Kimberly Wilson's Blog, page 78

Pigs & Pugs Gratitude

Last Thursday, on National Pig Day, Pigs & Pugs Project hosted a film screening of The Last Pig. It was our first big event since transitioning over our programming from Tranquil Teens to Pigs & Pugs and I was a bit nervous.

We had two special VIPs joining us, Charlotte of Life with Pigs and Gene Baur of Farm Sanctuary, along with some other amazing people in the animal rights world.

I rarely practice speaking and am more of an “off the cuff with some planning” kind of gal, but went over my opening about 10 times before Tim and the pups had had enough. I think Belle even rolled her eyes at my final attempts.

While practicing the film introduction, I couldn’t get through it without crying so you’ll see in the video below I simply state its name, no context. Truthfully, the film speaks for itself and ever since I first heard about the film and interviewed the filmmaker and farmer in 2015, I’ve been deeply moved. Like I was as a child with ET and Where the Red Fern Grows and a teenager with Gorillas in the Mist.

When your heart is so connected to a cause (pig sanctuaries and pug rescues), you want to be a good representative.

I had stickers, postcards, reusable bags, and large foam boards splashed with our logo (which I believe is absolutely adorable).

I brought twinkle lights to the event and the bar manager graciously explained they didn’t have any extra outlets. #havetwinklelightswilltravel

I packed pig figurines to display on the vegan hors d’oeuvres table.

Tim designed pink VIP signs with a pig outline for the VIP seating.

It’s all about the details.  And the message.

After the event, I received an email from a participant  who wrote:

I’m super-happy I came to your event!!!  Originally, I was not sure I wanted to.  Just as people have an aversion to being around vegans, because it makes them feel uncomfortable, so too, do I typically have an aversion to seeing films that I know will tear up my insides!  That said, this is the first time I’ve ever watched a video of this nature and I know that was important for me.  Also, I was very impressed with Gene’s breadth of knowledge (i.e., farming, genetics, cooking, and legislation!!!!)  Woah!!!

My takeaways are that I want to give up eating any fish at all, I would like to be more vocal about animal-rights causes, I would like to support farmer’s markets, and I would like to be more like you and Gene (i.e., contribute to a greater good more often). 

Overall, thanks again!  Keep spreading this important message!  After all, we humans are just like pigs, if we could just get past that mental electrical fence we created… perhaps the rest of the herd might follow…

Tranquility du Jour #415: Woman Most Wild

Woman Most Wild with Danielle Dulsky. In this week’s edition of Tranquility du Jour, Danielle and I discuss the urban witch, rituals, tracking your cycles, and more!

 



Direct download: Tranquility du Jour #415: Woman Most Wild

Upcoming Events

Year of Tranquility: Join anytime

Pigs & Pugs Project Film Screening of The Last Pig

Tranquility du Jour Live: March 25

Spring Virtual Retreat: April 14

Yoga + Art in West Virginia: June 1-3

Penning in Paris: July 23-27 {3 spots left}

Tranquility in the Topics {Costa Rica}: February 16-23, 2019

Tranquility in Tuscany: July 13-20, 2019 {more info coming}

Featured Guest: Danielle Dulsky

Danielle Dulsky, author of Woman Most Wild, is an artist, yoga teacher, energy worker, and founder of Living Mandala Yoga teacher training programs. She leads women’s circles, Witchcraft workshops, and energy healing trainings and lives in Phoenixville, Pennsylvania. Find her online at DanielleDulsky.com.

Savvy Sources
Find Danielle

Website

Twitter

Facebook

Instagram

Book

Mentioned in Podcast

To hear from The Last Pig farmer, Bob Comis, tune into this podcast interview

To hear from The Last Pig filmmaker, Allison Argo, tune into this podcast interview

NEW TranquiliT Compassion is the new black tee

Social Media



Eye candy on Instagram
Pin along with me on Pinterest
Let’s connect on Facebook
Follow moi on Twitter
Watch via YouTube


Tranquility Tips + Tools

Shop slow locally-made, eco-friendly fashion: TranquiliT
Browse my 5 Books
New to Tranquility du Jour? Peruse the FAQs
Tranquility-filled E-courses
Download the Tranquility du Jour Podcast App: iPhone and Android
Sign up for Love Notes and access Tranquil Treasures
Read about my passion for animals

Request

Pen a review on iTunes and/or share this podcast via social media, s‘il vous plaît.
Pen a review of my books on Amazon or Goodreads.


