our daily rumi

The beneficent and marvelous Kat Tudor came over to my house today for a private yoga lesson. How this came about, and what happened during our first session, is another one of those serendipitious occurrences that make me sometimes believe the universe is not chaotic, but rather ordered and purposeful.

First, I participated in a human chanting Yogic Spiral with Kat, and then interviewed her for Colorado Culture Cast. Must see!

A few days later, a friend sent me a magazine article about the benefits of a private yoga instructor to help heal from breast cancer.

Later that night, in a pile of scattered papers, I found a postcard of Kat's that l had picked up at the Spiral event. It said she was now offering private yoga lessons. Hmmmmmm.........

The area under the right armpit where I had 11 lymph nodes removed is still painful. Whenever I reach for something with my right hand, everything stretches and pulls uncomfortably. My first round of chemo made me feel sick beyond belief for several days. My spirit was temporarily crushed. I knew I needed to do something for both my body and my soul.

I found it today.

After I was relaxed and breathing and had done this amazing opening the heart pose that made me feel both vulnerable and powerful, Kat asked me for my birthday. I told her. She picked up this book, opened to a page, paused a moment, and then said, "Oh, this one. I guess I'll just have to read it then."

January 11
Backpain

Muhammad went to visit a sick friend.
Such kindness brings more kindness,
and there is no knowing the proliferation from there.

The man was about to die.
Muhammad put his face close and kissed him.

His friend began to revive.
Muhammad's visit re-created him.
He began to feel grateful for an illness
that brought such light.

And also for the backpain
that wakes him in the night.

No need to snore away like a buffalo
when this wonder is walking the world.

There are values in pain that are difficult
to see without the presence of a guest.

Don't complain about autumn.
Walk with grief like a good friend.
Listen to what he says.

Sometimes the cold and dark of a cave
give the opening we most want.

-Rumi

It was just so wickedly eerie and I shed tears of amazement and I think we were both just blown away by the power and perfection of it. I think I have a new favorite poet. Say goodbye to Our Daily Rilke.

it's fun being a zombie

This was the second time the Newspeak Zombies on Bikes rode down Tejon as part of the annual Colorado Springs PrideFest Parade. The first time, I interviewed the zombies.

Why zombies, you ask?
Because it's better to be undead than unequal.

derby dames

I have the utmost respect for these girls. They take their sport seriously, and are the hottest things on four wheels that I know of in this town.



"In Segment 119, Springs Culture Cast reporter Sue Spengler talks with a few of the Pikes Peak Derby Dames All Stars after their win against the Houston Hard Knocks."

(If the video doesn't seem to load, you can watch it here: Derby Dames!

But perhaps most importantly, happy first birthday to Springs Culture Cast, which posted the very first segment today in 2007.

Amazing. I like anniversaries and birthdays because they naturally inspire your mind to wander to the place of, "Hmmmm... where was I at this exact time last year....?"

Look how far SCC has come in one revolution. Look how far we have all come.

And where were you, this time last year?

scc update

here's me:
In Segment 45 of Springs Culture Cast, reporter Sue Spengler interviews zombies, drag queens, religious homophobes, and Mike Jones at the 17th Annual PrideFest Parade.


In Segment 51 of Springs Culture Cast, reporter Sue Spengler goes behind the scenes of a dress rehearsal at the Colorado College/Opera Theatre of the Rockies Vocal Arts Symposium.


if you wanna see Craig (and JOHN WATERS!), go here.

springs culture cast #10 (pt.2)

In Part 2 this week, Springs Culture Cast reporter Sue Spengler drops in on a lively rehearsal at First Congregational Church, where Out Loud: The Colorado Springs Men's Chorus prepares for their upcoming show: OPERA, ABBA, & OZ, OH MY!
These guys are amazing; I'll be there Friday night-hope to see some of you there! I have it from the source that they will be ending with "Dancing Queen".... how could you possibly miss it?!



For more info, please visit Springs Culture Cast

springs culture cast #10 (pt.1)

Edition 10!... a bit of a milestone for us at Springs Culture Cast. In Part 1 this week, executive producer Klayton Elliot Kendall visits the Fine Arts Center and interviews some of the talented people behind Colorado Springs Dance Theatre's Success of the Springs. The last dance is soooo beautiful.

Springs Culture Cast, Edition 7

This week Springs Culture Cast producer Craig Richardson visits New Life Church and interviews principal actors in The Thorn. Also, reporter Sue Spengler covers the Antiques & Collectibles Evaluation Fair, a part of the Trianon Centenary Celebration at the Colorado Springs School.

six

I missed four and five (in more ways than one), but you can find them at the official culture cast website.

culture cast edition#3

springs culture cast pt. 2

Now you can simply watch it here. Or here.

springs culture cast

People make things happen in this town. Observe: