We've heard the stories, the hours and hours spent in the entrance gate lines. The hours and hours spent trying to exit. Well, this time we lived it. The gates opened this year at midnight Saturday/Sunday morning. We opted to leave Saturday morning and drive to Alturas, California eat dinner and sleep for a few hours. We got up at 3, drove toward Gerlach. The road was almost empty and I felt really great about getting through the gates in a timely manor. The sunrise was lovely but as we approached Gerlach I remembered we weren't on the only road in. I had forgotten about the other road! The road that came in from Southern California, the road that came in from Reno. The road that the other 69,993 attendees were on! Efffff. But still I had hope. The burning man radio told us it was two hours from turn off to gate. Not bad at all. 5 hours later Tom was making a dust angel and ringing a bell as guided by our dusty nude greeter! And 8 days later it took us 6 hours to get out. The
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We got tickets!!! In just a few hours we'll be loading our truck and fretting about our tutu selection! Well, I won't be as I scored a real live tutu from the bins(think goodwill graveyard). It was the best treasure hunting day! The tutu is from a ballet company in Ohio, off-white and gold. With some alterations (thanks mom!) it fits great! I could go on and on about my gold bike and tassels, gold pants, crochet skirts, snake skin prints, top hats, 12 wigs(blonde, blue, pink, long and short) and, and, and... I've definitely spent more time getting my wardrobe and accessories together this year. My friend Tom has joined me and Russ this year in our burning man camp. (No, it's shouldn't be Russ and I in this case) We'll be camping next to some others we've met over the last couple of years. Tom has recently launched a pretty interesting Kickstarted campaign! If you are remotely interested in politics or photography or humanity check it out
The 49th state corresponded with what I believe to also be my 49th state. The only state that I have for sure not been to is Vermont. Although there is some question about N. Dakota. :) I saw my first whales! After trying multiple times at the Oregon coast, Hawaii, Costa Rica and Mexico. Also saw very cute baby moose, big moose, caribou, dall sheep, sea otters, sea lions, seal, eagles, puffin and lots of other birds who's names I don't remember. The only bears I saw were in a wildlife rescue facility. Although, I was disappointed not to see a wild bear, it may be for the best. Also saw musk ox at that facility. They have the warmest fur in the world! I wanted to get something made from them, but even a pair of mittens I saw were over $150. I spent my birthday on a lovely train ride with my cousin Toni. We loved taking the train and ended up taking it to multiple locations! There are parts of the Alaskan railway that can't be seen from any other means. Suc
I hope this finds you warm and planning something fun in the sun! I've been back from Mexico almost 3 months now. This is the longest non-Mexico stint I've had in close to 2.5 years. It's been an adjustment to say the least. After trying to make this cross cultural, language barrier, long distance relationship work, I called it quits. I'll spare you the details. Well, in actuality I am still not talking about it as more often than not I will burst in to tears. But guess what? This isn't my first rodeo. :) That doesn't mean I enjoy this stabbing pain in my chest. I know I will survive. I'm reminded that no matter what handsome trouble maker enters into my life, I have the best friends and family anyone could ever ask for! In other news: Painting - I'm back to painting a bit! Taking classes with Alexander again has been great! So glad the painting gods hadn't left me. Jewelry - I am working hard making more lovely things!
Actually, it's March 7th and I'm on the plane from Mexico City to LA. I arrived in Oaxaca last Tuesday with my new friend, Marie, from Denmark. This trip has been the first time Julio has seen me with or interacting with friends. For two years most of my interactions have been in Spanish and with his Spanish speaking friends who rarely attempt to speak with me and my bad Spanish. Marie and I tried most of our conversations in bad Spanish so Julio didn't feel excluded but that wasn't always possible. I'm excited to say my Spanish is better than a few people's that I met this trip. In fact two of my new Australian friends (also arrived in Oaxaca the same day as Marie and I) were impressed with my translations skills when Julio was with us. Yesterday Julio and I took the bus from Oaxaca to Mexico City. Of course the 2nd class bus that should have taken 6 hours took 8. We checked in to the 180 pesos (currently around $10) a night hooker hotel and went strai
Last night was the graduation ceremony for my course. Graduation isn't exactly the best word but we received certificates, hugs, blessings and lots of love. 120 hours of meditation and yoga. It was great. After the ceremony many classmates shared their talents with song, dance and comedy. And one lovely being made pie. I'm sad to finish up the last two classes today. And hope to return here soon to start module 2. There are currently 4 modules. We ended up holding some poses for 10 mins. :) I will be staying at least another day here to enjoy the sun and relax. A couple of new friends and I are staying in a room with an ocean view starting Sunday. We are also going to another beach a little bit away from here Sunday to enjoy the fresh fish and sun! A few of you have asked about Julio. He did not come to see me while I was here and things have been quite difficult between us. So many challenges- language, culture, age, life experiences, values... I do not know what t
Hola! Time is going fast! I'm am still very much enjoying this yoga center and my classes. The classes are getting harder but we are also getting stronger. We are holding some poses for 6 mins now. I'm falling asleep in seated forward fold. And I'm always falling asleep in shavasana. The vegan diet has been pretty tasty. I've avoided some things such as soy and bread. And I had an omelet in town the other day. I have a favorite place in the middle of town that has 1 liter smoothies for 30 pesos ($1.70). And delicious fruit flavored water for 15 pesos a liter. My debit card has been in Mexico for a week now but still no delivery date scheduled. I had to get money from my credit card. Not the end of the world. I've been making friends from Spain, France, Oregon, Denver, Canada, Australia, and Mexico. Talking in English and Spanish throughout our day. Meditation continues to be a struggle between sleeping and monkey brain. But the teaching and lecture
Namaste! :) I arrived in Mazunte and found my way to Hridaya yoga and meditation center Sunday around 4:30pm. I had taken the 6 hour short winding road bus from Oaxaca to Putchutla (170 pesos) and then caught the local collectivo (10 pesos) for the last 40 mins of my journey. On our way we stopped for food and a bathroom break. I had stopped at this same place before 2 years prior but at 3 in the morning. This time I was able to order food and take a foto of the kitchen. I had a delicious quesadilla! My time prior to arriving here was spent with a migraine that I always get when I arrive and a bit of time lounging around with Julio. I also managed to leave my debit card in the ATM machine in Oaxaca. There was a slight problem when I first tried to take out money and then after I got my money I was distracted looking at my receipt and telling Julio what had happened. I have NEVER done that before. I'm waiting for my new card to arrive here at the retreat center. And hopi
I'm taking off in the morning for the sun! Mexico called and they have some yoga and stones waiting for me. And SUN!!! I'm two years behind making it to this yoga place. http://hridaya-yoga.com/ I was headed there when I met Julio, delayed leaving Oaxaca city. Then if you recall, I did make it to Mazunte but turned around and returned to Oaxaca and Julio. I'm hoping you all are surviving winter and doing fun things to keep you occupied until our days are longer and warmer. This is what I've packed for a month in Mexico. Including 2.5 - 3 weeks of yoga at the beach. All in my trusty back pack. 2 Sarongs 2 Swim suits (overkill as I don't actually swim in the ocean) 24 Undies (i'll be practicing the wear and toss method for the one I hate) 6 Tank tops (double as yoga clothes) 7 Bras (sports and regular) 3 Yoga shirts 3 yoga pants 3 Loose cottonish pants 1 Pj bottom 3 Dresses 4 Skirts 2 Cotton Shirts 2 Sun covers 5 Other c