Wild Rose D-Tox - Day 1

While this might not be hoop related, it's pertinent to living a healthy lifestyle. That and the fact that I think it's going to be humorous how this plays out...and with the growing popularity of detoxes, this could help someone out. 

I started today my Wild Rose D-Tox today. This detox is a 12-day whole body herbal detox. Three different supplements as well as a tincture are to be taken twice a day (before breakfast and dinner), and there is are diet restrictions. No dairy. No grains (I infer this as no gluten.) No alcohol or processed foods. No sugar or anything fermented. No tropical fruits. 

I went grocery shopping yesterday, following my very carefully planned list of foods I can eat. They encourage you to get playful with spices and herbs. And considering I'm living off of vegetables for the next 12 days...I gotta get creative. My first creative endeavor was making a tahini lemon dressing last night. I unpacked my mountain of produce and organized everything so that I'm not deterred when it comes to making meals (although I really have no choice.) 

Because you're not allowed salad dressings (nothing with vinegar anyways, because it's fermented), a lot of forums and web pages I've looked at often have this dressing recipe. So it's tahini, lemon juice, water, garlic, fresh parsley, salt and cayenne (optional). It called for 2-4 large cloves of garlic, and in retrospect, I should've trusted my instinct and only put one or, at the most, two in. It's got some kick to it! Tahini comes from sesame seeds and so it's fairly nutty, but the parsley gives it that freshness, and the lemon juice gives it the acidity that vinegar would otherwise provide. 

The recipe only yields one cup (or a bit more depending on how much water or lemon juice you put in it.) But I'll make it through that batch and next batch will be much less garlic and maybe some other spices. 

I took my two of each pills this morning, along with two squirts of the tincture provided. Thankfully the forums I read provided me with the best tip to date...take it with ice cold water. They say you can take it with water, so I put two squirts into a glass and put a little water out of the fridge into it and shot it back. It's mild and not that bad, and the cold water definitely masks the gross taste a bit. 

So now I sit. Waiting. I'm scared of what sort of bathroom fireworks await me. I'm nervous. Both for what could happen, and that it might not work and all this water I'm drinking that seems to be going right through me isn't being absorbed into my bowel like it's supposed to. 

It's still early...I suppose we'll see how the rest of the day goes. 

Over and out, 

(a detoxing) gypsy

Juggling Act

I thought it had only been a month since my last post (still too long...obviously), but it looks like it's been almost two months. If there are any readers out there, I apologize. I honestly can't believe how fast time has gone.

September was a bit of a blur. I began my journey to becoming a Hoop Love Coach with my lovely friend Deanne Love as my guide. I think I may have been a little nuts to think that I could work full time, vend at a street fair (which was also my first vending opportunity vending in Winnipeg - The Sherbrook Street Festival), and do Hoop Love Coach training at the same time.

The small group of hoopers that decided to brave the
cold weather and hoop for a bit on World Hoop Day 2014.

September also saw my 26th birthday, the planning and preparation for my sister's wedding (October 18th), and we can't forget that there was some minor organizing involved as World Hoop Day was the very beginning of October.

I'll be honest...there were times during September that I thought I had definitely spread myself a bit too thin. It was also to the point that at the beginning of October, I had to leave my position as volunteer staff writer with hooping.org. One too many things on my plate and I was no longer enjoying what I was doing. This is usually a clear sign that you need to take a step back and do what's most important while shedding the activities that are no longer serving you or our purpose.

But once my priorities were a little bit clearer, I decided I could bite off a little more once again (not entirely sure how my thought process led me to think that)...and I applied and was approved to be part of the W.E.S.T. group here in Winnipeg. (W.inning E.tsy S.treet T.eam) This group of amazing artisans are local Etsy vendors who are able to participate in great vending opportunities (i.e. craft fairs, etc.) around Winnipeg once every couple of months.

