HAPPY HALLOWEEN

Happy Halloween to all. I am a bit under the weather so I am taking a few days off to rest and hoping I do not come down with the flu. I have been lightheaded with major body aches but this morning I feel slightly better. Mike has been really busy and unable to work out, and this week it works out for me since I need to reserve my energy. I will train with him again as soon as his schedule opens up.  I am grateful for his time always. This weekend I plan on going to the gym and using the weight machines so I am not to behind when we resume working out.

James and I have this Halloween tradition we started in Pittsburgh. We make a feast, turn on our Halloween lights, carve a pumpkin and watch scary movies together. The cold of Pittsburgh really fueled the feeling of the tradition but we still do it even here in California. Of course I am modifying the food because I am not cheating until Thanksgiving. I may try to get a walk in if I feel better after work before he gets home. 

Off for now. Happy Happy Halloween to all.Be safe with your trick or treats. xo
Love and Light.
Namaste'
Rose

SCALE WORKING

Update on the scale issue and my weight. My husband fixed the battery disk and the scale is now working. I got on and I can officially say I lost three pounds. I am now at the twenty pound mark so in about 5 pounds I will be doing my next charity which I will do a blog post about it this week. 

I have now lost 20 pounds since July, and thirty pounds since January. My weight is now 177 pounds. Wow, that makes me feel like a million dollars. Love and light to all.
Namaste'
Rose

WAIITING ON WEIGHT UPDATE

Good Morning to all. I just woke up and went to do my Tuesday routine and weight myself on my scale and it is broken. Never in my life have I been so disappointed in the fact that I cannot weigh myself. So now, light breakfast and I am contemplating if I will weigh myself tomorrow with a new scale, or wait one week and skip the scale all together this week. I will probably look for a scale at CVS tonight.

Last night a co-worker and friend Casey asked if I would like to go hiking in Griffith Park after work, so I skipped my yoga plans and went hiking. We went until it poured rain, and we got soaked but we got a good hour hike in. The view was incredible and I want to go hiking more. It is good to mix up your activity now and then. Before she took me for sushi, and it is new for me since I just quit being a vegetarian. I liked it though, and I loved the green tea. I am not usually a fan of Asian food but I really did enjoy it and it was super healthy.

She snapped a few full length photos of me. These are me still at 180 since I do not know how much I weigh today. For the record that is my weight so far until I get on a scale. Look at the definition in my arms. You can see I am working out. At the bottom I am posting one of my before photos to compare.

Off for my day, more hard work to do and a scale to buy.
Namaste' Love and Light
Rose

Before photo below

Before photo above

MONDAY ENERGY

Good Morning to all on this overcast Monday here in Los Angeles. The next two days may be a bit cooler than usual. I am sleepy today, but no worries I brewed some delicious coffee and I should be on my way in a few hours. Tonight I am heading to yoga, I am going to try to sneak in some running before if I have time. I found this photo on pinterest, and I love it so I thought I would share. 

This week I am going to try to run more than I have to date. Tomorrow is weigh in and I have been on a little plateau and I need to break that pattern. Mike and I have discussed it and I am sure I will get over this little hiccup in my weight loss. 

Mike and I are teaming up for my 20 pound weight loss milestone and charity. I will write about it later this week. I am pretty excited about my idea, it is clever if I do say so myself.

Off for now. Short and sweet this morning. Time to get moving and greet the day head on. 
Wishing you a beautiful start to your week.
Namaste'
Rose

AERIAL YOGA

One of the things I really want to try is Aerial Yoga. One of my best friends teaches it in San Diego and I plan on trying it as soon as I progress in my practice.

This is how I imagine it to be.
Namaste' and Goodnight
Rose

WINGED  GURU
My tortured soul surrenders 

My resistant body to a fated flight.

Melancholic melodies of my history,

Caught between memory and reality.

My fickle heartbeat dangles, 

Caught in tangled cobwebs

Of here, then and now;  and then.

Escape to the rhythm of lyrical suspense,

Suspended aimlessly without a whim;

Midair swan dive maneuvering
Into the embrace of silken arms;

Whirling together, abandoning myself.

Hanging in the imbalance between

Rhapsody and heartbreak.

(c) Rose Bruno Bailey

KINDNESS

Good evening to all. This blog post is late, it was a hectic day and tonight we met friends at a sports bar to watch the World Series. Now I am sleepy but I have decided to do a quick post before bed about kindness. Have you ever done a good deed for a stranger and pondered the idea that sometimes we are being tested from above? is it possible we have ever encountered an Angel disguised as a homeless person? Do Angels walk amongst us?

I have been reflecting on a lot of things of late, especially the importance to being kind to strangers. I also have been brainstorming ideas for  my next charity since I am so close to the 20 lb mark. I have been discussing my ideas with Mike my trainer and friend, and I will announce what my plans are in the next week. He is again helping me with my charities and we are teaming up again to make a difference and I am very grateful for that. There is truly no I in the word Team. I could not do this project alone.

So off to bed it is for me. I wish everyone sweet dreams, love and light.
Namaste'
Rose

AUTUMN ON MY MIND

Good Morning and Happy Friday. I am running late today, I woke up at 7 am instead of 6 am and it makes a bit of a difference in my timing. I am off to get ready for work and then Yoga tonight at Yogaworks for a Vinyasa class at 6 pm with Tom.

Last night I made a fabulous Lentil and Black Bean Chili with assorted veggies and sweet potatoes, and it was so amazing. I was not sure how the sweet potatoes would work in the bean chili and it was so good. James loves it when I make him soups and chili's. Perfect for the Autumn.

