raw pixie yogini

2011-08-04T21:57:00.000-07:00

The Living Lotus Newsletter

I’m so happy to be getting this newsletter to you, and I hope you enjoy it. I know that some of you have been looking forward to the yoga retreats, and the very first one is going to be this September the 24^th, a Saturday! There will be yoga stretching, a meditation at the pond if weather permits, breathing exercises, learning reflexology, raw food snacks, and more.

If you are interested in signing up, please call Central Texas College Continuing Education at (254)-526-1991.

Thank you to those of you who came to the Raw Foods Workshop on July the 16^th. It was a blast! It took me some time to find the time to write this, boy a lot has been happening… so much in life is changing.

I am coming up on my last 4 weeks of the year teaching yoga until next Summer! If you’d like to sign up, do it quick, the first class starts on Monday August 8^th.

BUT, I’ve got GOOD NEWS!!! A friend of mine is possibly going to try teaching the weekday evening Yoga at CTC!!! She is an excellent yoga teacher who I’ve become great friends with, who teaches at Heritage Park Fitness and Gold’s Gym. Keep a lookout and I will give you an update on if she will be teaching.

The reason I am not teaching those nights anymore is because I’ve decided to put more focus on my family, and developing other skills that I have. I’ve been teaching yoga a long time twice per week in the evenings for a long time now, since 2007. It’s been almost 5 years, and I’ve been feeling a calling to switch my focus a little. When Summer comes along, I will be back to teaching. Not sure what the schedule will look like, but I will keep you posted.

This weekend there is a Drumming at Sally Dutczak’s home in Kempner, and if you’d like, we can also do a Raw Food Potluck. I plan to bring some flax crackers and a couple other friends were going to bring something too, so please let me know if you’d like to bring food. The potluck starts around 5.

I was thinking about doing a Native American Rain Dance there. Not sure how it works but I’m sure with some drums and prayers, God will be able to bring some rain down a little easier! :D

I know I said to my workshop students that I’d talk about how to eat a healthy whole foods cooked diet, and since my time is limited, I have listed some main points below. This is the diet you can transition to if you are consuming processed foods and really want to get healthier.

Main Points on How to Adhere to a Healthy Whole~ Foods Cooked Diet

*Eliminate highly processed starches and sugars, such as white bread and white sugar.

*Eliminate all dyes, preservatives, and chemicals from your diet.

*Eat only lean meats that are organic and not processed, such as turkey, chicken and fish, as well as organic, preferably farm fresh eggs, or if you are wanting to go vegetarian, eat beans, quinoa, nuts and seeds for protein.

*Eat only dairy products that contain no hormones or antibiotics, preferably raw.

*Consume sweeteners that are pure and organic, such as honey, agave nectar, raw sugar, raw stevia, and maple syrup.

*Include plenty of organic dark green leafy vegetables in your diet, preferably most of them raw.

*Add a variety of organic fruits like apples, plums, pineapple, grapes, and plenty of berries to your diet.

*Add mineral and nutrient rich vegetables and fruits like radishes, cucumbers, bell peppers and carrots to your diet, as well as some sweet potatoes and possibly, occasionally, baked white potato.

*Eat whole grains like brown rice, quinoa and millet as well as whole grain breads that contain to preservatives, such as Ezekiel Bread and Manna Bread.

*Consume sea weeds and other nutrient rich super foods.

*Drink plenty of water and enjoy herbal teas.

*Eat fermented foods like kimchi, natto, miso, kombucha tea, and dairy free yogurts made from things like coconut.

Classes Coming Up with Continuing Education~ Call 526-1991

Reflexology Class~ Sept 10^th, 10 a.m. to 2 p.m.

Yoga Retreat~ Sept 24^th, 11 a.m. to 4 p.m.

Raw Foods Class~ October 8^th, 9 a.m. to 12 p.m.

Reflexology Class~ November 5^th,10 a.m. to 2 p.m.

I will keep you posted on these upcoming classes! They are really fun. Please let me know if you are interested in knowing any more info on the classes, I’d be glad to give it to you. J

Try to make it to the Riverside Raw Food Potluck this weekend, 5 p.m if you can! It is followed by a drumming at 7 p.m. I will send directions if you need them, please let me know.

Have a wonderful rest of your week, and stay hydrated! The picture attached is a raw pizza that I made…I actually made the crust out of wheat berries. I am planning to make one out of spelt berries.

Lots of Love, Joy and Light,

Tawni

Tawni Lay

The Living Lotus

bealivinglotus@gmail.com

(254)220-0178 mobile

"Like the Lotus blossom, each human soul has the
potential to rise out of harsh conditions and bloom into a magnificent creation."

