Astrology is one of those things that has lots of degrees of believing.
Here is a casual look at the different signs, and some ideas that have real star-power for them; we’ll start with Pisces.
Pisces (February 21-March 20) is the last sign of the ‘cycle’, and is said to have inherited a a little bit of everything that went before them. Typical Pisceans are intuitive, imaginative and compassionate. They are sensitive to others, and to their environment.
Their creativity is abundant in the arts, but has applications in many fields. Some famous Pisceans are General William Westmoreland, Supreme Court Justice Ruth Bader-Ginsburg, Basketball Dunkmaster Julius Erving a.k.a. “Dr. J”, Apple co-founder Steve Jobs. Also, scientist Linus Paulding, Olympic Skater Dorothy Hamill, physisist Albert Einstein, activist Ralph Nader, famous daughter/news journalist Chelsea Clinton, and Inventor Alexander Graham Bell.
Sure, their sign is fishy, but the Jacques Cousteau School of Interior Design is not necessarily the way to go.
As far as color palette, blues-greens-purples-all the water tones are usually a good bet. Wouldn’t rule out reds, but not clear, stark reds. A GREAT RED for Pisces is Benjamin Moore Affinity’s AF-300 Dinner Party Red. Strong and deep, but blue undertones keep it warm and aged, not sharp or hard. Rarely will you see a Pisces drawn to browns, or yellows and oranges in their clear, or acid tones.
Because of their connection to-their fondness of-things that went before them, the newest, shiniest, biggest whatever will not catch their attention.Vintage, anything with a history-will hold much more attraction: tapestry or kilm pillows, a leather-topped writing desk, a cheval or landscape mirror.
Generally not attracted to “bling” or “glitz”-Elizabeth Taylor being one very obvious exception-but shimmer gets two thumbs up. Much like sun dancing over the water, it’s fluid, and mesmerizing. Iridescent taffeta as a table skirt or drapes, moire lampshades, even choosing a pearl finish on wall paint-are all ways to float a Pisces’ boat…so to speak.
Pieces do not like closed-in spaces, so it’s natural they’d gravitate to open floor plans of more modern homes, but the clean lines will be sleek and polished, even curved; but probably not hard or austere. An angular sofa becomes almost sculptural when covered in a rich mohair.
They are also not the most organized of souls, so generous and well-planned storage space makes it easy, and keeps the peace.
While Tuesday March 6th is the singular day where most states wiIl be holding their primaries, today, February 28th is really Super Tuesday.
Maybe even Super-Duper-Tuesday!
You see, today is my birthday!
February is a great month to have a birthday, as there are just not a lot of other things going on, I don’t have to share the day with any big sports event, or compete with another holiday, or other obligations of the season…
No one has to get the house painted, weed the garden or for the most part attend baby showers, weddings or graduations.
In fact, there is usually SO little going on, people cannot WAIT for the opportunity to go out, catch up, and have some fun with you. YUP, it’s just perfect.
There is an old stereotype about people not wanting to acknowlege birthdays, but I love it. Today I am 54, and have not even peaked yet.
But why should I have all the fun?? Please celebrate with me! Wherever you are today, imagine you are wearing a pointy hat with a tinsel pom-pom on it, make a wish, and have a cupcake on me (calories don’t count when it’s birthday-oriented!) It is a Happy Day, indeed!!
Recently, the Words Of The Week have been principled, substantial words: Advocate, Ungapatchka, Trust, Ask, Engage…(click here to see them all) it’s time to mix it up, and have some smiles, so this weeks’ word is SWOON.
SWOON is fun to say. Try it in a normal tone, with a straight face. OK, now try it again. See what I mean? Can’t say it without engaging your whole face. Sometimes other parts, too. Sounds better that way.
The original meaning really surprised me: in the 13th century it was to faint, to lose consciousness; or to enter into a state of hysteria, or ecstatic rapture.
Back then,intense religion, superstitions, or things like bad living conditions, including poorly ventilated structures, voluminous and restrictive clothing of the time may have all had a hand in nudging excitement and emotion across the line to lightheaded-ness, and collapse. Imagine, what if a couple of too-tight corsets and some bad cod was really what got the ball rolling in Salem MA!
