LONG TERM GOALS

Sometimes you look at your goals and lament on the time it takes to make them happen. For me I am proud of my accomplishments so far but I admit I sometimes look at the time it has taken to get to where I am, and wonder if I should be farther along in my progress. It is not a wise thing to question time, it passes anyway and to be able to say you are better off then you were before is a gift. The old cliche' is true, Rome was not built in a day. It takes time to make your goals a reality, and in my case taking longer to get to the destination is better than some short fix. It is a marathon and not a sprint. I am in for the duration of the run.

Yesterday I had a great workout with Mike, and I plan on getting a photo of him as well to post soon. I am so grateful to him and I am definitely improving since that awkward day of our first workout last July. We spoke about my idea to learn to surf, since it is on my fitness bucket list and I said it is something I would like to do when I get to my final goal weight of around 130-140 lbs. He said that works because the water temperature is warmer in Summer, so I hope to be at goal or close to goal by then. We are running every week now, and all of a sudden as we were running I had this aha moment when I felt like I can do this. Next week we will run farther so I have my work cut out for me but I am up for the challenge.

After my workout I ran to my 7:15 Yoga Class with Nicole at Pink Iron. It was a crowded class with awesome energy. I love Nicole, she is amazing and I got the chance to snap a few photos with her and I will post them this weekend. She is my first yoga teacher and I am very grateful to her. I love Yoga and tonight I am going to Yogaworks to either take an Iyengar class or a flow class. depending on the time I get there. My husband James told me this weekend I was a Yogi before I ever took a Yoga class or stepped on a mat. That was the best compliment.

Off for my day, coffee and some fuel is needed. I wish you a beautiful day, full of radiance and warmth. Love and Light to all.
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 10-15-2013

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

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

YOGA PRACTICE

Good Morning to all. It is Friday, I am am so happy about that. Yesterday I went to my Iyengar Yoga class, which I absolutely love. My body is really beginning to open up in the poses, it is such a wonderful class to add if you mostly take Vinyaya. Tonight is Vinyasa class at Yogaworks. I am really becoming flexible but I must say I am a little afraid to do a headstand, I guess inversions will come with time. I love seeing my practice expand. I am able to do a split up against the wall with no props for my hands.

I am off for now, I went out with my wonderful friend Francie last night, and we sat at an outdoor cafe for a couple hours, and when I got home the cats kept us up half the night so I am really sleepy. One more day of work then it is the weekend. Happy Weekend to all.
Namaste'
Rose

BE CURIOUS

Good Morning to all today. I am on my second cup of coffee, I could not sleep last night. My mind was racing about The Monday Night Mission. My volunteer date is coming up fast, and all I could think about was the little things I want to get done on Sunday, bake some cookies and bag them up and make ham and cheese sandwiches for the hungry. 

I missed yoga yesterday, we are having some minor issues on the home front, but tonight I will be back at it at Yogaworks. I have to lock my cats in the bedroom for the duration of the afternoon, the mortgage inspector is coming again and they have to come in and neither of us will be home. The building manager said they will not enter the bedroom so the cats do not flee out the front door. I hate to lock them up, but I would rather go to work and know they are safe, and hopefully the people coming in will not open the door. They said this is the last time, so I am relieved. With cats it is difficult, because every time you open the door they want to bolt. Curiosity and all, you know what they say about curiosity. I think it is imperative for humans to stay curious, but for cats not so much. I am completely curious about everything, so hopefully my curiosity will not get me into too much trouble. 

I am off for now. Long day and I may meet my friend Francie for coffee after yoga. She is my wonderful friend I met when I did the Richard Simmons video. I am so thankful, I started this project and I am making things happen and meeting some amazing friends along the way. I feel very blessed as I drink my morning coffee. Love and Light to all. 
Namaste'
Rose

SORE BODY, HEAVY HEART

Stormy loved to travel, here she is in Delaware at the Bailey Home.

Good Morning to all. It is Thursday and I am so happy it is almost the weekend. I am really sore today. Tuesday I worked out with Mike, my trainer and friend and the new workout left me  really sore. I had a Vinyasa Yoga class last night with Nicole, and I am even more sore this morning. Sore in a good way mind you, but I may need to purchase some Epsom salts to soothe. Tonight I am taking either a Vinyasa class at Yogaworks, or a Inyegar class. It depends when I get there and how I feel. The Inyegar class is very challenging but slower, and may be a good fit since my muscles feel fatigued.

