Same blog, different look

After almost eight months of the same template, it was time for a change. But you're my fans, after all. If you just can't get into it, if it just doesn't seem like my blog anymore, I'll change it back. I added a quick poll (see right column) so you can vote your preference. Lemme know.

I just don't have it in me to let things be. Scroll down and see how the photos look on the dark background. Better, right? Anyway, have a vote, 'k?

This week in Therapy
We had Monday off for Easter (Paas). So, on to Tuesday!

The painting is still coming along. I worked specifically on bringing to life one of the magical creatures in the painting. Fun. Everybody keeps commenting on it, "nice painting," "so mysterious." Intrigue, suspense, can you handle it?

Meditation followed by archery went together better this week than last. Our exercise was 'feel' our body, 'sense' our limbs - basically, body awareness. I'd done this before but it gets easier and the after affects better each time. Thus, why the good combo with archery. My whole body felt so alive, every cell energized. I was to in tune with myself and the game and everything around me. Zing! I shot well for most of the hour. By the end, my game was off but certainly that exercise put me in the right place for what was to follow.

The teacher also gave me the DVDs she promised to share. I started to watch them when I got home but I fell asleep. I don't know if you've ever tried to watch Eckhart Tolle but his calm nature has a way of bringing on the z's.

Wednesday, I popped in for a brief visit with Titia. It was great to see her and, of course, she showed me just how invaluable she is by teaching me a new way to move my leg: relax the hip and use leg muscles to swing the leg forward. Months ago, a therapist said, "can't you remember? It just like kicking a ball." But this is the first time I could actually feel it - the key was to relax the hip! It allows me to stand more upright when walking and using only the muscles I need. She said I'd have to repeat it 5000 times for my brain make the switch. So, I've been practicing every step I take (but I'm not counting). We repeated this exercise again on Thursday. Feeling positive again, now. Yeah, Titia returned!

In loopgroep, I shared some Peeps (you know, the little marshmallow chicks) with the group leader, Ingrid. She'd been so enamored by my description and story of the Peeps. I just had to share! Oh, and we walked. A lot.

Always a highlight of the week, biking. Remember last week that the bike chain 'broke' along the way? Well, what happened we're still not quite sure but the point now is that I can only ride it again if they shorten the chain (which they won't do in case someone with long legs wants to have a spin). Therefore, I was forced to ride a different bike which, in the end, did not work as well (but good to know). Nick thinks perhaps, if he makes it clear that I really need the other bike, he might persuade them (whomever 'they' are) to make an exception for me. Since I'm on holiday soon, I'm going to push it. We'll just wait and see.

Finally, Friday
Swimming at 9 a.m. was awesome as before. And, because there are so few people in the pool, I'm allowed to swim longer. Funny thing is, my body's not used to it. So, as much as I love it, I have to build up to an extra 15 minutes.

In Lijfgroep, the exercise contracting and relaxing the muscles of the body. Beginning with legs, then arms, then face then whole body. I'd never done a 'meditation' like this. It so simple.

I sure wish you guys could hear this teacher! She's so great at it. It seems it would be so easy to lead meditation but her phrasing and soothing delivery are perfect. She is exactly where she needs to be. And the exercises are good, too.

The seeds I planted and the plants we planted are really loving my warm, sunny balcony: the hydrangea, raspberry bushes, lettuce seeds, bean sprouts, strawberry blossoms, fruiting fig tree, marigold seeds from Mom. On the inside window shelf I have lavender and tomato shoots, the tomatoes of which will need to be transplanted soon.

It's been rainy the past two days, today especially. I keep forgetting to take an umbrella when I have to take Hazel out in this kind of weather. (He's snoring away beside me as I write this. Sweetie pie.) During a short respite in the weather, I managed to get one more coat of white on the second chair. Tomorrow, a final coat then more sanding on the one chair to go.

Your comments
Steph, in the company history of the Paas egg decorating kit, you're suspicion of a Dutch link right on. The man who started the company used the word Paas in the product name to make sure his Dutch neighbors understood it was a product for Passen or Easter. Good catch! And if I ever get a chance to check out Abba Dabba's, I will.

Shiela, one bag of M&Ms was definitely enough. My folks sent us two boxes of Cadbury eggs and the traditional hollow bunny (plus the Peeps). So, no worries. And the socks were perfect! You must have God's ear as I was Jonesing for some new, colorful socks with little characters on them (to keep my monkey socks company). Micheal has great taste in bunnies. Too cute!

Greg, I was happy to let Nico know how much you liked his photo and that you were using it as a screensaver. We're glad we're on your mind. Speaking of on your mind, did you know we have Ann's hat? She must have left it in our car on one of our Parkway outings (grins).

More photos to follow, probably tomorrow. Now, it's time for the Rhonda-nator to rest. Hugs and keep in touch! And don't forget to cast your vote - cast out the wicked new design or keep it! Your choice.