Today SWOON has a positive connotation. It’s demonstrative and emotional. A few steps beyond being happy, but not soover the top that you scare children.
Yes. A short burst of no strings attached, unconditionally HAPPY and EXCITED that leaves suspicion and cynicism at the door. For the moment, a SWOONER is totally engaged in being happy.
SWOONING makes you feel good. It’s also fun to watch a SWOONER; and best of all is to be SWOONED-UPON, or SWOONED-ABOUT. Maybe that should be the refreshed home’s new tag line, Prepare to Swoon?
I love how Google images puts current culture perspective on things. Search for SWOON and top of the page you get a Brooklyn street artist, a serious Kate Spade pump, various baked goods and lots of Twilight characters.
In design, you do your best to read the client. Taste is so subjective, but it is your job is to come up with something unexpected, that they will immediately love. HA! Think about that, almost as hard to do as saying SWOON with a straight face! But it happens, and I love it!
On this magnificent, light-filled February day, what is SWOON-WORTHY in your life?
Many professions bring more to the table than some snazzy ideas, or the completions of tasks. Home professionals in particular touch a chord in ways not easily understood, unless it’s your home, your space or your stuff.
Have been thinking a lot about some of my recent jobs, and what they were about besides picking the right paint color, or adding better light. Here are some examples of the jobs, and what came of them.
I am quick, quality decisions to investors, landlords and flippers who need to get in, then out of a property.
I am the fresh start that qualified renters and buyers are looking for.
I am time and money saved to those who need to purchase things, but haven’t shopped for years.
I am a facilitator of long-stilled hopes and dreams.
I am found time to REALTORS, and the cohesion between contractors.
I am simplicity, speed and clarity to those who want to get on with their lives.
I am relief to those who have so much stuff they don’t know where to start.
I am the voice of reason that keeps it from getting personal when frustrated couples can’t find common ground.
I am, sometimes, the common ground.
I am specific direction to those who can do it themselves, but aren’t quite sure what they should do.
I am a reasonable way the local small businesses and storefronts build their business.
I am new eyes to a buyer who can’t quite see potential in an outdated property.
I am a trusted friend and guide to sellers who are both overwhelmed by both tasks and emotions as they change stages in life.
I am clear-thinking, support and encouragement to families as they deal with loss, or change.
AND I am a great alternative to the dreaded best friend of the mother-in-law who has a knack!
If you have a property that no one is looking at, or making any offers on, there is a reason. Talk to me now, I help people make wise plans and good decisions about their space and their stuff. Let’s get your property sold/rented, so you can get on with your life.
2011 was a tough year if you needed to sell your Westchester County condo. According to WPAR stats, annual number of sales were down by almost 11% in 2010 (from 937 sold in 2010 to 835 sold in 2011); and by nearly 17% since 2008, where 1005 condos in Westchester got sold.
Many seemed to be resigned to having to stay put; year-end also found inventory to be it’s lowest in years, 705 active listings, down from 795 in 2010.
But what if you really really want to sell?
Last year I was brought into a property here in White Plains that had a lot going for it, condo-wise. Very convenient, but uber-private. Great light, generous space, and all the important amenities.
The owner was an exuberant sort, loving life, and had traveled much of the world in order to embrace it first-hand. But he also brought a lot of it back with him.
His love of family and friends only slightly eclipsed his wanderlust, so the walls were filled with beautiful original and exotic artwork, and photos of those near and dear.
The walls were shockingly bright, and bore great testimony to these passions, but did little to enhance the key selling points: space, great natural light, and the fireplace. As referenced below, he was NOT PLEASED at my recommendations-pack art, repaint, move some furniture… but he wanted to move into his new place more than he wanted to be right, so that’s how it went. Here are some of the B&As:
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Got this email today…not sure yet which is my favorite part…
Dear Marie-
You know I loved the look of the apartment I lived in for 26 years.
When you suggested these changes I resisted, but reluctantly I made them.
The result were raves from potential buyers, agents, and most importantly a sale.
Thank you!
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If you have a property that no one is looking at, or making offers on, there is a reason.
