Mt. Woodson Hike

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It was just a regular Saturday, the hubs and I had an event to attend in the Poway area and decided to go for a hike afterward. Not knowing which hikes were nearby, we googled what was closest to us and discovered the Mt. Woodson trail was a fairly short drive away. We had heard about this hike and seen tons of Facebook profile photos of the infamous Potato Chip rock and had wanted to go for a while, so we decided – why not?

Despite the trail being described as “steep” with “rocky terrain”, we figured it would be no big deal, because we’re both in pretty good shape. We discovered quickly that being in running, yoga and boot camp shape is much different than hiking shape.

The majority of this hike is uphill and they were not joking when they described the terrain as rocky, there were lots and lots and LOTS of rocks – some of the most beautiful (and BIGGEST) ones I have ever seen. Of course, the Potato Chip rock at the peak of the hike is the one everyone travels the distance for (as was evidenced by the hundreds of people waiting in line to snap a pic on top of it). We decided to forgo the long wait in line and have someone take a picture of us in front of it instead, which was totally fine by me.

This was one of the most challenging hikes I have been on in a while but totally worth it. The feeling of accomplishment after we had reached the top and the gorgeous views left us feeling blissfully exhausted and fulfilled. 

If you decide to challenge yourself to hike Mt. Woodson, remember to wear good hiking shoes, bring lots of water and some sustenance, both for you and your pups if you bring them along.
Happy hiking everyone!
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So crazy the “potato chip” could fall at ANY time!

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Crow every damn day๐Ÿ™‚

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I’m baaaaaack…anybody out there?

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After a very long hiatus from blogging, most of it filled with enjoyingย newlywed life, lots of yoga teaching, a new job, a little bit of travel, and a bunch of very boring stuff in between, I am SUPER excited to be back to blogging. Yes, I’m hopeful and motivated to stay up with it on a regular basis but of course, there’s no way of knowing if that is going to really happen. However, I have been thinking about doing this for a while and I am pretty darn thrilled.

Why am I back after being out of the blogging game for so long? Well, first of all, thank you so much for asking, and secondly, I really miss having this as a creative outlet. Yes, I have yoga, which fulfills part of that need, and I have loved exploring my creative side via (iPhone) photography and making short videos on Instagram butย nothing makes me feel quite as vibrant as writing does. I have always loved to write but somewhere along the way, I felt like I got “too busy” and writing became less of a priority to the detriment of my spirit. I have talked myself out of doing this for far too long and I’m ready to dive back in head first, despite what my inner critic says. I don’t have a goal in mind other than to express myself and hopefully connect with others via this platform.

We shall see what’s to come…stay tuned and thank you for reading!

 

Imagine a Woman

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Imagine a woman who believes it is right and good she is a woman.
A woman who honors her experience and tells her stories.
Who refuses to carry the sins of others within her body and life.

Imagine a woman who trusts and respects herself.
A woman who listens to her needs and desires.
Who meets them with tenderness and grace.

Imagine a woman who acknowledges the pastโ€™s influence on the present.
A woman who has walked through her past.
Who has healed into the present.

Imagine a woman who authors her own life.
A woman who exerts, initiates, and moves on her own behalf.
Who refuses to surrender except to her truest self and wisest voice.

Imagine a woman who names her own gods.
A woman who imagines the divine in her image and likeness.
Who designs a personal spirituality to inform her daily life.

Imagine a woman in love with her own body.
A woman who believes her body is enough, just as it is.
Who celebrates its rhythms and cycles as an exquisite resource.

Imagine a woman who honors the body of the Goddess in her changing body.
A woman who celebrates the accumulation of her years and her wisdom.
Who refuses to use her life-energy disguising the changes in her body and life.

Imagine a woman who values the women in her life.
A woman who sits in circles of women.
Who is reminded of the truth about herself when she forgets.

Imagine yourself as this woman.

~Patricia Lynn Reilly

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On Spaciousness

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In Light of Mertonย 

At the very center of our being is a great spaciousness that is untouched by sin and illusion.

A point of pure truth which is inaccessible to the fantasies of our mind or the brutalities of our will.

Itโ€™s like a pure diamond โ€“ blazing with the invisible light of heaven. Itโ€™s in everybody.

And if we could only see it and integrate it โ€“ we would radiate a peace that would make all the darkness and all the cruelty vanish forever.

ย 

– Joe Z.

Oh the Places You’ll Go

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And when you’re alone, there’s a very good chance

you’ll meet things that scare you right out of your pants.

There are some, down the road between hither and yon,

that can scare you so much you won’t want to go on.

But on you will go

though the weather be foul

On you will go

though your enemies prowl

On you will go

though the Hakken-Kraks howl

Onward up many

a frightening creek,

though your arms may get sore

and your sneakers may leak.

On and on you will hike

and I know you’ll hike far

and face up to your problems

whatever they are.

You’ll get mixed up, of course,

as you already know.

You’ll get mixed up

with many strange birds as you go.

So be sure when you step.

Step with care and great tact

and remember that Life’s

a Great Balancing Act.

Just never forget to be dexterous and deft.

And never mix up your right foot with your left.

And will you succeed?

Yes! You will, indeed!

(98 and 3/4 percent guaranteed.)

KID, YOU’LL MOVE MOUNTAINS!

~Dr. Seuss

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