Off for today, this post is short and sweet. I am sleepy this week and a bit over emotional for some reason. My cat Stormy that passed away last January has been on my mind a lot. I was in the pet store and all of a sudden I was reminded of that horrid week, and other reminders hit me as the day progressed. It is strange how you go through your daily life and all of a sudden something from the past hits you and you are transported to that time and place immediately. I am a very emotional creature, so I choose to feel whatever comes my way, but then I find it necessary to block it out a bit so I can get on with everything I need to accomplish. I cannot believe it has already been eight months since we lost her. She was family and will forever be missed yet remembered.

Wishing you a beautiful Thursday
Love and Light
Namaste'
Rose

DAILY YOGA PRACTICE

Good Morning and a Happy Friday to all. I love Friday's, since moving to Los Angeles both my husband James and I do not work weekends. On Saturday's we go on mini adventures. California is an amazing place to explore and discover. Today it is completely overcast, which feels totally like Autumn, without the cold temperatures you get back east.

Yesterday I took my second Iyengar Yoga class, which is slow and you hold the poses much longer than a Vinyasa class. It helps you work on your poses and correct alignment. It is not an easy class, and you must engage your mind body connection. Tonight I am taking a Vinyasa class. I am practicing yoga five times a week now, and I can already feel my practice opening up. It is a fantastic feeling to work hard and feel the results. Daily yoga is my new lifestyle.

I am off for now. I think I need a second cup of coffee before I get moving and begin my day. I wish everyone a beautiful day and weekend.

Namaste'
Love and Light
Rose

CHANGE ATTITUDE, CHANGE DIRECTION

Good Morning and a Happy Wednesday to all. I am fighting a headache that started last night, I think it may be allergy related because I have a lot of pressure in my eyes. It made for challenging yoga practice but I made it through. I try not to ever take medications but I may break down today and take some ibuprofen. I also allowed myself to get dehydrated before class, a big no no.

The Helipad class on the top of the hotel was cancelled. I was so disappointed. I really was looking forward to that experience. It may be rescheduled one more time before the season ends, so I am not sure I will be able to make it this season. I decided to turn my attitude around and myself in the direction of Yogaworks in West Hollywood and take a Vinyasa class instead. One thing I am learning, you can find your peaceful place and zen wherever you are. It is a state of mind. If something does not work out, just turn it around and make 
something new work out instead. You have reign over your thoughts, and they are more powerful than you think.  My disappointment was there, but I decided to let it go and move forward in the direction of my usual yoga class. There was no way I would throw in the towel and head home with a bad attitude dragging behind me. Bad attitudes only weigh you down.

Today is my  weekly workout with my friend and trainer Mike. I hope this headache goes away so I can be at my best. I do not and will not slow down. I think practicing yoga three to five days a week will help me progress in my workouts with Mike, working out with Mike will help me in my yoga practice. I am only getting stronger.

Wishing everyone a beautiful day. To quote my adorable Mother, I am closing now. That is how she lets you know she is signing off the computer. Too cute for words.

Namaste'
Love and Light
Rose

SUNDAY MUSINGS AND YOGA

Happy Sunday to all. Yesterday my husband and I were on our way to the beach, driving up Sunset Boulevard when we were struck by a motorcycle. We were ok, he was ok, and his two little dogs on the back of the bike were fine as well. We got all the information and took care of the insurance part, and we were on our way to our beach outing in Malibu.

As I sat on that beautiful beach, one thing that came to mind for me. We were so lucky to be there. That could have been ugly but it was just a little damage to a machine. No one was hurt, the two dogs were totally oblivious to what had happened.  I did not look at it as bad luck we were hit, I looked at it as good luck no one was hurt. If I am given lemons, I will choose to take those lemons and make cookies to share with those who need a little sweetness in their life. Lemons can be transformed from sour to sweet with a loving touch.

That brings me to the subject of being an optimist. I am a self confessed optimist and I try to look at things from a different vantage point always. Life is not a given, so I am trying to soak up everything I can from it. I am human and sometimes I have off days, but this is how I try to live each and every day. When days are dark, I write melancholic poems and get on with it. I muse off the melancholy and get back to living my authentic life.

I am using this way of  looking at life as I continue on this project. It is not easy to get back in shape and lose weight, or to get back in the shape I was in when I was a dancer. It is not impossible though, it is just going to take a lot of time and a lot of effort. I love volunteering so matching up one of my life goals with one of my passions makes it all the more worth at the end of the day. I feel very fulfilled and humbled at the same time. I am enjoying the process as much as the results, and  I try to remember my gratitude for all those who grace my path each and every day.

