Your guide to everything under the moon, the Amber Moon, for the 2 weeks starting 5/9/22.
It’s only May. Why is it so hot? I feel so fortunate that last year was the best possible year, really, for Massage: The Driveway Series to have occurred. We were so fortunate.
A few weeks ago I booked a later client at the Austin indoor studio – and that wiped me out. I’m finding there’s a huge energetic difference between working indoors & out. Back in April, I also had 2 driveway sessions after a full day indoors, and it didn’t wipe me out. Learning. Always learning.
my flock’s way of telling me “Happy Mother’s Day” – they sit close.
No, that doesn’t mean I’m moving things outside again. It just means I’m spending my down time outside. When I’m home, all my meals are on the back porch. When I’m in Austin, I’m taking a book, sitting outside between clients & reading. It’s just delightful. As long as I’m shaded & in a breeze, I’m good.
I’ve do have 2 open slots on Wednesday evenings in Austin for those wanting to brave the heat. We’ll see how long I keep those.
I hope those of you with 2 legged/4 legged, human/feathered/furred kids had a Happy Mother’s Day!
Reminder of upcoming Studio closings
June 23– 28, 2022
September time off TBD
November 23-25
December Holiday break – tentatively 12/26-30
Taylor openings – massage, Pilates, CST, online, etc.
Thursday, 5/12 @ 130 – 30 min only, virtual or in person (contact me to schedule)
Your guide to everything under the moon, the Amber Moon, for the 2 weeks starting 4/25/22.
I had to set my ego aside.
Instead of focusing on performance, I’m shifting my personal focus to wellness.
At the beginning of last week, I made a thoughtful decision. I would not do the Glacier Half Marathon as I’ve been dreaming of for 3 years. I can postpone my registration. I’ve got more important things to focus on with myself. Really allowing the knee to heal and let it tell me when it’s good to go, without pushing it. Figuring out my nutrition for anything over 90 min of training, and my food issues in general.
I’ve been an athlete for so long, I admit my personal image is tied up in that. So to make the mental shift, I really had to have some serious integrating time. It started on my staycation at the beginning of April. I’ve been practicing the CST stuff I’ve been learning on myself, and I had a workshop with The Way of the Heart. It all is affecting me. Positively. Allowing for growth.
Wellness. It’s such a nebulous concept incorporating so many things – the physical body (“fitness”) is just one component. It’s time for me to step back with myself as my own client and figure out what is best serving me.
Yoga has the concept of sunrise, mid-day, and sunset years. Sunrise is about building the body. Mid-day is about balancing life. Sunset is about the quality of the mind. I think I just firmly stepped into the mid-day years. Focusing on balance. Focus on all aspects of me. Wellness. To ensure that I’m able to have the longevity of movement & quality of life that I choose.
What all this means for me: honoring my body. No longer pushing the limits. Still improving, but without the strive for performance goals.
Reminder of upcoming Studio closings
June 23– 28, 2022
September time off TBD
November 23-25
December Holiday break – tentatively 12/26-30
Taylor openings – massage, Pilates, CST, online, etc.
Tuesday, 4/26 @ 1230p
Thursday, 4/28 & 5/5 @ 130 – 30 min only, virtual or in person (contact me to schedule)
Your guide to everything under the moon, the Amber Moon, for the 2 weeks starting 4/11/22
Vacation. I only remember a handful growing up. I remember a lot of people I knew going on vacations and I remember being slightly envious of the high schoolers that got to go the Caymans for Spring Break. Not necessarily of their destination, but the fact they got to go somewhere. In talking with mom these past few years, the only thing she regrets is not taking more vacations.
Now, I can’t afford not to take vacations. With the highly regulated schedule and physically demanding work I do, I need the break – physical, mental, emotional, spiritual. I think it was after my first real vacation maybe a decade ago that I realized this was going to be essential. Before COVID altered life, I’d gotten to a pattern of a quarterly vacation. Sometimes a workshop was included, and it’d be in an interesting location (Montana, New Hampshire to name a few). I don’t want all my vacations to have a work component, but it makes for an interesting time.
