Wow! Has it really been that long?

I haven't been blogging, tweeting, or getting out much for the past six months, except to work on the shop and the book.  Well, yipee, the book went to the publisher.  It is called Currents Deep and Deadly and will eventually be offered for sale on on-line booksellers sites and my websight.  It's my first attempt at writing a novel but I'm already working on the sequel.  Just as a tease, here is a short description of the novel that will hopefully be out in September.

In three intertwining chronicles blended into one fast paced journey, Darcy Farthing offers tidbits of history and geography from her travel log of South American seaports, spins a tale of murder and madness aboard a cruise ship, and reveals her own devastating but enlightening personal crises.  Through a series of unbelievable coincidences, she meets the man who could be her soul mate, battles a psychotic shipboard killer, and runs headlong into her carefully hidden past.  The wondrous and terrifying events of this month long adventure meld together in ways that threaten to destroy her entire belief system...and her life.

A Fitness Resolution stll good for 2011

We had a conversation with the owner of our gym about the huge number of new members they always get in January.  People have great intentions to turn over a new leaf and lose weight or just get healthier.  Unfortunately, it is typical that most of these members fade out of the picture by Spring.  Why?  More than likely, these folks were not really committed to their self-improvement.  It is one thing to know what we should do, and quite another to completely internalize it and make fitness our top priority FOR LIFE.

This seems surprising in a way, because the feeling--the high, if you will--that comes with being in shape, looking good, and knowing that for the most part we are putting healthy fuel into our bodies, is incomparable.  So, what to do?  Let us know your ideas for turning a fitness resolution into actual life change. 

We also have to renew our committment each year as we look forward to, and prepare to embrace, the changes that will inevitably take place in our lives.

The Barn Shops Are Blogging

Our 20 shops at The Barn in Castle Rock now have a blog too.  We'll be posting events as well as stories about the shops and about our shop owners.  So, in additon to the website, http://www.thebarncastlerock.com/, you can get all the information you want, not to mention we twitter @TheBarnAntiques.

Meanwhile, the thaw is starting and we are hoping to solve our frozen pipe problems.  But, first things first.  I'm off to The Barn to check the shop, then to the gym to work out.  Don't know about you but I tend to eat a lot more when it's cold.  However, did you know that shivering is a great calorie burner--that is why you need to eat more--and this presents a weight loss opportunity.  Maybe I'll resist turning on the heat in the car a little longer this morning to capitalize on the shivering effect and to offset the cookies I plan to make and undoubtedly eat this afternoon.

Positive Self Image or Vanity?

You know, I got to thinking about why some people have a more difficult time than others developing and then maintaining an eating and exercise lifestyle that will keep them fit for life.  I wonder if being on the vain side--really needing to look good in order to be comfortable--is a key.  Maybe we need to be a little vain in order to make the small sacrifices necessary to stay look'n good.  At least we need to put ourselves near the top of our prioriy list.  We need to try to take the time to exercise and prepare and eat healthy, rather than constantly grabbing easy but fattening and low nutrition snacks.  And this needs to happen despite job, kids, house, and other demands on our time.  After all, in the long run we might be around and be productive longer if we make the necessary commitment now.

Renewed Commitment

We know we are going to overindulge over the next few weeks, so we should cut ourselves some slack.  But now is the time to mentally review how we are doing overall with health and fitness and renew our commitment for the coming year.  Even though we will probably slip over the Holidays, we positively know we will be back on track in January.  Remember the first rule.  Water, water, water...at least two quarts a day to flush out fat cells and other impurities and to stay hydrated.  Alternate each alcoholic beverage with a glass of water.  Bye for now.

Will I finish the novel?

Looks like I will.  After writing more than 250 pages I gotta finish.  This takes place on a cruise ship on a  four week sailing around The Horn of South America.  The main character, 40 year old Darcy Farthing, struggles with emotional issues surrounding twenty year old, but huge mistakes.  She is also a pragmatic sceptic and there is a philosophical, spiritual, component to the story.  Mainly it is a murder mystery woven through romance, travel, and mysterious coincidences that defy all logic, result in life-changing experiences, and raise questions about the flow of life and change.  

A New Season and....

a new opportunity for change.  I've been sleeping longer, apparently because it seems so dark in contrast to just a couple weeks ago.  So, the frost is on the garden and I've pulled out my leggings.  Now I'm thinking Sari skirt with boots and a renewed excitement about stepping out.  Most important, gotta keep up the exercise...we're in our 6th year of gym membership...and now is a great time to start the GLOP routine (see previous blog) and best of all, easy homemade soups.  Full of vitamins, nurturing, and low calories.  The perfect food.  Got any good recipes?