4th week - into the woods and out again

Stopped overnight in San Francisco Sunday night. You know, I think I've had it with cities. There isn't much enticement there for me anymore. I've done most of the things I've wanted to do in a city.  I felt cramped and stuck in vast, dirty streets packed with tourists. I drove by these little tiny doors that lead into apartments above shops on main streets and I couldn't understand the draw anymore. Mind you, I've spent several years living and wanting to live in cities, but I've done it, and I'm finished with it. The desire is gone. That may come back, of course, but I'd be very surprised.
With that said, and felt, Jason recommended Sierra Hot Springs for our 5 days off. He's got some hot ideas, so I listened and made my way up the windy roads past Lake Tahoe, Truckee and into Sierraville, CA.  What a great idea that was! The ride was tough because it was raining, I was super tired from the weekend of camping and working and was ready to stop moving - but I pushed through and landed on the other side, Sierra Nevada Heaven. I don't think I've had a better week for as long as I can remember.

Here is an example of my day:
Organic Kashi Cereal Breakfast with Blackberries, Strawberries and Banana.
Temple Dome Hot Spring in the AM for an hour, then dip into the cold spring for a minute.
Swim around in a larger hot spring pool for a bit.
Hike up a Mountain to a Water Fall.
Deep Kripalu Yoga Practice by myself in the sun and 7 winds breeze.
Breath.
Lunch, including fresh Organic California Avocados.
Take a nap with a little kitty cat.
Walk into the woods and stumble upon a hammock. Rest and look at the trees.
90 minute Aromatherapy/Shiatsu Massage with the best therapist I've ever had.
Meditation Pool for a long, warm soak beside a wooden wind chime.
Watch the sunset over a cup of Yogi Meditative Tea.
Mexican Food for din din and locally made organic cookies for dessert with dark chocolate.
Meet the most interesting and unusual people and have long conversations.
Watch a movie or read a book or meditate.
Sleep.

What a life, huh? I highly recommend Sierra Hot Springs to anyone and everyone. It's superb. And utterly relaxing. The views are breathtaking and the people are kinder than ever. What a laid back, simple home to live in for a week. I'm so happy I went. Thanks, Jason!

On Friday I drove back into the more populated areas.  From towns of 207 people or less to 800,000 people in only 47 square miles.  (Remind me, why we live like this, when you can drive 3 hours away to open land and clean air?)   I came down from 5,000 feet to Sea level.  All in just 3 hours.  What a change.  
My weekend was a whirlwind.  In less than 40 hours, the crew and I set up, worked a 20 hour event and tore down.  Other than 7 hours of sleep, I worked every minute of those 40 hours.  We had a 5:30am set up on Saturday and worked a full event that day.  Fortunately, the fair was hopping.  No one had time to look at their watches until 5pm, and we closed at 6pm with enough energy to get to our hotel.  It was crazy busy.  We gave away 2,800 bags in the just two days - 16 hours.  That's a lot of talking and a lot of bag stuffing.  My goodness!  We are all proud of the work we did this time around and can't wait for another event like this, aka. Boulder.   

One thing I have to say about Alameda; many of the people were just plain rude.  It was a beautiful Mother's day on Sunday and half the people were grumpy because they had to stand in a line to get a FREE Kashi bag.  Did I mention it was free?  People's behavior in masses tend to be outrageous and often times totally inexcusable.  But, I've been on tour for 3 years, and it never changes.  So, I know to expect it, and am always optimistic - looking for change.  Thank goodness I'm not working in the tent I worked my first year.  The Taste Here Tent, where people were shoveling in bowl after bowl of free cereal and spitting bits of Kashi in my face while asking me a question as loud as possible about why there were so few samples to be had.  Oh dear.  People, people.  I was really shocked at the grumpiness at the event and the entitlement they felt.  But I did my best to cheer them up, by entertaining them over the microphone during my announcements and doing a lot of smiling, which tends to soften most hearts.  Once I get a hold of their eyes, many can't help but rise to the occasion by bringing back their sense of humor.  So... I'm working on my own optomism and faith in the human race.  Man was Alameda a tough one.  You know though, the more challenging, the better, I think.  Lots of demands and pressure for speed with this job.  Makes me wonder: Why does no one have time anymore to stop and smell the flowers anymore, or perhaps appreciate what they've accomplished so far.  Our society is always on to the next issue.  No wonder why Yoga is becoming more and more popular.  Even if you are an exception to the average population, you're surrounded by all these loonies, so you've got to find a hideaway that gives you space to feel like yourself and a sense of safety.  Golly!  I need to get back to a studio soon.  Alameda was nothing like Sierraville, where everyone is happy and taking there sweet time, literally. 

Humph.  We can do it though.  Get back to our peace of mind.  Just smile and take life one step at a time, while thoroughly enjoying each step.  Sensing the temperature of the air, feeling the grass massage the bottom of your feet, enjoying the Vitamin D the sun is lending your skin.  When's the last time you took your shoes off and walked on the grass?