Category: Everything Under the Moon

It’s been a hot minute! Since my last update back in February, things have been moving fast.

Studio Updates

• After a whirlwind first week of my summer schedule, I’ve decided to make a few tweaks to ensure I’m not overbooking myself. The good news? It opened up a few more slots—yes, there are July openings available! I’m sticking to my 8-hour work window and capping my daily hours at 4-5 hours to stay balanced and effective.
• My Pilates & More class has a new home at Taylor’s new yoga studio.
• I’m streamlining by combining in-person and online classes. Pilates is all set, and Viniyoga will follow suit in October.

Studio Closures

• July 2–5 (Holiday weekend)
• August 13–17 (Assisting at a craniosacral workshop)

Openings thru the summer schedule
 Austin: 

• Tuesday, 7/21, 945a (30 or 45 min only)

Taylor:

• Thursday, 6/25, 245p
• Thursday, 7/9, 245p
• Tuesday, 7/14, 11a
• Thursday, 7/16, 3p
• Friday, 7/17, 11a
• Friday, 7/24, 11a & 130p
• Tuesday, 7/28, 11a

Coaching

• Track season is a wrap! I coached hurdles for the first time, and we even broke the boys’ school record – BOOM – and he won this event in our championship meet. My distance runners also crushed it, setting school records in the boys’ 7th-8th grade 2400m and the girls’ 5th-6th grade 1600m. Lots of proud coach moments!
• New youth running program in Taylor: Ongoing through June & July.
• Youth running program in Austin: Resumed for June & July.
• Masters swimming took a raincheck this year! Between Taylor’s brand-new pool and a splash of uncertainty, it just wasn’t meant to be. Looking back, I’m actually glad for the breather—now I just need to figure out how to dive back in next summer without going overboard!
• Heads up: Cross country kicks off in August, so my schedule will be shifting gears again soon.

Education

I’ve been busy with some professional growth!

• Reflexology Foundations: I can incorporate this into your regular session, or schedule a separate 30-minute session. It’s currently in “guinea pig” mode while I finish the course.
• Visceral Manipulation (Thorax): I’ve completed the third course and signed up for the next two. Like reflexology, this can be added to a current session, or you can book a 30- or 45-minute slot. Expect this to be in guinea pig mode until late 2027.
• Pilates Workshops: I tucked 6 hours of workshops under my belt in February, but learned that doing that during track season is a recipe for burnout. I took a few days to recalibrate and will finish the remaining continuing ed hours after cross country season wraps.

Personal notes

• Visited my mom, seester, and cousin Amy in Wisconsin in late April—the cool temperatures were glorious!
• Checked two more NFL stadiums off my list (Chicago & Minnesota), bringing my total to six.
• Added some new chicks to the flock.
• I completed my first Sprint distance triathlon since 2018 (and since the bionic parts and the broken foot!): the CapTexTri in Austin on Memorial Day. It was my slowest race ever, but also one of my best-paced. After a few aquabikes post-knee replacement #1, it felt great to do the whole thing again.
• I’ve got three more triathlons lined up for 2026. The comeback tour is just getting started! (But don’t call it a comeback!)

Zoe’s doing so much better. She just wanted say “HI!”

Fingers crossed I’ll get the next update out a bit sooner—and hopefully with a few fewer bullet points!

If you’re looking for a summer running program for your kids, please join your cross country coach Sharon Boon on Tuesday & Friday mornings May 26 – July 31. We focus on endurance & strength, and as cross country starts, speed becomes a bigger component. 

I’ve got 2 sections this year:

• 630-8a for the experienced/returning runners,
• 8-9a for rising 4th & 5th graders, plus new runners, or those not yet up to 4-6 miles in a run session. This is called “Get Ready to Run.”

The younger/newer runners have different needs based on their developmental stages, physiology, and mental focus.

We will meet along Brushy Creek Trail (exact location TBA). The experienced group runs all over the place, the Get Ready to Run group will stay close to the start. Please have your child(ren) bring water and possibly a cooling towel.

If any parent wants to join us, you are more than welcome as it will help keep the kids safe and on task. Please complete a club waiver for yourself and for the kid(s). There is no club fee for parents running with us.

