Etsy Artist of the Week

I really love this Etsy artist!. I've bought several of her screen-print t-shirts - one with windmills, another with hands in namaste, one with a California bear, and another with the Eiffel tower.  Today I'm showcasing her talent and her contribution to recycling/repurposing.

About the Artist, ZenThreads:

Welcome to our "GREEN" custom screen printing shop! Our vintage and urban inspired goods are hand printed to orderOur vintage and urban inspired goods are hand printed to order.

We use a printing process which is free from harmful environmental chemicals or solvents. Not only is it safer for the planet and our shop, but water-based inks look and feel like they're part of the garment. Your items will come pre-wrapped in a reusable drawstring cotton bag, hand screened with our logo. Ready to give as a gift, or keep for yourself!

Malas for Charity in September

For the week of September 7-14, I'm donating 54% of all sales of mala bracelets from my store to charity in honor of  the Global Mala and in memory of several dear friends.  The Global Mala is an incredible yoga event that will be going on across the world on the weekend of September 24th and 25th. Click on the picture below to see more malas (for women and men) from my store or to purchase a mala bracelet.

I've gone to California many times to study yoga with my teacher, Shiva Rea, the coordinator of this event, (photos are all throughout this blog - scroll down). It is very close to my heart.

My Last Trip to Cali...For Now

So, I went to LA in February for the last of my 500-hour yoga teacher training w/ Shiva Rea. It feels bittersweet. I'm so glad to have finished the training - a huge accomplishment, comparable to achieving a master's degree in Spanish Lit. Now I'm sad that I don't have a "real" excuse to keep going back to California every few months!

I rented a car this time. LA traffic really wasn't as bad as I had heard. It must have been a full moon or something :). It was fun traveling on my own, exploring the city, thanks to the GPS on loan to me by my hosts, Michael and Michiko.

Here are some pics from my oftentimes rainy drive: Ventura Blvd., the 405, Mulholland Drive, the PCH, Laurel Canyon Blvd., Malibu, Pepperdine University, and a dog wash called Moondoggies (I couldn't resist).







































Michiko and I went to a private party at Nobu. That's Ron Howard in the background. He's the guy in the blue sweater. You'll just have to trust me on that.



I drove into Venice Beach from LA for the training most every morning at 5:45 a.m. to beat the morning traffic. Here is a pic of Santa Monica, taken from outside the health food shop where I had lunch most days. Also some pics of the Venice Boardwalk.

The Shiva yoga training. So much to learn, so little time.

Outdoor training. Sunny, but cold!











An evening at Agape. Hanging out w/ my sweet yoga friends before leaving.

I'll miss Cali.

I recently went to LA to do some yoga teacher training w/ Shiva Rea. Here are some of the pics...

in class w/ shiva

We practiced yoga every a.m. from 6:30-9:30 and then had lecture/practice-teaching the rest of the day and evening.

yoga class on the beach

me and the hoff

at The Simpsons movie premiere

shiva

At the closing ceremonies, shiva gave all of us a mala necklace from India.

me w/ the laughing yogi

homeless snow angel

peace in the mountains

surfer dudes