Life with The Nutman, Nia and Chocolate

The Wine Tasting

noreply@blogger.com (Coffee, Chocolate and Nia (Jill)) — Mon, 12 Oct 2009 11:17:00 +0000

Just a blog of thanks to all our customers who came to the wine tasting on Sunday, Oct. 11th.

Lots of fun, lots of people, lots of wine...and Chef Frank's garlic chicken was a hit!

We'll have another wine tasting in the spring...until then, blessing to everyone!!!

The holidays are coming up. Be sure to stop in and take a look at all of our new fall/holiday merchandise. More will be coming in, too. We're having our fall sale from October 17 through October 25th. There's a 20% discount on all regularly priced merchandise and a larger discount as always on the clearance items.

We regret that we are unable to hold items for more than 24 hours beginning Friday, October 16th. That is our policy as we move forward into the new year as well.

Thank you so much for your patronage!!! We appreciate it.

With love,

Jill and Frank Campana

Wine Tasting - October 11, 2009

noreply@blogger.com (Coffee, Chocolate and Nia (Jill)) — Mon, 14 Sep 2009 15:42:00 +0000

YOU WON'T WANT TO MISS OUR FALL WINE TASTING!

OCTOBER 11, 2009 (NON-PACKER SUNDAY!)

2-4 P.M.

MUST BE 21 YEARS OF AGE

(PLEASE DO NOT BRING CHILDREN)

$5 PER PERSON COVER CHARGE

SAMPLES OF CHEF FRANK'S FAMOUS GARLIC CHICKEN PLUS OTHER

GOURMET SELECTIONS FOR SAMPLING

18 DIFFERENT WINES (2 DISTRIBUTORS)!!!!

RSVP BY E-MAIL: INFO@NUTMAN.COM

OR CALL 262-628-4771

GIVE US YOUR NAME, THE # OF PEOPLE ATTENDING AND A PHONE NUMBER

October Wine Tasting!!!

noreply@blogger.com (Coffee, Chocolate and Nia (Jill)) — Tue, 01 Sep 2009 15:19:00 +0000

Are you interested in coming to our wine tasting in October?

We're having 2 distributors -- around 20 different wines.

Sunday, October 11, 2009

2-4 p.m.

$5 per person cover charge

Must be 21 years of age

(No children accompanying adults please)

Chef Frank plans to sample his famous garlic chicken. You won't want to miss it!

Other great gourmet selections will be available to sample, too!

R.S.V.P. BY OCTOBER 10, 2009

CALL 262-628-4771 OR

email: info@nutman.com

Name, phone number or e-mail, # of people attending

Knowing

noreply@blogger.com (Coffee, Chocolate and Nia (Jill)) — Wed, 22 Jul 2009 18:53:00 +0000

Frank and I watched a movie last night, "Knowing", with Nicholas Cage. We were hoping for something along the same lines as "Next" -- but it was not to be so.

The story was actually pretty interesting until it got into the meat of the movie. I won't be a spoiler, let me just say, UGHHH. What a waste of time.

There are things I know...there are even things that I probably see before they happen...I've had that experience...I call it coincidence, but had I paid better attention I could've been more prepared.

I like the adventure of life much better than actually knowing what's going to happen. What fun is that? In the movie, Knowing, Cage's character realizes that the ability to see disasters before they happen is only cause for fear and panic.

No thanks. I'll take the unknown anyday. How about you?

The garden party

noreply@blogger.com (Coffee, Chocolate and Nia (Jill)) — Tue, 14 Jul 2009 16:59:00 +0000

It couldn't have been more perfect weather...or a more perfect setting. Frank and I had around 50 guests for dinner (each of them brought a side dish -- all of them were yummy and if you could be so kind as to forward a recipe of what you brought, we would appreciate it. Forward to jillcampana@gmail.com.

I've posted photos on my Facebook page. If you belong to Facebook, check them out!!! Here's a link.

http://www.facebook.com/album.php?aid=25112&id=1457268654&l=1b163070a3

It was wonderously wonderful, fabulously fabulous...and except for the occasional waft of laughter from near and far, you would never have known there were 50 people on the property.

Mary Rick took the photos...thank you Mary. Cheri Kalcich took some, too, and I'm anxious to see those!!!

It's another perfect day today...

The House Bunny

noreply@blogger.com (Coffee, Chocolate and Nia (Jill)) — Wed, 01 Jul 2009 17:39:00 +0000

Yes, I'll admit it. Frank and I sat and actually watched this movie, The House Bunny. It was mindless drivel...kind of like the female version of Animal House, with the only similarity being that the setting was at a college.