Techy

To listen, click on the player at the top of the post or click here to listen to older episodes.
New to podcasting? Get more info at Podcast 411.
Do you have iTunes? Click here and subscribe to the podcast to get the latest episode as released.
Get the Tranquility du Jour apps to download the podcast “automagically” on iOS or Android.

The post Tranquility du Jour #415: Woman Most Wild appeared first on Kimberly Wilson.

A Peek at Costa Rica

Self-care is how you take your power back.—Lalah Delia

In a few minutes I’ll head up to the dining hall to indulge in my final Costa Rican breakfast—a big bowl of papaya, homemade granola, and soy milk.

I’m still wrapping my head around this experience and possibly my 15th time (I’ve lost count) here at Pura Vida. This group was an absolute joy and was half full with repeat retreaters which is an honor. I love watching their ongoing evolution and getting to know them on a deeper level.

All week we indulged in yoga, creative play, mindfulness, vegan chocolate cake, vino, sunshine, papaya, twinkle lights, spa treatments, and self-compassion. I’ll return to DC tonight with a full heart and so much gratitude.

Below is an assortment of moments captured this week. Our next jaunt to Costa Rica is February 16-23, 2019 and I’m already looking forward to the papaya! Bisous. x

Packing for one week in Costa Rica = TranquiliT 2in1 flare, (4) 2in1 fitted, boyfriend tank, (5) capri leggings, perfect pant, palazzo pant, slip dress, off-the-shoulder top, compassion tee. Brought a pink sun hat and pink pig pouch with a few accessories. Wore the 2in1 fitted, capri leggings, sleeveless swing dress and long sleeve wrap tunic on the plane to easily transition from 30 to 80 degrees upon arrival!

Captured on Saturday after arrival. The tranquil view from our room.

Posing in front of pretty pink flowers.

Mama, me, and Julia the Pura Vida ambassador.

Aromatherapy workshop play time. Made a lavender, geranium, ylang ylang, and cedar spray and roll on.

Happy hour with mama and the group on our patio. Note the lights of San Jose in the background.

For the first time in a few years I got into the pool and floated around on these noodles. Someone joked that it was like seeing rare wildlife and photos were snapped to prove it happened.

Art journaling playtime on Friday night complete with vino, snacks, writing a letter congratulating themselves on doing what they’re taking away from this retreat {I’ll mail it to them at the end of the year}, and honoring each participant’s contributions to the experience.

Our gorgeous group filled with beautiful spirits.

The post A Peek at Costa Rica appeared first on Kimberly Wilson.

One week from today . . .

How wonderful it is that nobody need wait a single moment before starting to improve the world.—Anne Frank

When I transitioned from Tranquil Space last summer, I shared that I wanted to focus on growing a nonprofit I co-founded, Tranquil Space Foundation (TSF).

Since 2006 TSF designed and offered a Tranquil Teens program to over 600 girls and created an 8-week facilitator’s toolkit {download for free} with an amazing group of volunteers. We also donated over $30,000 to like-hearted organizations that supported women and girls.

As that project came full circle and my focused turned to animals, we transitioned to something new that I’m honored to put my heart into—Pigs & Pugs Project!

Next Thursday, on National Pig Day, we’re hosting our first Pigs & Pugs event, a film screening of The Last Pig at Washington, DC’s Atlantic Plumbing Landmark Cinema. We’ll have special guests Gene Baur of Farm Sanctuary and Charlotte the pig with us.

If you’re able to join us in-person or in-spirit, I’d be so grateful!

You may recall my 2015 podcast interviews with the filmmaker, Allison and farmer, Bob—I believe it was the first time I lost my composure on the podcast. The story of this film is eye-opening, beautiful, and emotional.

Pigs & Pugs Project hosts events to raise awareness such as next week’s film screening of The Last Pig and Yoga + the Animals at Burleigh Manor Animal Sanctuary in June. We also donate to pug rescues and pig sanctuaries in need. Check out our blog for the latest micro grants. It’s a joy to be part of these animals’ transformations!

