Fab-50 Homegrown Yoga!

The next item on my Fab-50 Bucket List is already in motion......slloooowww yoga motion that is.

I was on the hunt for a yoga class that would not only work with my work and church schedule, but affordable too.  I thought I'd hit a brick wall when through the amazement of social media, came a post on my Facebook page.

Homegrown Yoga in Barhamsville!  Evening hours....even on weekends.....and it's by donation.  You pay what you can afford and if one week your payment is your energy....that's OK.  I couldn't buy a yoga mat quick enough!!!

Just the ride alone prepares me for this perfect hour.

So inviting!

Each class (I'm not sure what they are called...class? session?) April Wooten always greets me with a smile, offers the best cold water infused with blueberries, kiwi, strawberries, etc.  I'm also greeted by another new friend...Kiera.  

I'd take her home in a minute!

Yoga has proven to be exactly what the doctor ordered.  Because of my knee, I've been told no more Zumba. It was never pretty, but I could still hip-hop and groove with the best of them. Did you know there are a lot of skinny girls that don't have rhythm?  Sorry, just speakin' the truth! That's actually a bummer because I did love those classes.  However, I needed to do something and hoping I still had some flexibility left in me...off I went.

We really were doing yoga here and not auditioning as back up dancers for DWTS!  

Sore?  Yep...only after the first day though.  And I learned that even the easiest of poses can make one feel like the clumsiest of a woman.  Just like this picture above.  I swore I was in a full lunge and ready for competition -ha!  The one thing I have learned from viewing these pictures....I'm slackin'. Now that I'm more comfortable with the poses, it's time to push a little more.

Afterwards, we decided to have a little fun....

Sisters!

Let me be the first to encourage you to attend April Wooten's Homegrown Yoga in Barhamsville (look for Homegrown Yoga in Barhamsville as her FB page) No pressure (except when she walks around and challenges your flexibility with good pressure) and if you can't do the downward dog or the pigeon...that's ok.  Now April when I'm in this pose, I don't look anything like a pigeon...but I'll take your word for it.  What's the hardest? Challenging your core muscles and of course balance. However, this is a challenge that isn't impossible and I feel absolutely wonderful when I leave.  The last few minutes, I have quiet time...just me and God.  I honestly don't think about any of the smog in my life...deadlines... I just reflect on the many blessings God has provided and then I have the wonderful greeting of a cool wet washcloth soaked in lavender - placed on my forehead.  Now THIS is the life. Thanks April!

Grammie Git 'ur Gun!

I've always been a fan of the Beverly Hillbillies but I don't necessarily think I compare to Granny....or Ellie May for that matter.  Not even Miss Hathaway - now that's funny!  

...Then one day he was shootin' at some food, and up from the ground came a bubblin' crude.  Oil that is.....black gold...Texas tea!

Honey, I've got it!  The next item on my Fab-50 Bucket List is going to make us rich!

....The next thing you know the ol' Ward's are millionaires and the kin-folk said...Y'all move away from there!  They said, Californy is the place you oughta be...but they said No thanks...and they fixed a glass a tea!  Sweet tea....fishing holes.....Lanexa stars!

I want to visit a firing/shooting range!  I don't even know where one is or what you have to do to set it up.  But, I'm gonna do it!

Grammie - git 'ur gun!

Isn't it funny how we remember all the words to those childhood songs like...the Ballad of Jed Clampett....Fred Flintstone....Yabadabadooo!, Scooby Do, and Lawrence Welk's Goodnight song....

Now before you start singing, you have to stand up and start swaying, just like Bobby and Sissy....Goodnight, Sleep tight and pleasant dreams to you. Here's a wish and prayer that all your dreams come true.  And now til we meet again.....Adios, Au Revior, Auf Weidersehen....Good night! (Cindy...that's for you!)

I just had a visual and a strange thought.  I wonder what Lawrence Welk would've done if ol' Granny walked onto his stage, boots clompin?!  Made me laugh.....Good night!

Got blog? Get bloggin'!

The quest for Fab 50 continues.....

Today is Monday and it started off fresh and new! Our office transformed into a fabulous....no-no...Fantabulous work of art and it was a breath of fresh air to walk in today and see all the hard work...Love it and love my job!

Now let's talk blogging.....I'm new at this and even though I like to ramble and share how to bring creative and intentional imperfections into your life, I want to expand.  

How do I do that?

I bought a great magazine titled Artful Blogging- Visually Inspiring Online Journals.  First, I must say have you looked at the price of magazines these days?  Crazy business!

I've read this over and over and see something different each time!

One thing I've learned from this magazine and a few other favorites is they focus on just a few things. By that I mean it shouldn't be all over the place (which is where mine tends to be).  Those that are successful, tend to be only a daily journal, tutorials of DIY, decorating ideas or cooking!  You can really become inspired to get in the kitchen with some of the wonderful photography of the delicious desserts, salads, etc.

Of course, I love to inspire and be inspired!  I'd love to continue along that path and share with you all the how-to's and throw in a little inspiration via journaling too. And, here's where I need your participation.  Please take a minute and post a comment on my blog letting me know what you'd like to see. 

