “This day will probably su**”  (the astricks were so my kids wouldn’t know what it said) on my calendar for Nov 6. . I wanted to have low expectations so I couldn’t be disappointed if things weren’t ideal. I think it worked! ;). I had a truly beautiful day with my loving family and friends. Breakfast at Urth Caffe with my sister, Voting with my kids, High Tea at the SLS hotel with by dear friend, Rock Sugar with my soul mate; then cupcakes with my parents, brothers and kids. I fell asleep like a happy baby…