Hurry Up and Wait!

Kiss the Bride...

Life is full of amazing adventures... when you allow yourself the opportunity to experience them.

This past weekend, a new friend of mine invited me along to a movie premier in LA (Hollywood). My initial reaction was yes, so I said so. Then I started thinking (a terrible habit, I know). LA, fake, pretentious, nobody pays attention to you unless you're giving them something... then I said "no". Not this time.

I made it my goal to be the observer without reaction. I told myself that this trip would be an opportunity for me to watch the process. I wanted to see a different side to the LA I had seen before.

I found a great little B&B in West Hollywood which just came under new ownership. The San Vincente Inn. It was less than 3 miles from the movie premier.

Patrick, my friend, picked me up Wednesday morning and we drove out to LA. The drive was beautiful and Annie Lennox graced our experience with song. We got there early enough to get a late lunch at the Bossa Nova - I got a delicious Caprese Salad (My favorite thing ever) and a side of sauteed veggies (quite delicious) and a glass of Zinfandel!

We headed back to our respective rooms and got ready to go. We took a cab ride over (which ended up being Patrick's downfall since he left his attachment, I mean Cell Phone, in the cab). After we were ready to let it go, we stood out in front of the movie house watching the "stars" walk up the red carpet. This is where I began my observation process. I silently took a post near the entrance so I could watch the procession of stars heading inside. The process is wonderful. The assistants of the stars speak with the next person in line while the star is speaking with the one they were just introduced to. (A few of them would do really well with yoga practices) ;)

Patrick's intention of being there was to meet Tori Spelling, and of course, because the Universe provides everything in balance, she was unable to attend (being super pregnant can do that sometimes). Her sexy husband however was there as he had a role in the movie as well. Patrick really wanted to chat with him, but was really nervous. As he was speaking to the last person on the carpet, I reminded him that if he wants to speak to the star, he needs to speak to his assistant.

In the meantime - As I was standing there observing, a gentleman came up to me and said "Dennis?" Of course my puzzled expression allowed him to continue questioning... "From Boston?" Hmmm...

The line of questioning went on for a bit, and I took his hand and twirled myself around to see if i could envoke an energetic response - nothing. So I said, OKay, Remind me. Ben Holbrook he says. We marched in the Boston Crusaders together in the early 90's... Cha Ching! Of Course. How long ago that was!

As it turns out - Ben did the musical score for the movie (very fun). We chatted a bit then head in for the movie... (Oh, Patrick) Well, turns out that Mr. Spelling (I'm sure that's not his name, but it escapes me) was told by Ms. Spelling about Patrick's conversation with her (he interviewed her a week ago)... and Mr. Hunky Husband asked to get Patrick's picture with him. How cute!

The movie was cute. Some moments of "of course... obviously... and oh my" and lots of moments of "No they didn't... HAH... and oh my" The cast did a good job. I really appreciated the very candid, realness of it. Not over-acted. Very natural.

Clap, clap, clap...

Off to the after-party. We got there (I forget the name of the place - cute though) they had food and some beverages. I got a glass of red thanks! Again, taking my post as the observer in a corner of an open outdoor space, I began the breathing. Breathing takes me into the present moment so I can observe without passing judgment or reacting to situations. A good place to start. Patrick was busily (mind) running around, so I sent him off to introduce himself to meet people.

"Denny" - I hear my name. I knew the general direction, so it didn't take me long to see three guys looking up and waving me down. Patrick was with them. "Why did you send him out to talk to people while you stayed up there?" :) Playing the role of Observer I tell them. Good.

Throughout the course of the night, I met many individuals that were involved in the process of making this film. The director C Jay Cox was extremely nice and I had a wonderful conversation with the Producer Bob Schuck (who is off to San Francisco for the opening up there - Tell him HELLO from Denny if you meet him - great guy). :)

The trip overall was a delight, and I'm very thankful for the experience and also for catching up with an old acquaintance!

