Day 304 Intention ~ Enter With An Open Heart

Day 304 Intention ~ Enter With An Open Heart

In Max Strom's book, A Life Worth Breathing, he suggests starting each day with an intention for that day. Not an intention for selfish worldly items, etc., but a way to create goodness in the world that day...for yourself and others. Of course, I have been writing these intentions all year long and admittedly, as you can most likely tell, they aren't set as soon as I wake up in the morning. The events of the day have definitely shaped what my intention turned into on several occasions. 

Often when the alarm goes off, I am struggling not to hit the snooze button several times, but today, the intention was buzzing in my brain. I lay in bed for a few moments and set my intention for the day. It was to enter each interaction I have today with an open heart. So, not pre-judging a situation, trying to be open to hearing what the people around me have to say and listening. It doesn't matter if I agree with what they are saying or not, but just being open to hearing it. 

Trying to lead with love. With an open heart.  

Til tomorrow...

Shanti, 

Marcia

Day 303 Intention ~ Start Over Again

Day 303 Intention ~ Start Over Again

Everyday is a new chance to start over again. If you read yesterday's post, I was feeling a little bit down on myself and I am sorry that you got to feel the brunt of that. I blame Mercury! 

Today, I am feeling much better about things and am ready to hit the reset button. Yesterday, I was questioning myself about choosing to teach yoga in this life. Today, I feel reinvigorated to teach yoga in this life! Could it be more financially rewarding? Sure, but I look at different jobs I have had throughout my life and no matter how much $ I ever made, I was always broke. I am a spender, what can I say!

So, let the adventure continue. Search for happiness, love, peace, bring joy to others and keep on truckin'! If today has got you down, just remember, you have a chance to start over again tomorrow...and the next day and the day after that, so don't get to caught up in the gloom of the day. See the brightness of tomorrow.

Til tomorrow...

Shanti,

Marcia

Day 302 Intention ~ Calm Down

Day 302 Intention ~ Calm Down

Mercury is in retrograde. Take a deep breath. 

Things have not really gone as planned today. I had a surprise day off. It started out well, I walked the dog, made some muffins, even watched a scary movie that I love. 

Then, the laziness set in. Then the guilt. Then the stress. Lately I've been thinking that I need to get a new (or another) job. Being broke all the time is getting to me & the guilt of my husband covering for me all the time is really getting to me. 

As I start to get in that panic mode of "what am I going to do?!?", I look over to my good ol' African proverbs calendar.

Today it reads, "Worrying is like a rocking chair; it swings you back and forth and takes you nowhere." It's a Kenyan proverb. It's true. 

Panic mode & stress mode & guilt mode really do get you nowhere. It takes action. So, now I just need to calm down and figure out a plan. (But, remember, sign no papers until after Mercury is out of retrograde~I believe around November 10th!)

Til tomorrow...

Shanti, 

Marcia

Day 301 Intention ~ Contribute In Some Way...

Day 301 Intention ~ Contribute In Some Way...

Lokah samastah sukinoh bhavantu

May all beings everywhere, be happy & free,

And may the thoughts, words & actions of my own life

Contribute in some way,

To that happiness and that freedom for all.

Shanti, shanti, shanti...ommmmmmmmmmmm

This is the Jivamukti invocation, it is also a mantra that is included in the closing Ashtanga prayer. It's a mantra that has been around for a very (to say the least) long time. 

Sometimes we all get so wrapped up in the little things in our daily lives, that we forget that part of this life is just about taking care of each other. 

I think about some of the negativity about some personal things that has been running through my mind the past couple of days and when I hear or chant this mantra, it makes me feel silly. Life is not about focusing on the negative, it's about bringing the good out of situations. Not wallowing in negativity and letting things just fester and grow. So, even though, right now, the things I am thinking about are personal, I want to contribute to the good and positive things in people's lives. Yes, all people. Sometimes the ones we miss are the ones closest to us. So, especially them. 

Til tomorrow...

Shanti, 

Marcia

Day 300 Intention ~ Just Do It

Day 300 Intention ~ Just Do It

Can't believe today is day 300! Wow, this year is flying by!!

Today, I am using another tagline, but it really rang true for me this morning. 

I have been wanted to get to a full Ashtanga Primary Series that is offered on Sunday mornings at one of the studios where I teach for a long time now. Over the summer, I was gone so much or subbing on Sunday mornings, so it just wouldn't happen. This morning when I woke up, I started looking to see what was offered at closer studios later in the day...then I realized I had enough time to get to Berea (about a 40 minute drive) and that I should just do it!

