2008-07-04T13:19:06Z http://blogcast.insidethebungalow.com/atom.aspx Quick Blog tag:blogcast.insidethebungalow.com,2008-07-01:e34f9ce5-191f-4d59-aa88-c497298e753d ITB 2008-07-02T05:41:43Z 2008-07-01T16:44:00Z   One of my favorite movies (& at the prospect of losing some wonderful customers, I am not a sports person at all) is Field of Dreams.  If you build it...they will come. While I may not know the historical significance of the baseball players portrayed in the movie, I appreciate the many yoga related themes explored.  Trust yourself...follow your own path (regardless of how crazy it sounds to others)...complete dedication...perseverance...building community.  Well, we are building it!!!  Our new hours begin this coming Monday, July 7th.  We will be open Monday-Friday 6am-9pm, Saturday 6am-1pm & Sunday 7am-7pm.  With new hours comes new friendly faces behind the counter. We are excited to introduce the latest member of our family, A.J.

  We have gotten to know A.J. this past year, first, as a guest in our home.  He recently graduated high school around the corner from the cafe. He and his crew came in, sometimes, two to three times per week for lunch.  He was always so cheerful, outgoing and had the best sense of humor!  He is a natural fit with our crew.  He already has customer service under his belt and check out the foam on this latte... He is a born natural.

   A.J. will be around Tuesday & Thursday evenings.  We are grateful for his attention to detail, charismatic personality and desire to make a difference in the lives of others, one ITB guest at a time!
]]> tag:blogcast.insidethebungalow.com,2008-06-29:5db67c38-cdfe-401a-9bb5-a8b0526250b9 ITB 2008-06-29T20:47:29Z 2008-06-29T20:31:00Z







We had a FUN reception Saturday night with Jennifer & Scott.  They were married in Hawaii 20 days prior.  Jennifer picked some great colors to go along with our whimsical property.  The above photo sums it all up, thumbs up from the groom. Weddings provide a wonderful opportunity to remember to approach each moment, each experience with a sense of newness.  The excitement, the possibilities & the opportunities are endless.  Jennifer & Scott's enthusiasm and pure joy were contagious.  We wish you both well! Congratulations you two. ]]> tag:blogcast.insidethebungalow.com,2008-06-24:9a6331c0-d70a-4de9-8910-cd41b46af1d0 ITB 2008-06-25T05:15:03Z 2008-06-24T20:53:00Z  
 


  I felt like a little girl opening her presents on Christmas morning. We received our latest shipment of 14 different black, oolong, green & tisane teas from SerendipiTea.  One of the main reasons I love and support SerendipiTea is because, not only are most of their teas Fair Trade & Organic, they are committed to helping and giving back. They are creating a better world by supporting the planet, purchasing pesticide free crops, and the farmers, making sure they are properly compensated for their work.  Cora Lee tried the City Harvest Green (20% of all proceeds benefit City Harvest) and loved it, with its strong Jasmine flavor. 
   With names like Iron Goddess of Mercy, Black Velvet, Once Upon a Tea, and Xocalati Chai you know you've stepped into another world, one of pure relaxation and contentment.  With the new hours beginning July 7th, we hope you will find time to come in, de-stress and enjoy!

]]> tag:blogcast.insidethebungalow.com,2008-06-22:53727463-6534-445f-85ce-7ce118a14051 ITB 2008-06-25T05:33:57Z 2008-06-22T18:28:00Z  
  I was inspired by one of our students yesterday.  Holly is an extremely vibrant, compassionate and fun loving student who is generous with her ideas, creativity and heart. One of the many ways Holly works to help the environment is by participating in paperless Mondays.  On Mondays, she brings real silverware and a cloth napkin to work.  She won't use paper napkins, paper towel, etc... (I do hope she still uses toilet paper, maybe one square, like Cheryl Crow). Holly's awareness and desire to make a difference in the world inspired my family and me.
     Chris and I, both, are working so much lately. Today, no computers (...until I blogged), no video games, we unplugged and reconnected as a family.  Drew even took the initiative to clean the house (hello, can you believe this!? my twelve year old was going to clean the house~minus our bathroom~which I can't say that I blame him). We cleaned the house...swam in the pool...made dinner together...ate together...we slowed down...we reconnected...we lived in the moment...it was beautiful.  Can you imagine if we could do this every day? Slow down...reconnect...live in the moment...
    Since Sundays are our one day off, they were slowly becoming the day to escape, to veg out. I realize so many of us experience days off or moments to ourselves like this.  Rather than participate in activities that nourish ourselves, such as a yoga class, climbing, swimming, reading, making dinner together as a family, we "dis-connect" in ways that do not benefit anyone, sitting in front of a t.v., eat junk food, etc.  The difference today is I feel completely recharged, excited to begin my day tomorrow, and more importantly, grateful to have spent an incredible day with my family.  Holly, we have started our own tradition, thanks to you... It's unplugged & reconnected Sundays.