What I realized this vacation is that I really need to get away during these times. Yes, I moved on my March vacation last year – not sure I’d really call that a vacation, but it was time away from my regular schedule, and that’s what was needed. In the first part of COVID, I didn’t take a vacation til September – that was a little long. Even with working fewer hours at that point, I needed time away. This is the first year I’ve got my quarterly vacations pretty much mapped out again.
Vacations really aren’t a luxury that I once thought they were. They are, for me at least, a necessity.
Reminder of upcoming Studio closings
June 23– 28, 2022
September time off TBD
November 23-25
December Holiday break TBD
Taylor openings – massage, Pilates, CST, etc
Tuesday, 4/12 @ 2p & 330
Thursday, 4/14 & 4/21 @ 130 or 145: 30 min only, virtual or in person (contact me to schedule)
Your guide to everything under the moon, the Amber Moon, for the 2 weeks starting 3/21/22
Biz side of things update
Invoices will be coming more from via vCita (my scheduler) so to be better able to track & keep your account up to date. All this back and forth between vCita & PayPal is getting a little crazy for me. For those of you that add a tip on, I’ll either have to manually add that in, OR you can send it separately via Paypal, Zoom, or Zelle. I’ve asked vCita if they think that will be an option any time soon. I’ve been asking for a good long while…
I mentioned a schedule shift in the previous Hello Sunshine… so here are the changes as of April 11, 2022:
Mondays: reserved for work ON the business (as opposed to IN the business), and wellness coaching clients, 3-5p.
Fridays move to Taylor only as of April 11, 2022: Regular schedule will be 11a Viniyoga, 1230 opening, 2p opening. No more Austin option on Friday. Remember I’m closed 4/4-8.
As I’ve been combing thru my schedule for updating (typically done a couple times a year) I’ve noticed currently I’ve got a lot of every-other-week clients. And they all seem to come on the same week🤣. So I’ve got one completely full week (this week, in fact), then a not-as-full week (next week). So if YOU are looking for a regular slot:
Weekly – only option is Friday at 2p starting in April.
Every other week – Tuesdays 2p & 330; Thursdays there is an opening, but it’s a little in flux at the moment. Ask please; Fridays 1230p.
Your guide to everything under the moon, the Amber Moon, for the 2 weeks starting 3/7/22
Can you smell the fresh-baked bread goodness??? Keep your eyes open over on the Studio’s Facebook page – an updated Cassava flour bread recipe is coming soon.
Spring. A time of change. Of new growth. Of evolution.
And the Studio is evolving. In the upcoming month, I’m going to be shifting a few items, and an “updated” schedule will roll out when I get back from my April Vacation (4th-8th). Classes will remain the same. As my Tuesdays through Thursdays end up FULL, I’m shifting my other days to accommodate what people are asking for and to help me stay balanced. Keep an eye out. Know they are coming.
If I’m emailing you to see if I can shift your regular appointment time, it’s cuz I’m fitting in more people, making sure I have space between clients to clear the air (COVID hangs in the air for up to 20 min), and give myself a short break. I’ll have the updated schedule for you next Hello Sunshine.
The cats would also like to mention that I need to feed them mid-afternoon as well. I used to have a space held for that, but I’ve let that combine with the break in between clients.
Your guide to everything under the moon, the Amber Moon, for the 2 weeks starting 2/21/22.
Just a few notes here, as it’s Monday afternoon…
Note: on Thursdays, I’ll be posting on the Studio FB & IG pages any openings for the next week.
March Madness – Give yourself a hand. Or 2. I’ve decided I’ve got enough going on, I’m going to postpone this.
Reminder of upcoming Studio closings
April 4-8, 2022
June 22 (at 12n) – 28, 2022
September time off TBD
November 23-25
December Holiday break TBD
Fantastic Feet & where to find them
Find them HERE! One week left – and I’m going to start putting it all together into actual “workouts” for these last 2 sessions. Wed & Fri at 1205pm. Join be Live on Facebook, or register via Zoom – use code FANTASTIC to get it for free, or if you prefer to pay (for accountability), it’s $4/session, $20 for the month.
Taylor openings – massage, Pilates, CST, etc
Tuesday, 2/22 at 1230p
Openings subject to change. Please check back regularly or email me to ask.
Austin: Massage & The Driveway Series
Wednedsay, 2/23 at 230p, 30 min opening only
Driveway: 545 & 630p
Openings subject to change. Please check back regularly or email me to ask.
For the Massage: The Driveway series starting Wednesday March 2, there will be alternating week of the following schedule. On one week, the sessions will be at 545 & 630p, the following week at 615 & 7p. They are now open on my scheduler
Classes & Group shenanigans for weeks of Feb 21 & 28, 2022
Tuesday 11a: Pilates Mat 5p: Everything Under the Moon 535p: Awesome Arms (FB Live & Zoom) – FREE 615p: Taylor Track Time! (Memorial Track, Taylor)
Wednesday 10:45a: Viniyoga 1205p: Fantastic Feet (FB Live & Zoom), 2/22 only
Thursday 11a: Pilates & BOSU 5p: Everything Under the Moon 5:35p: Awesome Arms (FB Live & Zoom) – FREE
Friday 10:45a: Viniyoga 1205p: Fantastic Feet (FB Live & Zoom), 2/24 only
Your guide to everything under the moon, the Amber Moon, for the 2 weeks starting 2/7/22.
We made it thru a week of winter. Pinto, and I, both missed the sunshine terribly. You can totally see her smiling in pic.
As COVID numbers start to go down again (YAY), I’m looking at what the Studio will be shifting in March. As I pondered this, I realized I truly miss being OUTSIDE. I thoroughly enjoy getting back to “traditional” massage, I miss my Driveway series. So, I’m gonna bring it back.
I’m still working on it, but here’s what I’m thinking:
In Taylor, I’ll offer 15 & 30 min chair massages – neck & shoulders only. These can be 15 min apart since we are outside.
In Austin, I’ll add 2 sessions on Wednesday AFTER I get done with my indoor sessions (515 or 6p, depending on the week). I’ve already asked previous driveway host Kathy if she’s willing to offer her driveway, and let me borrow her table. The answer was “yes” to both. Now I’ll start figuring out the details. I know I’ve missed a few of the people that signed up for later driveway sessions when I moved inside. Sessions will be 15 or 30 min, focused on a particular area or issue.
If you are interested in being on the list for when as I get the Austin sessions figured out, let me know.
I will have the details worked out by the next Hello Sunshine on 2/21/22.
Awesome Arms continues – Does anyone have the TRX? Should I keep it, or take it out of the rotation? Tues & Thurs at 535p. I’m seeing results. I hope you are!
March Madness – Give yourself a hand. Or 2. Much like the feet, we’ll be focusing on opening up your hands, giving them a little love & attention. Wednesdays at 12:05 in March.
Reminder of upcoming Studio closings
April 4-8, 2022
June 22 (at 12n) – 28, 2022
September time off TBD
November 23-25
December Holiday break TBD
Fantastic Feet & where to find them
Find them HERE! One week in – and I’m having FUN. Missed the first week? No fear, its still on FB and YouTube. It continues thru the month – Wednesdays & Fridays at 1205p. Come learn about feet, make them feel better & be stronger. Equipment suggested – golf ball, flat resistance band, yoga block or such, tennis ball, but it can all be done without toys. Join be Live on Facebook, or register via Zoom – use code FANTASTIC to get it for free, or if you prefer to pay (for accountability), it’s $4/session, $20 for the month.
Taylor openings
Tuesday, 2/8 at 2p
Thursday, 2/10 at 145 – 230p start open
Tuesday, 2/15 at 2 & 330p
Thursday, 2/17 at 230p
Openings subject to change
Austin Massage
For the next 2 weeks, these slots are currently running on full. Subject to change.
I’m working on tweaking the Friday times slightly. Again, more info in the next Hello Sunshine.
Classes & Group shenanigans for weeks of Feb 7 & 14, 2022
Tuesday 11a: Pilates Mat 5p: Everything Under the Moon 535p: Awesome Arms (FB Live & Zoom) 615p: Taylor Track Time! (Memorial Track, Taylor)
Wednesday 10:45a: Viniyoga 1205p: Fantastic Feet (FB Live & Zoom)
Thursday 11a: Pilates & BOSU 5p: Everything Under the Moon 5:35p: Awesome Arms (FB Live & Zoom)
Friday 10:45a: Viniyoga 1205p: Fantastic Feet (FB Live & Zoom)
Your guide to all things under the moon, the Amber Moon, 1/24/22
Yeah, I needed a longer vacation. It’s Tuesday morning, and just now getting this out. You know what that means – short & sweet.
