The Lotus Pond - Where Body, Mind & Spirit are Renewed

A friend of mine had been trying to get me to take a yoga class for years. She even taught a class right down the street from my home that I could attend for free, but I resisted. Why? I’m not really sure, but it all just seemed a little “intimidating” to me.  My body couldn’t possibly bend in all those postures, I thought to myself and I’m not a thin little nymph body-wise-- I’d be embarrassed. And so, with that mindset, I decided it was “not for me.”

Then I moved further south into Tampa and the pressures at work, bills and an ill parent were taking their toll on me. Red wine just didn’t work as a permanent solution, so I decided to learn what all this yoga “hype” was about. When I searched online for the nearest studio, I found The Lotus Pond which was located right around the corner from my little villa. I took it as “a sign” that it was about time I gave it a try. It just so happens that they have a 4-week introductory program, so I enrolled.  Owner Val Spies conducted the class and led the diverse group of us…men and women from early 20s to the more “golden” agers…in the basics of yoga and gently directed us through all the primary postures. I was amazed at the realization that it was actually fun! It was not only for thin little nymphs. It was for all ages and body types! Eureka! I was hooked!

After Val’s introductory classes, I tried the “Gentle Yoga” session by instructor Denise O’Dunn and I found my happy niche.  Being among the “youthful senior set” in age, I appreciated Denise’s instruction style. She always clearly communicates that our yoga practice is individual and unique to each person. She takes us at a slow relaxing pace through the postures and she frequently encourages each person to listen to their own body and perform each posture in a way that does not cause any pain or undue strain.  It’s not a competition! It’s about feeling good, lengthening your muscles in a gentle way and reducing stress and it works!

Obviously, some people are more flexible in some areas of the body than others. No matter. Denise, and all of the instructors are there for all students, no matter what level you’re at, to guide the class responsibly through a sequence of postures.  But they all remind every student that they know their own body best and should honor what is appropriate or not appropriate at any particular time for them.  

It amazed me that after attending a month of classes, twice a week , that I began experiencing more flexibility in many areas of my body. I felt more relaxed. My stress levels dropped and I always left my yoga practice feeling as though I had given myself a gift.  Can I do all the postures presented during every session like an expert? No, absolutely not, but I do what is right for me and I’m happy with the benefits. Who knows, as time goes by and I maintain my commitment to my yoga practice, I am convinced that I will continue to observe improvements in my posture and flexibility.

What’s really nice is that The Yoga Pond has everything you need in terms of equipment and mats right there on site. Just bring yourself and wear comfortable clothing you can stretch in. You will observe that it is customary to leave your shoes outside of the yoga classroom, but you’ll get all this good to know stuff at Val Spies’ introductory classes--or just ask any of the instructors before or after class. They’re all very nice people!

By the way, there’s a whole lot more than just yoga classes going on at both The Lotus Room and The Lotus Pond. Check out their calendar of events online for interesting classes and workshops.  And there’s more -- besides being an awesome yoga instructor, Denise O’Dunn is the president and founder of “Balance & Bliss,” an Ayurvedic lifestyle center conveniently located at The Lotus Pond.  It offers a full line of services such as consultations and treatments that honor the ancient art of Ayurveda. You can even schedule a therapeutic massage or sign up for an educational workshop.

Do yourself a favor and don’t procrastinate like I did for years! You deserve time to unwind, relax and stretch your body, mind and spirit. Get on the road to peace, health and bliss--do it today!

The Lotus Pond - 6201 Lynn Rd, one street north of Linebaugh, off of Anderson Rd.;  813-961-3160

Pass-A-Grille, Florida! Heavenly!

Just south of the Don Cesar Resort, or what locals like to call "the pink palace," is one of my favorite spots on the planet -- Pass-A-Grille Beach! I discovered it years ago when my daughters and I first moved to the bay area. We have been "hooked" ever since! 

Okay, Caladesi Island is one of the premiere beaches in our area and rightfully so. It's gorgeous! Clearwater Beach, also beautiful, long, wide and a favorite with teens and young adults. It has plenty of hotels, water attractions, shopping, bars and restaurants lining the entire beach. If you keep traveling south, you will cross a short bridge to pristine Sand Key and then onward to more sand and surf until you reach St. Petersburg Beach. Yes, I know, they all have their beauty and particular allure, but Pass-A-Grille Beach still keeps calling me back! 

