On Friday night (January 18th) the Bhakti Connection is bringing kirtan to Rama Lotus. We will gather in the sky room from 19:45- 21:00. The donations from this event will go towards our Fundraiser for Burmese/Thai refugees. If you haven't heard yet. Zoe, Owen, Jay and I are leaving on January 27th with the goal of purchasing school supplies to a school very much in need. So far we have raised $800. Below you will find an interview with Amanda Porter a dear friend of mine who is a member of the Bhakti Connection. I hope you enjoy the interview and that we see you on Friday night!
 For the people out there who have never experienced Kirtan, can you tell us what it's all about?
Group chanting meditation, like a
concert that everyone has the opportunity to participate in either by
voice or instrument or both!
Why did you call your group The Bhakti connection?
We
came up with the name as a way to perfectly describe what happens
during kirtan, one connects to that space of love where only loves
exists and is limitless.
This coming Friday's show you will be collecting money for our Fundraiser in Thailand and we thank you very much. What other causes have you helped with?
Many local and international causes and
supports(too many to list!!), currently we are focusing on local
support, or helping local folks, like yourself, who are looking to bring
funds/energy directly to a cause.
I have heard through the grape vine that you have another album coming out. Can you tell us a little more about that?
Yes,
we will have this new album this Summer, in time for the Montreal
kirtan festival, and the yoga music festival we host locally, Bhakti in
the Woods! It will also contain an electronic remixed version of one of
our chants.
What brought you to this devotion to kirtan?
My first yoga instructor invited me to a satsang, while I lived in Truro, Nova Scotia, and I was hooked!
Your home is out in the woods and is surrounded by beautiful woods can you tell us what other aspects of your life you devote yourself to?  Personally, I'm devoted to my
family, the plants and animals I keep on the farm, keeper of the land I
live on, to arts and crafting and all aspects of the creative flow,
which is all held together by my strong spiritual daily practice of
meditation. The devotion to myself is for all and everything.
Thank you so much Amanda for the inspiration and insight. I look forward to Friday night where we get to celebrate together. You can view Amanda and other Bhakti members below. Wow! Feel that vibration. What a way to celebrate...
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Wednesday
The Bhakti Connection
Happy 2013
Happy New Year!!!
I cannot believe it is 2013. It still feels like we should be in the 90's. Time does fly and that is why for this year I plan on taking things in stride and really sit back and enjoy the ride. There are times where I wish things were different from what they are but for 2013 I am going to work in gratitude and see the beauty that surrounds me. My life is blessed with so many things and this is an exciting year with many changes. Here is a glimpse for 2013.
Thailand
On January 27th we are leaving for warm, sunny, beautiful Thailand. I am so excited that I could burst. It will be Zoe and Owen's first flight, first time swimming in the ocean and of course first time in a third world country. We are all excited and nervous. Owen is nervous for the plane ride, Zoe is nervous of the snakes and crabs and I am nervous about bringing my kids on such a big journey. It will take us 36 hours to get there! Washington, Frankfurt, Bangkok, and last but not least Suratthani. Jet lag will be a very interesting experience. Stay tuned in because we will write our stories here for you read :)
You might wonder why I am bringing my children so far away when we could go somewhere closer like Costa Rica or something of the like. Well Thailand holds a special place in my heart. I taught English there for 2 years and Zoe was made there. It has always been my dream to bring my children to the land of smiles and my dream is coming true.
Fundraiser
As you might know our journey to Thailand is not only about lying on the beach and swimming in the ocean. We are going with a purpose. We have raised $500 for Burmese Thai children who are in desperate need of school supplies. We would like to thank all of you who helped this dream come true. I am really looking forward to giving my children the gift of giving. If you want to donate there is still time!
Hatha Teacher Training
In October I started Hath Teacher Training at Rama Lotus. Although I already teach Kundalini yoga I was looking to deepen my practice and my journey into the self. I am loving the experience of going deeper. We have an amazing group and it is great to immerse myself in the yogic philosophy. I feel very inspired to live in the moment and thus my 2013 New Year's resolution to be content with the moment, where I am at, with who I am, and with whatever challenge, adventure, sorrow, I am faced with in any given moment. This takes discipline and commitment and I am feeling committed. I understand that there will be many slips and falls and opportunity for compassion towards myself on this journey into the now. It is a life long commitment for sure! We graduate on April 7th and already I suspect that I will miss these weekends of study, yoga and friendship but alas that is not living in the moment!
