Runner's Yoga or Crotalus oreganus helleri

In the middle of the winter, I dream of the beautiful scenery of hiking and running trails at the Torrey Pines Reserve. Oh, how I miss those exquisite runnable trails of La Jolla! Rare Torrey pine, miles of unspoiled beaches, and a lagoon that is vital to migrating seabirds. It was like a paradise for me. The hiking trails are with stunning views and I loved to run on the beach. One can also continue north along the beach to Solana Beach and Del Mar. Those were the times. My thighs were tighter, my cheekbones higher, my skin was absorbing sun 11 months a year. Even on Christmas, I would sit in a bikini on our balcony, having breakfast. There was a paradise-like atmosphere. Except for the rattlesnakes. They are born with tiny buttons at the end of their tails. Each time they shed their skin, a scale remains behind which, in time, becomes the infamous rattle. I heard that sound more than once.

Running, yoga, Mindfulness, CroatiaAleksandra Horwood15 February 2021yoga, running, wellbeing, wellness, fitness, health, mental health, exercise, CaliforniaComment

The sweetest things or no more lockdown blues

For me, being in lockdown is nothing new. As a child, I remember when we had to plan well and alternate which grandparents we can visit in our green Renault 4.

In Yugoslavia in the 80s, the government renegotiated the foreign debt at the price of introducing the policy of stabilisation which in practice consisted of severe austerity measures — the so-called shock treatment.

Due to effect of the oil crisis, there was an introduction of fuel limitations (40 liters per car per month), limitation of car usage to every other day, based on the last digit on the license plate.

There were shortages of coffee, chocolate, and washing powder. We were cueing in front of the supermarket in my hometown Našice, just like I do now in London. Except there were no trolleys. One could get only 4 or 5 items and that was it. Somehow I view these moments nostalgically, but I guess my parents would have perceived it differently. I relished those simple home-made cakes, which are up to now, my absolutely favorite dessert.

In our south Slavic temperament, we say: “Bilo nam je bolje kada nam je bilo gore/It was better when it was worse”.