T-Rex Mug Cakes

when you need breakfast food

Yesterday I did my groceries for the month, and while I am not exactly committing to a Whole 30 for January, I am going to try some of the recipes and suggestions. I love food. Food is my crutch. I especially love quick, savoury foods, and comfort food piles. Anyone else? My goals this year are to start hiking around the mountains, biking, and practising yoga daily. I do not have a specific weight loss goal in mind. Let me be honest though. I have stored extra fat around my abdomen and it concerns me that excessive visceral fat around my organs is causing me to have many issues. I struggle with adrenal fatigue, inflammation, muscle cramps, drowsiness, lack of energy, poor sleep to excessive insomnia. And. McDonald's caramel sundaes. So.

Yes, it's true: I used Thrive products for about a year now. I truly enjoyed the DFT patches and vitamins. I never have a bad word to say about another company. It is ok to change it up! Since I was noticing my Thrive stash dwindling, I really started watching (more like Facebook stalking) my friend Laura, and her journey as an It Works distributor. I fell in love with her enthusiasm for the products and how down to earth she is about sharing. I admit I was skeptical about the crazy wrap thing, but so interested in the supplements!! Spending the money is a non issue, because I am going to buy and use supplements whether they are from It Works, Thrive, a Health Food Store or Grocery, I've even used Melaleuca. They all work. They are all good.

What I like about It Works is the guess work has been taken care of. The formulas are all outlined. The products are non-GMO. But, most importantly, the people using It Works are all Happy. 

Happy

This is my 2016 word. 

Happy

The New Year always seems like a good time to try new things. "I'm not a New Year, New You kinda gal. There's just too much pressure. The expectation freaks me out. And too much excitement gives me adrenal fatigue. I have to stay level headed. And I have to stay off the bagels..."

I said "What if". And went for it.

My It Works wraps came in yesterday, and I wrapped last night. I am looking forward to learning all I can about these amazing products. I can't wait to start sharing my experiences later this month...

First, this afternoon I made an abundant Sweet Potato and Beef Stew, it is simmering in my Ninja slow cooker as I compose. My landlord just exclaimed out in the hallway, "Oh! It smells so good!" I mean really, anyone can make stew right? I'll offer up my recipe in a future collection:

Abundant Sweet Potato and Beef Stew
*heart heart swoon

"Breakfast" is my most neglected meal of the day, while knowing this contributes to my Adrenal Fatigue issue. So, here we are discussing the breakfast option. I have grown tired of smoothies, especially since I am actually required to chew them. In their book "It starts with Food" Dallas and Melissa give a good talk about not drinking your calories. I love the chocolate protein smoothie from Vega, so I invented the Chocolate Protien Mug Cake. Because, chocolate. My almond milk is Almond Breeze. It has carageenan(not allowed on Whole 30), and I welcome any suggestions on an almond milk product that is not full of additives, aside from making my own. What you're really here for is this:

my mug cake with melted peanut butter

My T-Rex Chocolate Mug Cake

1 scoop protien powder(Vega is not listedon Whole 30 as it is made up of pea protien and contains stevia)
1/4 tsp baking powder
1 egg white

3 tbsp chocolate almond milk (and a splash of water because the microwave uses the water to cook)
2 tsp shredded coconut
1 tbsp cocoa
Mix all dry ingredients together.
Whisk wet ingredients, (egg white, water, chocolate almond milk) then add to dry ingredients and stir it up. Pour mixture into your favourite mug, I used T-Rex because he makes everything strong.
Microwave 45 seconds, check it, microwave 45 more seconds.
Toppings:
-melt a bit of peanut(peanut butter is not on the Whole 30 list) or almond or hazelnut butter and drizzle on top
-chopped nuts or dried fruit

-fresh berries

style all the things!

You can follow my foodie pinterest boards right here:

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"Disny the Dead" Zombie Baby

Tonight I took a timeout from pottery projects to work on my Halloween costume. If anyone knows me, they know how much I love creating cool as shit costumes! And scaring the kids. *here's your warning, if you're gonna be offended you should probably split, taking this message: I think this is hilarious, and that's why I'm happy, living the dream*

Please meet Disny. She's a Zombaby, and half of my costume this year. She's a typical baby, except for a few character traits that make her special. Well, she's an aspiring artist as well. I would love to share with you how I made her!

We have this fantastic second hand store in Canmore and I've found so much great stuff for Loft Living, my studio and for my travelling pottery show. 

