All I want for my fortieth birthday

Yes, I am aware that I don’t turn 40 until October.  But believe it or not, I’ve been getting some questions about this already. “What do you want to do for your 40^th? Do you want to have a party?  How about presents?”  To be honest I’ve been thinking about turning forty for a while now.  Round about 35 or 36 years old I started running.  It began as something I did to combat stress but then it became something I looked forward to and began to enjoy.  It was somewhere in my early running days, when I started to note a shift in my fitness that I realized I could actually, conceivably arrive at 40 in better shape than I was in my twenties.  The thought was enticing, never really in the forefront of my mind, but certainly humming away in the background.  When I embarked on my yoga teacher training at age 39, that thought popped up again.  Just maybe, I’ll arrive at 40 feeling stronger and more healthy than I ever have before in my life.  I actually might be able to consider myself fit at forty.  Wouldn’t that be something to celebrate? 

Then it came to me.  I don’t want a party where everyone I love is in the same room for a few hours and I only get a few minutes to talk to each of them.  When it comes to tangible gifts, there isn’t anything I really need.  What I really want is for my family and friends to be healthy and happy.  I can already hear the grumblings, “Well how am I supposed to wrap that for you, Melissa?”  It is like using your one wish to hope for World Peace, I understand that. It is what we all want but not bloody likely. However in this case, I think I can have my wish. 

Leading up to my fortieth birthday and in the year that follows, I invite all of my friends and family to help this be the healthiest year of my life and in the process I hope you’ll benefit, as well.   Where am I going with this?  Here is what I want.  Join me for a run or let’s plan a hike together.  Not your cup of tea?  Let’s go to your favorite fitness class, lift weights at your gym, or come take a class at my local yoga studio, maybe try out an aerial gym class with me.  You don’t work out?  That’s fine, let’s take a walk around my neighborhood. You like this idea but you don’t live close by?  We’ve got over a year let’s plan to meet half way or on a trip you already have planned and toss a little fitness date in there.  You like this idea but there is no way we can meet up this year?  Send me a card or write me an e-mail about something active that you’ve been doing lately and if you haven’t been active do something you’ve been meaning to try in my honor.  Bonus points: take pictures and post them on my Facebook page!  All you have to do is say you want to do something for your health.  Maybe it is not fitness but eating healthy, that’s fine. Perhaps you want to get more sleep or develop a meditation practice; great!  Whatever it is you choose to do, share it with me and I will be happy!

Let the fit and forty fun begin now!  No waiting until my birthday in October.  Are you going to see me in June Lake this summer, LaLone family?  Let’s choose a trail to hike during my stay or let’s do a yoga practice at the park, I’ll lead! Anyone traveling to Hawaii in July?  We could arrange to meet up on Kauai or Maui and go for a swim or climb up one of those big ass volcanoes.  Worried about the heat in August? Let’s plan some studio classes during that month. Come visit me in Claremont and we’ll take a night hike.  Will you be visiting Southern California in the fall or winter, perhaps over the holidays?  Let’s look at our calendars and sign up for a 5K together or a bike tour.  I’m serious people let the fitness fun begin! 

An unexpected journey

Greg and I knew we would be traveling to Hawaii this summer and were satisfied to wait until July to begin our travels.  But when asked by one his fans at a gig what he was doing for his birthday, it became apparent that he didn’t have a plan.  “Well, what do you like to do?” this gentleman asked my husband.  As Greg pondered this question, he could have answered that he enjoys playing with his band, yet many gig dates were already established for the time surrounding his birthday, so the musician in him was satisfied.  Instead he answered with, “ I like to go to Yosemite.”

So with my summer vacation from teaching well underway and Greg working reduced hours at his job, we looked into availability at the lodge.  Only one night was available in June, on a Thursday. Well, if we drove up late on Wednesday and stayed just outside of the valley and Greg packed the first part of the week with working hours, we figured we should be able to be in the valley all day Thursday and a good portion of Friday before driving back. Greg had an event to work on Saturday morning and I’m teaching a kids yoga class.  Sure it was last minute, but we decided to go for it.