• DIY tutorials?
• A lot that I've learned over the years is from someone else's willingness to teach me. (sewing, painting, crocheting, jewelry, etc.)
• Girls Gone Crafty (day or weekend retreat where we could all make a little somethin', maybe do some yoga and/or dancin' (speaking of dancing I've got to throw this in there....my new favorite commercial is the Sprint Framily..."Somebody call the doctor because I've got a base case of boogie fever!"), enjoy some good eatin', etc.)
• Women's Ministry
• The Liberty Baptist Church - WINGS Women's Ministry is a new part of my life that is near and dear to my heart!  
• Your recommendations???

So, the next item on my Fab-50 Bucket List is to expand my blog.  I

One more request....please share my blog with at least one person!  Maybe, just maybe it will catch on! And, maybe there is a expert blogger out there that could throw a few tidbits my way!  

Have a wonderful week and know that my life is truly blessed by each and every one of you!

Robin

Blog Interruption to repair a few dents! It's time to worship!

I interrupt this blog of plans for becoming a Fab 50, to bring you a song by Francesca Battistelli that pretty much captures.....Me!

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=EKSQjSdU8VA&feature=kp

At twenty years of age

I'm still looking for a dream

A war's already waged

For my destiny

But you've already won the battle

And you've got great plans for me

Though I can't always see

'Cause I got a couple dents in my fender

Got a couple rips in my jeans

Try to fit the pieces together

But perfection is my enemy

On my own I'm so clumsy

But on your shoulders I can see

I'm free to be me

When I was just a girl

I thought I had it figured out

My life would turn out right

And I'd make it here somehow

But things don't always come that easy

And sometimes I would doubt

'Cause I got a couple dents in my fender

Got a couple rips in my jeans

Try to fit the pieces together

But perfection is my enemy

On my own I'm so clumsy

But on your shoulders I can see

I'm free to be me

And you're free to be you

Sometimes I believe

That I can do anything

Yet other times I think

I've got nothing good to bring

But you look at my heart and you tell me

That I've got all you seek

And it's easy to believe

Even though

'Cause I got a couple dents in my fender

Got a couple rips in my jeans

Try to fit the pieces together

But perfection is my enemy

On my own I'm so clumsy

But on your shoulders I can see

I'm free to be me

Have a wonderful Sunday and I'll blog ya tomorrow!

Turn I can't...into I can and dreams into plans!

I not only have a laundry list of whatever clothing a husband, wife and 16 year old teenage boy can wear day to day....but I also have a laundry list of items I like to make, craft, hammer, sew and so on.

I can honestly say I enjoy each and every one of them.  It just depends on the creative mojo that's moving around at the time.

Pillowcase dress

I started sewing around 7th grade and love it.  I do tend to like more of the freestyle of sewing which is why I enjoy quilting, creating pillows, etc. However, I do love sewing for my grand-babies. And yes, I do dream about ideas in my sleep!  I'm weird, I know!

Very very simple kitchen curtain (backing is burlap)

Apron made from a pair of Stephen's jeans and scrap fabric

Allow me to shift gears from the sewing machine...to a hook! I probably learned to crochet before I learned how to sew. Thank you Grandma Susie, Nannie and Mom for keeping that handcraft moving.  Can I knit?  Ummm, let's just say it's easier to fix your mistakes when crocheting.  You might have to pull it out, but with knitting mistakes (trust me, there were plenty) I'd pout because I'd done all that work and couldn't figure out why it was 20 stitches on one side and 6 on the other. Not pretty.

Avery is wearing a Grammie crafted crocheted sweater!

Shifting gears again......this is probably the messiest handcrafting I do. (Stephen is probably shaking his head right about now - Love you Babe!) There are just so many pieces to crafting a unique piece of jewelry.  Over the years, I've collected a few (10) containers of beads, wires, findings, vintage baubles turned into charms, etc. and let's not forget my stump, torch, hammers and other necessary tools.

And, sometimes I just like to wing-it and see what I come up with.  I saw a picture of a beautiful bouquet on Pinterest (love it) and decided to make my own bouquet using handmade 'flowers' made of ribbon, muslin, lace and of course the locket you see below that holds a picture of Dad in it.

Where am I going with all this?  I've added to my 50 Fab Bucket List....to market my handcrafted items.  I have yet another laundry list.....many ideas of how to make this happen, but I need to focus on turning the ...I can't into I can and dreams into plans! 

Plan #1 - This year, I'm going to host a Red Fifty Six....Girls Gone Crafty day of learning how to make one handcrafted item.  I love to teach and you'll go home with a masterpiece....I promise!

Plan #2 - I will have a Red Fifty Six launch show.  Details of course need to be finalized and I do welcome feedback because I can't showcase all my handcrafted items....Oops!  I said it.....maybe I can......sure I can!  

Stay tuned..........

She took a deep breath & let it go!

Do you have luggage?  I do.

Do you have tote bags?  I do....lots of them.

Do you have a bag for just about anything?  I do....even more.

Are they crammed full of nonsense?  No.  But at the drop of the statement, "I need a bag for that!".....I'm on it like peanut butter on jelly!

