Dahn Yoga - Ilchi Lee Founder

Last year my good friend Mike (and his wife Talia) invited me to attend a lecture by Ilchi Lee. Lee is the founder of Dahn Yoga, a holistic mind-body exercise program that utilizes Ki energy to maximize the potential of the brain. Dahn Yoga began in South Korea in the early 1980's, which is where Lee himself was born. Today there are Dahn Yoga center located all over the world, with a large following right here in California.

Lee's English is minimal, so the whole lecture was spoken in Korean and translated into English through an interpreter. He began day by giving us a little background on himself, explaining how as a child he had experienced a common learning disorder that is now known today as Attention Deficit Disorder (ADD). One of the advantages of this childhood affliction was that it inspired him to develop various meditation and yoga techniques to help other

"Autism is Awesome" Benefit Concert Jack Black & Stephen Stills

far right: Lexy Aaron, Wyatt Issacs & Rio Wyles

On October 4, 2011, The Miracle Project present- ed a free “Autism is Awesome” benefit concert at The Grove in Los Angeles to bring greater awareness to the miracles and possibili- ties for children with autism.
 
Autism the Musical, an HBO Emmy-Award win- ning documentary, (2008) introduced the world to The Miracle Project’s amazing work with autistic children. The Miracle Project, founded in 2004 by Elaine Hall and Diane Issacs, is a multi-platform socialization program that enables children and teens with autism and other special needs, to express themselves through music, dance, acting, story, and writing.

The Tree Ceremony – Honoring a Landmark of the SFV

Ceremony honoring Aleppo

On October 12, 2011, twenty neighbors on Kittridge Street in Van Nuys gathered together to honor and celebrate the life of one of the oldest native tree spirits of the San Fernando Valley – that of a 300-year-old Aleppo Pine – standing 150 feet tall.

When news of the sale of this beautiful Van Nuys property brought with it word that the tree that gave shade to more than half the block was too tall to insure, the new owners were devastated – as were all the neighbors. Under great pressure from the mortgage and insurance companies – that would not complete the sale, or insure the property if the tree stayed – the owners gave in. Who would have thought that liability fears of mega companies would one day take the life of this beautiful historic landmark?

Kathy's Favorite Finds At Natural Products Expo 2011

Every year I embark on a new adventure when attending the Natural Products Expo in Anaheim CA. My mission – to have a good time, connect with old friends, meet new ones, and find Kathy's Favorite Products that truly are healthy and sustainable. 

For me (and hundreds of others) the weekend always starts off with the Organic Farmers Research Foundation's (OFRF) meet and greet luncheon on Thursday. The OFRF is a non-profit organization that sponsors organic farming research and education projects, disseminates the results, and educates the public and policymakers about organic farming issues. 

This year the incredible cuisine was once again orchestrated by chef Donna Prizgintas, along with her team of equally remarkable chef's including Akasha Richmond, Jesse Cool and Beth Miller. Fabulously delicious. To see my favorite finds ...