Thank you Holly for your inspiration! Thank you Chris and Drew for a great day hangin' out by the pool!

]]> tag:blogcast.insidethebungalow.com,2008-06-19:a3fd9a5c-a4a6-4999-8f88-d207b187f285 ITB 2008-06-20T17:32:46Z 2008-06-19T17:53:00Z    It seems like yesterday that Drew was running around our cozy little house with a blanket tied around his neck pretending he was his favorite super hero. Lately, I have to turn around to see if I'm talking to Chris or Drew.  When did this happen? When did your voice get so deep? When did you take on that size 10 foot? In about a month I will be the shortest member of the family. You are growing up so quickly!  Where is all of this coming from? Well, Drew experienced his very first "Rock Concert" with his Aunt Mimi (my sister) last night. If Drew attended a concert with anyone, it should be my sister! I knew she would guard him with her life.  She would be the one person who would already have the scrapbook paper out (before the concert mind you) to document the first in a series of "firsts."  It's an imprint that will last them each a lifetime.  While the concert was held in a pretty controlled environment, The Tempe Market Place and they sat on the California Pizza Kitchen's patio, it has brought up some pretty interesting emotions and opportunities to practice non-attachment and letting go. (Now the title certainly displays my humanness as sometimes it's easier said than done!).
   Yoga teaches us about non-attachment. In The Yoga Sutras, a sacred yoga text, the author Pantanjali explores a concept called Isvara Pranidhana, the ultimate lesson in surrendering the fruits of our actions. For me, parenting provides the ideal opportunity to learn how to do this. Drew is moving into the realm of independence.  He is moving into a realm where, potentially, his friends thoughts and actions could hold more value than his parents. He is entering a realm where he must choose his own path and yes we could lose him.  He could choose experimentation or whatever path Chris and I don't want him to take. This is where the clinging begins, where I dig my heels into the wood floors and resist like crazy, where I might as well hurl myself onto the floor and throw a tantrum. (okay a little dramatic but you get the point!).  And this is where the yoga flows off the mat...
   This is where I must surrender my own desires, dreams and hopes for Drew and let him continue to unfold and grow into the beautiful spirit he already is.  My first teacher Jonny says, "it's not that our life experiences that are necessarily good or bad, it is our reaction to them that produces suffering."  What does this mean? For me, right now, with Drew, it means loving him for who he is, trusting that no matter what path he chooses, it is his to take.  I am here to support, not judge, to love, and remain sensitive to his awakenings. It means not resisting his independence but allowing him to fully embrace his potential.  ]]> tag:blogcast.insidethebungalow.com,2008-06-15:de54a12f-41fa-457b-bfe7-399aa111a376 ITB 2008-06-17T06:10:52Z 2008-06-15T08:31:00Z





Today is father's day.  It's a wonderful opportunity to celebrate the great men in our lives. There are so many great qualities that I admire in my husband, Chris.  These are just a few of my favorites...