We ended up heading out of town after dinner on Wednesday and arriving in the town of Oakhurst just outside of Fresno a little after midnight.  I had arranged an Airbnb stay for us in a studio apartment, which we could access late at night with a key box, so there would be no need to disturb our hosts who lived nearby.  We got a solid six hours sleep and awoke refreshed.  Fueled by coffee and cereal, which we prepared in our little kitchenette, we were on the road to the Yosemite Park Gates just a short 30-minute drive away. 

A beautiful drive in past Fish Camp, Tenaya, and Wawona with deer hurdling the road was our morning entertainment.  We arrived at Sentinel Dome around for a short but rewarding 2-mile hike and spent some time at the top snapping photos and enjoying the views. 

Back in the valley, we stopped at the Ahwanee Hotel for one of their classic Belvedere Martinis and light lunch.  Relaxed and refreshed we wandered the grounds and ended up retracing our steps to the site of our engagement in 2004.  It is hard to believe we have been married for 9 years, it seems just like yesterday Greg proposed as we sat chatting along side the path on this very rock. 

We headed over to the lodge to see if our room was ready, it was not but we got pool passes and enjoyed a dip before settling in and cleaning up for dinner.  After dinner with a view of Yosemite Falls in the Mountain Room, we still wanted to see more of the valley, so we got on our bikes and road to Curry Village to explore the ruins of the cabins, which have been out of use for several years since a rockslide.  Many years ago we used to stay in these cabins on our visits to the valley. We took a loop through the campgrounds, densely packed with tents and swimming in campfire smoke as the light in the valley began to fade.  As we biked back alongside the meadow, six young deer munched grasses and playfully nudged one another cavorting about.  Back at the lodge, we rewarded ourselves with an ice cream and a ranger talk about bears.

Friday morning, I was up at the squawk of the Steller’s Jay before the sun crested the high peaks.  I enjoyed a short two-mile run of the valley floor. I practically had the trail to myself, aside from one park ranger who was walking to work all smiles and a pair of valley visitors on bikes, no one had clued into the fact that the most magical time to stroll past the meadows and wander the trails is predawn.  Note that predawn is maybe not the most accurate term.  There was a dim light in the valley because the sun is up, but it hadn’t quite peaked over the tops of the mountains yet, so there was a sort of ambient lighting scheme going on during that magic hour. My run wasn’t much of a work out though because every .2 miles or so I had to stop to take a photo.  Who could blame me with views like these?

Back at the lodge, I grabbed Greg out of bed to come experience the empty valley with me.  Hardly any people were up so early; with just the birds to keep us company the valley was so peaceful.  We strolled to Yosemite falls, with the tourists still in bed, the thundering noise of the water was revealed. Minus the people sounds, nature revealed a whole new morning song. So delighted by this alone time in nature, we hurried back to our room a quick fuel up of cereal and coffee before pedaling our bikes toward mirror falls.  As we raced down the tree lined paths, we screeched to a halt when we spotted a very large and healthy looking coyote blocking the trail. Greg inquired if we should turn around but being that we were at least 20 yards away from the handsome canine, I suggested we let him make the first move.  After remaining frozen for a few moments and contemplating us with a lowered head and suspicious eyes, the grey furred fellow decided we were neither predator nor prey and lost interest in us, bounding into the vegetation disturbing a covey of mountain quail.  We have many coyotes in our neighborhood at home and most are very skinny, brown to golden in color, and pretty small.  I was delighted to note the differences in the mountain coyote.  Wolf-like in appearance, his grey coat was peppered with patches of rust and his coat was full and bushy, as was his tail.  His physique was much more muscled and his size much larger than his cousins who live in Claremont.  Anyhow, as we continued on our way, we saw another coyote friend who scurried off into the bushes at the sound of our approaching bikes, this guy was more tan with black splotches, and slimmer, giving him a hyena like appearance. Though the trail had been active with animals, when we arrived at Mirror Lake, only one other family was there enjoying the sunlight peeking over Half Dome. 