Talk to me now, I do remote consults via phone, email and Skype.
Let’s get that property sold so we can all get on with our life.
Welcome back to Word Of The Week, where random thoughts are shared about a word that has resonated for me during the week. This week’s word is ADVOCATE.
From the early 1300′s, the Latin advacare to summon, to call to one’s aid; originally legal counsel. It’s a strong, substantial, grown-up word. Both a noun and a verb, it involves speaking for, and acting to protect the interests and welfare of another.
An advocate is CONFIDENT , and PRO-ACTIVE. They are more PASSIONATE than a spokesperson, and more LEADERSHIP-ORIENTED a supporter. It will takes doing a task well to a more personal, even on-going level. Advocates rarely punch a clock.
As an advocate for my clients, I navigate waters with contractors and vendors, even their in-laws and nosey neighbors!
Being an advocate is often part of the job, like your CPA handling funky notices from the IRS. Sometimes it is a directly paid position, usually in the government-like a consumer advocate. Politicians can advocate for a certain cause, that would be part of their platform; advocates that are paid to influence legislation are called LOBBYISTS.
Most advocates I believe, walk among us, unnoticed during everyday life. Everyday heros, they are volunteers who by their words and deeds help create, and support a better life for different segments of society. Every day of the week, volunteer EMTs and firefighters save lives, and property.
In our lifetime others have created events, images and organizations that have become institutions: think telethons and walk-a-thons; a library of colored ribbons, each with a cause; M.A.D.D, Special Olympics, and Susan G. Komen.
Advocate is a great word to show someone how much you care.
How YOU Can Get YOUR Vacant Westchester Co-Op Noticed And SOLD!
Westchester County real estate has a lot of range and variety, but some markets are pretty saturated right now. In our market, co-op apartments are probably in the toughest segment of all.
Previously I have written about the misconceptions of what staging is, and what preparing a property for sale or lease is REALLY about, but vacant co-ops are a breed unto themselves. Because there are generally fewer dollars laying around, your own success is literally in your hands.
If YOU are the owner of a vacant co-op apartment YOU want to sell, the question becomes do YOU choose to stay between a rock and a hard place, or do YOU focus on what YOU can do to change YOUR situation?
This post is longer than most, with interactive solutions…notice how YOU/YOUR have made up about 11% of the words in this post so far?
First I must be blunt. If you have neither funds, ability to make changes or a desire to find a way, this post is not your silver bullet… but it might make your decision easier.
Do nothing and wait-your choice will be taken away. You will drift wherever the market takes you, either eventually accepting a lower price than you want/need, or slowly bleeding out any equity you might have via maintenance and carrying costs. I see this in the case of a lot of estate sales, with heirs that want to be right, instead of at closing. Aggressively pricing it from the get-go might be your best answer. Hire an experienced Realtor who knows the local market to best advise you.
Vacant spaces do not photograph well, or typically woo buyers, unless the view, history or architecture is so outstanding. Which is typically not the case for most co-op apartments. Because of their price point, there are proportionally fewer dollars laying around.
But if you are in a position to make something happen, here- in ascending order of effort and effectiveness and mostly cost-are what YOU can do to get YOUR vacant Westchester co-op apartment noticed and SOLD:
1.The apartment must be clean. Not just swept clean and vacuumed, but Q-tip-around-the-faucets, in the refrigerator grill, and in the corners of the window clean. No ifs ands and buts. Just do it, or stop reading right now.
2.Repair, prepare and paint the walls. TRUST ME white walls are the kiss of death. There is nothing special about them. They photograph horribly, and in the buyers’ eyes only underscore the space is vacant, probably neglected, too.
Very cheaply, color fills up a room, adds personality, and engages buyers. Resist the temptation to put your own stamp on it…you can do that in your own place, with the proceeds from the sale.
Filling, sanding and priming is tedious work, but necessary. Quality buyers will pass on shoddy work. USE PAINTER’S TAPE to create straight lines, and spring for the extra $20.00 +/-, use semi-gloss white for trim work, mouldings and doors. The contrast color and finish calls attention to detail lost in a big vanilla space.