1. Amazing Father
I love the above photos of Chris & Drew rock climbing in California and fishing in Washington.  Watching the two of them interact is one of my favorite things to do.  They are so natural and close.  I know in my heart that this solid foundation will be critical for Drew as he begins the awkward stages of self discovery and junior high school. 
2.  Pillar of Support
As you can see in the above photo Chris is working on the entrance of the yoga studio.  When we first walked through Coffee Talk, he asked, okay borderline begged me not to buy it.  He saw all of the "creative" work that needed to be undone and all of the work that still had yet to be done.  He also knew who would be doing it.  Although  I told him I wouldn't ask for any help, Chris has pitched in on more than one occasion.  I appreciate his constant support as I work towards creating and fulfilling my dream.  I wouldn't be where I am today without his unconditional love & support.
3.  Humor
After 14 plus years of being together, Chris can still bring me to tears (laughing of course!)  It is one of my favorite qualities about him. Life is much better enjoyed lightheartedly than taking ourselves too seriously.  Truly, if we can't laugh, especially at ourselves, what is the point really?!
4.  Willingness to grow
I appreciate Chris's willingness and desire to learn and grow.  It is easy, especially in a marriage, to become complacent and slip into certain "roles" or "ideologies" about how things are supposed to be.  This is another quality that I am grateful Drew is having the opportunity to witness.
5.  Perseverance
Chris epitomizes one of my favorite quotes, "the difference between a warrior and an ordinary man is that a warrior sees everything as a challenge whereas an ordinary man sees everything as a blessing or a curse."  His determination is inspiring.  He is the first person who will try something new. 
6.  Belief in me
Even when I fail myself, slip into old belief patterns, Chris sees past all of that. He challenges me when I go there and will not let me dwell in self-pity or fear.
7. Big heart
He is conscientious about others feelings and has a genuine desire to help others succeed.
8.  Non-judgmental
Chris accepts and enjoys everyone for who they are. This in turn, encourages each of us to remain authentic and true to ourselves, embodying who we are, not who we think we should be.
9.  Patience
Often I think Chris is the "yoga teacher".  There are times when I get sucked into the quick fix need and forget to slow down, breathe and be patient.  He has been a great teacher for me.
10.  Best partner for me
I am by no means suggesting that our marriage has been "perfect" or without struggles, that is an essential part of learning and growing in a marriage. Our love and trust in each other has allowed us to come through stronger and better human beings.
Happy Fathers Day to all!
]]> tag:blogcast.insidethebungalow.com,2008-06-14:6e57d7a9-0d85-49d5-b7ad-c06a65a9f70c ITB 2008-06-15T06:38:25Z 2008-06-14T17:16:00Z    For anyone to step into the coffee shop after J.P. owned it was nearly a recipe for failure.  She created the perfect haven for so many souls to come and find themselves.  One of the best qualities about her was her creativity.  I, personally, call her the Magyver of Shabby Sheik.  Those of you that knew and loved her know that she could take cheese cloth and a tooth pick & make it look spectacular. Unfortunately, my mom & I did not inherit that gene so our goal was to simplify, to bring the home & decor back to the original time period of the house, the early 1900s.
  We originally fell in love with the property because it was the perfect location for a charming and intimate yoga studio.  The coffee shop provided a wonderful extension of our vision.  When the yoga studio opened its doors in October 2006, we changed the name from Coffee Talk to Inside The Bungalow to encompass all aspects of our business.  In order to control our business, we found it necessary to close the cafe on the weekends and during the week at 3pm.
   Recently, we sent out a survey.  It was extremely difficult to hear that we were not understanding the needs of our guests. As much as my ego may not have wanted to hear the news, I truly appreciate all of your honesty and sincerity with your responses. People were kind enough to share that the major reason was we were not open.  We realize that by trying to control our business, we have made a major mistake.  We finally understand that we are not fulfilling our mission and vision, which has remained the same for two and a half years.  Our mission is to enrich the lives of our guests by providing yoga, massage and natural food & beverage products of consistently high quality and value with unsurpassed customer service.  How can we enrich the lives of our guests if we are not open? How can we enrich the lives of our guests if we are not understanding your needs?
   We want to thank all of you who have stood by us and allowed us to learn and grow.  We truly are committed to creating an environment where we are all nurtured. While the yoga studio has always been open, coming in July, we will be open in the evenings and on the weekends in the cafe.  Please stay tuned as we finalize the details.
]]> tag:blogcast.insidethebungalow.com,2008-06-10:f392b503-b27f-4c3e-8d69-4bce56fcf14e ITB 2008-06-14T17:15:25Z 2008-06-10T17:11:00Z      One of my favorite memories will always be the Memorial day my mom & I walked through Coffee Talk in hopes of purchasing it.  My heart quickened as we stepped into the back house gutted down to the studs. I was in love.  The room, packed with one person's heirlooms, garage sale finds & memories, held my dreams, hopes & endless possibilities. My mom & I looked at each other and at that moment, although we didn't know how, we knew that some day this would be our yoga studio.  Two years later we were able to open the doors.  Harry, one of our students, who had seen the transformation, was kind enough to nominate our efforts to the Mesa Historic Preservation Awards. We had been waiting, excited & hopeful....
     Harry emailed me yesterday to say that after a heated debate, we had been disqualified. It was quite comical to feel the indignation & emotion arising in me( the calm & cool yoga teacher right-my students are laughing now!) yesterday. I couldn't believe they didn't want to congratulate our efforts. What don't they like about the twisted chimney? (ok ok, so it's not of the time period & these are the historic preservation awards but it is the best part of our logo) So the awards are based on the external (apparently mustard yellow was not of the time period) & all of our efforts have been on restoring the inside of both homes. You can't judge a book by its cover, really, can you? It's what's on the inside that truly counts, right?
     All of a sudden, it hits me.  My goodness, I am certainly attached to winning this award, aren't I?  Let's walk through this one, shall we? What would it mean to win this award? Would it make me a better mom, wife, yoga teacher... No....Would it prove more to the community that we care...No. It's a label, a concept, it does not define who I am. I love coming to our big old yellow house everyday to spend time with our regulars, award or no award. I love creating a place where people can come together, learn & grow, award or no award.  These little mind battles & epiphanies are gentle reminders of why I practice yoga. I practice yoga to learn how to cultivate equanimity, non-reactiveness.  I practice yoga to remember to not attach myself to ideas or concepts.  I practice yoga everyday to connect and enjoy the simple beauty of everyday living.  Enjoy the photos of the renovations!