(OOh - random - I've been having these amazing dual experiences lately (since the end of last year) where I am with two people in a room, and one of them is a new acquaintance and one of them is either someone from my past, or from my "home" area from a long time ago. Haven't quite figured out what it all means, but I've been noticing it happening more frequently - 4th time in 4 months.)

I highly recommend the movie, Kiss the Bride, be the observer, let go of expectation... and BUY the film so all of my new friends can make a living doing what they love ;)

Thank you LA for showing me a new experience.

The Beach Ball Fundraiser

Dear Universe... (and the Super Wealthy)

Hello to all the Super Wealthy people out there in this worldly existence in this time of Earth the year 2008. :)

Let me introduce myself. My name is Denny Richard, and I live out in Phoenix, AZ. I practice and teach yoga. I'm also involved as a partner in a bed & breakfast (yes, it's lots of work, but the environment is tranquil and quite relaxing).

I am writing to you today, March 24th just a few days after the Spring Equinox in hopes that you might send some of that extra cash (which I know is burning a hole in your pocket) to me so that I may build a yoga studio and healing center. I have handfuls of people that are ready and willing to work, teach, educate, share and help build a community here at the Bed & Breakfast, but we're lacking the space needed to do it properly.

I know what you mean, with all those people it should be easy to raise funds. Well, most of them are like me, yoga teachers... I'm not sure if you've met most yoga teachers, but we tend to exist mostly in the barter system, and when we do get paid, it's typically not that much... unless of course you've put yourself out there in a Commercial Market - which is great for some, but not what we're up to here as teachers.

Of course, because of your generous donation, I'd be available to you for private yoga retreats whenever you need to reconnect - and REALLY, you'd be retreating to something you helped to create - what can be more rewarding than that?? I can hear the conversations now... "Oh yes, I'll be heading out to my yoga center in Phoenix for the week, Denny, a fantastic little yogi, will be taking me on a relaxing and rejuvenating journey, and by the time the week is over I'll feel like a new person... You may want to go yourself, they have fantastic healing and spa services there..." See :) Doesn't that just sound delightful??

Of course, it won't cost a LOT to build, but the more we get, the more we can create, right?? Let's go for $250,000.00 to start. The space will be 2.5 stories tall with healing rooms on the first level, and open space studio on the upper level. I do know a couple of green-build architects that would be delighted to do the project... Yes, it will be all green and eco-friendly. My goal is to create a sustainable living center. A private oasis in the desert...

I see the doors filled with people all day long coming to experience different yoga classes and meditation programs. I see the healing rooms with massage, reiki, accupuncture, light therapy, giant marble bath area and oh so much more. And since it's already attached to a bed & breakfast which we are also creating amazing spaces in, you'd be able to hang out by the salt-water pool, eat an organic health-conscious vegetarian meal, or even sleep in one of our very comfortable rooms. Oh I see ecstatic states of bliss oozing from your very existence. Delicious!

Ooh I could go on and on about all of the experiences you will have here, but I'd rather have those conversations in person. Please feel free to come and stay at the ZenYard (www.zenyard.com) and experience what we are creating.

I know this task will not be difficult. There are a large number of people that have a huge amount of disposable income around this world... I set free my wishes to the Universe knowing that it will all come back to me, and when it does, I will share it with everyone.

Lots of Love,

Denny
info@dennyrichard.com

Ooh - Please feel free to copy and paste this to everyone you know. Maybe Aunty Martha or Uncle Donald will end up reading this email too.

Ooh the Gasoline...

I have another take on a mass email that's been going out and about... here is the email... read my take at the very end...

I don't know what you guys are paying for gasoline.... but here in California we are also paying higher, up to $3.50 per gallon. But my line of work is in petroleum for about 31 years now, so here are some tricks to get more of your money's worth for every gallon.
Here at the Kinder Morgan Pipeline where I work in San Jose , CA we deliver about 4 million gallons in a 24-hour period thru the pipeline. One day is diesel the next day is jet fuel, and gasoline, regular and premium grades. We have 34-storage tanks here with a total capacity of 16,800,000 gallons.

