Healthy Daily Habits

Recently I have been reading Deepak Chopra's books. Last night I  listened to him speak about his healing philosophies  on line. I have always resonated with his holistic and Ayurvedic beliefs. He stresses the daily habits of people who are in good health. It's amazing what a difference it makes to eat  nutritious foods, get enough sleep, and to move the body and exercise. Having an enjoyable daily routine is also very grounding and centering.

Each morning I am out of bed by 6:00 a.m. Often I get up much earlier. I am always eager to get started on my blogging and Etsy orders.  I enjoy sitting on the couch with a cup of freshly brewed cafe au lait, writing in my journal, and quietly working on my knitting projects. It's a calming and peaceful way to start the day. I have always loved being up while it is still dark and quiet outside. There's something special and sacred about that time or the day.

Each night I am in bed at 9:00 p.m. I usually do yoga at around 7:00 p.m. I don't have television, so that no longer takes up my time. The deep breathing and yoga postures help me to relax and sleep well. I really
 appreciate the fact that I no longer wake up during the night. When my hips were decaying with osteoarthritis, I used to dread going to sleep. The pain was always worse at night, and it was terribly hard to sleep. When you are tossing and turning, you brain, body, and emotions don't get the healing and rest that they need. I am now sleeping as deeply as I did as a child, and I so appreciate it! The hip replacement surgery has been a Godsend for me.

Exercise is also a huge  part of my daily habits. After eating a healthy breakfast of fruit, nuts, and sometimes a raw egg, I ride my bike with my dog, Lana. She really looks forward to getting out in the fresh air, and running along beside me. She is always eager to get outside in the sunshine. I think she gets the same benefits from regular meals, sleep, and exercise that I do. Animals naturally want to do the things that are healthy. They also love structure and routine.  They always take naps in the sunlight. We are fortunate to live in a cottage and climate that has lots of natural light streaming in through the windows. I air out the cottage each day.  It's uplifting and healing. I always open the curtains and let the light stream in through the windows. Do you have a daily routing for health and fitness?

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Handling Pressure

Lately I've been thinking about how to deal with pressure from people who want my time, energy, or expertise. I've recently had to set boundaries with individuals  and charities who have asked me to donate my time free of charge. Although I do some charity knitting, tithe, blog, and donate my knowledge to a few forums, I realized that it is just getting to be too much for me. The bottom line is, I need to make money. I can't just give everything away on a daily basis.

My parents always taught me to work and earn money. From a very young age, I was babysitting, folding laundry, washing cars, and assisting adults. Because of this, I always had  the cash I needed for dance lessons, hobbies, or going out to eat. I loved that I always had plenty of money to buy my own make-up, pointe shoes, candy, lunch, or stationery. I didn't have to ask my parents for money.  If I wanted to go to the movies, or roller skating, I always had the funds. Sometimes my parents even borrowed from me, if they were short on cash. I also had a paper route. There was a lot of money flowing into my hands, because  I was always working. 

I think because I was brought up this way I am very surprised at how many people now expect me to work for free. It's been a real lesson to quote to these people the going rate, and to explain that I charge for my time. I've always trained with the top teachers, and because of that, have become a proficient and confident teacher, myself. The dance, yoga,  and knitting education I received has been worth every penny.

My father gave me good advice as far as responding to requests. He told me to ask, "What do I need to do, and what are the financial arrangements?" I love his choice of words. If the answer is, "We need you to do x, y, and z, and we don't pay," I don't do it.

Suze Orman teaches women: "When you undervalue what you do, the world will undervalue who you are" She also reverses it: "When you undervalue who you are, the world will undervalue what you do." This really struck home with me. What's interesting to me is that as a child, no one EVER expected me to work for them for free. They were always generous and enthusiastic about paying me. I don't think any of those people were in debt, either. They probably owed money on their homes, but I doubt any of them had car payments, or credit card debt. It was a different time, and adults managed their money very well. They also made about 18% interest on their savings. It's so important to be compensated for our effort,  time, talent, and knowledge.

I love it when Suze Orman tells women, "You are not on sale.Remember that? Sale! 50% off!" That always makes me laugh. It's very true. Time and time again, I see women barely breaking even, because they are charging half of what they should be. It's up to us to set our prices, and to stick to them.