2011-04-12T22:42:00.001-07:00

May You Be Blessed

Om. May you be blessed.

May the love of life give you peace and rest.

May the light of the sun shine down upon you,

To light your path and see you through.

Om. May you be in joy.

May this joy fill the hearts of every girl and boy.

May your being swell with the birth of a new creation,

To light the path of all the world's nations.

Om. May you be happy.

May your natural state be allowed to just be.

May you know that all is well in your world forevermore,

To open up all possibilities that lie behind every door.

Om Shanthi, Shanthi, Shanthi.<3

Raw Spirit Love, in Prescott Arizona

2010-10-06T20:56:00.000-07:00

Hello Happy Spirits,

Whew! I finally made some time to write. It's been a hectic year so far...but my intentions from the New Year have been almost totally fulfilled. My friend Rachel emailed me a few months ago, and asked me if I was going to Raw Spirit Festival this year. I honestly didn't even think I'd be able to go due to lack of funds...but I prayed and asked God to help me go one morning...and guess what? The very next day I told my husband that I wanted to take my daughter with me to Raw Spirit, and he bought the plane tickets right then and there, and within the next few days he got us a hotel room. It turned out that since we hadn't been using our timeshare, we had a lot of points added up so that we got he plane tickets and hotel for free! WOW. Ask and you shall receive, seek and you shall find! I then asked my Mom to help out with everything else for my birthday and she did. WE ARE BLESSED!!! THANK YOU LORD!!!

Serana Kaya and I got on the plane, and she was SO excited. She hadn't remembered being on a plane when she was just a baby, so this was like her first time. We chewed gum so our ears didn't pop (Wish I had remembered to get some natural gum. The only choices at the airport were aspartame filled. Yuck. Ew. Never again!!) and giggled as the plane took off and our bellies felt funny inside. When we stopped in Dallas, we stayed on the same plane, and since we were the only ones on the plane waiting, the stewardice took Kaya into the cockpit to meet the pilot and check out how the plane works. It was really cool.

When we arrived in Pheonix, we got a rental car and drove towards Prescott, and stopped for dinner at Souper Salad. The roof was so funny on that place! I put a pic above to the right. They had a great selection of raw fruits and veggies. They even had a vegan ice cream for people who are lactose intolerant! It then took us two hours to drive to Prescott. We stayed in the Hampton Inn...so nice and accommodating!

The next morning, we headed to Raw Spirit Fest. It was at Watson Lake Park...in the high desert of Prescott. When we got there, we found green coconuts and bought one. The coco water was so amazingly refreshing...perfect for that desert heat. We ended up buying about 5 during our stay over the weekend, just to keep us well hydrated. Here's a pic of Kaya with a little boy named Joseph that she met. He is 100% raw and so smart and adorable. He and Kaya plan on being pen pals now...which will be great for them to practice their writing skills. This is them below, having a green coco together.

Kaya also loved the chai they had there. The first and second day it was really delish and orange. Coconut water and spices are what it had. The next day it was a different color~whitish and tasted more creamy. They had added something new in it to make it that way~the coco meat I think. Yummmm all of it was yummmmmm.

All of the recipes I had gave me so many great ideas. This pie was a strawberry/blueberry pie that I had for breakfast. I was splurging a little b/c normally I would have green juice, green smoothie and raw cereal for breakfast.

I ate a LOT of good food while there...ninja wraps, which are nori rolls with lettuce, dulse, avo, sprouts, and some kind of cashew mayo, I had sprouted rice, curried coconut, "fried banana", and all kinds of other yumminess.

One of my favorite things about the weekend was on Saturday night there was a "forgiveness circle", which was a group of people in a circle, with one person in the center who needed to forgive themselves for something. We did EFT tapping to help them release it, as well as pulled energy from the stars and Earth to exhale into the person. After that, we all came in for a big group hug, which lasted for a very long time! We made different sounds like OM in the hug. It was so beautifully healing.

On the last day, we all did a prayer to our sun. Fantuzzi led the prayer, with song and sign language. It was so sweet.

I could ramble on forever about the festival, but I will leave it up to YOU to ask me any questions you have about it...I would be glad to answer! It was in short, very fun.

Love to You All,

Tawni

New Years Goals/ Intentions

2010-01-04T07:36:00.000-08:00

This year, more love, peace, joy and abundance shall flow to me than ever before.
Undying Love and reverence for myself shall unfold forevermore.

Being in the present moment shall always be my goal
so that every experience that I have is a gift waiting to unfold.

Serving and loving my family and being a Godly parent is what I plan to do,
allowing the Universe to guide me and always see me through.

