Everything Under the Moon - Amber Moon Studio

Hello, sunshine

October 6, 2022 ambermoon

Your guide to everything under the moon, the Amber Moon, for Oct 10-23, 2022

*Taken just before hopping in a friend’s boat to go open water swimming. It was perfect. mist coming off the Lake Austin, friends, and water.*

Lots of updates that take effect when I come back from vacation on 10/17/22… here we go!

Knee replacement update

Finally, it’s set. January 30, 2023 is my surgery date. I’ll be out at least 1/30-2/3/23. Beyond that, we’ll have to see how I’m feeling.

I won’t be able to drive for 2 weeks (1/30-2/13), so that means Wednesday sessions in Austin will be canceled for this duration. This might be a great time for you to try a craniosacral therapy (CST) session since it can be done seated. Or even a new virtual service – Shifting your Epicenter (see below).

All this said, if the orthopedist calls with a last minute cancellation that works with my schedule, it’ll all gonna shift. So I’m not going into too many specifics yet. I’ll roll things out as the date gets closer.

How can you help in the meantime? Fill my schedule. Take classes. I’m expanding a few things in prep for this event happening. Which brings us to…

Holiday schedule update

Knowing that I’m going to be out for a bit with 2 different knee surgeries in the near future, I’m shifting my schedule to work when I can. If you look for something on these days & it’s not there, please ask. It’s a lot of time consuming work to get this updated correctly.

Thanksgiving week I’m opening up – in Taylor only – Wed 11/23 11a-5p and Friday 11/25 10a-3p.
Christmas – week will be the usual schedule on Thurs 12/23, Fri 12/24 & Tues 12/27.

Studio hours update, again

Back to the idea of working when I can, I’m extending Wednesday hours in Austin to be 1:15p – 630p, through 1/30/23. Yeah, it’ll be along day, but it’ll help with the finances down the road immensely. I just did it yesterday, and as long as I’m prepared, I’m good.

It’s going to take a little me to get this update & the holiday hours into vCita, so if you’re not seeing something, please ask.

Class schedule update

The Pilates & BOSU class has been dropped, which allowed me to move the chair yoga class up.

I’m going to see how well my internet works from the driveway, and may offer the chair yoga class on the driveway as weather permits. Please watch for additional notices this week.

Tuesday

Wednesday

10:45a: Viniyoga

Thursday

11a: Vini-chair-yoga, 30 min **new time**
5p: Everything Under the Moon (no class 9/29)

EOY class special

Starting October 1, pay for a 1h class, get a 30 min class free. Good for packages and drop ins, but you’ll need to buy the package just for these specials. Will run thru end of year. Why? I want you to try new things!

Links for the following EOY Specials (drop in rate – give it a try!) – $18 for 2 classes. These packages good for 2 weeks from date of purchase.

Links for packages are here, and I’ll add the equivalent 30 min class package to your account. These packages good thru EOY.

Decide if you want Tier 1 or 2 (differences in price & how long you have to use them)
Decide if you want 4 or 8 Livestream classes
Your account will have an equal number of 30 min classes added

Awesome Arms

I had my left knee lock up on me back in September, and it was hoisting myself up into my office chair that actually unlocked it. I’ve changed my upper body strength training routine, cuz with the upcoming surgery, I’m going to have to rely on my upper body even more. The new program won’t have a video component, but I will have a “workouts of the week” that will get posted on Mondays. They’ll progress over 3 weeks, then switch it up completely on the 4th week, and then restart again. It’s designed to target the upper body 4 DAYS per week, divided up over that period so everything gets trained evenly.

You are encouraged to use whatever equipment you have on hand, or use bodyweight. Variety is encouraged to get the most out of this. That said, don’t buy anything expensive or out of your price range. I love my TRX, for example, but is it worth the $ I spent on it (for me yes, but that’s your own question to answer). If you want the most versatile equipment, I suggest bands and/or lighter dumbbells. They both work differently so it’s good to mix it up on the same day even.