Only buy or fill up your car or truck in the early morning when the ground temperature is still cold. Remember that all service stations have their storage tanks buried below ground. The colder the ground the more dense the gasoline, when it gets warmer gasoline expands, so buying in the afternoon or in the evening....your gallon is not exactly a gallon. In the petroleum business, the specific gravity and the temperature of the gasoline, diesel and jet fuel, ethanol and other petroleum products plays an important role.

A 1-degree rise in temperature is a big deal for this business. But the service stations do not have temperature compensation at the pumps.

When you're filling up do not squeeze the trigger of the nozzle to a fast mode. If you look you will see that the trigger has three (3) stages: low, middle, and high. In slow mode you should be pumping on low speed, thereby minimizing the vapors that are created while you are pumping. All hoses at the pump have a vapor return. If you are pumping on the fast rate, some other liquid that goes to your tank becomes vapor. Those vapors are being sucked up and back into the underground storage tank so you're getting less worth for your money.

One of the most important tips is to fill up when your gas tank is HALF FULL or HALF EMPTY. The reason for this is, the more gas you have in your tank the less air occupying its empty space. Gasoline evaporates faster than you can imagine. Gasoline storage tanks have an internal floating roof. This roof serves as zero clearance between the gas and the atmosphere, so it minimizes the evaporation. Unlike service stations, here where I work, every truck that we load is temperature compensated so that every gallon is actually the exact amount.

Another reminder, if there is a gasoline truck pumping into the storage tanks when you stop to buy gas, DO NOT fill up--most likely the gasoline is being stirred up as the gas is being delivered, and you might pick up some of the dirt that normally settles on the bottom. Hope this will help you get the most value for your money.

DO SHARE THESE TIPS WITH OTHERS!

WHERE TO BUY USA GAS, THIS IS VERY IMPORTANT TO KNOW. READ ON

Gas rationing in the 80's worked even though we grumbled about it. It might even be good for us! The Saudis are boycotting American goods. We should return the favor. An interesting thought is to boycott their GAS.

Every time you fill up the car, you can avoid putting more money into the coffers of Saudi Arabia . Just buy from gas companies that don't import their oil from the Saudis.
Nothing is more frustrating than the feeling that every time I fill-up the tank, I am sending my money to people who are trying to kill me, my family, and my friends.

I thought it might be interesting for you to know which oil companies are the best to buy gas from and which major companies import Middle Eastern oil.

These companies import Middle Eastern oil:

Shell............................ 205,742,000 barrels
Chevron/Texaco......... 144,332,000 barrels
Exxon /Mobil............... 130,082,000 barrels
Marathon/Speedway... 117,740,000 barrels
Amoco............................62,231,000 barrels

Citgo gas is from South America , from a Dictator who hates Americans. If you do the math at $30/barrel, these imports amount to over $18 BILLION! (oil is now $90 - $100 a barrel)

Here are some large companies that do not import Middle Eastern oil:

Sunoco..................0 barrels
Conoco..................0 barrels
Sinclair.................0 barrels
BP/Phillips............0 barrels
Hess.......................0 barrels
ARCO....................0 barrels
If you go to Sunoco.com, you will get a list of the station locations near you.

All of this information is available from the Department of Energy and each is required to state where they get their oil and how much they are importing.

But to have an impact, we need to reach literally millions of gas buyers. It's really simple to do.

Now, don't wimp out at this point.... keep reading and I'll explain how simple it is to reach millions of people!!

I'm sending this note to about thirty people. If each of you send it to at least ten more (30 x 10 = 300) ... and those 300 send it to at least ten more (300 x 10 = 3,000) and so on, by the time the message reaches the sixth generation of people, we will have reached over THREE MILLION consumers!!!!!!! If those three million get excited and pass this on to ten friends each, then 30 million people will have been contacted!