Warm, classic, easy on the eye colors create a pleasing canvas while defining the space. I like Benjamin Moore Historical Colors. Lighter colors are not frothy pastels, and the deeper colors are not harsh. HC-32 Standish White, HC-33 Montgomery White and HC-39 Putnam Ivory are my current favorites.
Because these rooms are typically modest, and might not get a lot of light, visually stretch the space by choosing a color that will reflect light, almost ’glow’. BM #922 Antique Lace is good for that as well.
3. Get rid of old carpet. PERIOD. Gleaming hardwood floors are preferred in this market, but tend to cost more. HOWEVER, in an empty space, with no furniture to move/store, it might not be that much of a difference. Price out your options, but ONE CAVEAT: get a good re-finisher, and clear the power requirements and source with the super, so the building doesn’t short out.
4. Change out knobs and dated lighting fixtures. Yes, really. Old spaces with old fixtures and hardware are just old and neglected. Sleek new fixtures and hardware, are ’retro’, they say someone has been paying attention to this space. $200.00 at a big-box store here will put that much-if not more-back in your pocket real quick.
5. Add mouldings. Charm per linear foot, cove (ceiling) mouldings create desire, and elevate the space above much of what else is on the market.
6. Last, if buyers just can’t ‘see’ what the space could be, I have had success with providing scale drawings of the rooms as a take-away for the agents…
10 Ways Preparing A Property For Sale Is A Lot Like Yoga
Regular readers will know I started an absolute beginner yoga class in November. Training my body to move in certain, specific ways has been more of a challenge that I thought it would be, but it’s been paying dividends in ways I could not have imagined.
Had been contemplating it for a while, but it was an act of faith I was finally ready for. And by ‘act of faith’ I mean because I was finally really looking to change things up, the analytical brain took a back seat and the sensing, intuitive heart takes over.
Have noticed many of my thoughts as a novice mirror those of people I meet and speak with about preparing their property for sale. Some see its apparent simplicity and equate it with little worth. But even if they-sellers and agents/brokers alike-vaguely sense it could be a good thing, but will derail and frustrate themselves by struggling with what (they think) it takes to get there.
Here are 10 ways I’ve found yoga to be identical in how the refreshed home approaches preparing properties for sale:
You start with an open mind and a willing attitude.
The focus is on what you CAN do…not what you can’t do.
There is trust and respect: You trust the instructor to guide you to the best standard, the instructor respects your limits.
There is no judgement.
You work with what you have, and do the best you can.
It can take you out of your comfort zone.
You use props to help get the best possible results.
There is a commitment to the process, and to doing the best you can.
It can be uncomfortable.
It can free you up from stupid stuff, and you will literally breathe easier.
Preparing a property is a business decision, and a life decision. You are choosing to plan, and make decisions, so you can get on with your life. If your space, stuff, or circumstances are dragging you down, we should talk about how to change that.
Just call, and start the conversation. It’s really that easy.
Yes indeed, it’s mid-February, which means Westminster Dog Show in NYC-YAY!!!
The dogs are great, I get smarter, and I even like the commercials!!
We all have our favorites, but the German Shepherd Dog is my favorite-favorite.
With Bella Blue at our side, we watched, hoped, then cheered when this almost 5 year old German Shepherd Dog named Captain Crunch -a.k.a ‘Cappy’-won best in the Herding Group.
No small feat, as there were some real lookers there, including a brand new breed from Mexico, who first year in made it into the judges’ first cut, out of 28 breeds.
Tomorrow night are the Terriers, Working and Sporting categories…then the crowing jewel, Best in Show competition, and we’ll be rooting for ‘Cappy’ all the way.
It will be an uphill battle, as the Herding Group has had only one Best of Show since the category was created in 1983.
BUT- – -
Can you guess which breed did win it then, back in 1987??
Bella actually does watch the TV intermittidly durnig the show, but Doug and I have found we need to balance our cheers with reassurances–”Bella, you KNOW we love the the best of all!” Isn’t it crazy how well they train us??
I love the right word. And I am absolutely crazy over this one. UNGAPATCHKA.
In fact, can’t believe I didn’t choose this for the inaugural word for this series.