It’s still FREE, or $10/week if you choose to donate a little – done as a bundle it to $40 for all 4 weeks. Sign up here to get it in your inbox if you’re not on facebook. If I’ve got enough people interested and on FB, I’ll create a group to help with accountability – so please let me know! Start date is not yet set. I’ll be working out the kinks in October, so November will likely be the official start date.

New services

Personal Yoga: Deepening your practice

During your session we will take a look at how you move, what your compensation patterns are, and what you can do to improve and deepen your experience of yoga. Note that this is not a ‘practice’ like you attend in class. It is very specific, and embodies the lineage of Viniyoga – appropriate adaptations just for you.

I’m intentionally keeping this session shorter (45 min) so you have more focused take-aways and can really zone in on those until we meet again.

Available in-person & online.

Shifting your EpiCenter

An energy work session, done online, designed to work on the energy that surrounds you, your relationships to everything/anything, and bring you back into balance, into resilience, even onward toward vitality. This session is on a spectrum with CST (see pic below) and has the ability to affect the physical, the emotional, and the energetic.

If you imagine a hanging mobile, it’s a perfectly balanced system. Now imagine we added a little stress somewhere (weight, tension, emotions, relationships, etc.), it’d be out of whack, and its center, its Epicenter, would change, creating a new, off center balance point. In a perfect world, we want to be this perfectly balanced mobile to be centered and free to move without restrictions. This energy session begins to balance that mobile, while it moves you on a spectrum from a state of depletion, to resilience, and over time, to vitality.

Maybe you want to try the progression from physical to energetic? Links are below for each session:

CST – can be done in Taylor and Austin
Virtual CST – I still follow the ‘CST protocols”, just from a distance (online)
Shifting your EpiCenter – online

Whew. That was a lot. Changes. Progress. Healing. What’s something you’d like to try from all this goodness? I’d love to hear!

Hello Sunshine

September 26, 2022September 26, 2022 ambermoon

Your bi-weekly guide for everything under the moon, the Amber Moon (9/26/22)

Who’s ready for some cooler temps??? ME! ME! ME! I’m ready to be outside whenever I want, not just when it’s “cool enough”.

It’s been a busy weekend updating my house for winter – new insulation to be specific. And adding some insulation where there was none. Ranger damper. Fixing a window that had it’s seal broken when I swatted a skeeter on it (got it, thank you). And working on being able to get my plants AND my car in when the weather gets chilly. Still got lots of work to do, but it’ll keep me out of trouble, I’ll be outside, and I’ll learn all sorts of cool stuff.

What are you doing to prep for winter?

Tues – Fri hours update, again

On Saturday 9/17 I had the privilege of working the Big Wig Massage for the Texas Mamma Jamma Ride. I met a lot of great people, and realized this is why I don’t work weekends anymore. It took me 2 days to recover. Once in a blue moon, I’m ok with this, especially when its for a good cause, but no, I’m not working weekends otherwise.

Studio hours now are:

Tuesday – 11a – 715p
Wednesday – 1045a – 6p
Thursday – 1015a – 530p
Friday – 8a – 130p *start time updated

Vini-chair-yoga

I’m going to be adjusting the time when I come back from vacation – look for more info on the next Hello Sunshine on 10/10 – it’ll be done well before I head out for vacation.

Awesome Arms

I’m processing this, and slowly a new format it emerging. More details after vacation. Please visit YouTube to get your fix until then.

Upcoming class specials

Starting October 1, pay for a 1h class, get a 30 min class free. Good for packages and drop ins, but you’ll need to buy the package just for this specials. Will run thru end of year. Why? I want you to try new things! The way package have to be done, I’ve had to set it up for 1 of each. If you want a package, buy your 1h package, I’ll add the 30 min package onto your account.

Links for the following EOY Specials (drop in rate – give it a try!) – $18 for 2 classes

Links for packages are here, and I’ll add the equivalent 30 min class package to your account.