So I did.

And, I need to do that more often. It's nice to be led by an instructor since most of my Ashtanga practice is at home. It is also nice to hear/learn the transitions, since that is the part I am not sure about teaching sometimes. 

It was a great way to start the day...and the week!

So, if you want something, go for it! 

Til tomorrow...

Shanti, 

Marcia

Day 299 Intention ~ Teach, Write, Love

Day 299 Intention ~ Teach, Write, Love

Sorry, couldn't help the little reference to Elizabeth Gilbert's Eat, Pray, Love, but the goal today really is to teach, write & love. We have been out the last two Friday nights...out too late for me, who has to actually work on Saturdays. I don't do well when I don't get enough sleep, so teaching is always a little off when we go out on a Friday. 

It is also my two year anniversary with Examiner.com, which is exciting, but also makes me want to write a new article...and work on the backlog of ideas that I have jotted down in different notebooks. 

And I want to do all that I do today with some love in it. Teaching, talking with the people I encounter, share it with my animals and with John. If you can't do something with love in your heart, why do it?!?!?

Til tomorrow (for Day 300!!)...

Shanti, 

Marcia

Day 298 Intention ~ Deal With It Already

Day 298 Intention ~ Deal With It Already

I have an old friend that I have been having issues with the past year or so. Now, I didn't really think that I would be dealing with things like this into my forties, but here I am. I have spoken with this friend before about some of the things that make me feel hurt/upset when I am speaking with her. She apologized and then just kept it up. 

At this point, I have dealt with it by not dealing with it. Conveniently for me not dealing with it, this person doesn't live in the same state. Inconveniently for me to act like an adult and deal with it, this friend does not live in the state, so it's much easier for me to ignore. 

I think that I have been doing this so long, that I suppressed my emotions (completely unhealthy-I know I know), I didn't realize how much until a mutual friend started discussing making some plans with this person with me today. Next thing I knew, I was crying and upset and it has put me in a funk for the rest of the day...so far. 

What this really tells me, is that it is time for me to deal with it. Get to the bottom of what is going on. Has it been built up in my head to be worse than I remember? Have we just simply grown apart? Did I do something to make this person treat me disrespectfully? 

I guess a phone call is in order. In the end, things will be resolved and, whether good or bad, hopefully, I can put this to rest. 

Til tomorrow...

Shanti,

Marcia

Day 297 Intention ~ Bow Down to Mother Nature

Day 297 Intention ~ Bow Down to Mother Nature

Today was our first snow in Cleveland. It's only October 24th and although this happens some years, it's still a surprise. That first snow fall. So pristine. So new. So foreign, even though we come to expect it each year. 

Mother Nature is amazing. The change of seasons is beautiful and breathtaking. I know some get down at the first snow sighting, dreading the months to come, but I think it's beautiful. It is a sight to behold. All four seasons. It is amazing the cycle of life that we go through in each year. 

Now that we are headed to our cold snowy winter season, it's a time to come back into ourselves. Find some grounding and inner discovery. Review the past year...good times and bad. 

Instead of looking at winter in a negative way, take it as a time to regroup and rediscover yourself and what you need now or observe how you have grown over the past year. 

Embrace that & bow down to Mother Nature. 

Til tomorrow...

Shanti, 

Marcia

Day 296 Intention ~ Bring A Positive Light

Day 296 Intention ~ Bring A Positive Light

I see a lot of different people throughout my day. As the colder, stormier weather starts to roll in, people seem a bit more down, tired, stiff and, sometimes, negative. 

Whether it is my students, or the check out person at the grocery store, I try to bring a positive light to our interaction together. Sometimes it only takes one smile or person being nice to you or perhaps sharing a joke (even a corny one), to change that person's outlook on their day. 

Why not try to bring joy to those you run into. Everyone wins in that scenario. Besides, what's that saying, you get what you give :)

Til tomorrow...

Shanti, 

Marcia

Day 295 Intention ~ Make Dinner For My Husband

Day 295 Intention ~ Make Dinner For My Husband

Being a yoga teacher, there are many evenings that I am away from home, so either John & I don't eat together or we eat something fast at 9:30 at night. 

This evening I am home & I am cooking. It's getting chillier here in Northeast Ohio and so hot, spicy, vegan green enchiladas are on the menu. So yummy! 

