Retreat to the mountains...

A few weeks ago, seventeen of us packed into our cars and headed west. Although it was just a few hours' drive from Raleigh, it felt like worlds away from the day-to-day hustle and bustle of life.

We drove out to the Prama Institute, located in Marshall, NC, about twenty minutes north of Asheville. Surrounded by the Blue Ridge Mountains, it’s nestled among 150 acres of rolling hills and forest lands strewn with hiking trails, with the French Broad River just five minutes away. Its scenic and peaceful surroundings created the perfect place for us to recharge body, mind and spirit.

Julee and I led yoga practices and meditation sessions, we enjoyed AMAZING(!) food, and the rest of our time was spent lazing in the sun, telling stories by the fire, and exploring the forests and river nearby. You won't want to miss this next time! Our photo album features the brave explorers who followed me down a steep ravine and into the river, but you'll see that fun was had by all.

It was such a great weekend, in fact, that we've already booked two weekends for 2011! Mark your calendar for next year's mountain getaways: June 3-5 or October 14-16, 2011.

Opportunity for Service!

Labor Day is generally a day of rest; a day off from the usual grind, and a chance to relax and enjoy what is usually a workday. Everybody looks forward to a day off, right? But even knowing this, I had no doubt when I got a call from Regina at the Wake County Women's Shelter that she really wanted to have their reception area painted ASAP that I'd have no problem finding enough willing hands to get the project done.

I sent out the all-call, and sure enough, about a dozen enthusiastic "Yes!" responses came back. The folks at the shelter were thrilled, and in a few short hours, we transformed the entire reception area, hall and bathrooms to look like new. What a great way to spend the day. Take a look!

Side note to the project at the shelter: Our fall fundraising "Global Mala" weekend, where we offered a whole day of classes-by-donation brought in over $1000 for the shelter. Thanks to all who taught, attended and donated!

*****

Our next service project is coming up on Saturday, November 13. We'll be participating in the DRA's effort to clean up Moore Square Park. Volunteers are needed to pick up litter, sweep sidewalks, help put together new site furnishings, add mulch, plant shrubs and trees, install pavers, and other repairs.

Join us in taking care of one of downtown Raleigh's precious few green spaces! Blue volunteers will meet at Morning Times (10 E. Hargett Street) at 8am. We'd love for you to join us-- just sign up on our Web Scheduler so we know you're coming.