Sandy Steen Bartholomew's Blog, page 37
July 25, 2012
The 2nd Annual CZT Retreat
Attention all Certified Zentangle Teachers! Bette Abdu just released the details about the 2nd Annual CZT Retreat - which will be in New Hampshire this year. Yeah! And it will be in the fall - last year's (which was great fun!) was in July and it was so freaking hot - October is much better. :-)
Here is her message, followed by images with the details. If you are interested, be sure to email her to get "real" copies of the info, or to ask any questions. I'll be teaching one of the days, but I intend to "retreat" on the other days. It really is a fun, relaxing way to do a CZT retreat - everyone contributes their knowledge and comes home refreshed AND revved up with ideas.
If you are NOT a Certified Zentangle Teacher this is NOT the retreat for you - come to my retreat in Maine, in November instead. Tee Hee!
Announcing the 2nd Annual CZT Retreat, October 25-28, 2012 in Tilton, NH at the Black Swan Inn http://www.blackswaninn.net/ Special guest artist Sandra Steen Bartholomew For details on this event write to betteabdu@gmail.com
**This event is offered by Bette Abdu, CZT It is neither sponsored or endorsed by Zentangle.com***
Here is her message, followed by images with the details. If you are interested, be sure to email her to get "real" copies of the info, or to ask any questions. I'll be teaching one of the days, but I intend to "retreat" on the other days. It really is a fun, relaxing way to do a CZT retreat - everyone contributes their knowledge and comes home refreshed AND revved up with ideas.
If you are NOT a Certified Zentangle Teacher this is NOT the retreat for you - come to my retreat in Maine, in November instead. Tee Hee!
Announcing the 2nd Annual CZT Retreat, October 25-28, 2012 in Tilton, NH at the Black Swan Inn http://www.blackswaninn.net/ Special guest artist Sandra Steen Bartholomew For details on this event write to betteabdu@gmail.com
**This event is offered by Bette Abdu, CZT It is neither sponsored or endorsed by Zentangle.com***
July 23, 2012
A few notes on the UN-Tangle Retreat
I have had a few emails asking questions about the UN-Tangle Retreat - Holiday Edition that is taking place in Ogunquit, Maine from November 9th-11th, 2012.
1. I'm sorry the pricing confused people - my intent was to actually make it easier, by showing there is a choice as to lodging. OK, here is the "simple" version:
Single room rate (If you want a room all to yourself, no roommate) = $875
Double room rate (you don't mind sharing a room with another student or you are bringing a spouse, etc.) = $725 (per person)
Commuter rate (driving from home, or a friend's house each day) = $500
These prices include the workshop, class materials, lodging for two nights, meals (two breakfasts, two dinners, and one lunch), and all applicable taxes.
Oh and you can save $75 off your lodging if you sign up by Sept. 1st.
2. November - yes, it is cold and you won't want to lay out on the beach... or swim (you wouldn't want to swim, even in the summer, brrrr...). So why November? The hotel is affordable and it is fairly empty so we get treated like queens. During high season, we're talking ~ $300 a night. If you bundle up (or not - sometimes it is still quite warm in early Nov.) there is a wonderful walk along the cliffs called the Marginal Way. It connects Ogunquit (boutiques, restaurants, galleries, chocolate shop...) with Perkins Cove (there's a drawbridge, shops and restaurants). The Beachmere Inn sits right on the Marginal Way. There is a gorgeous view from the hotel, no matter the time of year. Our workroom has a window that looks out at the sea. There is plenty of time to take walks and explore the town. The March retreat started with a small blizzard and ended with temps in the 60's. It's New England.
3. Why Ogunquit? When I run away to work on a book or take an escape, I always go to either Ogunquit or Wells, Maine. They are just far enough away from home, and close to the sea, but not too much of a drive. The Beachmere is my favorite place. When I was there working on Tangled Fashionista, I had barricaded myself into my room (which has a kitchen!), my work spread out all over the bed and floor... I was staring out at the ocean and munching on dark chocolate covered apricots and thinking: "this is the best place to retreat from the world. The only thing missing are some cool people to talk to." In general, I would stay and work as long as I could and usually went home when I got really lonely. "Wow - what if I came up here and brought some other people to tangle with!!??"