Now, the sauce is not from scratch (or the tortillas...this time), but basically here it is: 

Green enchilada sauce (be sure to check the back of the can if it's store bought, sometimes they sneak chicken stock in there)

Cheese or vegan cheese substitute (Monterey jack or mozzarella...heck even cheddar)

Tofu ~ one block, bake it for 45 minutes on 350...sprinkle some garlic powder, salt, pepper and chili powder on to liking

Onion and jalapenos chopped

Corn tortillas heated a bit, so that they are easier to roll

Put some sauce in the bottom of the baking pan so that the enchiladas don't stick. 

Once the tofu has baked, you can either just put them in the corn tortilla or saute them with the jalapenos and onions, either way will work fine. So, saute jalapenos & onions and add to the tortilla. Add a little bit of cheese to the tortilla and roll it up. 

I like to seal the tortilla with a toothpick to be sure that it doesn't open in the pan. 

Fill the pan with enchiladas and then cover more sauce over top. Cover the pan with a lid or aluminum foil. Bake at 350 degrees for about 30 minutes. Take the foil off and sprinkle cheese over the top of the enchiladas. Put the pan back in the oven uncovered until the cheese melts.

You can use a little vegan sour cream (I like the Tofutti brand) if you would like on the side to add extra creaminess to the enchilada. 

Enjoy! 

Til tomorrow...

Shanti, 

Marcia

Day 294 Intention ~ Finish My Book

Day 294 Intention ~ Finish My Book

I have been nursing Richard Freeman's book, The Mirror of Yoga, for months and months now. I only read it before bed and only about 5-10 pages at a time. I love it and I have cherished my time with it. 

Last night I was down to the last 6 pages, so I read only two before turning off the light. Tonight has got to be the night. I need to practice vairagya or non-attachment with this book. It will always be there for me to refer to and it is time. I have several lined up and ready to go for my reading pleasure! Vairagya is in Patanjali's Yoga Sutras and it is something, as yogis, we should all practice. Now, my interpretation here is very loose on the non-attachment front, but the way I have been coveting this book...perhaps not! 

Til tomorrow...

Shanti, 

Marcia

Day 293 Intention ~ Relax

Day 293 Intention ~ Relax

It's Sunday. This is usually the one day a week I take off, but today, I subbed a class. I also have some knit work to do, but that is super laid back. 

John & I were talking last night about a few things that we did need to get done today. When I got home from my class this afternoon, I asked him what was on the list again. As he went down the items, the last thing he said was, "And most importantly, the number one thing we need to do today is...relax."

So, there it is. There is my intention for the rest of my Sunday. Although with the Browns in Green Bay today, not sure if I'll be able to relax. ha!

Til tomorrow...

Shanti, 

Marcia

Day 292 Intention ~ Stand In Awe

Day 292 Intention ~ Stand In Awe

Last night was my husband's big art opening. I was amazed by the outpouring of support from friends, family, co-workers and my yoga students (who are also friends) that came out. It is difficult for me to express how touched John & I both were from all of this. I stand in awe of all of their amazing-ness.

I am also in awe of the turn out in the Cleveland Heights community and all of their kind words and support. It is always nice to hear from strangers. I do really enjoy living in this community, so to feel like my husband's work was appreciated here, at home, was a wonderful feeling. 

I am also in awe of the amazing range of artists that do support the community. The talents out there are amazing and I hope that we can all support each other in our endeavors and keep art alive & well! 

Keep living and loving those around you and your community will only grow and thrive. 

Til tomorrow...

Shanti, 

Marcia

Day 291 Intention ~ Take A Breath

Day 291 Intention ~ Take A Breath

When I woke up this morning, my mind immediately started going down the list of things I wanted to get done before this evening. Tonight is my husband's first art show in over 10 years and although I am really proud and excited for him, it means there are many tasks to accomplish beyond the norm. 

Preparing for the in-laws, ie: make our house not look like quite a mess was number 1. It was one of those mornings in which the internet wasn't working, I was dropping everything, things just didn't seem to go right no matter what I did. 

Then, I took a very short moment to do some yoga (I mean very short, but some is better than none!) Once I started to breathe and move, even if it was only for 20 minutes, my mind started to clear and I realized that it's up to me how I handle this day.

Now, I am excited again and not dreading all of the lead up. 

So, if that stress wells up again inside of me, I know to practice what I preach, step aside and breathe, even if it's only for a moment it will help. 

Til tomorrow...

