6. Be a third grader for a day

I hadn't gone back to my elementary school since our 5 year reunion in 2005, and I was 30 minutes late which meant I was only actually on the campus for an hour, tops. I never went back since. My aching nostalgia coupled with a few teachers I still harbored resentment for (crazy, I know), kept me from going back. I also just thought it might be awkward.

As research for a script, the director, and two producers, and I (being the writer) decided to re-live being a third grader or at least sit in some classes in order to re-capture the essence of that age and time in our lives. This isn't something cultural to do around LA, but it was something I wouldn't ordinarily do, and a mini journey others might want to embark upon, so I thought why not document it in my favorite way possible - the written word.

I had e-mailed my former Principal, and he welcomed this with open arms. Upon arrival, I was greeted as though I were already a famous writer. A window into the world I so long for. I shook hands with many people, was introduced as writing a "script that was selected" and even had "candid" photographs (and posed ones too) taken of me for the school flier. It was everything I didn't expect and it was pretty damn gratifying.

It's ironic because, my story, (at the time, because it has changed, since) was about a little girl who doesn't have much of a real family of her own, but finds kinship and love in her classmates and teacher. And here I was, 13 years later, feeling like I had my own family in this small, private school. They were giving me the appreciation, encouragement, and sense of pride, I'd always wanted...from a father.

I sat at a small table, in a tiny chair, behind a large globe with my three partners. We observed the students as they read out loud from a mystery novel, made presentations, etc. They were very well behaved and had such long attention spans. The teacher spoke to them with much enthusiasm and interest. At recess, I spoke to her about awareness. Do the teachers know about the students' family lives? Do they have compassion and sensitivity on Mother's and Father's day and with assignments such as a Family Tree? She said they do have more awareness now, it being 2012, but mostly because this was a small school. But, she also said, that only one student in the entire class, was a child of divorce. No wonder I felt isolated in the 90s, when the numbers were even smaller.

After recess we went with the kids to PE. The students were adorable and friendly. Two boys, whose parents were in the industry, came up to us and shook our hands and told us about their parents and how they wanted to work on or be in movies, too. They were already trained.

In the gym, my coach from elementary school still remembered me. It made my heart melt a little. And I remembered the time when I was on the "bad" volleyball team, but I got 6 serves over in a row. It was pretty much my claim to fame...at least that day. And yes, the serves were underhand...

During PE, the coaches handed out awards, since it was the end of the school year. They preached about sportsmanship and being proud of one's self for any award. Kids were so supportive of one another. They seemed genuinely excited for those who won first, second, and third place. No one seemed disappointed or sad that they got a less exciting or prestigious award. It made me disheartened that at my age and in my school, the competitive streak takes over and many can't be happy for others (though sometimes people will pretend to be happy).

After PE, the students had lunch, which was pretty much the way I remembered it to be. Girls ran away from yellow jackets that got too close to their food. Kids traded lunch items. Boys talked about sports and girls talked about classes, fashion, family life, etc. It was nice to know that some things don't change.

After lunch we followed the kids to science class where they solved a mystery and learned about fingerprints. I was invited to an all-boys table and I was even allowed to help. It was very sweet. Afterwards they had Computer, where I was also recognized by the teacher. The kids played on new macbook pro laptops - games that involved critical thinking and teamwork.

The day concluded with Carpool. Buses were a new addition to the school - an option that wasn't there when I attended. And I observed a little bit longer, hoping to get more gems for my script.

At the end of the day, I'm not sure what I learned, but it did make me incredibly nostalgic, even more so, than I typically am. I long for those days when the serious things were not so serious. When learning was fun and inclusive and interactive. When play was encouraged. Not to say none of this is true for me today, but everything is covered in a veil of stress and seriousness and urgency. Everything is necessary and must be done. I long for those days when making a burial site for a "rolley polley" was the saddest and most cathartic part of the afternoon. It was nice to experience it again, and at least know that these moments still exist for children and they don't go under appreciated. It was a little gift.