4. Retreat? Call it whatever you want. I don't mean "retreat" as in yoga and chanting and massage (although that can be arranged...). I mean "retreat" as in "step away from your to-do list!"
I don't know about you, but unless I'm enrolled in a class or have some other obligation to make art, it ends up pretty low on that to-do list. Even when making art IS your job, it still gets bumped below checking email (and writing blog posts?) ;-) Zentangle is a weird paradox (hee hee) - it is solitary and involves inner reflection and lots of other woo-woo stuff. BUT it also seems to create a craving for other like-minded souls. When you DO Zentangle, you need to SHARE it. And, lastly, by the end of November we all get caught up in that crazy chaos of all the Holidays. I dread that time. I'm guessing that if I prepare myself by calming down, enjoying some art and meeting a whole bunch of super-amazing people (only super-amazing people come to these kinds of things!) - then I think I can make it through the holidays and experience them for what they were intended rather than a commercial rush.
5. It's just a ton of fun! And you get to relax and watch from the side (my usual style) or you can throw yourself in and show off (it's amazing what a little chocolate can do for one's confidence).
Did I miss anything? Post any other questions in the comments. :-)
(Oh - and sign up HERE)
1. I'm sorry the pricing confused people - my intent was to actually make it easier, by showing there is a choice as to lodging. OK, here is the "simple" version:
Single room rate (If you want a room all to yourself, no roommate) = $875
Double room rate (you don't mind sharing a room with another student or you are bringing a spouse, etc.) = $725 (per person)
Commuter rate (driving from home, or a friend's house each day) = $500
These prices include the workshop, class materials, lodging for two nights, meals (two breakfasts, two dinners, and one lunch), and all applicable taxes.
Oh and you can save $75 off your lodging if you sign up by Sept. 1st.
2. November - yes, it is cold and you won't want to lay out on the beach... or swim (you wouldn't want to swim, even in the summer, brrrr...). So why November? The hotel is affordable and it is fairly empty so we get treated like queens. During high season, we're talking ~ $300 a night. If you bundle up (or not - sometimes it is still quite warm in early Nov.) there is a wonderful walk along the cliffs called the Marginal Way. It connects Ogunquit (boutiques, restaurants, galleries, chocolate shop...) with Perkins Cove (there's a drawbridge, shops and restaurants). The Beachmere Inn sits right on the Marginal Way. There is a gorgeous view from the hotel, no matter the time of year. Our workroom has a window that looks out at the sea. There is plenty of time to take walks and explore the town. The March retreat started with a small blizzard and ended with temps in the 60's. It's New England.
3. Why Ogunquit? When I run away to work on a book or take an escape, I always go to either Ogunquit or Wells, Maine. They are just far enough away from home, and close to the sea, but not too much of a drive. The Beachmere is my favorite place. When I was there working on Tangled Fashionista, I had barricaded myself into my room (which has a kitchen!), my work spread out all over the bed and floor... I was staring out at the ocean and munching on dark chocolate covered apricots and thinking: "this is the best place to retreat from the world. The only thing missing are some cool people to talk to." In general, I would stay and work as long as I could and usually went home when I got really lonely. "Wow - what if I came up here and brought some other people to tangle with!!??"
4. Retreat? Call it whatever you want. I don't mean "retreat" as in yoga and chanting and massage (although that can be arranged...). I mean "retreat" as in "step away from your to-do list!"
I don't know about you, but unless I'm enrolled in a class or have some other obligation to make art, it ends up pretty low on that to-do list. Even when making art IS your job, it still gets bumped below checking email (and writing blog posts?) ;-) Zentangle is a weird paradox (hee hee) - it is solitary and involves inner reflection and lots of other woo-woo stuff. BUT it also seems to create a craving for other like-minded souls. When you DO Zentangle, you need to SHARE it. And, lastly, by the end of November we all get caught up in that crazy chaos of all the Holidays. I dread that time. I'm guessing that if I prepare myself by calming down, enjoying some art and meeting a whole bunch of super-amazing people (only super-amazing people come to these kinds of things!) - then I think I can make it through the holidays and experience them for what they were intended rather than a commercial rush.