Watch for a shop page with Pigs & Pugs Project goodies (like TranquiliT’s new compassion tee) plus a resources page to learn more about pigs and pugs coming soon. It will also have a list of pug rescues around the United States plus pig sanctuaries! If you have any additional ideas, please share.

Please follow along and join us in spreading compassion. Bisous. x

Instagram     *     Facebook      *     Twitter      *       Newsletter     *     Donate

The post One week from today . . . appeared first on Kimberly Wilson.

TranquiliT Spring Sneak Peek {+ 24-hr sale}

Wishing you a special Valentine’s Day filled with self-love and compassion. Be your very own Valentine. You are beautiful.

I’m writing to share a peek into our new spring collection, our new fashion activist tee, videos of a few of our new designs, AND a 25% off sale. 

Meet our new spring colors eclipse and emerald above. Aren’t they beautiful? 

After weeks of designing, samples, and more samples, I’m delighted to share the videos below showcasing four of our five new designs. Available mid-March at TranquiliT.com.

Compassion is the New Black tee {available now for pre-order, includes a complimentary Pigs & Pugs tote}

Jumpsuit

Tulip Top

Ballet Wrap 

 
We’ll also be releasing a knee-length duster with pockets and a cozy cowl!
 
As a gesture of love, please use code LOVEISLOVE to save 25% off all pink and red items today through 2/15. Code is for use on rose, marsala, and wine products only.
 
Thanks for supporting locally-sewn, eco-friendly slow fashion. I hope you’re as excited about spring as we are!  x

The post TranquiliT Spring Sneak Peek {+ 24-hr sale} appeared first on Kimberly Wilson.

Tranquility du Jour #414: Parisian Charm School

Parisian Charm School with Jamie Cat Callan. In this week’s edition of Tranquility du Jour, Jamie and I chat about her latest book, the beauty in the details, her life on the farm, and art of the French flirt.

 



Direct download: Tranquility du Jour #414: Parisian Charm School

Upcoming Events

Year of Tranquility: Join anytime

Yoga, Mindfulness + Creativity in Costa Rica: February 17-24, 2018 {2 spots left}

Pigs & Pugs Project Film Screening of The Last Pig: March 1

Yoga + Art in West Virginia: June 1-3, 2018

Penning in Paris: July 23-27, 2018 {3 spots left}

Featured Guest: Jamie Cat Callan

 

Jamie Cat Callan is the author of the recently released Parisian Charm School (Penguin Random House).  She is also the author of the bestselling books French Women Don’t Sleep Alone, Bonjour, Happiness! and Ooh La La! French Women’s Secrets to Feeling Beautiful Every Day. Her books have been published in twenty-one countries and have been featured in major magazines, including The New York Times, Vanity Fair, and Time. Jamie makes her home in New York’s Hudson Valley at La Belle Farm, where she and her husband have created a little bit of France and grow lavender, sunflowers and produce their own brand of French sparkling apple cider.

 

Savvy Sources

Find Jamie

Website

Facebook

Instagram

Twitter

Books

Upcoming book events

Mentioned in the Podcast

First interview with Jamie on Tranquility du Jour #289
New York Times Book Review
New York Times Article about Jamie and her husband
Sweet article about her farmhouse

Social Media



Eye candy on Instagram
Pin along with me on Pinterest
Let’s connect on Facebook
Follow moi on Twitter
Watch via YouTube


Tranquility Tips + Tools

Shop slow locally-made, eco-friendly fashion: TranquiliT
Browse my 5 Books
New to Tranquility du Jour? Peruse the FAQs
Tranquility-filled E-courses
Download the Tranquility du Jour Podcast App: iPhone and Android
Sign up for Love Notes and access Tranquil Treasures
Read about my passion for animals

Request

Pen a review on iTunes and/or share this podcast via social media, s‘il vous plaît.
Pen a review of my books on Amazon or Goodreads.


Techy

To listen, click on the player at the top of the post or click here to listen to older episodes.
New to podcasting? Get more info at Podcast 411.
Do you have iTunes? Click here and subscribe to the podcast to get the latest episode as released.
Get the Tranquility du Jour apps to download the podcast “automagically” on iOS or Android.

The post Tranquility du Jour #414: Parisian Charm School appeared first on Kimberly Wilson.