5. SEW L.A.

My Grandma Gussie was really good at sewing. She used to hand knit sweaters, sweatshirts, dresses, purses, all sorts of things, for me and my dolls. She also used the machine. She was very crafty and patient in that way.

I am pretty impulsive. I used to have an incredibly long attention span. I could sit in my room, alone, for hours, building cities out of blocks. You couldn't get me to leave. When my mom and I went to the library, I would read the top book off the stack as we were leaving, in the car ride home (even though I would get incredibly car sick), while I was eating dinner, and then under the covers with a flashlight. I was the kid that got in trouble for READING...because it was passed my bed-time.

As I've gotten older, I've sadly seen my attention span decrease. I am constantly multi-tasking. When I do my homework, I am online, chatting to friends, with the television on. It's like I need constant noise, my mind needs to be satiated at all times, my senses constantly engorged. I don't like this about myself, but it's who I've become. The one plus side, is that I can be incredibly productive. I can get five things done in one hour, instead of just one. The downside is, I rarely feel calm.

When my friend posted SEW LA on the Culture Vulture Facebook Group (https://www.facebook.com/#!/groups/375936139131115/), I was immediately interested. When trying to do something new, I've realized that buying ahead of time is a good way to ensure that it's going to happen. It's easy to back out of something that hasn't been paid for already. I quickly purchased my ticket to the Intro class. It was pricey, but I figured it'd be worth it. Learning to sew is a good skill, especially since I've been doing production design lately, and in the intro class, you learn basics about the machine, about sewing, and you make your own little bag (you get some fabric, a bobbin, and thread). I thought this might be worth the money.

When I arrived in Atwater village (a bit of a drive from where I reside), I parked on the street (luckily there was ample parking). I rushed into the Sew LA shop (not wanting to be late!). It was a quaint shop. Neat, clean, simplistic. Fabrics were displayed along with a few items of clothing and accessories that had been made...possibly in store? In the back was a brick walled square space that had a few long tables. Two in the center and several surrounding those tables. A statuesque woman with pink sprinkled short hair, a nose ring, tattoo (of course), and summer dress casually greeted me. She was the teacher.

Along the outter tables were about ten Singer Stylist Sewing Machines. We got to pick from ten different fabrics for the bag that we could make. After carefully selecting my fabric (I think I might have OCD, because it always takes me way longer than everyone else to pick these sorts of things...and I was examining for imperfections...oy), I picked my color thread (black or white), and then sat down at a station. We were given practice fabric, a bobbin, and the machine for this intro class.

After everyone was in attendance (there were ten of us, mostly young girls ranging from about 18-28 and one grandmother), we went around the group and said our names and why we decided to take the class. One girl had inherited a machine from her sister and wanted to learn, the older woman used to sew and had forgotten how, and most were newcomers that had some sort of interest. Then, the teacher told us some basic information about the machines: how to work them, where the needle goes, and the thread, and the bobbin, and what all the buttons did. There was a hand out that she read off of, which was helpful, as well.

After that, we practiced two stitches, a straight stitch and a zigzag stitch, on our practice fabric. We also practiced a back stitch which is intended to knot the thread so it doesn't come undone. Once we started actually using the machines, I was having a lot of fun. I was a bit afraid of injuring my little fingers because the machine was moving very quickly. It operates a lot like a car. The harder you press down on the pedal, the faster the needle goes. And just as when you learn how to drive, you have to get used to the amount of pressure to apply on the pedal to get a good speed.

After practicing on our fabric, we started to make our little sewing bag. This involved measuring, cutting, pivoting on the sewing machine, and the stitches we had practiced. I messed up a few times, but the teacher was always there to help and she had a tool that took out improper stitches.

