(Quotation by B. K. S. Iyengar, 2002) Approximately 20.4 million Americans, 8.7 percent of the adult population, practice yoga. I’m one of them. Without the work of B. K. S. Iyengar, it’s unlikely most practitioners would even know yoga exists, let alone be able to do the poses. He was the teacher who introduced
Articles Tagged Sandra Wagner-Wright
ROTARIANS, RUNNERS, & WINE
Rotary Club of Hilo Bay staffs Aid Station Number 5 at the annual Volcano Rain Forest Run. Station 5 at the corner of Wright and Amaumau Roads had a slightly funky appearance this year due to the first purple portable toilet I’ve seen. I’m more accustomed to motley green or brown colors. But purple has
WHEW! WHAT A WEEK IT WAS
Last week featured three large events in three different life categories – Personal, Statewide Severe Weather, and State Political Shifts. In chronological order: Tuesday – Personal A few weeks ago I went to the optometrist for my annual check-up. I was hoping for a stronger glasses prescription. Little did I know, what my eyes were
A SYMPHONY OF ORCHIDS
ORCHIDS. The very word conjures up exotic flowers and romance. At one time, every girl hoped her escort to the high school prom would give her a large orchid corsage. Ideally, the corsage should look like this. The blossoms screamed expense, status, and an adoring boyfriend. Alas, most boys could barely afford a
Sandra & The PNWA Conference
Today’s featured image is a Wildebeest scratching his head in the dirt. It perfectly illustrates how I feel after spending the weekend at the 59th Pacific Northwest Writers’ Conference in Seattle. The conference is well-organized. The sessions are high quality. The information — there’s just too much for my synapses to digest. So, what did
NANI MAU GARDENS – An Oasis of Floral Enchantment
Once upon a time in paradise, Makato Nitahara transformed a 20-acre papaya patch into a tropical dream. I don’t know what inspired him – perhaps just the joyful satisfaction of creation. Nitahara called his garden Nani Mau – Forever Beautiful. In 1972 Nitahara opened his garden to the public, and it’s been a
MOKU`AIKAUA CHURCH: Historic Past, Present Crisis & Unknown Future
In 1820 a company of fourteen New England missionaries with three Hawaiian protégés arrived at Kailua-Kona on the Big Island of Hawai`i. Seven men, seven women – all determined to bring Christianity and American know-how to islands most of them probably couldn’t point out on a map. Two men were ministers; one was a doctor.
WHALES, RAPTORS, & BEARS
This is the last installment of my “Cruise Adventures in Alaska” series. And, I must say, from my perspective these events were the best of all. KODIAK After leaving Homer on Alaska’s Kenai Peninsula, we cruised across Shelikof Strait to Kodiak Island (Kodak city population 6,130). Kodiak is the second largest island in the U.S.
AN ALASKAN JOURNEY – Part 2
THE WETTEST AMERICAN CITY Before continuing our Alaskan Cruise itinerary, I need to clarify which city is the second rainiest city in the U.S. Last week I wrote that Ketchikan, Alaska is the rainiest city in the United States, and Hilo, Hawai`i is the third rainiest city. Which led to an obvious question – What’s
TALES FROM ALASKA
I just got back from an Alaskan Cruise, and I’ve got so much to tell you, it’s going to take at least three blogs. After a quick overview of the “cruise”, I’ll move on to what I enjoyed most – excursions into Alaska’s majestic scenery and wildlife. THE ms AMSTERDAM Holland America’s mid-size
An Old-Fashioned Vacation
I’m on vacation. On a very nice cruise ship. With a spa. Looking at lovely scenery. Without a consistent Internet connection. International roaming rates may apply. Huh? I’m not particularly tech-savvy. I cheerfully admit my iPhone is smarter about itself than I’ll ever be. There are probably millions of things I could access on the
WHAT’S IN A NAME?
Last week the Social Security Administration released two lists: The Ten Most Popular Names for Girls in 2013, and The Ten Most Popular Names for Boys in 2013. The list comes out annually just before Mother’s Day. Choosing baby names can be a nerve-racking experience. Once upon a time, it was a relatively simple affair
POST MOTHER’S DAY REFLECTIONS
Now that the flowers are in water, the brunches eaten, and the cards placed somewhere conspicuous, it might be fun to take a look at the history of the annual sentimental celebration called Mother’s Day. As far as I’m concerned, mothers are those women in our lives who nurture us, believe in us, and love
¡FELIZ CINCO DE MAYO!
The phrase “Fifth of May” doesn’t have much meaning, but translate it into Spanish, Cinco de Mayo, and it’s a celebration with parades, parties, and special food. But why is it celebrated? If you guessed a Mexican victory in battle occurred on May 5, you’re correct. If you know the year, 1862, you’re ready to
MAKE A LIST – CHECK IT TWICE – DO IT ANYWAY
People have made lists as long as they’ve been able to write things down. Take this monk, for example. He could be contemplating the relative size of angels in order to solve an age-old question: How many angels can dance on the head of a pin? Or, he could be trying to remember what he
“STINGING NETTLES” TASTE LIKE SPINACH
Like many Americans, I’ve been eating since November – Thanksgiving turkey, Christmas cookies, and Valentine’s indulgences. I completed my eating frenzy yesterday with a chocolate bunny (ears first, of course). This means it’s time for another annual custom — shedding winter padding and getting ready for “bikini weather” or in my case, “basketball shorts weather.”