Decide if you want Tier 1 or 2 (differences in price & how long you have to use them)
Decide if you want 4 or 8 Livestream classes
you account will have an equal number of 30 min classes added.

Studio closings 2022

October 11-14 – 2 weeks away!
November 23-25 – Thanksgiving. There will be Viniyoga on Wed, 11/23, then I’m off.
December 22-27 – Holidays.

Taylor updates

Schedule is continuing to shift… Please remember to book as far in advance as you can, and also keep in mind I do have last minute cancellations. Reach out if you’re looking for something & not seeing anything.

Openings for the next few weeks:

Tues, 9/27, 2p

Austin: Massage

Remember these are subject to change, so check in regularly. If you’re looking for an ATX session, let me know and I’ll keep you in mind when last minute cancellations happen. Wednesday openings in ATX for the next few weeks:

10/19, 5p is next available.
this day is filling up on a weekly basis – please check in w me if you’re looking for something regular!

Classes for the weeks of Sept 26 & Oct 3, 2022

Tuesday

Wednesday

10:45a: Viniyoga

Thursday

11a: Pilates & BOSU, 30 min
1135a: Vini-chair-yoga, 30 min
5p: Everything Under the Moon (no class 9/29)

What did you think? Did anything here catch your attention? I’d love to hear.

Hello, Sunshine!

September 26, 2022September 26, 2022 ambermoon

Your bi-weekly guide to everything under the moon, the Amber Moon. (9/12/22)

How do you build your meals? Do you start with veggies or protein? A theme (“tacos”)? I was thinking about this today. I have protein thawed or ready to thaw (it gets frozen in single serve portions), but I really build it around the veggies. What veggies are available? Which do I need to use up? What veggies did I have in my previous meal that day (so breakfast is wiiiiiide open!)? Of late, I’ve been having 3-4 veggies in the wok at once. Cuz they be essential.

This is how I eat. 3 meals a day. Any of these can be breakfast, lunch or dinner. With my food issues, traditional breakfast just doesn’t work for me. And I’m perfectly fine with that.

I’d love to hear how you what drives your meals!

Bok choy, mushrooms, okra, red onion + shrimp

Tues – Fri hours update

I’ve added a few new clients, and have expanded my available hours a little. Fridays are now open in the mornings a bit more – it’ll be cool enough I can bike in the afternoons soon, AND in the summer, it tends to be a swim day – also an afternoon activity. It was finally warranted – this expansion of hours. Mondays are still reserved for work on the biz, Tues – Fri working in the biz.

Studio hours now are:

Tuesday – 11a – 715p
Wednesday – 1045a – 6p
Thursday – 1015a – 530p
Friday – 9a – 130p.

Vini-chair-yoga

Yes, it’s still a test run, but you can join in ANYTIME. You can register here, packages & drop in options available.

Taylor Track Time is BACK

Oh it feels good to be back out there with my peeps! Come join us! Sign up here. All levels welcome & I create your program for you – we all are doing something similar, just at your own level.

Awesome Arms

Yeah, I keep waffling on this. I’m gonna take a break from it for a bit. Please visit YouTube to get your fix.

Upcoming class specials

Studio closings 2022

October 11-14
November 23-25 – Thanksgiving. There will be Viniyoga on Wed, 11/23, then I’m off.
December 22-27 – Holidays.

Taylor updates

I’ll be continuing to adjust times & shift people around as you request. My schedule is getting fuller now that Summer is over. Please remember to book as far in advance as you can, and also keep in mind I do have last minute cancellations. Reach out if you’re looking for something & not seeing anything.

Openings for the next few weeks:

Tues, 9/13, 115-430p
Fri, 9/16, 10a, 30 min only (I’ll need to add, contact me directly)
Tues, 9/20, 2p

Austin: Massage

9/21, 5p
this day is filling up on a weekly basis – please check in w me if you’re looking for something!