5. It's just a ton of fun! And you get to relax and watch from the side (my usual style) or you can throw yourself in and show off (it's amazing what a little chocolate can do for one's confidence).
Did I miss anything? Post any other questions in the comments. :-)
(Oh - and sign up HERE)
July 20, 2012
AlphaTangle - Vintage
I wanted to give you all the heads up that I am getting near the bottom of the last pile of AlphaTangle books.
Design Originals reprinted it, with the red cover, and those are still available. The newer version is nice because the images are a bit larger with better printing, and there is an added section in front with the basics of how to do Zentangle®.
I will admit that I still prefer the original (vintage) edition with the black cover. For those of you who are newer to my blog and/or the world of Zentangle...
AlphaTangle was the first book about Zentangle and I self-published it in 2009. It was meant to serve as inspiration by offering up each tangle, sorted by first letter, actually IN each letter. It wasn't meant to educate or do anything serious. I have heard from people who used it as a workbook - as they learned a new tangle, they drew the steps on the opposite page, others took the book apart and rebound it with a coil binding, others created posters from the pages to use in their classrooms... ( I made posters, by the way, to save you some trouble :-) ) And, if the disc is removed from the green-boxed Zentangle kit, then this little book will fit in the box. Cool.
I have a bunch of the books listed in my Etsy shop, but I am no longer offering this book at wholesale for CZTs or other shops. There are too few left and I can't reprint as long as Fox Chapel is still printing it. I used to sell it on Amazon and if you want a chuckle, take a look at the "used" books that are being offered... $100... $129.68?! Seriously? If you want to pay that much for my adorably teeny book, why not support the artist and send the $100 directly to me? I'll send you a "brand new" - un-used copy... I'll sign it... I'll even draw in it for you! Heck, for $100 you can get ALL my books.... signed. With collector bookmarks and stickers... and tattoos. Good grief. :-)
Oh, so the point is, if you don't yet have your own copy of AlphaTangle, or you want to get one for a friend - for Xmas or something - better get it now. While it's still available for only $9.99. Whattadeal. Only $9.99 for the first Zentangle book EVER published. And still the CUTEST Zentangle book ever published. ;-D
I mean, a spine and a hardcover are seriously over-rated, right?
Design Originals reprinted it, with the red cover, and those are still available. The newer version is nice because the images are a bit larger with better printing, and there is an added section in front with the basics of how to do Zentangle®.
I will admit that I still prefer the original (vintage) edition with the black cover. For those of you who are newer to my blog and/or the world of Zentangle...
AlphaTangle was the first book about Zentangle and I self-published it in 2009. It was meant to serve as inspiration by offering up each tangle, sorted by first letter, actually IN each letter. It wasn't meant to educate or do anything serious. I have heard from people who used it as a workbook - as they learned a new tangle, they drew the steps on the opposite page, others took the book apart and rebound it with a coil binding, others created posters from the pages to use in their classrooms... ( I made posters, by the way, to save you some trouble :-) ) And, if the disc is removed from the green-boxed Zentangle kit, then this little book will fit in the box. Cool.
I have a bunch of the books listed in my Etsy shop, but I am no longer offering this book at wholesale for CZTs or other shops. There are too few left and I can't reprint as long as Fox Chapel is still printing it. I used to sell it on Amazon and if you want a chuckle, take a look at the "used" books that are being offered... $100... $129.68?! Seriously? If you want to pay that much for my adorably teeny book, why not support the artist and send the $100 directly to me? I'll send you a "brand new" - un-used copy... I'll sign it... I'll even draw in it for you! Heck, for $100 you can get ALL my books.... signed. With collector bookmarks and stickers... and tattoos. Good grief. :-)
Oh, so the point is, if you don't yet have your own copy of AlphaTangle, or you want to get one for a friend - for Xmas or something - better get it now. While it's still available for only $9.99. Whattadeal. Only $9.99 for the first Zentangle book EVER published. And still the CUTEST Zentangle book ever published. ;-D
I mean, a spine and a hardcover are seriously over-rated, right?