In thinking back about it (why, you might ask), it was another typical ugly girl versus cute girl with cute girl winning. What's up with this anyway? Why is it that producers, directors and even the actors/actresses give energy to the kind of image that is so devoid of reality and sends entirely the wrong message -- that message being if you want to succeed in life or maybe just in making friends you have to be cute, wear lots of make-up and show your cleavage.

There's no spoiler alert needed for this one. Just don't waste your money or your time. The female population of our country (or any country for that matter) does not need to witness the dumbing down of women. And I don't need any lip from the peanut gallery...don't even go there.

Another movie not worth the time or trouble is Under Suspicion with Gene Hackman and Morgan Freeman. This is an movie from 2000 (based on a novel and a 1950's French movie). The plot thickens and then just disintegrates into the director's puddle of loathsome fantasies. Truly a waste of time in my estimation. Such a waste of fine actors like Hackman and Freeman. They should know better. Remember the movie Glengary Glen Ross? OMG, don't even get me started on that one. Under Suspicion is very similar in the areas of high profile actors be given a really bad script and then the director making it even more boring.

I'm no film critic, but I do know that these kinds of movies that portray the human race...and particularly the female portion of it...as mindless, gutless, whimpering, resentful mothers, sisters, wives, daughters, etc., just don't serve any purpose other than as a bad example of how not to be.

I'd love to hear about any movies that you might have seen recently (rented or otherwise) that you perhaps feel have a message worth sharing.

If dogs and cats could blog

noreply@blogger.com (Coffee, Chocolate and Nia (Jill)) — Sat, 27 Jun 2009 21:48:00 +0000

The difference between a dog's blog and a cat's blog:

A dog's blog:

8:00 am - Dog food! My favorite thing!

9:30 am - A car ride! My favorite thing!

9:40 am - A walk in the park! My favorite thing!

10:30 am - Got rubbed and petted! My favorite thing!

12:00 pm - Lunch! My favorite thing!

1:00 pm - Played in the yard! My favorite thing!

3:00 pm - Wagged my tail! My favorite thing!

5:00 pm - Milk bones! My favorite thing!

7:00 pm - Got to play ball! My favorite thing!

8:00 pm - Wow! Watched TV with the people! My favorite thing!

11:00 pm - Sleeping on the bed! My favorite thing!

A Cat's Blog:

Day 983 of my captivity. My captors continue to taunt me with bizarre little dangling objects. They dine lavishly on fresh meat, while the other inmates and I are fed hash or some sort of dry nuggets.

Although I make my contempt for the rations perfectly clear, I nevertheless must eat something in order to keep up my strength. The only thing that keeps me going is my dream of escape. In an attempt to disgust them, I once again vomit on the carpet.

Today I decapitated a mouse and dropped its headless body at their feet. I had hoped this would strike fear into their hearts, since it clearly demonstrates what I am capable of. However, they merely made condescending comments about what a 'good little hunter' I am. Bastards.

There was some sort of assembly of their accomplices tonight. I was placed in solitary confinement for the duration of the event. However, I could hear the noises and smell the food. I overheard that my confinement was due to the power of 'allergies.' I must learn what this means and how to use it to my advantage.

Today I was almost successful in an attempt to assassinate one of my tormentors by weaving around his feet as he was walking. I must try this again tomorrow -- but at the top of the stairs.

I am convinced that the other prisoners here are flunkies and snitches. The dog receives special privileges. He is regularly released - and seems to be more than willing to return. He is obviously retarded.

The bird has got to be an informant. I observe him communicating with the guards regularly. I am certain that he reports my every move. My captors have arranged protective custody for him in an elevated cell, so he is safe ... for now.

The Weed Fairy

noreply@blogger.com (Coffee, Chocolate and Nia (Jill)) — Wed, 24 Jun 2009 11:18:00 +0000

Wow...there's nothing like good friends and good neighbors. Frank and I were sitting on the couch this morning having a cup of coffee...must've been around 5:30-5:45 a.m. All of a sudden I see some movement out in our veggie garden. OMG!!! It's the weed fairy and her magical pup, Butters!!!!

The Weed Fairy, better known as our neighbor, Michelle, had heard my plight yesterday of not being able to weed our veggie garden because of a hip/knee injury I sustained from...yes...gardening. I had, in passing, mentioned that I'd love it if the "weed fairy" would come to my house.

There's just nothing like good friends and good neighbors. I can't say that often enough. Here she is crawling around through our veggie garden pulling weeds, Butters politely and sweetly sitting by the garden. It was a sight to see and I'm so grateful to her for it. Wow, there's just nothing like good friends and good neighbors. Michelle happens to be both.