Venmo – studio now has it’s own account – @AmberMoonStudio
Upcoming time off/ Studio closings
With this mini-staycation in mind, I’ve gone ahead & schedule my next 2 blocks off. I’m back to quarterly breaks. Studio will be closed:
April 4-8, 2022
June 22 (at 12n) – 28, 2022
September time off TBD
November 23-25
December Holiday break TBD
Fantastic Feet & where to find them
Find them HERE! Starts February 2, and runs thru the month – Wednesdays & Fridays at 1205p. Come learn about feet, make them feel better & be stronger. Equipment suggested – golf ball, flat resistance band, yoga block or such, tennis ball, but it can all be done without toys. Will be Live on Facebook, or register via Zoom – use code FANTASTIC to get it for free, or if you prefer to pay (for accountability), it’s $4/session, $20 for the month. They will be posted to YouTube as well.
Taylor openings
Thursday, 1/27 at 230p
Thursday, 2/3 at 3p
Openings subject to change
Austin Massage
Next 2 weeks, these slots are currently running on full. Subject to change.
Friday’s in Austin is currently off the schedule thru end of February, then I’ll re-evaluate.
Classes & Group shenanigans for weeks of Jan 24 & 28, 2022
Tuesday 11a: Pilates Mat 5p: Everything Under the Moon 535p: Awesome Arms (FB Live & Zoom) 615p: Taylor Track Time! (Memorial Track, Taylor)
Wednesday 10:45a: Viniyoga 1205p: Fantastic Feet (FB Live & Zoom), starts Feb 2
Thursday 11a: Pilates & BOSU 5p: Everything Under the Moon 5:35p: Awesome Arms (FB Live & Zoom)
Friday 10:45a: Viniyoga 1205p: Fantastic Feet (FB Live & Zoom), starts Feb 4
Your guide to everything under the moon, the Amber Moon, January 10, 2022
Wow, what a week. I admit I was ready for some time off, but wasn’t expecting the COVID time off. That said, I’ve adjusted my ‘planned’ mini-vacation a little, just to 1/20 (230p) -1/21… Things back to normal on 1/24.
Starting this week, I’ll be sending a Monday email if you’ve got an appointment during the upcoming week. You’ll need to respond. This will continue while Omicron in dominant. I’m reading that it’s gonna be here thru mid-February, so this will probably be the protocol thru end of February. I’ll start to re-evaluate as we get closer to March. I appreciate, as always, your understanding as well as your taking the time to keep us all safe.
I’ve been on the computer enough that I’m gonna copy/paste the COVID guidelines here – applies to any in person session. Keep in mind you’ll probably need to do a little pre-planning in case you need to take a COVID test. They are updated/refined since Jan 4 email/post.
Updated appointment requirements:
Masks. Ditch the cloth and surgical masks! Aim for NO GAPS, CLOSE FIT, ELECTROSTATIC LAYERS, and NO VALVES. Click here if you want to read more.
If you don’t have such a mask, I’ll be glad to provide you a N95 for a $5 fee. Bring a baggie, keep it safe, isolated.
Been traveling or had out of town guests? You’ll need to wait 14 days (full quarantine) before returning. AND you’ll need to take a COVID test prior to coming. You will need to show it to me before you come (pic is fine).
Have allergy symptoms? Take a COVID test (day of). Send me a pic of the results.
If you go into stores andd/or are out & about without a mask, I’m strongly suggesting you postpone. Remember, I’m high risk. I’m immunocompromised. If you’re unmasked, I’ve basically gone wherever you go. I don’t go indoors anywhere without a mask, and only if I can be in & out in 15 minutes.
For 45 min & 1 h sessions – Vaccination AND Booster required. No exceptions. I can bump an hour session down to 30 min easily. Vaccine must be Moderna or Pfizer as they are proven effective against Omicron.
Had COVID? If you still have any signs/symptoms, you aren’t ready to return. I’m still researching WHEN you are able to return, as you can test positive for several months afterward. Deep massage not recommended for at least 3 months after having COVID (so no massage cupping).