I recently received an Etsy order for a cashmere scarf and beanie. This customer is paying over $500.00 for  high end  set of beautiful hand knits. She values the quality, and understands that this is a fair price. I spelled it all out for her. I detailed the cost of the yarn, California tax, over a week of knitting labor at several hours a day, and the shipping materials. Those customers are out there. It's so important to find the right people.

I received an email today with a photo of the woman who received the knitted knockers that I made for breast cancer survivors. I wanted to show you her picture, but my downloads are disappearing. I'm not sure why. I guess I will have to pay a computer repairman the going rate to show me. Ha ha. They are not cheap, and that's my point. It was exciting to see the person who received them. I made three different sizes. She looks like she chose the C cup.  For some reason, I didn't think anyone would want the ones I had made. I had read after finishing  them that most women like the neutral shades. This was all they had left in the discount bin at the yarn shop. Still, she picked mine. I thought they would go well with jeans. That made me  so happy. It feels good to give when you can. You should never feel pressured or forced to give more than you can afford. It's a delicate balance.             

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Giving Things Away That You No Longer Use

Today I met with a wonderful old friend of mine from my show business days, Merilee Blaisdell. We were roommates together on the National Tour of My One and Only. We still keep in touch, even though thirty years have passed since that time.

I have several ballet barres stored in my outside shed. I invested a lot of money in them, and it made me feel sick to think of them just sitting there, going to waste. They had gotten dusty and a bit discolored. I wondered if I would ever use them again.

Merilee recently opened a new studio in Los Angeles. She teaches Body Rolling, Franklin Method Education, Pilates, and Fitness. I knew that she was also a terrific ballet teacher. I sent her a message, asking if she would like to have my old ballet barres.  I explained to her that I  had bought them for my ballet and yoga studio before closing it after the economic downturn. 

She was very excited, and we were thrilled to find out that they would fit into her vehicle. I measured them carefully and sent her the numbers. It turns out they are also the perfect size for  her new studio! Her landlord will put them up for her. My loss is her gain. I feel so happy to know that they are going to a good home. They are wonderful wooden barres, made with excellent quality materials from Alva's.

It's such a good feeling to find the right person who needs something valuable that you have. We sat in my living room with her husband, enjoying a pleasant chat. As she was leaving, I also picked her some Meyer lemons from my tree, and a large bunch of fresh rosemary. She was so enthusiastic and appreciative.  I'd forgotten what a pleasure it is to have people over to chat. It really is the simple things in life that are the most rewarding. 

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Working on Etsy Orders

This past week has been excellent, as far as business. I received a big knitting order at my Etsy shop, Pink Cottage Soaps. The customer wants a lovely hand spun cream colored cashmere scarf and hat. The yarn is so soft, and is such a pleasure to knit! It has a delicate diamonds pattern that gives it a very nice texture. I love the feel of it. Scarves take a long time to knit, though. I've been working for several hours a day on it.

This morning I received an order for two pink valentine soaps. I love this mold. It's so feminine and pretty. I boxed them up and shipped them off to Texas. I've got to make several batches of more soap. My stash has gotten pretty low, since I sold most of what I made for Christmas presents. On Wednesday  a woman in my knitting group purchased a couple of bars of olive oil soap for her husband. He has sensitive skin, and this mild soap works for him.  Each little sale matters. I like knowing that so many people are scattered around the country, enjoying my handmade soaps. It makes me feel happy.

Lana and I went for a lovely hike this morning. The oaks were just beautiful. They have such a calming presence. I brought home a few acorns. I plan to plant them in my backyard, and see if I can grow a wise oak tree of my own. It's just amazing to me that such a huge tree can come from such a small nut. The power of a seed is incredible.  How are you doing?

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Hiking Through the Oak Trees

 
This morning I took a beautiful hike with my dog  through  the picturesque Placerita Canyon. The old oak trees are majestic and wise. Although the Los Angeles sky is usually smoggy, today it was clear and blue. You could see all the way out to the freeway. I love being in the presence of the mountains in this area.