Here is an old Autumn poem I wrote a few years ago, since it is soup season and a slight bit cooler here in Los Angeles. Happy Friday to all.
Namaste'
Rose

FALL FIREWORKS

Cascading leaves

Amongst the trees

Creates a scene

Serene.

Impressionist's view,

Skies aqua blue;

Vibrant hues,

Xanadu.

Autumn's delight,

Breathtaking sight;

Basking in amber light,

Foliage ignites.

Fall tree's sway

Crimson bouquet;

October's display,

Leads my soul astray.

(c) Rose Bruno Bailey

Dean Martin - Good Mornin' Life

Good Morning Life,
I had to share this old tune, it just makes me want to skip down the street and smile at all the people and pets that I pass by. Oh wait, I do this anyway, well without the skipping. Happiness is a choice, and I choose to live my life as a gift and I will sing along with Dean Martin. Good Morning Life.
Love and Light,
Namaste'
Rose

IYENGAR YOGA AT YOGAWORKS WEST HOLLYWOOD

Good Morning and happy hump day. I cannot wait for the weekend to get here. This week Mike is busy so I am on my own with my workouts. I will resume working out with him next week. No worries, I will not sit on my laurels and be lazy. I went to another Iyengar Yoga class instead, and I always learn so much from Vladamir at Yogaworks. My Friday Vinyasa yoga teacher Tom was in the class, and I met some lovely yogi's as well. This class is full of seasoned yogi's but I hold my own pretty well except when we get to the inversions. That is where I am a beginner, and eventually I will get them as I get stronger in my arms but I am a long way off. Tom was next to me in class and he told me I am doing great, that I just need to continue to show up and everything will fall into place.

Vladamir showed me this amazing way to get into a shoulder stand using a chair as a prop, and you slide off the chair and bam you are in the pose. How cool is that. He really is an amazing teacher. A lot of the students in class go to the Iyengar Institute. It is an amazing way to break everything down and concentrate of the form of the poses.

Yogaworks gave me this punch card to use everytime I attend class, and it is almost filled. I get $25.00 coupon off merchandise. I really need a good yoga bag and there is one with room for all my work and workout gear plus a mat. To be a success one needs to be organized, and I have been lacking the right bag for this. 

Time to finish my coffee and get ready for my day. Tonight I am taking Nicole's Vinyasa class at Pink Iron, and it is not until 7:15 so I have time to make my husband dinner and go for a run walk before. I wish everyone a beautiful and bright hump day. 
Namaste'
Love and Light
Rose

WEIGHT UPDATE 10-22-2013

Good Morning and Happy Tuesday. I have to admit I am a little disappointed this morning. I got on the scale and I stayed the exact same. I stepped on that thing 5 times or so, and it did not budge. That means in two weeks I have stayed at 180 pounds. My weight loss since July is still 17 pounds.  I have not had a cheat day, so not sure why I am plateauing so soon. I am happy I did not gain though, I have not had a weight gain at all since July, except once when I gained .5 of a pound.  So that is a relief.

I have decided I would start keeping a food journal again, I stopped and when I do not food journal I sometimes find I skip meals. I am also definitely incorporating more running. I am hoping next week will be that stellar weight loss week I have been working towards. In the meantime, back to work and back to the drawing board. Time to step it up just a bit more.

Time for coffee, and tonight I am either working out with Mike, or I am going to go running and then go to yoga. Time for my morning coffee now. I wish everyone a wonderful day. 
Namaste'
Rose

MONDAY MONDAY

Good Morning and Happy Monday. I am on my second cup of coffee, my Siamese cats have been wild since 4 am and I am so sleepy. I had my large class of water and lite breakfast, and I will be good to start my day in about an hour. I am so jealous my husband is working from home today, hoping I have a short day. 

Tomorrow is weigh in and I am close to 20 pounds. I have pushed my 20 pound charity to 30 pounds because it is going to take more planning, now I have to decide how I will mark the 20 pound goal. I do my charities a few pounds after I hit the weight milestone. so it will probably be around 25 pounds. I am currently brainstorming for an idea. 

I have started running, and I am excited about it. Mike had me running months ago, but then I had some type of ankle injury so we stopped all running. We started running again, and I am also doing some running on my own. I am determined to meet this challenge and excel and improve at my running. It will take some time to get better at this new challenge. Eventually I have to take the time to visit a running store to be fitted with proper shoes. My best friend Melissa Bender at Melissa Bender Fitness just ran in her first half marathon with her husband Jesse. Jesse placed first in his age of 25-29. My congratulations to both of them. I am inspired.

On another note, I am so happy my face is back to normal. My jaw stands out, and my face is no longer chubby. I feel like I look like myself again. It is such a good feeling to see the results of the hard work. I will be doing some updated proper photos to post soon, but here is a face photo of me this past weekend. 
Namaste' Love and light.
Rose

AUTUMN AT TRADER jOE'S

Good evening to all. I hope everyone had a wonderful weekend. I did a little shopping tonight and cooked a home cooked dinner, James was so grateful because I have not been cooking as of late with my schedule. I made very lean pork roast, with romaine salad, asparagus and red potatoes cooked in extra virgin olive oil. James is eating cookies for dessert and trying to convince me to have just one.

I love Trader Joe's and they have so many amazing seasonal autumn products, ones that may be too dangerous for me. I did discover the pumpkin butter and the cranberry apple butter. One tablespoon is 40 calories for the pumpkin butter and just 20 calories for the cranberry apple butter. Mixed in some fat free, sugar free Greek yogurt or as a spread on whole grain toast. Absolutely divine.