I'm excited to be vending at the next upcoming W.E.S.T. sale - Saturday, November 8 from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. in the Holy Cross gymnasium located at 290 Dubuc Street in St. Boniface. There's no admission, so pop by to check out some of my new designs and to support other local artisans...there's definitely going to be some great Christmas gift ideas there!

Now that sister's wedding is over and I've been able to step back and look at what I have on my plate, I'm still busy. But it definitely doesn't seem as overwhelming anymore...and besides, your life's work should be fun. Right?

love & sparkles,
(busy) gypsy

Happy Day 40

Day 40 of 40 Days of Flow.
(AND a harvest moon...I totally wish it wasn't overcast tonight.)

First and foremost I want to thank Miss Deanne Love. You're an amazing human being. You've inspired, challenged, encouraged and supported so many people all over the world...including myself. You're beautiful and willing, and are one of my biggest inspirations. I'm so grateful to have you in my life (albeit via the internets), and I can only hope to manifest us meeting in person one day! After watching your last video blog of the challenge, I'd also like to share what I've learnt.

1. There is power in thought. Your thoughts manifest in your reality around you, and if you really want something, you can attract into you life. Just. Like. That.

Vending at the Sherbrook Street Festival
September 6, 2014

2. Hard work pays off. This past week was one of the busiest of my life. But I know that it's all happening for a reason. Working an 8-5 job, trying to keep up with my Hoop Love Coach training, working on Hoops by Gypsy, and preparing for my first vending opportunity here in Winnipeg...it was a lot on my plate, but I worked hard, and I know that by continuing my hard work will open even greater doors.

3. Let go and flow. I am a micro-manager. There. I said it. BUT, I have learned (and am continuing to learn) that everything is happening as it should. And that everything is divinely guided. I've learned to listen to my body, and respect that sometimes it's very important to do nothing. I have learned to not feel guilty for doing what I know is best for me.

4. I have amazing friends and family. I've learned that you always need to remember, throughout your journey, who your cheerleaders are. We have this entire network of people (that's you too, HLC family) that we mustn't forget about. They are there for us and we need to be sure they know we appreciate and love them.

5. Everything is in a perpetual state of constant change. Everything is always changing. I've learned that I can't be disappointed when things change. This goes with letting go of things, but moreso that we need to embrace change. (And when it comes to branding...nothing is ever permanent, so embrace where this journey takes you!)

6 I've learned that I take poor care of my body...in turn I've also learned the importance of keeping my body the sacred temple that it is and nourishing it like one. I want to be able to do this for the next...20 years? 30? 40? Forever?

Workspace <3 

7. I've learned that I'm REALLY good at staying organized. One day planner, three notebooks, a binder and a whole bunch of office supplies later...I have established a great working space. I've learned the importance of maintaining this organization when working on your greatest passion. There's beauty in the messiness, too, though.

8. Listen to your heart.

9. Drink LOTS of water.

10. PLAY!

11. Just because someone doesn't think what you're doing is practical doesn't mean that you should stop following your dreams.


I didn't do everything on my list. Not even close. But I am more ahead in my dreams and ambitions than I was 40 days ago. I've been inspired, challenged, encouraged and supported. There is beauty in the chaos, and there is beauty in the silence. I've learned to embrace the beauty...where ever it decides to show up.

much love,
gypsy

Hoop Love Coaching - check!

You want something in life? It's yours.

The power of your thoughts is enormous. Bigger than you realize. The Universe might not always give you EXACTLY what you asked for, but be open to the endless possibilities that are, in fact, gifts to you because of what you were thinking. Everything will unfold as it should.

One step that people often forget is ACTION. While your thoughts are extremely effectual, there still needs to be some sort of action involved. Some things will fall into your lap, but don't ever rely on that to happen. You're more likely to succeed by taking matters into your own hands. Your success is in your control.