Today I found this red tag doll, 50% off. Along with a $1 bag of face paint, this little pumpkin candy holder which is the perfect size for Disny, and two half price growlers for my Kombucha experiment! Eight bucks total. I says, "Pardon me?" John's like, "I know! All red tags!" Winning.

I already started adding gesso to the dolls body when I recognized the opportunity for a blog post. Here she is, all cute and innocent with her dress as a do rag. 

I loved her adorable little eyes, but they were too sweet for a Zombaby who just found her way to be a Halloween costume!

I gave this Dollie a good coat of gesso with a sponge. I dabbed it on so it would have texture rather than brush strokes. I apologized to her repeatedly and assured her little spirit that I adore her as is. She's actually quite forgiving. And asked that I play some musics. I found a Disney stamp on her neck, and gave her a name. It's appropriate don't you agree?

As the gesso cured I assembled acrylic paints, brushes, a salad tray for a palette and started mixing. For the Zombie Grey I mixed white with a blob of black and green. I used the same sponge that I used for the gesso to sponge the color all over. Even though the hair is covered, I used packing tape to mask the very edges of the hairline, and it helped hold the turban in place.

Next, I started mixing a Zombie Flesh colour. I used white, red, yellow and a touch of the Zombie Grey. Skin is not pink. It's kind of green in some light. So, I mottled it with two different sized bristle brushes, this kept the fleshy textures consistent. 

Here's a good close up of her little Zombaby face. This doll has a flat face and there's no contour whatsoever. I used a much Darker Shadow Grey to create deep eye sockets. Her features popped once I added a layer of Light Grey. The lips have Blood Red added, which is the color I also use for the wounds. 

Zombaby's wound is built up using one ply of toilet tissue and my favourite acrylic medium Mod Podge. It's glossy, so it creates depth to the Wound Red and Blood Red. Wound Red is simply a dab of red with some of the Zombie Grey. Blood Red has a dab of black in the red. 

Now for the gross part. I used pieces of toilet paper, Mod Podge and the Blood Red to make fleshy bits in her little monster hands. 

 

That's disgusting. But wait til you see what happens next!

Pallette

Disny Zombaby! Ready for Trick or Treats!

Clean your dryer!

Let's Talk! Tuesday Tips Anyone?!

There's this inconvenient phenomenon that occurs in my laundry. Tissues get left in pockets. So they end up exploding in my washer and then in my dryer. Today after it happened I had this strange urge to vacuum out the lint catcher in my dryer. I want to say something funny and witty, but I think it's really more important that you take me seriously about this for a few minutes! Here's my Pinterest, to give my Tip credibility!            Visit Tamara M. Hannah's profile on Pinterest.   

First I removed the lint catcher and started to run hot water on it. The water was beading off, rather than draining through the mesh. I said to myself, "I think this was a good idea!" and grabbed the soap and a scrub brush. Next, I took the Dyson with the crevice tool and started to clean out the area that holds the lint catcher.....

THIS IS WHAT WAS IN THERE! I had to empty the Dyson vacuum 3 times! 

 Needless to say, I did some investigating, just to find out how all of this works. This "grate" comes off of the inside of the dryer wall just below where the lint catcher rests. Once I took it off a PILE of lint and about half a cup of sand fell out of the crevice that it covered! I was shocked and grossed out. This is how houses burn down. 

Next, I scrubbed the build up from the grate, this is how my lint catcher looked also. I vacuumed the rest of the gap where the lint was building up. I could fit my whole hand down there and was gathering hand fulls of lint. Ok, so this dryer was a second hand jobbie that was in my loft when I moved in. It didn't occur to me that cleaning it was a necessity. I'm sharing this well learned lesson with you today for the simple fact that I think it's pretty unsafe. 

 Here is my washed out lint trap! 

Here is a weird angle of the whole area that the grate piece screws on to and then where the lint catcher would sit. This photo is after I cleaned it all out.

Here's the clean grate being screwed back onto the inside of the dryer. 

And inserting my clean lint catcher back into its holder. 

This situation made me nervous because sometimes I like to leave the dryer running when I leave the loft for work in the afternoon. Riggs isn't very good at calling 911 if you know what I mean.

So take a few minutes when you load the dryer next time and see if you have any build up in your lint catcher! This whole project only took me about half an hour, it was worth it!

This certainly isn't my most sparkly, bubbly, glittery post to date. And you'll adjust. It can't all be rainbows and kittens! 

Hey, I know how to make you feel better! 

Click Me! 

You'll get linked up to my Pottery Verve 2015 Survey, and if you take 3 minutes to fill out my easy peasy survey...

