The Healing Heart Energy

I am feeling so much better than I was last week. Seriously, for a while, I thought I was never going to get better. I felt like that plague-like flu was going to slowly deteriorate every ounce of me and leave me bed ridden forever. Okay, a little over dramatic, but you get it. What was the miracle cure, you ask? Was it the Cold Fx, the Tylenol Cold and Flu, the pint of blueberries, the perpetual rest, mom’s homemade vegetable puree soup, the warm almond milk with turmeric, the freshly squeezed daily glass of grapefruit juice, the cup of boiled water with cinnamon and honey, Roxanne’s snuggles, The Beverly Hills 90210 season 8 marathon, Vinny’s homemade pancakes? My conclusion: it was a mix of all of this, PLUS my Yoga Teacher Training.


I didn’t think I was going to make it to my training last weekend. While the flu got the best of me on the Friday night, it didn’t keep me from enjoying my Saturday and Sunday surrounded by good people and good karma. I wasn’t feeling 100% when I showed up to the studio at 8am Saturday morning, so I sat for the first hour and a half as I watched my fellow YTT friends perform their early morning practice. As much as I longed to go into Downward Facing Dog and Warrior I, I knew my body still needed to rest- it was not yet ready to over exert itself. So I sat, quietly with my legs crossed and a blanket draped over my lap, and observed those 15 ladies in all their glory. It was beautiful, like watching stone statues move slowly and gracefully. And you know what? By 10am, I started feeling a little bit better. My eyes weren’t as glossy, my sinuses weren’t as stuffy, and my energy level began to rise slowly. That’s when it hit me: these ladies all had a hand in helping me feel better. It was as though I could feel their healing and heartfelt energy directing itself straight for me. I began feeding on this collective liveliness that unmistakably filled the room. I thanked everyone after the practice for their generous exchange of energies. I imagined to myself that they had some secret communal agreement to have their healthy vibes cultivate and direct themselves from their hearts to mine. It really was quite remarkable. The power of the heart is just so significant.

Namaste,
Lady Lotus

A Sweet Yoga Treat

For those of you who don't know this about me, beneath the tattoos is actually a little Suzy Homemaker just eager to pop out.  And as a result, here is what happened.

Yes, delicious shortbread cookies in the shape of Warrior II, one of my favourite yoga poses.  This past weekend was my last Yoga Teacher Training until after the holidays, and I decided to make a little something for the wonderful ladies in my class.  With the three simple ingredients at hand (cane sugar, whole wheat flour and soy based maragarine) the grandma in me spent the night baking these bad boys and individually wrapping them for each person.  I owe the shape to cookie cutters I found called Ninja-Bread Men.  By slightly adjusting one of the ninja shaped cookie cutters, I was able to deliciously recreate this asana and turn it into a tasty treat.  Oh if only my bloga was edible. 

Namaste,
Lady Lotus

101!!!

You know what movie I love?  101 Dalmatians.  Pongo!

Speaking of 101...this is officially post number 101!  Wowzers.  Have I really already logged in and blogged more than 100 times? 
So, what is something special to write about for this grounbreaking 101st post?  That's easy- I put up my Christmas tree last week.  Yes, I tried to wait until December 1st, but the excitement of the holiday season ate me all up and I had to do it!  Plus my new ornaments were calling out to be exposed.  But what does putting up a Christmas tree have to do with yoga?  Well, yoga makes me happy.  My Christmas tree makes me happy.  I have been doing my YTT readings, comfortably on my couch, with my tree gloriously displaying all its beauty.  It allows me to enjoy my homework even more than I already do!  Does that sound dorky?  Well when you love your schooling as much as I do, homework doesn't seem like a chore, but more of a wonderful experience and oppurtunity to grow.

I'll make sure to upload some pictures of my tree, and of course all the other pretty decorations.  Oh, and my stockings are literally hung from the fireplace- love it!

Namaste,
Lady Lotus

Class Observation

Today I'm scheduled to go in and take part in what is called a class observation.  Once a month, every student from my YTT has to sit in and watch our FabTeach conduct a yoga class. 