Moving
On July 1rst my landlord is moving back into this house we have been inhabiting for the last 4 years. This means that in the spring we will be house hunting looking for that perfect place that can give shelter to me, my children and our daycare family. We want to stay in walking distance of Devonshire and ideally on the East side of Preston but open to other possibilities on the West side. If you hear of any potential houses for rent at a decent price let us know. I feel quite attached to this space as it works perfectly for us. In my 42 years I have noticed that things always work out. So I am putting it out there; ``universe help us find that perfect space to live and support families in our community. I am staying open to possibility. ``
Cubs
Zoe, Owen and I are also loving being part of the scouting community. Every Monday we meet our scouting friends at either a church or in the great outdoors. It is such a wonderful feeling to be part of the scouting community. If you have kids in cubs or were one as a kid you know that it is a great program. The children are guided towards leadership, activity and community. I just love it and hope that Zoe and Owen will want to keep going right into adulthood. I had some pictures to post of us making these great rattles out of hide but alas I accidentally erased them.
The White House
The White House is no longer white but the name has stuck and she remains The White House in our hearts. The interior walls have gone from rotting old wood to nice, fresh smelling, pine and cedar. My craft room walls are painted red and yellow and the ceiling blue. Zoe and Owen both have a bedroom. There`s a kitchen and it is all coming along wonderfully.
If you are wondering if we are moving in, the answer is: no. It will be a great space to hang out, gather with friends, do yoga and host workshops. Yes, workshops. I know I have been pretty quiet on the workshop front these last few months. I took a little break to focus on yoga and my family. Sometimes one has to acknowledge the treadmill of life and get off for a while. I am not there yet but in a few months Annie Bananie will reappear with workshops gallor in a wonderful space called The White House and of course in town for those who do not wish to drive up to Wakefield. Although I guarantee you, the drive is soooooooooo worth it :)
I cannot believe it is 2013. It still feels like we should be in the 90's. Time does fly and that is why for this year I plan on taking things in stride and really sit back and enjoy the ride. There are times where I wish things were different from what they are but for 2013 I am going to work in gratitude and see the beauty that surrounds me. My life is blessed with so many things and this is an exciting year with many changes. Here is a glimpse for 2013.
Thailand
On January 27th we are leaving for warm, sunny, beautiful Thailand. I am so excited that I could burst. It will be Zoe and Owen's first flight, first time swimming in the ocean and of course first time in a third world country. We are all excited and nervous. Owen is nervous for the plane ride, Zoe is nervous of the snakes and crabs and I am nervous about bringing my kids on such a big journey. It will take us 36 hours to get there! Washington, Frankfurt, Bangkok, and last but not least Suratthani. Jet lag will be a very interesting experience. Stay tuned in because we will write our stories here for you read :)
You might wonder why I am bringing my children so far away when we could go somewhere closer like Costa Rica or something of the like. Well Thailand holds a special place in my heart. I taught English there for 2 years and Zoe was made there. It has always been my dream to bring my children to the land of smiles and my dream is coming true.
Fundraiser
As you might know our journey to Thailand is not only about lying on the beach and swimming in the ocean. We are going with a purpose. We have raised $500 for Burmese Thai children who are in desperate need of school supplies. We would like to thank all of you who helped this dream come true. I am really looking forward to giving my children the gift of giving. If you want to donate there is still time!
Hatha Teacher Training
In October I started Hath Teacher Training at Rama Lotus. Although I already teach Kundalini yoga I was looking to deepen my practice and my journey into the self. I am loving the experience of going deeper. We have an amazing group and it is great to immerse myself in the yogic philosophy. I feel very inspired to live in the moment and thus my 2013 New Year's resolution to be content with the moment, where I am at, with who I am, and with whatever challenge, adventure, sorrow, I am faced with in any given moment. This takes discipline and commitment and I am feeling committed. I understand that there will be many slips and falls and opportunity for compassion towards myself on this journey into the now. It is a life long commitment for sure! We graduate on April 7th and already I suspect that I will miss these weekends of study, yoga and friendship but alas that is not living in the moment!
Moving
On July 1rst my landlord is moving back into this house we have been inhabiting for the last 4 years. This means that in the spring we will be house hunting looking for that perfect place that can give shelter to me, my children and our daycare family. We want to stay in walking distance of Devonshire and ideally on the East side of Preston but open to other possibilities on the West side. If you hear of any potential houses for rent at a decent price let us know. I feel quite attached to this space as it works perfectly for us. In my 42 years I have noticed that things always work out. So I am putting it out there; ``universe help us find that perfect space to live and support families in our community. I am staying open to possibility. ``
Cubs
Zoe, Owen and I are also loving being part of the scouting community. Every Monday we meet our scouting friends at either a church or in the great outdoors. It is such a wonderful feeling to be part of the scouting community. If you have kids in cubs or were one as a kid you know that it is a great program. The children are guided towards leadership, activity and community. I just love it and hope that Zoe and Owen will want to keep going right into adulthood. I had some pictures to post of us making these great rattles out of hide but alas I accidentally erased them.