Wishing everyone a wonderful evening. Namaste' love and light.
Rose

POOLSIDE MUSINGS

Is any encounter with a stranger ever random or is it a deliberate piece of a much larger puzzle with answers to the never ending riddle that is life?  Are we being tested every time we have a chance meeting with someone we do not know? Do we engage with the stranger, or simply walk away with our own agendas to fulfill?  We live such busy lives and we are more tuned in thanks to technology, but does that keep us from face to face interactions with others? Inspiration sometimes comes from unlikely sources, but if we walk around with blinders on our eyes and earplugs tuning out all outside noise how will we ever hear? We are blind and deaf and therefore missing out on the greatest messages of life. Listen to the wind whispering secrets of the trees, hear the harp of the birdsong up above. It is all there for the taking, you just have to look up from the screen that has held hostage of your time and make eye contact with someone who may mesmerize your life. You never know who is walking in your direct path if you do not look up every once in a while and smile. You may find the loveliest gifts from sharing hellos with your fellow creatures of the universe. 

Today I felt compelled to go to the pool and change my daily workout routine. I was meant to be there at that time and place. The minute I stepped my foot into the pool my eyes caught the eyes of Maggie, the subject of the essay I wrote months ago. Maggie was one of the last survivors of the Holocaust, and her stories had me spellbound. I also had the privilege of meeting Joseph her husband, and today he was at the pool as well. They wondered where I have been, and what I was up to these last few months. Maggie was telling me stories about Budapest and Europe once again. We were speaking of height and I complained I am too short, and Maggie reminded me that the best things in the world come small, like diamonds. I consider them my friends and I was very happy to see them and I promised I would see them again soon. My essay inspired by Maggie was recently picked for publication by Elephant Journal, so seeing her and her husband was kismet. 

After they left I did my water workout, and I found that water is a great medium to stretch in. My dancer's pose comes with more ease in the water. When I was a ballet dancer the teachers would tell us to practice our leaps in water. Water is great for fitness, and it is completely cleansing as well. When in water this serenity washes over me and all of my thoughts become as clear as the pool water. Peace personified, swimming does that for me. Blue sky above as I float away with my cares of the day.

I had an encounter with another elderly lady, this poor soul seemed so troubled and picked me to talk to. Her 100 year old Mother had passed away recently and she was devastated and told me she felt alone in the world. My heart bled for her, and I tried to comfort her to the best of my ability. She was an eccentric artist and a painter and she had some interesting stories to share. I looked into her crystal blue eyes and wished her peace and happiness, feeling bad that I could not do more for her. There was such a lost look in those eyes, and I cannot forget the look she gave me when I had to leave. She actually apologized to me for chatting my ears off and questioned if I would ever talk to her again. I reassured her that I truly enjoyed conversing with her and I would look for her next time.

I often wonder if we are tested from above. To see how we will react, to see if we choose to do good with our time or walk along in our own narcissistic path of self indulgence. I have had many encounters in my life, which make me think we are being tested from a higher power. I pay attention always though, because I just see and feel too much. The aftermath of these encounters sometimes leaves me feeling melancholic and a little confused about the struggles of life. No one should ever feel as if they are alone in the world. I cannot imagine what that feels like, and I weep for those who wake daily feeling like there is no one that is there for them. I can only hope I made Marianne smile even if it was for a fleeting moment. This is one reason I feel the need to volunteer my time for those who need it most.

Life is a vulnerable experience, you are born naked into a world of chaos and uncertainty but I love every minute of it. We are all meant to be here for each other, to make a difference in the lives of others and then pass it on to the next. There is more to life than our own ego and we are here for a lesson and a reason. Make a difference as you are out making a name for yourself. You may find someone will pay it forward and make you smile when you need it most.
Love and Light to all
Namaste'
Rose

REVISITING MY FITNESS BUCKET LIST

Good Morning and Happy Friday. I have been contemplating all of my accomplishments, the small ones and the larger ones. The weight and the first charity of course are the more significant accomplishments but I am also celebrating staying the course and not giving in to ever giving up. I am going to see this project through until I am where I wish to be and have helped many charities. Helping The Monday Night Mission was amazing, and I plan on going back and volunteering at least once a month. I am now choosing a twenty pound charity and I will write about that soon. Project Cuddle is now my thirty pound charity. I am currently at a 17 pound weight loss since July.

Another goal is to make my Fitness Bucket list happen. I wrote about it in the beginning last July but since then there are a few more goals to be added to the list, so I thought I would re post it with the new items I need to cross off. I have my work cut out for me, but I am inspired by the man with MS who recently did a marathon in 16 hours. If he can do it, anyone of us can. I also am so proud of my best friend Melissa Bender at Melissa Bender Fitness, she is running in her first marathon this weekend. I would love to know what is on your fitness bucket list. Keep dreaming and making it happen.

I wish you a wonderful Friday. Namaste' Love and Light
Rose


   FITNESS BUCKET LIST  REVISITED...adding more items as I get more inspired. Feel free to suggest new ideas. 

1. Trapeze Classes at the School of Trapeze in Santa Monica   https://www.facebook.com/pages/Trapeze-School-New-York-TSNY-Los-Angeles/252082627475

2. Synchronized swimming classes at Aqualillies in Los Angeles   https://www.facebook.com/pages/Aqualillies/315260815022

3. Michael Cornell Ballet Classes at   https://www.facebook.com/pages/Align-Ballet-Method/132494413452882

4.Ballroom Latin Classes at 3rd Street Dance in Los Angeles  https://www.facebook.com/3rdstreetdance

5. Go to Pittsburgh, work out with best friend at Melissa Bender Fitness http://www.benderfitness.com/

6. Go to San Diego, take yoga and aerial yoga with one of my best friends Tracy Gittens at Galaxy Lifestyle, Fitness, and Aerial Yoga. Grand Opening July 19, 2013.
https://www.facebook.com/GalaxyLifestyle

7. Surf if I am not too afraid of sharks, lol  Ok, I have an update on this, Mike my trainer has offered to teach me when I am ready and when I can do a good push up, and I will take him up on that.