One of my customers introduced it to me many years ago. Yiddish, it means exactly what it sounds like. Too much of anything, in an un-pleasing way. Inappropriate, over-the-top, not necessary. Even boring. Channeling Supreme Court Justice Potter Stewart (while ruling on another matter), you know it when you see it.
Often done well, and entertaining in a specific time and place, it’s way outdated in another. We’ve all seen this done in different applications.
the refreshed home is all about getting things done in the most direct way possible, but prefers there to be some smiles along the way. ENJOY, but if these ring a little too true, we should talk soon.
First, SNL’s beloved Phil Hartman as a lovable chef with issues.
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Then this delightful clip, originally posted on a really funny blog, Jewish Humor Central pretty much nails it.
One of the things that reinforced my decision to create my own business back in 2007 were the questionable people and practices already in place.
The HGTV shows with sniping relatives, and (many) poor design choices, projects with totally unrealistic budgets and time constraints. Then the real-life experiences from agents, clients and tradespeople with loopy, militant, unnecessarily dramatic, and just plain rude, inconsiderate people (I know, how do I really feel?!).
In the weeks and months to come SO many will be coming into the housing market for either the first time-or for thefirst time in a long time, some thoughts to consider before hiring someone to help you:
First, don’t rely on titles, for many reasons, start conversations with home professionals of different backgrounds. Ask them to describe what they do in real terms, using nouns and verbs-not titles.
Second-because many projects change as they develop, what is their range, how does it work, can they work within any constraints you may have?
Last, you want to know the nature of the person who’ll be in your house. Rarely is a job just about the task…it’s also about the people you work with during the job. These last three tips are pretty subjective, but guess what? You are writing the checks, and it’s your space, your life, your stuff. It’s an important part of the experience, and you get to choose.
Similar in nature, but important enough to be considered separately:
3. Do they play well with others? Are they realistic about their abilities, and are they respectful of others?
4. Do you trust them? Will they help you make the best decisions, based on your needs and goals?
5. Do you like them? Work in your space, with your stuff is intrusive under the best of circumstances. Why wouldn’t you consider this?
With the recent turnaround, I see some contractors in our area reverting, scrambling to make up for lost time, over-promising and over-extending themselves in the process.
Find out what their last half-dozen projects entailed, and if your needs are substantially different, how they will get your project done. You could be catching them on the cusp of a growth spurt, which is OK if they have a plan….or catching someone who’s just looking for an income stream and will say anything, or under-bid, just to get in the door.
Ask for references, not just from past clients, but from others in the trades that they have worked with. Almost anyone can manage to put on a nice face for a client, but other tradespeople can add great insight: were they organized and clear in their communication? Were appointments kept, were deadlines met, were they respectful of their time, and their crews?
Stagers and organizers have the unwelcome task of trying to pry people away from their stuff and ideas, it just comes with the territory.
Phil Faranda, broker-owner of J Philip Real Estate in Briarcliff told me about his first experience working with a Stager: Probably a recent online-graduate, she brought his seller to tears by insisting a single wedding picture of her son-innocuously placed on a side wall-had to go. A real professional will get the job done, but a good one will leave their ego at the door, and knows how to make the experience as pleasant as possible.
So yes-FAIR AND NICE count. You should also BELIEVE this person has your best interests at heart and YES, LIKING them should be on your gotta-have list as well. You will thank me, or even better, maybe you’ll START A CONVERSATION with me!
SCSP (smart, creative Staging professional) (that would be me)seeks UCRw/D (upbeat, confident Realtor w/ Designations) (hopefully, that is YOU)OBJECT: cooperative and content clients, more time on your hands, fabulous listing photos, and selling lots of properties quickly, and for the best price
YOU: Positive attitude, reality-based, open-minded, straightforward and direct, good communication skills. Value education and running a customer-service based business. And ohyes, have the desire to sell lots of properties.
ME: All of the above, and passionate about it; kind, adaptable, supportive, quick-witted, able to manage both projects and sellers.
Turn-offs: Cranky, jaded, complacent or rude whiners; hobbyists; over-priced listings
Remote Staging and phone consults do-able. Sense of humor a must, GRI, CBR, or CDPE preferred.