This will be my second class observation.  Last month, I couldn't believe how many notes I took.  Five pages if I remember correctly.  There is something so remarkable about really being on the other side, like a fly on the wall.  One of my challenges was reminding myself not to watch the students, but to in fact watch my teacher.  I saw so many things that I hadn't ever noticed before while upside down, twisted, or closed-eyed.  For example, when in realaxation at the end, I naturally figured my teacher would be sitting in Easy Pose, her eyes closed, meditating.  But the fact is, while she is sitting in Easy Pose, her eyes open unti the last couple of minutes, taking the time to watch over us.  I had asked her about this in our discussion afterwards and she said that of course, she watches over us.  It's her way of keeping us safe, keeping us secure.  That way she knows we are okay, and we know that we are in a safe place.

I'm excited to see what I will discover today during the observation.  Last month I was told to play close attention to how she instructs the students to place and move their leg muscles.  Lets see what today has in store!

Namaste,
Lady Lotus

I'm Here and Ready to Share!!

I wish I could tell you that I was off traveling the world and had limited to zero access to a computer because I was living on top of a mountain surrounded by an overwhelming amount of beauty...but I can't lie to my favorite friends and readers!

My month-long hiatus was due to an incredibly over-whelming month.  I've started a new job position at work to which I devoted much of my time to- being somewhat of a perfectionist (or perhaps just incredibly hard on myself) I wanted to assure that I proved worthy to fill the shoes of this exciting new position.  I would tell myself every night when I got home to update my precious bloga, but the fatigue overpowered me and I couldn't quite find the right words to type and share.  But now, here I am baaaaby, come and take meeee (my apologies, I'm listening to Al Green).  I feel like I have so much to say now!  Let's break it all down.

My Yoga Room
It's beautiful.  I mean, really beautiful.  You all know the walls have been painted, but I also started decorating.  I have a book shelf that adorns what appears to be a neverending array of books, both yoga and non-yoga related.  There are 3 cute little white ceramic brids perched on one of the shelves, as well as a silver elephant.  Elephants hold a strong symbolism as representing warriors filled with inner strength and nobility- what a perfect animal for my room!  And apart from being incredibly adorable, my little birds have a nice meaning as well.  Birds used to be thought as the supernatural link between Heaven and Earth.  How nice to think of this as I'm grounding my feet to the earth and lifting the crown of my head to the sky.  I have a lovely lamp in the corner illuminating my room, as well as a scroll on the wall which displays the following quote from Yagananda : "Those who live passionately teach us how to love, Those who love passionately teach us how to live".  Yeap, the yoga room is definitely a shield of serenity.  Oh, and of course the neurotic neat freak in me played a roll in its creation: my yoga props are all neatly tucked away in a basket.  How organized!  I know I promised photos, but I still want to wait for all the finishing touches- namely the curtains and the new molding that Vinny will so kindly install for me soon *ahem nudge nudge wink wink* 

My Very First YTT Weekend
It seems funny writing to you about this only now, since my next YTT weekend is the one coming up!  But the vigorous emotions that went through my being are just as present today as they were those few weeks ago.  Let me tell you: the YTT experience is intense.  It is also, however, unbelievably remarkable.  I hand't done so much yoga in one weekend- I could hardly walk the following Monday.  Let me break down the weekend for you:

Friday
We all sat around in a circle, cushions and blocks comforting our buns, and introduced each other.  Now when I say we, I mean the group of about 20 of us.  To think that the YTT had been postponed a few months because there was about 7 people who applied last year.  Now, we are close to 20.  It was well worth the wait!  We all spoke a little about each other, about why we were here, how we discovered yoga, what we do for a living- basically anything and everything we wanted to share.  To my surprise, I was actually one of, if not the, youngest person there.  It is such a diverse group- older ladies, mothers old and new, yoga teachers who want to deepend their study or learn a new tradition, some who have traveled far to be there...it was so nice to see a grouping of strong women opening their hearts.  We then took a quick break and came back to end the class with a yoga practice.