July 17, 2012
UN-Tangle Creativity Retreat: Holiday Edition
You've all been waiting with baited breath (that's a sort of gruesome image...) to hear about the next retreat! Here it is! We (Linda Pearl and I) had been planning a retreat for the end of September, but that is still high season in Maine and the hotel costs were... well, ridiculous. So we decided to do November - before the holiday insanity really kicks in.
The retreat will be from Friday, Nov. 9th to Sunday, Nov. 11th.
This is the perfect time to escape for a weekend, practice your tangling, meet some new friends... and some old ones, learn, play, eat, and look out at the gorgeous ocean. This UN-Tangle will be similar in format to the one in March, the only real difference is there will be a holiday flavor. This is a RETREAT. That means relaxing, easy-going, adaptable. This is not a super-high-power-work-until-you-drop kind of thing. I emphasize this for the 2 (out of 35) people who were disappointed at the last retreat that we didn't cram in more, more, more. You know who you are. I like you anyway. ;-D
Do not fear, you'll get your money's worth! I give you lots of "stuff" and materials to play with. I'll teach you a bunch of cool things. And I am available to answer any questions, help with projects, ideas, whatever you want to talk about. And this time, we won't have 35 people, so you will have a bit more space to stretch out. But that also means that you need to grab your spot ASAP because I will not give in to those puppy dog eyes and Linda will hold firm at 24 spots... or maybe 30... NO! NO! We will not allow "just a few more people" to squeeze in this time!
We start around 3 on Friday and go til around 1 on Sunday.
On Saturday, you have 2 hours for lunch and shopping in town, if you like. Or take a walk along the shore path. This is your retreat. If you want to sleep late, or stay up late, or the sun is shining and the ocean is calling you... follow your bliss. You can walk into class later or leave when you want. If you miss something, just ask and it will be repeated for you. Heaven, right?
If you need more practical details, you may email Linda Pearl.
Pricing for the weekend workshop, including materials, is $250.
There are three different choices for lodging and meals:
Commuter = $250 (meals, fees, no lodging)
Double = $475 (meals, fees, shared room)
Single = $625 (meals, fees, private room)
If you sign up by Sept. 1, 2012, you will get a $75 discount off your room rate!
Also, you are welcome to bring a friend or spouse, etc. even if they don't want to take the workshop - that's why I have the room and workshop rates listed separately. The Beachmere Inn is a wonderful hotel and the rooms are spacious (even with three people in them!) and they all have kitchenettes. So if you have particular culinary peculiarities (picky eater) - you can fill your own fridge. And don't be afraid to ask Linda to find a roommate for you if you are coming on your own.
Lastly, here are a few pics from the March UN-Tangle Retreat:
That's a lot of talent! But don't be intimidated. No one shows off until Sunday. ;-D
What we did to the windows overlooking the pub...
Kim (The Beachmere's Events Manager) noticing what we did to the windows!
The snowy-ocean-sunset-view from my room.
July 16, 2012
Vote for Me!
My Zentangle for Kidz! blog was nominated for this blog award. That's pretty cool, right? I'll put the official info down below in case you like explanations and fine print... then go vote for me - I'd love to win something right about now. :-)
It's finally here - voting starts today! The voting will continue to July 23 at 11:59 P.M. (EST). The site with the most votes will win the grand prize, a $100 restaurant gift card as well as permission to display the prestigious "Winner" emblem on their Website!
To Vote:Make sure you have upgraded to Google Plus. If not, you will find the Google Plus UPGRADE button on the top left of the page. Creating your profile will only take a few minutes.Click on the double arrow in the Comments to view the entire list of nominees and look for your blog of choice. (ZTforKids.com is third from the bottom of the list)If you hover your cursor at the end of the Blog URL, a red "+1" will appear that you can click on. It's on the same location where you can find the votes that have been cast for other blogs.For blogs that already have some votes, the "+1" should be found immediately beside the vote count, to the right.Click here to view the voting page. Feel free to share this link in a blog post and on your facebook/twitter to maximize votes (and thank you!!!) Interesting list of blogs, I've only heard of a few of these... now I need to go and check out each one of them....