You could win a Jack O' Lantern mug made by me! 

Thanks for following Pottery Verve xo

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Hot Tips! Pottery tips to change your studio life a little wee bit!

Hey Pottery Pals!

Today I have to share with you some awesome hot tips!

First, "The Best Tip Ever"

You know when your underglaze lids get all crusty and dried out and really hard to open? I personally just changed my own life! Put a thin layer of Petroleum Jelly a.k.a. Vaseline, around the lid and rim of the jars. Ta-Daa! You're welcome! Saves your wrists, thumbs and time.

Not only that! It also helps seal the lids so they are a bit air tight. This helps them last longer. Hey, you know how to make your underglazes last a really long time? 

Tip #2: add water to your underglazes when you first get them. Brand new underglazes are my absolute favourite. I started using a few commercial neon glazes also. If you split off the jar into another old jar, maybe you're empty jar, you're underglazes will last twice as long. Besides, I find a couple of thin coats is better than one thick coat. Drop a round pebble or two in the jars to help shake them up when it's time to go!

Tip #3: always have the jar sitting on the table while you open it. You know why? Ever spill a whole new jar of underglaze all over your breasts while teaching a class? Ya. BTDT. Tossed the Tshirt.

Tip #4: the mini mixers are great to remix all your dried up product! 

Make sure you put some of the Vaseline on the rim of the mixer and the lid! 

Tip #5: a toothbrush can be your best cleaning tool. Glazes dry hard sometimes and stick in the worst crevices! I have about 20 toothbrushes in the studio.

Well! Take my advice today and save yourself some moolah! Potters are poor!

Bonus tip:

Use a sharpie,

And label ALL THE THINGS! 

It makes it so much easier on "Artist Brain" while you're in the zone. 

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Make your own LegWarmers! #MYOL

There's alotta hashtags going around in my head! #MYOL so much fun!

This great, simple, Beginner's crochet pattern will get you through spring yoga sessions like a whiz! I am making fluorescent pink ones to start off!

  Leg Warmers

Convert this to knit 

EASY Crochet
These leg warmers will be most appreciated in the dead of winter when temperatures plummet and winds wail, but be sure to have them crocheted and ready to wear.  

Directions are given for size 9-11.  You will need two 4 ounce, skeins of 4 ply yarn and sizes I and K crochet hooks. 

Gauge: 3 hdc equal 1 inch 

Starting at lower edge with smaller ,hook, ch 30, join with sl st to form ring, ch 2, do not turn.

Row 1: Sc in each ch, join with sl st in top of ch-2, ch 2, do not turn.

Rows 2 through 8: Repeat Row 1.

Row 9: With larger hook, ch 2, hdc in each sc across, join with sl st in top of ch-2, ch 2, turn.

Repeat Row 9 to length desired, after last sl st, fasten off

Comment below for a chance to win a Yoga Sesh with me at Electric Cobra Yoga!

Post by Electric Cobra Yoga.

#DYOM

DESIGN YOUR OWN MUG!

You get to choose and personalize your very own Pottery Verve Mug!

20 oz mug $40

16 oz mug $30

- grab a sharpie and sketch paper and draw out your design

- choose from any glaze finish

-in four to five weeks your mug will be ready to be picked up

-all special orders must be pre-paid by cash, credit, emt or paypal

LET’S DO THIS!

potteryverve@yahoo.ca

www.facebook.com/PotteryVerve

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March came blasting in!

It seemed like a whirlwind snowstorm brought March in! Have you seen my Electric Cobra Yoga Facebook dealio?
Click this:

Post by Electric Cobra Yoga.

It is time now for Kapha season which begins around March and continues until around June. We also know how much we all just want winter to get it over with already and bring on spring! 

I lurched around today as though watching a drone of myself carry out tasks, feeling heavy, as though my actions were working against me. When I noticed annoyance creeping up in the parking lot at the bank I gave a meagre smile out, wishing I hadn't left the house. Now that I am aware of my self care, through my yoga practice, I am inspired to find ways to cope with balancing these days of low, sluggish energy. Calling the government squashed my intentions today. My solution was a 2 slice dose of Donair pizza, big bottle of Canada Dry and two naps. My old habit of self medicating won out over any healthful solution in the moment. Going with the flow didn't really hurt that much.

After my second nap I started looking for a few yoga poses to help out my weird, sluggish body feeling. Sun Salutations are a great way to get moving! I like to promise myself to start with 3 on each side. After 3, sometimes I am ready to add in a couple more. I like to do the movements to my breath. 