Please join our GroupMe for this program to stay up to date and for quick communication.

For Experienced Runners

• Single session: $15
• 5 sessions: $65 ($13 per)
• 10 sessions: $115 ($11.50 per)
• 15 sessions: $150 ($10 per)
• Unlimited sessions: $160 

For Get Ready to Run

• Single session: $12
• 5 sessions: $45 ($9 per)
• 10 sessions: $80 ($8 per)
• 15 sessions: $105 ($7 per)
• Unlimited sessions: $110 

Club Membership: The Quack Pack

• Club fee (required): $20/ individual, $30/ family. This provides us with liability insurance during our runs. If you joined me for winter, you are already covered through Dec 2026. If you’re joining now, you’re covered until the end of the year. Please complete this for each child, and yourself if helping out.

Live closer to Taylor? I’ve got the same set up on Monday & Thursday mornings. Please contact me for details.

It’s been YEARS since I’ve had to take time off for a lost voice, sore throat, and to prevent an illness from getting me. Today, I had to. My voice has been warbly & froggy all week. This morning, it said “nu-uh”.

Since I started immunotherapy infusions in 2019 this hasn’t happened, until now. Our weird Texas weather is to blame, in my opinion.

Under the watchful fluff of Nurses Zoe & Pinto, I’ve had a nice quiet day getting caught up on behind the scenes business stuff. It feels good to get it taken care of. The humidifier was by my desk, and I broke out the Nasya oil. And made pancakes for dinner. Good for the soul.

And this explains why you’re getting this today, an unusual day.

The scheduler updated thru July 2026. I don’t have all my coaching stuff solidified, but it will only affect a few things.

I know you’ve been wondering how I ended up on “You vs The Year 2025“…I completed 865km out of the 800km that became my goal, originally 1025km. I’ve signed up for Me vs 2026. As of right now, I’m ahead of of the game. Gives me some freedom for any run/walk/hikes I might miss.

35th anniversary of my journey as an exercise physiologist turned body whisperer

1991. While living in Charlotte NC, I responded to an ad in the classifieds for someone willing to train people to being group exercise instructors. Pansy was her name, Carmel Fitness Center. Since then, I’ve taught all sorts for formats, personal trained, been fitness director, certification examiner and then specialist. I’ve conducted numerous instructor training programs. I started teaching swim lessons which progressed to a Stroke Clinic, then masters swims. During my masters degree, I was also a life guard and life guard instructor. Once I arrived in Austin, I started coaching running, and progressed to triathlons. I branched out to middle schoolers.

I’ve had at least 30 certifications I’ve allowed to expire, and still hold 8 (Stott Pilates, Viniyoga, CSCS, NSCA-CPT, ACSM-CEP, RRCA, USATriathlon, USAT&F) – and they’ve gotten more sport specific vs general fitness. I also hold a massage license, an undergrad degree in physical education, and a master’s degree in exercise science. I had even started on my PhD, but stopped when I left Ole Miss.

I’ve work at YMCAs in Rock Hill SC, Knoxville TN, Memphis TN, and finally Austin. I had been at a Y in some capacity for most of my career, and decided not to return after COVID.

I evolved into the person I am now, preferring to work directly with my clients, to educate, to be hands on. Literally. My thirst for knowledge has only grown.

20th year of Amber Moon Studio & living in the Austin area

I had just gotten on staff at The University of Memphis in 2005, teaching in the physical education department – Pilates & indoor cycling for PE credit, as well as a class for exercise science majors. I was also personal training & teaching group fitness classes at a couple different locations.

I realized that was no longer what I wanted to do or where I wanted to be (well, ok, I always knew Memphis was temporary). My viniyoga teacher training was here, and I moved in time for our 4th and final 10 day session, June 2006.

In 2007 I enrolled in massage school, graduating in 2008, and I’ve been on a roll since. This completed my ability to go fully self-employed.

I gradually tapered out of working weekends for AFAA (fitness certification & workshops), teaching Pilates & viniyoga classes. My Wed 1045a class at the Y was the last holdout (until COVID).