After such an active morning, we enjoyed taking our time to get showered up back in the room before checking out and grabbing some lunch prior to leaving the valley.  A long drive home awaited; we made it home just before 10pm, a bit tired from our adventures but with lovely memories as fodder for sweet dreams. 

108 felt great!

Today is the International Day of Yoga, so when I woke up I did seven very thoughtful, slow, and somewhat painful sun salutations.  Only seven, why so few and why so slow and sore this morning?  Yesterday I joined a yoga mala practice at Claremont Yoga where we did 108 sun salutation in honor of the changing of seasons, just in time for the summer solstice.

I know 108 sounds crazy but the number holds significance. Traditionally, malas, or garlands of prayer beads, come as a string of 108 beads (plus one for the “guru bead,” around which the other 108 beads turn like the planets around the sun). A mala is used for counting as you repeat a mantra—much like the Catholic rosary.  Also According to yogic tradition, there are 108 pithas, or sacred sites, throughout India. And there are also 108 Upanishads and 108 marma points, or sacred places of the body. 

Plus it was an excellent challenge, sort of a yoga marathon, if you will.  I’ve never been in a room with so much sweat, a good portion of that sweat was my own.  I found myself with a puddle at the back of my mat and by about number 70, I had to be careful when jumping back into plank that I didn’t slip.  There were quiet moments when holding a pose that you could literally hear the drip drop of sweat hitting the floor, it was raining inside the studio!  But what a cleansing experience, at one point when the sound of ujjayi breath resonated through the room, I hardly felt like I was doing anything.  My body moved and my inhale and exhale synchronized with the group, it was like the collective breath was moving me, I was just along for the ride.  

Of course our excellent teacher Nicole made the whole practice so manageable, breaking the 108 into 9 rounds of 12 salutations, each punctuated with a pose providing a break.  Our breaks consisted of more energetic poses like, handstands, arm balances and head stands toward the start of practice when we still had the strength for such endeavors and as the practice progressed we paused in standing poses like triangle or side angle eventually taking our brief one minute rests in the form of seated or reclining poses.  Nicole also helped to move the practice along with essential oils; lemon to invigorate us at the start, a peppermint spritz to cool us during the sweatiest of times, and in savasana she treated us by placing a cool stone on our third eye and rubbing our shoulders with lavender.  I left my practice feeling spacey but all shiny and happy. 

Yesterday was a busy day, in addition to the two hour yoga mala practice, I started the day with a short 2 mile run, and taught a kids yoga class.  Later in the day we were off to a gig that Greg played at a Craft Brewers Festival in old town Upland. While the days have been long and hot and we find ourselves languishing in the sometimes stifling embrace of summer, see if you can find a moment to appreciate the amazing gifts bestowed on us by the sun.  Whether it is that ripe peach from the farmer’s market that makes it’s way to your breakfast table or a balmy walk around the neighborhood after dinner as the sun slips below the horizon, we can all find ways to honor the powerful forces of nature that surround us and make our lives on this planet possible. 

Rock Hound

One of the things I’ve always admired about my dad, was his vast knowledge of nature.  Whether it was picking a rock out of a hillside on a hike to point out the sparkly mica he had identified or his ability to categorize plants both native and exotic, he instilled in me a love of learning and deep respect for the natural world.  Below my brother and I are pictured with my dad on a rafting excursion down the American River. (I miss that pith helmet, whenever he put it on it meant we were in for an adventure of some sort!)  Dad was always more comfortable with his shirt off, feeling the breeze, whether it be on a camping trip or in our backyard.  So it seemed fitting to share about my work in this field on Father’s Day, I know he would be proud my desire to teach kids about the local ecosystem. 

