Wonder Women (...this week's adventures at The Stirring...)

Goodness!

I found I forgot to hit "Publish" on this post...here you go...hope you enjoy!



Today, I thought I'd write about some highlights from my week, which mostly involve...

The Stirring Coffeehouse

( Ok, so...I've just discovered that The Stirring Coffeehouse has no website. (?!?!) I've linked you to their Instagram...)

My current favorite table. I've always wanted a house with a red door.

 As I was sitting at The Stirring on Monday, two lovely women walked in, and were aghast. One was from Dallas, one from Marin County, and they were driving from Ashland, Oregon, back to Marin, having celebrated the latter woman's birthday, over the weekend.

The Stirring is a church, and it's coffee house is spectacular, but is surrounded by auto mechanics, an auto parts store, and the huge, sterile post office. It's in a horrible part of Redding, just off of I-5...and it's AMAZING. (I am from Chicago, and we have such places as Intelegencia, Metropolis, Le Colombe, and, well, the coffee game is strong.)

...and The Stirring is better. The coffee is just on par with those places, with two main local roasters supplying beans. The nitro cold brew is a highlight, and they have hemp milk, which is a must for me. Because real estate is cheap, it's a massive place, the acoustics are perfect...you can hear your coffee buddy using conversational voice over the perfectly mixed music, and the general coffeehouse "buzz"...but not the conversation at the table next to you, if that makes sense...

ANYWAY...

Said women came in, were in wonder, and one sat down at my table, curious as to what I was writing. We chatted for a bit...turns out she is Israeli, just had a birthday, and loves Shakespeare. (Thus her birthday trip to Ashland...I thought perhaps she was a witch, as people in Ashland tend to be into such things, and sometimes witches are quite beautiful...as was this woman...but I digress.)

We exchanged information, and after she left, I googled her. (...as it's terribly impolite to Google someone in their presence...) Turns out she is one of the most accomplished movement teachers in the United States, helped to pioneer the use of the foam roller in modern rehabilitative practices, and is one of the top Feldenkrais teachers in the world.

Right. Just your typical Monday. In the middle of nowhere, just off of I-5.

Maari Christiante.

Maari is a legend. I am so honored that she's my friend. Her art is whimsical and other-worldly...it takes you places! She's an artist from Austin, Texas, and is here doing school with me. Did I mention she's amazing?!

We ran into each other at the Stirring several times this week, and during one such meeting, she challenged me to celebrate my failures...which is proof that I've made an attempt at something new. It made me realize how much I avoid failure...I think I'm going to write more on this topic!

(...the very fact that I'm writing this blog is a celebration of failure! I explained to her that my ability does not match my taste. She said write anyway. So here you have it...)

...but yes, Maari is a legend.

Gill K.

Today, I had the pleasure of having coffee with my friend, Gill. (...at The Stirring, of course...) As Gill is a proper Brit, she had English Breakfast Tea. She is an EPIC woman...she survived breast cancer, using juicing, supplements, exercise and lots and lots of prayer. She's been successful in the corporate sector, and has also done charity and mission work in some very tough places.

I was feeling really discouraged today, but she broke it off of me, in Jesus' name, and reminded me of the power of the cross of Jesus. She is a true lioness...so strong and powerful!

So there you have it...my adventures in coffee houses...mostly in the Stirring...this week...oh, and as I knocked my French Press off the counter as I was prepping my morning coffee, and it shattered into a million pieces, which meant I went to Starbucks this morning...no adventures to report...just my favorite barista there, Bonnie. Bonnie is amazing...she remarked on my sequined Nine West computer case...we both agree sparkly things are "neutrals" and should be worn with everything. (Her glasses and her name tag were rhinestone encrusted...:-)

So that's a wrap! I'm so thankful for these people-treasures who light up my life! (...and for great ambiance, artistry through coffee...)

Cheers and peace!

p.s. These photos are not my own...they are from the internet...xoxo, A.

The Saturday Edit

Hello there! Welcome to my very first Saturday Edit.

I've decided to keep track of things I found amazing or entertaining during the past week. If you're interested in what makes me smile...or go on a rant, please keep reading.

First up...

                                                                   F A S H I O N

This. Purse.

Chanel classic flap bag

Help. Literally, Help. Now you know that I am not into having a lot of things. Maybe you don't know that. But please know that at the time of this post, I own three pairs of ill-fitting jeans, exactly 3 pairs of shoes, (not including my two pairs of flip-flops, and two shirts that are presentable enough to wear out of the house. I've not yet been in a position to own much, nor do I feel like I need clothing pieces for status, or to feel good about myself. 