The business name becamse Amber Moon Studio when I arrived in Austin, having had 2 names prior: Defining Fitness, and Fitness Boon. I think this is the best iteration yet.

This is the longest I have been in one place. 8-9 years was the previous record. It still feels like home, and I look forward to that feeling after traveling.

Austin has changed a lot in my time here, and I really enjoy the peace and quiet in Taylor.

It’s the little things. I recently had to buy some more fitted sheets for the business, as these wear out before the top sheets do. Now I have a variety of pairings I can do between sheets, instead of being “stuck” with a given set. Makes me enjoy folding 3 baskets of sheets weekly a little bit more. Oh the fun! This also means the Wall-E top sheet is now back in circulation for regular massage sessions!

Track season has begun. I was looking up my availability, and well….. we are in to March for the next openings, particularly Austin. If you’re needing something, please ask to be on my wait list. Last minute cancellations DO happen.

I had to adjust my Austin schedule a bit for February & March to preserve my sanity & health. It did take out a few openings.

Speaking of last minute: AUSTIN, Monday 2/16, 1145a is now available.

Taylor openings:

• Friday, February 27, 10a
• Friday, March 6, 1230p
• Thursday, March 12, 3p
• Friday, March 27, 1230p

It’s gonna be crazy until end of April, then May will be a little quiet, and Memorial Day heralds a different type of crazy… summer time crazy…

My cherry almond bites have evolved… I was wanting something a little more… robust.

Why do i call them bites as opposed to cookies or scones? Well, they aren’t sweet enough for cookies, and not bready enough for scones. I’m also not going to do all that rolling out or kneading that scones require. You are welcome to, though! I also typically make them sized to be gone in 1-2 bites.

Cherry Oat Nib bites

I’ve made this one 2 different ways. More toward a cookie, more toward a scone. I preferred the former. It was a better texture. The later also had more stuff in it – roasted quinoa, flax, pecans. Too complex for me right now, and they are slowly being eaten. So I share with you the more “cookie” version.

Cream together

• 1 stick Country Crock plant based butter with avocado oil
• 2/3 cup Agave Nectar (or liquid sweetener)

Mix in well

• 1 large egg

In a separate bowl, combine well, making sure cherries are well coated & separated:

• 0.25 cup, Quinoa, uncooked
• 1 tsp Xanthan Gum
• 1.5 cups Almond Flour
• 1 tbsp Baking powder
• 1 cup No Added Sugar Dried Cherries (or cranberries, blueberries, raisins, etc)
• 4 tbsp ground Flax
• 1/4 cup Cacao nibs

Alternate mixing 1/3 of dry ingredients into the wet bowl with

• 1 cup Bob’s Red Mill Protein Oats (GF), 1/3-1/2 at a time.

If you want them big, this makes (19) 3 Tbsp cookies (pictured). Smaller bites, 1-2 Tbsp, will make more.

Bake at 350F for 30 minutes.

Let me know what you think when you make them!

How to get all 4 cats easily in a picture… dump fresh cat food as you fill the container…

If you read something that inspired you, made you laugh, or even ponder… I’d love to hear about it!

I had a coach-athlete talk with myself recently.

I realized I had about a 6 month break from training (April – Oct, thank you shoulder & foot), and the golden rule is… however long you are out, take twice as long to return to that level. I admit, I was trying to push getting back to training, albeit a lot lower level.

Then another realization: I need a lot more strength training, for multiple reasons, then I had been doing (even prior to the bionic knees). So that takes more energy, hence less energy for cardio training.

I love rowing. This needs to stay in my training plan.

I miss my (almost) daily walks when they don’t happen. I’ve noticed in the past they tend to drop off in ‘winter’, but this year will be different! The madness of the holidays & lack of recovery had me being gentle with myself, but I’m ready to return to these now!

I also need patience so all of this can evolve into what is right for the new & improved ME!

So, I’m gearing up for my “A” triathlon in…. November. I’ll do a few events between now & then for fun – a couple 5ks, a sprint triathlon or 2 – and hold off on any 10ks until after November 2026.