While it is summer vacation and all, I have not completely abandon lesson planning.  I am thinking quite actively about a handful of field trips I’ll be taking our upper grade students on during the upcoming school year.  Now don’t feel too sorry for me, only one week in my summer break and already working on lessons for the fall, the topic and location of these field trips is a true passion of mine.  My students will be visiting the Bernard Field Station (B.F.S.) a biological research preserve associated with the Claremont Colleges.  I am thrilled that we have gotten permission to visit the 88 acres wilderness and as a part of this program I’ve been granted access for a few days this summer to plan my lessons. 

Knowing the first lesson will focus on geology, I spent a lot of time perusing the rocks of the B.F.S.  The old stream bed is a tangible example of Claremont’s location in an alluvial fan.  I think our geology trip is gonna rock!  (Sorry I just couldn’t help myself.)  

I couldn’t resist looking ahead to trips for the winter and spring that will connect to the local ecosystem, specifically the sage scrub and water habitats.  A visit to Phake Lake and the vernal pools was in order.

If I must plan for the year to come, I can think of no better backdrop.  I only wish dad was still around to take one of these nature hikes with me.  

Imagining Friends

The trail was rather empty of running friends today.  I did see some deer that I failed to photograph not being quick enough on the draw.  Being the lone runner among dog walkers, nature strollers and the likes, made me reflect on a running experience I haven't had a chance to share yet.  I often imagine people's back story as I race past them.  Here is what I imagined about a fellow runner as we crossed paths a few weeks ago...

Even through the drone of my running playlist, I can hear friendly footfalls from behind.  I slow and glance to my right, and I recognize one of my random running friends.  As he passes me and give his typical flaying wave, I name him.  His name is Michael, I think to myself.  I’ve only ever seen Michael from across the street; we’ve never run side by side like this. Wouldn’t it be great if I could actually choke out the words, “Hi, I’m Melissa. What’s your name?”  First of all my breath is too labored on the uphill at this pace, second of all that kind of friendliness and human connection is way outside of my comfort zone, especially when running.  So I just decide, without any input from him that he looks like a Michael.  As I run beside him for a bit, I analyze a few things about Michael, from his slack jaw, a result of sharp intake of breath at the start of his run, he must live nearby.  He is younger and more handsome than I assumed, as I have only seen him from afar but always recognized him by the arm raised high overhead and waving in my direction to acknowledge, “ You are a runner.  I am I runner. I greet you and honor you by raising my arm overhead and messing with my gait.”  I admit I have always liked Michael just because of his gallant gesticulation.  My preferred method of acknowledging other humans on the trail is with a slight head nod sometimes accompanied with two fingers grasping my hat brim, indicating a doffing of my cap without actually removing it.  Words are superfluous and unnecessary when running at top speed, all I want to communicate is “I see you, I greet you, I won’t run you down or harm you.  Also, sorry for sweating in your general direction.”  I do reserve a friendly wave and a labored spoken, “hello” or “good morning” for my favorite regulars; usually only for Zombie Grandma and my favorite mother daughter duo who warn each other in what I may erroneously assume is Mandarin as I approach. Since I don’t understand that language I am left to interpret from their interactions that it translates to, “Mom, here comes that crazy running girl who likes to wave at you, smile at her so she goes away!” 