Classes for the weeks of Sept 12 & 19, 2022

Tuesday

Wednesday

10:45a: Viniyoga

Thursday

Hello Sunshine (8/29/22)

August 28, 2022August 28, 2022 ambermoon

your bi-weekly guide to everything under the moon, the Amber Moon.

“The homestead needs to be tended every day.”

This is a line from my newest HGTV show I’m watching, Homestead Rescue. It stuck with me. As I work on my house, my business, myself, it rings true. And it evolves, shows growth, allows for recovery. I’m for all those things.

I’ve got a list that I check off for all the biz things I need to get done – the “tasks” function on the google calendar really serves me well for this, as most of the biz stuff starts from there.

I’ve got a list of house things that need to get done. These are typically on a paper calendar and the dry erase board. Cuz on weekends, I don’t want to be on technology. There are daily, weekly, monthly tasks, as well as my plethora of home improvement projects. I’ve broken these down into steps to make it manageable – small projects or components during the week, big ones on the weekends.

And then, of course, there’s the homestead of me. I need to tend to ME daily. I’ve got a list of the things I need to do for my knees, for myself. Cardio. Breaks. Critter time. Outside time. It’s evolving. My knee program recently went from 45 min 3-4d/week to 30 min per day, and totally revamped. Last week got my 2nd round of knee shots, and had a follow up with my physical therapist. I’ve definitely gotten stronger with this program, so it’s working. Let’s keep evolving it. I’ve also refitted my bike to accommodate less bend in the knees, and that’s working too. Eric over a Blur Cycleworks is the bike whisperer. I highly recommend if you need help.

The key is – I’m tending to it every day. Small projects around the house. A little time on the studio. My workouts. Me time. Finding the balance is a constant task, and now that I’m feeling better, it’s getting easier. It was one of those things – didn’t know how much the knees were holding me back until they felt better. Working on my nutrition is helping too. More on that in an #AmberEats post.
I’m grateful.

How can you serve your ‘homestead’ daily? While the show is for people that live off grid, it applies to those of us on-grid too. What are your values? Those will help guide your choices. Need some help? Sign up for wellness coaching, and we’ll figure out what parts of your homestead needs tending daily.

Other things from the biz side

I’m working on updating my website, and part of that is transitioning ALL the Amber Eats posts over there, so everyone can enjoy.

If you’re looking for your weekly spot & don’t see something that works for you, ASK. I can likely do some shifting on my end, once I know you’re looking. At the moment, Tuesdays & Fridays would be your best option. I can pretty much say most clients have asked for a shift when they started or as their life changes, and everyone understands.

If you are a weekly / every other week client, your appointments have been entered thru the end of the year. I’m going to start entering them by quarter. In November, I’ll enter for 1st quarter 2023.

For those clients that come every other week or so, I’ll be offering a quarterly payment option. It’s kinda like a package in that you pay less frequently. If you are interested, let me know. I would prefer to rotate when people pay to keep a consistent flow of income.

Vini-chair-yoga

It’s time! This Thursday it starts! 1135a for 30 min. This initial offering runs for 6 weeks, to just see how it goes. You can register here, and remember to let me know if you want the package – and which one.

Drop in: $12
Tier 1: $66
Tier 2: $49.50

Taylor Track Time is BACK

If I had known that canceling Track for August woulda brought cooler temps, I would have done it back in JUNE! That said, it’s back. It’s open. Sign up here. This Tuesday, 8/30, is FREE.

Awesome Arms

This is the week! It’ll be on YouTube only, 5:35p premier on Tuesday & Thursday. You’ll even see a nice little count down for it! I’m really excited for this change – it gives us all a little more flexibility, and it still holds me accountable for getting it done. Please remember to subscribe to my YouTube channel, and you’ll get notices when things get posted, on instant premiers, etc. I’d also love your feedback – either on YT (you’ll need to log in to do it), or drop me a note.

Studio closings 2022

October 11-14
November 23-25 – Thanksgiving. There will be Viniyoga on Wed, 11/23, then I’m off.
December 22-27 – Holidays.