Thanks Michelle. Hey, you play the flute don't you? Could you don your Chipmunk Fairy hat and bring your flute...perhaps "pied piper" the chipmunks from our property?

Happy Solstice Everyone!

noreply@blogger.com (Coffee, Chocolate and Nia (Jill)) — Sun, 21 Jun 2009 14:39:00 +0000

The longest day of the year...more daylight in which to eat chocolate, drink coffee and dance Nia!! I love it!

I've often wondered what it is that keeps people -- especially people who know ME -- from coming to one of my Nia classes. Is it that it's not marketed as thoroughly as Zumba or Yoga? Is it that there aren't 50,000 Nia teachers in the world so that, in itself, makes Nia less worthy?

Fear. I'll say it loud and clear to all of you out there who still have not come to one of my Nia classes. F-E-A-R. Whether you admit it or not, it's fear that's holding you back. Fear of looking stupid. Fear of "what will my Zumba friends think?". Fear of creative expression through movement. Fear, fear, fear. Fear of not getting a good workout. Fear of getting too much of a workout. Fear of being the only man in a class full of women. Fear that you're uncoordinated. Fear, fear, fear. Fear of being the oldest person in class. Fear of hurting yourself. Fear of letting go.

Ahhhhh....that's the one, isn't it? Fear of letting go. You must always act with restraint and good manners. You must always present yourself as you wish others to see you. You musn't' let go of any thing because...BECAUSE WHAT???? You'll be losing something???? Is that what you think?

Letting go isn't about losing something. It's about loosening our grip so that we can receive the best things in life. It's about allowing those things that no longer serve us to move out and those things that allow us to be who we really are to rise up.

That's what Nia does. It creates space. What you do with it is up to you.

So will I see you in class soon? Class times are Mondays and Saturdays at 9 a.m.; Tuesdays at 5:30 p.m. and Wednesdays at 6:00 p.m.

Coyotes, chipmunks, raccoons, et.al.

noreply@blogger.com (Coffee, Chocolate and Nia (Jill)) — Fri, 19 Jun 2009 13:11:00 +0000

So now, having made the decision to make peace with the chipmunks, we find a coyote traveling through our property. Must've been a youngster because the cats got the best of it, sending it yelping and went running lickety-split to wherever it was going before it met up with Josie and Loki.

Josie is our fat cat. She looks like Morris or Garfield ... just as fat and loves food just as much as they do. But she's also a fighter and a survivor. Nothing gets by Josie without a fight. Except the chipmunks. I think I saw them playing cards the other day. Josie was letting them win.

So when the coyote (or possibly a young grey fox, too, but the legs are too long) decided to traverse across our property, it was evidently not aware of the pitfalls associated with such an action. It does bother me though that coyotes are predators of cats. But that's something that Frank and I have come to terms with since we like to allow them to go outside. We have 2 1/2 acres of property, so there's no need for them to go off searching for greener grass.

Loki on the other hand is a pacifist. He'd rather be invisible, not liking any kind of confrontation...except those of course that he initiates. Then it's okay. For instance, our oldest cat, Misha, who is 18 this year. He'd like to scratch her eyes out if he could get close enough, but our princess has a room of her own. Yes, a room of her own, southern exposure, a litter box of her own and lovely bedding that gets fluffed every night for her sweet, scrawny, old little butt. No wonder Loki hates her.

So the saga of the wildlife issues continues. We're looking at alternative ways of deterring them, but actually we love all wildlife and prefer to co-exist with them...except maybe for Wile E. Coyote. Depends on just how wiley he/she becomes. There's always Acme.

Living with Nature

noreply@blogger.com (Coffee, Chocolate and Nia (Jill)) — Tue, 16 Jun 2009 12:57:00 +0000

In case you haven't seen the comment that Scott Diehl left on my blog, "No Lifeguard on Duty", please take a moment to read it. I made a comment to Scott's post, however, since it is a comment to a comment, I thought it might get lost in the mix. So the following is what I posted as to Scott's compassionate reply to my "No Lifeguard on Duty" blog.

When I told Frank that I was blogging about the chipmunk problem, he got very upset. It is not his nature (nor mine) to kill or harm any living thing. And I am publicly apologizing for making the death of these chipmunks some sort of a joke-style blog.

I have personally written back to Scott Diehl. It's interesting that just last night we made the decision that killing chipmunks was not in alignment with the way we live our lives in general. This morning I received Scott's comment which is very much appreciated. We have saved many animals from death or injury. One time we even called Scott because we had 2 teensy baby raccoons (whose mother had probably been run over) by our pond.

We are not killers. And I won't use this blog to list the reasons (human nature of course)as to why we decided to rid our property of several chipmunks. Scott has offered some viable options to the problem. Thanks Scott, your compassion, along with your recommendations, is very much appreciated.