May this year I fully connect to my passions and deeply live my life purpose,
never forgetting the reason I am here, which is:

to LIVE, LAUGH, and LOVE, Unconditionally!

My Raw Thanksgiving, and Kundalini Awakening (I think) Plus Garden Pics

2009-11-27T07:52:00.000-08:00

Greetings, and Happy Belated Thanksgiving!

Yesterday was such a wonderful day. You could just feel the buzz of everyone preparing for a feast, and happy family gatherings in the air. There was a stillness and a peacefulness that permeated through the ethers that just felt wonderful. The faint smells of spices lingered, while cars piled into driveways, families and friends uniting for giving thanks.

I made two dishes yesterday, one a veggie rainbow salad with colors abounding, and the other, a cinnamon, banana, apple, walnut and raisin salad. Making the dishes was so relaxing, and I just felt the love streaming from my heart as I prepared them. I knew that this Thanksgiving was going to be very special.

Earlier in the day, I wrote a special Thanksgiving prayer to read before the dinner. I felt so spiritual and light as I wrote the prayer, every word effortlessly being drawn from my right brain. After I wrote the prayer, I stood up to stretch, feeling very delighted to have written my very first prayer ever!

Something strange happened to me after the writing...as I was stretching in the doorway to my room, I felt very abnormally lightheaded, and leaned over into a standing forward bend, to catch my balance. As I was bending over, I started shaking uncontrollably!!! I don't know what was happening...I was not making myself shake, it happened all on it's own. It was like a seizure, I think. I have never had a seizure, and I am a very healthy person. The only thing I can think of is that since I had written the prayer, it opened my chakras and alligned them, and gave me a kundalini awakening.

Any thoughts on this?? I would really like some feedback from someone who has had something similar happen. I have been practicing yoga daily with short meditations, always aware of every thought I think, every bite I take, every breath I breathe and word I speak. I think I was in allignment for it...what do you think?

Later on, when it came time for the prayer, after a little nervousness, I said the affirmation, "I am calm." The prayer came out with confidence, and then we all sang "Praise God From Whom All Blessings Flow." It was so magical and lovely!!!

The meal was so delicious. I had all raw, with the exception of a few small peices of feta cheese that were in a spinach salad, two bites of mashed potatoes, and one bite of my mom's sweet potatoes. They were sooo yummy, but all I can handle of cooked is a few bites, and I just feel so much better when I don't eat a lot of cooked food. Especially if it has regular salt, refined sugar, and processed starches.

The only thing that was a little bothersome of the evening was the cooked smells, and smokiness of the house...I have become so sensitive that sitting in the house for only five minutes, my throat became very parched. I had to drink a lot of water through the evening to help my voice not become scratchy.

Besides that, everything was perfect. I am so grateful!!!

I hope your Thanksgiving was full of JOY too!

I had promised pics of my garden, and luckily I am finally posting them. These were taken about a month ago, which was when the garden was really flourishing!

Love n Light,
Tawni

Recently Detoxed and Energy is Great.

2009-10-25T09:04:00.000-07:00

Hello! It's been so long!

I did a 7 day detox 2 weeks ago. It was one led by Frederic Patenaude. On the first day, you fast until dinner, then at dinner, eat simply with no fats.

During the detox, for 7 days you ate no overt fats, such as avocado, nuts, seeds, or oils. I felt so great! I had a lot of energy. I toned up, and my skin cleared a lot.

It helped me clean up my diet a lot. I had gotten down to about 85% raw before the detox. Now I am back up to around 95%. I was eating ezekiel bread and peanut butter every day before. It was just more affordable. But, now I have decided it's ok to eat bread once in a while, but not everyday. So far in the last two weeks I've had one peice of ezekiel bread, and 2 peices of manna bread.

My blood type is A, and it says in Dr. D'Adamo's book for type A's that ezekiel and manna breads are highly beneficial, as well as peanut butter. I just don't think I had as much energy while all that bread was going in my system though. BUT, I did manage to save money. I was also having bowls of cereal periodically as well....with soy milk. I didn't look horrible, or get fat or anything...my energy was just not as high, and I didn't feel like manifestation was as easy for me.

I start a new job soon, helping a lady with her home. I really want to make more money so that I can afford more raw. I would love to start a local co op as well. I don't know if you can make money doing it, but I need to do the research. I know I would at least save money on produce if I did it. It needs to be done!!! My goal is to also save money to open up a raw cafe, and maybe a yoga studio inside.

I need to also put up pics of my garden, but I'm waiting for my tomatoes to ripen up. I have like 30 green tomatoes in there.

