Pandit Debasish Bhattacharya, Tonight in Edmonton

Debasish Bhattacharya, Image Source: Edmonton Journal

Edmonton's Raga Mala Society has been bringing the best of Indian music and dance to our local stage since 1983.

Tonight, Pandit Debasish Bhattacharya and Pandit Swapan Chaudhuri are expanding the scope of Indian classical music with their hypnotic, hybrid approach featuring original and centuries-old compositions and Bhattacharya's custom-designed trinity of slide guitars.

Tickets are available at the door for $20 each.

For more information on Panditji's pioneering style check out this article by Roger Levesque in the Edmonton Journal.

Tribute to Yogi, Darcy Belanger

Image Source: Parvati Magazine

This morning many, many beings are gathered to pay tribute to Darcy Belanger.  Darcy was a popular member of my high school graduating class, a valued member of our local community and the beloved husband of my friend and fellow yoga teacher Amie.

Darcy was a Yogi in every sense.  He was an earnest seeker of truth, a thoughtful steward of the environment, a generous and kind companion, a dedicated humanitarian, and a cheerful friend.  He had a compassionate glow that knew no limits and inspired others to fulfill their personal potential.  The moment I heard of his passing, I was struck by the "gap in goodness" his absence leaves.

I would like to bring your attention to Parvati Magazine's April/May 2019 issue, titled "Courage", which is dedicated to Darcy and the work he did with the Marine Arctic Peace Sanctuary (MAPS).

Also to the work of Amma, the "Hugging Mother", Darcy's guru, who has been inspiring, uplifting, and comforting people around the world with her loving embrace for decades.

Darcy, Noble Soul, may your passing through the in-between be fearless.  May you be as lovingly cherished in the afterlife as you are here on earth.  Om Trayambakam x 108.

Family Yoga, Saturday July 23, 1016 in Stony Plain

Looking for something fun to do with the kids this Saturday?

Join me at Mystical Stone in Stony Plain for Family Yoga!

While you're out there check out the Stony Plain Farmers Market!

Wanna Go See a Movie?

Weather-wise, during March in Alberta anything can happen!

One day you are basking in the sunshine, snow melting merrily off the roof, and the next you're shivering, wondering how much longer 'til spring?!?  Sigh...

If you need something to do on one of those days, or if you're just excited to be able to get out of the house again, consider checking out one of these movies:

The Canadian premier of Gurukulam is playing at the Metro, March 29, 2015.  To celebrate, the event will also feature live music before the movie, and snacks and dialogue with the filmmakers and Andrew Gow, the director of the University of Alberta's Religious Studies Program afterwards.

The Metro also plays a ton of retro, foreign and independent films.  Check them out!

Christian Marclay's "The Clock" is playing at the Art Gallery of Alberta until April 12, 2015.  

I saw several hours of "The Clock" when it played in Toronto, and let me tell you, it is not your typical movie experience!  The exhibit features couch seating for your viewing comfort, but no snacks are permitted. (It is a gallery after all, and this, my friends, is art!)  

I know it seems weird to watch hours and hours of movie clips of clocks, but trust me, this is anything but boring!  Actually, I found it to be a riveting meditation on time, and a fun pop-culture puzzle.  I can't wait to see it again!  Super hard-core viewers, you can catch the last 24-hour screening on April 11.

And in case you didn't know, Cinema City Movies 12 plays Bollywood movies on a regular basis!

Dozens of Uses for Wild Rose Petals

Alberta Wild Rose as part of a flower mandala

Alberta's floral emblem, the Wild Rose, is in full bloom just in time for Canada Day! 

Not only do wild roses look and smell beautiful in the bushes and ditches, along fence lines and forest edges, they are beneficial in so many ways!

I invite you to take a walk outside, and be inspired by nature's fragrant bounty.  Perhaps you'd even like to gather a few petals on the way to freshen up your cooking, cleaning and beauty routine.

Here are dozens of ideas to get your started!

Cosmetic, Medicinal and Culinary Uses

Recipe for Wild Rose Petal Jelly

Wild Rose Recipes

Wild Rose Elixir, A Favorite First Aid Remedy

Rose Recipes from the University of Alaska

Rose Water, Turkish Delight etc.

Wild Rose Water

Wild Rose Eyewash

Rose Oil, Beads, Jam, and much more

Wild Rose Petal Vinegar

Wild Rose Petal Mead

Rose Petal Vinegar and Other Recipes

Medicinal Value of Roses

Wild Rose Water Jelly

Healing with Wild Rose

Rose Petal Syrup

Rose Petal Lemonade

Wild Rose Petal Ice Cream

Wild Rose Petal Tea

Rose Cheesecake

Here are a few more ideas.  Use Wild Rose Petals to:

- flavor butter, vanilla ice cream or yogurt

- eat them in salads

- candy them with egg white and sugar for snacks or decorations on cakes and other desserts

- freeze them in ice cubes

What do you use Wild Rose Petals for?

2013 Chariot Festival, Saturday July 27th

Proud to Be a Canadian!



Wild Roses from my yard, the official flower of Alberta.

 Happy Canada Day! 

And welcome to the official beginning of Summer in Alberta, 2013! 

Woo Hoo!!!

I hope you've all enjoyed a beautiful long weekend full of sunshine, the great outdoors, friends, family and lots of fun!

Jai!