Where would you rather powder your nose!?



A little different...


My favorite part of this whole story... We were disqualified because the previous owner, J.P, (who painted the house yellow & covered up the original fireplace with broken china) won an historic award back in 1999.
]]> tag:blogcast.insidethebungalow.com,2008-06-09:e89d755d-d9b6-4c77-b042-86acdfd56ef3 ITB 2008-06-14T17:15:09Z 2008-06-09T17:02:00Z We have such talented, creative and generous students.  Katrina drew this beautiful picture of a bodhisattva (In the Buddhist tradition, a bodhisattva is one who forgoes his/her enlightenment to help others on their path.) Thank you for sharing your beautiful artwork!!



]]> tag:blogcast.insidethebungalow.com,2008-06-09:27eb34b3-aa32-4968-aeda-9adf0705a010 ITB 2008-06-14T17:14:49Z 2008-06-09T16:53:00Z This delightful poem was created for Betty by one of our students, Melissa.  Melissa took Betty's restorative yoga class yesterday. (Sundays at 5:30pm). Thank you for your beautiful words Melissa! We are grateful you are in our community.

Restore

 

Back to a place where schedules

were waking to the smell of grass

and it was late when lightning bugs

guided the way to unwanted baths,

evening snacks and story.

 

In a forward fold like a somersault,
I curl half my body, breathe unintentionally

rest the crease of my eyes in the corners of evening,

lose count of thought as they fade from awareness

one after the next until they have unraveled

to my beginning

my limbs liquid, deep in an ocean

of silent witness, where protection is thick

and soundproof, where fingers are opening

like hibiscus petals in early morning

without intention for being, simply stretching

where stories began without characters developed

and there was no time or thought to taint the essence

of divine breath before it was given

voice to protest

 

go back, there.

 

"Bring your awareness to your body"

 

her words transport me

from conception to present

I open my eyes

as though twenty-four years

had only been a second,

I wake from pose resurrected.

]]> tag:blogcast.insidethebungalow.com,2008-06-05:0bae2093-0005-47a7-9ce0-1d674dfaa67a ITB 2008-06-06T06:34:19Z 2008-06-05T17:15:00Z
Ingredients
1 sweet almost ripe twelve year old boy
1 faithful well cultured Inside The Bungalow regular
2 tickets to The Buddy Holly Story (At the Broadway Palm Dinner Theatre)
1 dinner complete with ham and ice cream
Season with laughter & friendship

Blend all of the above ingredients together and make a difference in the life of a twelve year old boy!

     Isabelle, our faithful regular, has watched and supported the growth of Inside The Bungalow since my mom and I took it over from Coffee Talk two and a half years ago.  She has become more than just a "regular", she has become a dear friend, a confidant.  She is a genuine soul, one who takes the risk daily by keeping her heart open.  Isabelle and Drew (my son, the almost ripe 12 year old) have a special friendship. Each summer, Isabelle takes Drew on an excursion before she returns to France.  Last year, they enjoyed the butterfly exhibit at The Desert Botanical Gardens.
     What can I say about Drew!? He is just so sweet, thoughtful and loving.  All day, I was planning on taking a picture of the two of them, all dressed up. Of course, I needed to document this day, this event, this moment shared between friends discovering what makes them so unique. And then... Three little words..."No pictures, mom." "Just one?" although I knew there would not be a photo, I knew the memories would have to be documented in our minds & hearts. I knew not to push the photo because Drew is entering a whole new realm. He is entering the fragile world of self-discovery...    
     Drew is entering a stage (the teenage years) where he would rather disappear than receive any type of attention.  I explored this concept myself with my yoga guru, Ana Forrest, years ago.  Many of us at our core, through the help of the media, upbringing, culture, age, etc. don't know who we are.  We buy into the concept that we are not good enough, we are not complete as we are. How much of our day is spent wishing we were somewhere else or someone else? How does this thinking serve us or anyone? 
     As I work to nurture this quality in Drew, I invite us all to do the same.  As we move throughout our day, what if rather than trying to make our internal light as small as possible, "to disappear" what if we took the risk and allowed that internal light to expand from our heart and grow larger than life, larger than we could ever imagine? What would that look like? Just imagine the impact on ourselves, each other and mother nature we could potentially have if we all trusted ourselves, our gifts and our self-worth. Isabelle, thank you for taking the time to spend an evening with Drew.  Thank you for validating his worth.  Thank you for showing him he has so much to offer and that he can keep his heart open to the world.
     ]]> tag:blogcast.insidethebungalow.com,2008-06-04:dd3f09a4-708e-4984-8642-42c24634835d ITB 2008-06-04T20:28:16Z 2008-06-04T20:09:00Z
Okay, so they look a little possessed...

What fun to hang out in a fig tree
We have been given quite the gift!  Someone dropped off a box of kittens by our mailbox yesterday morning.  Just for the record, we are not a sister company with The Humane Society, please do not bring us anymore. Are they not just the cutest little guys ever!! We were able to find a good home for the striped one~ our friends at Grandma's Kitchen, across the street, have a new addition to their family.  As much as we would love to keep them, we already have two of our own Tommie & Francis, and they are not happy with us at all for bringing them home kittens. If you know of anyone who would provide a LOVING home for these last two little guys, stop by & see us.
]]> tag:blogcast.insidethebungalow.com,2008-06-01:02cdfab1-d961-4941-a79e-2dd32def0734 ITB 2008-06-01T18:09:21Z 2008-06-01T17:18:00Z
Angie

