Cherish them Today

I just thought of Linda McDaniel who kindly hosted me in Lexington, Kentucky during my 2012 Tour. She took such pleasure in life - in her passion for dance and music and her pride in her kids. I think of her from time to time, remembering the tour she took me on of the beautiful countryside - the green rolling hills she loved so much, Bourbon tasting and cooking dinner together, and the people we met along the way. 

So I went to her facebook page to write her a message and say hello, and found out that she passed in March this year. We just never know. Reach out today, hug a friend, tell your kids you love them, take the time to cuddle. We just never know. 

I am sure that you are missed -- for even in a few days, you touched and inspired me deeply, Linda. Hugs to your kids.

Linda McDaniel, April 2013. Photo taken by her son.

Sur16 hosts launch of Mingle&Move!

This Thursday, July 30th Sur16 hosts the launch of Mingle&Move! A family-owned Latin fusion restaurant, Sur16 is one of the newest additions to Capitol Hill's 15th Ave East. Mariana Martos - who owns the restaurant of her dreams with her husband Javier Dalzell - will offer a special happy hour for the event, but the menu is a surprise. Their menu is inspired by what is freshest on the market and they are constantly changing things up, guided by family recipes and Latin fusion inspiration.

More about Sur16 at Sur16.com

Mingle&Move™ launch party!

Making mingling/networking fun & easy, with movement!

Thursday, July 30th 8pm

Sur 16 ~ 340 15th Ave E, Seattle

tickets: MingleandMove.com

My Shoe Angel

My Shoe Angel, one of the few cobblers in Seattle, might have to close his doors!  

Raymond Angel saves soles. With 103 years of experience and family history behind him, he now faces being pushed out by one of the many new shops coming to Seattle's Capitol Hill neighborhood. Let's help him find a new spot and organize a moving party. Moving his shop - with the heavy machinery that has been in his family for longer than many of us have been alive - will be a lot of work. But Angel's Shoe Repair is one of the last of its kind, and quite frankly, he saves the "souls" of my shoes. I'd like to see him keep practicing his craft. In our culture of disposability, here is a person who fixes our beloved shoes and shows us that being "broken" doesn't mean all is lost.

Please #share his story.

Stay in touch...
phone: 206.328.2747
website: AngelsShoeRepair.com
facebook: https://www.facebook.com/pages/Angels-Shoe-Repair/162801600404903

Water or Lotion?

Be good to yourself: #hydrate

Especially when it's so cold out and your skin might be extra susceptible to getting dry, should you put lotion on or drink a glass of water? Both. No matter how much lotion I put on, however, if I don't drink enough water, my skin still gets dry, and quick. If you're anything like me, you might think you drink plenty of water. I even like water. But when I kept a log for a few days recently to track my fluid intake, I was shocked at how very little I actually drink! Plus, each caffeinated or alcoholic beverage cancels out one glass of water because these de-hydrate you. Like chocolate? That cancels out water, too. Brownies? Yup. Try it: keep track of your water intake for a day or two to see how much you actually drink. Most people need about eight 8 oz. glasses per day. And if you're thirsty, a physical therapist told me, you're beyond dehydrated. Your body is about 70% water -- make sure it gets what it needs. Be good to yourself: hydrate.

Something You Are Good At

Found ‪#‎inspiration‬ talking to Chris about ‪#‎painting‬ and ‪#‎heights‬ and ladders...

In-the-moment. Inspiration on napkins.

Something You're Good At

There's something that you're good at,
that you relax into,
that feels comfortable,
like a cozy blanket,
a chat with an old friend,
like a pair of jeans, worn in by time,
by the steps you've taken in them.

There's something that you're good at,
that you're a boss in,
and you know it.

Sword Dance

One of my students said that every time we dance tango, Arya's sword fighting lessons from Game of Thrones replay in his head.

"This is what is happening in my head every time we dance together." ~ Archis Gore 

Full video: Game of Thrones ✖ Sword Lessons 

I love the connection between dance and sword fighting.  There are so many parallels within this clip (the full video compilation), besides the actual act of swinging the swords and the dance itself:

1) the sword (or your embrace and your partner) becomes an extension of you and as such, you learn to use your muscles and move in a way that includes and responds to the weight and shape and position of this additional part of yourself; it becomes a part of you in accomplishing your (common) goal

Hugs a Day

I recently took the streets of Seattle asking people how many hugs they give or get a day.  Most people fell in around 4-5 hugs, some less, some more.  They say we need 4 hugs a day for survival, 8 for maintenance, and 12 hugs a day for growth (Virginia Satir).

And it’s even scientifically proven: studies show that when we hug people, our pituitary gland releases oxytocin, a hormone that contributes to our happiness. Oxytocin – nicknamed the “cuddle” or “love hormone” – also boosts trust and empathy and reduces anxiety and stress ("Oxytocin Moer Than Mere 'Love Hormone'", Web MD).  So, just pop some oxytocin pills?  You could, but the effects are greater when coupled with social interaction.  Yup, got to hug actual people to get this effect!  Besides, who couldn’t use more hugs?

How many hugs do you get or give a day?