Please note that Scott is the Manager for the Wisconsin Humane Society Wildlife Rehabilitation Center. He has been featured in the Milwaukee Journal as well as an ad on television. He and his wife are customers of ours and hopefully still friends.

No Lifeguard on Duty

noreply@blogger.com (Coffee, Chocolate and Nia (Jill)) — Sun, 14 Jun 2009 14:32:00 +0000

We went to a neighbor's graduation party yesterday. All of the other neighbors were there, too. There's only a couple of times a year that we see each other and that's usually at somebody's party. We're all busy, leading very different lives, but we're all connected, and I like that feeling!!

Well, I proceeded to tell our neighbor across the street from us that we had an infestation of chipmunks. She laughed and said, "doesn't surprise me...we have a sign on our birdfeeder out in back that has an arrow pointing to your place with the words "free food at the Campanas". Ha ha ha. Very funny. They obviously think that chipmunks can read.

Well, they must be able to read because our neighbors don't have any chipmunks and we have about 500, probably 600 by the time I get through typing this blog. They are proliferating little things. So we decided rather than shooting them, we would build them a little pool so they could get a drink and chill out on hot days. The pool we built them is a large white bucket, a ramp so that they can walk right up to the edge, a little food sprinkled on the top of the water so that they can have a bite to eat while they're lounging in the pool. We also have a very large sign posted on the bucket: NO LIFEGUARDS ON DUTY, SWIM AT YOUR OWN RISK. Well, either they can't read or they just like to take risks because some of these silly chippies don't know how to swim.

I'm supposing you're getting the picture by now. The GWH (Great White Hunter) was out last night about twilight. He was able to pick off a few of the varmits before he saw what he believes to be a coyote casually trotting along our farmer's path that leads to the back swamp.

Coyote enjoy a little kitty-stew every once in awhile. About 10 years ago, I lived on 360 acre organic farm in Indiana. I had 3 cats. We had a corn field right outside my bedroom window and just about twilight the coyotes would come to the end of the cornfield and begin to yip their haunting serenade. It's really bone-chilling to hear. Evidently one of my cats decided to go check it out, maybe she wanted to join the chorus. I'm not sure...but the next thing I know, she's gone. Several of the farm cats disappeared...we figured it was coyotes.

So now here in Wisconsin...we do live in the country, but it's not like there aren't lots of people around and cars screaming down our street. What's a coyote doing out here? (Oh yeah, I forgot, we -- human beings -- have taken just about every piece of land around here to build condos and apartment buildings that are standing empty...but we keep buildin' 'em, just in case there are 50,000 people that might want to move to this little piece of the earth.)

Okay, the coyote. I actually think it was a fox. Frank says no, it's a coyote. My take on that is that since our cats are outside half of the time, some of the time being when we're not even home, I would think they'd be dead if it were a coyote. Whatever...fox or coyote...I've decided that I'm going to introduce them to a little chocolate chipmunk cookie dessert treat. There's enough of them around for 50 coyotes to have breakfast, lunch AND dinner for about a month.

We could then get rid of the bb rifle, we could put the chipmunk diving pool away...but do I really want to chance it with my cats?

Hmmmm....me thinks probably not. But it's a backup plan nonetheless.

Garden party - July 11th

noreply@blogger.com (Coffee, Chocolate and Nia (Jill)) — Sat, 13 Jun 2009 18:58:00 +0000

If you haven't responded that you're coming to our annual garden party (customers, friends, neighbors, Nia and Yoga students), please take a moment to consider doing so. I know the invitation said you had until June 28th, but as is usually the case, we start getting a little antsy to know who's thinking about attending.

So far we have 12. Last year we had 90. I know it's right after the 4th of July weekend, maybe that's the reason for so few are coming this year.

We're happy to be with however many folks commit.

You can e-mail me or call the store.

Thanks!!!

The hunter and huntress

noreply@blogger.com (Coffee, Chocolate and Nia (Jill)) — Thu, 11 Jun 2009 16:43:00 +0000

The chipmunks have started a war on our property. Now mind you we are not hunters or killers. We don't fish, we don't hunt deer, we can't stand to see animals as roadkill. Anyone who knows Frank and I, knows that we are pacifists by nature.

Just the other day, Frank told me that he saw a huge snapping turtle trying to cross a busy street. Normally Frank just lets nature take its course and doesn't get involved. But this day, he decided to get out of his van and try to help the big guy across the way. The turtle wasn't having any of it. He kept turning in Frank's direction and snapping. I wish someone would've had a video camera. I'm sure it was hysterical. He was successful finally in getting the big guy across the road unscathed (both he and the turtle). He had to use one of our gift boxes that he had in the car to push the turtle along though and you should see the large beak (due turtles have beaks?) gouges in the box. Thank goodness it wasn't Frank's hand or one of his fingers.