Overall, I was really happy with the class. I feel that if handed a sewing machine now, I could sew some basic things...though still not sure I could hand sew on a button (haha!). It was great to re-ingage with my attention span and only focus on one thing, though I found my self trying to speed through to move on to the next step. The beginning stages of the class where she explains things was a bit boring for me, but definitely necessary. I was just eager to get my hands on the machine, and once I did, it was simply...really fun! It's nice to feel a sense of mastery of something new, even though my stitches weren't completely straight.

Sew LA offers other classes. People can come and make dresses, pajamas, etc. I don't think I have the desire to learn how to make clothing, nor the cash flow. But I'm definitely glad I took the introduction class and can feel a little closer to my Grandma and her magical hands.

Learn more about Sew LA here: http://sew-la.com/

RESTAURANT REVIEW: Scoops

So...I'm giddy right now, and I don't think it's just a sugar rush. A few minutes ago I went to Scoops Westside, and I am already eager to write about it. Scoops is a small ice cream parlour (that also serves Intellegentsia coffee) located in Culver City. There is only one other shop in the Silverlake area on North Heliotrope.

Being an allergy-prone young lady, trying new bakeries or dessert places is always a challenge. Many restauranteurs are strangely unaware or ignorant when it comes to food allergy sufferers, and it can be an anxiety-ridden, unpleasant experience to try new places. I happen to be allergic to all nuts, so places which specialize in desserts can be tough.

I'd passed by Scoops Westside for the past three days, and it was taunting me. With interesting flavors such as Brown Brown Bread (a mixture of caramel ice cream and candied grapenuts), Salty Caramel, Coffee Malt, Thai Iced Tea, etc. I was very intrigued. The flavors change every day.

Today I went in, no expectations. I told the man at the counter of my allergy to nuts, and he was extremely helpful. He knew the ingredients to every ice cream flavor (probably since there were few flavors and each are freshly made/created every day). He also washed off the scoopers, and asked if I was allergic to soy or coconut (foods that others are allergic to frequently). He was aware and accommodating, and that made me feel comfortable.

He also offered to give me as many samples as I wanted. I tried several flavors, more than once. All were seriously delectable. I was surprised that I liked every single flavor I tried. I also liked how the sampling spoons were made of real silverware and not plastic or wood. This gave the shop a nice service-oriented, retro 50's diner-esque feel. I tried: non-dairy Banana Oreo (yes - they have soy/non-dairy options!), Salty Caramel, Coffee Malt, Coconut Jasmine, Chocolate Apricot (twice - had to see just how much I loved it haha), Raspberry White Chocolate, and Strawberry Triple Sec.

I ended up getting two small containers. One of Banana Oreo, which was the perfect blending of banana, chocolate, crunch, smoothness, and soy, and Coconut Jasmine which was basically a light floral vanilla flavor. All containers are given in to-go cups so they can go straight into your mouth or straight into the freezer.

My experience there was super pleasant and delicious. I would definitely, 100%, go back. A+ for Scoops!

P.S. I was licking the ice cream out of the containers on the ride back to my apartment...sad, but yes, that's how much I love dessert, and how good it truly was.

You can learn about the flavors that Scoops Westside is serving each day (closed Sundays) on their twitter here: http://twitter.com/ScoopsWestside and learn more about the shop in general here: http://www.scoopswestside.com/

P.S. I want this: Cuisipro Scoop & Stack Ice Cream Scoop

MOVIE REVIEW: Moonrise Kingdom

Wow. Thank you, Wes Anderson, for melting my bitter heart. Moonrise Kingdom is a success. A triumph. A love story that is not too cheesy, but instead nostalgic of how overwhelming our childhood crushes can become. I loved this movie because it was about how two isolated, alienated individuals found each other and although very different, their quirks and strange qualities brought them together. Throughout the story the two pre-pubescent love-birds struggle against all odds: other children, adults, natural disasters, just to stay connected. Being together is all that matters, all that makes them happy, and whether the lengths they go are believable or not is null and void, because the feelings of love, infatuation, and attachment are rooted in truth. Their journey is inspirational and solidifying of our own, adult desires.