Now how about that noggin' of yours. Do you have nonsense up there?  I do!

And this is the year (and years to follow) where that nonsense will NOT take up residence between my ears - OR - take up valuable space in my heart! There's just not room for it.

Speaking for myself here....I'll bet I've heard a million times...Don't sweat the small stuff!  As human beings we tend to not only sweat it, but we drench ourselves in it.  Eat a bag of sour cream and cheddar ruffled chips.....cry rivers....clean like crazy women, or worry ourselves into nail biting frenzies or sleepless nights. You know I'm right!

I will say I am getting better and thank goodness my parents taught me where to find all the answers to life (yep, the answers are really there), but needing to handle things MY way, I didn't always turn to prayer or my Bible first.  Mom's immediate response, "Have you prayed about it?"  I'm learning that if I set aside quite time every day, I pray about err'thing! (and that includes all of you!).

Two scriptures came across my desk this morning and from two completely different sources....

The Lord says, "I will guide you along the best pathway for YOUR life.  I will advise you and watch over you." - Psalm 32:8

And...

Have I not commanded you?  Be strong and courageous; do not be afraid; Do not be discouraged, for the Lord your God will be with you wherever you go. - Joshua 1:9

Those valuable words bring me to the next item on my bucket list.....

When someone steals the parking space.....Let it go! When it's hard to tell the tone of an email....Let it go!  When people wear open-toe shoes and their toes hang over the end....Let it go! Those little nuances that drive a woman crazy....Let it go!  Divorce drama...Let it go! When people don't yield....Let it go!....When you ask the waitress with a smile...How was your day?  And she proceeds to tell you ......sucking air through her teeth, rolling her eyes and hand propped on her hip......I'll be glad when I get off I can tell you that much.  I've worked a double and will leave here in about 15 minutes to go home to my second job where I'm sure the kids have torn't (yes that's apparently a word) up the house.....Let it go!  I want to tell her Honey child, Let it go!

For only 3 little words...this might be a challenge but another 3 words I've learned to use....I've got this!

 Love you all!

K.I.S.S.

Keep. It. Simple. Silly. (I know that's not the original word there, but I don't like the word stupid and it's my blog so I can use any word I want to! Silly...Sassy...Sport...Sam...)

When I scroll down my list...there are a few simple items on the list that although wouldn't take a lot of effort, I still have yet to tackle them. And really, sometimes they are the hardest to achieve.  Why?

Someone asked me recently...Have you ever eaten a raw oyster?  When I answered...NO! I thought to myself, maybe I should add it to my bucket list! I'm thinking not.  Why in the world would I want to even try to eat something that looks like snot?  Dad used to say it was a waste of money to buy more than one oyster because all you had to do was tie a string to one, swallow it and then pull it back up again.  N-a-s-t-y!  Ya'll go right ahead and enjoy them while I slip on down to Golden Skillet and enjoy me some fried chicken gizzards!  Now that's some good eatin'!

Shell-O-Snot!

OK, here goes and don't judge....

• Cut the grass
• Pay the bill for a military service man/woman (I've paid the lunch bill for a local fire fighter before without them knowing who paid - gave my heart a big ol' smile), but never anyone in the military.
• Get back in the batting cage
• Canning! (especially salsa and jam/jellies)
• Lead someone to Christ

I've picked up many sticks so that Dad could cut the grass, but we weren't allowed to cut the grass.  I never could figure that out.  It shouldn't have been because we were girls because growing up we had go-karts, mini-bikes and learned how to get down and dirty on the softball field.  "If you don't come home dirty, you didn't play".  And, it wasn't just Kathy and I, Mom couldn't do it either.  I often wonder if Dad sneaks a peek through the clouds as Mom is on the riding mower and guides her along somehow.

Have you ever paid the bill for someone behind you at a drive-thru?  I challenge you to do it.  I challenged my Sunday School class to do it several years ago, but I'd never done it myself.  I was at Hardee's one Sunday morning and when I told the cashier I wanted to pay for the woman behind me, her eyes got big and she said, "Really? What shall I say?"  Well, you just tell her to have a blessed day and that somebody loves her.  The excited cashier replied...."Git on outta here then, so I can tell her!"  I drove off and smiled the entire drive to Church.  

I don't need to hit anything with blazin' speed.  Ha - don't know that I even could.  Well, if I follow the instructions I've heard a gazillion times...eye on the ball...see the ball hit the bat.....I might be able to hold my own.  There is a batting cage right around the corner from work so I'm thinking I need to gather up a few former players and make it a Girl's Night!  Who's in? 

Canning!  I know a handful of women who are canners.  Is that the right term? All I know is they work up a sweat putting fresh veggies, salsa, and jams into jars to save for a rainy day.  I want to do that! 

You are probably wondering why I have this last on my list, when it's the most important.  Well, if I'm speaking honestly....when reading something we most often remember the first and the last thing we read.  If we meet and you forget me, you've lost nothing.  If you meet Christ and forget Him....you've lost everything! Everything sure is a lot to lose!

I love you all!