There is no doubt that this Memorial Day weekend, we will appreciate beauty and adventure here in Ann Arbor, Michigan as we do in Soglio Switzerland, during our annual yoga, meditation and chanting retreat. It is noon on Saturday and there is every reason to stay in Ann Arbor. Retreat Soglio is a state of mind and once you’ve been there – you can drop in, any place…anytime.
Last night launched our weekend, meeting Ricardo at 1632 Broadway, home of Nourishing Traditions, to water the garden and admire. The little cottage is home to Thai Yoga & Auryveda treatments, yoga wisdom, chanting circles and anything that is genuinely nourishing. The enormous trees, the walled and screened patio and fire pit – it is 
where drumming, tea parties and like-minded people come together.
We dined in the home of our neighbor with friends gathered round, delicious food, stimulating conversation – we laughed so hard over what, now, I can’t remember. We dissected the dynamics and pros and cons of having plunged into the computer age; we tossed backed and forth notions like our need for human, face-to-fact interaction vs virtual. Heels were dug in as all sides of the topic were considered ie a machine-like existence, spirit-filled existence or somewhere in between. Books like “Brave New World” were quoted. The occasion was timeless and confirmed that face-to-face still is a lot of fun. All the best ingredients were PRESENT. It was very much Soglioesque as we partook of fantastic food, good company and a lovely view from Barb’s enchanting treehouse porch.
The next morning we awoke to a lovely breeze through the window, birds chirping, a racoon raiding our balcony birdfeeder
and an aborted cycle ride into town due to a very flat tire. Instead, we drove, meeting our A2 yogi circle for the Saturday morning ritual of another gather around the table — 
some with goodies from Sweetwaters, others from Ka-chingermans Deli. David removed stitches from his left hand — still swollen from last week’s dog bite from the neighbour’s “adorable and harmless” pooch. We all agreed it rude to be with a friend who takes phone calls — while your sit and wait. Rupert had a great idea — excuse yourself, walk some distance away, and call her/him.
We cheered on Ann Arbor runners in front of Zingermans for their weekly Saturday morning 10 mile in and around .
Laurie Mendenhall won the Ann Arbor Dexter 10K last year — in his age category, he was quick to say. JT invitation y’all– come for a refreshing half way drink en route before summer’s end.
Cruising the farmer’s market, we were introduced to the newest member of the Cash family and we were offered a teddy bear and beaming smile from older brother.
Amy Harris,
arm in arm with her 15 year old daughter, last seen by me when she 3. Amy announced the engagement of longlost frind Perry Irish — who is living in Chicago.
All the while, keeping our eye out for Gerry Gaskell, who is soon celebrating a significant birthday, we ran into drummers, dancers, and one of Ann Arbor’s GEMS — Vicki, owner of Heavenly Metal, my favorite shop anywhere!! Her web designer was taking note — also my referece for a gorgeous, interesting and quirky site. The site is a reflection, for sure, of Vicki…one of A2’s treasures. Rupert bought ALL of my Christmas presents at Hevenly Metal last year. Thank you Rupert and Vicki!!! 
Off to the Treasure Mart — my other all time favorite store anywhere. Yes, I am addicted and I need help. My Mom use to drag me, moaning and groaning as a child. Now, it is nearly embarrassing all the times I find myself there. Partly because of the staff.
Partly because of the treasures. And partly it was a “treasured” ritual with my Mom — who I miss beyond words. Rupert bought an old lantern and I bought an old, old pair of peach colored bloomers –a ha for a certain birthday celebration…
We saw bright shining faces of all ages, and from all parts of the world…out and about on a stunning beautiful spring morning. We compared notes with our Broadway neighbors
and, after our stop at Home and Garden to check out the big green EGG — a cooker highly recommended by Treasure Mart MIKE, we headed home.
Lunch was served on the balcony with our newly installed awning looking out over Bird Hill Sanctuary. Naps were taken, Ann Arbor Observer read, yoga practiced, songs sung and a movie viewed at the BEST theater anywhere — the Michigan Theater. ”Is Anybody There?” was sweet and sad and made Roop and me resolve to make the most of each day, make choices that prolong good health and do what it takes to fill up with the best of life.
For us that means walking along Huron River into town –
touring thru gorgeous gardens, visiting along the way, making music and singing songs, roasting marshmallows over a turn-of-the century fire-pit and reading Jo Mathis’ Ann Arbor News Column. Her writing is comparable to Le Dog, the Arb, the Ann Arbor Symphony, Yo Yo Ma performing at Hill. She is an inspiration and has become part of the soul of this community.
Years ago, I told friends in Soglio that I wanted to recreate the magical Alpine Swiss Italian village in our home of Ann Arbor Michigan. Dozing off to sleep after this near perfect day, I realized — it had happened. No, we don’t have the back-drop of the Alps. But, we do have the Huron River, Bird Hill Park , the Arb, the Botanical gardens, a downtown that is vibrant, alive and happening, and lifelong, best-ever, friends. People have asked, given the choice, if Rupert and I would move to Soglio. My answer is…”tempting, for sure — but not a chance. Soglio Switzerland is the ideal location for a yoga, meditation and chanting retreat. Second to none!! And the most beautiful place in the world. But, Ann Arbor is and always will be home.”