The White House
The White House is no longer white but the name has stuck and she remains The White House in our hearts. The interior walls have gone from rotting old wood to nice, fresh smelling, pine and cedar. My craft room walls are painted red and yellow and the ceiling blue. Zoe and Owen both have a bedroom. There`s a kitchen and it is all coming along wonderfully.
If you are wondering if we are moving in, the answer is: no. It will be a great space to hang out, gather with friends, do yoga and host workshops. Yes, workshops. I know I have been pretty quiet on the workshop front these last few months. I took a little break to focus on yoga and my family. Sometimes one has to acknowledge the treadmill of life and get off for a while. I am not there yet but in a few months Annie Bananie will reappear with workshops gallor in a wonderful space called The White House and of course in town for those who do not wish to drive up to Wakefield. Although I guarantee you, the drive is soooooooooo worth it :)
Before and...
after...
Daycare Family
People say to me all the time: ``I could never do your job, I do not know how you do it.`` Well I could never sit at a desk, staring at a computer all day and tackling office politics. I would rather be surrounded by little beings who run, play, laugh at my jokes and are open to kitchen dance parties. I won`t deny that there are days that I am tired. I am human just like everyone else but seriously I love my job. I love children, they are full of magic and insight. I am grateful for my job and the families that walk through my door. I also love teaching yoga and giving workshops. My job satisfaction revolves around helping people.
Of course I am grateful for so many other things like the fact that I live in Canada, my health, my body, my car, snow (maybe not the snow banks on my street, gotta work on that one), my family, friends, community, coffee, a fresh salad and it goes on and on.
Gratitude is not to be underated. Think about it when we live to appreciate all that surrounds us, we learn recognize the richness of our lives. We recognize how lucky we are to have families, communities, a roof over our heads, opportunity, and so much more. When we practice daily gratitude we fall into a space of contentment. We appreciate our children`s energy for life. We appreciate our jobs for the security it gives us. We appreciate the small things like fresh sheets, a full deep breath, a hug, a clean kitchen, a mess after a great party, a kind gesture from a stranger and the list goes on.
For my new year`s resolution I am living in daily gratitude. I am writing 5 things a day that I am grateful for and I when I feel the urge I will share these tokens of gratitude with you. Before signing off I will give my gratitude to you the reader. I appreciate you reading my words and hope that somewhere along the way they bring inspiration. Ciao for now.
Monday
Presenting "The Most Single Important Thing you can do for your stress". Here is a video that we watched in Hatha Teacher Training this weekend. It is really well done and since stress is such a predominant aspect of our lives, I thought I would share it with you.
Enjoy and remember to breathe and breathe deeply. Breathe deeply with a smile and gratitude for all that you have,for all the people that grace your life and for the experiences that help you learn and go deeper into the workings of life.
Enjoy and remember to breathe and breathe deeply. Breathe deeply with a smile and gratitude for all that you have,for all the people that grace your life and for the experiences that help you learn and go deeper into the workings of life.
Thursday
Tuesday
Birthday Party Ideas
Look at this happy face. It shines with happiness. Happiness for his 8th birthday.
I cannot believe that my baby is 8!!! Wasn't it just yesterday that I pushed him into this world? I still remember that day, lying on my living room floor, holding my newborn after 4 hours of hard work. It was such a special moment that I will forever remember but alas this is not what this blog post is about. It is about sharing with you what we did to make Owen's special day a success.
In years past we have always invited a slew of kids where they all arrive at the time, where we go hard for 2 hours and then everybody leaves and it feels like a whirlwind has come through. You might be familiar with this scenario. I have found this a little stressful and for Owen a little overwhelming. This year Rob (Owen's dad) is doing the whirlwind party and I am doing a sleep over with 2 of Owen's best buddies.
Birthday Preparations...
Every year Zoe and Owen ask for a store bought birthday cake. Every year I bake one myself and tell them that my home made cake comes from my heart. That I have fond memories of my mother baking me birthday cakes and that one day they will be calling me for my cake recipe :) Despite the complaints, they do love decorating their cake. We ice it with chocolate icing (of course) , smarties for toppings and hidden in the moist cake are toonies wrapped in wax paper. They love this added touch.
