The Loss of a Fur Baby......

Today was a very difficult day. Today I said goodbye to my fur baby, Timothy, the sweetest bunny that ever hopped upon this Earth. From the day we adopted Timmy, he ran circles around my feet and followed me around like a puppy dog. He got along splendidly with his playmates at the time; 2 guinea pigs, Fluffy and Flower. He was also the most patient bunny, reclining against my chest while I clipped nails, checked teeth, checked ears, and cleaned his bottom when he no longer did a sufficient job. No need for a "bunny trance"; Timmy was happy to humor his "mommy" as I cradled him like the baby that he was.

Timmy was the third bunny in a long line to be adopted by us, and he was the fourth to leave us. And while I love all our pets, past and present, Timmy will forever leave the biggest impression upon my heart (covering our other two bunnies' ears.)

Last night, almost nine years since he first graced us with his presence, I cradled Timmy as he lovingly looked up at me, and I somehow knew that it would be the last time. I prepared my son and asked him to give his little "brother" a kiss before I gently returned him to his cage. Upon waking this morning, my dearest fur baby had already found his wings.....

What's the vata with you, eh?

In Ayurvedic medicine, there are 3 basic body types; Vata, Pitta, Kapha, (why do I always want to say, "and the Santa Maria?").

Pitta is the season of summer. Pitta types can be hot-headed, and they can overheat very easily in hot weather. Make sense? Their elements are fire and water. They are of moderate build with an inclination to be athletic, competitive and highly motivated. They have sharp minds and typically have excellent digestive systems. Pitta types do not fare well under very hot, humid conditions, and consuming hot-temperature foods, red meat, or hot spices at any time can do havoc on their systems; most especially in the summertime. The best food choices for pittas are in-season fruits, chicken and fish, and dark green leafy veggies. Physical activity is most beneficial for the pitta when it is calming and relaxing, such as Pilates and yoga.

Kapha is the season of spring, and their elements are earth and water. They have the largest body type of the three, and are inclined to be quite strong and display better endurance, but by the same token, they tend to be sluggish and even lethargic at times. Their minds lack the clarity of a pitta type, and the kapha can suffer depression. Their digestion is slow. The kapha needs to avoid fatty proteins and high-fat foods in general. They may have a sensitivity to gluten. The kapha should eat light grains and proteins as well as dry foods. Fresh salads and pungent spices are also beneficial to the kapha. Cardiovascular exercise should be a part of the kapha's routine.

I, my friends, am a vata or winter type.The vata elements are air and water. And quite interestingly, I am of the cardinal air sign, Libra. But this is not astrology, and alas, it is not about me. The vata is typically of smaller frame, moves quickly and is fidgety. They also learn quickly, but forget just as quickly. Meal times may be erratic or forgotten altogether. The vata typically has dry skin and gets chilled easily (wow, this is so about me, it's scary). The vata does not fare well on raw or cold food in the wintertime. Of the three types, the vata will benefit from heavier grains and foods, but light protein is still the better option over red meat. Grounding foods such as root vegetables should be enjoyed by the vata. Pilates and yoga should balance strength training in the vata's physical activity routine.

Do you feel you fall into more than one category? It is quite possible and normal to be a mixture of two types!

Well, from one vata to another, I will be enjoying a lot of thick, hot soups over the next few months! The salad I had for dinner left me feeling cold. I'm opting for the warm fuzzy feeling!

Until next time....  Oh, shame on me for not referencing Dr. John Douillard for all this insightful information. Would you like to learn more (where are my manners)? Visit http://lifespa.com/

First snow

While it isn't much more than a light dusting, today marks the day of the first snow of winter. When else does precipitation bring about excitement? I am almost never excited to see rain. Unless I feel the land is in great need. Or I didn't feel like watering. Or.... I really did not want to go to that thing that will be cancelled because of rain. 

Snow conjures up images of play, of fire places and hot chocolate. Why, I can just see me now curled up in front of the fireplace with a quilt, a book, and a cup of hot chocolate. Okay, my little electric "fireplace", a Snuggie, a Kindle, and a smoothie. Who am I kidding?

You finally feel that Christmas is right around the corner. It has nothing to do with the store displays, or the Christmas music that has been playing over the airwaves since the day after Thanksgiving. No my friend, it is that first sighting of a snowflake.