These divine instances won't always happen right away, either. Whoever said "Patience is a virtue" wasn't lying to you. It's all a matter of being open and aware. You'll start to notice all these little things start to line up. Try noticing them in your every day life. A good example is when a random song pops into your head, and then shortly thereafter it comes on the radio. Those are proof that the Universe is trying to show you you're on the right path. (I like to believe that that's what deja vu is as well.) Watch for moments of synchronicity to show you the way.

If your dreams don't come true in a timely manner, keep going. Keep persevering. Ask for help if you need to. Don't think that you're alone. And keep remind yourself: everything is divinely guided.

Feeling honored to be a part of
this amazing community <3

Everything will unfold as it should.
Your success is in your control.
Watch for moments of synchronicity to show you the way.
Everything is divinely guided.

I'm on my way to becoming a Hoop Love Coach with Deanne Love's Hoop Love Coaching course starting September 1. I am beyond ecstatic as this will allow me to share the love with others, help and support hoopers, and will undoubtedly keep me going on my beautiful hoop journey. I'm so inspired by this woman, and all the other amazingly passionate hoopers out there. You're so beautiful and I recognize that our paths might be different, but we are all working towards the same things.

Hoop love. Peace. Happiness. Health.

much (hoop) love,
gypsy

New Moon in Virgo

Day 25 of 40 Days of Flow

I certainly haven't been diligent with my writing with; however, I'm happy to post that I have still been productive and maintaining focus during this challenge. Every day this challenge has been in my head, and is very present as I set my intentions for every day. My activities have an ebb and flow as I listen to my body, pay attention to my heart space, and keep my focus on what it is that I have been striving to accomplish by the end of this challenge (and to shift in my life overall.)

Picture courtesy of
www.freetattoodesigns.org

This time is especially notable as today is the New Moon in Virgo. I opened up my email today to find an email of a very insightful understanding of what kind of energy is shifting with this new moon...and holy smokes did it ever resonate with me!

Shakti Sunfire speaks:
"This new moon in Virgo opposite Neptune offers us a BIG push (Mars square Saturn) in the direction of our WILDEST DREAMS (Neptune) made manifest (Virgo)."

THANK YOU, Shakti, for this beautiful insight. With everything that has been happening in my life, this synchronicity is very much welcomed. This is all finally making sense!

My one desire in life is to help others doing something that I'm completely and utterly passionate about. Hula hoops are that passion that I've decided will help me change the world. And as of late, the Universe is telling me to keep going...likely that big push from Neptune.

I had spoken before in my blog of the temp position I had acquired...and just how upset I was that I had to work at a job that wasn't allowing me to channel my desires to help change the world and help others. Little did I know that being at a job where I was given ample time in front of a computer allowed me to focus on my passion indirectly.

One thing lead to another and before I knew it I was writing a blog as an application for Deanne Love's Hoop Love Coaching course. My thoughts on taking courses like this were similar to those I had about traveling when I was younger. Sounds great, but likely something I'll never do. Well, for those of you who don't know me, I lived in Australia for a year, went to Las Vegas and DisneyWorld, spent some time on the West coast of Canada, and traveled to Nepal for three months not too long ago.

All of this time I had on the computer proved to be advantageous:
- I applied for two different scholarships to teach hoop dance; one with Deanne Love and the other with Shakti Sunfire (two of my biggest hooping inspirations!)
- I created my event for World Hoop Day and have corresponded with hoopers I had met at MEME
- those hoopers also led me to discover a local circus group where flow artists and performers meet...and the venue that's super close to my house might work for WHD!
- I've been inspired to write blogs (Thanks, Deanne!) and after submitting a piece to hooping.org, I officially joined the team of staff writers
- I discovered a vending opportunity at the Sherbrook Street Festival coming up on Saturday, September 6...
-...which led me to create my very first display rack for my hoops!
- With the street festival coming up in less than two weeks, I've been busy makin' those beautiful circles!