I walked over to this cabin and read about the history of it. I'm hoping to return and  take of tour of the inside of it. I peeked in the windows, and saw an old typewriter, a twin bed with a pink handmade quilt, and some other antiques. It's been used for filming. I'd love to take some photos of the interior. It looked so snug and cozy. The way they had  decorated and restored it was really sweet. It reminds me of my little house.

We walked over to this old oak tree and sat on the bench. I love the energy of oaks. They are so magnificent and wise. Next time I'll pack a lunch and my knitting and spend more time in its presence. Old trees are so healing.

The drive home was scenic and uplifting. There are some gorgeous  homes in the area. Many of the residents in this area work in the movie business. I headed up over the canyon and then made a left on to my street. We made it back to my little cottage in time for lunch. It was a rewarding little day trip, and it cost nothing. I can't wait to return.

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Gorgeous Costumes from the MGM Grand

When I was home visiting my dad over Christmas, I found some photos from my early days as a professional dancer. These were taken at the MGM Grand Hotel in Reno, Nevada. I was nineteen. This was my very first show. Donn Arden was the director and choreographer. It was a huge spectacular with a live jet, horses, big stars, and glamorous showgirls. I was thrilled to be a part of  it. It really was special.

The costumes were designed by Bill Campbell.  We all loved them. I am so relieved that I found some photos, because I thought they had all been lost in my numerous travels. I have several more that I will post soon.

This one was from Nobb Hill. It was a very elegant number with a huge staircase. I just loved these gowns. They were stunning. You felt so beautiful dancing in a show like this one. All of the cast members were so lovely and talented. It was a very international group. We are all still in touch, and we have reunions. It was like a family. As a little girl who wanted to grow up to be a dancer, my dream really did come true.    

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Playing By the Creek as a Child

When I was a little girl, we would often spend weekends up at the ranch in Cordelia, California. My Aunt Mary and her favorite neighbors would usually join us. I was close with Kate, and we would walk to the creek together. We loved wading in the water and catching tadpoles. We would scoop them up into cups, and carefully transfer  them into glass jars. It was fascinating to watch them grow legs. They usually died, unfortunately, which always saddened us. We were hoping to see them transform into  frogs.

We also chased the lizards that ran around the property, and tried to catch them. Usually their tails would fall off, and they would run away from us. I found it incredible that Mother Nature had designed them that way. It really protected them from overly eager children's fingers. By the time we left to go home, it seemed that all of the lizards within a half mile of the ranch no longer had tails. We would spot  them a second time and recognize them by their length, (or lack of it.)

One morning I trapped about ten frogs into a cardboard  box and sneaked them into the car. I went out there early,  before we headed home. When we approached the Bay Bridge, all of the frogs got out of the box and started jumping around in the car. There were six of us riding together in the station wagon. My mother squealed. My dad had to pull over,  carefully catch all of the frogs into his hands, and relocate them into the San Francisco Bay. My dream of having pet frogs was crushed. I never knew if they survived or not.

Country life was very exhilarating and rewarding. We loved spending time in nature and with each other. I really enjoy looking at these old photos and reliving these happy times. Happy New Year!

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Ah, Back to Knitting!

I started working on this windowpane baby blanket this morning. I worked out the stitch count so that it will be  stroller size. It's so much fun; I just love the pattern. It's easy and relaxing. Knitting this texture and design makes  me feel so happy. If she likes it, I think I will give it to my neighbor. She has a beautiful little girl.

I finished this tea cozy last week. I used up some worsted weight scrap yarn that was in my stash. I don't really care for the grey on top, but I ran out of pink and purple yarn. The wool is Noro Silk Garden, from Creative Ewe in Canyon Country, California. Tea cozies are quick and pleasing projects to knit. They are also excellent stash busters. I love the way this second hand vintage teapot looks with it on top. It reminds me of a miniature sweater.

I went to the library yesterday and downloaded this free pattern from Ravelry. I still have lots of sock yarn left from the gift card I received from my brother last Christmas. I think this pattern will be fun and challenging. I've never done a  toe up sock pattern. This one also uses the fish lips kiss heel. I've heard good things about it. It will be stimulating to try some new techniques. I hope they fit!