Of course, true to form, Moonrise Kingdom is visually delicious, with its autumn color palette of mustard yellow, olive green, and sunset orange. The cuorduroy fabrics and risen textures of the 70's jump off screen. Anderson has such a consistently clever way of making that time period seem so inviting. The opening is innovative - the camera makes a grand sweeping gesture all throughout the symmetrically designed rooms of the house and ending on his typical female character: an ultra moody, too grown up for her age, brooding young girl with heavy eye make-up. This character continues to intrigue me.

My favorite part of the film, aside from the visual appeal, were the child actors. Placing such mature words into their tiny mouths, evoked much laughter and irony, but also some truthful moments. I especially loved the scene where the two main characters are on the beach and have their first kiss. It's so innocent and naive and real, even though the actual scenario and the characters are absurd.

I 100% recommend seeing this movie. It was a delightful, engaging, comical, story that allowed me to remember the imagination and invincibility we held onto so tightly as children. I just loved it.

Learn more about the movie here: http://www.moonrisekingdom.com

How can you not love this face? Want....to...squeeze...cheeks....

RESTAURANT REVIEW: Pecorino

The restaurant is right on San Vicente, though luckily you can't hear the traffic once inside. The room has a reddish glow due to decour and lighting. The crowd is older, the median age being roughly 40. People seem to have just come from work, and wear business casual/ dressy attire.

Pecorino has great reviews on Yelp, so we decided to scope it out. Situated in Brentwood, Pecorino is surrounded by many great restaurants, so it's in good company.

I order an avocado salad which comes with...yes...you guessed it...avocado, as well as, tomato, green beans, and potato in a shallot vinagarette. I also order my favorite Italian traditional: spaghetti pomodoro. The sole is said to be the house favorite, so we order that, as well.

The ambiance is upscale, semi-fancy, and a bit uppity - but nice for a special occasion. The food, however, was mediocre. I liked the taste and ingredients of the salad, but the texture was mushy - the perpetrator being...yes...you guessed it...the avocado (I'm assuming). The pasta sauce had been made with pecorino, not the typical ingredients for a tomato-based sauce, and it had a bitter, cheesy taste to it, which I did not like. I tend to like my pomodoro or tomato sauces to be sweet or spicy, not cheesy or creamy. The sole, which was said to be the best dish, was underwhelming. Layered with potatoes, pecorino, and sun-dried, sweetened-tomatoes - the fish was hard to find. Once detected, it simply wasn't anything special.

It was quite pricey ($$$), so I wouldn't go back again. I also wouldn't stop people from going - maybe their other dishes are better? The ambiance was pleasant and made the night feel special, but, unfortunately, the food didn't.

Learn more about Pecorino here: http://pecorinorestaurant.com/

MOVIE REVIEW: The Loved Ones

Am I not pretty enough? Is my heart too broken? Do I cry too much? Am I too outspoken?

These words are lyrics to an eery country ballad throughout the indie horror film, The Loved Ones, and I'm still humming it 2 weeks after viewing the film. Lola Stone aka Princess, just wants attention, but she goes through incredible lengths to get it and seeks it from the strangest or I suppose, most unspoken of places. When she asks Brent to the prom, and he turns her down, she enlists the help of her psychopath father. Together they torture and torment the already troubled kid (he killed his father in a car accident).

I don't want to get too much into the plot, but instead review the film as a whole. As someone who is not much into horror, The Loved Ones, definitely won me over. It was suspenseful, and frightening. I found myself hiding my eyes in my pillow scarf (another wonderful use for my favorite item of clothing!) and clutching my friends on either side of me. The cinematography was eye-catching, especially the symmetrical shots in which the characters were placed in the center of the frame almost looking directly into camera at the audience. Due to the prom theme, there was great ironic iconography, like Brent being tortured in a prom king crown with fallen balloons around him, as blood drips from his hands, feet, and face. I think the director could have been even more creative and pushed the juxtaposition...or commonality of celebrating a first prom experience with violent torture.