Adding poses like Matsyasana Fish pose, Ustrasana Camel pose and Paripurna Navasana Boat pose  

Camel pose

to my practice today will help me release all that "i'm so sick of winter" stagnant energy from my body. You can click these links to help you get a feel for these rejuvenating poses. 

Fish pose

I started Electric Cobra Yoga so that I could help people find themselves in a yoga practice specific to their needs. And starting with some of my own needs helps me be a good listener to help teach my clients. I'm offering a Beginner Special of 3 one hour sessions to help people who believe they can't do yoga. Come on a yoga journey with me!

Boat pose

Let's etsy!

Just over here getting the Pottery Verve etsy shop back up and running! It will take a bit of practice and time working out some of the kinks! 

You can click Pottery Verve on etsy to see a good old fashioned butter dish right away. Keep an eye out for updates! For your entertainment I'll create a lovely Treasury of my favourite new Springy items! Let's keep in touch!

Pottery Verve Spring 2015 Studio Classes-May Start!

VERVE/vərv/

Noun: 

Vigor and spirit or enthusiasm.

Synonyms: 

spirit - pep - vivacity - zest - vigour - vigour

Spring Vase or Tea Set 

Learn one of two projects! Spring vase uses slab hand building techniques with stamping and underglazes. Your vase will measure approximately 12” x 6” wet. Tea Sets use pinch pot hand building techniques, a handle and spout. Come prepared to get muddy, learn patience and have fun! $90 per person 3 hours min. Maximum 5 people. Everyone chooses the same project, yet no two ever turn out the same! Includes instruction, clay, use of studio tools, and glaze.

Wheel Throwing Basics I & II

I) Learn basic wheel throwing techniques!

This beginner series of four classes will introduce you to the basic skills of centering, coning and throwing a cylindrical shape. Try a handle too! You may even take home your first mug or cup. $120/person 4 classes 60 min. each

II) Practice Makes Pottery!

This series will get you elbows deep in a box of clay to really practice your skills. You will practice cylinders and bowls. And wedging! You will have a mug, a bowl and basic glaze. $160/person 4 classes 60 min. each

Classes begin May 2015

Also available: 

• BIRTHDAY PARTIES at your place! - Pottery Verve loves to bring the party! You bring the cake and the kids! Let's work together and make a fantastic party, perfect for the Special Birthday Kiddo. Have a theme? AWESOME! I will design a project with your theme in mind. Ages 6+ $25/child 60-90 min. Includes clay, tools, choice of glaze and firing. Cool or what?!
• GIRLS' NIGHT! - Dontcha just wanna try something new for a change? RIGHT!? Let's get this party started! Get dressed in your favourite slouchy tops and tights, grab yourself some girly punch and a couple of your Besties. You will have a blast creating your own hand built and personalized Girlie Drink Holder. Don't worry, it will be fine! Studio can accommodate up to 5 friends at a time. Your house? No limit! $40/person includes instruction, clay tools, choice of glaze and firing. Who's in?

email for more information potteryverve@yahoo.ca

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Electric Cobra Yoga Facebook Page

So many new things happening in the life of this artist! I have started a personal and private yoga studio called 

Electric Cobra Yoga! (click the link!)

Emphasizing lifestyle, using yoga techniques and asana practice, to promote both physical and mental well-being. It's fun, it's inclusive. It's yours. Let me bring yoga to YOU! In the comfort of your space. Or in my cozy, quiet space. 

KEEP CALM

and 

BHUJANGASANA

Electric Cobra Yoga is offering all new clients a very special rate to get 
moving right away. The Grand Opening rate is 3 personalized classes for $90. 
You are welcome to join me in my private studio, or I would love 
to join you in the comfort of your own home. I am looking forward 
to working with everyone individually to create a dynamic home practice. 

You can email me to purchase your 3 sessions at electriccobrayoga@gmail.com. 

   

Subscribe to the Electric Cobra Yoga mailing list

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Let's get moving!
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Strawberry Coulis and United Way Breakfast

We have the wonderful opportunity of fundraising for the United Way every year at my "Other Job". So far we have had photos with our equipment, Steak dinner, chocolate bliss, 50/50 draws and trip tix! Last Sunday The Ladies, Tina and Lynn, organized a lovely brunch breakfast for everyone in the mine. It was fantastic and so delicious! Everyone who participated enjoyed this, I'm sure.
Well for me it was such a nice contribution to be able to offer one of my favourite side dishes to French Toast.
 My strawberry coulis secret recipe was a hit! So for everyone who likes to cook here is the basic recipe I used, along with my secret ingredients. I encourage you to try your own additions! Enjoy!