Taylor updates

I’m making a slight adjustments to breaks in between clients – if it’s different session types (ie Pilates followed by bodywork), I am shifting toward a 15 min break instead of 30. If 2 clients back to back are in the same room, it’s still gonna be 30 min – remember, it takes 20 min for COVID to clear the air. While I don’t want 15 min between every session, I’ll starting closing the gap a little, which might make open up the time slot you are looking for. And the cats still need a 30 min break mid-afternoon to be fed. Remember these are subject to change, so check in regularly.

Openings for the next few weeks:

Tues, 8/30, 3p
Fri, 9/2, 2p
Thurs, 9/8, 315p Pilates or online session only (I’ll need to book it)
Tues, 9/13, 2-430p
Fri, 9/16, 2p

Austin: Massage

8/31, 5p
9/7, 5p
9/21, 1p (30 min only), 5p
9/28, 330p (30 or 45 min only)

Classes for the weeks of August 29 & Sept 5, 2022

Tuesday
11a: Pilates Mat
5p: Everything Under the Moon
535p: Awesome Arms on YouTube

Wednesday
10:45a: Viniyoga

Thursday
11a: Pilates & BOSU, 30 min

1135a: Vini-chair-yoga, 30 min
5p: Everything Under the Moon
535p: Awesome Arms on YouTube

Hello Sunshine! (8/15/22)

August 15, 2022August 16, 2022 ambermoon

Oh, look. It’s Monday afternoon/evening, and I’m just now typing this. So short & sweet it is!

Firstly, there was an extra week of donation time for my American Red Cross 15 miles of swimming in July, and we ended with a grand total of $633 raised. I appreciate all those that donated. Thank you.

Vini-chair-yoga will be coming on the schedule in September on Thursdays. I’m waiting for a few other things to fall in place before I settle on a time. Interested, and still need to do the survey? Please take a moment and offer your input.

Survey results to date:

Thursday lunch-ish time is best
1x/week works best for most, 2 would prefer 2x
30 min was most popular length for class
format would be seated in chair and standing postures only
half were ok with this staying online, other half said ok to start online & transition to in-person

I’ll be emailing & posting to social media once I’ve got details figured out.

If you want something of a sneak peak as to what it’s like, I’ve opened up all my Yoga >>Meditation classes on YouTube from the past. The ones in the chair are will be similar to this class.. Check ’em out! If you watch them, log in & leave me a comment or thumbs up!

Taylor Track Time – due to it being over 100, I went ahead & canceled it for August only. It will return in September.

Awesome Arms will be going to YouTube only in September. I’ll have them set to Premier on Tues & Thurs at 535p, so you can still join in. There’s not been people joining me via Zoom, and this opens me up to get it in at other times.

Studio closings 2022

October 11-14 – now includes that conference I signed up for
November 23-25 – Thanksgiving. There will be Viniyoga on Wed, 11/23, then I’m off.
December 22-27 – Holidays.

Taylor openings – massage, Pilates, CST, online, etc.

Summer break seems to be over, and my Taylor schedule is filling up fast! If you are looking for your session, book it ASAP! My current client schedules are shifting right now, so if you’re looking for your regular slot, now is the time!

Tuesday, 8/16 2p, 330p
Thursday, 8/25, 330p

Please check back regularly or email me to ask.

Austin: Massage

I’ve updated my availability on Wednesdays to start at 1p weekly. It’s been working out well, and as long as I prep everything well in advance, I get there with plenty of time to set up, take a breath, see who’s coming so I can be mentally prepared, and then GO.

8/24, 1p (30 min only)
8/31, 5p
9/7, 1p (30 min only), 5p

Subject to change. Please check back regularly or email me to ask.