It feels so rewarding to be completing knitting projects and starting some new ones. I am happy to be making a dent in that large bag of baby yarn that was given to me by the local knitters. I plan to make lots of gifts and items for my Etsy shop, Pink Cottage Soaps. I plan to donate a few things to charity, too. What are you knitting or crocheting these days?

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The Power of Home

For the past week I've been reading the articles that Laura Ingalls Wilder wrote for publications in the early 1900's. The recurring theme in her words and memories  is the importance of home. She really emphasizes how much it means to have a happy, content, and healthy living space. She believes that it is the key to well being. I agree with her.

My mother spent most of her days cooking delicious meals, and creating a clean and beautiful space for us in which to live. We always had scrumptious home cooked dinners. clean clothes, freshly washed bedding and towels, and plenty of fresh air circulating through the house. Our house radiated care. She was so dedicated and busy.

Now that I'm older I realize that we took all of her hard work for granted. I had never seen a dirty toilet or sink until I left home. My mother was so on schedule with her housework that she kept everything immaculate. When I would do my chores as a young girl, everything already seemed clean. She really kept up on it, and never let things go.

I agree with Laura about the home. I know that when things are tidy, well cared for, and organized in my cottage, I feel happy. Our surroundings are directly related to our self esteem. It's nice to have a snug and cozy place to relax and recharge. Staying in a routine with the duties of a home keeps us grounded and centered. If I don't stay up on my housework, I get down on myself and negative.

My house is also my place of work. I do my writing here, run the Etsy shop, make soap, and submit queries for magazine articles. It's a place to do yoga, practice songs, journal, and meditate. The birds are visible through the old fashioned windows, and the flowers in the window boxes are bright and cheerful.

The photographs I'm posting on the blog today are of the old ranch house that my dad's family used to own. It was built in 1860. It was glorious. It needed a lot of work, yet it still radiated  character, mystery, and charm. We spent many happy weekends there. It reminds me of the time that Laura was growing up in Minnesota, and on the prairie. I just love older homes. They are so special and unique. How about you?

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How Was Your Christmas?

Gosh, I haven't blogged in a while. I have been busy working out some personal issues in my life. I hope that you had a wonderful Christmas, or whatever holiday it is that you celebrate. I went home to visit my dad and a close childhood friend. While I was there I went through a lot of the old photo albums that my mom had  created. She put so much time and care into them. It was really enjoyable to look at these old pictures and to relive the memories with my dad.

I I  also brought home some wonderful books on Laura Ingalls Wilder and her daughter, Rose Wilder Lane. I had purchased them for my parents as a gift when my mom was still alive. As a child,  I always enjoyed the Little House series of books.  The books I'm rereading now are a series that show the articles that Laura wrote for magazine publications. There are also interesting interviews with people who knew her well: her neighbors, friends, and handymen. It's such a pleasure to get lost in these stories!  She didn't write her books until she was 65 years old. What an inspiration! It's never too late to use your talent.

I brought home several photographs from the ranch, where my family and I used to spend the weekends. It was a beautiful old stone house built in 1860. We loved playing in the creek, riding in the truck to feed the cattle, and enjoying the beautiful countryside of Napa Valley, California. I am excited to share them with you in upcoming posts.

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A Colorful Winter Beanie

I finished the hat that I made for my friend in New York. He told me to take my time with it, and to just mail it after the holidays. I love his laid back, easy going  attitude. Now I don't have to worry about standing in a long line at the post office, rushing, or stressing.

I'm really pleased with how this came out; it's so cute! I just love the colors. I was working on it today at the bus stop, and on the bus. I had just finished my grocery shopping at Sprouts. Hats are ideal knitting projects for when you are traveling or commuting, because they are so easy. On the way home, I sat with some of the women today who are regulars. They were so enthusiastic when they saw what I was making. They loved the yarn, the color combinations, and the design. They are so sweet.

I found this pattern on Ravelry. It's called Regular Guy Beanie by Chuck Wright, and it's free! For more information see yarnmanknits. He has some really special patterns. I am so pleased with how this hat turned out; the simplicity of the pattern combined with luxury yarn is a winning combination. It has nice lines, too. You decrease every row at the end, to make the top more rounded.