Saturday
More yoga practice!  Yahoo!  It was the perfect way to start an early 8am morning.  We then moved into what are called Posture Clinics.  This part was extremely absorbing.  We learned how to properly align our bodies in Tadasana (Mountain Pose), Ardha Chandrasana (Half-Moon Pose) and Virabhadrasana Eka (Warrior 1). But it was more than being taught proper alignment.  We discovered common misalignments and how to adjust other students.  It's boggling when you realize how important the human touch is when adjusting someone.  Our hands were shown how to touch people in order to help them attain the most from each pose.  To see how every detail in the body is at play within individual poses really blew my mind.  The human body is such a wonder, seriously.
We also discussed theoretical aspects of teaching, such as how to set a certain mood in your class, appropriate teacher behavior, and how a yoga teacher can be viewed in a student's mind.  You really get an up-close account at how powerful a yoga teacher really is.  They are teachers and healers.  They are people we at times confide in because we feel safe with them.  A yoga teacher can play a very integral role in the lives of their students.  I found a lot of myself throughout this discussion.  I think I tend to put my teacher on a pedastal, which is not necessarily a bad thing at all times, but its's important to remember that we are both human, and I am just as capable of fiding answers to my questions if I simply let myself dive deep inside.  A yoga teacher can guide you to those answers, but inevitably we as students are the ones who find them.  We then ended the day with another yoga practice- a perfect ending to a perfect Saturday.

Sunday
Of course, more yoga, yay!  Aftewards, our next posture clinic was Virabhadrasana Dwi (Warrior 2), Utthita Parsvakonasana (Side Angle Stretch) and finally Trikonasana (Triangle Pose).  Again, similarly to the previous clinic, we broke down the poses and practiced explaining them to other students and aligning their bodies appropriately. I realy loved all the hands-on work.  It made me realize how diffitul it actually is.  It appears so easy when I see my own teacher adjusting me as well as others, but to actually muster up the courage inside to place your hands on someone and guide their bodies into the poses can be very intidimating.  But once you've done it and done it right, it's accomplishing.  We then learned how to center the beginning of a class.  How we can create a serene environment to ready it for an actual practice.  We learned and also discovered our own language for setting the right mood to allow students to feel present.  I felt like a real teacher, it was phenomenal.  We then furthered our discussion about yoga teacher ethics before breaking up into groups.  Now, the groups are wonderful.  Four to five people from completely different backgrounds, sitting together and sharing their weekend experience.  We then taught an actual yoga class amongst ourselves.  One person would start with centering, a couple others would go into teaching asanas, and the final person would end the class with relaxation- I did that part and it was completely stunning.  I got to watch as I guided my small group into a state of relaxation, calm and bliss.  It felt good, really good.

The entire weekend seemed to fly by.  The weekend was jam packed with information, but not the kind that necessarily leaves you feeling overrun.  It leaves you excited to keep learning and further the training.  Leaving the studio almost felt sad.  I wouldn't see these girls for another month, with the exception of my group because we meet once a month in beteween trainings to chat, practice and go through our homework assignments- yes, there is written homework, and it really makes you use your brain to its fullest capacity!  But now, as though it was just yesterday, I'll be spending more time at the studio this weekend and filling my body and mind with all the knowledge my teacher has to share.  And I can't wait!

Namaste,
Lady Lotus

The Yoga Book Worm

There is something very exciting about purchasing a new book, or borrowing one from a friend.  Holding a bound clump of paper in my hands sends quite the hullabaloo of a feeling through me.  I mentioned it in a previous post but I was not always such an avid reader.  As a child my parents practically had to force me to get through a book.  Now, it's as though I can't get enough.  I have the habit of buying new books when I am not even half way through the current one I am enjoying, just so I don't have to have a day without one.  Now I don't read every single day, but just knowing that a new story is waiting for me is incredibly nourishing.  Yesterday I took a gander at Amazon- the power of my purse has met its match!  My Yoga Teacher Training starts in just over a month (yippe!) and I have already started compiling a small collection of required and suggested readings for the training.  I am happy to report that I was able to find 3 books that are far more affordable when ordered on-line than going into the store. 

The first is a required reading entitled The Anatomy of Movement by Blandine C. Germain.  I can't quite describe intensely enough how enthusiastic I am to dive into those pages.  The human body is such a marvel.  To gain an understanding on each twist, turn and bend of every limb and joint is something my mind is just screaming to eat up.  I may very well never look at a human body the same way- I intend on being flabbergasted!  I remember going to a physiotherapist a few years back for a sore neck.  She asked me to lie down on my back so she could feel around my neck.  My hands were resting on my belly, with my fingers intertwined into each other.  She told me to leave my hands flat because the tangling of my fingers may affect what she feels in my neck.  What!?  I was instantly amazed.

