Remember these famous Calgon commercials?

“Calgon, take me away!!!”

As dated as this seems today, the need to get away from the stressors of life is just as relevant.

If you ever feel like you need something to “take you away,” well, I think I have something JUST FOR YOU!

I would like to write about something this year that brings me joy …

Pumpkins.

You see, I have The Most Sincerest Pumpkin Patch growing in my front yard. You must understand this one thing, I seek no presents from the Great Pumpkin - I just seek joy in watching my vines grow and spread their leaves across my yard attaching their tendrils around the garden boxes integrating with the rose bushes; one of them even embedded itself within the rose bush and is producing a decent sized pumpkin!

I was in my 2nd year of teaching when the L.A. Riots occurred. I was teaching a Learning Disabled class at Lindbergh Middle School in Long Beach Unified School District; although this was the class title, there was nothing disabling about what our class learned that year - for what the world threw at us that year, we could do nothing but consume.

Because Mercury is the planet said to rule communication, those who are astrologically inclined expect frequent misunderstandings, scheduling problems and disagreements with friends during this period.

‘Twas the night before school and all through the house,

The teachers were scurrying and the students shared some doubts.

The backpacks were ready and hanging on hooks

All carefully packed with pencils and books.

It’s no surprise that many yoga teachers and practitioners are also artists. Yoga and the arts are wonderfully complementary, intuitive disciples rich in creativity and rooted in self-expression. Each pose often tells a story; asana sequences and kriyas can be perceived as choreographed flows; and the deep experiences many have on the mat can be as evocative of feeling as witnessing a wondrous piece of art.

Head rubs during Savasana. Final resting pose, closing out our yoga session of the day with the University of Utah Burn Camp Nah Nah Mah.

The core benefits of burn camp for participants are the natural growth of friendships and the deepening of one’s authentic self.

Many young burn survivors feel they are allowed to make friends and grow self-confidence in a positive and uplifting atmosphere at burn camp. The key to this growth is the immersion in a supportive community of other burn survivors and persons who understand burns. The opportunity to try new activities and face challenges is also important for campers’ growth.

Over the weekend, Abigail and I participated in a Fearless Metallics class with Samantha DaSilva. This was a 10 hour workshop taken over two days allowing us the opportunity to slowly adjust to the challenges and process of designing and releasing our emotions into our creation.

As expected, and through gentle guidance, the first day seemed to take longer but the second day flew! Although the exact same time was offered in each day, the second day appeared fleeting, lighter; there was a familiar levity in the room opening up opportunities for conversation and a new found confidence making us comfortable enough to share our artwork with one another.his was a welcomed exchange.