Michael makes me wonder a few things.  Young, beautiful and spry, other than his mouth being a bit akimbo, Michael makes his steps seem effortless.  I wonder if my stride, which sometimes feels like I’m sinking into the pavement and sometimes feels like I’m defying gravity, looks as easy as his.  Michael also makes me wonder what I look like when I run.  Other than his methodical pant, Michael looks like an Abercrombie and Fitch model.  I know I am not so blessed.  When I arrive back at the house, it is straight to showers for me to rinse off the river of sweat that has dampened my hair and rendered me rank!  I imagine that Michael, if he sweats at all, drips honey.  Also, he is faster than me, which I previously failed to observe because he had slowed slightly to grace me with his friendly salute.  Yet I am so self absorbed and addicted to setting my pace that I won’t allow myself to stop on the trail during my fastest mile and talk with a woman I recognize from when I taught her son in preschool.  I know he must be in his mid-twenties now and  I am dying for her to whip out her cell phone and show me a photo and tell me how little Eric “Cachetes” (his nickname stems from the fact that I worked side by side with a Guatemalan woman who loved his little cheeks, “cachetes”, the Spanish word for cheeks was always attached to this boy in my memory).  I wonder if mom even knows about her son’s nickname from his preschool teachers.  Yet it is easier to keep running fast than to talk to people and make real connections.  Thanks to Michael, slowing for me, to raise his hand in respect,  I may get the confidence some day to stop and talk to Eric Cachetes’ mom.  I might benefit from his example and be less self- involved.  Perhaps I may even realize that the way I look and the way others perceive me is not why I run.  When Michael’s mandible slackens to allow more oxygen to enter his lungs, he’s not thinking about his appearance, he’s being at one with his run.  To be fully within your body, allowing it what it needs to accomplish amazing things, yet being present enough of mind to truly see and appreciate those around you is a blessed state in which to exist.  I am not there yet, Michael, but thanks to your example. I’ll keep running and I’ll keep trying.  Eventually I’ll become the better person that I imagine you to be.     

Teacher Training Comes To A Close

This post is quite delayed but the final yoga teacher training weekend came just 2 short weeks before the close of school.  This means that the moment the graduation party ended I was thrust back into a heap of report cards and end of the year prep that had to be completed pronto, because the final day of school waits for no one!  After having a free weekend, I am ready to put a few reflections about my experience down into words.

As a result of this program, I knew my personal practice would thrive and I knew my own understanding of my body would deepen but I didn’t anticipate it would be about the people.  I was blessed to share this experience with an amazingly diverse and awesome group of individuals.  I know more about their tight or loose hamstrings than I do about their day jobs, their families, and their everyday lives.  Conversely we shared more of our real life challenges, deaths of loved ones, illnesses, and fears. Small talk took a back seat. 

As for the graduation ceremony itself, our communal Ohm around the cake, brought tears to many eyes.  We shared cheese plates and champagne.  We finally fit in some of the small talk that we hadn’t had time for over the last 9 months.  I have to say that even though this training is over, I hope my opportunity to interact with these lovely people is not. 

Misty Morning and Gardening Glory

The first weekend of summer is upon me and it is glorious.  My spirits are not at all dampened by the rain we had last night nor the sprinkles that soaked my running clothes this morning.  Every bit of water we get is precious during So Cal’s drought.  Speaking of which, there are so many ways we can all do our part to save water.  On the trail this morning I saw two gentlemen walk past the water fountain and declare, “What a waste of water!” as they continued on.  I approached the fountain and found that the lowest trough, designed for our canine friends, was overflowing. 

Next time, fellow trail goers, don’t merely walk on and grouse, but give the button a bit of a giggle.  That stopped the flow in no time. With very little effort and thoughtful awareness, we can all take responsibility for our vital resources.  This concludes my public service announcement for the day.

Back at home, my hubby and I spent this pleasantly cool day in the garden. We worked until fairly exhausted and needed a nap. After attending to some much needed house work, it was time for dinner.  We had discovered a beautiful cucumber in the garden during our labors. The garden also had some lovely carrots, basil, rosemary, and cilantro to offer.  With some help from my stores in the kitchen, I tossed together a fresh tomato cucumber salad and a frittata with potato, artichoke hearts, carrot, onion, some cheese and herbs.

The garden yielded another culinary opportunity today.  When trimming back a very aggressive patch of nasturtiums, I found the green pods, which would eventually turn to dried seeds were abundant.  As I trimmed and pruned, I harvested the green pods remembering that the whole plant: leaves, flowers and pods are edible.  I remembered a recipe that my canning mentor, Kevin West, had included in his cookbook for California capers, which involves brining then pickling the pods.  I’ve got the free time, so I think I’ll give it a try.