Spring Symmetry

In celebration of spring I am posting pictures of tulips. We recently painted our condo a lighter shade of grey, quite a contrast from the bright red and gold tones. My dear friend came over for dinner and brought me these beautiful orange tulips to brighten up our space. Mission accomplished.

Open to Grace

Here are some pictures that were taken during my 5-day immersion of Anusara-inspired yoga training. It was quite the experience, with 58 yogis all coming together to learn the fundamental principles of Anusara. I met people from Edmonton, Tofino, L.A. and all over the mainland, many of whom were already teaching and studying yoga for many years. Highlights include learning how to come up into a pressed handstand (with assistance of course) and connecting with some pretty cool people. I hope to join in on the second immersion in May and rock out a few hand balances.

Being intentional and perhaps a little more bendable

After almost a year and a half of keeping up a pretty consistent yoga practice I have decided to delve a little deeper. Starting this Wednesday I am going to be starting Anusara-inspired yoga training with Chris Chavez . I took a workshop with Chris about 3 months ago and really liked his fun and energetic teaching style so I am sure to be in for a ride.

I am feeling a little anxious about what to expect. The readings include books on human anatomy and movement. There is also a book called Light on Yoga that shows the techniques and effects of the different poses.

How cool is this?

Stay tuned for updates on how the 5-day training goes.

Namaste.

A Welcome Distraction

Sometimes I have an overwhelming feeling to escape and explore someplace different. Even if it’s just a mental break seated in my cubicle and perusing pictures of cool cities that I would love to visit. I have been able to fulfill some of my curiosity by using Google street view to check out the cool shops and cafés lining Paris streets (see above).

Design*Sponge has a great list of city guides that tell you all the hip places to shop, eat and visit in different international and North American cities. I was intrigued to find the Vancouver city guide and quickly scanned to see what interesting areas where highlighted and how much I knew about the hot spots to hit in my own backyard. I will be sure to check out the Portobello West market at the end of this month. Start exploring.

Ancient + Modern

I found this book sitting on the desk of one of the Interior Designers at my work. I had to take a look through as I was intrigued by the contrasting design concept. These are a few images from the book, Ancient + Modern by Cynthia Inions. I love the Georgian glass, time to start searching craigslist.

Heavy Medal

Are the 2010 Olympic medals creative and unique or unusual and bizarre?

Designed by architect Omer Arbel, the medals have a rolling surface that is meant to represent the sea and mountains of the west coast landscape. Omer’s original concept was to have the medals work like a locket with a secret compartment to store keepsakes—a cool idea, the design did not transpire due to cost constraints in manufacturing.

Canadian artist, Corrine Hunt, created the master artwork with an orca motif for the Olympic medals and a raven for the Paralympics. Each medal is hand-cropped from the larger artwork, ensuring that every medal is unique.

I do like the original design as it is very west coast but the curves create a bulky look when worn by the athletes.

Images via Architectural Record.

Light Bright, Olympic City at Night

After taking a ferry back from Granville Island, I took these pictures of the awesome light show set up in English Bay.