Delicious Secret Recipe Strawberry Coulis

5x 600g bags frozen strawberries, combination sliced and whole
1 organic Honey crisp apple, coarsely chopped
1x 500g box 100% Natural Raw Sugar
1tbsp organic vanilla

Combine berries, apple and sugar in large pot and simmer on medium until everything is melted and juicy, stirring occasionally. Turn heat to low. Add vanilla.
Next I added 1 tbsp orange juice, a couple dashes of Real Salt(do not use iodized table salt it will turn your coulis brown) and a slight dash of cinnamon. Stir. Carefully blend a few cups in the blender making sure all of the apple is blended so it stays a secret. You want to have a good balance between whole berries and pureed fruit. Stir together blended fruit back to the pot and raise the temperature until the fruit comes to a rolling boil. Carefully stir the coulis for a minute then remove from heat. Pour the coulis into large, hot mason jars, or small ones to give away! Keep it in the fridge. Make French Toast!

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Work bag Inventory

Each shift when I'm packing up my lunch I wonder how can my bag really be so heavy? There's not that much in my lunch really. Then tonight I really thought about the items that have permanent residence in this bag. And I'm compiling a list. Mostly for my own Bag inventory status, but maybe someone else will relate. 

This bag, from Under Armour, has a lifetime guarantee. I'm not sure who's lifetime exactly, but in haul trucker land bags get pretty beat up. I purchased this one in 2008 when I was at Aurora with 501. People used to always tease me about it. Whatever. When it's fully loaded, like right now, it probably weighs a good forty pounds. I should weigh it...

It has a big main compartment and three auxiliary compartments. 

In the main compartment I pack up a cooler bag with my lunch. Tonight I have packed: 

Thermos with energy smoothie and straw

Thermos with lemon ice water

Thermos with ice

Bottle of gingerale

2 slices donair pizza

Spinach salad with strawberries, onion, celery, donair sauce

3 celery

Baggie of vitamins

I just realized I forgot a fork for my salad. I have been known to use coffee stir sticks as chopsticks when this happens.

On top of the cooler bag I pack in my activity baggs:

2 ziploc bags with a sketchbook, note pad, graph paper, blank paper, 12 sharpie markers, 2 black pens, one blue pen, 3 pencils, 6 highlighters, 6 sparklie pens. An eraser. Tape. Fluorescent orange post its. 

Also I packed in some Voltaren, Advil and a facecloth with ice cubes and lavender. This is the pain and fatigue care package. 

At the last minute before leaving I tossed in a third slice of pizza and the bag of lime tortilla chips. What!?

Already you can see the bulk of the weight of this bag!

I'll try to finish up quick. One outside aux space holds my coffee mug, a French press coffee mug with ground coffee (both stainless) a jar of honey, and a toiletries bag. This bag holds a toothbrush, toothpaste, bobby pins, a mirror, tweezers, lavender essential oil, and chewable pepto bismol.

In the other end is the second aux space where I have shoved an extra tshirt, keys, socks, earbuds, charger, arm Warmers and Puffs. 

Last! There's a side aux compartment where I stash my glasses, extra safety gloves, ear plugs, FLRA forms and a flashlight/clock combination. Right now my new team long sleeve shirt is also shoved in there. 

That's a lot of stuff! I compiled this list from memory so who knows what I haven't included.

Eleven and a half hours is a long stretch. I come up with my best ideas, plans and lists during this time. 

If you had to pack for a shift this long what would you bring?

How to De-Suckify your J.O.B.

Pottery Verve mug o'  SHINE! 

We all have days or nights when we claim to "hate my job". The thing is, for many of us, without a J.O.B. there are a lot of things we would not have access to.  
I personally enjoy the freedom I have to be able to pay for things without having to worry about how I'm going to pay the rent. I came to Fort McMurray for the simple reason that I believed it was a good way to fund my career as an artist.

Leonie Dawson

Eckhart Tolle 

My J.O.B. is not only a good source of artistic funding! I am also paid in "days off time"! There are many things I have to be grateful for with my J.O.B. even though sometimes my attitude is all negative and hangry and I think I hate it.

(me sometimes. in the morning. mostly every morning)

A while ago I asked myself what I really wanted and then devised a plan to help me keep a strong, positive attitude at my J.O.B. 