I wrote an article on a natural diet for children, for a friend of mine who is launching a new children's book. I will put it up soon.

Love to you,
Tawni

Perfect Protein Fruit Salad

2009-08-26T11:17:00.000-07:00

Salutations ....

I just had an amazing fruit salad...here's the recipe:

1 banana
3 strawberries
1 teaspoon bee pollen
1/2 tsp chia seeds
1 teaspoon sesame seeds
1 teaspoon coconut shreds

They say bee polleen is a "perfect food." I found a good organic brand locally, at GNC in the Killeen mall. I know HEB has it too. Angela Stokes-Monarch eats bee pollen quite often, and although it controversial on whether or not it is "vegan",
I'm sure it's okay to be a "beegan". I love honey. Thanks bees.

Feeling Blessed,Tawni

Energy Soup

2009-07-25T18:08:00.000-07:00

Wow, I am really loving energy soup. I just tried it today for the first time...finally! I wish I would have tried it sooner.

I was watching The Raw Food World T.V. show a few days ago, and a lovely lady made it step by step on the show. I was intrigued, because this concoction was something that I had been wanting to try, but there was just something holding me back! I don't know what.

Here's the link to that show if you want to check it out for yourself!

http://mattmonarch.blogspot.com/2009/07/ann-wigmores-energy-soup-episode-195.html

But, now this lovely mixture of greens and other goodies will be one of my favorite meals. Nothing can compare to my good ole salads though...but the green energy soup is so wonderful because 1.) it's blended, so it is pre-digested and 2.) gives your cells the utmost nutrition possible. Especially if you've got garden fresh greens or wild edibles. I really wish I could find some good wild edibles in this area. I really need to look online at what is available here in this area in this hot Texas Summer. There's probably not much, besides dandelion greens in a well watered garden.

The pic is of me last weekend. It was my hubby's birthday, and I had surprised him with a carrot cake. (It was cooked, but oh so yummy. I did have some...4 small peices within 3 days. It was rice flower, and all natural. No eggs. I used flax seeds in the place of the eggs.) My hubby is a cooked vegetarian who eats eggs and dairy on occasion, but I try not to bake stuff with eggs anyway.

In the picture, my skin is glowing! I have been on a high raw diet now for 2 years. I am finally becoming so much more confident about myself. The carrot cake did make me break out for a few days, but as soon as I went back on my primarily raw diet, it faded and is almost gone. I feel much better when I don't give in to cooked, but if I eat it, I try not to feel guilty anymore, because that was my choice to do it.

One day I plan to be 100% raw, and stick with it. I am giving myself and my family time to adjust though.

Well, I hope your life is filled with BLISS CHARGED LOVE, and I send you much love and pixie dust!

Muah,
Tawni

More Time to Write, Seeing Spiders, and Gardening

2009-07-11T21:39:00.000-07:00

Hi...wow, it's been a long time. Since April! I am finally starting to feel better, and more motivated to start writing again. I went through a little bit of a funk there for a while...I guess energies were shifting for a bit, and I needed time to let them. I was also EXTREMely busy, actually ridiculously. I had no energy to do anything but clean, work, eat, sleep, well, you get the idea. Just the basics there for a while. Not even really any fun! Life was just plain hard, but I had the faith to pull myself through it. I have to say that if I wasn't doing raw foods, things would have probably been a LOT harder.

Last weekend, Fourth of July weekend, I kept seeing spiders everywhere. I noticed they were ALWAYS right in front of me! Like, in front of my eyes, like they wanted to tell me something. So, finally while I was at my friend's 4th of July party, I looked up spider on her totem animal book. Before I even looked, I knew exactly what it meant for me (I have a totem book too...the meaning is a little different, but still the same basic meaning) and it means to start writing creatively. So, here I am, and although this may not be all too creative, it is a start.

Another beautiful hobby that I am loving more and more, is gardening. I have a nice little veggie garden now, and although the hot sun here in Texas is preventing it from flowering, it has been really fun watching the planties grow. It took me forever to actually be able to plant some in the ground, because I couldn't afford soil. I've been creating compost though, in a home made bin that my grandmother made me. She made it while I slept one morning, and I didn't even know she was doing it. She is an amazing woman who has huge compost piles in her backyard with a humungous garden that is lush and beautiful. It has been producing a wonderful crop. I guess I just need to be patient with mine.