I love beautiful, well-made things; I love fashion and I love style, and this piece is eponymous as being all three.

I just look at it and almost start to cry, my heart is so happy. 

I'm quite particular. It must be lambskin, but hardware is negotiable. I thought I'd prefer gunmetal hardware...but the gold gets me every time.

M U S I C

I'm still enjoying James Bay's "Let It Go"...and Bryan and Katie Towalt's new "Champion" is very nice.

F O O D

Chia seeds. I'm enjoying chia seeds, or rather chia pudding. I mix chia seeds with coconut milk or water, I add stevia or honey, a pinch of salt, some organic steel cut oats, if I need carbs, and serve with (a healthy dollop) of almond butter. (...and sometimes chocolate chips.) 

Tip: Not to jump and land too heavily on the Mason Jar bandwagon, but it's nice to make chia pudding in said jars. 

[Steps politely off]

B L O G

I've newly discovered the lovely couple that is Lydia Elise Millen and Ali (Alistair) Gordon. They have beautiful blogs and images, their YouTube videos are stunningly edited...brilliant use of music, and they stay in their lane, meaning they work very hard and do all their own shooting and editing, are self-taught, and self-starting. I find their story quite inspirational.

Ali was a model, Lydia a fashion blogger who began to do well on Instagram, and now they are a power couple, being approached for projects by major brands like L'Oreal. 

Well done, guys. Well done.

Well that's all for the Saturday edit. There were lots of things going down in politics and pop culture this week, but hopefully this provided you all with a few moments of breathing space.

Cheers and peace!

Wonder Women (...this week's adventures at The Stirring...)

Well, we made it, folks!

Today, I thought I'd write about some highlights from my week, which mostly involve...

The Stirring Coffeehouse

( Ok, so...I've just discovered that The Stirring Coffeehouse has no website. (?!?!) I've linked you to their Instagram...)

My current favorite table. I've always wanted a house with a red door.

 As I was sitting at The Stirring on Monday, two lovely women walked in, and were aghast. One was from Dallas, one from Marin County, and they were driving from Ashland, Oregon, back to Marin, having celebrated the latter woman's birthday, over the weekend.

The Stirring is a church, and it's coffee house is spectacular, but is surrounded by auto mechanics, an auto parts store, and the huge, sterile post office. It's in a horrible part of Redding, just off of I-5...and it's AMAZING. (I am from Chicago, and we have such places as Intelegencia, Metropolis, Le Colombe, and, well, the coffee game is strong.)

...and The Stirring is better. The coffee is just on par with those places, with two main local roasters supplying beans. The nitro cold brew is a highlight, and they have hemp milk, which is a must for me. Because real estate is cheap, it's a massive place, the acoustics are perfect...you can hear your coffee buddy using conversational voice over the perfectly mixed music, and the general coffeehouse "buzz"...but not the conversation at the table next to you, if that makes sense...

ANYWAY...

Said women came in, were in wonder, and one sat down at my table, curious as to what I was writing. We chatted for a bit...turns out she is Israeli, just had a birthday, and loves Shakespeare. (Thus her birthday trip to Ashland...I thought perhaps she was a witch, as people in Ashland tend to be into such things, and sometimes witches are quite beautiful...as was this woman...but I digress.)

We exchanged information, and after she left, I googled her. (...as it's terribly impolite to Google someone in their presence...) Turns out she is one of the most accomplished movement teachers in the United States, helped to pioneer the use of the foam roller in modern rehabilitative practices, and is one of the top Feldenkrais teachers in the world.

Right. Just your typical Monday. In the middle of nowhere, just off of I-5.

Maari Christiante.

Maari is a legend. I am so honored that she's my friend. Her art is whimsical and other-worldly...it takes you places! She's an artist from Austin, Texas, and is here doing school with me. Did I mention she's amazing?!

We ran into each other at the Stirring several times this week, and during one such meeting, she challenged me to celebrate my failures...which is proof that I've made an attempt at something new. It made me realize how much I avoid failure...I think I'm going to write more on this topic!

(...the very fact that I'm writing this blog is a celebration of failure! I explained to her that my ability does not match my taste. She said write anyway. So here you have it...)

...but yes, Maari is a legend.

Gill K.

Today, I had the pleasure of having coffee with my friend, Gill. (...at The Stirring, of course...) As Gill is a proper Brit, she had English Breakfast Tea. She is an EPIC woman...she survived breast cancer, using juicing, supplements, exercise and lots and lots of prayer. She's been successful in the corporate sector, and has also done charity and mission work in some very tough places.

