Free weekends…take some getting used to

Now that I’ve finished my yoga teacher training, I have plenty of free time on the weekends for leisure. It’s been pretty great, though by late Sunday I felt a little lazy for some reason. Guess it will take me a while to get back into weekend mode!

Saturday, I met my great friend Dena’s niece Carmela! She was the cutest little thing. Carmie (or Mela) was the first baby I’ve held in years. My discomfort with little squirmy people may be evident in this pic!

After visiting with the next generation, I went to watch my friend Steve brew some beer. I also got to taste some two-year-old mead. It was pretty tasty, but you have to be careful with the stuff–it’s pretty boozey.

In between processes, Steve and I checked out Twice Told Tales in downtown Crystal Lake. I was in search of a book for my boyfriend (can’t tell which in case he’s reading this…it’s a surprise). I was left disappointed because there was only one shelf of “classics.” However, there is no shortage of romance novels, if that is your genre. Half of the store is filled with romance titles.

The volume of these books amazed me. And, their titles made me laugh with astonishment. Here are some examples:
“Jessie’s Child”
“Back in the Bachelor’s Arms”
“At the Millionaire’s Request”
“The Baby Trail”
“Princess in Disguise”
“The Reluctant Cinderella”
“Having Her Boss’s Baby”
“The Secrets Between Them”
“Baby Blues and Wedding Bells”

This title topped them all and summarizes the overriding theme of these books:
I’ve never read one of these romance novels, and I’m not totally trashing them, but I think it is pretty interesting to read the titles, themes and see the huge amount of them in this store.

Sunday night (Oscar night!), my parents and I went to dinner at Chez Pierre Creperie in Crystal Lake for their George Washington’s Birthday dinner. The food was delish! I started with escargot and mushrooms in a garlic-herb sauce, then the house salad, the tilapia with yummy asparagus and finally a fruit tart. The small restaurant is cozy, charming and friendly. I would recommend stopping in for the wonderful crepes!

The Oscars were amazing, as usual! Of course, I fell asleep through the middle (but who really cares about the technical stuff, not me). I’m so happy for Kate and Sean. Both their performances were great. Slumdog was also very deserving of the top prize, and I hope to see more of that excellent cast!

Where do you Yoga?

I get asked this question quite a bit. And, I will say that I honestly didn’t have an answer for my fellow suburbanites till I started searching. My search started at good ‘ole Google and has led me to various yoga studios around McHenry County. Here, I will highlight some of my favorites!

Yoga Seva (at Rt. 176 and Walkup in Crystal Lake, Illinois) does more than live up to its name. Seva means selfless service. The instructors and guests at this studio genuinely seem to be concerned with their student’s learning, well being and development. On top of a regular schedule of yoga classes for all levels, they also offer workshops and meditations with Bhante Sujatha of Blue Lotus Buddhist Temple. The space is beautiful, warm and inviting. Check it out when you have a chance!

Om Stretch Yoga (at 112 Cary Street in downtown Cary, Illinois) is a studio I discovered only this past week. Heidi has a great little space; it’s cozy, peaceful and welcoming. The  studio is a great hub for Cary’s kula (yoga community). I really appreciate being welcomed into what sometimes feels like someone else’s home. The group Heidi has organized is so nice, inviting, funny and friendly. It is a great asset to this small community!

I look forward to discovering new yoga studios and opportunities to gather with like minded people in the suburbs. Hopefully, I will be sharing new outlets soon!

Namaste

Fascinating Show

Last night, two friends and I went to the Woodstock Opera House in Woodstock, Illinois to see Leo Kottke perform. Watching Kottke play the guitar is mesmerizing. His talent blows me away.

Kottke at The National in Richmond, Virginia, May 15, 2008:

The intimate setting of the opera house auditorium and the off-the-cuff comentary of Kottke were a nice change to the larger concerts I’m used to. I appreciate Kottke coming to Woodstock annually and playing two nights at this small community-supported theater. And, I’m sure I’m not the only one.

Center for Integrated Veterinary Sports Medicine

Last Friday, I went to Crestview Farm in Harvard to interview Tracey Scott and Annie Logan of the Center for Integrated Veterinary Sports Medicine. I’m doing an article about the center for McHenry County Living. I won’t go into too much detail here, but I will tell you that Tracey and Annie’s approach to healing horses is very much like the yogi’s approach to healing-do what is right for the individuals body, find the problem and treat it instead of treating the symptoms and think long term rather than rushing the body into performance it’s not ready for. Here are some shots from the facility. I will post the final article when it comes out.

Downtown Hebron

After taking a trip to Von Bergen’s Country Market just outside Hebron, I decided to take a stroll along Main St. (aka Rt. 47). Here is what I saw:

Farm Fresh Goodness

Yesterday, I took a trip out to Hebron, Ill. to visit Von Bergen’s Country Market. The drive through country roads made me thankful to live so close to the country lifestyle. Things are simpler as you move westward. The Von Bergen family has been selling produce since the ’70s. The variety and quality of the veggies is unmatched by the grocery store hybrids. Here are some beautiful shots I got while at the market.

While at Von Bergen’s I picked up some sweet corn (a half dozen for $4.50!), three giant tomatoes for $3.50 and some green tomatoes…I’m going to try my hand at fried green tomatoes.

On the drive back to Cary, I passed this sign on a farmer’s fence, “If you eat, you are a part of agriculture.” It’s nice to feel connected to the food you eat. Try it some time. After all, you are what you eat!

McHenry County Living

I began working at Prairie Ridge Media about a year ago. As a new graduate, they were reluctant to take me on. However, I knew that I would be a great addition to this small company looking to launch a new publication in the county I grew up in. After showing the publishers my college project, FreshLIFE, a green living magazine prototype, they eagerly hired me as managing editor.

As managing editor, I am in charge of the editorial department of the magazine. I write, edit and assign stories, work with photographers, handle ad materials and develop future issues. I wrote the editorial philosophy of the publication and ensure we live up to the reputation we have made for ourselves. Check out McHenry County Living for yourself.

In addition to McHenry County Living, we are looking to launch a new magazine, McHenry County Athlete. This publication will focus on athletics in the county, mostly high school and community college.