Which means I’m gonna start my return to 10ks with my favorite one – Spicewood Vineyards. They’ve also got a 5k & half marathon if you want to join me! You’ve got 11 months to train, and I know a good coach if you need. (oh no she didn’t!)

It will take time, but I’ll be able to get back to something like I was doing before, similar but different.

Just not today. Or tomorrow. Or next month.

I’m in my “foundation” period now through track season (end of April). Then I shall see where I am, and progress accordingly. I’ve also got a few more weeks of foot PT before I can really figure out a better schedule.

My goal for 2025 was to finish 15 books, and I did it! The shoulder, foot & travels slowed me down a bit, so we’re gonna say I’m done with surgeries & injuries, but not travel. Let’s see if I can finish 17 in 2026.

I’ve got 2 audio books in the process, as well as 2 assigned readings for a Foundations of Reflexology course I’m taking. No, not planning on adding reflexology, but rather deepening my understanding of how the body works as a unit, and deepening my body whispering. It’s gonna take a while to get through these 2 books because I play with my feet as I read. Yes, you will benefit from this soon.

Over the Christmas 4 day weekend, I finished a thing… I was working on the self-study part, and got an email saying if I finished before 12/24, I could get in on the 12/26-28 virtual part of USA Track & Field Level 1 Certification. So I spent my 3 of my 4 days off in a workshop along with 38 other people. Took the test on 12/31, and here I am. Certified. Certifiable?

I’ve also started on the US Master’s swimming level 1 course. Completion might be slowed by the reflexology course.

And track season is about to start. Oy vey!

Studio closings:

• January 23-27 (need a real break before track starts, since I didn’t have a real Christmas break)
• February 23 (Monday)
• March 23 (Monday)
• April 26 – May 5 (will have Pilates class & coaching on the 5th)

Keep in mind I get more tired as track season progresses, so I’ll be dropping a few hours as it goes – mostly Tuesdays in Taylor, but shortening some Monday on occasion after track meets. I’m working on balancing my energy better this year.

Austin openings

• Wednesday, January 21, 215p
• Wednesday, February 11 @ 1145a

Taylor openings

• Thursday, January 15, 1215p
• Thursday, January 22, 315p
• Thursday, January 29, 4p
• Thursday, February 12, 1215p

Please ask to be on added to the wait list if you don’t find something that works for you, be considerate of how busy I am and check my scheduler before you ask me to look and see if I have anything. I will ask you if you’ve looked first. My schedule does change, last minute cancellations do happen.

Bet you thought that one was Zoe too! She is my “owl” cat after all.

Thank you for reading all this way! If I’ve inspired you, let me know.

Life moves forward, are you evolving with it?

May your holiday season be merry & bright!

I am almost finished putting the next quarter year of regular client appointments in my scheduler. You should get emails/texts, and have it added to your calendar. Please let me know any updates you know of ASAP.

Studio closings

• December 25-26, 2025
• January 23-27, 2026 (taking some me time before Track starts)

Austin Studio openings

• Monday, January 5, 1030a
• Monday, February 2, 1115a

Taylor Studio & virtual openings

• Tuesday, January 6, 12p
• Thursday, January 15, 1215p & 315p
• Tuesday, January 20, 12p
• Thursday, January 22, 315p

• Shoulder – released from PT – YAY!
• Foot – in process
• Next up – sliding hiatal hernia… 

When my gastroenterologist told me I had a sliding hiatal hernia, my first thought was “oooo I learned to work with that in my last VM class!” I don’t think I’ve been excited by a diagnosis before. That trip to Tuscan was worth it! So I started doing a little bit of the work on myself. 

In the visceral manipulation hiatal hernia protocol, there are 3 techniques. I’ve only done the first on myself so far, and it’s producing results. Have a hiatal hernia? Help me/help you…. See “Studio updates” for a deal on a 45 min session.

What is a sliding hiatal hernia (aka haitus hernia)? A portion of your stomach comes up through the diaphragm, typically due to trauma (hmmm, yes, I’ve had that). The ‘sliding’ means it moves – it can move above & below the diaphragm. Some hiatal hernias don’t move. 

You end up with acid reflux, bloating, and food sensitivities… hmmmm…. Sounds like me!