New addition to Taylor Massage: Massage Cupping (aka my pet Octopus)
Taylor: Pilates, Massage, online sessions & more (M, Tu, Th, every other F)
With requiring myself to have 30 min between clients, I’ve shifted some times a little bit. So that affects openings a bit. We ARE INSIDE now for Massage. There are exhaust fans in the windows, blowing out, and I’m on top of the cleaning.
Openings for these 2 weeks:
Monday, 1/17, 530p.
Tuesday, 1/18 @ 330p.
Please keep checking calendar for updates.
Please be entertained by the state of the massage room. It’s gonna look way better, but I’ve got other priorities at the moment. I’m still figuring out where things go throughout the whole house.
Austin: Massage (W, every other F)
It’s running full these next 2 weeks. I’d keep checking if you’re looking for an Austin session. Last minute openings do happen. And I can create a waiting list.
Awesome Arms
Come join me at 535p on Tuesday & Thursday, Facebook LIVE (just head on over) or via Zoom (you need to register). For those of you that prefer a little financial incentive (let’s call it “paying it forward”), there’s a drop in & a package created for just that. It is also included in the new Unlimited Live Stream package. Want to do on Zoom, but prefer not to pay? Use code ARMS2022 to get it for free.
Equipment for the next 2 weeks:
Jan 11 & 13 – resistance bands
Jan 18 – TRX
No session on Jan 20
Don’t have the recommended equipment? Come join with what you have – and let me know so I can give you modifications
If you join via Zoom – don’t worry! I can make it so no one sees you on Facebook.
After class, feel free to drop me some feedback – did this meet your needs, was it what you were expecting, etc.
T3: Taylor Track Time
One more week of Thursdays – and then we go to just Tuesdays.
This Tuesday (1/11/22), we’ll be off track since COVID got in the way last week – meet at Bull Branch Park.
So much going on as we embark on the new year – programs to get you moving forward, updates on existing programs, and more. This is a long one, so be prepared. Ready? Let’s gooooooooo!
Short Studio closing (ie vacation)
I’m gonna take a small vacay from Thursday, Jan 20 at 230p thru Tuesday, Jan 25 at 1p. I’ve already got something scheduled for me that weekend, so I’m expanding “me time”.
Wellness journey starting points to get you going in 2022 – develop habits & learn more about YOU
Existing program & NEW ones, just for you!
Wellness coaching – a weekly 15 min chat to get you on track, on task, and establishing habits to achieve your goals. Initial appt is 30 min – included in the monthly rate. Monthly price: $120.
Weekly LIVE chat with Organizing4Good on Facebook. We’ll be covering a broad spectrum of fitness, wellness & organizational topics. More info to come. Free.
A Movement Journey – your chance for deepening your understanding of my class formats (new participants only). Get involved, be curious, explore the different options.
First, sign up for a class package for January – minimum of 1 class per week.
Second, sign up for 2-4 private movement sessions in February, 30 or 60 min, online or in person, to go over what YOU need, your adaptations for your preferred formats, answer any questions you have, and really focus on learning you, learning more of what you need to know for the class(es) you prefer.
Third, in March, if you did 2 private sessions, get 50% off the package you did in January; or if you did 4 private sessions, get 100% off the package you chose in January. I’ll send you a code once February is completed.
Other guidelines: Your video must be on during classes – I need to see you move. Must sign up online. Must be completed in the month stated. Sign up now for February (my schedule fills), and we can decide the topics later.
With the increase of Omicron in the area, and it’s apparently higher transmission rate, I’m going to require those of you coming for 45 or 60 min sessions be boosted. If you’ve already vaccinated, and sent me your vax card, you’ll need to resend once you receive your booster. You be restricted to 30 min until 2 weeks AFTER you’ve received it as well. Thank you for understanding and helping keep me, and YOU, safe.
Depending on the estimates used for vaccine effectiveness against symptomatic infection from the Delta variant, this translates into vaccine effectiveness estimates against symptomatic Omicron infection of between 0% and 20% after two doses, and between 55% and 80% after a booster dose. Similar estimates were obtained using genotype data, albeit with greater uncertainty.
