Christine Center Weekend

I went back this weekend for some "spiritual deepening" and on Saturday I awoke to this lovely scene...

It was clear, and the waning gibbous moon was still visible in the sky and the leaves were just tumbling off the oak and maple trees. It was so quiet there, I could actually hear the leaves falling. It was truly a magical moment. I went for a walk in the woods and by the time I got back the frost had disappeared. I try to appreciate those fleeting moments of beauty, and I'm really happy that I remembered to bring my camera so I could capture the scene. October is my favorite month just for that reason-- there are so many fleeting moments of beauty, with the trees turning, and the frost appearing, and the last of the flowers blooming.

It was a lovely weekend of meditation and contemplation. I can't wait to go back.

Grand Marais Cabin Weekend.

Here's a shot I took at the top of one of our hikes, just off the Gunflint Trail. It was a very short steep hike that afforded a really good view. I only wish I could share the wonderful smell that exists in this place. Pine-y goodness.

It was a rainy weekend, but we managed to find the windows of opportunity to hike when it wasn't drizzling.

New addicting site.

When I'm not thinking up new t-shirt designs, I'm spending too much time on Polyvore, creating wardrobes and objects that represent characters in my book. The site appears to have been created for kids to make their own fashion spreads, but I saw a different use for it.

The news of the day is that I finally used a Neti pot.

Thanks to John, who encouraged me to get one today when he heard that I had a cold. I went to Whole Foods after work and got one, and when I got home from picking up my CSA delivery (I know, Michael already scoffed at my granola-ness) I irrigated my nasal passages. John, you're right. Instant relief! It sort of feels like that weird stinging you get when water goes up your nose while swimming, but then it sort of goes away and it's just a pleasant stream of warmth. I have to admit, I did it once more just a few minutes ago, since it felt so good. It really does clear out the sinuses, at least temporarily. Now I can breathe easy.

I know that Ayurvedic medicine recommends using this all winter to prevent colds. Even though I don't get many colds anymore, I may try it.

Just in case anyone was wondering, my magical ingredient that keeps most colds at bay is called chlorpheneramine (not exactly sure of spelling), and it's found in certain nighttime cold medicines. I swear that if you take one the first night that you just start to think you might be getting a cold, you will wake up with no symptoms. If you can't take it right away, it still helps cut the amount of time your cold will last. Oh, and I never ever drink or eat from anyone else's drinks or food.

That's your health tip of the day!