If it goes one level further, you guessed it.....THREE HUNDRED MILLION PEOPLE!!!
Again, all you have to do is send this to 10 people. How long would all that take?

Denny's Take:
Let the gas prices go up and up and up... let it reach $10.00/GALLON. Then let the people complain to the car companies that they need to make more fuel efficient cars that run on alternative, recycled sources...
Complaining about the problem is part of the problem. Looking at a solution removes the problem. We need to let go of petroleum as a source for our existence in the capacity in which we are using it.

SAVORLife

Last night at the ZenYard, we held a benefit dinner for the - www.auntritasfoundation.org - SAVORLife Fundraiser. We had 23 seated guests for dinner. Our menu was Greek Inspired. I started cooking on Friday at 2:00 PM and finished then at 10:30 PM. Then Saturday I cooked from around noon-time until the end of dinner around 7:30 PM. It was delicious - vegetarian of course. I will be posting some of the recipes up on the ZenYard website soon.

We are also going to have a Creative Visualization workshop on March 31st. Download creative_visualization_33108.pdf

This is geared towards the ECHO Group, but we are opening it up to all :) Very exciting. The ECHO Group has been going along great - everyone in the group was here last night helping with the SAVORLife dinner. Lots of thanks to Darla & Star, Rob & Raul, Aaron and Joe.

Have a wonderful week.

Dear Universe,

As you know, so much has happened since the last time I sent you written notification. But I thought it was time to write, and as you know - what you think will happen, will.

I would like to manifest a few Earthly Creations. (First I want to thank you for all of the things I have received) -- Especially those really BIG Gifts! ;-)

Universe - I could really use a means of transportation other than a bicycle. As you know I am attempting to do a lot all at the same time. This is okay, because it's been quite a bit of fun and an amazing learning experience. In terms of ease, having a reliable motor vehicle to keep me in closer contact with those people who have also manifested into my existence would be extremely helpful.

Thank you Universe for Tyler & Maddy. They're such cuddler's. Angel is a wonderful balance.

One of those big gifts I keep learning from IS balance. Understanding the Yin/Yang. It's an amazing process to witness. Thank you for giving me the tools to understand better.

I am meeting so may amazing people, and from so many wonderful directions and they all teach me so many beautiful things.

I am learning about attachment to enjoyment. It must all be let go - this is why attachment creates suffering. There are 5 Kleshas - these are what the yogi's say are the 5 causes of man's suffering. Attachment is number 3. The first one is Ignorance - Ignorance creates all of the others as well. If you are unaware of the fact that you are attached, you suffer, doubly! The second Klesha is the identification with the Ego as the "self", and then we become trapped within the projections we have created of our life. The third is attachment, as I mentioned earlier, it is an endless cycle of wanting. The fourth one is Aversion. If we cannot avoid the things we dislike, we suffer. The last one is fearing death.

I have been looking at everyone in my life as my teacher.

Thank you. How quickly manifestation appears - I asked you why things can't be fun all of the time, and you provided an answer. Then you brought it back into balance. Joy!

One of the biggest lessons I'm learning is that "thinking" is great for creating, but it gets you no where. You really have to do, to get. The Thinking part is the part that creates what you want to do. That's why it's just as important to stop and smell the roses, as it is to do the work planting the seeds.

Oh Universe, so much to do! ;) Thank you for the opportunities.

I am learning another thing about thought... our paths head out on a path... and our conscious mind interprets the sensations which tells us that we are experiencing what we are - this path. The Over-Mind, or Buddhi Mind sees no like, or dislike, or fear of this path, it just experiences what is, with no judgment. The Ego mind is the part of the mind that says we like or do not like.

Our creative mind is the part that actively visualizes what we would like to manifest. It circles away from the current path to adventure into the future (imagine) based on what it remembers from the past. It is up to "me" to remember to come back to experience what it is I have created. Plant the seed, smell the rose.