What I liked most about this horror film was how developed the characters were. As the audience we understood, for the most part, where each of the characters stood emotionally and their back stories. I wanted to know a bit more of the Lola/father relationship, which takes an almost incestual turn - and why she must kill those that reject her. Did something happen in her childhood to make her so obsessed with physically hurting those that emotionally hurt her? But regardless, I liked that I questioned this and had a hint that she was developmentally stunted and grew up in a demented household.

The actors were very committed and intriguing - the Australian accents didn't hurt either ;) I also loved that there were several "aha" or clarity moments that occurred throughout the film. It was involving to solve the puzzle as the story went on. Though many died, the ending left me feeling satisfied and thoroughly scared. I definitely had nightmares after this one (and not so much because it was gruesome - though it had its moments, but because it was actually frightening)...and also a bit of inspiration!

Sidenote: Seeing movies do not count as culture vulture points, but I figure since I'm trying to be more active, especially as a writer, goin' to see them "moving pictures" is worthy of a review or post. Cheers!

Watch Lola singing her favorite song here: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=BAr7itcNFG8

...is it bad that I relate to the lyrics of this song? The song that the psychotic murderess sings? Oh jeez...

Learn more about The Loved Ones and see it in a theatre near you here: http://www.thelovedonesmovie.com/

4. Rocky Horror Picture Show

I heard about The Rocky Horror Picture Show in high school. I was in the school's Theatre Company and some of  the company members were regulars. The words "time warp", "drag queen", and "rock musical" were thrown around. It seemed like some cultish activity that didn't interest me at that stage in my life.

As I got older, the idea fascinated me. I love movies, I love theatre, I love musicals, I love different, interactive, theatrical experiences. Rocky Horror Picture Show seemed more and more appealing. But, I heard rumors about being a "virgin" to the show and having strange things happen to you...this kept me from going.

Last night, I finally went! I researched how to do the time warp online: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wT7riT9k8v0, went to the official fan page and read up on props to bring and what to wear. It got me excited. I'd heard a lot about the show up until this point and my anticipation was rising. I put on a corset, a sequined shirt, flower patterned stockings, and a pleather skirt (yes I somehow own all of these items). It was fun dressing up like this, since I never do. I wanted to look like I fit in, so I wasn't noticed as a "virgin"...I was still scared of what would happen!

After getting dressed up, I went to the Nuart Theatre in Santa Monica around 11:30 PM. A small crowd had gathered outside the doors. Some were dressed in drag, corsets, bow-ties, "fun" clothes, but other people just wore casual attire. Once I entered the theatre (I had bought my tickets ahead of time, since I wasn't sure if it'd be sold out...turns out there were many seats left, and people were buying tickets minutes before midnight), the concession stand was in full force, and prop bags were available for sale.

The theatre played music and had a colored disco ball. Audience members danced on the stage before the festivities began. Then a man came on stage to announce the rules. This process took way too long and consisted of many drug-related jokes, which were stale after a while. The performers and organizers of the event, stood on the side-lines, cursing and mocking the rule-man. They spoke a memorized dialogue (that fans and frequent audience members knew, as well), which set the tone of audience participation, cat calling, and verbal freedom.

I admire the merit of having a show where people can be free to express themselves, shout, laugh, cry, dance, say whatever is on their mind, etc. but there was also a sense of desperation. Who could get the most attention? Who spoke the loudest? Who was the most outrageous?  That kind of contest didn't amuse me. I was more interested in the movie and an entertaining evening, not a lot of people yelling over each other.

