There are so many topics I want to cover in this blog: yoga, food, camping, movement…play! Having a really hard time settling on just one. When I bounced this conumdrum on my sister, she suggested I write about our Dad. Of course! He is the springboard of all of these things in my life.
Not everyone gets to have a Father like mine. I mean, his nickname is "Butch"! Hahaha! When I first crossed paths with him, he was my Mother's midwife(husband) in a basement apartment in Boulder, CO.. The immediate bond is still palpable. During this poignant time, he was regularly practicing yoga and eating a vegetarian diet. This helped to create the healthy backdrop that has forever been part of my story.
Throughout my childhood, we were taken camping at least 1-2 times a year. Now that I am a parent and adult, my appreciation has grown for these experiences! He had to plan, shop, pull out the gear, pack it up, load onto the car, get us in the car, drive there (are we there yet?), park, hike to the spot (my pack is too heavy!), unload, set up, make us dinner, clean…phew! I'm too tired to even finish his endless list of responsibilities on these excursions! But, he was always lighthearted, knowledgable and had many great stories to share. Much of this is credited to his Native American Boy Scout leader who taught him to tread lightly and mindfully through nature. Along with all the details to have a clean and safe camping experience. The main imprints I carry are preparedness and reverence while in the woods and wherever you live.
My love for dance came out of the many hours I sat and listened to my Dad play his keyboards. He has been in numerous bands, taught piano, self recorded, wrote music…our house was lively! I always wanted to participate as a kid but did not have the desire to practice an instrument. Finally, in high school, discovered that I was completely comfortable making a fool of myself on the dance floor. Each time I braved the dance floor, it got easier. Now it is how I disappear into joyful abandonment.
As mentioned before, Dad was a practicing yogi and vegetarian when I was born. Over the years, it shifted for him with the constant needs of parenting and work obligations. But, the kitchen was always full of his masterful creations! Having a couple of buddies who also were "foodies" helped to create some of the most memorable meals I've ever had. Thanks to these menfolk, my kitchen can be quite artful. Only, I can't ever decide if my diet wants to be Parisian or Vegan! Pulled between the decadence and healthy is my (and everyone else's) dilemma…. this topic will definitely be one of my posts in the future.
All in all, guess you can say that I think my Pops is swell :) What an impact we can have on each other's lives! Definitely something to keep mindful of when living with my husband and son in the day to day. Sure, there's daily stresses and to do lists but they can be fun if you let it.