I will for sure put up some pics of the garden soon, and a photo of me. My skin has changed significantly. I did go off 100% raw...and was eating probably like 85-90% each day. But now, I'm darned near 100%. And whew, I am having such bad gas. I'm surprised my husband hasn't commented on it. My daughter sure does, and even told everyone at the lunch table about it at Red Lobster when my friend took us to eat there. No, I didn't eat any seafood...I had a huge salad with lemon juice and sea salt. I swear I think everyone was staring at me thinking I was crazy. You know, most people do think I'm crazy, I'm sure. I don't know anyone who is like me here! It's pretty cool though, I get to plant lots of seeds in people's minds.

Anyways, I hope you enjoyed this post, and I hope you are having an amazing July so far. I know I am...especially since I've been consciously opening my heart and loving everyone around me, no matter what stage of development they are on. Cuz I know darned sure that sometime's I'm not always perfect! ;)

Tip: When you water your garden or grass, imagine that the water coming out is an extention of the love in your heart. It really works. <3

2009-04-23T08:23:00.000-07:00

Here's a pic of me 100% raw for one week. My hubby is sitting next to me...we are at his Palm Harbor Homes awards banquet.

We had lots of fun. I had forgotten that it wasn't last night that took me off 100% raw when I gave into temptation and ate two Newton O's and a cup of soy milk...it was actually at the banquet. I had 2 glasses of red wine, and ended up eating a small amount of cooked veggies, which was on top of a bed of white rice. I got the vegetarian meal. I did not eat the rice. It looked really gross, and the cooked veggies were actually not very good. I did eat two salads though, which were great!

After the banquet, we went to a blues bar and watched a live blues concert. It was sooo fun. It was at Antone's in Austin, Texas. Really neat place. I like how they don't allow smoking in the clubs there.

I also had two more glasses of wine while we were out having fun that night. It actually felt really good to get out and let loose. Me and Chris don't get much time together...so this was a real blast.

The next day, I felt a little tired, but I didn't have a hangover. After 4 glasses of wine you would think I would! I don't really ever drink, so I was surprised!

Well, I'm back on 100% now. I had a cup of coffee this morning, which made my throat feel yucky. I don't like feeling like I need to cough for two hours straight...which is what coffee makes me do. Next time I need a pick me up, I will have some almond milk ready, and will make myself a cacao drink.

I am really happy with the way I'm looking and feeling. I plan on staying 100% from now on. Last night the reason I gave into the cookies (which were organic by the way) was because I have been craving something cooked and chocolaty ever since I went all raw last week. I gave in, but I feel good about it. It was only two...and they were satisfying. I need to have some raw dehydrated treats around so that I can snack on them for dessert when I want...when I want something heavier.

My stomach has been so empty feeling though... I feel like I'm starving half the time!! I will be happy when that feeling goes away.

Well, I hope your day is fabulous. I know this was a long post...but I have much to say. Next time I will blog about the wonderful synchronicities and sweet emotions I have been experiencing. Until then, have FAITH<3>

~Tawni

I Started Eating 100% Raw Today.

2009-04-14T18:52:00.000-07:00

Today I started eating a 100% raw food diet. No more occasional refined sugar treats, cooked veggies, pasta, breads, etc. I have learned that all of these give me gas that just plain stinks, they make me feel crazy, and they give me zits!!

You know, my excuse a lot of the time was the expense of eating all raw. Now, I know that eating raw, the Universe will supply me what I need, because I'm eating stuff that is saving the planet. Mother Earth knows what I'm doing, and she loves me for it. I can just feel the good vibes coming from her now.

I plan to put up some before and after pics soon...I have been 80-98% raw for a while now, but just realized that all those small amounts of cooked just didn't do me any good. I'm so glad I'm making the change.

I've noticed an edginess about me this evening though...and an intese hunger in my belly...but I'm not giving in. I'm finally doing this for me, no matter what ANYONE THINKS OR SAYS!!!!!

Yay Me.

My Little Princess

2009-04-14T18:46:00.000-07:00

Well here's a pic of my princess Kaya, at her 7th birthday party. She got just enough toys, not too much. Her birthday was March 21st, and we had lots of fun.

One of the gifts she got was this butterfly fake candle holder. The candle has an on/off switch on it...pretty cool. My grandma gave it to her to use as a night light. (Which would save a lot of electricity if she would use it! She likes to sleep with the closet light on.)

I remembered that I said I would post a pic...so here she is, the beautiful shining light that she is. It is such a joy to be a mommy.

2009-03-28T10:15:00.000-07:00

Hellooooo!

It has been a couple weeks, and what a couple weeks it has been!

Last weekend was my daughter's birthday party. She turned 7 on Saturday. It was a lot of work...I made raw flax crackers and guacamole, as well as romaine lettuce wraps with guacamole, tomatos, and clover sprouts that I had grown. I was so busy that I forgot to take pictures of the food! I got some of Kaya which I will put one up of her soon.