So the chipmunks. I'd say there are about, oh, maybe 500 who have made our property their home. They dig holes, they eat our plants, they eat the bird seed, they eat the cat food, they sit on the porch and chirp. They've built a condo complex under our hundred foot long boardwalk that we have going through our river birches. I used to think they were cute. Not anymore. These are not your Chip and Dale cartoon chipmunks. They destroy. They tease. They're loud and obnoxious and have parties until way late..oh no, wait, that's our neighbors.

Frank has a bb gun. I think that's all I'll say at this point, other than I called him from the office the other day. He had gotten home early. I asked him what he was doing. His answer was "hunting". I laughed out loud. Frank once shot a squirrel. He (Frank, not the squirrel) was in therapy for weeks afterwards. We are just not the killing sort.

I will say that although their number may dwindle by one or two a day, the chipmunks rule and they are winning the war. There is a chipmunk hole just at the bottom of the steps leading from the deck to one of our paths. Frank put a big rock in it. The rock was gone the next day. So we filled it with a gob of small rocks. The next day all of the rocks were off to the side. We have 5 cats. I show them all the chipmunk hole. Josie sits by the hole with her mouth open, hoping that one of them will just pop out and run right into her mouth. She sits for an hour. As soon as she leaves, a chipmunk pops out and runs toward the bird feeders. I think chipmunks must be like cockroaches. My mom used to say don't kill a cockroach in the house because 1,000 of their relatives will come to their funeral. With every chipmunk that is relieved of its duty, there are 10 more to take its place.

Ah yes, Frank has a bb gun. Soon enough though, you'll be able to call me Annie Oakley. I'm goin' after these little critters. I'm gonna have Frank teach me how to shoot the bb gun. I'm gonna be able to cock that bb gun so fast and reload that the little chipmunk bodies are going to be scattered all over the property. Yes sireee. I'm going hunting.

Yeah, right. Me, who won't watch the movie Marley and Me because there is supposedly a sad ending. Me, who can't watch Bambi. Me, who cries at basketball games.

But that won't stop me from smiling as I hear the phlfft of the great white hunter's bb gun.

Life with The Nutman. He's a character and keeps my life interesting. Never a dull moment, that's for sure.

The blogging world

noreply@blogger.com (Coffee, Chocolate and Nia (Jill)) — Mon, 01 Jun 2009 16:20:00 +0000

I am so totally in to FaceBook that I find it hard to blog. But actually that's a lie. I end up blogging for about as much time as I'm on Facebook and anyone who is on Facebook knows how much time that is. Thank God I don't Twitter. That really would be the end of me.

And my relationship with Frank...who doesn't even know how to turn a computer on, but does know that I spend an inordinate amount of time on the machine. And he also knows that I can invoke some control with it if I need to...it's just very rare that I need to...well, that's not true either. I actually do need to invoke some control with it, but choose not to. There. The truth.

I love to type, I love to write, I love to Blog, I love to visit FaceBook. I love to dance more though...so glad Nia is in my life. Wish more of you would come to my classes. If I say so myself, they are truly works of art -- Life as Art through dance. It's magical and it's fun.

As much fun as FaceBook? Or Blogging? Yep, I'd have to say so. Find your way to Sacred Space Studio and take a Nia class. Forget the latin cardio...Nia is what you're looking for.

Come on...what's it gonna take? Are you on Facebook? Seriously?

Coffee and Chocolate

noreply@blogger.com (Coffee, Chocolate and Nia (Jill)) — Mon, 25 May 2009 21:03:00 +0000

Comforts of life. Coffee and chocolate.

That's all I have to say at the moment. If you want to read my other blogs, please go to:

http://niamagic.blogspot.com
http://niainnerjourneys.blogspot.com
http://niatechnique.wordpress.com

So...it's Memorial Day. In memory of all who have gone before...

Nia and the Focus on Being Present

noreply@blogger.com (Coffee, Chocolate and Nia (Jill)) — Wed, 20 May 2009 11:55:00 +0000

I always start my Nia classes with a focus so that students have something to reach for, to attain...instead of just coming in to an exercise class and beginning to move without any consciousness present.

Much of my past aerobic class experience as a student was just that -- no focus, just begin moving. There was no word of caution about doing this move or that move. To me it was a state of being an automoton...there was no compulsion to think or be aware of what I was doing, how I was moving.