My hernia can be treated through diet. When the nurse showed me the food list to avoid, I’d already eliminated everything. I will note, coffee & chocolate are on there. I enjoy 1 cup of Joe per day. I’m not giving that up, and the nurse agreed. I actually have coffee with my almond milk for this very reason – cuts acidity. And the 100% dark chocolate – these days I just do 1-2 rows of my Lindt bar. It goes with my fresh ground almond butter. Way better than sugary store-bought nut butter cups.

The recommendation I’m now working on is to be finished eating 3-4 hours before bedtime. It’s taking practice, planning & diligence to get all my 1800+ calories in by 4p, the cut off time I’ve found works best for me. I probably do better on the days I’m in the Austin, as I pack & track my food for the whole day at once. Sometimes in Taylor, the day gets away from me. I’m learning.

The days I have been successful with finishing calories in by 4p I also sleep so soundly, making it worth the effort. Which means I’m also creating space for a mid-afternoon meal in my schedule.

Aren’t I supposed to have free time now that cross country is over? Insert belly laugh emoji here. 

It’s time to focus on the house for a bit: “home work”. I’m selecting 1 area a week for work, updates, refreshing and/or purging. The first week focused on Blueberry (my car) & getting the garage ready to become a greenhouse for all my driveway lovelies (aka plants). That’s a big tackle after 6 month of neglect, but I need to get ready for sub-40 temps. It’s also outside.

I’ll try to give you a heads up when the plants move in, as I know a lot of you use them as the identifier for my house.

This past week I’ve been working on the kitchen, and getting re-organized, minimizing, and continuing to work on updating. I’ll be adding contact paper to the drawers & bottom cabinets, as well as on the pantry walls. I had fun looking for something similar to what’s already in the upper cabinets, and complimentary to what’s in the pantry. Just a little different, but both make me happy!

I’m also getting some painting finished, within the limits of the shoulder and foot (ie I stop a little above head height, with friends coming to help with the top part of the walls).

The desk area is next. If things go as planned, it’ll take me til mid-December to get a once over on the whole house. Everything should be just a little bit farther along, and ready for the next round of updates, refreshes, and purges after track season.

Sharon Tri’s (tries?)

• Swimming – Since  resuming swimming, I feel I’ve gained ground quickly, even while keeping my swims around 30-40 minutes. I’ve been able to backstroke! My neck didn’t like it before. Ditto for flip turns – though I don’t do them when I use my snorkel. During shoulder PT, they did a few new things for neck. Evidently, it helped! Now to slowly work on snorkel free swimming.
• Biking – I checked in with my foot PT, and I’m inside for now, at least until I can load the foot when jumping down. S’okay. I know I’ll be outside soon.
• Rowing – I’m still getting in 2x most weeks, but finding it challenging to do on days I do a full hour of strength/rehab. Rowing is classified as full body & weight bearing, so I need it for my osteopenia since running is currently off the table.
• Home exercise plan & other strength training – 30-60 min per day… combining shoulder/rotator cuff, general strength, and the foot stuff. And all starts with 15-30 min of whole body stretching – which is making a huge overall difference. Knees, hips & low back are loosening up after those 6 weeks in a boot.

I’m sure as I get along with the foot rehab, things will settle in more. Every week is different. I had to remind myself recently that I need recovery weeks frequently, even though I’m doing barely anything relative to past me. This is where I am now.

If you have a Hiatal Hernia and want to see what visceral manipulation is all about, book a 45 min session in either Austin or Taylor, and apply coupon code HIATAL for $15 off. One discount per person.

Studio hours through November 22, 2025

• Mondays – closed
• Tuesdays
  • if in Taylor – 12-515p
  • if in Austin – 915a-215p – early appointment available!!!
• Wednesdays in Austin – 12n-5pish
• Thursdays in Taylor
  • 12n-515p
• Fridays in Taylor – 10a-230p

Thanksgiving week schedule

• Monday 11/24
  • Middle school running, 8a
  • Taylor, 11a-3p
• Tuesday 11/25
  • Pilates Mat (online), 1045a
  • Austin, 9a-215p
• Wednesday 11/26
  • Welcome to Viniyoga, 830a
  • Austin, 1145a-5p
• Thursday 11/27 – closed
  • Run for the Pie, Brushy Creek Park, 730a
• Friday 11/28
  • Pilates & more, 830a
  • Taylor, 10a – 130p

December schedule will continue to have Mondays in Austin, and a short Tuesday in Taylor so I can get office work done.