Two Wednesday evenings ago, I was on Blog Talk Radio, on a show that my friend Carol has, called Earth Angel. The interview was called Raw Foods for Beginners. If you'd like to check it out, here is the link:

http://www.blogtalkradio.com/Earth-Angel

I didn't cover as much as I wanted because the call was only one hour, but the listeners said they enjoyed it and got a lot out of it. Carol said she would like me on the show again soon!

I will post a bit more about my daughter's party soon, with photos.

Right now I'm planning to build a square foot garden in my back yard. Yay! I will keep you posted on that, too.

TTFN!

~Tawni~

I Received the Kreativ Blogger Award...

2009-03-07T09:37:00.000-08:00

On January the 18th, my friend Amanda (who has the blog, Here Goes Everything, My Raw Food Experiment) nominated me for the Kreativ Blogger Award. Wow...I wasn't expecting to receive such an honor only after a couple months of blogging! I know I am a little behind on all of this, but working with the soldiers everyday along with the other yoga classes I do, has really left me barely any time to think!!

Now, I get to tell you 7 things that I love and nominate 7 other people for the Kreativ Blogger award.

So, here are the 7 things that I love...

1.) My daughter, Kaya. She is more of a little soul sister to me. She makes me feel like a kid again and I look "down" to her for what I really truly need in life. She provides so much joy to me that I could practically live off of it!! No one could ever replace her cuddles and laughter.

2.) My husband, Chris. He is my soul mate. He walked into my life when I least expected anyone to. He is my anchor in this world, and keeps me grounded instead of flying away and losing my head! I am truly thankful to have such a sweet man in my life.

3.) My dog Angel Feather...she is a long haired, white chihuahua with brown spots. She's got green eyes. I love how when I take her for walks it renews me and makes me appreciate life so much more, and when we play how it lifts my spirits. She even cuddles me while I do yoga.

4.) My yoga practice. I learn so much just from the stillness I receive from practicing. It even helped me quit smoking, and I am developing a new type of yoga...which I'm not sure what I am going to name yet, but the best name I can give it for now is Earth Yoga, because it has a lot to do with speaking to the Earth and consciously being aware of your connection to it.

5.) Walking outside...I love nature, especially when it's warm and breezy. Walking, jogging and running outdoors in the warm sun makes me feel so alive! Any form of excercise really makes me feel good, whether it's inside or outside, though.

6.) Hot, steamy baths. I love to soak in the tub everynight before bed, and any other time I can sneak one in. It relaxes me and takes away the stress of the day.

(I believe that the anal recycling that I do makes up for the water usage.)

7.) My friends. Although they are few and far between, they are so inspiring and keep me lifted high. I wish I could spend more time with them (or at least meet the ones that I've never met in person ;)) but I know that God willing, I will. And by the way, my friend Jesus is always with me, whom I am very grateful to. He teaches me daily and I am happy to let Him work thru me.
I would add more, like the fact that I LOVE RAW FOOD. You can't tell much about that from my blog, because I don't blog much about it...I am working on that part though.

Now, here are 7 people that I choose to nominate for the Kreativ Blogger Award...

1.) Rachel Rose's Blog: Raw Food Tales. I met Rachel on Give it to Me Raw, and she and I got to meet in person at the Raw Spirit Festival. She is such a delightful being to know, and I feel blessed to have gotten to meet her. She has some really yummy sounding recipes on her blog.

2.) Jennifer Elliot aka Solstice's Blogs, Conscious Evolution. I've known Jennifer for 4 years now, and we have become so close...yet we are so far away now because she lives in Washington. But it's nice to read her blog...it is very spiritual in nature...and about the struggles and great transformations and discoveries that an awakening indigo child has gone through.

3.) Lynn Forster's Blog, Word Twisting. I picked Lynn because she is such a unique being. She is someone whom else I've known a while....actually a long time!! Over ten years. She shows beautiful pics of things that she's made (she does fantastic knitting. She knitted a bag for a tibetan bowl she gave me. I LOVE it!!)

4.) A girl named Liz's blog, Raw Vegan Foodie. She has such a vibrant, colorful blog with endless recipes, photos, and how to's about raw foods. A must see for people who want a creative way to express themselves with their food. She's also an aunt that babysits bunches, so she knows just what to do for the kids.

5.) Taste Memory is another winner. She's one of my friends on Give it to Me Raw. Looking at all her beautiful bright food photos makes me salivate. She has exquisitve artistic photgraphic ability, and her food looks AMAZING!!