Then the "virgin" portion happened. They asked people to stay standing if they were Rocky Horror Virgins. My friend knew I was scared so she pushed me into my seat. Turns out, I didn't have that much to fear. A huge chorus of virgins headed onto the stage. Then the performers and volunteers and some of the regulars surrounded the virgins in a tight-knit pack and....humped them. Yep. Humped them. I guess to signify taking their virginity? Then six virgin volunteers went on a scavenger hunt which included getting a pair of underwear from someone in the audience AND making out with a stranger who wasn't in costume! Kind of outrageous...but pretty fun to watch.

As for the actual show, I was a bit underwhelmed. There was a group of about ten people who were silently acting out the movie as it occurred (in front of the screen), but some of them stayed in the aisles standing and yelling pre-planned retorts. Several months ago, I had seen Tommy Wiseau's The Room, which was similar, in that audience members recite back to the screen and have props. The difference at Rocky Horror was that there were people stationed in the aisles to shout the sayings. This was kind of annoying to me because while some of the comments were funny, most consisted of pretty juvenile humor. A burly guy was planted right next to our seats. Hearing him screaming was a bit unnerving and made it very challenging to hear the true dialogue of the film.

I was also kind of disappointed in the live show. The actors consistently broke character. They would yawn, or start talking to each other, and then when the spot light hit them, would resume their stance and get back into character, miming the physical actions of the screen actor. I think it would have been more theatrical and entertaining to watch if the actors stayed in character at all times.

The most enjoyable part of the show for me was being with my friends in a free environment. We could talk during the movie and not be shushed and interact together. During the "time warp" (which is a song/dance) the whole audience stood up and did it together. That was fun. I also liked using props. I felt kind of silly holding a newspaper over my head, but it reminded me of childhood in a very good way. Another unfortunate factor in all of this, was that I kept falling asleep during the movie, as I had just gone to a midnight screening the night before. So, now I've learned that I am a pre-mature grandmother and cannot attend two midnight screenings in a row, because I get sreepy.

Overall, I am glad that I went. I understand the appeal, but I think it might be more enjoyable for younger people craving a night where one can unleash some inner demons and let loose. For me, it was more of an interesting experience, fun at times, but also could have been better. The movie, from what I could tell (it was hard to follow due to all the yelling...and because I kept nodding off...teehee), was about showmanship and theatrics and experimentation. I think the live theatrical show and some of the coordinated/choreographed responses could be more creative and in line with the themes of the show, instead of just loud cursing and mocking. I'd recommend going just to have the interactive experience, however seeing The Room was more fun for me because the movie is hilariously bad and thus more enjoyable to mock.

Learn more about The Rocky Horror Picture Show here: http://www.rockyhorror.com/

If you decide to go, here are some costume ideas: Halloween Rocky Horror Riff Raff Adult Costume and Halloween Rocky Horror Columbia Wig

3. Zuma Beach/Malibu

I've always wanted to take a day trip to "the 'bu," but I just never mustered up the driving stamina. Luckily, my friend offered to drive (it takes about 40-50 minutes) and we went up the coast, passing The Lost Hills (a scenic route, with a sign to prove it). We landed in Zuma Beach. The sand was soft and filled with beach-goers, even though the sky was grey and it was a bit chilly. People were flying kites, listening to music, braving the frosty water, surfing, resting, etc. The beach was much cleaner and more visually pleasing than Venice and Santa Monica. Pelicans even glided by in a V formation. No shady people, no trash-littered shore, no unidentifiable, weird seaweed-y type substances, etc. Definitely worth the drive. I hope to go back when it's warmer out.