The second is a book that was not required, but suggested.  My FabTeach actually proposed this book to me before I even realized it was on the list.  It's entitled Shambhala: The Sacred Path of the Warrior by Chogyam Trungpa.  I have tried dabbling in mediation a little bit, but to be quite honest, I don't really know how to meditate.  Now is there really a way to lean how to meditate, or does it just appear from your heart and your breathing once you are in a state of calm?  There is the Shambhala Meditation Centre across the street from my original studio.  My FabTeach, again, suggested this place to me.  I went to visit during an open house a few months back and really felt comfortable there.  Everything was so pretty and so peaceful.  The people were friendly (everyone there is a volunteer), the rooms were welcoming, and the story behind it all was wonderful.  Once a month they organize Introduction Classes (free of charge, a simple donation is asked) to give interested individuals insight on how to begin their mediation process.  That way, you can meditate at home, at the Centre, or pretty much anywhere you can, and really know how to dive down into yourself to get the most out of the experience.  Unfortunately for myself, I have been unable to attend these classes.  My work schedule was always a factor.  I was offered a private class, but it seems that the schedules would again coincide with each other, and it became difficult to find a time to go.  Thankfully this little pocket book will help me get my feet (or should I say mind, body and soul) onto that path of meditation.

Finally, the 3rd book I splurged on (although it was not a splurge at all- very cheap actually!) is Yoga Body Buddha Mind by Cyndi Lee.  Wouldn't you know, another suggested reading that FabTeach mentioned I should pick up before I noticed it on the list.  Since I cannot go to my original studio as often as I'd like as a result of work and the big move to the Burbs, FabTeach offered a book I should read to help me with my home practice (by the way, the yoga room is slowly coming together- almost ready to paint!)  The book seems great.  There are different sequences you can try, depending what it is you are looking for and feeling on that particular day.  I am slowly learning which positions flow appropriately with others (another thing I am just so giddy about expanding with the YTT) so this book will support me in deepening this understanding.  I will now officially get the most of an at-home experience.

There are other books associated with the training that I am very excited to get my hands on.  It seems like this book worm will definitely have a sufficient amount of reading to get lost in- and I wouldn't have it any other way.

Namaste,
Lady Lotus

Dante vs Yoga : The Official Showdown

Oh my goodness- life is testing me yet again!  For those of you who have followed my blog quite closely, or for those of you who know me all too well, you know that I am a huge fan of General Hospital.  Yes, it's true, I am completely and utterly hooked on that 3:00pm soap opera that ties together love, hate, revenge, the mob, doctors, nurses, patients, weddings, divorces, and all those other tasty, guilty pleasures that far too many women (and even some men) drool all over.  Let me paint a clearer picture for you: I have been watching GH for about 20 years.  I kid you not.  When I would stay at home with my mom after pre-school, I would sit with her in the den and watch GH at the age of 5.  I didn't always pay close attention, nor did I understand what was happening, but I loved the poofy curly locks of one of the characters, Luke.  From that point on, I kept watching as I grew, and followed the storylines more closely as I entered teenagehood.  Here I am now, at 25 years old, still remaining loyal to my favourite daytime families and friends.  Now my love for this show has grown significantly in the last year, as the stories have become more seductive, intense, suspenseful and hilarious.

The GH love of my life is Dante.  Okay, the actor's name is Dominic Zamprogna (proud Canadian, woot woot!), but to me he is just Dante.  I know I'm sounding like a bag of nuts but I am crazy for this guy.  Coco bananas, really.  Awkward, I know, but I can't deny it.  So you can only imagine my sheer and utter thrill when I discovered that he is coming to Toronto to host a fundraising event for The Ontario Children's Wish Foundation (Not only is he yummy and talented but he has a big heart!  Awww.)  I nearly jumped out of my chair and started mapping my roap trip to Toronto in my head.  I feel like at this point I need to clear something up- I have never felt this awe-struck by a performer before (not since I've been a teenager at least) but I can proudly admit that yes, I am a hopeless Dante groupie.  Okay, now that I got that out of the way...he is coming to Toronto, and I want to go see him!