I fell in love with this hat, so I knit one for myself, too. I couldn't resist. It goes well with so many things. I wore it to Open Mic night last weekend. I sang a few songs, and ended with a Christmas tap dance to Glenn Miller. It was a very fun and creative evening. How was your weekend? 

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More Knitting and a New Article In the Works!

I've been working on this hat, to give to a friend of mine in New York. I started it yesterday morning. It's made with the leftover alpaca/merino/bamboo yarn that I used on his birthday scarf. I just love it. The colors are fabulous. They're so bright and cheerful. There may be enough yarn to make myself a hat like this, too. It goes so well with everything, especially jeans.

Hats are a pleasure to knit, because they are so quick and easy. I started this one on circular needles. I had to do four gauge swatches to get close to what the pattern required. It's thick and thin yarn, so it's a little confusing to count. I was still off by four stitches, but the hat fits. It's very soft and comfortable. I think a little big is far better than one  that's too tight and feels uncomfortable. Now that I'm at the decreases I'm working on long, double pointed needles.

Yesterday I sold a couple of soaps at knitting. When I arrived home, I had received another order on Etsy. This one was a Christmas gift, the soap of the month club. A very nice woman ordered six months of specialty soaps for her sister. For the ad I had used a photograph of some of my friends and I from "42nd Street" in Europe. She said that the picture is what drew her in to my shop. That was sweet of her to mention in her note. It always helps to know how people found you when you are in sales.

I submitted a query to DanceMagazine a few days ago, and they made me an offer. I will be writing an on line story on Tommy Tune and Chita Rivera. It will describe what it's like to be on tour with them. I think it's right up my alley, since I spent many months on tour with Tommy.  I have always loved Chita's work, as well. I am so excited to see them perform when they are here. I will get to interview them in their dressing rooms backstage, and also plan to watch rehearsal. What a treat!  After dinner, my friend and I will go back and see the show.  It's going to be just wonderful.    

How are things going with you? 

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Fixing Things and Cleaning House

Over the weekend I had the fence replaced. It was costly, but it really needed to be done. This time it won't get blown down by the force of those Santa Ana winds. They were so turbulent last week. The old fence had been here for at least twenty-five years. It had started to lean after the heavy rains that we had last season. The posts weren't cemented, so it was flattened during  last week's storm. I love the new redwood one. Isn't it pretty? It smells so good. My neighbor did the work. I think he did a terrific job.

Yesterday I did some intense decluttering and housekeeping. I picked up a couple of books at the library for inspiration. My favorite one is called Housekeeping Secrets My Mother Never Taught Me, by Joni Hilton. It's a fun read. She has an engaging style. I love hearing her take on homes and how to care for them.

Friday night I attended a fantastic Christmas show at Grace Baptist Church in Santa Clarita. I was so impressed with this production! My neighbor was performing in the children's choir. They had a full orchestra, a large adult choir, and a children's choir. They sounded incredible. We got to sing along with them, and it was very uplifting. I just love singing Christmas carols. It was a wonderful surprise. I was expecting a very small show, and this was the exact  opposite. It was very professional, and they were so well rehearsed.

I finished knitting these socks last week; they fit perfectly! I also completed another tea cozy, and am sewing in the ends today. This one is with some small balls of pink and purple Noro Silk Garden yarn that I had in my stash. Next I plan to knit a hat for my friend in New York. I will use the leftover yarn from his alpaca,merino, and bamboo  scarf.

The fire situation here is much better than it was. There is still a furious fire raging in the Ventura and Santa Barbara area right now. I feel for those residents. I hope that the firefighters are able to handle it. It's just mammoth. Some of my friends are without power or water. This really reinforces in me the need to be prepared in an emergency..

I am thankful that I have a stockpile of food and water, and an emergency backpack in the car. It's such a relief not to be worried about evacuating and finding a safe route to drive. I plan to do some dusting today and enjoy some more knitting and reading. Lately I've been relaxing with a cup of coffee with whipped cream in the evenings.  I probably shouldn't, but if I don't, I feel like falling into bed at 7:00 p.m.! Seriously, I start dozing off.  Something about wintertime  makes me so sleepy at night. I guess it's because it gets dark so early. How are you doing?      

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