On Saturday, I held this year's first doga practice at All One Yoga & Wellness.

I was delighted that one brave soul, and her brave dog, came out for the practice.  I was disappointed and disenchanted that turnout was so underwhelming. 

There was a gentleman, Chris, from the Northwest Florida Daily News who came and took photos.  I'm not sure how to feel about that.  On one hand I'm excited that doga generated enough interest to send a photographer, and perhaps the photos in the NWFDN will grow the practice.  But I'm also afraid that photos of me and one participant will hurt more than help...
You can see the pics here http://nwfdailynews.emeraldcoastphotoswest.com/mycapture/enlarge.asp?image=29512123&event=1004907&CategoryID=28208

Nevertheless, Underdogs will be receiving a donation courtesy of All One Yoga, Doga, Delana & Salty!
 
The past few weeks have been wrought with stress.

First, on a GLOBAL scale is the oil that is spewing into the Gulf daily, with no end in sight.  It makes me angry, sad, overwhelmed.  I plan to help with cleanup, and I've already recruited Cade.  While part of me sees the opportunity for him to learn an environmental lesson first hand... he shouldn't have to.  We spent Sunday afternoon at the beach, playing.  I don't know when we will be able to do so again.

Second, my mother had been fighting ailment and injury.  She fell and has a sprained SI joint and a fractured T12 vertebrae.  On Friday she had carpal tunnel surgery.  The surgery was a result of her diabetes and degenerative nerve function. 

Third, Amy Likins of All One Yoga is out of town, and several of us have come together to teach her classes while she is away.  She is dealing with a health crisis in her family.

Fourth, my dear friend Brenda's son suffers from kidney disease.  He is in a full relapse, and will start another round of vicious meds soon.

Fifth, my wonderful co-worker Cindy had a terrible accident at home that left her partially blinded in one eye.  Her sunshine disposition hasn't been affected, even as she struggles with her new reality.

On Saturday I was at the Landing.  I was fortunate to participate in the New Leash on Life event.  I spent the day speaking with lots of wonderful new people about doga, and about the Animal Justice Rally Group.  Reaching out to my community about the things I hold dear reminds me why, despite eveything else that goes on in our lives and in our world, we do what we do.  Illness, injury, tragedy will strike.  It's the relationships we form that get us through the darkness, together.
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Ustrasana with Chevis
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Chevis' better end