If you are currently doing 45 & 60 min sessions, some updated requirements:
You must be vaccinated AND boosted. Can’t get your booster for medical reasons? We can talk. Otherwise, no exceptions.
Must have Pfizer or Moderna (effective again Omicron).
If you traveled over the holidays by plane or had out of town guests in, you’ll need to get a COVID test before your appointment. Home test is fine. I had my mom here, I’ll be testing as well.
I’m contemplating COVID test prior to all future appointments while Omicron is dominant.
If you’ve received your booster since you were last in, please send me a copy of your updated card.
End of Year Survey
If you’ve not yet completed the End of Year Survey, please take a moment to help me mold my 2022 offerings. You only need to complete it once. Thank you!
With that said, here’s what I’ve learned so far from survey results:
People didn’t realized Awesome Arms was FREE.
My schedule and that of people wanting classes doesn’t match
People don’t understand the need to recirculate the air between sessions. I’ll do more education on this in the next few Hello, Sunshine‘s.
Livestream prices & class package updates
Unlimited monthly class package – $139 – I’ve also included Awesome Arms in it (though it’s free anyway, might motivate you to sign up!). Tier 1 only.
2 tier package system
Tier 1: the existing price structure – for those that can “Pay it Forward“. 4 & 8 class packages are good for 5 & 9 weeks respectively.
Tier 2: for those thinking the price is too high (info from the End of Year Survey) or on a strict budget, 25% off Tier 1 pricing. *Packages are only good for 1 month from date of purchase.
Taylor: Pilates, Massage, online sessions & more (M, Tu, Th, every other F)
Openings for these 2 weeks, subject to change. If you go to book & their not there, ask… it may be a tech issues on my end. It’s been happening.
Tuesday, 12/27 @ 215p.
Tuesday, 1/4/22 @ 215p & 330p
Thursday, 1/6/22 @ 245p
Oh, did I mention massage has the option of moving INDOORS when weather turns inclement? As of January 1, it will be an option if the weather necessitates. Due to Omicron, I prefer to keep these sessions on the driveway/in the garage. I’ll let you know if we need to move indoors, as I’ll be upping the mask requirements – must be non-cloth (N95, KN95 & K95 acceptable). I’ll have surgical masks if yours is a poor fit. Room won’t be updated yet, but you are ok with that, yes? With that said, I will need to shift WHEN sessions are offered – I can’t have 2 Pilates or 2 massages in a row once we are indoors – not enough time for room air recirculation. Which reminds me I need to get more window fans. *sigh* Always something.
Schedule update for 2022
I’m condensing Mondays down to just 1 opening – 530-630p. I’m finding I need more office time – more time to work ON the studio, versus always being IN the studio. It’s gotta be on Mondays, cuz the rest of the week is rocking. Mondays are light.
Thursdays – as of 1/15, I’ll be ending my day after Awesome Arms at 545p (read below for Awesome Arm updates). After 3 really full days, I just need to be done early. I know I mentioned to some of you I’d be opening up an evening slot, but looking at how my day is now filled, and the totality of the week, this is the best decision so I keep myself fresh & eager to work. I’m also still very much a morning person, and working all these evenings is just getting to me. I can handle 2.
Austin: Massage (W, every other F)
It’s running full these next 2 weeks, and the slot that is not always filled up is Wed, 330p, subject to change. I’d keep checking if you’re looking for an Austin session.
This week – Awesome Arms is as scheduled – Mon 5p & Fri 1215p.
Starting 2022, these sessions are shifting to 535p on Tuesday & Thursday, it’ll still be free, but for those of you that prefer a little financial incentive to get you involved (let’s call it “paying it forward”), there’s a drop in & a package created for just that. It is also included in the new Unlimited LiveStream package. It’ll still be broadcast live on Facebook or you can join via Zoom. You’re choice. Want to do on Zoom, but prefer not to pay? Use code ARMS2022 to get it for free.
A Glimpse of the Moon
This program is being shelved for the time being. As topics come up, I’ll do them.
T3: Taylor Track Time
Moving into 2022, the Tuesday session will remain as is (coached in person), the Thursday session will become a “hold each other accountable” session. If we get enough people, I can start providing a Thursday workout.