http://atangledplace.wordpress.comhttp://bonniebrowningblog.blogspot.in/http://dicksallyjane.blogspot.inhttp://dobriendesign.blogspot.inhttp://enthusiasticartist.blogspot.in/http://heinani.blogspot.in/http://iamthedivaczt.blogspot.com/http://inkidoodles.blogspot.in/http://jazztangled.blogspot.in/http://kalligrafix.blogspot.com/http://katts-creations.blogspot.inhttp://kerrlligraphy.blogspot.in/http://mnartgal.blogspot.com/http://moleskinex11.blogspot.inhttp://openseedarts.blogspot.in/http://preciousworker.blogspot.in/http://quilttotheedge.blogspot.in/http://sewtangled.blogspot.in/http://shellybeauch.blogspot.in/http://suzycucumber.blogspot.in/http://tangledinkart.blogspot.in/http://tangledupinart.blogspot.in/http://thingsoftenspeaktome.blogspot.in/http://thisorthatandmore.blogspot.in/http://www.teezeetee.blogspot.in/http://www.timetotangle.blogspot.in/http://www.ztforkids.com/http://xploreandxpress.blogspot.in/http://zuliesshack.blogspot.in/ Ok, so I won't hate you or blame you if you decide to vote for one of these other blogs - there's some great stuff! It's kind of funny that the Kidz! site was nominated, but not Beez In the Belfry... but I write about more than just Zentangle here, so I probably disqualified myself. Honestly, I'm not competitive by nature... and I rarely win anything... so I'm looking at this as a great way to find some new blogs to check out. Although, I'm sure there was something I was supposed to be doing today? Oh well... Feel free to post your discoveries about these blogs in the comments below. An adventure!
June 29, 2012
Why Zentangle is Done in Pen...
A little while back, my son Alex (age 14) took a plane trip to visit his grandparents in California. To entertain himself, he decided to do a Zentangle (I'm SO proud!). Since he did not have a Micron pen, but he DID have a pencil in his pocket (he ALWAYS has a pencil in his pocket - I know, I do his laundry) - he did the entire Zentangle in pencil.
This is 8.5"x11".
Alex's Zentangle includes his own tangle "Eddies", the juicy drops swimming around on the right.
Ok - so you are waiting to find out WHY Zentangles are done in pen? Maybe this photo will explain it best... this is the side of Alex's hand when he finished this piece!
This is 8.5"x11".Alex's Zentangle includes his own tangle "Eddies", the juicy drops swimming around on the right.
Ok - so you are waiting to find out WHY Zentangles are done in pen? Maybe this photo will explain it best... this is the side of Alex's hand when he finished this piece!
June 17, 2012
End of the Trail
I chose the nature hike again today for my last hike. I figured I'd keep it relatively easy so I could still have enough energy after lunch to go kayaking. Woo, I'm such the Fit Chic! But I was quickly put in my place by the Death Race. Yes, DEATH. No, I did not take part, but it was grueling away at the start of our trail. People actually pay to be part of a race that aims to wear you down to the nub both physically and mentally. As we passed another trail opening, there was a girl just coming down a steep hill carrying a very full pack and an enormous... stump. She looked like a zombie. We learned that, this part of the multi-day, no sleep allowed, challenge... was to carry a log up a mile and a half very steep trail, then back down to this field where they had to split the log with an axe. Right.
So we had a lovely stroll along a babbling brook while a hundred people had their spirits broken a few miles away. We saw more red newts, frogs, horses and goats. And a few interesting trail signs!
After lunch we kayaked on a beautiful lake with loons and many sunken trees. The damage from hurricane Irene is still visible everywhere. We had passed some little houses that were folded in half and quite obviously not in the right location (like piled onto of boulders!) and here on the lake, it seemed odd to see tree stumps sticking out of the center of the lake. It was glorious to float and look at the amazing mountains. It made me a little sad too since it looked quite a bit like the lake near my little cottage that I am trying to sell.
I spent the afternoon floating on a pool noodle and wondering how I might find a pool to play in when I get home. Sigh, it was a lovely day. It is very hard to imagine going home tomorrow.
So we had a lovely stroll along a babbling brook while a hundred people had their spirits broken a few miles away. We saw more red newts, frogs, horses and goats. And a few interesting trail signs!