6.) A beautiful woman named Solla's Blog: Heavenly Raw. She's also one of my friends on Give it to Me Raw. She is an Icelandic Raw Food Goddess, and every word she writes is full of love and gratitude.

7.) Although she already has already been nominated, I am picking my new friend Amanda, who nominated me. She has this amazing blog

called Here Goes Everything, My Raw Food Experiment. I honestly really love reading everything she has to say. She is so on top of it! I wish I had the time and dedication she has to keep up with her blog, which I believe she writes in every day.

Thanks again, Amanda!

The Moon and Venus Tonight (At least I think that's Venus)

2009-02-27T19:29:00.000-08:00

I was out in the backyard a bit ago and saw in the corner of my eye, the magnificant moon, with Venus next to it. At least I think it's Venus. It's a very bright star.

When I finally looked at them head on, they lit up a little brighter, then went back to their normal brightness. I think they were saying hello to me!

I believe that all this work I'm doing in getting in touch with the planet is making me more conscious of the stars, moon, and universe around me.

I used to look up at stars and see them do the same thing, twinkle at me like they were saying hello. Deep inside I knew they really were, but consciously I just thought "maybe it's just my imagination, or maybe it's just a coincidence. Just maybe."

But the moon and Venus look like they are mixing their energies together. It is amazing. They have an aura of light that surrounds them both, encompassing them both and bathing them in the same light.

I'm sure this means something astrologically. It would be really neat to find out what. I think I will look it up now.

How to Say Hello to Earth Mother

2009-02-02T07:00:00.000-08:00

Hello Dear Friends,

Today I'd like to share something that I've been sharing with my yoga students, that really does work.

I am teaching how to say hello to Earth Mother, or Gaia.

First, you think the words "Hello Earth Mother", then you take a deep breath, then when you exhale, pull the "Hello Earth Mother" down through your body through the bottom of you if you are sitting, or through your feet if you are standing.

Then, be still and see if you can feel something come back to you.

My experience with this is a cool, energizing feeling rising up from the Earth, coming up into my body and around me, and going all the way up to the top of my head.

This I believe is Kundalini energy. The Earth Mother Energy meeting with the Father Sky Energy.

It is so amazing when you do it.

Now that you know how to say hello to this beautiful, breathing and alive planet we call Earth, who takes care of us unfailingly with food and shelter, we can now keep in contact with her.

We are all ONE. <3>

I hope you enjoyed the lesson, and have a beautiful day!

How to Get a Knot Out

2009-01-20T18:23:00.000-08:00

The other evening I picked up a necklace that my mom gave me last year, a little silver chain with a Buddha pendant. It mysteriously had gotten a knot in it. I tried and tried for about 8 minutes to pry this knot out, very carefully, but the more I tried, the worse it got. I kept saying to myself, "This thing is stuck. It's never coming out." Then, I said to myself, "What am I doing? I'm just thinking negative thoughts here! I need to change my thinking..." So, I closed my eyes with the knotted chain in hand, took three long breaths that I sent into the chain, and thought, "Now it is free." When I opened my eyes, I pulled the chain one last time before it completely came free.

I was totally and utterly amazed. I couldn't believe that my thoughts actually loosened the chain!!! I really believe in telekinesis now...that's exactly what I think I was doing when I breathed into the chain.

I would love to know if there are more people out there who have had experiences like this. I know that we can do many things just by simply believing we can, even if it seems hopelessly impossible.

That evening changed my life completely. I have changed a lot of habits just by this one experience. I can see the ways the Universe works a little more clearly each day.

My little girl even started drinking green smoothies...which is something I thought was comPLETely impossible, because every time she would even look at one, she would cringe. She saw mine in a pretty wine glass on the counter, and said "What's this mama?" I told her it was a green smoothie and that she could try it. She DID!! She LOVED it, and even had another one today.

Life is wonderful, and there are many blessings around us. All we have to do is believe, ask, and receive.

Dove~Love

2009-01-06T10:20:00.001-08:00

Last night as I was getting ready for bed, I heard a low cooing sound outside.
It was pitch black and freezing temperatures. I took my dog out the last time for the evening found out that it was two doves, talking to eachother. I then went back into my room and listened to them a bit. One had a low, stronger voice, and the other had a softer, higher voice. The low one would coo three times, then the higher one would coo back. It was such a soothing sound. I was mezmerized that the doves were having this late night conversation...maybe they were keeping eachother warm in the night and having a romantic conversation.

This lead me to thinking about Chris and I. I felt my heart open and love flowing into it, each time I would hear the doves reply to eachother. I know that the dove is an animal sign for Jesus, and what better animal to symbolize His love, especially after the celebration of His birth.