Fast forward to a few minuets after hearing this exciting news...I check the date of the event.  It's a weekend- fabulous, I'm not working.  But what is this reserved block on my calendar?  On September 11th, the day of the fundraiser, I will be starting my very first Yoga Teacher Training Class.  For a moment, my heart sank to the ground.  Noooo, my chance to meet Dante (and undeniably have him fall in love with me but have to tell him my heart happily belongs to Vinny but I am flattered nonetheless...ahem...) is but a mere dream because I start school.  But you know what?  Once this dissapointment had a chance to wiggle around in my brain a bit more, I immediately started thinking more of my YTT, and how excited I am to start it!  Yes, if I was slightly less devoted I could skip class that day and be back in time for the Sunday class, but there is no question that I could ever let anything get in the way of my very first Saturday YTT.  Dante or no Dante, my heart and fidelity holds a tighter spot for my passion of reaching my ultimate Yogic goal.  The chance I have been given to dedicate myself more to Yoga is an oppurtunity that I am incredibly fortunate to venture in.  Dante, well, he will come back to Canada sometime.  And I will be there, with a heart full of Yoga bliss.  By then I'll likely be certified, so you know what that means-a private Yoga class with Dante, free of charge.  Yeah, it will be worth the wait.

Namaste,
Lady Lotus

Hey dreamboat- your first class is on me.

Walls and Beams, Love and Dreams

I have always loved logging into my bloga and sharing my thoughts with you, but now I can enjoy it even more as I find myself nestled and typing on my brand new couch.  Vinny and I have finally found that perfect pile of cushiony bliss to find its way into our hearts, home and living room.  If there was an award for Best Couch, ours would be displayed in bright lights on that red carpet and win, hands down, no questions asked.  It's huge, it's comfortable, it's lovely, and it was extremely affordable!  I know, this isn't a blog about furniture, but I just wanted to help you all in creating a visual to have you understand how absolutely happy I am as I type this.  My level of comfort is as pleased as punch.

The house is treating us extremely well, and we are doing the same in return.  We have organized and re-organized.  We have bought new furniture and kept the old that has followed us through every move.  We have swept, dusted and mopped.  We have painted...okay, that's a lie.  My wonderful folks came in and painted the bedroom while we were both at work.  But the painting is not done, and Vinny and I shall attack the other walls once our colors have been picked.  I told you all I would show you pictures of my yoga room once it is complete, but the truth is I have not gotten to it just yet.  I am still in the midst of cleaning it out and as of now, the room is being used as a storage space for our remainding boxes.  I anticipate, however, to have it fully beautified and yogafied within the next two weeks.  The perfect yoga room takes a lot of time to make it just that- perfect.  But I have already started visualizing myself in various asanas, feeling the sun dip down through the window, embracing my face with its warmth.

If I have not yet make it abundantly clear- the new house = me very happy.  I was even pulling out weeds from our front garden this afternoon and was overcome with joy.  Even vaccuming has become fun.  Have I become a total suburban dork?  Perhaps.  But I am smiling all the way through!  Now, something else exciting and new to share with you all.  Having moved back to the burbs means that the yoga studio I practice at seems to be at the other end of the rainbow.  It is quite sad- I cannot practice there as much as I used to.  Only when I have a day off from work can I make it to bask in the glory and wonder of my fabulous teacher's teaching.  I went to see her the other day to announce that she may not see me as often, but the good news is that I have officially signed back on to do my Yoga Teacher Training with her come this September!  Knowing that I will at the very least be going back for one weekend a month is enough to ease me.  This is when something popped into my mind: do I find another studio?  Yes, I will have my own home practice (my fabulous teacher has even reccomended me some great books for doing yoga at home) but there is something so special about going to a studio, meeting students and teachers, and treating yourself to a new ambiance and atmosphere.  This is when my super duper MatanteMimi told me about a yoga studio she practices at located about 10 minutes away from my new home.  She had nothing but great things to say about it.  At first, a wicked feeling dawned upon me.  Going to another studio and practicing with another teacher made me feel guilty, as though I was cheating on my initial studio.  I have fallen so in love with the studio and my fabulous teacher that the thought of straying away to another left a bad taste in my mouth.  Though after careful thought I realized that this move has opened up so many different options for me.  I have been given the chance to explore my yoga training on an even deeper level.  I may learn different styles and techniques.  I may meet other wonderful teachers.  This does not mean that my utter love and devotion to my fabulous teacher anbd studio is being tested.  It is simply opening up the gates of discovery.  I can share everything else I learn with my fabulous teacher, and I know that she will be happy to know that I have continued exploring my love for yoga at another studio, and have not given up due to the fact that distance and travel is at play.  If I were still living on the Island I would, without a doubt, continue to practice at the studio very often but now, I must spread my little blonde wings and taste the waters of the studio next door.  I am just so thankful to be able to continue to practice regularly, and especially to still be able to do my Teacher Training with my fabulous teacher who I owe so much gratitude towards for helping me recognize such a wonderful art, tradition, therapy and gift.  So I guess when I really start thinking about it, it's a win win situation.  Yoga has taught me to open up my heart and my mind.  What better way to continue to do so by challenging my inner restraints and dipping my toes into something new.  My first class at this new studio will be on Monday.  You know you will be hearing all the details.  Lets hope that I love it!

