Venturing from the couch

So the new year brought many things.   I had the wonderful opportunity to be on the stage again for a too short venture but it gave me the wonderful gift of inspiration and gratitude.  Gratitude that it reignited that desire.  I found myself in a process that looked like this:  4 days on, 3 days off, 7 days straight of rehearsal into performance.  I found myself going to the theatre every day thinking "I really just want to do this, all the time." 
But the other thing the new year brought was this cold/flu/whatever it is make it go away thing.  Literally Jan 1st, I was outside at a party making a vision board and when it got cold, my throat got sore.  Had to go straight into tech and opening, got better but still had this nasty cough, that didn't really go away after we closed, migrated into an ear infection and is now a sinus thing with a cough.  It's January 23rd, and it's time for you to go.  I have armed myself with a neti pot and plenty of tea.    But what this thing brought was how to care for myself better.  How to slow down and do what's necessary and not everything else on the list.  Including a yoga practice.  Down dog with an ear infection, oh not so much.  But meditation, breathing, with or without the nose,  that's what's available.  And funny, most of the philosophy has nothing to do with a physical asana practice anyway.    So today, I actually did a light practice before teaching, and returned to the couch. 
Speaking of the couch, my friends in the Pacific Northwest are still shoveling their way out of their snowstorm.  My mom took pictures and sent them to me.  I love snow.   Everything about it.  If I had my wish, I'd spend about a week just hanging out and watching the snow fall.  And then I'd venture quickly back to San Diego and the warmth (or current lack thereof).   An interesting way this year has started, I guess it's time to slow down and enjoy the ride. 

My own Year in Review

“A high station in life is earned by the gallantry with which appalling experiences are survived with grace.” Tennessee Williams

It’s time for my own version of this and some reflecting of my own.  A friend sent me an email suggesting some things to ponder and so I share some of that with you.   This year I got brave, I married someone, which by the way, is not an easy task when you have lived most of your adult years as unmarried.  I applied for a grant making myself known to arts organizations and professionals in the field which made me have to overcome a lot of my own inadequacies and lack of confidence.  I began the process of creating a new piece of work.  I took on a role in a play that I didn’t feel qualified or prepared to do but took it on anyway and feel more in touch and connected and grateful for this experience.  I started to let go of things that weren’t working anymore and weren’t my responsibility to begin with, including some relationships.    I faced some setbacks, not getting the grant, losing my kitty, not having a business work the way I hoped it would.   And so as the door closes on 2011, I say goodbye to some things and open to others.  The intentions stay with me, to say yes to opportunities that would further me as an actor or writer, that I check in with myself and not take on too much, that I strengthen the relationships that I have by being present with those people I cherish and to make myself available to the possibilities rather than be trudging through the doubts and fears.    And I give myself permission to change my mind about any of it at anytime. 

Last SHOP LOCAL post for the season

So a few last things that I came across that I needed to pass along:

Toma Sol Cafe in Mission Hills is a little coffee shop that strives to be green, selling organic beans (Cafe Motto) and teas and other delicious goodies, including a gluten-free carrot walnut muffin that was DELICIOUS! 

Emilia's Sugar Plum Nightmare is the latest production from Talent to aMuse, suitable for kids ages 8 and up and those desiring a funny bone to get tickled.   The production is held at the Liberty Hall Theatre in the Paradise Village Plaza, a beautiful retirement community just up the street from Paradise Valley Hospital in National City.

Gifts of Health and Wellness:
Esther Maya is a yoga teacher I work with at Poses Yoga who offers Reconnective Healing sessions and sells Usana nutritional products.  
Club Pilates is offering an AMAZING deal of 10 classes for $85. You can purchase this deal up until Christmas on their website.  These are for group reformer classes that normally run anywhere else for $35-$55 PER CLASS.
Yoga Del Mar is offering a great new student special: $75 for One Month of Unlimited Yoga, $70 for 6 classes + FREE yoga mat, or $135 for 11 classes + FREE yoga mat.   This studio offers a variety of classes with some of the best and highly regarded and knowledgeable teachers. 

SHOPLOCAL4

Word of mouth is the BEST form of advertisement a business can get.   Please consider doing your own post on your own blog about places in your town.  If you're in SD, send me your suggestions.  And do your own OCCUPYing this season LOCALLY!

This Saturday is Ocean Beach’s annual Holiday Parade.  When I moved here I thought this was the best parade I’d ever seen.  The Geriatric Surf Drill team is hilarious.  This is real family fun and a great excuse to go to OB and do some SHOPPING!  I’ve mentioned OB before but here are a couple of places I haven’t mentioned:
Olive Tree Market – I used to love walking here and getting something good for dinner or just some cheese, but they have so much more including a large selection of wine for the wino I mean wine aficionado on your list. 
Dog Beach Dog Wash is the place to take your pooch after a day at dog beach.  A gift certificate for a wash is a nice gift for the pooch lover on your list.

Look no further for your candidate for 2012.  I love Amy Poehler and this character.  Available on Etsy and made in the USA. 

Book Darts – a new way to mark your passages or keep your place.   

La Jolla Farmers Market Sunday Mornings 8 am – 1 pm:  SO many vendors and wonderful items here including handmade bird houses, lavender gift items, art, too many to list but here’s a couple of their vendors:
Locally Grown retails their clothing items that send a statement literally, procured and manufactured tshirts made in the US.
Chef Betsy G  makes delicious GLUTEN FREE goodies.
Laurel Nation Designs makes beautiful jewelry.  

Radiance Yoga in Mission Hills offers a new student private session for $75.  This is an incredible value to have a very skilled and trained teacher help assess and provide for your needs.  Just check out their instructor bios, many have degrees and have been practicing yoga since the 70’s. 