I am Marie Graham, owner of the refreshed home. I can bringing life and light into lives, listings, and living spaces. All you need to do is start the conversation!
OK: You are finally able to make plans to change and improve some part of your home. You have several areas you want to address, but with all the HGTV buzzwords, what-WHO?-are you actually looking for?
There is so much overlap in public perception, the first step would be to start a conversation with a likely candidate. Here’ s what I’d ask next:
2. Are they adaptable? Is the skill set and range of experience wide enough that as a project develops they can stay with you, or, if it makes a seismic leap, do they have a network they can refer you to?
Professionally I was first trained as a Decorator, then as a Stager. I’ve worked in Westchester and Fairfield county homes since 1981, and there is little that I haven’t seen.
the refreshed home is at its core, an information and service firm. Part of the business model was to learn as much as I could about almost anything structure-related: product, systems, technique, construction, you name it.
NOT to do it, but the more I know and understand, the better I can be at what I do best: come up with feasible solutions, work seamlessly with any trades, and be a better advocate for my client. In recent years I’ve:
Taken a home-building course in the woods of MA
Audited numerous real estate CE classes
Attend a wide range of trade shows
Taken AIA and ASID CE classes on a regular basis.
I also belong to a BNI group that is 85% trades. Unlike any of the other 35 groups in Westchester County, every week I hear two dozen tidbits of info on topics like why paint fails, how to restore tubs and tile, and why you want to insist your sofa in storage be stored horizontally, on padded racks.
Several weeks ago I was in a large and beautiful home that had been purchased as a short sale, I was there to help the new owners re-calibrate the house to their family and lifestyle. The original owners had spared no expense in decorating this home. Both speculative financial professionals, they over-extended themselves, and literally had to abandon the house. VERY unfortunately it was during the winter, and unattended, pipes froze and broke.
Walking through with the new owner, the shower in one sons’ bedroom had a musty smell and a persistent mildew issue which she attributed to the grout needing to be steam-cleaned. But conversation revealed one of the pipes that broke was in the wall behind the shower…and the son had asthma that had gotten worse, yes, since they lived there.
Because I know one of the best mold remediators around, I knew the questions to ask, and turns out there were some mold issues behind the tiles, as well as some funky things growing in the air ducts. Both of which have since been remedied, and everyone in the house is breathing better.
With a so-far mild winter at our back, and days that are getting longer, plus for all sorts of other reasons-homeowners are starting to think about improving their properties once again.
Some are finally ready to sell, others ready to buy, and the rest accepting they will be staying, and looking to improve their space so it better fits their needs.
Lots of different people out there who want to help get you going, on the way to a solution and a space that works for you.
Not a surprise-these folks have different levels of skill and services. Just as predictably, schools and organizations that are springing up-mostly online-that offer training and ’certification’ for a specific task or title. So how to get started, how to choose?
Have written about this topic before, the calls and emails I’ve been getting indicate it’s even more relevant today.
Designations, affiliations and continuing education are all important starting points, but in today’s world, a successful hire is all about the person.
IMO, this field is kind of like the wild west..and, as a project evolves- needs change, projects morph, and lines blur.
Professionally many skills are transferable, so it’s not as important what someone calls themselves, its what they can do for you, what they bring to the project, and how they will work with your that will make it a good hire (or NOT). Here is the first of five solid ways to know how to choose the right person for you.
1. Start a conversation. Don’t assume that a title is a standard definition. OR even that you know what you might need. I urge people to consider part of why they should hire someone is for their ability to troubleshoot: see, and diagnose underlying issues, then and create a strategy.
Several years ago, I went to a home where the client had already pretty much figured on spending about $12-15K to make a large space over the garage into a kids’ playroom.
We walked, we talked. Based on their family size, the kids (four) and their ages (5-12), their space, and their needs, I suggested an alternate solution that kept the kids closer to the core of the house, and came it at less than half of what they planned to spend. Three years later, they are still very pleased with the choices they made.
SO many words in our world! It’s easy to not hear them all, or just get in the habit of using the same ones.