All of this happened within the last week or two, and I'm manifesting my hearts deepest desire. I feel like when we start to do the things we love, the Universe responds and allows some things to fall into our laps. Hard work, determination and our burning passion are still required to succeed, but with gestures like this, it's hard not to recognize that we must be doing something right!

I'm a Virgo myself, so I feel particularly in tune with this new moon. Virgos are earthy goddesses, and what I can take from this is parallel to what Shakti says when she refers to bringing our dreams down onto the earthy plain. All these dreams and inclinations about what I want to make of my life on this earth are trickling down, and so long that we keep our eyes open, they will continue to manifest themselves.

Tonight I will sit down and create an inspiration board covered in my goals and dreams. Without hesitation I know that these items will come to fruition.

A world without limits would be everyone doing their part in changing the world by doing what they love. And I'm so excited that my path of service is finally visible.

With love,
gypsy

Hoop Love Coach Scholarship September 2014

Hola, friends! Gypsy here...but you can call me Ray :)

I'd like to start by thanking you for the chance at an opportunity for financial assistance for this amazing course. Through the offering of this program, you are opening up the door for many to continue on their path to their hoop dreams and goals...and that is something to truly be thankful for!

My very first hoop <3

My hooping adventure began many moons ago in the summer of 2010 when I picked up my friends beginner hoop. Heavy and coming up to past my belly button, it was black with bright green gaffer tape on it. Less than a year later while I was living in Australia, I was gifted my own collapsible hoop. She was beautiful and pink with paisley material.

My story doesn't get exciting, though, until 2012 when I decided to travel to Nepal. Hula hoop in tow I flew to Kathmandu in hopes to find my passion in life (this was shortly after my mid-twenties crisis when I realized I still had NO idea what I wanted to do with my life.) I was there helping a friend establish her non-profit organization, LoveFound. Nepal was a magical land where I learnt all about the value of letting go, the importance of recognizing synchronicity, and most importantly...World Hoop Day.

Rooftop hooping in Kathmandu, Nepal

There's not too many hula hoopers in Kathmandu, so when I would bring mine out, it attracted some attention. I met a photographer for the Associated Press who mentioned World Hoop Day in conversation. Neat! The very next day I researched just what this glorious day and organization was all about.

And that was it. I was sold.

Once I became an Ambassador for World Hoop Day, I realized that hooping would be my offering to the world. That's how I would make a difference. Things spiraled into a hoopy oblivion from there. I even got to make my first hoop donation to an orphanage in Kathmandu, as well as leaving my own beloved circle at a hostel for others to continue to enjoy.

Hooping with street kids in Kathmandu, Nepal
World Hoop Day 2012

My days in Nepal were spent researching and discovering just how amazing and massive hoop dance actually is...and all around the world! I was able to sign up for hooping classes in Winnipeg commencing once I was back in Canada, and I contacted the teacher to see if she would be able to teach me how to make collapsible hoops (I purchased one of her hoops to take with me to Nepal.)

Upon my return to Canada, I was straight away into planning mode. I was dubbed the nickname 'Gypsy' while I was travelling, and from there sprouted Hoops by Gypsy. Part of the proceeds from my sales are to help me spread the hoop love, and every World Hoop Day I am happy to do my best to host an event to connect to my community and come together with other hoopers to help change the world.

Hoops by Gypsy vending at Midsummer's Dream 2013
Prince George, BC

I can honestly say (from the bottom of my heart) that there is nothing in my life that I have ever been this passionate about. I've seen the magic a circle can create, the barriers it can break and just how much ego it can strip away. The alchemy that hooping creates is something that I want to share with others on a deep level.

If chosen as the recipient of this wondrous gift, I will be able to take the next step and help others on their path. World Hoop Day is October 4 this year (shortly after training is completed), and I would love nothing more than to be able to share the magic. This would also allow me to step forward as a leader within the hooping community and live out my biggest hearts desire. This year is significant due to the fact that last year was utterly discouraging as I had not much more to offer than a dry space on a rainy day, and some good beats. This year I hope to offer classes (if not taught by me then another hoopdance instructor), a screening of The Hoop Life, and a communal space for hoopers to connect and learn.