8.Take a Tracy Anderson class in Los Angeles.   https://www.facebook.com/TracyAndersonMethod

9.Some type of Yoga Retreat by the ocean.

10. Be in or on the cover of Weight Watchers Magazine. (Hey, a girl can dream and they use real people all the time). e.I am no longer going to Weight Watchers but I do it on my own so I do not know if this could be possible.

11. Do a walkathon or a 5k and later a run. Continue to learn to run, I ran twice around the park with Mike, and last night I had a dream I ran all the way to Yoga.

12. Practice my yoga and get into the difficult poses I am struggling with. Do inversions, backbends, and anything to do with my leg behind me. This means gaining more flexibility in my quads.

13. Do a 30 day yoga challenge, and do yoga every day for 30 days in a row.

14. Swim with dolphins, not really fitness related but is in a way. I would love to have this experience.

15. Learn Tai Chi or some sort of Martial Arts.

16. Get some sort of certifications down the line so I can pass on my new knowledge and help those who need it. Maybe volunteering for the needy.

17.

18.

19.

20.

HEALTHY MIND, SPIRIT, AND BODY

My best friend Melissa Bender from Melissa Bender Fitness knows all about my past issues with eating disorders, and the fact that the warped mentality tends to sneak up on me from time to time. I have not starved since my twenties, and I have been pretty much ok. Dieting and eating healthy sometimes brings out the obsessive dieter out of me, and she told me I could be developing Orthorexia.  This was over one year ago when she thought she saw the signs in me.

Now that I am doing this project, of course old habits die hard and I can see the signs once again. I recognize it therefore I will correct it. I thought I would include a definition of what exactly Orthorexia is.  The panic I felt after eating two garlic knots was not normal, and I admit that and I plan to lighten up a bit on myself and my healthy diet. Splurges every now and then keep you on track if you do them in moderation. Usually Orthorexia comes on after one has dealt with Anorexia or Bulimia, but sometimes those who have never suffered from an eating disorder can develop Orthorexia. I have a history, but that history does not define my present or my future. I am a work in progress, and I will not let my chaotic mind bully my body or my spirit. I will forge forward with this project, helping others along the way; without succumbing to hurting myself or my self esteem in the process. I will not travel down the path of eating disorder mentality, I  will choose to stand in the crossroads and walk the opposite way.

Yesterday was my weekly workout with Mike, and my running is improving. I ran twice around the park and I did a lot of walking as well. My breathing still sounds heavy but I am definitely improving. We did the TRX and I can feel the sensation of my hard work this morning. I am sure by the time I go to yoga tonight I will be sore. I am very grateful to him for the expertise and for sticking with me as I work towards being in the best shape for me. I am becoming so much stronger, it has now been three months. I feel empowered and the workout definitely helped me deal with the negative food thoughts I had the night before. I am woman, hear me roar,lol. Tonight is my Iyebgar Yoga class with Vladamir at Yogaworks. I love yoga and I have transformed into a true yogi. Wishing you a beautiful day, full of every opportunity life offers you. Good Morning Life.

Namaste' Love and Light
Rose

Taken from Wikipedia

Orthorexia nervosa (also known as orthorexia) is a proposed eating disorder or mental disorder^[1] characterized by an extreme or excessive preoccupation with avoiding foods perceived to be unhealthful.^[2][3]The termorthorexia derives from the Greek ορθο- (ortho, "right" or "correct"), and όρεξις (orexis, "appetite"), literally meaning a correct diet. It was introduced in 1997 by Steven Bratman, M.D., to be used as a parallel with other eating disorders, such as anorexia nervosa. Orthorexia is not mentioned in the widely-used DSM^[a], but was coined by Bratman^[4] who claims that in rare cases, this focus may turn into a fixation so extreme that it can lead to severemalnutrition or even death.^[5] Even in less severe cases, the attempt to follow a diet that cannot provide adequate nourishment is said to lower self-esteem as the orthorexics blame themselves rather than their diets for their constant hunger and the resulting cravings for forbidden foods. ^[6]

GARLIC KNOTS A NO NO

Good Morning, a quick post today. It is almost the weekend, and I cannot wait. Tonight is my weekly workout with Mike, and the weather is back to being warm which is great.

Yesterday my husband James was at the Dodgers game, so I brought home a healthy salad for myself since he was out. I ended up eating two of the garlic knots he had on hand. I was so guilty afterwards, almost too much and it made me realize I am not ready mentally for a cheat day. I need to keep my momentum going.

I went to the gap to buy work pants, and these pants I tried on were a little skinnier than I usually wear. There were three lovely ladies from Europe in the dressing room, and when I went to look for the salespersons opinion they made their own opinion known. They told me they looked great, and I should buy them. One thing about losing weight, when shopping you need an outside opinion because your brain is still fat bashing. It is hard to look objectively at yourself.

Off to drink my coffee. Wishing everyone love and light on this Warrior Wednesday. Sorry, I do a lot of yoga these days. 
Namaste'
Rose

WEIGHT UPDATE 10-15-2013

Right now, this is home and I love it dearly

Good Morning and Happy Tuesday to all. Today is weigh in day, and I stayed the exact same 180 pounds. I am happy with it, 17 pounds since July when I started this at 197 pounds and I have never had a week of gaining. Staying the same is a tad bit disappointing, because we all like to see the scale go down, but I know I am making progress. In January I was 207 so where I am now makes me happy, but I will not be lingering at 180 for long. I am determined and I will continue and try even harder with my workouts. 