Classes & Group shenanigans for the weeks of August 15 & 22, 2022

Tuesday
11a: Pilates Mat
5p: Everything Under the Moon
535p: Awesome Arms (Zoom) – FREE or $4, then YouTube

Wednesday
10:45a: Viniyoga

Thursday
11a: Pilates & BOSU
5p: Everything Under the Moon
5:35p: Awesome Arms (Zoom) – FREE or $4, then YouTube

Hello, Sunshine

July 31, 2022July 31, 2022 ambermoon

Your bi-weekly guide to everything under the moon, the Amber Moon (8/1/22).

The American Cancer Society 15 miles in July Swim Challenge

I did it! WE did it! 16.25 miles, $508 raised. And you still have 7 days to donate.

I’m so grateful for those that have already donated, those that sent notes of encouragement, and those on FB that followed along. I admit when I started, I didn’t know if I could raise $200, let alone make it past $500. You made that happen. I applaud you.

I always enjoy a learning experience. What I learned this time is that I really do better with 2 swims per week. I could probably do 3, but if I’m open water swimming, I just wanna GO! So it really depends. I’m going to balance out my activities for August, maybe toss in a bit more deep water jogging if it’s gonna stay this hot or get hotter. I’m already looking at a swim event like this for next year. It may be this one, it may be different. We shall see!

Want to donate yet on Facebook? Paypal, Venmo or Zelle me, please make sure you note what it is for, and I’ll add it for you. Please follow up with a text too.

I did a thing…

On July 31 I finally got my last event I had paid for pre-COVID off the books: Marble Falls Tri. With my knees in their current state, I opted for the AquaBike (in other words, no run) instead of the full sprint triathlon. I didn’t tell many people I was doing this cuz I didn’t know how my knees would do. They don’t like hills (so sad), they don’t like me pushing it. I just didn’t know what I was capable. My training, with the shift from performance to wellness, has also shifted so I couldn’t expect to be my ‘old self’.

I’ve shifted my diet toward low-carb, I had concerns about being able to give this what it needed. Would my system be able to handle any intensity without carbs? Resounding yes to that. I’m still working on my #AmberEats series I’ll be sharing on FB/IG, so be patient. So much learning has happened since I shifted to a wellness focus.

So with all this said, I truly had not idea what the result would be. So I did the only thing I could.

I chose to have FUN.

Yes, swimming 500m hard (oh that was so nice), and then a leisurely walk to transition area, and then a 12mi bike. Yeah, it was fun. I listened. When I was aware of my knees, I backed down. When I felt any tweaks, I backed off. When it felt good & easy, I let myself fly. I was able to really focus on technique, enjoy the beautiful morning, and be out there with friends.

During our preview of transition & the course

Vini-chair-yoga input please

I’ve gotten a couple responses on my questionnaire on the possibility of a chair yoga class, and looking for a few more. If you’re interested, please remember to complete the form. Not on google drive? Email me and I’ll PDF you the form, and you can send your answers.

I will note that the times I was considering that were the most popular – 1215p T/Th – have been filled. So I’ll have to figure out another time. Until then, I encourage you to try some of my past Viniyoga>>Meditation classes on YouTube. These are 30 minutes long, which seems to be the preferred class length.

CST for TMJ

Craniosacral therapy is also magnificent for TMJ issues. While I’m currently not doing the in the mouth work due to COVID, I’ve got new techniques I find just as effective. Keep in mind, that TMJ issues may not always come from the jaw, but other areas of the body as it’s all connected. I previously had TMJ issues myself, which resolved with CST. I’ve had several clients come in & get their issues resolved.

Come in, give it a try! See what this is all about.

Schedule your session here in Taylor or at the studio in Austin.

Studio closings

October 11-14 – now includes that conference I signed up for
November 23-25 – Thanksgiving. There will be Viniyoga on Wed, 11/23, then I’m off.
December 22-27 – shifted dates a little bit

Taylor openings – massage, Pilates, CST, online, etc.

Summer break seems to be over, and my Taylor schedule is filling up fast! If you are looking for your session, book it ASAP!

Tuesday, 8/2, 330p
Thursday, 8/4, 1230p
FriYAY, 8/5, 1230p, 2p

Please check back regularly or email me to ask.