I was feeling really discouraged today, but she broke it off of me, in Jesus' name, and reminded me of the power of the cross of Jesus. She is a true lioness...so strong and powerful!

So there you have it...my adventures in coffee houses...mostly in the Stirring...this week...oh, and as I knocked my French Press off the counter as I was prepping my morning coffee, and it shattered into a million pieces, which meant I went to Starbucks this morning...no adventures to report...just my favorite barista there, Bonnie. Bonnie is amazing...she remarked on my sequined Nine West computer case...we both agree sparkly things are "neutrals" and should be worn with everything. (Her glasses and her name tag were rhinestone encrusted...:-)

So that's a wrap! I'm so thankful for these people-treasures who light up my life! (...and for great ambiance, artistry through coffee...)

Cheers and peace!

p.s. These photos are not my own...they are from the internet...xoxo, A.

Help! I'm Feeling Anxious! (Part 2)

Happy Tuesday, Y'All!

I made it to my friend's party Sunday night, and I didn't break down and cry! (...it would have been completely fine if I had, I just managed not to...)

It's Tuesday. I survived my teaching schedule yesterday, which started at 7:45a.m. and ended at 8:45p.m., after 5.5 hours of sleep,  and  after receiving two texts back-to-back while waiting for my first client at the park where we usually meet for her session: One from my supervisor at the gym letting me know there was a gas leak in the room where I normally teach my 9a.m. barre class, and another from said client I was waiting on, telling me she'd been at the park at 6:45a.m., thinking that's when we were to meet.

Sometimes Mondays are awesome like that, lol!

Today I ran into two friends who both said they are having issues with anxiety this summer. All three of us are in a similar situation...in school...waiting to be placed in an internship, waiting on a miracle to happen for school fees to be paid next month. All three of us also have a history of gluten intolerance, burnout and adrenal fatigue. So very interesting...

So flashback to Sunday, when I was midway to emptying the fridge in attempt to calm my nerves. I realized, as I did the self-check and the steps I described in Part 1 of this series, I needed to make a list of all the things that were weighing on me, and see if there were specific things I can do about each one.

The following is step 4 of how to deal with life when you're battling anxiety and depressions.

Make a list of the things you are responsible for, and make a plan to do those things for at least 10 minutes.

I didn't make it to the gym to lift today, as I'd planned, nor did I yesterday. This is stressing me out. I can take responsibility for that, forgive myself,  (this is essential!),  and make a plan to get that done tomorrow. I need to go through a box of paperwork, and I've been putting that off, too. As soon as I'm done writing this post, I'm going to do some Pilates mat work to clear my head, and then I'm going to work on that box for 10 minutes. If I'm not through with all the contents of said box in ten minutes, I'm closing it up and planning for 10 minutes tomorrow.

I can't do anything to change my bank balance, or the uncertainty of where I'm going to live in the fall, or my busy work schedule this week, but I can give thanks for my job. I can write in my planner some numbers of leasing agents I can follow up with in my free time tomorrow.

I also cannot change the situations of my friends and family members, but I can give thanks for them. I can pray blessing and peace on their lives. I can reach out to them and send an encouraging message their way, but taking on their pain and staying there, or trying to fix their problems for them is exceedingly unhealthy, not to mention disempowering for both of us.

Take a moment to sit and breathe and digest all that. If you've caught yourself being introspective again, or engaging in behaviors you're less than proud of, take a deep breath, put away the ice cream, and start over. Every second is a chance to re-engage in the adventure of life, free and full of grace for yourself, and others.

Cheers and peace!

xoxo,
Amie

Help! I'm feeling anxious! (Part 1)

I'm excited to see how many people click on this post. What an ambiguous title!



//DISCLAIMER//

This blog post is not going to solve all your problems.

There. I hope that's clear.

You know that I'm only sharing my thoughts, ideas, practices and interests here. Below are some things I do when I notice something's not right. Today, the thing that made me realize something was off is that I'm finding myself dreading Monday, which is tomorrow, and also being around people.

I noticed this weekend that I've been isolating: not going to the gym or even grocery shopping because of there being too many people, and not wanting to go to my good friend's going away party. I was wanting to snack more than I should and I am craving alcohol. I've never had a problem with alcohol, so immediately I knew something was very wrong.

Aha! There's something. As I traced through my mental list, I saw a trigger: My dear friend is moving away. I knew there was more going on than just that, so I stepped away from the fridge, (and am congratulating myself, as that is a huge victory in itself...), and sat down to explore what's really going on.