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This is #3 in a series I’ve been doing about Shopping Local.  My hope is that others do this in their home town.  The other two posts are here and here. 

Mission Hills Area

Maison En Provence is a beautiful little store filled with household and other gift items hand picked by the owners from France.   Little lavender sachets to gourmet food items, there’s bound to be a nice gift for someone special. 

The Huddle doesn’t have a website.  What they have is old-fashioned diner style food.  Located at 4023 Goldfinch St, they offer no frills but it’s a great, inexpensive place to eat.  They offer gift certificates and they also sell their homemade jams and during the Holidays, PIES at $7 a PIE.  Did you miss that?  Homemade pie, the granddaughter affirmed she was still traumatized after last years experience, they roll out the dough and make them there.  And when we bought our Holiday pies, it was buy 3 get one free….

Olivetto is a cozy café and wine bar that I’ve been to a couple of times.  A great place for a girls night out, their truffle fries are delicious and I’m assured their wine selection is very tasty. 

Fridays in Mission Hills, there is a small Farmers Market that sells lovely food items for the Foodie on your list. 

Entertainment

Intrepid Shakespeare Company is offering a HUGE 50% off discount on their entire season subscription for 2012.  That’s an incredible deal when you see what it normally is (hint less than the price of movie tickets).  Offer valid 11/25-11/28 (Black Friday through Cyber Monday).  Use Coupon Code: 2012 when checking out online. 

Magazine Subscriptions – who doesn’t like a great magazine?  Just a few suggestions:  For writers or readers who like to take a walk in a different slice of life The Sun, to better living and how to simplify the everyday things Real Simple,  for those trying to incorporate healthy eating options into their lives Vegetarian Times.

Spiritual Cinema Circle sends spiritually uplifting and inspirational movies on a monthly basis and you keep the DVD.  I loved what they would send, often several short films and then a feature length movie on one DVD.  Great for families looking to spend quality time together. 

Here’s a post from a blog I follow instead of buy something, make something, includes suggestions, pictures and instructions. 

Your suggestions, comments and feedback are always important.

Wind

Photograph by rps.net.

Tiny leaves come tumbling down the street
as if to warn me with high, sweeky voices
"The wind is coming! The wind is coming!"
And around the corner, the wall of you hits me
as if to threaten of things to come
and your potential for destruction
and like that you are gone
only to rumble throughout the trees
filling the air with the sound of your fury
and your possibility. 

#SHOPLOCAL2

The second installation of where to Shop Local (for the first one click here).  Create your own list I'd be happy to repost or tweet your blogpost! 

OCCUPY BLACK FRIDAY!

Writers

 Glimpse Living has the motto of Mindful Products for the Home, Gift and Body.  Committed to bringing products that are made by people and for people, they carry hand crafted items, candles made from soy, bags and oh, most importantly, some beautiful one of a kind hand made journals from an artist in Colorado.  Located on Ray Street in North Park, she has an event coming up on November 19^th, featuring the edible art created by Jennifer McHugh.  May not be the event to shop at for some of the other items as she moves her store items out but definitely one to attend for a unique experience. 

(Reminder, my friend Cathleene has an artist reception the night before at Mystic Water Kava Bar, you could pop over to Glimpse then!)

San Diego Writers Ink offers a variety of classes and opportunities for writers.  From an ongoing meetup to writers meetup at Lestats (buy the punchcard as your gift) or more intensive workshops from Poetry writing to Novel writing, there’s something for everyone. 

Feng Shui? Offer someone the gift of being able to literally change their life by moving their stuff.  Amanda Collins is a Feng Shui consultant and teacher and offers in home consultations as well as classes. 

Animal Lovers:

*Have a friend with pooches?  How often do you hear them talk about taking them to the groomers?  Take them to South Bark in South Park or buy some goodies online!

*Pet People in La Jolla started their business in San Diego in the 90’s and now have locations across Southern California.  Each time I go, they are helpful, friendly and often give samples of the products they carry.  And their pricing is very competitive compared to other chain stores.

Entertainment

I have it on good authority that Cygnet Theatre is running a Black Friday special and it’s your great opportunity to get tickets at an amazing discount.  This is the last year they are doing their holiday show “It’s a Wonderful Life.” 

Foodies

Tea anyone?  Try Halcyon Tea in South Park for the tea lover on your list.

Coffee Lovers?  Caffe Calabria  in North Park roasts their own as well as  Bird Rock Coffee Roasters in La Jolla.  Better Buzz coffee has drive through locations throughout San Diego.  Your Mamas Mug in Ocean Beach is another great stop for coffee and goodies. 

Mariposa Ice Cream in Normal Heights is like Ben & Jerry’s only Ben & Jerry just setup shop and never went global. 

Niederfranks in National City is another old fashioned ice creamery locally owned since 1948. 

Crafters

The Grove in South Park has a selection of yarn, books and other delightful things.

November 26^th is SMALL BUSINESS SATURDAY and a friend is participating in a Holiday Craft Show from 10 am to 4 pm at 10328 Julio Place, Santee, cash only no credit cards.

Claytime Ceramics in Ocean Beach gives you the opportunity to create your own ceramic sensation or get a gift certificate for someone else to create their own.   

Automotive

East County Brake & Tire (619) 442-9666 buy a college student a brake job and they will THANK YOU for it!

Places to Shop:

South Park – Listing of businesses and types can be found here http://southparkscene.com/businesses.html

Ocean Beach - Each Wednesday there is a fabulous Farmer's Market but so many shops to find interesting things.  December 3rd is their annual Christmas Parade, a great time for kids and adults alike.