Today was Yoga day

I got one item on my To-Dos started today! 

I took a Virtual Yoga class with Magically Mae (Jennie Mae Casillas) of Mae U Be Wellness in Phoenix Arizona. This was a class offered through a program I signed up for: Womxn on Purpose!

Things I noticed: I am far stiffer than I was the last time I did yoga. My belly gets in the way of my forward bends! And I also noticed that I loved it. Breathing exercises, stretches, twists, meditation. 

I especially loved the breath meditation during savasana, which made me think of all the things I want to breathe out of my life (jealousy, pain, worry, fear) and all the things I want to breathe in to my life (creativity, beauty, love). I need to do this more! Maybe Wednesday will be Yoga day from now on. 

Magically Mae is awesome. She meets with you in Zoom. has two cameras on her at all times so you can see both front and side, and gives wonderful feedback about what and how you should be feeling! While you would have to be in the WoP group to take this particular 90 minute session, she also offers group and individual classes by the month. 

Here is a taste of Magically Mae in video from the Spirit of Yoga page in Facebook!

My Task List and why I haven't written more, but need to!

 It has been four years since I posted here. In that time I:

• traveled to France, twice, 
• almost finished a master's degree in history (my fifth degree and my third master's degree) 
• had my number of grandkids increase to 7 (three in Ohio, two in Arizona, and two in Australia!)
• written twelve academic papers
• written fewer poems (only 10), but started one novel (fantasy)
• did a lot of gardening
• put on weight
• acquired some wrinkles
• retired from teaching
• dyed my hair red
• and lived (so far) through a pandemic.

My summer has consisted of sitting on my porch reading, enjoying my gardens, and drinking coffee (in the morning) or wine (afternoon to evening). I think it is now time for me to get back to more creative writing. I have one Tumblr, three Twitter feeds, and two Facebook accounts; all of which have seen more writing from me than my academic or creative work. I have seven blogs: one personal, two professional, three themed: none of which has received much attention of late. 

Ironic that with all the at home time from the pandemic I have not done very much this year, besides gardening and reading books. Year to date I have read 146 books. Everything from ancient Greek literature to Regency murder mysteries to vampire romances. I can lose myself for hours in a good book. 

So here is my challenge to myself and my to do list for fall and winter: 

1. Get rid of all the old paperwork: from classes, old handouts, exams, and household account stuff over 3 years old. Consolidate and eliminate some filing cabinets!
2. Clean out the closets. If I haven't worn it in the last 3 years, it needs to go. 
3. Clean out the kitchen cupboards. Why do I need 3 full sets of dinnerware and 2 full sets of silverware? 
4. Start either selling books on Amazon, or give them to good homes. I am doing most if not all my reading on my Kindle. The only books I need in print are my reference or favorite ones. 
5. Turn the 3rd floor library into a functional office. 
6. Get the basement shower room fixed and functional again. 
7. Get a plasterer in to fix the walls in the kitchen, upstairs bathroom, and staircase. (Oh, the joys of having a 100+ year old house!)
8. Exercise more: Take a yoga class, walk 15 minutes per day!

I think that is it. Stay tuned for results.