I would love to say that my recipe was passed down from my grandmother and her mother and her mother's mother but this cake's lineage starts with me.
Games...
This is a great easy game. Wrap a surprise with lots of lots of different layers of paper. Have children sit in a circle with music on. As the music plays children pass the parcel around untill the music stops. Whoever has the parcel at that moment gets to unwrap one layer. This goes on until the prize is unveiled. In our pass the parcel everyone was the winner. Inside was a small lego set that set me back $7.99/each This prize replaced loot bags.
Treasure HuntFor our treasure hunt ,the clues were written onto inflated balloons and then deflated again. This way when the clue was found the balloon had to be inflated to read the message. It was a nice little twist to a traditional treasure hunt. The treasure was a science kit for us to do together.
The sleep over went smoothly. After our lasagna supper we played monopoly, ate popcorn and went to bed by 08:00. They were sleeping by 09:00. The best part was Owen's comment: "This is my best birthday so far".
It all went smoothly until Owen woke up at 05:00 vomiting and shivering but that is a whole other story!
Kids Yoga
Everyday before quiet time we do yoga. Here is Samuel doing Baddha
Konasana (butterfuly pose). This posture is a hip opener and increases
circulation to the pelvic organs. You would be surprised at what a
young age children start holding tension in their body. Children are so
receptive to yoga and love it. A children`s class is taught differently than an
adults class. We use our imagination, songs and stories to move through
the asanas (postures). Her in butterfly we are singing a cute song.
The lyrics go as such:
Fly like a butterfly
Fly like a butterfly
Fly like a butterfly in the sky
Sleep like a butte fly
Sleep like a butterfly
Sleep like a butterfly in the sky.
Stretch like a butterfly
Stretch like a butterfly
Stretch like a butterfly in the sky
To learn the movements and tune of the song watch the video below. Enjoy and have fun using yoga with your kids.
Wednesday
Workshop and Fundraiser
ThailandZoe, Owen, Jay and I are going to Thailand this coming January. It has been a long time dream of mine to bring my children to Thailand. Thailand holds a special place in my heart. I spent two years there teaching English. I taught children from to ages of 3-8. It was a special time in my life and I want to share the specialness of Thailand with Zoe and Owen. I want them to know how lucky they are and help them realize how much they have. We are so lucky here in North America. We have everything available to us, including opportunity. I believe that bringing my children to Thailand will give them a great experience for life. I hope to impart gratitude for all that they have.
We will be spending the majority of our time on Koh Phayam, a small island on the western coast of Thailand. This island is surrounded by the Andamin sea, is breathtakingly beautiful and is the home to a number of Burmese refugee children. These children are stateless and in need of help. We hope to raise $500 for the Phayam Children's Project. Our aim is to buy supplies and whatever else they need.
How can you help? You can help by purchasing a CD from The Funky Mamas. You have a choice of 3 CDS at $20/each. Each CD sold will bring $5 towards the Phayam Children's Project.
The Funky Mamas is a group of 4 amazing musicians. They live in Guelph Ontario and play down to earth children`s music that make you want to dance. These musicians are truly funky, kind and nice. I am blessed to have them as friends.
Thank you for helping us, help children in need.
__________________________________________________________________________
Pickin in the Garden- $20
Rollin Along -$20
The Funky Mamas- $20
To order CD's you can contact me Annie Bananie at anniebdr@gmail.com
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Felted Faces- Needle Felting Workshop
In
this workshop we will learn how to felt awesome realistic faces. Let
your needle create a character that will bring out your creativity.
Your needle
felted face would make a great Christmas Tree decoration for someone you
love. You could even make your character look Christmassy with a red
hat and a beard for Santa Claus.
In
this workshop we will learn how to felt awesome realistic faces. Let
your needle create a character that will bring out your creativity.
Your needle
felted face would make a great Christmas Tree decoration for someone you
love. You could even make your character look Christmassy with a red
hat and a beard for Santa Claus.W
When: November 21rst, 2012
Time: 19:00- 21:30
Place: Address will be given upon registration
Cost: $40/ materials, tea and good conversation included.
To register contact: anniebdr@gmail.com
__________________________________________________________________
Needle Felting Kits -$20
Every %100 cotton bag contains hours of fun for everyone. Your bag of wool contains
beautiful wool roving of varying colours, 2 needles and aball felting tutorial. Needle felting a ball is a great beginner project. Once you gain confidence you can felt other creations. With your wool and needle you can get busy felting dolls, food, mushrooms, angels and more. Your imagination is your
playground. YouTube and Pinterest are great resources with loads of
tutorials.
to order: call: 613-421-0523
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