Tonight I am taking a yoga class at Yogaworks, I am probably either taking the Iyengar class or the Vinyasa class. I still have time to decide. I work, and I will make sure I get to eat something healthy in between. My husband will be at the Dodgers game tonight so I am on my own with food.

I wrote so many of my poems here at Bryant Park in Manhattan

The RFK Bridge and a view of Manhattan from Astoria Park

James and I have discussed moving back to NYC eventually. We love California and we are having a love affair with this state, but every love affair with time must end and it is time for us to be closer to family. Now, this can happen in a year or two or in a month so I have decided to prepare myself if we had to move suddenly. I want to be able to continue on with this project even if I have to deal with a crazy cross country move. In NYC there are so many opportunities. There is New York Cares, an amazing organization that places you in diverse volunteer opportunities. One week you can visit senior citizens and the next you are doing something completely different. There all also so many dance classes for adults. Broadway Dance Center is one of them, and there are tons of Ballroom Dance Studios. Dancesport is really popular. My Yogaworks membership would transfer so I am set there. Like I said, this may not happen but I will be ready to take a bite out of the Big Apple when it does although I am not ready to kiss goodbye my Mighty Pacific just yet. The love affair continues for now.

I wish everyone a beautiful Tuesday full of sunshine and smiles.
Love and Light
Namaste'
Rose

STEPPING THROUGH THE PATH OF BEAUTY

The journey of a thousand miles begins with a single step 
       - Lao Tse

Good Morning, Happy Monday to all.
Here are some photos I took when I go walking outside. I walk for an hour through West Hollywood and Beverly Hills when I do not do the treadmill at home or at the gym. Now I am also incorporating a little bit if running at the Beverly Hills Park. I hope to do some sort of 5k in the future, of course mostly walking but I am working on being a beginner runner as well. Nature is the best accompaniment and I love the trees here in California.

Of course I have such a beautiful place to walk, and I soak in every sight and splendor as I work out. Note the tree doing a back bend, it took my breath away. When I am farther in my yoga practice I will be as limber as that tree, the tree is a sign to continue on and never give up. Stand strong, stand tall and persevere.
Namaste'
Rose

WILLPOWER AND DETERMINATION

Happy Sunday. I hope this post finds everyone having a wonderful weekend. We are having a quiet day this morning, we are dealing with some plumbing issues that hopefully will be resolved soon. My husband is doing the treadmill and watching Sunday Football. I am doing some writing, drinking coffee and trying to keep out of the cookies he bought last night. Willpower do not fail me now.

Last night we went to the movies and saw Gravity. It is a wonderful film, reminds me of a space version of Castaway with Tom Hanks. It is a thinking persons film. I really loved it, and there is nothing like the escape of the movies. James of course had to have popcorn and diet coke, and I am proud to say I had one bite of popcorn and one sip of diet coke and then I was satisfied. So far my willpower is staying strong. Seeing the physical results is keeping me going. I wore a dress with a jean jacket and since I do not have a full length mirror at home I saw what the dress looked like on me at the theater in the ladies room full length mirror. James said I looked small, but when I saw with my own eyes I was shocked. I needed to pull myself away from the theater bathroom mirror. At the store afterwards one of the Pavilions employees who has not seen me in a while hugged me and told me how great I looked. I am getting stronger, fitter, and yes thinner. Thank you willpower and determination. I am even more determined than ever now. One of my favorite Los Angeles friends Xiomara is a photographer, and we are going to do some fun outdoor photos soon. She is my LA sister.

Ok I am off to do some reading and writing. Feeling Sunday lazy but yoga is not until this evening so I am reveling in the stillness of my Sunday, well as still as one can be with football on in the background.
Wishing everyone a wonderful Sunday, love and light.
Namaste'
Rose

STAYING HUMBLED

I feel very strongly that growing up somewhat underprivileged had its advantages. I never look back at the past with regret. I believe everyone holds their fate within the palm of their own hand, whether it is smooth or calloused. When  I look back on my childhood days, a hand me down sky blue dress for my eighth grade graduation was a gift and not an embarrassment; I had food, I had shelter, I had love. My Mother recently apologized for that moment, as if she did something wrong. I tried to thank her for not only being a wonderful Mother, but for raising me to be humble with compassion. Those gifts are worth more to me now than a sparking new dress for school would have been then.

I am a poet, and I started thinking I should delve into the past to write some new old poems. That made me think of Dolly Parton and her coat of many colors. The song brings tears to my eyes. First of all I can only imagine what it was like to live in that kind of poverty in those times. I read a quote recently by Dolly Parton which put a lot of things into perspective. They were so poor they did not always have toilet paper.

“My aunt in Knoxville would bring newspapers up, which we used for toilet paper. Before we used it, we'd look at the pictures.” Dolly Parton

 

Dolly Parton may have been lacking in material needs, but she was rich in love, spirit, talent, and humor. She has never forgotten where she came from; she learned from it, created from it, but has  never let it shape her identity.  I would love to meet her one day, she is such a positive inspiration. I had the same gifts, my Mother was a survivor and I am proud of my modest yet treasured upbringing. So if you find yourself wallowing the shallow waters of the past, remember sometimes blessings are found in down to earth disguises.
Always, love and light.
Rose