Middle-Aged Ballerina

Dance is the hidden language of the soul.—Martha Graham

While watching the Beauty and the Beast ballet at Versailles on Christmas Eve Eve (12/23), I couldn’t stop thinking about pirouettes and coupés.

For nearly four decades I’ve had an on-again, off-again love affair with ballet—from grade school through junior high plus a few months sprinkled into my 30s and 40s. Today I completed my fifth class at The Washington Ballet and am smitten.

From the pianist who plays through the 75-minute class to taking classes at a school whose performances I’ve attended over the years, I’m delighted to be back donning a flowy ballet skirt and  slippers.

When I mentioned my interest in returning to ballet during a private online event in December, I received this detailed email from Deborah:

As I mentioned, I am also an adult “ballerina”. I have actually been dancing since I was 3 1/2 years old and currently reunited with my childhood ballet teacher… who is now 95 and is still going strong! My teacher, and our adult ballet class was recently featured on CBS news as part of a series that highlights active seniors who are following their passion (it’s only 2 1/2 minutes long): https://www.cbsnews.com/news/ballet-teacher-still-inspiring-students-after-decades/

Here are some classes and studios that you might be interested in. I am looking forward to hearing how your journey back to ballet is going!

Washington School of Ballet:

I highly recommend any classes that Irina Wunder teaches. I see on the schedule that she currently teaches Beginner Ballet classes on Fridays from 12:00-1:15pm. https://www.washingtonballet.org/adult-classes

Ballet NovA:

Any class that is taught by Constance Walsh is sure to be amazing! She is such a supportive and encouraging teacher, and even writes the adult ballet newsletter for this studio.  There are even adult dance performance opportunities a couple of times throughout the year. Irina Wunder also teaches at this studio on Saturdays, and I have heard good things about classes offered by Ms. Perez. http://www.balletnova.org/pages/?p_id=140110023722

Maryland Youth Ballet:

Julie Miles has been one of my favorite teachers for years! She used to be a teacher at the Washington School of Ballet and she is very “adult friendly”. Lucy Bowen McCauley is also amazing, and she offers dance and “stretch” classes, too. There are many different opportunities for classes offered: http://www.marylandyouthballet.org/adult-programs/drop-in-classes-mb/

There are a number of really great inspiring Instagram accounts that you may like. It is so nice to see adult ballerinas all over the world continuing their love of dance and sharing it! 

https://www.instagram.com/introvertedart/
https://www.instagram.com/balletat40/
https://www.instagram.com/adultballetdiaries/
https://www.instagram.com/back_to_ballet/

I wanted to share her thoughtful email in case you, too, are local and/or interested in returning to dance. She also shared these great vegan ballet slippers. I’d already picked up a pair of pink canvas Capezio ones (vegan except for the suede soles) to replace my black leather ones, so I’ll keep Cynthia King’s in mind for my next pair. So great to know about compassionate options!

Here are some photos from my early dancing experiences. The bottom one shows the stern and loving Mrs. Ellen giving me a talking to. Can you find me in the top one? I have one word for you: blush! Clearly I applied it all by myself.

While heading home from today’s class I was discussing with a friend how different it is to take ballet now. As a child we were practiced in preparation for our annual performance. Now, it’s simply to savor the process—a completely different mindset.

Ah, there’s that reminder to appreciate the journey again. Which can be quite hard when your muscles are shaking, you keep turning in the wrong direction, and immediately forget all instructions after they’re shown. I mean, so I hear.

Who knows, maybe a recital is in my future? I’d sure love to slip my feet back into toe shoes and a big tutu again. I mean, is there anything more feminine?

Enjoy this inspiring article on middle-aged women who say ballet’s transformed their lives.

Here’s to middle-aged ballerinas (or anything you decide to pick up in your adult years)! Bisous x

The post Middle-Aged Ballerina appeared first on Kimberly Wilson.

January in Review

You’ve got a chance to start out all over again. A new place, new people, new sights. A clean slate. See, you can be anything you want with a fresh start.—Annie Proulx

January in Review

Au revoir January, you were a tough one. While many wonderful things happened such as launching Year of Tranquility and adopting Gizmo, it felt like I wasn’t able to settle into the month. You know, like a snow globe all shaken up and instead of the flakes falling to the bottom, they continually swirl.