(Note: Here's where I pull out the Bible. If you don't yet follow Jesus, that's fine, you can skip this, and read the rest, below, but please know, I would have long since committed suicide if not for Jesus, if so for no other reason than getting to know me better, it might be polite for you to ready the Jesus-y, Bible-y part of this post...)

In the book of Isaiah, Jesus is called the Prince of Peace. (Is. 9:6) It's often on Christmas cards, and (flashback to my days as a choral singer) it's the theme of one of Handel's most beautiful pieces, The Messiah.

Basically, if I follow Jesus, so when I notice I'm feeling anxious about something, it means I've lost my peace, and I've allowed circumstances, people, or something else affect my state of wellbeing. As someone who has had a life-long struggle with anxiety, depression, suicidal thoughts, and ensuing addictive behaviors, and as someone who is currently walking free of those things, I not only believe I have something credible to say on such matters, I am also able to keenly recognize when my body, thoughts, or emotions are not in alignment.

So now, yes, I pray, but I also ask Holy Spirit to help me identify if there is anything else that is wrong. Cool thing is, Jesus is also referred to as Wonderful Counselor in Isaiah 9:7, and He said Holy Spirit was Counselor, too (John 14:25-31), in the same breath He said that He left us His peace...Yay!

So yes, this is very good news, but I still want sugar, and I'm still sad that my friend is leaving, and as I begin to ask Holy Spirit why else I'm feeling anxious, I realize it's because I have a very hectic work schedule ahead of me, I'm late on some work projects, my bank balance is less than perfect, I'm looking for housing for the coming school year, and some of my friends and family members are unwell and going through hard times, and I've taken that on, too...and so on...

Thank GOD for Holy Spirit. :-) I know I need to take a step back, and start to do three things.

Step 1. Start being thankful.

This is a POWERFUL tool, for many reasons. But this one tool helped me get through many serious bouts of depression. More on being thankful in a later post.

Step 2

Refrain from introspection. Once you've identified a list of things that are making you crazy, stop. This is a very important step, especially for people who tend to be more introspective, or whose self-esteem is not where it should be. Speaking from experience, becoming overly introspective can lead to harmful thoughts about yourself, as well as to self-harming behaviors.

Step 3

Slow down. Take a nap. Make it a point to go to bed early. I know it's hard.
 Have a cup or coffee or tea. (I am a wellness professional, but I drink coffee and tea and I enjoy it. Even when it's 110 degrees outside...like today...right now.) I will often drink some coffee and then nap for about 30 minutes, which is about the time it takes for the caffeine to take effect.

One of the greatest triggers of stress, anxiety, and overall poor wellbeing is lack of sleep...



I will write more on this tomorrow, because I have a feeling it's more important than I realize...


 I want to be very clear that if you are really struggling and hurting, there is grace for you. If you're not following  Jesus, know He will help you. Just ask to feel His presence, and for Him to help you, and He will! Trust me.

That said, as firm a believer as I am in supernatural healing, and  the importance of living a healthy, self-loving lifestyle, I'm an equally firm believer that there is a place for medical help. If you have access to medical care, see a doctor. Sometimes you need medicine to get better. At twenty-one, I did. I also had the best therapist on the face of planet Earth, and he saved my life. He absolutely did not and does not follow Jesus, so to my Jesus-following readers, go to the doctor, for Heaven's sake, and look into good therapists, regardless of their beliefs.

[steps politely off of soapbox]

This is a long one, folks. Sorry.

I am so looking forward to writing more on this in the days to come.

Hugs, cheers and peace,

xoxo
Amie

Five things...

Five things I'm pondering today:

1.) God's faithfulness. 

God is so faithful. Sometimes it takes me by surprise.

2.) Our faithfulness. 

Faithfulness is a fruit of Holy Spirit described in Galatians 5. Is it possible for people to be faithful to their partners, to their families, to an idea or a workout plan, without Holy Spirit inside of them?

Holy Spirit's presence is so strong in the world, I suppose that pervasiveness makes it possible for people who are not acquainted with Him to manifest His qualities therein. That said, why is it so hard for some people who have Holy Spirit inside them to manifest His characteristics and display His gifts?

3.) Poverty.

It needs to end. Little kids should have abundant safety, food, and access to music lessons. Period. So do big kids, and big, big kids, (also known as adults...).

4.) Balmain.

Olivier Rousteing, are you really famous because you are a prodigy, or because you are friends with Kim K. and an wonder at wielding the tool that is Instagram?

5.) The athleisure trend.

I'm shocked by the fact that I'm wearing gym shoes with jeans, and it's socially acceptable, and actually looks cool.