 Coat of Many Colors
Lyrics by Dolly Parton

Back through the years
I go wonderin once again
Back to the seasons of my youth
I recall a box of rags that someone gave us
And how my momma put the rags to use
There were rags of many colors
Every piece was small
And I didn't have a coat
And it was way down in the fall
Momma sewed the rags together
Sewin every piece with love
She made my coat of many colors
That I was so proud of
As she sewed, she told a story
From the bible, she had read
About a coat of many colors
Joseph wore and then she said
Perhaps this coat will bring you
Good luck and happiness
And I just couldnt wait to wear it
And momma blessed it with a kiss
Chorus:

My coat of many colors
That my momma made for me
Made only from rags
But I wore it so proudly
Although we had no money
I was rich as I could be
In my coat of many colors
My momma made for me

So with patches on my britches
Holes in both my shoes
In my coat of many colors
I hurried off to school
Just to find the others laughing
And making fun of me
In my coat of many colors
My momma made for me

And oh I couldnt understand it
For I felt I was rich
And I told them of the love
My momma sewed in every stitch
And I told em all the story
Momma told me while she sewed
And how my coat of many colors
Was worth more than all their clothes

But they didn't understand it
And I tried to make them see
That one is only poor
Only if they choose to be
Now I know we had no money
But I was rich as I could be
In my coat of many colors
My momma made for me
Made just for me
(c) Dolly Parton

STRIVING FOR MY OWN PERFECT PRACTICE

PALINOIA  The obsessive repetition of an act until it is completely mastered. Interesting word I found on a page I follow on a Facebook called Word Porn. I am in love with words and this one struck me as being peculiar and interesting. I am in awe of this word, and I am the strive to be the epitome' of this word in my yoga practice as I was and will be again in my dance.

This is what I am doing in my yoga class, and Matt the manager mapped me out a schedule so I can practice 7 days a week if I choose to do so. I am seeing such progress but there are so many areas in my practice that need improvement by repetitive actions. My quads need to be more flexible, I finally learned last night from Vladamir my Iyengar teacher the reason my leg does not bend far behind me. I am flexible forward but not backwards. I will work on this until I get it. I do not give up and I am so competitive with myself.

When I was 19 I set out to train to be a lifeguard, and I practiced over and over and it was not easy for me. I passed the lifeguard test with flying colors, because I put the time in to really perfect all of the dives. Some of those dives were extremely difficult for me but in the end I finally did them. I practiced over and over and did not give up. It is the same with pirouettes. Find your spot and turn, and practice, practice, and practice yet some more.

Tonight I am really excited about my class with Clara. She is absolutely fantastic and inspiring. After it is some much needed fun time with James my husband and then a three day weekend. Wishing everyone a Happy Friday. Love and light.
Namaste' 
Rose

PIGEON POSE

Good Morning to all, it is really cool here this morning. It rained yesterday here in Los Angeles for the first time in months. It was refreshing and I love the rain, but this morning I was outside in the crisp air and I pondered if I could ever deal with winter again.

I went to yoga last night with Nicole at Pink Iron, and I realized if you do not eat enough your practice is completely off kilter. My balance was not up to par at all. I will remember that for tonight before my Iyengar class at Yogaworks with Vladamir. 

I also realized I need to do back openers to get my back and shoulders to open up more. I also think I cannot reach my feet behind me in pigeon pose because of my short arms, but I learned I need to open up my back more. I am still convinced taller people have it easier though. I think pigeon pose is so beautiful and I will be able to do it soon, I just need to work on my back and shoulders.

Coffee time, and work time. Wishing everyone a beautiful day.
Love and light.
Namaste'
Rose

I RAN AND I LIKED IT

Good Morning, and a Happy Wednesday to all. This weekend I plan on writing more in depth about the Monday Night Mission, and Seasons 52's role in donating food. I have been very busy and I need some free time to get it done. It was definitely a humbling and moving experience and I plan on returning at least once a month if I can get a friend to accompany me downtown. I was proud to serve the residents of Skid Row for my ten pound goal, and hope to do more in the future.

Yesterday morning I weighed in and I lost 2 more pounds bringing my total weight loss to 17 pounds and my weight total is now 180 pounds. When I started in July I weighed 197 pounds. I am so happy to be making this happen the healthy way. I am also grateful to have such supportive people in my corner. I have pushed my next charity Project Cuddle to 30 pounds since it is going to take a little time to plan, so I am looking for a charity for my 20 pound goal. I am so close, and I will do the charity when I am a few pounds past my twenty pound goal to make sure I have the  20 pound weight loss set in stone. It feels amazing to get fit and lose weight all while helping others in the process. I always wish to give more of myself, and that will always be a goal of mine. 

Last night I worked out with Mike, and we really had a great workout. I bought some new shoes, and it really seemed to make a difference. At first I was scared, he almost found some stairs to climb. The stairs were not an option since the building was closed so he decided we would run instead. My ankle is about healed and I have new shoes so no more excuses, time to step up my game. I did great, and at a few points I actually ran fast, or fast for me. It was an amazing feeling to be able to do something that gives me anxiety. Part of the issue is I am a heavy breather and it is embarrassing. I even made a joke that we should prank someone when I am running, I sound like a heavy breather on the other end of the telephone. Off topic, do kids make prank calls anymore? We pranked people all the time, I guess with modern phones you cannot do that these days. I am guilty for some really bad prank calls back in my early teens.

We ran, and did more core work and worked the machines over and over. It was challenging but I am feeling so much lighter and stronger. I planked and went up and down from an elbow plank to a hand plank, and that was definitely challenging but I did it. Towards the end we were running around the park one last time, and this dog jumped at me to as if to say hello as we ran by, and Mike made a joke that the dog was my cheering squad there to get welcome me over the finish line. I imagined all of these dogs lined up  at the finish line to cheer you on as you complete your marathon. One of the things I love about this park is that there are dogs everywhere, and you always make a new dog friend each week. This week I made friends with Dexter, a beautiful German Sheppard, and of course my white fluffy furry cheerleader.

