But I thought to { ... }]]> I recently received a coupon in the mail. Probably because I had signed up for some rewards program at the register to get 10% off my purchase with the small caveat that I would be dooming thousands of trees to afterlives of junk mail. I hate when I do that.

But I thought to myself, “Huh. 20%. That’s not too bad. I could probably use that. Say, on some toys. Or diapers. Or formula. Or my favorite Ameda milk storage bags. Or a new Aprica stroller, or even a Baby Jogger. Maybe I could put it towards that BOBgear bike trailer. Or a Bugaboo carrier. Maybe a Cybex car seat. Or a Mamas & Papas high chair. Or a Peg Perego double wide stroller, now that we’ve got two little ones. On the other hand, I could use it for myself – maybe a new Playstation, or that new Mario Brothers game, or even a TV. Maybe an iPod for all the running I’ll be doing with my new double wide stroller. Or a netbook (once I find out just what that is). I could get a little RobotGalaxy rover for Matthew. Or, he might not like that, so maybe I should get him a regular old gift card instead. But, of course, there’s the off chance that I might get preggo again, and then I really ought to have some new maternity clothes handy. Of course, any of these things ought to be purchased with care, so maybe I should just get the discount on a Buyer Protection plan. But that would be silly, because 20% off of a whole photo studio has got to be a huge savings, dollars-wise. And I think they have those in stock at the R’Us. Of course, I could just call my order in, or special order something that my local store doesn’t carry. Something that might require assembly. Or, I could rent a breast pump, because doesn’t everyone need one of those, just for, you know, a couple days at a time here and there? Of course, the greatest savings on all this stuff might actually be on the delivery fee, or the shipping and handling. All of this could really add up.”

And the list goes on and on (and on!).

But then, I happened to turn the card over, and discovered the fine print.

All my dreams. Shattered. That coupon really is only worth its cash value.

In addition to being a very nice person with a winning smile, she teaches Vinyasa Flow Yoga a few blocks from the barn. For those of you who have taken classes from Helén before, she has a new studio about twenty paces from her old one. Look for the barn at { ... }]]> This is Helén.

In addition to being a very nice person with a winning smile, she teaches Vinyasa Flow Yoga a few blocks from the barn. For those of you who have taken classes from Helén before, she has a new studio about twenty paces from her old one. Look for the barn at the end of Artist’s Alley (just off Cannon and Cross Streets).

For those of you who have not taken classes from Helén, you are not quite as happy, flexible, or in touch with your chakras as you could otherwise be. Take it from me, the bumbling clod, who stepped into one of Helén’s classes last fall only to find myself transformed into the graceful, elegant creature you know today. Such remarkable transformation can only be enacted under the guidance of a trained master.

Helén is such an outstanding teacher that even a baby can master even the most difficult techniques. For example, Kato knew nothing of yoga at 3:00 this afternoon.

With a little help from Helén, by 3:15, he was performing even the most advanced moves with ease!

To further support my point, Helén can even teach a surly two-year old how to do Yoga.

Alden was quick to master downward facing dog.

And have you ever seen a finer example of this move (the name of which is too complex for me to even share with you)?

In all seriousness, Helén is a truly gifted teacher: kind, patient, and passionate about what she does. I’ve taken four of her classes already and am looking forward to the start of a new one next week.

If you’ve enjoyed yoga in the past or have ever been curious about trying it, check out Helén’s site and give it a try. She still has a few spots left for the fall (going quickly, as babies all over town are clamoring to improve their posture).

In twelve short weeks, you could look like this:

The question is, what wares, exactly, is Twinny’s Sun & Guns peddling? My mind races with theories, but lest I pollute the waters, will hold them in check for now. The person who offers the most plausible explanation { ... }]]> Yesterday we were driving Eastern Shore backroads and came along the sign for this fine establishment.

The question is, what wares, exactly, is Twinny’s Sun & Guns peddling? My mind races with theories, but lest I pollute the waters, will hold them in check for now. The person who offers the most plausible explanation (in my humble judgment) wins a copy of either The Vast Sahara (in which the sun plays a prominent role) or Let me Count the Ways (which contains various guns, some of which are fired).

No fair using Google to come up with the actual answer, which will almost surely be less interesting than whatever scenarios our unhinged imaginations might inspire. And come to think of it, it’s probably a stretch to think that the Sun & Guns has developed a comprehensive web site. But perhaps I do not give them enough credit?

The winner will be announced on Wednesday. In the mean time, I’ll do my best to divine the actual business plan of Twinny’s Sun and Guns, whatever it might be.

Apparently, 630 square feet.

I’m going to have to start making more rice crispy treats.

1) Which creative pairs do you find most compelling? Your cases may be historical or contemporary, high culture or lowbrow, famous or obscure. I’ve done much of my early research in the arts, so I’m especially { ... }]]> Hello folks. This morning, Josh (award-winning author/wry sonovabich) posed some interesting questions on the Creative Pairs Facebook page.

1) Which creative pairs do you find most compelling? Your cases may be historical or contemporary, high culture or lowbrow, famous or obscure. I’ve done much of my early research in the arts, so I’m especially interested now in pairs from science, tech, business, sports, and so on.

2) Can you suggest a *form*of relationship that probably escapes most of us? In many fields (every field?) there are hidden collaborators in positions that insiders know well, but outsiders remain ignorant of. Directors have their DPs, pro surfers their board shapers, judges their clerks. Can you think of other, surprising examples?

Of course, Robbi and I are interested in your thoughts along these lines, but should you care to share them, why not head over to the group page so that the folks over there can benefit from your wisdom? There’s already an interesting thread unspooling. Dare to be illuminated.

Josh sends his thanks to those of you who have already joined the conversation.