And that is one of the things I find so very compelling about Nia. My students are invited to focus on being present -- being here and now and in the moment, activating body awareness and consciousness. When you are aware and conscious, you can notice what you do and can more effectively make choices and decisions that will deliver fitness and wellness. When you dance, let go of distracting throughts. Place your attention on what you sense and feel happening in the moment through your body. Be present to your body's needs and be present to the experience you are having. Use your presence to make choices based on love rather than fear

The choice is to be conscious of the possibility for change and transformation. No one disputes the fact that life consists of change. Transformation and change are different...changes can be made gradually, however, there is usually a desire to merely have the "old" look new. The key to transformation is that it takes quantum leaps and when it does, the "old" isn't simply redesigned. Sometime new appears. There is a clarity, a knowingness, a fearlessness about being present.

Do it.

Nia and the 5 Sensations

noreply@blogger.com (Coffee, Chocolate and Nia (Jill)) — Tue, 19 May 2009 18:03:00 +0000

Roget's 21st Century Thesaurus defines "sensation" as: feeling, perception awareness, consciousness, emotion, impression, passion, response and also as .

In Nia, the Five Sensations are all of that and more. Sensing precisely how you feel at any given moment is Your Body's Way of teaching you how to move with more pleasure (the phrase "no pain, no gain" from the 80's aerobic era is so off-base it's not funny).

The five sensations of Nia are: Flexibility, Agility, Mobility, Strength and Stability.

Flexibility is sensed as energy moving outward. Flexibility gives you the freedom to expand, radiate outward, extend in all directions. Flexibility creates space within and connects you to the world beyond.

Agility is sensed as the ability to easily start and stop movement, a shift of dynamic tension. Agility allows you to negotiate shifts of weight and direction, to sprint at full speed, turn on a dime, alight on one foot, roll into a somersault and then walk on down the road. Think speed and grace (like a cheetah). Agility brings calm to commotion or quick action to complacency.

Mobility is sensed as energy in constant motion (my favorite sensation). Free spirited movement, constantly alive, undulating, flowing, seeking to fill empty spaces. Exploring, lofting, spiraling, playful. I use the sensation of Mobility when FreeDancing (Principle #4 of Nia). The sensation is that of freedom, release, fluidity.Strength is sensed as energy moving inward, of sustaining power.

Strength is the core of the power exerted in life. The perfect balance of power and grace, sensed as relaxation (not tension) is dynamic strength. Think warrior or protector. Energy is drawn in and hugs the bones providing condensed, concentrated energy and power from within.

Stability is sensed as calmness with readiness for action. Centered, grounded. The balance between opposing forces: pushing together, pulling apart. Stability is the foundation on which to build.

So, in looking at each of these sensations...how can or DO you sense them in your everyday living? And certainly when attending a Nia class, look for these sensations as you move!

Spring Sale, Nia Playshop, Sunrise Yoga

noreply@blogger.com (Coffee, Chocolate and Nia (Jill)) — Thu, 14 May 2009 18:01:00 +0000

Spring Sale:
Reminder about our Spring sale May 16 through May 24, 2009! 30% discount off regularly priced merchandise, 15% off our wine selection, greater discounts on clearance items.

We are not able to hold items prior to the sale, sorry! Discounts do not apply to coffee bar menu, corporate gifts or Sacred Space Studio classes and services.

Nia Playshop:
There is a Nia Playshop this Saturday, May 16, 2009 from 10:30 a.m.-12:30 p.m. IT'S FREE. Participants must be 15 years of age to attend. The focus is on FreeDance and the of 52 Moves of Nia...and did I mention that it's free??

Sunrise Yoga Class:
Sunrise Yoga is available now on Tuesdays at Sacred Space Studio from 6:30 a.m.-7:45 a.m. The class is taught by Kitty Downey. Please e-mail Kitty directly if interested. Her e-mail is: kitty@soulpathyoga.com

Spring Sale, Nia Playshop and Sunrise Yoga

noreply@blogger.com (Coffee, Chocolate and Nia (Jill)) — Mon, 11 May 2009 01:20:00 +0000

Just wanted to let everyone know about The Really Cool Gift Shop spring sale -- it starts Saturday, May 16 and runs through Sunday, May 24. It's a basic 30% discount off of all regularly priced merchandise in the gift shop and The Nutman products, 15% discount off of our wine selection and as always we have a great clearance section as well. The discount does not apply to coffee bar menu items, corporate gifts, or Sacred Space Studio classes or services.

A Nia playshop on FreeDance is being held Saturday, May 16th from 10:30a-12:30p, following the regular Nia class (which is from 9a-10a). The playshop is a great time to learn a little bit more about Nia as well as looking at our individual habitual movement patterns. FreeDance is one of the basic principles of Nia which allows for spontaneous or free form movement. We'll be learning the 8 Stages of FreeDance while utilizing the 52 Nia Moves.

