Simple Joys of the Week, December 9th Edition

Hello to another Friday (!)...I don't have to say it, but wow, another week bites the dust. This weekend is a crazy but exciting weekend for me with LOTS going on (see this post) so I hope to see some of you out at one of these various events. In the meantime, read on for my Simple Joys of the Week.

What brought you happiness this past week?

Hear: Heaven by Brandi Carlile

When I heard this song playing on Pandora, I had to have it. I knew very little about Brandi Carlile, just knew that the song was amazing, as was/is her voice. And now that I've downloaded this song, I think I'm going to have to download the entire album. She's really, really good! Her voice is fabulous! Why am I just now learning about her? I feel like I've been in the dark, but better late than never, right? Anyways, I totally love this song and you can hear it below. For all my students, I've also added it to this month's playlist :)

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Image via today.msnbc.msn.com

See: THIS ARTICLE entitled "91-year-old yoga teacher asks, 'Why should I quit?'"

This woman is my role model! She started teaching yoga in 1960 and recently claimed the Guinness World Record for being the world's Oldest Yoga Instructor. She still practices every day and credits yoga for her amazing health for her age. She's also been teaching classes at her retirement community in Florida for 15 years. SUCH an inspiration. I can only hope to be doing the same thing at her age :) Also, if you're impressed by this, check out the pics that I posted on my blog a couple of months ago (pics of another "yoga grandma"). Kudos to you, Bernice Bates--and to The Today Show for doing a story on her :)

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Image via lifesambrosia.com

Taste: Scrambled Eggs  

Weird one, I know, but scrambled eggs have really been a sensory pleasure for me lately. I've always been a breakfast person (and always will be!), but until now, I've never been one to make eggs for myself in the mornings. But, for the past two or three weeks, they're all I want. Scrambled eggs with cheese, every morning. And the amazing part? They really do keep you full for hours--just like everyone has always said! Yay for protein in the mornings :)

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Image via 2modern.blogs.com

Smell: Pine needles/smell of Christmas trees = holidays are here!

Sadly, we haven't gotten our Christmas tree yet (how are we SO behind on everything this year?), but luckily I've been able to enjoy the smell of pine at the studio (where we actually do have a little tree and lots of garlands), and when out and about shopping/doing errands. I absolutely LOVE the holidays and just can't believe that we're well on our way to Christmas--once I'm home in a few weeks, the holiday smells will abound, and I can't wait :)  On the agenda for Monday (after this crazy weekend subsides)? Getting a little Charlie Brown Christmas tree for our apt :)

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Touch: This amazing Lululemon ad (see image to the left)

As I was flipping through the pages of a magazine this past week (see! that's where the touch comes in!!!), I came across this Lululemon ad. I immediately ripped it out and put it on the fridge. It's SO funny, isn't it? I also think that it's funny to share it this week, when I'm also sharing the article of a 91 year-old yoga instructor who has been teaching at her senior living home for 15 years. I guess the theme of the week is old women + yoga...but it is a really funny ad, isn't it? Makes me smile every time I look at it :)

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So there you have it! Now I'm off to prepare for my jam-packed weekend o'holiday events. Have a glorious Friday and an even more glorious weekend!

And remember, all of the holiday to-do's will get done...don't forget to take the time to stop and smell the pine needles :)

Namaste,
Mary Catherine