After lunch we kayaked on a beautiful lake with loons and many sunken trees. The damage from hurricane Irene is still visible everywhere. We had passed some little houses that were folded in half and quite obviously not in the right location (like piled onto of boulders!) and here on the lake, it seemed odd to see tree stumps sticking out of the center of the lake. It was glorious to float and look at the amazing mountains. It made me a little sad too since it looked quite a bit like the lake near my little cottage that I am trying to sell.
I spent the afternoon floating on a pool noodle and wondering how I might find a pool to play in when I get home. Sigh, it was a lovely day. It is very hard to imagine going home tomorrow.
June 16, 2012
Hike 3
It figures that yesterday, when I decided to take a break from hiking, the group saw a black bear! Erg! So today I hoped to see something interesting too. We did see butterflies- many sitting right on the road. A little red newt. And two squashed frogs. Do those count?
We walked along a beautiful, babbling brook that still showed signs of the devastation from the hurricane last August. I think we walked almost five miles today. Seriously, we should have caps where we can put gold star badges! And maybe some feathers too.
I had my first experience with reflexology after dinner (I've become obsessed with cheese- I'll order any entree if the description includes cheese!). Reflexology is basically a really intense, detailed foot and hand massage. There are interesting connections to various parts of the body from the different parts of our feet. It felt really nice and relaxing. When I stood up to leave, I almost walked into the wall. Very relaxing.
As I walked through the lounge, I was distracted by the ladies who were trying to set up FaceTime on their iPads so I ran upstairs to get mine too. Anyone walking through must have thought we were insane... We were all sitting there, video conferencing, with the others around the same table! The voices were looping back through each iPad- it was very funny! Then we all had to outdo each other with who had the oddest apps, ooh and aah over cute photos of kids and pets and then we stayed up too late giving each other advice. All in all, a big girls' slumber party!
We walked along a beautiful, babbling brook that still showed signs of the devastation from the hurricane last August. I think we walked almost five miles today. Seriously, we should have caps where we can put gold star badges! And maybe some feathers too.
I had my first experience with reflexology after dinner (I've become obsessed with cheese- I'll order any entree if the description includes cheese!). Reflexology is basically a really intense, detailed foot and hand massage. There are interesting connections to various parts of the body from the different parts of our feet. It felt really nice and relaxing. When I stood up to leave, I almost walked into the wall. Very relaxing.
As I walked through the lounge, I was distracted by the ladies who were trying to set up FaceTime on their iPads so I ran upstairs to get mine too. Anyone walking through must have thought we were insane... We were all sitting there, video conferencing, with the others around the same table! The voices were looping back through each iPad- it was very funny! Then we all had to outdo each other with who had the oddest apps, ooh and aah over cute photos of kids and pets and then we stayed up too late giving each other advice. All in all, a big girls' slumber party!
June 14, 2012
Worth the Climb
Today, I am most proud of taking a risk during the hike this morning. I had chosen the easier level but ended up with two other ladies at the head of the pack (we were an artist, a divorce lawyer and a gallery owner). Our guide coaxed us into going up a different path and I agreed. We climbed up over tree roots, up over moss and rocks... "up" being the keyword. The lawyer and the guide would wait for us and we two artists would arrive at each spot breathless and soaked with sweat. When we reached the top of the mountain, my companion lay down on the moss. I thought she was dead. But WOW the view was worth the climb! (the photos don't do it justice- I only included them to prove I was there). On the way down we cut through an ancient cemetery (in the middle of nowhere). The rest of the original group had given up on their walk and we had to pick them up in the van. I was amazed at myself. I did it. And I enjoyed it. Yeah me. Another gold star?
Oh- and I ate tofu. :-/
I am learning that, besides hiking, my two most likely exercises to continue when I get home are: talking and laughing. They may or may not involve pool noodles and balance balls. Don't believe me? What muscles do you think get used the most while trying to stand ON a pool noodle while doing leg lifts (in the water)? Leg muscles? Nope. Definitely works your "core"! A whole bunch of middle aged ladies flipping' into the water or straddling their noodles is WICKED funny! You'd work your core too if you saw it!