Strong communication is one of the things that will get us noticed and understood in this world, one of the reasons for this series.
Every week, therefreshed home looks at a regular word we may take for granted, and gives it a moment in the limelight. This Word Of The Week is IMPROVISE.
From the Latin improvisus, meaning literally unseen, and the Italian improvvsio, meaning sudden, to be able to IMPROVISE is really quite a skill.
Unlike PLAN B, IMPROVISE is not a back-up.
It’s UNPLANNED, PRO-ACTIVE, and demonstrates LEADERSHIP. It arrives and takes action: ASSESSING, CREATING, DOING, and then GETTING ON WITHTHINGS.
IMPROVISE is FLEXIBLE, and CLEVER. It does not lose sight of the task at hand.
It is not perfection, but always goes for the BEST POSSIBLE RESULTS under the circumstances.
IMPROVISE‘s ditzy, less hands-on distant cousin is WINGING-IT.
IMPROVISE is NOT AT ALL PASSIVE, and much more VESTED IN THE RESULTS.
Because modern life is what it is, the unexpected happens to us all. Don’t “make do”-be sure to take full credit for IMPROVISING!!
This series started as a way to shine a brighter light on local merchants and businesses who offer unusual and thoughtful options for holiday gift-giving.
Three things became quickly apparent: First-we give gifts year-round, for different occasions. Two-sometimes we are the most deserving gift candidates we know. Third (channeling Sally Field now) you really, really liked it!
So now, going forward, this is a year-round, on-going series. Valentines Day is coming…so are birthdays, anniversaries, baby and bridal showers, etc. Please make this a favorite, and consider coming here first for you gift-giving inspiration.
For a number of years, I have been drawn to what I THOUGHT yoga was about, but got intimidated by all there was to KNOW: Intense yoga, hot yoga, gentle yoga? And oh yes, all the media images of slender flexible lovelies in spandex….the only constant was that I would read stories about real-life devotees in their 60s, 70s and beyond who were calm and happy, healthy and flexible. And the older I’ve gotten, the more I’ve wanted THAT to be MY future.
This is not to educate anyone on the specifics of yoga…it’s about how that even early on, it’s come to work in the real life of an unathletic, non-graceful, kind of fearful and and semi-lumpy person (me), and that why a gift certificate for some introductory lessons could be the best gift you’d ever give
Through a business organization I came to know Michele Weiss professionally. Travel is her business, but yoga is her passion. A casual conversation some months earlier led to an email about classes she was teaching, which then found me in a cozy studio in Stamford on a Saturday morning about 6 weeks ago.
Yoga Space Stamford is nestled in the 2nd floor of the LAA (Loft Artists Association) Building on Canal Street, just down from Fairway, off exit 8 of 95. Love the creative feeling of the building, and the clean, simple feeling of the studio.
Owner Silvana Stein opened Yoga Space Stamford in 2008. First a practicioner for nearly 30 years, then a certified instructor, she has taught in lower Fairfield county since 1993, she is one of those afore-mentioned devotees with an amazing story of healing.
There is a very old saying (proverb?) ‘when the student is ready, the teacher will appear’. That has proven to be the case in other profound times in my life, and I am seeing that here, too. As I contemplate writing this, it occurs to me how un-intellectual this is. Thinking, talking, reading about it will not help you understand…for me, so far, it’s been about just showing up, listening and doing…just following instructions
lynegar yoga is what Silvana, and Michele, and the other instructors practice, this link can tell you more about it. Six weeks in, I can tell you first I am sore the day after…but it’s a good sore. I never was concious before of how many different body parts there were that I had such control over. But I am also thinking better, and carrying myself gently, straighter. I am taller and calmer, and deep, settling breaths just come, involuntarily. It’s wild.
Yoga Space Stamford has a full schedule of classes for those of all abilities, and some very attractive deals if you wanted to try a few without any monster commitment. If you are ready, and lucky enough to live in the Stamford area( it’s 20 minutes for me, coming from White Plains), check out the site and call Silvana for any questions. If you are out of the area, research it a bit, and look for your own local haven. Treat yourself, you’ll be glad you did.