Upcoming Austin openings for November

• Tuesday, November 11, 915a (for 30, 45 or 60 min only)
• Wednesday, November 19, 1p
• Monday, December 1, 915a
• Wednesday, December 3, 415p
• please contact me to get on the waitlist

Upcoming Taylor openings for November

• Thursday, November 6, 3 & 415
• Friday, November 7, 10a
• Tuesday, November 18, 2-515p
• Thursday, November 20, 3 & 415p
• Friday, November 21, 10a
• Friday, November 28, 10a-12n
• please contact me to get on the waitlist

MapMyRun does an annual “You vs the Year” challenge. I was totally on my way to crushing the challenge this year. Finally. I’ve missed it the last few because of knees, etc. I think pre-knees & pre-COVID was the last time I finished it.

This year the challenge was to walk/run/hike 1025 km (615 mi) by Dec 31. As of the day the weight dropped on my foot (August 20), I was at 673.32 km (396 mi), 65% of my goal. I was in the top 15.64% of participants. I had ~352 km left. In American, 218 miles to go. If I only look at November & December, that’s 5.75k/day, or 3.6 miles/day to finish. Nope.

October is such an unknown, I can’t realistically add it in as I obviously don’t want to overtrain my foot. Due to the gorgeous mornings we have been experiencing, I started walking (very slowly, still) to the end of my block and back, 0.3 miles, and have slowly progressed to a full MILE!

My new goal is to reach the 800 km mark. I can do that. It’s a just 1k/day (0.6 mi), starting now. I got this.

I may just wait until 2026 to conquer the Year: 1026 km (621 mi).

In the meantime, I’m still biking indoors – don’t yet trust if I have to unclip the foot quickly or put it down hard – and rowing.

Speaking of the foot… I started transitioning to a real shoes on Wednesday, October 1. What a great way to start a new month! Foot physical therapy starts this week (October 16). My shoulder has been declared done, and I’m on my own to continue strengthening. Trading off one issue for another.

Swimming is now back on the training calendar as well. Shoulder rehab definitely helps with endurance, I’ve just got no speed. Yet. I can’t push off the wall with the healing foot yet either, and I’m swimming with an ankle brace for now to remind me to behave. Have I mentioned I love swimming?

Zoe’s medical fundraiser update

I’ve got a new batch of plants in, with others I can get by request... first come, first with new little lovelies. Some larger pots have multiple plants in them. In most cases, pots are not included.

I was talking with a client after my last update, and chronic stress come up. We discussed a few of the things that produce oxytocin (cortisol goes down when oxytocin goes up), and that got me to thinking I’d share the list with YOU. This is a small list of the many things you can do to help decrease cortisol, from The Menopause Reset (page 161).

• Hugs
• Laughter
• Hanging out with friends
• Petting an animal
• Random acts of kindness
• Giving someone a gift
• Yoga
• Meditation
• Deep breathing
• Massage
• Chiropractic adjustment
• Listening to music

You get the idea, right?

Daniels’ Running Book is definitely gonna need a delve into the accompanying PDF, so I’ve started another book as I listen thru the training tips for various race distances. It’s kinda dry without being able to look at the charts & tables at this point.

The new book is Our Little Farm: Adventures in Sustainable Living, the same author as The Hidden Life of Trees which I finished back in the Spring. Just in time for my fall garden inspiration!

I’ve a favor to ask of you…

If you have the ability to pay via Zelle or Venmo (make sure you say it’s personal, not business), would you mind? A good check or cash (old fashioned, I know!) also works. 

Some of you need to pay with a credit card (PayPal) for a variety of reasons, and that’s fine – I understand you need your air miles… but if you can pay without me having fees, I’d be most appreciative. 

I have financial goals I’m working on, and need to keep credit card income close to $1400/mo for now.