Kitty Downey is offering Sunrise Yoga on Tuesdays at 6:30 a.m. If interested, please call 262-628-4771 or contact Kitty by e-mail: kitty@soulpathyoga.com. Students will be paying Kitty directly for this class.

Thank you for your continued support!

Yoga Class Structure at Sacred Space

noreply@blogger.com (Coffee, Chocolate and Nia (Jill)) — Sat, 09 May 2009 02:15:00 +0000

Effective August 1, 2009 there will be a new Yoga class structure at Sacred Space. If you currently have a punch card or if you're considering purchasing a new one, please note that all punch cards expire on July 31, 2009.

Effective August 1, 2009, Yoga students will pay the Yoga teacher directly (check or cash only). The classes remain same days and times: Monday and Thursday evenings at 5:45 p.m. with Shelly Sullivan; Tuesday mornings at 6:30 a.m. and Friday mornings at 8:30 a.m. with Kitty Downey.

If you have any questions about the new payment structure, please talk with either Kitty or Shelly.

Thank you for your continued support!

Spring sale

noreply@blogger.com (Coffee, Chocolate and Nia (Jill)) — Sun, 03 May 2009 13:54:00 +0000

It's Sunday, May 3rd. Ahhhhh, the "feel" of spring is definitely in the air today.

Hey, The Really Cool Gift Shop is having a big surprise Spring sale. If you want to know when, just provide a comment to this blog and you'll know before anyone else!!!

We've also set our next Wine Tasting date...wanna know when it is? hmmm...guess you'll have to comment on that, too...you'll be the first to know!!!!

Sacred Space Studio

noreply@blogger.com (Coffee, Chocolate and Nia (Jill)) — Tue, 28 Apr 2009 17:07:00 +0000

Come play at Sacred Space!!!

UPCOMING PLAYSHOP:
Saturday, May 16th: FreeDance Playshop -- the 8 Stages of FreeDance. Time is 10:30a-12:30p. PRE-REGISTRATION REQUESTED!!! Cost: Donation basis on the day of the playshop. Come and play with letting go of movement habits and limitations - find your way of spontaneously moving to the rhythm of life!!!

The Nutman Company, The Really Cool Gift Shop, The Java Dancer Coffee Bar and Sacred Space Studio are all having to look at current pricing. In some cases with The Nutman products we have increased prices, in some cases we have lowered prices. We have not changed the way we price for retail merchandise in the gift shop. We are looking at possibly raising the prices across the board for coffee bar menu items. And of course the Sacred Space Studio is the heart of our business...it's not only located in the center of our space, but also the beautiful spirited women who dance in it provide much of the that heart radiance.

PRICE INCREASE FOR Nia PAYMENT PACKAGE EFFECTIVE IMMEDIATELY: I have not increased the price for Nia classes in 2 years. I'm not only looking to change the pricing but also the way the classes are managed as far as attendance.

Effective immediately there is only one payment plan: 10 classes for $75 to be used within 4 months (that's $7.50 per class; currently the per-class cost is $7.14 with the payment plan of 7 classes for $50). There are 3 more classes availale in the new package and a price increase per class of less than 50 cents. Someone who wishes to pay on a per classes basis (not the package) would pay $12 per class.

This eliminates the various payment plans. If you buy the class package you'll have a punch card which will be located in the Studio where you sign in. You can either punch in before or after class. I will no longer need to notify you when payment is due because you'll know when you need a new punch card. You'll need to pay at the coffee bar register to receive a new punch card. Obviously any current payment plan will be honored.

The payment plan for Yoga remains $70 for 7 classes. Sacred Space Studio pays both Shelly and Kitty for teaching their classes. The Friday morning and Monday evening classes are not well-attended. These classes may be cancelled by the end of June 2009 if we cannot increase the number of students who regularly attend these classes. Shelly's Thursday evening class is very well attended and Kitty is starting a Tuesday morning Sunrise Yoga class in which several customers have expressed an interest. If you're interested in attending a Sunrise Yoga class on Tuesday mornings, please contact Kitty. Her e-mail is kitty@soulpathyoga.com or you can call me at 262-628-4771 to pre-register. This class will be via payment plan only $70 for 7 classes.

I'm trusting that this price increase for Nia will not deter anyone from their regular Nia practice at Sacred Space with me. As you are all aware, the physical, mental, emotional, and spiritual benefits from Nia go far beyond the classroom setting.

Come play!!!!

