w.i.p.

I think I may have mentioned that I started over on this cross-stitch because I accidentally ripped the linen, right in the front!  It's coming along so much better the second time around. I'm over halfway through... two more rows to go!  That makes me sad, though, because I am really enjoying it. Cross-stitching is relaxing and the soft linen and beautiful dyed threads make it a joy to do.

We are having beautiful weather this weekend. The windows are all open and the breeze smells good. It's these simple things in life that make me happy. Craig and I went to the Symphony last evening and it was beautiful. They played a piece by Roussel, Debussy, and Ravel, and then ended it with "An American in Paris" by George Gershwin. The theme was An American in Paris and of course I thought of my friend Olivia! ;) They play at our Fulton Theater downtown which is small but just beautiful. I didn't get a really good photo of the theater. I don't even think I should have taken this one, but it was before the conductor came out, so I think it was okay. The second to last piece included a chorus, so that's why there are a bunch of empty chairs along the back. Netanel Draiblate was also the Concert Master which we hadn't realized! If you remember, I posted about him before and he actually sent an email to thank me! We sound like groupies now. I wonder if Concert Masters have groupies?

The Lancaster Symphony Orchestra warming up.

Lastly, the news for the week includes me throwing out my back AGAIN! I am getting so tired of this happening. SO... you know me. I researched and ended up finding information from The Healthy Back Institute about muscle imbalances. Depending on if your pelvis tilts forward too much or backwards too much, if your hips are uneven, and/or if your head and shoulders also jut forward, then you will probably suffer from back pain. We have pairs of muscles in our bodies and if you stretch and strengthen the right ones, then you can bring your posture back into balance and take the stress off of your back. People have avoided unnecessary back surgery by doing this! (You can get their book free for the cost of shipping. The actual program costs less than a doctor's office visit!!) They also list other things to naturally relieve pain and help to heal the back in conjunction with the exercises. So I'm very optimistic that I can beat this thing! Then, I'm getting very serious about getting in shape. I thought I was before, but this time I really want to see what I can do. Especially if I can avoid back pain. I'm 45 so I feel like it's now or never. I'm tired of being tired. I just heard this quote, "There are excuses and reasons-- if you focus on one then you won't be doing the other." No more excuses!!!  ;)