For 2025, credit card fees have totaled over $1180 (9 months, or $131/mo). I’m finding I really would prefer to spend that money elsewhere. I’ll have a note on future invoices to remind you of these options.

Thank you in advance.

Specials

Welcome to Viniyoga is starting again on November 5 through January 28, 2026. I’ve created a package just for that. I’m having class even during the week of holidays, since the holidays aren’t on Wednesdays. 

Get your Welcome to Viniyoga package here. All 13 sessions for $169. Expires 1/29/26. 

There is also now a Pilates BOGO – pay for 1 personal session (60, 45 or 30 min), and get the Friday class for free. Available for purchase through the end of the year. Good for 2 months from date of purchase.

BOGO links:

• 60 min session
• 45 min session
• 30 min session

• Wednesday, October 22, 445p
• Thanksgiving week
  • Tuesday, November 25, 12n
• please contact me to get on the waitlist

Upcoming Taylor openings, and Thanksgiving week

• Thursday, October 23, 1215p
• Friday, October 24, 10a
• Thursday, November 6, 245-515p
• Friday, November 7, 10a
• Thanksgiving week
  • Friday, November 28, 10a, 1115 & 1230 (assuming 1h appts)
• please contact me to get on the waitlist

Studio hours

With the finale of cross country on October 18, the studio schedule shifts… good thru November 30, and no Mondays until December.

• Tuesdays
  • if in Taylor – 12-5p
  • if in Austin – 915a-215p
• Wednesdays in Austin – 12n-530p-ish
• Thursdays in Taylor
  • 12n – 515p
• Fridays in Taylor – 10a-230p
  • MS running – 4p (Champion Park)

Oooo eeee... this has been a crazy August into September. Broken foot, vacation/Visceral manipulation workshop, come back, and have a negative reaction to the pneumonia vaccine. Had to take another Wednesday off due to chills & overall joint aching (luckily broken bone didn’t hurt). Between Tylenol and Benadryl, I managed to calm both, but slept all day.

Felt better on Thursday, but took it easy outside of studio hours. Early shoulder PT session on Friday, clients, and then off to an afternoon cross country meet (5/6 boys got 2nd – and it was a big meet!), and finally got home about 9p.

Let’s just say I allowed the cats to keep me pinned down last weekend.

This past week has been much better. And how is it mid-September already???

Visceral Manipulation 2 in Tuscan

The workshop was absolutely amazing as we continued to deepen our knowledge of the organs from the first workshop, as well as learning about the kidneys, spleen, pancreas, hepatic vein, greater omentum, and parietal pleura.

Why VM? For those nagging things that just don’t go away. I’ve noticed after a workshop I don’t need to get a chiro adjustment. The visceral organs definitely impact the spine! I’ve actually booked appointments with myself AND have 2 others from Texas that I’ll be connecting with regularly for in-person practice!

Yes, I’m needing guinea pigs! Sign up for 3 VM sessions, 3-ish weeks apart, and get 30% off the 3rd one. Must be same length. Please sign up for all 3 sessions at once. I’ll mark the discount when you do. May not be combined with other offers. Good when booked while we are in 2025.

I’ve already signed up for VM 3 & 4 (Urogenital & Thorax), so I will continue needing people to practice on for a while. You may also request to have it added to the start of any session, no extra charge, as I’ll probably just do 1 technique, cuz I want you to try it. Any more will have an upcharge, as I also want you to have your regular appointment.

I’ve posted some pics from Tuscan at the end of this update.

Amber Moon Studio Run for the Pie (aka Turkey10)

It’s about that time again! Why do a crowded Turkey Run, when you can come, get whatever distance you want in, have some pie and coffee, and then start your holiday? Run, walk, bike, walk the dog, push the stroller… you choose.

Join me at 730a at Brushy Creek Lake Park on Thanksgiving morning for some fun, community, and a little bit of movement.

Mark your calendars now, and sign up for reminders!

ooooeeee... This has been a crazy August into September. I’ve added some Monday hours through October. Studio schedule shifts after cross country ends, then again in December. I’m still working on winter holiday hours.