Happy Sunday to all. I am off to brunch, and a yoga class late in the afternoon. One of the teachers at Yogaworks told me if I practice 3-5 times a week I will see huge differences as soon as six weeks. My body will completely open up in the poses. I love going as much as possible. It truly connects my mind and body as one. I am officially a yogi.

Namaste'
Love and Light
Rose

BEACH DAY

Today

I want to dive deep
Beneath salt waters,
Amongst sea creatures;
Wild waves enveloping rapid
Thoughts, cleansing my psyche

Awakened, renewed in blue
Coming up for air
Finding my calm self,
On the edge of a cliff
Lost in Mermaids Pose.
(C) Rose Bruno Bailey

Good morning and happy Saturday to all. I am up a little later than usual but early for a Saturday morning. We are headed to the beach today. We are packing a picnic and driving to one of Ventura's lovely coast lines.

I am going to walk in the sand as my workout today, and do all the other exercises as well. I may even do some burpees. I have a wonderful book to take along as well. Nothing like spending a day at the beach. For now I am reveling in some silence as I drink my coffee. Sometimes you just have to tune out all of the outside noise.

My yoga class yesterday at Yogaworks with Tom was amazing, I wore the little brace I bought for my ankle and I felt great, and Tom said I looked great. My ankle did not give me too many issues, and I felt secure as I transitioned from pose to pose. I am loving practicing at Yogaworks, and I plan on it three to five days a week. The class was a yogablend class, very similar to what I have done before. It was set to music, and a bit challenging at times but I think I kept up quite well. The ladies at the front desk are so helpful, and I appreciate all of their advice and expertise. They said my practice will really deepen quickly if I come that often, and that motivated me even more. I am off for now, still a bit sleepy and incoherent. Here is a poem I wrote back in 2005 after a day of swimming. It is short and simple but I think it captures the essence of the power water has over me. 

Namaste' 

LOVE OF WATER

I dive in a pool of crystal clear waters,

My worries float away.

I gaze at the sapphire sky, the sun

Blazes brightly aboveme.

Clouds drift aimlessly

Making a myriad of shapes and sizes.

My wistful spirit is baptized,

I am consumed by this show of

Sky high fireworks;

Warming my soul and body.

Trees pirouette in the wind, a minuet

For weary eyes, I am taken away.

(c) Rose Bruno Bailey

YOGA AND A STARRY NIGHT

Good Morning and Happy Friday. Yesterday I took my first Iyengar Yoga class at Yogaworks in West Hollywood.
 (Named after and developed by B. K. S. Iyengar, is a form of Hatha Yoga that has an emphasis on detail, precision and alignment in the performance of posture (asana) and breath control (pranayama). The development of strength, mobility and stability is gained through the asanas)

It was a wonderful class, and it really worked your body. It is much slower than Vinyasa but you really get deep in the poses, and learn what they do for your body. It is about connecting to your mind to your body, and getting in the pose first through your thought process. Mind and body together as one. The yoga teacher was amazing. I used to volunteer at City Yoga, where Yogaworks in West Hollywood is located, and coming to classes there in a way is like a homecoming. The  two spaces feel like sanctuary's to me, so much so I can imagine the building was once a church or temple.
The trees are right outside the beautiful open windows, and the breeze came in like a gentle nudge to remember to breathe. I can tell I am going to love practicing yoga at Yogaworks in West Hollywood. The management and staff are very friendly and thoughtful and they answer all of your questions. Anna from City Yoga is working there, and it was lovely to see her smiling face.

Afterwards I asked if I can take some photos of the space in the future, and I was granted permission to do so. I will post those at a future date. 

After class I walked home and watched the sun set these unreal hues of pink and purple. On the way home I stopped in a used book store to purchase a beach read for our outing Saturday, and oh what a find I discovered. It is all about this man who loses everything, and he decided to bike his way cross country. He meets some interesting souls on his new journey. I thought it was the perfect beach read, since I am on a journey of sorts myself. It is called The Memory of Running, a novel written by author Ron McLarty. 

When I left the bookstore all of the stars had appeared like a kaleidoscope for weary eyes. I wanted to go lay in the grass somewhere, and stargaze with the cool September breeze upon my surrendering body. I love to just lay down and look up at the marvel of the vast night sky. We truly are just a spec in this spectacular universe. There is so much more out there, it really puts everything into a clear perspective.

Well enough of my musings for the day. Coffee, breakfast and work await. Tonight I am either working out at the gym or walking and taking another yoga class. Tonight's class is set to music, that should be just delightful.

Wishing you a breathtaking Friday, full of all of those simple moments that make life grand.

Namaste'

Love and Light

Rose