Namaste,
Lady Lotus

So Happy I Could Burst

It's official: my Yoga Teacher Training is scheduled to start in September!  Ten weekends and two-hundred hours overflowing with Downward Dogs, Planks, Warriors, Bridges, Eagles, Headstands...and that's just a selection of asanas!  My mind will blossom with lessons on history, philosophy, sanskrit terms and anatomy.  I will meet new people who, like me, are excited about devoting more of their life to the wonderful practice and tradition of Yoga.  I cannot ask for a more wonderful experience.

I remember being so disheartened in February when I heard the YTT was postponed.  But through this dissapointment I learned to take myself and my practice more seriously.  Now, I feel even more prepared to tackle these two-hundred hours with a smile on my lips accompanied by strength in my body and mind.  I am ready and willing to devote all my being in doing the best I can to receive the most form this training.  I am so thrilled to have my fabulous teacher be my mentor, and guide me through the steps to embark on what I consider being one of the best decisions I have ever made.  I will be sharing my experience with you in much detail once september rolls around...to be continued!

It's hard to wipe this silly grin off my face.  I love it.

Namaste,
Lady Lotus

Hump Day Happies: Don't Sweat the Small Stuff

Ok ok, I know I'm a day early, but I am going to be swamped tomorrow and am not sure if I will get around to using a computer.  So here is this week's Pre-Hump Day Happy.

I was given quite the test this week.  As most of you are aware, I have been extremely excited to start my Yoga Teacher Training scheduled to begin this upcoming weekend.  It is something that I have been looking forward to for quite some time.  Well, a few days ago I received an e-mail from my wonderful teacher, regretting to inform us that the training must be postponed.  The student enrollment list is slightly lower than usual, so she would like to wait for more people to get registered.  Ideally, she would have liked to reschedule it for the Spring, but due to scheduling conflicts at the studio it will now take place in September 2010.  When I read that, I honestly felt my heart sink a bit.  I have to wait another 8 months?  As much as I hate to admit it, the spoiled, bratty little blonde girl in me wanted to come out and complain on top of her lungs.  But you know, after a few minutes I calmed down, and I was able to let in some room for reflexion. 

So basically the biggest dissapointment in this whole situation is that I have to wait a bit longer, right?  The training isn't cancelled.  I am still accepted into the program.  I am given even more time to better my own personal practice.  By postponing the training, it gives more time to have other yoga enthusiasts such as myself the chance to apply into the program.  Therefore, more energy will be bouced off of everyone.  We will be able to better feed off each other.  We will learn more from each other, and make even more friends. In a nutshell, postponing it means that I and the other students will benefit even more from the Yoga Teacher Training, and it will be an even more incredible experience.  Isn't that worth a mere 8 month wait?  Realizing all of this after my inner hissy fit, I sure do think so.

I feel that in our everyday lifestyle, we are constanly trying to move quickly.  We want things done as soon as possible.  We want our food fast, our transport fast, our downloading speed fast, our paychecks fast, our schooling fast, our special orders fast...we want everything to be done easily and handed to us.  But you know, sometimes being patient and waiting for something will have you enjoy the whole experience so much more.  That old expression "stop and smell the roses" hasn't gone out of style for me.  Just because time passes us by quicker than we expect it to doesn't mean we can't take pleasure in waiting for good things to happen.  After all, good things come to those who wait, right?

So on this hump day, I will remember that my training will be even bigger and better once it starts in September!  The anticipation and excitement for it will give me something to look forward to.  And I hope that all of you are able to stop and smell the roses at least one time this week.  Trust me, they smell even prettier when you learn to accept time as it is.  It will make you happy.

Namaste,
Lady Lotus

I wish this was a scracth and sniff, but it is the best I can do for now :)