I have also learned that planting seeds sometimes is very demanding, messy work. But that's okay, because the more effort-less I put into it, the sweeter smelling the rose and the more beautiful it is to look at. And of course that's all a matter of perception. If you choose to see the beauty in Every thing... you absolutely will!

Let Abundance Flow...

Namaste,

Denny

It's been such a long time...

I haven't written much here lately.  I've been "busy" as they call it.  Doing the things required to keep the momentum of a socialized life going in "that" direction.  It's all been well though.

Life at the ZenYard is taking off in so many directions.  We had a Full House this past weekend and it was such a wonderful experience.  Great to see the bookings coming in from so many places.  I met a potential cousin as well.  Someone who checked in has the same last name of my mom and grew up in the same town as my great-grandparents come from - I'm sure he's a cousin along the way somewhere.  He said he would send me his (our) Family Tree so we can peruse it... Mom will be excited I'm sure because she has a disconnect from heritage going through her Great-Grandparent generation.  We got lost somewhere along the way.

We have been working a LOT on the kitchen here at the ZenYard.  Michael and I got the floors finished with eco-friendly and chemical free stains and sealers from a great store called AKA Green.  It is not to far from here (within a half hour) and they have incredible Earth friendly products.  I am very thankful to have them as part of our existence.   Michael has brought in his co-worker Jay to help us along with the cabinet building and hanging.  She builds the furniture for IKEA where they both work.  She has been a tremendous help.

We are now getting to the point where our weekends are being booked two months in advance, and are slowly starting to get the weekdays booked as well.  It's such an amazing change from just 3 months ago.  Lots happening!  I really appreciate all that have contributed in whatever way they have as a participant in helping us grow to what we know is a wonderful experience. 

I am going to be writing for a local magazine publication (Echo Magazine) starting the next issue!  I am doing a 12 week program - inquiring Echo Readers to get involved in their health and wellbeing.  4 lucky Echo Readers will get 12 weeks free personal training/yoga, along with nutrition counseling, stress management and more.  We will write about and document the experiences for all of the readers to see.  I am looking forward to it!! :)

I also started teaching at Alternatives Health and Wellness Center again.  I'm the "Sunday" night guy.  I taught there over the past year every Sunday but had to take a break from it in September to focus on the ZenYard's demands.  It's good to be back though!

If you've been to the ZenYard, come visit again and see all the wondrous changes that are constantly taking place - The ZenYard reminds me of the Law of Nature - everything is in constant change.  It is a place that continuously develops itself around what is being asked by it.  We are meeting so many people that are connected to the "house" itself from the previous owner, Carolyn Fraser.  This is a healing place, and we hope to carry that tradition to those who wish to experience it.

I'm hoping my family will be able to come and visit next month.  Tam & Mom have been looking for plane fares to come out for a week in Mid-February.  I hope they find their prices and can make it out.  I really want to take mom to Sedona and get to spend more time with Tammy.  I had such a great time when I was home for the holidays.  Such a grounded experience.

I've had two really amazing balance (yin/yang) type experiences lately.  Right before I came back to Phoenix from Boston, I was hanging out with my friend Rob who I know well and an acquaintance from my home town - who I knew years ago, but not that well... hard to explain that, but between the two of them in the same room, I had a sense of current connection of who I am, and a deep rooted experience of where I came from.  This has just happened again with two other people.  Ed and Darcy.  Darcy is the person that may be my cousin, and Ed is a newer person who I have become close with.  They were both in the room and the same balanced experience of Present and Past were with me.  I also realized that when I allow myself to be the present of that balance, things seem to melt into a streamline existence.  I also also realized that I have a "flicker".  A Spark (who just walked in) that takes things and stirs it up, and calls attention to it... it is Michael.  Hard to explain writing, but the feeling is sensational to witness...  as I meditate more on it, I'm sure it will become more clear for me to write about.

Emma just had her 11th Birthday - she had a "70's Disco Party".  How exciting.  I had given her a large mirror-ball and disco light set for Christmas :)  (go Uncle Dennis).  I can't wait to see the pictures (hint-hint).