No More Boxes, Part 1

I am so angry at the injustice what is happening right now in America. I am outraged. I have waited to share my thoughts so that they would not be reactionary, but responsive. As I prayed and pondered this morning, these are some words that came from heart, to head and through hands...



.(..this is not a sermon; yet, with enough polishing, it could possibly become one.)


 In John 17, Jesus prayed a very famous prayer. It was the night He was betrayed. He knew what was coming, and He was praying for us. In His fervency for us, He sweat blood as He prayed that we [all the people He died for, which is everyone...] would be one, as He and the Father are one.

Note that He prayed we would be "one." Not "same." "One."

I am a woman. I am created in the image of God. A man is equal to me, as we are both created in the image of God. There are attributes that make us different from one another, which should all be celebrated, as there are differences between Father, Son, and Holy Spirit, which we give thanks for and celebrate. They co-exist as equal, but different, and as One.

So we, as the body of Christ, who are bought with His blood, are one. Different, with distinct facets of greatness that set us apart, one from another. Different in ways which reflect the image of God, and which, when we walk in unity, help each one of us become our highest selves.

We are all under the Blood,  so whether white, black, Latina, Asian, Native American, man, woman, or even child, be reminded today, that He so passionately desired us to live as one that He sweat blood.

He, like we, bleed red, so in that vein, may we live as one.

Women in Ministry, Part 1

This is the link to an article a friend of mine recently posted on Facebook.

(...yes, I'm still on Facebook, and yes, today I had too much time on my hands and was scrolling my news feed, which, again, yes, is something I'm making it a point to do less of...so I can spend more time on Snapchat... <3)

The article is linked here. Have a read.

The article addresses a woman's place in the church. What's interesting, is women in Islam are raising questions about their places within their religion.

Since I am not religious, my questions are not the same, but I am a firm follower of Jesus, and I believe the Bible is the inerrant word of God, so for many years, I lived a very tormented and confused life.

 I thought it was God who was angry with me and out to get me. I thought it was God Who was disappointed with me for being female, and I was angry with Him for making me that way.

This could go in many directions. My story is quite involved, and the reason I'm still alive is Jesus, but for many years, I wrestled with God and completely mistrusted Him...and it was because of the church.

I am going to write about this subject more than once, and I'm going to simply share my story, because I know there is power in story, and it's less offensive than opinion. You have the right to your opinion. I have the right to mine, and I'm not trying to change anyone's mind...my goal in life is to change my own for the better every day, and to live and share from that place.

So right, then. I was depressed and very suicidal because the God who actually died to set me free from every curse, including the one that put husbands over wives in Genesis, was being modeled for me by pastors and authority figures as angry, vengeful, two-faced, oppressive, demanding, demeaning and tyrannical...just to name a few things...

But the Bible they claimed as inerrant says that God Himself says He is good, gives good gifts, is kind, merciful, patient, and LOVE, for Heaven's sake. (eg: Exodus 33:17-23, 34:5-9; James 1:17; 1John 4:7-5:4)

When Jesus taught His disciples to pray, He began with: "Our Father, Who art in Heaven..." (I'll write on that amazing gem another time...it's SO awesome!), and on down the line, He prayed: "...Your Kingdom come, Your will be done, on earth, as it is in Heaven..." (Matthew 6:9-13)

That posed a problem for me, or so I thought. If the church is modeling oppression of women by not allowing them to have places of leadership and equal say, and they are to be leading the charge for the world and are supposed to be advancing the rule and reign of God on the earth to make it look like God's kingdom, Heaven...then that's a problem, and I should probably not serve God.

And this posed another problem, because I'd had experiences of God that were not at all like what I read about in scripture through the lens of what I was being shown and taught in the church...

So if I committed suicide, did I really want to go to Heaven? And did I want to live? No.

The plot thickens and the story does get better, I promise...stay tuned...(because obviously I have chosen to live...and I'm in ministry school!!!)

Brave is...

To the single mom, who manages a baby in a stroller, a toddler, a seven-year-old with a backpack and a stomach ache on a city bus during morning rush hour...

You are brave.

To the girls who tried out for cheerleading, or the solo in choir, but didn’t make it…

You are brave.

To the one who didn’t make the cut, didn’t get the promotion, whose proposal wasn’t chosen, whose meeting with the boss went really poorly...but you chose to show up and try again today…

You are brave.

Brave is what you are when you’ve stepped over the chicken line, when you’ve put feet to your faith, when in the face of fear, you have taken action.

To all the everyday heroes…

You are brave.