My desk calendar on Wednesday, September 8:  MOM IS ALWAYS RIGHT--thought this was pretty interesting

"Don't eat green potatoes.  They're poisonous!"

Why it's true:  Green potatoes have high levels of solanine, a toxin that can cause nausea and headaches.  When potatoes are overexposed to heat or light, they produce excessive amounts of solanine as well as chlorophyll, which is what causes the green color.  So while the green color itself is not dangerous, it does indicate the presence of a toxin.

Today marks the first day of a 42 day worldwide effort of practicing gratitude.  If you are interested in being part of this wave of positivity, you can click the gogratitude link which you can find on my link page.  Though they ask for a donation, they also make it clear that none is necessary to participate in this.  They will send you daily emails and make suggestions on practicing gratitude.  I participated in this last year and enjoyed the daily reminders.  If you know me personally, or professionally, you know that I am a big advocate of practicing gratitude as a way to be more grateful!  What we think is what we become.  It really works!

I got a great email from my friend and fellow yogi, Charlene.  It was a link to her newest article in the Margate News about designing a special place (or what I call a sacred space) for relaxation and meditation.  I am big on having a place that is just for bringing peace to one's soul.  It can be as large as an entire building (such as a temple or place of worship) or as small as a bench or even a pillow to sit upon and meditate.  A favorite photo or statue can turn an otherwise meaningless spot into your sacred space.  I am lucky to have several and am still figuring out which one helps facilitate the best spot for meditation.

Thanks to my students for the incredible energy they brought to class last night.  I am still smiling over the sound effects while we were doing some core training with the light weights.  You are all awesome.  Rita and Carol, you were both missed and always are when you are not there.  Vicky, you (and your newest kidney!) are doing SO GREAT!  What a gift to have you back in the group.  You give "positive attitude" all new meaning.

If you are  celebrating the Rosh Hashanah holiday this evening, I wish you a very sweet,  happy and healthy new year filled with all the things you wish for yourself and your loved ones.  I will be having a quiet holiday with Mitch and his sister, Alison.  My love goes out to my family scattered around the northeast and to Kyle in Tampa.  This is a 2 night holiday, so tomorrow night we will celebrate with Derek and the VFT "usual suspects."  If anyone figures out a great way to veganize matzo balls,  let me know!  This is one challenge I have not yet figured out, though I have to admit that even when the matzo balls fall apart, the soup is still awfully tasty!

Since the holiday does not begin until sundown, I will be at all my regularly scheduled classes today.  Perhaps I will see you there.  Or here.  Whatever you do, fill your day and your life with love and gratitude and of course, peaceandfitness.