Sunday, June 21, 2009

What an amazing weekend....

I've had such an amazing weekend. Busy but amazing. Gotta start with yesterday, of course. My girlfriend, Thea and I went to the yoga retreat in Castlerock. We drove through mountainous roads to get there and when we finally did, oh my gosh, it was instant peacefulness. The surroundings, the sound of birds chirping....I was in awe. I had already started my relaxation just getting out of the car. The retreat was held at the Yoga Conservatory in Castlerock. It was actually the instructor's personal home but set in her own little oasis in the middle of nowhere. She also boards horses so I got my horse fix while I was there. :)

This is Sonia...a beautiful Tennessee Walker...

There were only seven of us but it was nice because we got to know each other better. First, 3 hours in the morning of relaxing yoga stretches (oh it felt so good). Then an amazing lunch of sun dried tomato and portabello mushroom risotto, fresh green salad, red potato salad, rustic bread and tea of our choice and for dessert a Luna Bar (and the caramel brownie one was YUMMY).

Okay, seriously, these are the biggest wind chimes I have ever seen in my life.

The food was delicious and all organic!

Then a walking meditation around her grounds. I've never done this before. We all walked in line together in silence and just took in the sounds and visions around us...trickling water...chirping birds....the liveliness of all the trees and flowers and plants. The entire day was truly relaxing.

This morning I was greeted by this little Ewok at the shelter! Oh my gosh, it was so hard to hold back from taking her home!! She's not available for adoption until July 11th. Even then, there are five people in line waiting for her!



And good 'ol Oscar, the shelter mascot (and owner's personal cat) taking an afternoon snooze.

Needless to say I am tired and pooped from running around all weekend. I'm home and resting with my own little kitties and I have lots of cleaning to do!

Hope you are all having a wonderful Father's Day! My father is in my heart today. He passed away four years ago but I always think of him, well, not just Father's Day but everyday. I love you dad.

22 comments:

Unknown said...

I went to a yoga retreat myself yesterday!!! Glad you had a nice weekend. I hear you on being totally tired and relaxing at home :)

Maggi said...

What a wonderful weekend! I'm more relaxed just reading about it! lol

Chrissy...The Apothecary Shop said...

Sounds wonderful....glad you enjoyed yourself,talk soon,Chrissy

Four Paws and Co said...

Beautiful pictures Michelle & gorgeous surroundings.
Awwww, that sweet little baby ewok is sooo precious! ☺ Diane

debra@dustjacket said...

Wish I was there, sounds just great. Glad you enjoyed it! xx

Heather said...

sounds like a great weekend! Good Earth tea is one of my favorite teas! yummy! that cat is awesome-the mascot cat! i love what he's sleeping on.

Sue said...

Mmmmmm~ It all sounds so blissful! I need a weekend like that!
Blessings~LillySue

Seawashed said...

Sounds truly wonderful Michelle. I just started a gentle yoga class 2 weeks ago and find it exactly 'me'. I love anything peaceful. What beauty to behold in this place that you retreated to. And that kitty, Oh me, Oh my. My son just came home last night with a kitten. Someone gave it to him for his birthday. We'll see how well he takes care of it. She's really cute, white and orange. At least he has a sweet girlfriend whom has 4 cats whom can help him. It will be a good experience for them.

Rainy Day Farm said...

That sounds like heaven. Where in Castle Rock were you? I grew up there, and my family still lives there. I have never heard of a yoga retreat there. I may have to stop by the next time I go visit my parents.
The owners cat looks like a mountain lion! Too cute!

Kelly L said...

What a great weekend! I took a retreat last week with my women ministry group and came home refreshed and relaxed.

Tracey said...

Michelle, sounds like you really enjoyed yourself. I'm so glad. We need to take care of ourselves and find that inner peace we often miss. I love that little kitty. what a face!! have a good week at work and when you get stressed.. remember you weekend.

Anya said...

Wow!!

I need also a weekend like that!!!
Fantastic Michelle :)

purss to all
Kareltje =^.^=
Anya :)

Coach Z said...

Sounds like a great weekend!!! Congradulations on your award for your other blog!!

Randi Troxell said...

aw... i want that kitten... and that oscar is HUGE! glad you had such a fab time!

Angela said...

It looks really peaceful - I'm glad you had a good time.

Allison said...

I also have a horsey post up! That mare is gorgeous. Sounds like a busy and tiring but rewarding weekend!

Elaine said...

That sounds great! I would love to go on a relaxing weekend and commune with nature.

What a cute little Ewok. Keep her happy til she gets adopted.

jen said...

I felt relaxed just reading about your weekend!!
I'm happy for you!

jen

Michelle said...

Great interview! Nice to meet you Lisa! I gotta get back into crafting once my life slows down! Funny, I seem to fit baking in though. LOL!

Michelle said...

Okay, seriously I'm such a blonde. I left this last comment for someone else to myself. LOL! How the heck did that even happen? LOL!

Amy J said...

Michelle, you weekend looks sublime! Am jealous, would LOVE 9and am in need) of a weekend like that. What a beautiful setting too. I feel relaxed after looking at the photos and just reading about it :-)

Anonymous said...

Ok, you're right that the kitty is adorable, but I still think Quincy is tons more beautiful (you can tell I'm in love)! And if you had adopted her, you know where to send Quincy...LOL!

OMG, Oscar looks like he's the size of a sheep!!

What a wonderful yoga retreat that was! So glad you got to go and relax.