After our stop in Zuma, we drove about ten minutes south, and landed at the Malibu Country Mart, a ritzy, outdoor mart consisting of high class shopping, chocolatier, quaint sandwich shops, a small park and playground, and a bookstore. It felt private, safe, and upscale. The sandwich shop we went to called John's Garden had really good "beach" type food. I got an Italian salad with salami, provolone, croutons, olives, lettuce, roasted peppers, and marinated artichoke hearts. Delicioso! Very fresh ingredients. There were many other great looking items on the menu for vegans, vegetarians, and non-diet-specific eaters, as well. We stopped by the quaint bookstore after, which had an outdoor seating area for reading. It made for a wonderful Saturday. Zuma and Malibu Country Mart are a must for the summer :)

You can learn more about the Mart here: http://www.malibucountrymart.com/
And Zuma Beach here: http://www.yelp.com/biz/zuma-beach-malibu-2

2. Free Yoga at Runyon Canyon

I used to do yoga pretty often. I guess, you could have called me a Yogi. I did it for about a year, approximately three times a week. But this was almost seven years ago...I stopped doing yoga because during most work outs or exercise I tend to get bored. Yoga, though very challenging, became unexciting for me because it was so stationary. I started trying yoga classes that moved at a faster pace and to hip hop music, and this entertained me more, but after a while, the dance like movements and the at peace feeling I got just faded.

I have been wanting to get back into yoga for a few years now. What I miss most is the feeling of being at-one with your body, and really taking that time, that hour or so, out of the day to breathe and stretch. When I was hiking Runyon canyon, I saw signs for free yoga, and I thought outdoor yoga might be even more invigorating since it's breathing and stretching...but in NATURE.

Today, I finally went. I decided to go to the 6 PM class so I wouldn't be sweating in the hot sun...turns out it might have been okay to go earlier. When I first got there, I really had to go to the bathroom. I then realized, there weren't any bathrooms, not even a port-a-potty. I scoured the lands, searching for a pop-a-squat worthy zone, for 30 minutes before the class started, but every area was populated by people. Finally, once the teacher, Patricia, arrived, I asked where to go. She pointed over to an area of trees (right next to an apartment building, and only a vine-covered gate away from the grassy area where the class took place) and handed me some tissues. I thanked her, ran over, "went peepee" as I used to say, and came back. I'm not ashamed to talk about this on a public forum, because I think not having an actual bathroom anywhere, is kind of an issue. So, forewarning, if you take one of these classes, go to the bathroom BEFORE.

As for the actual class, it was very much a mixture of relaxing/stretchy yoga and harder yoga. I didn't sweat much, but I'll probably (hopefully) be sore tomorrow. There are different teachers for each class, so maybe other teachers are harder...some maybe even easier. There were about fifteen people there, so it was a good small amount, and we were spread on a grassy area. Unfortunately for me, my mat was on an uneven part of the grass, and it was hard to do some of the poses properly and stay aligned and in balance. The grass was also covered in gopher holes. One gopher popped out to say hello during Downward Dog. Needless to say, this shocked the poor girl whose hand was near the hole...not very relaxing, but pretty darn cute. Another detrimental aspect, I'm a bit ashamed to admit, was the fact that there were a lot of flies and ants that kept flying near me or crawling on me, and it did distract me. Now, some more one-with-nature type people might not be bothered by a few critters here and there...but it made it hard for me to focus on the movement.

What I did like was simply being outdoors while practicing yoga. Most of our lives consist of being inside four walls, and it's very important to me to be outside for at least one hour a day. This activity combined exercise, some de-stressing, and my outdoor moment all in one. So I liked that. Patricia had a very soothing voice that resonated over some of the louder hikers that were jogging by and she showed different variations of poses for varying levels. My favorite part, as usual, was Shavasana (the part where you lie on your back and basically nap), and it was even nicer to do it outside with the wind blowing through my hair and lightly on my face and the birds softly chirping. It did get a bit chilly towards the end though, so I'd recommend bringing a sweatshirt to the evening classes.

All and all it was a positive experience. I would go again, with the knowledge that I have gained from this first time, but I'm also not rushing to go back.

To learn more and get a schedule go to the Runyon Canyon Yoga facebook page: https://www.facebook.com/pages/Runyon-Canyon-YOGA/128176273877039