9. First Paddle Board Outing

Monday I used another Living Social coupon to try out some fitness fun.  Paddle Boarding!

 I had to be at SUP Diego at 11:30 to check in and get the board on my car.  Driving with one of these on my car was an experience itself.  Definitely nerve racking to have a board creak and flop in the wind as you drive! Some how I managed to make it to our location around Tecolote shores without the board flying off.  We unloaded and hit the shore for a little instruction before hopping on.

Paddling is much like a canoe only your standing.  Paddle close to the board to go straight and wide to turn. Left side paddling turns you right and vice versa. Holding the handle at the top of the paddle gives you more power because you use your arms. The boards are very buoyant so it is just a matter of balancing while paddling.

As you can see from the picture below I started off on my knees until I learned to paddle with out turning my body.  Turning the body turns the board.

 It was a two hour excursion and I paddled for a little over an hour.  I won't bore you with the pictures of the super small island I paddled around.  Sore the next day from some newly found muscles but well worth it.  I love the water so this is a perfect fitness fit for me.  I will be on the board again soon adding another joyous adventure to this wonderful life!

Anyone else had a paddle board experience? or some other fitness fun activity?  Please share.

4. My blessed 4th of July!

Happy 4th of July! 

As I woke up on July 4^th I thought about the celebrations I would be missing this year.  My day would be filled with cooking, cleaning, and going over bill pay.  It made me fill sad for a moment until I remembered that I should focus on the blessings of the moment  not on what I was missing.  Let me explain…

I spent my July 4^th holiday in Texas.  It was not the usually firework, BBQ, boating celebration I would have enjoyed  in there.  I was cooking, cleaning, and paying bills at my parents.  My mom is recovering from  extensive back surgery .  It is difficult time for them.  My  parents were grateful to have the help. 

I thought what is good right now.  The list was long.  It just takes a minute to realize your life is filled with blessings.   A few that came to my mind were the freedom I have in the USA, the ability to financially make the trip, the memories my parents like to share, and helping those in need.  So although my 4^th was a quiet one without any celebration tales it was  filled with joy! 

3. Painting a Memory

Painting to copy

In April a Living Social coupon caught my eye.  It was an Art Uncorked Painting Event.  The idea is to teach participants how to copy or paint a specific painting while in a wine bar type environment.  One of my dear friends has always expressed how relaxing painting was for her.  I thought why not combine date night, painting, and wine!  We finally used our coupon last Sunday.

Cafe Bella

Neither my husband or myself have ever painted an acrylic painting on canvas before Sunday. We were nervous when we walked in an saw the painting on the easel.  You can sort of see the instructor to the left of the blank easel.  She gave step-by-step guided instructions to guide us through the painting process.  You could follow exactly or change up whatever you wanted.   It was a super low stress experience. The wine and food added to the relaxed and fun environment.  We both thoroughly enjoyed it.  You can see our finished products the picture below. What a new and joyous adventure that we can now hold in memory together! 

1. The Beginning

First post...a little scary for me!  I have always been more numbers than words.  Starting this blog is a true new beginning for me.  An experiment, if you will, into the more creative side of myself.  The name itself is there to remind me to explore and imagine.  It will be devoted to less inward thinking and more outward doing.  Time to share those projects, activities, and ideas that I find entertaining and joyous.  Perfection not required!  Please join me on this journey.