My family and I discovered a little gem called Inn on the Beach, at 1401 Gulf Way, Pass-A-Grille Beach, FL 33706 (for your phone app, gps or mapquest) run by very nice innkeeper Shelia McChesney, (727-360-8844; www.innonbeach.com). It's wonderful and adorable! We have spent holidays and many long weekends at the Inn savoring the beach that's right across the street. There is nothing better than getting up in the morning, enjoying the Inn's self serve breakfast, grabbing my sand chair and a cup of hot coffee. I then park myself on the beach to watch the surf and sometimes a pod of dolphins. My daughters even surprised me with a weekend for my birthday (that had a special number associated with it) and I can tell you quite honestly, it was the best birthday ever! Inn on the Beach provides a great little "get-a-way" for those of us that live in the Tampa Bay region. And why not since we have paradise right in our own backyard? 

Pass-A-Grille Beach is also home to the Hurricane Restaurant which is a 3-story eatery, bar and entertainment spot, best known for its grouper sandwich. It has an open air bar on the roof which is the ultimate spot to watch the sun set. I have taken some incredible photos from that rooftop with my point and shoot camera...beautiful vistas loving provided by "Mother Nature." 

A short walk from the Inn and around the corner, you'll find a charming little street -- Eighth Avenue, that has more restaurants, bars, an ice cream parlor, artsy shops and jewelry. I love Bamboozle...it's a fun little tropical spot filled with beachwear, gifts, unique jewelry and lots of things Pass-A-Grille! I have my "PAG" sticker on my car to prove it!

Being the creature of habit that I can sometimes be, I always park my car across the street from Inn on the Beach. There are these nifty electronic parking meters that make it so easy to pay for just the right amount of "bronze time." The catwalks are placed at convenient intervals to get you across a section of dune and sea oats to your main attraction -- the beach!


My other favorite spot is The Paradise Grill. It's directly on the beach catty-corner from The Hurricane and a short stroll from my "beach turf." The Grill has a yummy breakfast and lunch menu with plenty of picnic tables. Try to get one with an umbrella for a "break" from the sun. On the opposite side of this beachfront restaurant is a small store with all of the beach essentials that you forgot at home and another necessity -- restrooms! I have to commend Paradise Grill for their "green" savvy. Lined up under the seagrapes are cans for different trash types...plastic, paper, glass, aluminum, etc. Now isn't that eco-responsible? Kudos for setting a "let's keep the beach clean" example! On Friday, Saturday and Sundays beach goers can even enjoy a crafter's bazaar set up on the patio next to the Grill and there's sometimes live music! If you're the observant-type, you'll spy an important fixture -- a large bell mounted on a post overlooking the beach. Every day as the sun sinks into the sea, the bell is rung as a salute to the sunset. Perfecto!

You know, I believe that the main reason that I adore Pass-A-Grille Beach is that it is not overrun by high rise hotels. The street that lines the beach, Gulf Way, is predominantly homes. There are inns and a few condos on this main drag too, but none of them are huge monstrosities. They all fit, rather aesthetically, together! It may not be a very wide beach or a very long beach, but it feels like "old Florida" and kind of cozy. Whether you are a local or a Florida visitor, don't miss spending the day at Pass-A-Grille Beach! Just don't take my parking space, okay? 

Spend the Day in Tarpon Springs and Don't Miss the Sponge Docks

A fun way to spend a day is along Dodecanese Avenue in the Sponge Dock District of Tarpon Springs. This community is rich in Greek heritage and tradition. There are festivals throughout the year to enjoy. For more information on Tarpon Spring's history or specific event/festival dates, you can check them out on websites: http://www.tarponarts.org/ or http://tarponspringschamber.com

My favorite pastime is simply strolling along Dodecanese Avenue and browsing thorough the myriad of little shops, sampling the delectable Greek cuisine and discovering new and imaginative ways to use natural sponges harvested from the local waters. I love shells and the shop keepers stock them by the bucket full! If you can't find one of these natural works of art on one of our beaches, you can certainly find a new addition for your collection at the Sponge Docks! You can easily spend an entire day here, so plan accordingly!