Angie's high school friends, sister & daughters

Opening gifts on the back patio
 
     If I could come back in another life as someone else, it would be my cousin Angie.  She is a constant source of inspiration and a testimony to selflessness! She spent two years in the Peace Corps and while she was there she adopted two sisters from an orphanage she volunteered at.  All this while she was in her twenties. Angie currently works as a special education teacher helping autistic high school students.  Oh did I forget to mention that she has also participated in two Iron Man competitions?  Angie and her husband, Mike, got married here last year on Saint Patrick's Day. So we were tickled to have her shower here, as well.
    It is always so uplifting to be around Angie.  Her sense of humor always brings me to tears, her generosity always encourages me to open up more and her humility accepts me for who I am, not who I often think I need to be.  Angie is one of those people who bring out the best in everyone. That's why we had a packed house for her party.  A few of her girlfriends from high school even came into town for the occasion.  While we might not know the sex of the baby yet, what a wonderful match for this beautiful family.
]]> tag:blogcast.insidethebungalow.com,2008-05-31:db2db0bf-a619-4e4e-af1e-04aedd681a2b ITB 2008-06-04T20:30:00Z 2008-05-31T14:49:00Z Ingrid is going to Venezuela for three weeks! Come & send her good wishes tomorrow at 11am during her All Levels class.  Have a wonderful and safe trip. Rumor has it that Ingrid is possibly scouting a beautiful location for a yoga retreat... Stay tuned for details! Ingrid, enjoy your family and friends! While it is only three weeks, we will miss your bright light, smiles and big heart.  While Ingrid is gone, we are excited to have Diane take over her classes.  Please welcome Diane into our community by stopping by for class.
]]> tag:blogcast.insidethebungalow.com,2008-05-28:50fc13c7-944b-491d-be14-b218239de808 ITB 2008-06-11T04:37:25Z 2008-05-28T07:58:00Z

We have learned the heart breaking news that one of our regulars passed away Monday.  Chris Page, or as we called him Soy Boy, was too young to die. Chris, thank you for showing us patience.  Every time there was a line at the counter, you sat and read until there was no line. Thank you for teaching us kindness. You always had a witty comment to share to brighten our day. The world was a better, brighter place with you in it. I wish you could come in one more time. I wish I could make one more large iced soy latte. I am certainly not ready or was expecting to say goodbye so soon. Often, we are unaware of the impact we, ourselves, have on others. You have touched our hearts in ways that we cannot even express. Thank you.  We are committed to sharing the gifts of compassion and generosity that you so sincerely offered to us through our interactions.

May all living beings have happiness and the causes of happiness;
May all living beings be free from misery and the causes of misery;
May all living beings never be separated from happiness, devoid of misery;
May all living beings abide in equanimity free from prejudicial attachments and aversions. ]]> tag:blogcast.insidethebungalow.com,2008-05-26:48bab901-df81-4b14-a0fe-f8a3cb1e143e ITB 2008-06-01T05:27:11Z 2008-05-26T16:34:00Z


One of the greatest gifts of owning our business has been the relationships we have created over the last few years.  Inside The Bungalow, for many of us, has become a home away from home, a version of Cheers.  I love to hear how the kids are doing, where people are going for their summer vacations, and all about the daily frustrations & victories. I was delighted when Ed approached me about the prospect of proposing to his girlfriend at the cafe Saturday evening. Ed & Lauren have been coming to Coffee Talk for about four years.  They have since become yoga students.  Without sharing too many of the details, it was a truly magical evening with lots of candles, a glass slipper (okay a really cool beaded shoe), a plaque & a proposal.  Of course she said yes!!! Thank you for allowing us to be a part of such a special and beautiful experience. Congratulations to you both! ]]> tag:blogcast.insidethebungalow.com,2008-05-21:659d9f19-2798-4ed2-9268-482b18fd0839 ITB 2008-06-01T05:26:42Z 2008-05-21T22:06:00Z



We love the new look of our yoga studio entrance!  One of our regulars happens to volunteer at the Children's Youth Museum, located across the street from us.  We have enjoyed getting to know Mike and truly appreciate his talents. He has helped make our front yard the perfect oasis & escape from an ordinary day! Come by and see for yourself!