Anyway, my "spark" is sparkling and calling for attention, so it must be time for me to move on...  I hope to find more time to write over the next few months... I've been in a bit of a "loner" situation when it comes to this blog lately - one post/month or less... :)

Adopt an attitude of Gratitude... when you think that no one is doing the things that you want them to do, take the time to appreciate the things that they ARE doing.  Life is only as complicated as you make it.

Namaste,

Yogi Denny

ZenYard Superbowl Rental

The ZenYard is officially up for grabs for a SuperBowl Rental.

 

$40k Superbowl &/or FBR Open

Estate in Central Phoenix

13 miles to the stadim, 10 miles from the Airport

The ZenYard Guest House has 5 Sleeping rooms around the main House!

Studio Suite and 2 Guest houses. 4 Kitchens, 5 baths, Sleeps 14 people ++

Location is everything, escape the chaos be centrally located.

Large Open area for watching the game on large projection or 42" flat screen TV.

Newly Rennovated kitchen for the guy/gals who love to cook

Double oven and gas cooktop. Outdoor BBQ for grilling!

Enjoy the solar heated salt water pool and hot tub.

Washer/Dryer, linens and towels and Maid services available

Check out the Guest House at www.ZenYard.com (more photos)

All you need to do is Bring your own food and Beverages.

Free keg of beer included!

7 day Min Stay EARNEST DEPOSIT $5,000 APPLIED TO RENT AT CHECK-IN SECURITY DEPOSIT $5,000 REFUNDABLE AT ACCEPTABLE WALK-THROUGH CLEANING DEPOSIT $600 NON REFUNDABLE. DEPOSITS PAID UP FRONT.BALANCE DUE WITH CERTIFIED FUNDS AT CHECK-IN. Mastercard Discover Visa and American Express Welcome!!
Call 602-680-7631 or toll free (866) 594-0242

The ZenYard Tsunami...

Last night as I was pulling into the ZenYard from my yoga class, I noticed there was a bit of a disturbance.  Michael was running about the office in a quick manner and Ed's car was parked by the entrance with the lights flashing.  My first thought was someone was hurt...

I parked and walked to the door where Michael was and he said, "we're having a bit of a dilemma".  As I looked around the office and noticed water from one end to the other.  I looked out the back office door and saw that we were now beach front property.  Water had filled the whole back of the property about 6 inches deep.  The deck was under water, the cement was deep.  The area by the coy pond was close to 8" deep of water (poor fishes).  Edward was on the phone with the city.  The irrigation system (which we do not use) was pumping out water into the property.  The city finally got the water shut off and just in time - the water was at the level of the North Room door entrance and also the central home entrance.  Any higher and both areas would have started to flood.

Someone from irrigation in the city came and looked and gave us his spiel.  The water started to seep into the ground and we spent the next 2 hours by the coy pond catching fish and putting them in buckets.  I hope we got them all - poor little fishes.

We are going to have to remove the floor in the office.  Joy!  Hopefully someone will come out today and discover what happened. 

Once upon a visit...

I am getting ready for my trip back home. 30 days from today! I am really looking forward to seeing the city again. It's been a year since I've seen my sister and the kids :( I am also looking forward to seeing my friends.

I've also been contemplating moving back home to Boston. It's just something that keeps coming up to me. I knew my "time" here in Phoenix was going to be a stepping stone to something else. It was a break, a chance at re-discovery, an opportunity to do something new and different.  Job opportunity here seems to be sparse, the sense of city that I loved so much in Boston is non-existent here.  The most difficult part for me to move would be if Michael didn't want to go with me.  I don't know - it's just something I've been thinking on lately.  <sigh>

I am going to be participating in the Santa Speedo Run (www.santaspeedorun.com) when I get back to Boston.  It's a charity event - a 'race' in speedos that goes through the city... I hope it's warm ;)

I was in a store today - they're playing "holiday" songs - ew.  It's only Nov 14.