The city of Tarpon Springs is also home to picturesque Craig Park (100 Beekman Lane, Tarpon Springs, FL 34689) and Spring Bayou where you might just see a manatee! It is the site of one of my all-time favorite arts festivals, the Tarpon Springs Fine Arts Festival, held every spring and fall each year. It is a juried show with more than 200 artisans from all over the country and in a wide variety of mediums. The prices are reasonable, location idyllic and well worth visiting. It is a 2-day festival that also features food vendors and live entertainment. It's best to go early in the day to avoid big crowds (from my experience). You can also visit the Tarpon Springs Heritage Museum which educates visitors on the interaction of environment and culture in the area.

Take some time to drive (or stroll) through the streets around Craig Park and the Sponge Docks to explore the quaint neighborhoods, historic homes in a variety of architectural styles and interesting businesses, including artist workshops and galleries that dot the Tarpon Springs landscape. Great seafood restaurants are a given, as is authentic Greek cuisine at its best!  

During a visit, I happened upon a shrine dedicated to one of my favorite archangels, Archangel Michael! It is located at 113 Hope Street, right around the corner from the Sponge Docks, and has the reputation of being a place where healings and miracles occur. Reverence upon entering is expected and it is small, quiet and peaceful. For a tiny fee you can purchase candles to accompany your intentions or prayers for loved ones. While I was there a shrine caretaker gave everyone present a little plastic bag containing a cotton ball steeped with holy oil along with a lovely faith-filled smile. Read an account of the first miracle and shrine history beautifully documented online at this link:
http://www.sptimes.com/2007/08/17/Northpinellas/St_Michael_s_miracle_.shtml

On your way in or out of Tarpon Springs, you can explore the historic Downtown Arts and Antiques District along Tarpon Avenue. It is lined with restaurants, pubs, art, antique and gift shops. There's even a winery that demonstrates the winemaking process! When you get tired of walking, you can always take the city run Tarpon Springs Trolley! It connects the Sponge Docks, Downtown District and the Tarpon Springs Heritage Museum in Craig Park for a nominal fee.

If you live in the bay area and have never "ventured out to explore," it's time you did! Our region is filled with so many interesting destinations right in our own backyard and ready to experience! Tarpon Springs is one of those historic jewels for you to discover and then become a "regular."

Efharisto (that's Greek for thank you)!

An Affordable Indulgence -- Safety Harbor Resort and Spa

Safety Harbor Resort and Spa 

(888) 237-8772 • (727) 726-1161

105 North Bayshore Drive. Safety Harbor, Fl 34695

Pampering has always been high on my list of indulgences. I confess, I am a spa junkie and I would be perfectly happy traveling the United States and the globe sampling spas along the way. Anyone want to give me that job?

Years ago I discovered the Safety Harbor Resort and Spa located in a lovely little community perched right on the waters of Tampa Bay in Pinellas County. The resort is more than 60 years old and was declared a historical landmark in 1964 by the U.S. Department of the Interior. It is actually built over the 2,000+ year old Espiritu Santo Springs, which means “Springs of the Holy Spirit.” The natural mineral water of the springs is used exclusively throughout the resort for drinking water, in spa treatments and in all of the pools. Please read more about their rich history on the resort’s website.

I have witnessed a wonderful transformation and significant changes at the resort over the last few years via a series of renovation projects at Safety Harbor Resort and Spa, now under the ownership of Olympia Development Group. The lobby, guest rooms and spa have undergone a “face lift” and are looking good! Since the spa is my personal main attraction, I was particularly pleased to see the updates in the locker room, waiting and treatment areas.  The renovations are ongoing and needed around the indoor pools and whirlpool areas, but it is a “work in progress” and the spa is enjoyable all the same.

I applaud Safety Harbor Resort and Spa for making a pampering day affordable! My daughters and I have taken advantage of their “Spa-cation Day Package” which is only $69 per person and includes lunch, a 30-minute facial or massage and use of all the facilities! For couples, it’s only $109. It is a wonderful deal because you get pampered and can work out in the fitness area, use the steam room or dry sauna or do water exercises in their shallow indoor pool, then enjoy two outdoor pools (one more secluded and private with lap lanes or the more social and large pool with an outdoor bar…my favorite) and even indulge in a gourmet meal on top of that! It’s a great way to spend the whole day relaxing and rejuvenating the body, mind and soul.  

Check out the other great deals on the website. There are full day, half day and specialty spa packages with overnight accommodations available. Local residents…it’s a “must do” and visitors…come experience a historic jewel and I would bet good money, you will definitely enjoy it!