Shanti,

Marcia

Day 290 Intention ~ Don't Get Discouraged

Day 290 Intention ~ Don't Get Discouraged

The past couple months have really slowed down in my classes. Even some of my steady students for a couple years now have seemed to have evaporated into thin air. In my business, it's hard to make a living. It's also hard to not get discouraged and start beating yourself up when your class is suddenly empty. One week is one thing, but when it seems to be over a period of time, you start to question what you are doing. 

Granted, schedules change, the season has changed and heck, people have lives. I get this. But, as far as today goes, I am just feeling a little down about it. Negative thoughts and feelings tend to multiply once they are opened, so I am trying to not get discouraged and figure out what I need to do to get my people back. 

As soon as things are back on track, I will take a stance of everything happens for a reason, which I do believe. But, sometimes it's hard when you still gotta pay the bills. 

Til tomorrow...

Shanti, 

Marcia

Day 289 Intention ~ Accept Differences

Day 289 Intention ~ Accept Differences

I'm not talking about differences as in black/white, man/woman, gay/straight, Republican/Democrat or any other combo you can think of, I am really speaking from a yoga teacher perspective. I like to go to different classes led by a variety of teachers. It's interesting to learn different ways to get into different poses and here the how & why of it all. There are differences from what I have been taught. Every time. It doesn't mean that that teacher is wrong, it's just different. 

Sometimes I like the different ways, sometimes I don't. I tend to adapt things depending on how it makes my body, mind & spirit feel after practicing them. If someone else's methods don't feel good, I don't adopt them. But, I still accept that their method is good for some people.

As a yoga teacher, I encourage you to go check out all sorts of classes and teachers and find what works best or worst for you! What challenges you, not only physically, but emotionally, or even spiritually. Find that teacher (yes, there may be several & many styles of yoga) and keep practicing. 

Til tomorrow...

Shanti,

Marcia

Day 288 Intention ~ Know How Lucky I Am

Day 288 Intention ~ Know How Lucky I Am

And appreciate every minute of it....

As I was driving to work this morning, I noticed so many people with angry looks on their faces. Maybe not angry, but not happy. It was one of those mornings in which my iPod shuffle was hitting all tunes that I wanted to hear, so I was singing and boppin' down the road and yet still, it was hard to ignore the looks on people's faces as they headed into each day or when they insisted on tailgating me or having to pass me, and believe me, I wasn't driving slowly. 

It was sad to see this on the morning commute. It's not that I am unaware that I am lucky to get to do things that I love to make a living, but it was just blaring in my face (and consciousness) this morning. I love going to work for my friends, it's like I'm getting to go hang out and get paid. Please note, I do actually work when I am there...most of the time. :)

So, once again, just wanted to appreciate that I love what I get to do in this world and I am so so grateful for it. It is sad that I feel lucky to get to do what I want...I wish everyone could do what they want, follow their dreams and feel lucky.

Til tomorrow...

Shanti, 

Marcia 

Day 287 Intention ~ Give The Benefit Of The Doubt

Day 287 Intention ~ Give The Benefit Of The Doubt

We live in a pretty pessimistic society. We tend to be suspicious of people's intentions. And, unfortunately, we assume the worst. 

When someone is impatient at the grocery store line or displaying signs of road rage, it's important to realize that they must have something else going on in their lives that is upsetting them. Sometimes their actions create a reaction in us that we assume they are just an *sshole. Maybe they are, but more than likely, there is something just upsetting their balance.

I have personally read how people write emails or post status' on social media, etc. and read it in as an angry or snide conversation or statement when that wasn't how it was meant at all. Why did I just assume the worst? 

Today, give people the benefit of the doubt. I talk about living with love and an open heart a lot in my classes and elsewhere...but we can't do that if we assume the worst in them. It's time to walk the walk, not just talk the talk. 

I have a feeling it will be a very positive day!

Til tomorrow...

Shanti, 

Marcia

Day 286 Intention ~ Take Today With Ease

Day 286 Intention ~ Take Today With Ease

It is Sunday after all! It was a nice morning to sleep until I naturally woke up sans alarm (even George let us sleep in ~ good dog). Although there is always stuff to do, I love Sunday because it is the one day of the week that John & I have together that we don't have to, usually, go to work. 

Especially today when it's a little bit drizzly and football is on, it's nice to just hang out and chill. It is a great day to recoup and prepare for the coming week. 

So, I'm easy...like Sunday morning, even now that it's the evening :)

Til tomorrow...