]]> tag:blogcast.insidethebungalow.com,2008-05-20:6a01c580-8bc0-4ad4-a47f-93035661e22d ITB 2008-06-01T05:23:51Z 2008-05-20T17:38:00Z


 
If a picture is worth a thousand words... I love the fact that our bride is making espresso drinks in her wedding dress.  In helping plan Cici & Rick's wedding they have become an extended part of our family. This is the part that I cherish the most about hosting weddings at Inside The Bungalow... Developing personal relationships with each of our guests.  Now, back to the espresso machine.  We don't let just anyone play with our La Marzocco, Cici comes with 8 years experience.  I thoroughly enjoyed their attention to detail and their desire to lessen the impact on the environment on their special day.  They held the ultimate GREEN WEDDING! A few of things they did to help the planet include holding their ceremony & reception, here, helping to cut down on fuel, using Salerno's Catering which used as many organic ingredients as possible, and passing out Fair Trade Coffee as  wedding favors.  I cannot wait to hear about future adventures from Italy, where Cici will be attending Culinary School.  Best of luck  to you both!!
]]> tag:blogcast.insidethebungalow.com,2008-05-16:c278f50e-c374-40d1-a972-81349fe325d9 ITB 2008-06-01T05:26:24Z 2008-05-16T22:56:00Z    
    Had someone told my mom and me three years ago how these past three years would have unfolded, we would never have bought Coffee Talk! With that being said, we both agree that we would do this all over again in a heartbeat!!! Ignorance is bliss. These past several years have been filled with hopes, dreams, self-doubt, tears and physical labor so intense that every cell in my being screamed with agony. Never in my wildest dreams would I have thought that Betty & I would use a sledge hammer.  We had a blast taking out a block wall.  I even got to use a jackhammer to remove the front pond.  Through this whole experience, there have been many days that I dreaded pulling off the covers, wondering what I ever did to deserve this, this life I was creating. How could I look my husband and son in the eyes? How did I get us into this mess of owning a piece of the American dream, owning my own business? And yet, the personal growth, the friendships and clarity couldn't have come any other way.
     One of my favorite quotes that has become a recurrent theme in the over 10 years that I have practiced and taught yoga is, "the thought behind the thought behind the thought is based in one of two things... love or fear." This quote has helped me refocus my perspective on more than one occasion. When we come from a place of fear, we contract, we limit ourselves and our life experiences. Every thought, word spoken and action taken roots itself in judgment, criticism and isolation. When, instead, we come from a place of love, we expand, we extend beyond ourselves and connect.
   Applied to our yoga practice, on our mats, coming from love and not fear teaches us to breathe through sensations rather than resist them, to focus our thoughts on our breath rather than get lost in them.  Off our mats, we learn that by coming from love, each life experience is an opportunity to keep our hearts open. Shifting our perspective does not mean life, instantly, becomes easy or we won't slip into old habit patterns of despair.  Perspective reminds us that each day, each moment, we have a choice... We can choose to expand and grow or contract and remain stuck. It is that simple.
]]> tag:blogcast.insidethebungalow.com,2008-05-12:6a3ebd05-4f1c-470b-b063-98783226c722 ITB 2008-06-01T05:26:03Z 2008-05-12T16:03:00Z
It is with a heavy heart that we say good bye to Bill McCauley.  My mom & I learned the sad news, today, that Bill & his faithful dachshund Millikin passed away in a fire last week.  The paper said it was a suicide.  That broke my heart.  It makes me so sad that he was in that much pain, despair and isolation that he couldn't see any other alternative.  It makes me wish I was more thoughtful on our last encounters.  I wish I could have shared how much he touched our lives. He was a beautiful spirit. I wish I could have thanked him for all his hard work and effort. Bill, will forever hold a special place in our hearts. The main reason we bought "Coffee Talk/Inside The Bungalow" was to add the yoga & massage studio to the back house.  The coffee house was an added bonus for us, something extra to offer our guests. We had no previous coffee experience... Bill was our savior! Bill's expertise, insights and passion for great espresso helped us create a unique experience for our ITB guests.  He listened to our needs and was always trying to find more natural and organic products to fit in with our concept. We truly enjoyed his way with words and the many fun good-hearted stories he would share while dropping off supplies. Bill's generosity was huge! He always had time for us and would go out of his way if we needed product, even on a Saturday afternoon.  We are grateful he touched our lives and will never forget his larger than life personality and heart.
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