Tiffany Han

My J.O.B. experience has improved exponentially! I still have freak outs and scowl, so it is an ongoing practice. Being aware of your attitude is the first step! Taking responsibility is the next. Then the three golden habits I practice the most are acceptance, tolerance and surrender. I compiled a checklist for my self, that I wrote out by hand. And there are tasks on the list that I do every shift, some I only occasionally do, and two that are not negotiable.

Here are the two things that are integral to accepting J.O.B. These are non-negotiable habits that will help you set your attitude for the day!

1. At the beginning of your day, write down 5 things you are grateful for. 

Writing down what you are grateful for sets in motion, with very little effort, a very positive vibe. When you express gratitude you can only feel love. I often refer to my gratitude list through the shift as a reminder of "why I'm here". I truly believe when we are expressing gratitude, and therefor love, we are in the moment. And when we are in the moment we realize we are exactly where we need to be right now. 

2. Eat healthy, nurture your body and drink water. Non-negotiable. I have another blog dedicated to this!

The following list of options are for different times during your day. Eventually you will create a habit of doing these things as part of your day. You will become aware of how easily your day goes.

1. Meditate for 5 minutes

2. Do 20 jumping jacks in the bathroom or lunchroom.

3. Sing. It is absolutely, positively, impossible to be contrary if you are belting out the lyrics to Footloose. Not kidding. Old version or new version. (Ok try whatever song gets you singing and emotional. That's the point here dude.)

4. Make a small prayer for the people who are negative to you. When you ask the universe to pay attention to another you are creating positive energy for that person. Even if you are particularly unfond of the person. In fact it is essential that you share positive energy with people you are unfond of. This is a universal truth. When you do this it is possible that with time that person will not behave negatively to others because they won't have a reason to. They will feel positive. This works. I have tested it. 

5. Read positive and inspiring books. PM me for a list. You could even

start with Oprah's list.

6. Forgive yourself for freaking out. Let's be honest. We all freak out. It is ok. It is part of the process. Notice the energy you expelled when you freaked out. How did it make you feel? Was it worth it? Did it help you? Then imagine yourself asking for forgiveness either from the situation, the person, the phone, your shoes, the upside down or empty toilet paper holder, the rock you tripped on. Whatever it was that you believe made you freak out, ask for forgiveness. You deserve it.

7. Thank the universe by taking 10 minutes to be aware of the beauty around you. 

Even in the dirtiest haul truck with the most worn out struts on the roughest haul road in the ruttiest, shovel pit going to the softest dump and getting stuck, there is beauty all around. The berms covered in snow in the sunlight have a wondrous paisley type pattern on them that makes them look like upholstered furnishings. I have come to love the color of dirty Cat yellow. When the dusty haul road gets a sprinkle of water that collects it reflects the blue of the sky and reminds me of my glaze called "Denim Blues". The sun shining after a fresh blanket of snow is the most bedazzled sight. Sun dogs. Ravens. Coyotes. Trees. Coffee. Smiling faces. If you simply look without judgement these things are the inherent beauty all around you. 

8. Learn one new thing by asking someone. This is a form of surrender. All too often we have this expectation of ourselves that we are required to be perfect at all times. This is bullshit. We are not perfect. It is ok to not be perfect. Ignore your inner perfectionist and ask someone, maybe someone you are not so fond of, a question. 

9. Journal 

I always have an assortment of colored pens, markers, pencils and a journal or sketchbook. Actually, I have giant ziploc bag with all of the above and then some. I journal. I have idea days (that's how I made this list!) I make lists. I make lists of lists. I draw. I collect stuff off the ground. I write plans. I write down songs I hear. I write down things I want to google later. I scribbledoodle. Putting your mind's eye down on a permanent record makes you get shit done. Not joking. I promise it will change your life. 

10. Ask yourself to be kind. To yourself. To Others.

11. Focus on your breath. 

Yoga can be done any where, any time. Because it is all about the breath. Take a long, deep breath in and exhale as slowly as possible 3 times. Especially when you are starting to feel exhausted or anxious or like you might punch someone in the throat. You will feel better. It will also give you time and space to find calm and think clearly about your next action. This is a form of surrender.

12. Investigate what it is you are learning during an adverse situation. You have manifested your reality. What is it you are about to learn? How are you growing in the moment with the lesson you are being presented. You may not get an answer. You may have an a-ha moment. Most important is that you create an awareness about the moment.

When you accept that you are exactly where you need to be right now, your attitude about J.O.B. will be positive.