Hey! I'm a blogger now!

I've been writing my whole life. Well, scratch that, since I was 12, when my grandparents gifted me a diary for my twelfth birthday. From then ensued a lifetime of journaling and writing. I didn't even know I had a penchant for it until it was presented to me, but there it was, love! Blogging seemed like a natural next step for me, but with so much happening in my life, and the foreign concept of it all, I just never delved in. Obviously, now, that seems so silly to me, as I see just how simple it all is, and it's actually quite perfect for me, as I'm always looking for an outlet in writing.  
So here I am, world! I'm a 38 year old stay at home mother of 2, a brilliant, loving boy of 3 1/2, and a starry eyed girl who just turned 1. They own my heart (but sometimes they drive me nuts!). I always wanted to have children, but honestly knew nothing of the magnitude this role would present; it's the toughest job I've ever performed, and continues to challenge me, daily. I've grown in unimaginable ways, and it's forced me to face myself, unabashedly, raw and real. At times, I get so frustrated at what a thankless job this is, as I do all the things I used to do, on top of trying to rear 2 little humans in the best possible way. I'm definitely not the same person I was a few years ago, and yet everyone still looks at me the same. It's a strange and wondrous realm, this world of motherhood. But I wouldn't change it. Any of it. For all its challenges, it's also opened me up to pure, unconditional love, which I truly never thought existed. I would die for them. My babies. 
I'm a recently certified Yoga Teacher, ever journeying deeper into the world of Yoga, deepening my love, appreciation, and respect for the practice, and how it has helped me so immensely through trying times. It's just amazing to me, what a vast world has opened up that I just had no idea existed! The physical practice, Asana, is just the tip of the iceberg when it comes to Yoga. My body, mind, and essence (Prana) are healthier and stronger than they've ever been, and yet I continue to heal and grow in so many ways. 
I have a passion for everything health and wellness, nutrition and fitness. These have been hobbies and passions of mine for nearly 20 years. I think I've done every cleanse under the sun, haha! 
I'm a musician; my voice is my primary instrument, and I was usually in at least 2 choirs, if not 3, growing up. I was in various bands, endeavors, and projects. When I turned 20, my brother and I were signed with a record company in San Francisco, and had quite the experience, which I'll elaborate on in another blog :). I also dabble in piano, ukulele, the recorder, and I play a mean Kazoo! I honestly don't know how I would have made it this far in life without music; it has been an old friend, helping me through the toughest of times, and guiding inspiration through the most exhilarating times. It has brought me closer to myself, and to others, whom I might have never connected with, if it weren't for the connection through music, and the realms it takes one to. 
I'm a poet, a thinker, a dreamer, I love to travel, new adventure, hiking, biking, swimming, camping, kayaking, snorkeling, frisbee, gathering 'round a campfire with friends, and partaking in all this world has to offer (though it hasn't been as easy to do so these last few years, but more on that later). I'm outgoing, but an introvert (boy, is this complicated!). I love people, and love hanging out, but I also need my space and private time to rejuvenate and refresh. I hate small talk, but it's not always easy for me to dive right into deep conversations, especially with those I don't know very well. I try to be free from judgment, yet I think a healthy level of caution is wise. My ultimate goal in life is to reach enlightenment, or happiness. I want to approach the day with alert clarity, remaining calm in whatever life presents, but neither vacant, nor dull. 
Life challenges me daily. Some days I'm better at receiving the challenge than others, but I never quit. That's not even an option. Life is too brilliant and magnificent, in all its possibilities. We just need to open ourselves up to them. And say yes. Something I'm working on, daily. 
So here's to saying yes more, to opening the front door, and parading out into the new day, with all its prospects! Here's to being open more, to letting others in, to sharing, and giving more love. I hope whatever you do today, that it brings you new experiences and connections, and more possibilities to grow. 
Namaste!