Between Gizmo’s cancer diagnosis and surgery, a 26-hour drive to and from St. Louis, a weekend jaunt to Seattle, assorted disappointments, and teaching multiple workshops and classes, my energy never quite recovered.

While musing in my journal last week, I realized I hadn’t exercised in way too long and had been eating poorly. Duh, of course I was feeling yucky! That evening I carved out space for a yoga class and returned to more salads and smoothies. I won’t say I’m 100%, but I am feeling better.

It seems that January had that affect on so many people (as I mentioned in yesterday’s post). At times like this, it can be good to return to the basics. Are we eating right? Are we exercising? Are we sleeping? Are we hydrated? Yes, the very basics!

January did offer multiple treats from celebrating 14 years with Tim, to meeting with friends in Seattle, to returning to ballet after a four-year sabbatical, to hosting TDJ Live, to having Mom out to watch the pups, to collaborating with clients after having been away the last week in December, to seeing brightly-colored tulips, to loving the group who joined Year of Tranquility, to scheduling The Last Pig film screening and Yoga + the Animals, to releasing two podcasts, to finishing two books, to picking up those great magazines shown above, to taking a plant hanger macrame class, to seeing the Sylvia Plath exhibit downtown, to tea dates with friends, to receiving the sweetest custom pink socks of Gizmo.

So, as you can see, I have a lot to be happy about and I’m not intending to complain. It’s more of an observation that the month felt energetically heavy despite the beautiful experiences. You with me?

I’m overall grateful for what January offered and, yet, I’m so looking forward to a brand new month filled with possibility (and Costa Rica sunshine mixed with papaya). Here’s to the chance to start again. And again.

By the way, did you  see last night’s moon?! Bisous. x

February Wish List

Host an inspiring retreat in Costa Rica

Savor Carla Bruni concert

Complete two weekends of Positive Psychology training

Host inspiring second month of Year of Tranquility

Sell lots of tickets for our first Pigs & Pugs event: The Last Pig film screening

Finalize TranquiliT spring collection

Release two podcasts

Collaborate with mentoring and therapy clients

Catch up on Positive Psychology training videos

Dive deeper into Veterinary Social Work program

Read Woman-Powered Farm

Keep looking for formats

Get Gizmo healthy

Work on the “6 Magic Hours” with Tim

Savvy Sources

New York Times‘ A Year of Living Better

What To Read Next Based on Your Netflix Binging

30 Days to Minimalism

9 Books to Love During the Month of February

18 Self-Care Practices to Start Today

10 Ways to Unwind After a Bad Day

4 Visualization Methods to Turn Dreams into Reality

What to Consider if You Want to Go Vegan

7 Ways to Make Your Year More Mindful

The post January in Review appeared first on Kimberly Wilson.

A few fun things . . .

Life isn’t about finding yourself. Life is about creating yourself.—George Bernard Shaw

I chose this photo because, let’s be honest, is there anything more fun than a carousel? I think not! This one even had a pink pig on it. Yes, I have photos of her, too!

While prepping to send out a Love Note this week, I wanted to pop in on the blog to share two fun happenings and two recent interviews. See below for all the scoop.

I’d love to have you join us for The Last Pig screening in person or in spirit! You may recall my 2015 interviews of the farmer and filmmaker. Annnnnnnddd, a potbelly pig will also be in the house. Yes, I’m counting down the days!

Wishing each of you a smooth conclusion to January. FYI, most people I’ve talked to have shared how challenging this month has been—from the flu, to settling in post-holidays, to everyday little dramas, to the chilly temps, to the lack of sunlight.

Today’s motto: February is the new January! Bisous. x

On Thursday, March 1st, in celebration of National Pig Day, join Pigs & Pugs Project for the screening of the award-winning film, The Last Pig–the cinematic story of a pig farmer who grapples with death, searches for compassion, and finally finds the courage to change.

This event includes special guests Farm Sanctuary’s Gene Baur and Charlotte of Life With Pigs: Pumpkin, Charlotte and Millie. A Q & A with Gene and Pigs & Pugs Project’s Kimberly Wilson will follow the screening.

Tickets & Facebook Event

Sometimes we just need someone to say to us, “You’ve got this!” Join these Trail Makers {including me!} for some love and encouragement. Love Letters start TOMORROW!

