Newsletters
Fall Newsletter: Transitions, Ratatouille, and Retreats
September leaves me in limbo every year. Officially it’s still summer until the end of the month, but here on the Cape, we all know better — summer ends on Labor Day. Overnight, the beaches empty out, friends head back to work, students return to school, and the volleyball net at Longnook looks like it’s given up for the season. The sun’s still warm, the water’s inviting, but the game’s over. I used to feel a little abandoned this time of year, like summer just left without saying goodbye.
But lately, I’ve been thinking of these late-September, early-October weeks more like yoga transitions — the up-dog, down-dog, and chaturangas that carry us from one pose to the next. They’re often rushed and mostly overlooked, but they hold the practice together: the moments where we pause, catch our breath, and reset.
That’s how I’ve learned to treat this in-between season — an opportunity to recalibrate, and a vital part of my living yoga.
Birthday Week, Beach Vibes & Retreat Discounts
Here we are — the peak of summer in Truro. Tomatoes are ripening, cucumbers are taking over, and the sandbars at Longnook are still holding strong. The days are full, the light is long, and this week always seems to hold something special. Yes, it’s my birthday week! And with it come big yoga classes, new faces, returning friends, and that unmistakable summer high.
Winter solstice reflections
As the solstice wraps us in its longest night, it’s hard not to feel the weight of the season. For some, it’s a time of stillness and reflection; for others, it carries the often self-imposed stress of holiday expectations—or it feels downright overwhelming. Whether it’s heavy, quiet, or chaotic, this time of year asks us to pause and reflect on what we’re carrying. It also offers a gentle nudge to unload some of that weight and make space for what truly matters.
That real autumn feel is in the air here in Truro…
… and one cannot resist spending as many moments as possible soaking up this exquisite golden light and warmth. When not in the garden or on a walk, I’ve been busy organizing our 2024 TruroYoga Simplify Weekend Retreat! It’s just around the corner and sold out—and we are all pretty stoked for a spectacular weekend with new collaborations and special guests. I am looking forward to celebrating the beauty of the Outer Cape while connecting with friends and highlighting many of our local talents.
How has this shift from summer to fall been for you? Have you gotten into a groove? We are back at the Truro Community Center with regular classes Tuesday, Friday, & Sunday mornings. If we didn’t see you during the summer for our fun outdoor classes, I hope you’ll join us this fall and winter to keep your body strong and inner fire alive!
From Elusive Spring to Instant Summer
Even after thirty years of living on the Outer Cape, I still find myself surprised when I wake up and suddenly, it's summer. Unlike spring, which we eagerly anticipate and yearn for but never feels like it truly arrives, summer has a way of just showin’ up. Sure, Memorial Day gives us a hint that folks are gradually returning to their Cape homes, with the shelves of Stop & Shop finally stocked and the opening of farmers’ markets signaling the change. Real soon though, summer will be in full-swing. Yet, sometimes there's this lull in early June when it feels like it might never happen—the weather can be shifty and sometimes downright cold. You have your summer linens out, but you're still reaching for the down comforter and cashmere sweater in the evening. You plant your garden, but everything is slow to grow. The beaches, while beautiful, remain windswept and quiet.
Full Moon Blessings to All
Dear Friends,
It has been a whole lunar cycle since I was in Venice admiring the fullness of the moon. Back home now for a few weeks, I am finally getting into my groove and ready to write to you all. Traveling in Europe for three weeks left me in an elevated state, and soon after returning home, I felt myself coming down from the high. Ever experience that crash or downfall after the holidays, the summer season, or a mighty celebration? I was on a high overflowing with all the exquisite sights and experiences: the grandeur of the Dolomites and the phenomenal hikes and meals with Paul, the architectural achievements of Venice, and the layers of complex history in Croatia. Let’s just say I’ve been digesting it all while simultaneously feeling confronted with the daily news, conflicts in the Middle East, local political tensions, and the common everyday built-in stressors. So here I am—raw, real, and very grateful for my health and life—staying focused on what keeps me well and anchored.
And just like that…
We made it to Labor Day. The summer was full and luminous like last week’s Super Moon, and now we are exhaling as the festivities wind down, the daily rhythms shift, and that distinct late summer/early fall mellow quiet creeps in. For me, the last ten weeks have been busy and filled to the brim with yoga classes and celebrations. As the pace begins to change, I’m slowly reflecting on how phenomenal it has been to spend time with our yoga tribe and loved ones, and bounce around from one uplifting event to another.
Summertime, and the livings easy (hopefully)!
Dear Friends,
It’s happening: TruroYoga’s summer tribe is coming back together and steadily growing week to week. Stepping into the summer class schedule and seeing all of you brings me such delight, and I’m eager to spend the next ten weeks teaching and practicing with you!
It sure has been a strange and moody spring with sporadic weather changes and no distinct rhythm or flow. Global climate change sure is showing itself here with such unpredictable weather patterns, and the seasons have become blurrier by the year. I can’t help but reflect on how much has changed during the last thirty years here on the Outer Cape.
Pace Yourself - It Will Get Done
Hello Friends,
Spring has sprung, and so far we’ve lucked out with many sunny, warm days and lots of blossoming, budding new life here on the Outer Cape. It’s always a relief to be stepping into the new season, away from frigid weather, and looking ahead to the highlights of summer, the return of our extended community, and the garden’s abundance. I do admit though that the warm weather also stirs up an overwhelming, frazzled feeling within. Somehow the sunshine sparks this notion that I must get everything accomplished all at once, and my growing to-do list with garden tasks, schedule changes, travel prep, etc. has been on repeat in my mind during the past couple weeks. Can you relate? Feeling carried away seems like a norm around here this time of year, yet I’d rather find my way back to some familiar wisdom. So, with the re-occurring themes of balance and self-care in mind, my focus returns to pacing and organizing.
Rituals & Retreats
Dear Friends,
If you haven’t heard it enough, I too am wishing you a very happy New Year. My family and I are back from our yearly trip to Shawinigan, Quėbec. We had a wonderful visit with my extended family and enjoyed all our yearly holiday traditions. An annual highlight is celebrating Christmas on New Year’s Day with over 30 beloveds and dressing-up the newbie (gf or bf there for the first time) as Santa Claus. This year, my daughter’s boyfriend Tucker was the chosen one, and he played the part well as Père-Nöel! All the laughter and stories shared, along with the meaningful conversations, were the real gifts. Of course we indulged too—sweets, drinks, rich meals, yum.
The annual traditions are lovely and memorable, but truly, there are always opportunities to make ordinary events sacred and special. No need to wait for the New Year, Christmas, Birthday or Valentine’s Day, let’s celebrate. And let us not forget we are free and we are capable of establishing new patterns and rituals, or initiating new traditions, whenever we want! How liberating and empowering is that. Personally, the daily, weekly and seasonal rituals keep me anchored and steady. A few of them include: morning & evening abhyanga, candle-lighting at sundown, and evening moon gazing. Weekly rituals: changing the flowers on my altar, enjoying Sunday night vongole with friends, and having Saturday morning coffee-in-bed with Paul. The rituals slow me down and bring me back to a nourishing place of gratitude and pleasure. What about you—what are your rituals? Do they bring you joy?