My hoop vision is one filled with flow, meaning and purpose. I've grown (and will continue to grow) into the person I want to be, and I have chosen this path to share love, bring peace, and, most of all, be of service to others. Hooping is so much more than divine movement of our physical bodies. It's an ethereal experience for the mind and soul.

Again, thank you for this opportunity. The gratitude bubbles up from my heart space and floats all the way to you. When I feel like this, I say that I'm 'bursting sparkles'...so I'm sending you sparkles, too.

With love and gratitude,
gypsy

Why do you think hooping has become so popular?

Good question, Deanne Love.

Me and my cherished illuminated circle

It's Day 14 of 40 Days of Flow, and the more thought I put into that question, the deeper I dive into my own hoop journey and where (and WHY) it all began (I get the tingles just thinking about why all of this came to be in the first place):

Back in 2010 a friend of mine purchased a beginner hoop. It was black with bright lime green gaffer tape on it. Up until that point, I had really only ever seen hoopers at the only music festival I had ever gone to the previous summer...Motion Notion. But what I had seen sparked a keen interest in me. These magical creatures flowed with these beautiful, sometimes illuminated, circles around them. They were captivating.

This black and green hoop (that wasn't even mine) was far from the smaller plastic hoops I had seen used, but this is where I knew I had to start. I wanted to be one of those magical creatures, a hooping gypsy with jingles and flow and sparkles on my face. I wanted my body to move in ways I still had yet to understand, enamoring those around me. I wanted to manifest the flow that I understood came from within, bringing forth ecstatic movement.

With so many of us starting to live a more awakened lifestyle, the appeal of hooping comes from the eagerness to transcend our physical bodies by diving deep into a realm that seems ethereal. This seemingly lifeless prop allows us to channel our inner child and in some cases our higher consciousness'.

a Hoops by Gypsy original

My first hurdle, and the first hurdle for most, was keeping the hoop around my waist. Present day beginner hoops are much bigger than the small and very light plastic ones we may have played with as kids. Generally made out of some type of irrigation tubing, beginner hoops have a weight to them that allows us to initially understand how our bodies have to move to maintain flow.

Without fail my first attempts were feeble and the hoop would fall to the ground. But my determination was bigger than those failures. Triumphant in keeping it up, I vividly remember that summer night in 2010, standing on the spot and hooping in my backyard. My arms hung awkwardly above the hoop. The smile on my face was unchanging. The grass was tall and the sun was setting. I had bounded over that first hurdle, and I think in that moment I had taken my first step on the brightly colored road of my hooping adventure.

The popularity of this budding activity has exploded as more people realize that it's not just a desire to become a hypnotic dancer. Hooping is first and foremost a basic form of exercise (albeit way more fun than doing crunches or going for a run, in my opinion!) We sometimes don't recognize it as such because it's also a great way to put a smile on your face. It promotes health and happiness in the most fundamental way. It de-stresses some and is a form of meditation for others. Hooping can help balance an unbalanced life, and will undoubtedly provide purpose for those who need it. It connects you to music in mystifying ways, and helps you understand the necessity of movement.

Beyond that, for me personally, it opens up my heart space to the grand vastness of the Universe. It's an ever-expanding form of movement for my body and soul. It blisses me out and challenges me, and reminds me that everything is in a perpetual state of change and movement...just the way me and the hoop flow.

Hoops by Gypsy

Years later I now make and sell my own collapsible hula hoops. I am an ambassador for World Hoop Day and have goals to make and donate hoops to those less fortunate. I want to share this hooping revolution with the world, and recognize that this is how I will help change the world.

One hoop at a time.
Much love,
gypsy

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