Fire starter

Posted on by Jean Campbell

Oh yes, I can build a fire. I used to believe a big, roaring campfire was something only the most seasoned outdoors-man could make. Pfff. My good friend and yoga buddy, Lauren Kilpatrick Brown, gave us a big wad of peanut hulls, orange peels, dryer lint, and candle wax as a Christmas gift. Richard opened the package and peered inside. We both sat wondering what in the world this was all about. Lauren explained that this combination is good for building fires. As we frequently enjoy camping... Continue reading

Confessions of a NeoFarmer

Posted on by Jean Campbell

Saved by the Collards I'm wrapping up my second summer's attempt at farming. How'd I do? I guess I'd give myself a C+. Ok, I really sucked. We definitely ate out of the garden so that's good, but this is trickier than I thought! My first issue was the blossom-end rot on my tomatoes. Just when my plants were looking full and lush, this began to occur. As per a few tips a gleaned from the internet, I sprinkled some Epsom salt and crumbled up eggshells and tooled that into the soil. Things... Continue reading

Overseas travel and yoga, part 4

Posted on by Jean Campbell

Yoga for Recovery! During the time it took to get from here to our little home away from home in Compiegne, we missed an entire night's sleep (thanks, time zones!) and pushed our bodies beyond their capacity. While I consider myself fairly resilient (and I wore sturdy shoes), the countless miles of steps we walked -- with heavy bags in tow -- put my body through more work than it needed. Dinner and a movie I can't understand It was late afternoon in France when we... Continue reading

Overseas travel and yoga, part 3

Posted on by Jean Campbell

In-flight yoga: Making the best of a bad situation Let's face facts: The human body was not designed for what passes for airline travel these days. Our physical selves are most fit when we get adequate rest, frequent gentle to moderate movement, and challenging physical work on a regular basis. But for the next eight hours, I will be in a small seat with my elbows touching my neighbors and just barely enough room to cross my legs. Being in such a cramped space... Continue reading