Studio hours: September – October 18, 2025

• Mondays – Variable afternoon sessions in Taylor; please check my scheduler for openings. Sept is full.
  • Oct 13, 12-330p
  • Oct 27, 3-515p
• Tuesdays
  • if in Taylor – 12-3p
  • if in Austin – 12-315p
  • Off October 21
• Wednesdays in Austin – 12n-6pish
• Thursdays in Taylor
  • 11a-3p (coaching at 4p)
• Fridays in Taylor – 830a-230p
  • Off Oct 17

Studio hours: The week of Thanksgiving

I’m telling you now so you can plan ahead! Tuesday & Friday classes per usual. Studio will be open for individual sessions:

• Monday (in Taylor) – 11a – 330p
• Tuesday (in Austin) – 9a-3p
• Wednesday (in Austin) – 1145a -415p
• Thursday – closed
• Friday (in Taylor) – 830a-130p

Good news: My scheduler is updated through February. Have fun scheduling!

You know you can schedule up to 6 months in advance, right?

Upcoming Austin openings for October, Thanksgiving week

• Wednesday, October 8, 515p, 30 or 45 min
• Wednesday, October 22, 445p
• Thanksgiving week
  • Tuesday, November 25, 12n
  • Wednesday, November 26, 315 & 430p (assuming 1h appts)
• please contact me to get on the waitlist

Upcoming Taylor openings for October, Thanksgiving week

• Friday, October 10, 145p, 30 or 45 min
• Thursday, October 23, 1215p, 3-515p (cross country is over!)
• Friday, October 31, 10a-1215p
• Thanksgiving week
  • Friday, November 28, 10a, 1115 & 1230 (assuming 1h appts)
• please contact me to get on the waitlist

Just a few pics from the Tuscan AZ area

I broke my foot on Wed 8/20, about 8a. Dropped a weight on it. Had to cancel a whole day of Austin Studio sessions, and spend Thursday getting to the ortho ASAP & then over to PT for my shoulder. In the foot picture, the yellow area is where I fractured.

It’s also known as a Dancer’s fracture, and I’ve heard it can be a hard one to heal. Good news is that it’s already healing much faster than the 2012 broken toe that took 16 weeks to be declared done. Minimal swelling & bruising on this one, and I’m in a walking boot for 6-8 weeks. 1 down…

Zoe’s plant sale fundraiser is still going on. Please message me with what plants you want.

I’m out of the office Sept 2-8 for a Visceral Manipulation 2 workshop.

Other dates I’ll be out & unusual openings:

• Oct 20-21
• Nov 17, 26 (open on 27!)
• Dec 24-26 (ok, 24th is pending)
• I’m working Dec 31 (Austin) & Jan 1 (Taylor)
• Jan 26-27 (want a small break before track season starts)

I’ve opened 2h for Taylor sessions on Mondays. For Sept they are:

• Sept 15 – 1230-245p
• Sept 22 – 1-315p
• Sept 30 – 2-415p

I’ll look at October after I get back from my workshop.

Group fun schedule has also updated.

Finished Just Add Water. One of the final chapters was about women coaches, and the distinct lack thereof. Maybe someday, when I want a less physically demanding lifestyle, this can be my main route. I’ve already got 2 run teams I coach (The Quack Pack & Holy Family), a fledgling masters swim program, and several triathletes… I’m already on my way. BTW, it was a really enjoyable book. 

I started & finished The Serviceberry. It’s a follow up expansion on Braiding Sweet Grass & and the Native American gift economy, and how it compares with the capitalistic economy model. This is definitely something we all need right now. It was a short, sweet & inspiring listen.

The Menopause Reset is up next. Always learning. I admit, I’m kinda over people’s origin stories in books, and I just want the goods. With the shoulder & now the broken foot, my hot flashes have escalated again, so there is a bit of curiosity on Dr Mindy’s take on it, and how it’s different from Next Level. I’m finally at the point where the cheerleading is stopping and the good stuff is about to start.

I’ll be working on Waterlogged, yes, still, while in transit to my workshop next week.

That’s it for this week.

Short & simple.

Please check my scheduler for any openings, or contact me to get on my waitlists.