Dear Family and Friends,Merry Christmas once again, sending glad tidings for the end of 2010 and bright blessings for the year to come, Happy New Year 2011!
We managed to maneuver through the year in a relatively peaceful manner. I spent five weeks in San Diego the first part of 2010 at one of my favorite spots, Optimum Health Institute. The best place I know to rest and chill, part of the time I spent with my lovely friend Emily Rozzano, "The Raw Food Cracker Girl" as I like to refer to her. This spunky little New Yorker can put more raw crackers out in a day, then a kitchen full of raw culinary chefs! A fun time, even in the unseasonably heavy rains.
Boyd also attended Optimum Health Institute in March for 2 weeks, and lost about 15 pounds on the vegan diet with fasts and colonics. He really enjoyed the peaceful surroundings and the extensive information offered at the classes there.
Our business remains stable with a loyal following of alternative minded, aware customers. We are very grateful to continue marching forward into 2011 soundly, while adding a new collection of Tattvas Oils formulated by Divine Archetypes out of Carlsbad, California. In the last year we had two friends depart Oregon to take residence at The Chopra Center, both as practitioner, IT manager and formulator, exciting for all of us. While in San Diego I spent time on campus and will pursue some further education at the Chopra Center in 2011, with the intention of completing my yoga instructor certification.
We have had a number of visits from the Moeller Children over the year, fun as always. Lydia is here now and we are baking, making cards, laughing and in general very happy to know one another. Our animals (Lhasa Apso, Wookie, and orange tabby, Ralph) love their visits as they receive massive amounts of attention, treats, and in general made to feel human...odd, we know.
Boyd continues drumming for four or five bands in the Portland Area, keeping him busy 3-4 nights a week. In August, he recorded an album in Portland for blues and soul singer, Terry Evans, and was very pleased with the result.
Boyd also continues his interest in shamanism and consciousness. He attended two intensive workshops with the renown American shaman, Ellyn Rosenthal, experiencing a Peruvian shaman lineage with fire rituals, meditation and chants. We both continue our regular Bikram Yoga practice.
We did some traveling in the RV this year, short fun jaunts to beach and mountains...it is very small and mostly Boyd's joy vehicle, I tolerate the closeness just barely.
A few things learned from this year...if your feet hurt from your shoes, buy new sensible shoes. In regards to your teeth, do what your dentist tells you, get an electric toothbrush. If you think you are too old to learn something new...you probably are. Buy organic, nothing new, always be reading something. Remember in the movie Avatar, "I see you..." Well, I see you, I feel you, and it is a sweet moment. Thank you for being a part of our journey! We continue to live a very harmonious life, full of gratitude.
Peace, Shay Arave
Boyd Martin