Late last year I sat down with the lovely Julie Reisler to chat about my journey. The episode released this week and you can listen here.

When Shelby reached out to ask if I’d chat about my grief journey, I was honored. Grief has been such a transformative part of my life since 2012 and we recently discussed the effects it’s had on me along the way. You can listen here.

The post A few fun things . . . appeared first on Kimberly Wilson.

Tranquility du Jour #413: Transitions with Elizabeth Duvivier

Transitions with Elizabeth Duvivier. In this week’s edition of Tranquility du Jour, Elizabeth and I discuss her handing over the reigns of Squam after 10 years, the challenges of letting go, and the importance of knowing when it’s time to move on.

 



Direct download: Tranquility du Jour #413: Transitions with Elizabeth Duvivier

Upcoming Events

Yoga, Mindfulness + Creativity in Costa Rica: February 17-24, 2018 {2 spots left}

Pigs & Pugs Project Film Screening of The Last Pig: March 1

Yoga + Art in West Virginia: June 1-3, 2018

Penning in Paris: July 23-27, 2018 {3 spots left}

Featured Guest: Elizabeth Duvivier

 ELIZABETH DUVIVIER began teaching at the Lycee Lavoisier in Paris when she was 19. That was also the year she learned that she loved endives with beets, was allergic to ouzo and how to scale the wall of her apartment building in high heels. Over the years, she has taught French to high schoolers, Creative Writing to college students and how to live a mythic life to people from around the world.

Admittedly, the strongest call in her life has been to help others reconnect with their creativity but after building and running Squam Art Workshops for ten years, she is now keen to spend sacred time writing and messing about with mixed-media. Her stated intention is to achieve this with a complete absence of an agenda, itinerary, playbook, libretto or anything that might resemble a plan.

She finds nothing incongruous about her love for the writing of Mary Oliver and Tom Robbins; Eknath Easwaren and Asterix comics; Edith Wharton and Scarlett Thomas; John O’Donohue and anyone who can make her laugh.

And, she is confident that it is only a matter of time before Durga returns to set the world to right.

Savvy Sources

Find Elizabeth

Website
Instagram

Mentioned in the Podcast

First interview of Elizabeth on Tranquility du Jour #215
My interview on Elizabeth’s Morning on the Dock podcast
Squam website
Elizabeth’s posts about the transition: 1)  water + imagination = poetry magic light and 2) a most wonderful time of the year
My post about last year’s big transition
Vaclav Havel quote we discussed:

Doesn’t the fact that one has managed to create something—

though it may seem to have had no other impact—mean something in itself?

Does not that alone say something and promise something?

Does it not thus expand the range of what can be done, and of how far one may go?

Every work of the spirit is a small reenactment of the miracle of Being,

a small recreation of the world—and is not this essential and unique transcendence

of its material existence enough to guarantee it a lasting place in the history of

spirit and lasting participation in the “spirit” of the order of the spirit— that

special attempt on the part of Being at its own great re-creation?

To sum up: I’m convinced that each spiritual act is an integral part

of the order of the spirit, that the order of the spirit is present in

each act just as the entire river is present in an eddy, and that every

such act irrevocably alters the order of the spirit, just as every eddy,

though it may last no more than a minute,

has irrevocably changed the river. 

Social Media



Eye candy on Instagram
Pin along with me on Pinterest
Let’s connect on Facebook
Follow moi on Twitter
Watch via YouTube


Tranquility Tips + Tools

Shop slow locally-made, eco-friendly fashion: TranquiliT
Browse my 5 Books
New to Tranquility du Jour? Peruse the FAQs
Tranquility-filled E-courses
Download the Tranquility du Jour Podcast App: iPhone and Android
Sign up for Love Notes and access Tranquil Treasures
Read about my passion for animals

Request

Pen a review on iTunes and/or share this podcast via social media, s‘il vous plaît.
Pen a review of my books on Amazon or Goodreads.


Techy

To listen, click on the player at the top of the post or click here to listen to older episodes.
New to podcasting? Get more info at Podcast 411.
Do you have iTunes? Click here and subscribe to the podcast to get the latest episode as released.
Get the Tranquility du Jour apps to download the podcast “automagically” on iOS or Android.

The post Tranquility du Jour #413: Transitions with Elizabeth Duvivier appeared first on Kimberly Wilson.