Oh- and I ate tofu. :-/
I am learning that, besides hiking, my two most likely exercises to continue when I get home are: talking and laughing. They may or may not involve pool noodles and balance balls. Don't believe me? What muscles do you think get used the most while trying to stand ON a pool noodle while doing leg lifts (in the water)? Leg muscles? Nope. Definitely works your "core"! A whole bunch of middle aged ladies flipping' into the water or straddling their noodles is WICKED funny! You'd work your core too if you saw it!
June 13, 2012
Shake it
I'm having so much fun, I forgot to take photos!
I just returned from the weirdest impromptu dance party. We entered the dark, freezing cold exercise tent giggling hysterically. A bunch of forty and fifty year old teenage women. I seriously think I have burned more calories today just laughing! At one point we were all trying to figure out the moves to "Thriller", by watching a video on YouTube on someone's iPhone- but it was sideways so we all had our heads tilted and our hands out like zombies... Very authentic. A good thing that just about everyone else had gone to bed!
Here are some of the new things I learned today: qi jong, circuit training, spinning (with a bike- not yarn!), fit ball, water aerobics, how to purée kale, how to make a green smoothie (yes, it looks like puke), that everybody has a story, that divorced women should spend a year being completely selfish (or at least travel the world) before they even THINK about dating, that those tattooed, cross-trainer, wonder women that I was intimidated by? They are incredibly cool people - and very real.
Here are some of the new things I have eaten: tilapia, quinoa, hemp protein powder, goat cheese, stuffed peppers, frozen banana pudding, chia seeds, kombucha (sp?), and green smoothies.
I'm thinking I need a gold star chart!
But before you all start thinking I've lost my mind- I normally hate veggies and exercise and eat like a five year old- I'll reassure you that I still dislike vegetables and I'm having lustful fantasies about pastries. And salt. Not together though!
Here are two things that might be of use to you if you also suck at taking care of yourself: kale is a dark green leafy vegetable that has more calcium than milk and tons and tons of all that healthy stuff you really hate to eat. If you throw some in a blender with some pineapple, apple juice, strawberries... Whatever you like... And then drink it... You will be happy and healthy and don't have to eat any other rabbit food. And chia seeds have more omega-3 than any other food on the planet and when soaked in water for an hour and added to a smoothie- they have no taste! Yes, that's a good thing! I wouldn't want to add fish oil to a smoothie. Blah. And if all else fails, you can always make a chia pet.
I just returned from the weirdest impromptu dance party. We entered the dark, freezing cold exercise tent giggling hysterically. A bunch of forty and fifty year old teenage women. I seriously think I have burned more calories today just laughing! At one point we were all trying to figure out the moves to "Thriller", by watching a video on YouTube on someone's iPhone- but it was sideways so we all had our heads tilted and our hands out like zombies... Very authentic. A good thing that just about everyone else had gone to bed!
Here are some of the new things I learned today: qi jong, circuit training, spinning (with a bike- not yarn!), fit ball, water aerobics, how to purée kale, how to make a green smoothie (yes, it looks like puke), that everybody has a story, that divorced women should spend a year being completely selfish (or at least travel the world) before they even THINK about dating, that those tattooed, cross-trainer, wonder women that I was intimidated by? They are incredibly cool people - and very real.
Here are some of the new things I have eaten: tilapia, quinoa, hemp protein powder, goat cheese, stuffed peppers, frozen banana pudding, chia seeds, kombucha (sp?), and green smoothies.
I'm thinking I need a gold star chart!
But before you all start thinking I've lost my mind- I normally hate veggies and exercise and eat like a five year old- I'll reassure you that I still dislike vegetables and I'm having lustful fantasies about pastries. And salt. Not together though!
Here are two things that might be of use to you if you also suck at taking care of yourself: kale is a dark green leafy vegetable that has more calcium than milk and tons and tons of all that healthy stuff you really hate to eat. If you throw some in a blender with some pineapple, apple juice, strawberries... Whatever you like... And then drink it... You will be happy and healthy and don't have to eat any other rabbit food. And chia seeds have more omega-3 than any other food on the planet and when soaked in water for an hour and added to a smoothie- they have no taste! Yes, that's a good thing! I wouldn't want to add fish oil to a smoothie. Blah. And if all else fails, you can always make a chia pet.