Today is work, I slept well for the first time in days so I feel great. Yoga with Nicole later this evening. I am going to try to sneak in a treadmill workout in between work and yoga. I wish everyone a bright and beautiful Wednesday. Love and light to all.
Namaste'
Rose

MIDDLE OF THE NIGHT MONDAY NIGHT MISSION MUSINGS

As I meander my way through this experience we call life, there are sometimes visions that are so disturbing to me they leave me completely speechless and numb. I am an emotional creature, I wear my heart on my sleeve and everything I do is first lead by my emotions.  I have noticed over the years when I see something that is so overwhelming my heart goes into this protective stage and I become frozen and numb. That is how I felt after my experience volunteering with The Monday Night Mission last night.  Now at 3 am it is like my protective wall of ice is melting and being released little by little in the form of my own tears. 

I really need more time to get into my head to put into words what I saw last night, and how I feel. For my words to be able to do The Monday Night Mission and Skid Row justice will take more time than I have now, as my thoughts ramble on and on in my own incoherent sleepy head. As I wake up in the middle of the night from my cozy bed, hair still damp from my warm shower, I try to make sense of the atrocities that are going on right under our noses. I feel a little shamed to have such creature comforts when there are thousands of people right here in my own city sleeping on hard, cold pavement. Cats that have it better than most humans slumber at my feet, husband unaware of everything that my evening entailed. It changes you, when you see up close and personal what you have only heard about on the news. It definitely puts life into a new perspective when you step outside your own narcissistic circle and look at the world through a different vantage point, no longer seeing it through rose colored lenses. But there is still a tint of a brightness of hope, and that is in the unselfish deeds by people like The Monday Night Mission. Groups who come out to feed the hungry dish out more than just a warm meal to what may seem like a forgotten segment of society. I was humbled and honored to assist them with their endeavors to pass out hope to the hungry and grateful to my friends who took time from their busy schedules to join me. I was inspired by the unity of the volunteers gathering together for the good of their Skid Row brother's and sister's. 

Years ago I wrote a poem that was inspired by two events about homelessness. It took me weeks to write to do the subjects justice. The first event was the sight of a crying elderly homeless lady I saw in NYC. The second event was when an old friend of our family was reunited with us in Cleveland Ohio. My father owned restaurants and the one thing I really remember about him was that he brought all of the employees home with us for the holidays; the people who were alone with no family or perhaps could not afford a holiday dinner of their own. One man in particular was Chic and I remember him well. Flash forward thirty years when my sister ran into Chic at a downtown mall, and she invited him to Thanksgiving Dinner with our family, just like old times. He was so happy to be with us, and he may have been homeless.  Just to share a dinner with people who cared enough to welcome him with open arms. Months passed, and he never responded to our Christmas invitation. Later that spring my Mother received a phone call, Chic had passed away and unless anyone came forward he would be buried at Potter's Grave, a place where people are buried when no one claims responsibility for them. They found my Mother because in his wallet was her number and the photos my Mother gave him of all of us. To him, we were the only family he knew.  My Mother did not have the means to give Chic the respectful burial he deserved. So he was buried as a John Doe. The name John Doe stuck with me, Chic was not forgotten nor was he a John Doe. Everyone is special and individual, each and every one of us. One of the many aspects of The Monday Night Mission that I admired most was that they said hello to each and every person by name. No one is John Doe, we are all the same connected to the core of our humanity. We are all one, and The Monday Night Mission treats the residents of Skid Row with such dignity and respect that should always be a given. Food for the hungry, hope for those who need it the most.

To me, Chic was family. 

I knew this poem would take time, to do it justice. Most poems I wrote come together the minute I write them. Not this one, it took weeks to process. That is how I feel about Skid Row and The Monday Night Mission. I need a lot of time alone to wrap my brain around the senselessness of it all, the sorrow and the amazing light The Monday Night Mission plates out five days a week. I am humbled I was able to be there to assist them in their truly remarkable efforts to feed the hungry, and make the residents of Skid Row know they are not alone and never forgotten. I will be returning, changed for the better and looking to share more hope.
But for now it is back to my warm bed to sleep I go, accompanied by my own tears.  Goodnight and sweet dreams to everyone in this beautiful and sometimes baffling world of ours. Wishing everyone a better tomorrow.
Love and Light
Namaste'
Rose

Dedicated to Chic and the Residents of Skid Row, and to The Monday Night Mission

WALK IN EMPATHY
Step into my worn shoes,
How would you feel?
When People walk by,
Forgetting you are real.
Beyond your reach,
Hopes of a warm meal;
A place to lay your head,
To let your weary body heal.
Your spirit is broken,
Your head held high;
Only to be ignored,
By oblivious eyes.
A face with no name,
Is what they see;
Unloved, forgotten,
Throughout society.
Such lonely solitude,
Unanswered prayers;
Hopelessness and sorrow,
But no one cares.
Who will miss you
When it’s your time to go?
Will anyone remember,
Your name is not John Doe.
(c) Rose Bruno Bailey

THE MONDAY NIGHT MISSION IS TONIGHT

Happy Monday Morning. I have to make this a quick post, I have a long day ahead. I have to start bagging the cookies for to give to the Homeless tonight at The Monday Night Mission. I have to work, and that makes my day a bit more hectic. I also woke up with a sour stomach, so trying to nip that in the bud. 