The doves were a wonderful sound to hear as I fell asleep, and a wonderful reminder of the Love that we all share, whether we feel it, recognize it or not. It is always there.

What's Up on Planet Earth?

2009-01-05T19:43:00.000-08:00

Hello...do you ever read the What's Up on Planet Earth website?

Well, if not, here is a link to the new information about what's up with the energy here on earth right now. http://www.emergingearthangels.com/2009/wings1.5.2009.html

I really enjoy reading this, because it helps me understand the ups and downs that I go through, being an earth angel.

Are you an earth angel? You very well may be!

2009-01-05T07:03:00.000-08:00

I want to introduce you to a dear friend of mine. Her name is Carol Guy. The photo here is of her on her new book, Coming Out of the Spiritual Closet: Being an Earth Angel.

Carol played a big part in helping me find out who I was, and helping me to accept myself and love myself more than I ever have. She is a true Earth Angel. She is gifted with being able to hear, see, and feel angels around her. She has a team of masters that she works with, as well. She does private readings, and has a beautiful website, http://www.carolguy.com/Intro.html

with stories and information for people interested in knowing more about angels and the angelic realm.

Carol has a radio show on Blog Talk Radio called Earth Angel.

I got the chance to be on the show last Friday and talk about what it's like being an earth angel. If you'd like to listen to the show archive, here is the link:

http://www.blogtalkradio.com/earth-angel Just look for the January 2nd show with Tawni Lay.

I've known Carol for about 5 years now, and she is one of the most loving and most spiritual beings that I know. Please check out her website, and listen to her radio show!! It is well worth checking out.

Love, Peace and Blessings,

Tawni

2009-01-04T18:35:00.000-08:00

Tomorrow is going to be a big day for me! I am going onto Fort Hood to start my first yoga class at the PTSD (post traumatic stress disorder) clinic.

Before the holidays, I taught to 7 soldiers for 2 days during 2 weeks, along with doing Reiki sessions and reflexology, and it was a really great experience. I felt like I was really making a difference in their lives. The last day my nose was really stuffy and I kept sniffling during the Reiki session I was giving. I said, "Boy, I wish I could breath!" The soldier I was working on at the time said "Don't worry about it, you're a really awesome person." You know, I really needed that at that time. Thanks soldier!

I just found out that I was doing this yoga job yesterday. Like a lot of people, we have been having money problems, so this was a HUGE blessing. I wasn't sure if I would be able to do the job, b/c my daughter will be just getting out of school before the class starts. Luckily, I got my grandmother to pick her up and babysit. Yay for my Grandma Joan, she's such an awesome lady.

This yoga class is supposed to be everyday this week, and pays really well. Big Man above's been really lookin out for me. Thanks to you too, Father. I owe this all to you. :)

My New Years Resolutions

2009-01-03T06:17:00.001-08:00

I have not made resolutions since I was like 10 years old!

I'm glad I'm doing it now.

Here they are:

Become as close to 100% raw as possible

Read at least 30 minutes a day

Get outside and breath or play a little each day

Be honest with myself and others no matter what and not hide my feelings until it builds up and I become angry

When I start to feel stressed, stop and breath. Don't let negative emotions get the best of me.

Express myself creatively everyday, whether it's writing, singing, dancing, etc.

Speak from my heart and not be afraid to do so.

Stop drinking coffee everyday and only have it once in a while.

Well, there they are! I know I can do it!!

A New Year, A New Me!

2009-01-02T17:37:00.000-08:00

Hello! My name is Tawni.

This is my new blog! I'm really excited about it. I hope to share my experiences with you.

I am at the moment 80% raw, 100% vegan. I am also an Earth Angel, from the Elemental realm. (A pixie) I am also a yogi of 12 years and teach Integral Hatha Yoga, practice Reiki, perform reflexology, and teach raw foods classes. As you can tell, I LOVE natural health, and healing, along with all kinds of fitness, spirituality, organic farming, sustainable living, animals, nature, the arts, loving life, and more.

My goal for this blog is to kinda keep it like a journal...I am not so good at keeping a journal in terms of writing on paper, so hopefully this will help me to get my feelings out, and help me to reflect. I know its public, so I am going to keep a private journal too...I think this is a great start for me though.

I am happy to finally be breaking through my fears of not being good enough, thinking that I am insignificant, and that nobody cares about what I have to say. I know people care. I know that I can help people by what I have to say.

I am open to comment too, so please be honest about what you think. Positive or negative, I think all opinions are great to help shape and mold me into the perfection that I am meant to be!

Happy New Year All, and many blessings to you. I hope this year your dreams come true a little more this year than the last, if not all the way!

Love and Light,

Tawni