Wine Tastings This Year

noreply@blogger.com (Coffee, Chocolate and Nia (Jill)) — Tue, 21 Apr 2009 15:54:00 +0000

The Packers have published their schedule this year! We always wait for that schedule to come out so that we can set our wine tasting date for the fall -- it always needs to be on a non-Packer Sunday! Although Brett Favre was definitely a draw for lots of fans, Packer fans are Packer fans no matter what.

So if you're wondering when the next wine tasting is, I guess you'll need to keep reading this blog...I'll post it later.

Anyone out there??? About a month ago I posted on the blog and was giving away a nice gift to the first person who commented to that particular post. I gave it 2 weeks. No one posted. So sad. However, I still find blogging to be a great way to network socially. Perhaps someone (other than Bette...although I do welcome your comments Bette) will post a comment....imagine my delight if that were to happen.

And happy birthday Bette and Barbara!!!

Metamorphosis Event on April 11, 2009

noreply@blogger.com (Coffee, Chocolate and Nia (Jill)) — Mon, 13 Apr 2009 12:30:00 +0000

Metamorphosis: As Richard Bach said in his book "Illusions"..."what the caterpillar calls the end of the world, the Master calls a butterfly."

I'm speechless. Well, that's probably next to impossible, but I am at a loss for words to describe the Metamorphosis: Life As Art event on Saturday, April 11. It was definitely an EVENT. There were nine delightful women that created a most sacred of spaces with Stacy and I. It was perfect. I met two women at the event with whom I'd had no contact. Both of them, Andrea and Renee, stepped right up to do whatever was asked of them. I do believe they left satisfied!!

I can't wait for Stacy to post the photos on Facebook. OMG. The studio, if I say so myself, was unbelieveably beautiful. I had done most of the prep work the night before. Radiating out the long handled "butterfly nets" (thank you Banner Craft in Hartford) in the center of the room. However, I was puzzled as to what should go in the middle of the circle. I put one of the Nia Bears (a stuffed bear with a "Nia" t-shirt on it -- the back of it says "I love my body") in the middle the night before, but I really felt there was something else that needed to go there...just didn't know what.

Saturday morning, I remembered that I needed to bring sheets to put on the floor for the artwork part (no glue, scissors or colors on the wood floor please!). I went to my downstairs closet -- it's the closet that I stuff everything into that has no other place to be. And also where I keep all the "extra" linens. I open the closet door and POOF right in front of my eyes (it had fallen down from the shelf above) was a pair of beautiful glittery purple and turquoise butterfly wings that had been a part of my HalloweeNia costume 2 years ago (I always do a Halloween Nia routine for the occasion and I always dress up even if no one else does). I know that I must've gasped loud enough to wake the neighborhood. I was so excited! These wings would be what would go in the middle of the radiant circle in the middle of the studio!!!

Life just always provides if one is willing to move in the moment and trust that what should happen, will happen.Well, it was just the right thing. Wow. . I couldn't have been happier about how the studio was decorated. Each participant had a goodie bag filled with all sorts of...umm...goodies. A little snack (thank you Nutman Company), a bottle of water, a journal, a pen, a glue stick, some butterfly stickers, some "spirit" cards and, of course, a life sized silk butterfly.

Butterflies have always signified transformation for me. I witnessed the transformation at my office 2 years ago. The daughter of one of our baristas had found the cocoon of a Monarch butterfly and brought the cocoon in to the office (the cocoon was hanging from a small branch of a tree and she had put that into a large glass bottle). My office manager and I were witness to the birth of a butterfly...it took only a couple of days. First the cocoon began to break open ever so slightly. The next day a wing appeared but it was all rolled up and that very day that one wing opened up and it just hung there gracefully as if God had suspended an angel wing. The next day the cocoon opened up a bit more and the torso had dropped down just enough so that the other wing cascaded down, opening up a little later that same day. The third or fourth day the butterfly had totally emerged, it's little tiny feet were holding on to the cocoon and her wings had totally unfurled and she was drying them off but just hanging there and with ever so slight movement, fanned her wings back and forth. She was regal, elegant. The next day she was ready to fly. We ceremoniously took the jar outside and opened it up and watched as this miracle walked out to the opening and took flight. I remember catching my breath...it was so magnificent to have seen the transformation.And that's just how easy it is...all we have to do is allow the cocoon to break open. We need to take our time and allow our wings to unfurl patiently and dry so that when it's time to take flight we are unfettered of any unnecessary weight.

Nia is transformative movement. Nia creates space from which magical, miraculous changes can take place...but we have to let go of the cocoon. It's a process...And so it was that on 4/11, 11 of us took a journey through the 4 realms (body, mind, emotions and spirit).

I certainly enjoyed it and am trusting that the other 10 participants did as well.