Shanti,

Marcia

Day 285 Intention ~ Accept Impermanence

Day 285 Intention ~ Accept Impermanence

Things are in a constant state of change...that is one constant we can depend on. It is a lesson of yoga to learn to accept the now and not get attached to it because it is all impermanent. I am sure that seeing an old friend in the past week is what sparked my attention to past things, silly arguments I've had or just longing for younger days and friends. 

Through this, some old negative emotions have risen through all of this and it is silly. I know that these feelings are silly to dwell on, but yet, I still let certain things bother me. I need to let go. These past things are not really affecting the here and so fleeting now, except for my pain in my heart or gut about them. It's silly. They are over. These situations are long gone, but I sparked them back to life...in my mind. 

The truth is, every moment is gone in a snap. Try to enjoy them, don't attach to them. If you stopped and really found stillness in the right here, right now, it wouldn't seem so bad. Not dwelling on the past, not worrying about the future. Just being here in the moment...and then it is gone. 

Nothing is permanent. 

Til tomorrow...

Shanti, 

Marcia

Day 284 Intention ~ Keep On Learning

Day 284 Intention ~ Keep On Learning

Now, believe me, I learn something every time I teach a class. My students teach me a lot. It is a rare occurrence on my yoga salary to get to go to a formal workshop for teachers with an acclaimed teacher. 

Today is one of those days! I am so excited. 

Max Strom, who I adore, is in town this weekend. Although I am only able to attend today's workshop and tomorrow mornings class, I am so excited to allow myself some time to rejuvenate, get re-inspired and learn from someone that I have a lot of respect for in the yoga world. If you don't know who I am talking about, check out his information here.

It is important for all of us teachers and humans to continue to learn throughout our lives. It keeps the mind working, it keeps (for teachers) our teaching fresh and heck, no one likes the person who thinks they know it all, right???

So, I am off! Have a great Friday.

Til tomorrow...

Shanti,

Marcia

Day 283 Intention ~ Enjoy This Day

Day 283 Intention ~ Enjoy This Day

Saw this on Facebook this morning from the Yogi Times page and thought that that sounded like a good idea. I think that most of us intend on doing that each day, but then get sucked into our work lives, our family concerns, financial or emotional issues...life, the ego. 

Learning to accept each moment as it is without judgement, without attaching to it because it really is just a moment, is one way to truly enjoy each moment...enjoy the day. 

Of course the pressures of the modern world can sidetrack us, but if you can find at least one moment to stop, take a breath, and be present right then, you may find that things aren't that bad. 

Have a great Thursday! 

Til tomorrow...

Shanti,

Marcia

Day 282 Intention ~ Bend Don't Break

Day 282 Intention ~ Bend Don't Break

I read an article last night about what some super successful people do before 8 a.m. that puts them ahead of the game. Some were obvious like workout and eat breakfast, and then one that would seem obvious, yet now that I work for myself (sort of), I forget to do: make a schedule/to do list for that day. Seems like common sense to do that, but if something isn't completely pressing, I tend to let it wait until the last minute, so that I can just completely freak out to get it done. 

So, last night before I went to bed, I compiled a schedule for myself today. It helps to keep me focused and challenges me not to slack off. I used to make these schedules for myself all of the time to be sure I remained organized and didn't forget things that I needed to do, but have let that go the last few months for whatever reason. 

So, although I am trying to keep my "to do" list on track today, of course, things come up. Learning to find some flexibility in the schedule is important too. Otherwise, I would go crazy and life would be too regimented for me to enjoy it. 

The goal is to try to keep on track, but be willing to bend a little bit if needed, not break if something changes. 

We can apply this to many things, a detour on our commute, a different yoga teacher in class that day, if a plan simply falls through. It happens all the time, but if we can find some santosa or contentment and peace with what is going on around us, planned or not planned, we will be able to find a little more joy and ease in our day. 

Til tomorrow...

Shanti,

Marcia

Day 281 Intention ~ Write!

Day 281 Intention ~ Write!

Beyond this blog. I write for Examiner.com and for other websites that I actually have assignments to complete. For whatever reason, I have been uninspired (or perhaps just lazy) and haven't been writing lately. 

Usually on Tuesdays, I head to my friends house and work for them. They had a long ride back to Ohio yesterday and are taking the day off. This means one of those days I often dream of when I am too busy, a day to write, practice yoga, put up Halloween decorations, and do all sorts of things that are always on my list of "when I get a free day" to do items. 

I have been wanting to write a couple different articles about yoga in addition to what I want/need to write for Examiner, and today seems like the perfect opportunity to actually get at least an outline going. 

