Yoga!

One of the things that I would really like to see happen at Sixtwelve is for us to have a yoga class, especially for kids. I'm definitely not considering myself a yogi yet, but I've been going more often and figuring out what type of class I like best.  Last night, Kristen and I went to a hot yoga class here in OKC and it was quite the experience. Even in regular classes, I'm the beginner and the one that needs extra attention and that's ok.  I don't mind because I feel good just practicing yoga and doing something wonderful for myself. I love the fact that I feel a little more flexible in that heat, but I have to take breaks every now and then, return to child's pose and catch my breath because I end up feeling like I'm going to pass out. I think I just need to drink more water, but I also need to work on reaching goals that I set for myself.

So what are my goals? I can already reach my toes (see photo) but that's just because I have really short legs! :) The following list contains the things I'd like to be able to do.

1. Focus on my breath to a point where it seems second nature.
2. Diminish my belly fat so that it's out of the way, allowing me to twist and bend in ways that allow for the more advanced poses. ( I can't yet contort my body into pretzels. Haha!) Right now if I can do one pose each class that I couldn't do before, or if I can hold a pose longer than I did before, I feel like I've accomplished something great.
3. Increase strength
4. Increase flexibility
5. Make it all the way through a class, doing all of the poses.

I'm sure that I will discover other goals, but for now, I think these will keep me challenged. I'm just glad that I'm on this journey because in the process of improvement, I'm finding more peace, and isn't that the point?

Moving to Savannah in 17 Days!

Life in OKC is wonderful.  I love so many things about it.  We have a thriving art community; our economy has been praised by magazines, such as Forbes, over the past few years; my group of friends here are incredible and I'm finding that there is never a dull moment with all of the opportunities to serve our city and state.  There is always something fun to do!

It's been difficult, however, to focus on my thesis and that has to be priority number one! So I'm moving to Savannah, Georgia. I found the cutest apartment in the historic district and I'll be there for the month of March.  I have a little more research to do at the Gibbes Museum in Charleston, SC and that's only two hours away, so I'll be able to take care of that while living in a place where I don't know a soul. I won't have committee or board meetings, fundraisers, Sixtwelve, Oklahoma Food Coop, art openings, awards ceremonies, festival and event planning, parties or dinners with friends.

That could sound a little sad, but I'm actually looking forward to it because I know I'll be able to get down to business and feed my passion.  I am in love my thesis topic and Savannah too.  I have a feeling that instead of being lonely, I'll find even more strength in being alone.  That's an incredibly good thing.  I'm pretty happy already, but I know that more confidence brings more peace and that can't be anything but good news for the things that I want to accomplish with my life.

I'm already looking for a yoga studio within walking distance from my apartment.  My goal is to go to yoga, walk all over the historic district, read, write, eat well, sleep well and take care of myself as much as possible every day while I'm there. (I think I might also grow out my bangs.) Oh and I plan on listening to some great music too. Wynton Marsalis and his band are giving a concert the night I arrive.  I bought two tickets, not even knowing who I'll give the other one to. I always buy two tickets when I'm going to things, knowing that someone will take the other one, but this is the first time I've ever done that when planning to be out of town and by myself.  I just have faith that I will be making new friends while I'm there. James had thought about going with me and staying a few days, but it doesn't look like that's going to happen so I'm excited to find out who I'll be sitting next to in the theater.  I think it will be a fine welcome to that gorgeous, southern belle of a city.

Between all of the rest, surrounding beauty, progress on my thesis and taking care of myself, I think I'll not only come back with a great thesis, but I'll also be looking and feeling better than ever.  It's like I'm sending myself away to Camp Amy and there is no better place than Savannah. I'm really, really excited! Here are a few more pictures of this magical city, taken during previous visits over the years.

Low Country sunsets are gorgeous!

Mercer House on Monterey Square (This is where Jim Williams, from Midnight in the Garden of Good and Evil, lived.)
This house is one block from my apartment.  I'm almost on the corner of Monterey Square and only two blocks north of Forsyth Park!

I love the architecture in this city! Love it!!!!

The newest museum in the Telfair Museum group - Jepson Center. 

Scottie and Suzy liked walking around the squares too!

Jones Street is my favorite.

Antiques are everywhere!

Patience + Hard Work

Yesterday was one of those days when I woke up and I had to make a choice.  Would I lament over the fact that I had three meetings to attend and that I would not get to read for my thesis or spend time alone? Or would I seek out the opportunities for happiness and spread some joy.  I chose door number two and I'm so happy that I did.  It was a beautiful day, so that really helped, and as I moved through my busy schedule, I realized that because everything I was doing related to Sixtwelve, the future, furthering the arts in Oklahoma, and that I was meeting with people I really liked, I could enjoy the business.  So what did my day involve? Here we go...

James and I walked to Red Cup for breakfast.  We talked about Sixtwelve and life all the way there. The warmth of the day was unseasonable and the sun was shining. I could feel that oxygen flow through my body and it felt good. While we were eating some yummy goodness, we discussed the next steps we need to take and continued the meeting while walking back to my house.

Afterwards, I drove over to Picasso Cafe and had lunch with Casey Friedman of Acoustic Oklahoma.  We had our first meeting about music for the Paseo Arts Festival. I'm really excited about this because I know that we are going to work well together.  Casey has done so much to promote Oklahoma musicians and it thrills me (I'm serious, I get chills when I think about it!) that he's organizing Acoustic Oklahoma nights at Picasso Cafe.  I think it's a perfect fit for the Paseo and will compliment what we do at the festival perfectly!

After we finished that meeting, I took about a 30 minute break, watched a little "How I Met Your Mother" on Netfilx and then headed out the door for Stroud, Oklahoma.  I had an Oklahoma Alliance for Art Education board meeting at the Territory Cellars.  It was great to see everyone AND I learn so much about board and committee meeting procedures when I attend. I know that might not sound like the most exciting thing in the world, but when you're trying to learn how to start a non-profit, this is the best kind of experience you can have. We started talking about some great ideas for workshops for teachers too, relating to the arts and Common Core, so I know that I've got great opportunities to learn things that will help teachers and students in the future.  I'm honored to be a part of it!

When I finally arrived back home in OKC, I was exhausted, but it was a day well spent and I enjoyed every single second of it because of the people that I was able to see, talk to, text with, and serve. I know that if I'm patient with all that I have going on and I take it one day and one moment at a time, I'll be able to enjoy all of the tasks at hand. And seriously, I'm honored that I have the opportunity to work and further my vision for this world. I love my life.