Beer and gelato!

Hello Reader,

It's Arizona Beer Week! This annual event was started by local brewers to support the craft brew industry and they also give back to local charities in AZ. I've been on a bit of a go local kick lately, so I felt the need to support this and the businesses involved.

There are literally hundreds of beer related happenings across the state this week. There are events for everyone from tastings to educational to pub crawls (which in turn support public transportation). I stumbled upon a flyer for a special at a local brewery and I knew it was the one I needed to check out ... Beer Float Sampler!

A local brewery paired four of their beers with four flavors of gelato for a very satisfying dessert! My two favorites were the pale ale with a blood orange gelato and a vanilla porter with a vanilla bean gelato. Delicious! I was a tad-bit disappointed that these were not served in mini cola glasses for that retro vibe, but oh well.

Cheers!

- M

Yoga in the park!

Hello Reader,

Yesterday was a glorious day because one of my favorite events in the valley returned for another season...Yoga Rocks the Park!

This 6-week series supports local charities and yoga studios across the valley. It is a wonderful way to spend a Sunday afternoon with beautiful live music, the sunny outdoor environment, and great yoga instructors.

The women who started this annual event summed up the experience yesterday quite well in that having your practice in the park forces you to be much more present than any practice in a studio. The weather shifted from warm to cool and back as the sun bounced between clouds keeps you present, and there's nothing like having uneven earth under your feet to keep you focused in balance postures. I can't wait until next week. Namaste.

Thanks for reading!

- M

I'm staying in AZ!!

Hello Reader,

I'm going back to grad school!! I was accepted into the Dance MFA program at ASU this week and I couldn't be more excited about it!

It also means I'll be sticking around this valley for at least a few more years.

A few months ago I really started to wonder why I was out here thousands of miles from everything and everyone I know.  I believe everything happens for a reason, and I couldn't figure out the reason I was only offered this one job in the opposite corner of the country. I felt there was a person I needed to connect with, or opportunity I should take advantage of, or something out here that would not have presented itself if I had stayed in Maine. I felt a little like Princeton from  Avenue Q trying to find my purpose (click here to listen to the song) and I think I finally found it in this dance program.

Ever since seeing that I was accepted (all 48 amazing hours) I have felt a new calm come over me. Knowing that I'm not moving again sometime soon, or needing to find a new job is incredible comforting. I feel like I can finally settle in here, get in regular routines throughout my weeks, and make the place I live mine. I don't feel rushed to travel all over the state, the Grand Canyon isn't going anywhere and neither am I for a few more years!

I should also mention I've been on a quest for an MFA in dance for over 4 years. I have plenty of friends and family who can attest to the fact that I have not been the same since stepping on that plane to my first audition in January of 2009. And now after being rejectioned by three dance school in 2009, receiving an acceptance later that summer into a grad program in education which I never thought I would pursue, and a year and a half in a job I never thought I would have, I am finally taking the first step toward my goal of an MFA in Dance!

Naturally, I felt the need to mark this joyous occasion with dessert. I made a celebratory batch of cookies yesterday. And I think I consumed a dozen - this is not an exaggeration. I seriously think I ate a dozen cookies in one afternoon...and they were amazing.

Thanks for reading!

- M