I will post all about the experience of helping The Monday Night Mission, and of course I have said I will do a post all about Seasons 52 as soon as I get a moment. Off for now, hoping I have a break in between work so I can walk around the mall and get somewhat of a workout in.
Love and light to all. Namasta'
Rose

EVERY LITTLE BIT COUNTS

I am so late with this post, I had a busy Sunday. Tomorrow I am joining the Monday Night Mission to feed the homeless residents at skid row. I bought bags of oranges and I am bagging up chocolate cookies for at least 100 people. We are picking up food at Seasons 52, and I will do a post all about Seasons 52 and their role in helping me help the cause. I am blessed to work at an establishment that is so supportive of my endeavors. I look forward to joining The Monday Night Mission.

I was coming back from the grocery store and I was stopped by volunteers of The Los Angeles Aids walk. We got to talking, and I donated some cash to their cause. They invited me to come walk next Sunday, and I just may do that. My husband and I are meeting friends that afternoon but I may be able to squeeze it in. Today I walked everywhere I went, so I did get some exercise in the midst of my chaotic day.

On my way back from shopping for the cause and picking up food for my husband I saw this homeless lady I always see, she is in a wheel chair and she always looks so sad. I stopped in Kitchen 24, bought a sandwich and french friends for her, and asked the manager to give it to her with a glass of water. I figured charity begins at home, and she is always in my neighborhood and I have bought her food before. It really breaks my heart that in today's world people are all alone and homeless. I can hardly wrap my brain around it, and it makes me feel guilty for what I have. I want to do more.

I am off for now, I am doing laundry and turning in for the night. I hope everyone had a wonderful weekend. Love and light. Namaste'
Rose

FIRST TEN POUND CHARITY THIS MONDAY 10-7-2013

This is a re-post of one of my earliest posts from last July when I first started this blog.  I wanted to re-post it so all the information about the charity I am volunteering with for my first ten pound weight loss is available. I have made my first ten pound goal a reality a few weeks ago and I am currently at 15 pounds.  

On Monday 10-7-2013 I, along with Mike my trainer and friend, his girlfriend Maria, and my friend Courtney will be joining the Monday Night Mission to help feed the hungry at Skid Row in Los Angeles CA. I am very happy and humbled to be able to give a little of myself to such a wonderful cause. 

I will be writing more about the experience of volunteering with The Monday Night Mission, and Seasons 52's role in donating food for the cause in future posts. I am grateful for the help of everyone involved, and the support I have been receiving. I could not go this alone. I have a long way to go to my final weight loss goal but it feels so amazing to be making strides and seeing the results as I continue on with my journey. This is the first of many charities to come, as I hope to lose at least 50 pounds total. Love and light to all.
Namaste'
Rose

WRITTEN ON 7-7-2013

Man does not weave this web of life. He is merely a strand of it. Whatever he does to the web, he does to himself.

Chief Seattle 

I have chosen my organization I intend to sponsor when I get to my ten pound goal. The Monday Night Mission has really made an impact on me. I follow their Facebook page and the selfless kind acts they do for the residents at Skid Row in Los Angeles are awe inspiring to me. I have wanted to get involved for some time, so picking their wonderful cause is a natural choice for me. Here is some information on wonderful things they do to make a difference in the world. I am humbled by all that they do and  I wish to personally thank Mel at the Monday Night Mission.

I am going to volunteer my time and donate food. I work at Seasons 52 in Century City CA and they have offered to help me by donating food as well. I will be writing a post about them soon. I have friends who wish to join me and get involved. It will be an  honor to serve the residents of Skid Row. I am getting healthy and joining in with the best people of Los Angeles to make a difference, what a win win. 

You must be the change you wish to see in the world.

Mahatma Gandhi

ABOUT THE MONDAY NIGHT MISSION

We meet every Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday and Friday night to feed our Homeless Brothers and Sisters on Skid-row. Please click the about button below for full details and info on how to join us.

Mission

The sole aim of Monday Night Mission is to feed the less fortunate of Skid-Row who are turned away from Skid-Row shelters.

Company Overview

We feed our Homeless Brothers and Sisters on Skid-row every Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday and Friday night.
We meet at the Burger King at 7.30pm at 700 West Cesar e Chavez ave, Los Angeles CA 90012.

Please text (310) 926-6675 for more information or email mt7654@gmail.com Please let us now via this page if you intend on joining us!

General Information

Monday Night Mission

About

The sole aim of Monday Night Mission is to feed the less fortunate of Skid Row who are unable to find housing or are turned away from shelters.

We meet every Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday and Friday night to feed our homeless brothers and sisters on Skid Row. We meet at the Burger King at 7:30 p.m. at:

700 West Cesar E Chavez Avenue
Los Angeles, CA 90012

We will then prepare food, organize car pools, and aim head to Skid Row. Anyone and everyone is welcome! Don’t worry about what you can or cannot bring! Bring yourself! Please let us know if you plan on joining us by leaving a comment on this page! Text Mel at 310-926-6675 or email him at mt7654@gmail.com if you’d like more information.

Please wear close-toed footwear and be prepared for cold or rainy weather. If you would like to bring food, below is a list of food items that can always be used, however, anything you can contribute is appreciated and will make a difference! We aim to feed anywhere from 150 to 350 people every night, but the numbers will vary.

Also, please feel free to bring any clothing items, blankets, toiletries, etc. you would like to donate.



Useful Food Items

Pasta
Sandwiches
Loaves of bread
Peanut Butter
Jelly
Lunch meats
Mayonnaise
Fruit
Packaged snacks
Bottled water

You MUST let us know if you plan on joining us, and you must arrive by 7:30 p.m. If you plan on coming, you can inform us by commenting on our Facebook page or by emailing Mel at mt7654@gmail.com.

We are a non-registered, non-profit organization and don’t accept any monetary donations. We are nondenominational and unaffiliated with any other non-profit or religious organization.