So, today is about writing!

Hopefully I can motivate :)

Til tomorrow...

Shanti,

Marcia

Day 280 Intention ~ Back to Work

Day 280 Intention ~ Back to Work

Although it was great to spend a whole day napping and relaxing without a care in the world yesterday, today it is back to reality. Back to work. But, because of yesterday, I feel ready to take on the world. With so much stuff coming up, it is time to buckle down and put the nose to the grindstone...any other cliches I can throw in there?? ha ha ha

So, happy Monday everyone! 

Til tomorrow...

Shanti, 

Marcia

Day 279 Intention ~ Sleepy Sunday

Day 279 Intention ~ Sleepy Sunday

This Sunday is the perfect sleepy Sunday. No obligations, rainy plus too much celebrating with an old friend last night kicked my laziness into gear. Once I decided it was okay to do absolutely nothing today, there was no guilt and I even feel like I caught up on my sleep, which has been lacking in the past week. 

We all need days like this once in awhile. Learning to just be okay with turning "off" and relaxing. 

Felt good! 

Til tomorrow...

Shanti,

Marcia

Day 278 Intention ~ Wait On A Friend

Day 278 Intention ~ Wait On A Friend

A little Stones reference this morning as I am super excited that one of my oldest & dearest friends is coming to visit this afternoon. Although, I have to go teach class and have other things I need to do before his arrival, I can't help but hum that tune. 

Old friends are the best. New ones are pretty great too, but those ones that are like family...sometimes they actually know you better than your family does. That is how this one is & I cannot wait. He moved out of the States years ago and, if lucky, I get to see him once a year, usually every couple years. So, although I am sure it will fly by, I can't wait to see this old friend and cherish the time together! 

Til tomorrow...

Shanti, 

Marcia

Day 277 Intention ~ Think It Through

Day 277 Intention ~ Think It Through

Sometimes my husband & I get excited about things. When one of our goals is being offered on a silver platter, we want to jump on it ~ who wouldn't?!

Last night, one of John's goals that we had written off for this year was offered to him. We were excited and wound up after a Browns victory (3 in a row!), so we were gung ho and up for the task. 

This morning, reality hit. How much work this would be to accomplish in the next 6 weeks, is it realistic? When it is something you want, it's hard not to just grab it and hold on tight without thinking. So, instead of just blindly leaping forth, we are going to discuss it like adults this evening and think it through. 

Til tomorrow...

Shanti, 

Marcia

Day 276 Intention ~ Plug Away Gracefully

Day 276 Intention ~ Plug Away Gracefully

Today is going to be nuts. Somehow, well I know how, I am teaching 6 classes. I do usually teach 5 on Thursdays, which is already too many. I think that 4 should be any teachers limit, but, of course, I have this one day that I teach 5. Today though, it is 6. Luckily, I have a few hours break in the middle of the day to regroup. 

My goal in these classes is to maintain grace as I teach and not start to get abrupt or lazy when I start getting tired. This will prove more of a challenge today as I have been suffering from horrible allergies all week, so I already don't feel myself. 

But, enough whining! I am just hoping to have the strength to compose all of my classes today with grace.

Til tomorrow...

Shanti,

Marcia

Day 275 Intention ~ Show Some Hometown Pride

Day 275 Intention ~ Show Some Hometown Pride

I live in Cleveland. The butt of many a joke. When my husband & I decided to move back here in 2007 from Colorado when the economy was at a very low point, especially for Cleveland, people kept asking us, "why?".

We always defended Cleveland, even then. We missed that Cleveland spirit. We loved Cleveland's losing sports teams...whether we liked that part of it or not. We loved being in a more diverse city with lots of older architecture and affordable housing. I could go on and on.

Something happened that first year we moved back. The Indians went to the playoffs. They beat the mighty Yankees. 

We were lucky enough to get to go to a number of those games. It was very exciting. 

This past week has been so exciting as the Indians play tonight in the Wild Card game to hopefully head to the playoffs. The Browns won last Sunday and play here tomorrow night. Heck, my fantasy team even jumped to 2nd place! 

There is a lot of new energy that has been building around this area since we moved back. People love this city and will make it work. Between hip new restaurants, breweries and night spots to more bike lanes & lots more yoga studios (my love of course!), medical mart, great healthcare and tons of fantastic artists around town~this is the place to be!! 

Love my CLE!!

Go Tribe! 

Til tomorrow...

Shanti, 

Marcia