What is it about the fall that seems to get everyone back on track? Fall has always been one of my favorite seasons. The weather is truly delightful with cool nights and warm days, plus when you live in Michigan the fall colors are really something to behold, enjoy and savor. Nature really puts on an amazing show for us.

Growing up, fall always meant a few new clothes, shoes and school supplies. I still wander into stores around this time of year just to browse through the amazingly good deals on school supplies, especially the spiral bound notebooks. I’m not sure why I have a fascination with notebooks, but it borders on an obsession. I can’t imagine starting a new project without getting a brand new notebook.

This month I’m so pleased to include a page that lists a wide variety of yoga studios and classes available throughout Wayne County. Yoga has been an important part of my life for several years now, and in so many different ways. Initially I have to admit that I was a little bit intimidated by what I perceived to be yoga. I was drawn to it, but also concerned that I might not be able to do all the things that I thought yoga people were able to do. Luckily I didn’t let this hold me back; I decided to give it a try and I was so blessed to learn from an amazingly kind and patient teacher in a ‘gentle yoga’ class offered by Jane at the House of Yoga, in Berkley.

Jane turned out to be the first of many yoga teachers that I have learned from over the years. My own husband David, who I brought along to a yoga class once upon a time, is now learning to teach yoga himself. I don’t always make time to practice, even though I know how much it helps me on many different levels. Sometimes I wonder if my husband becoming a teacher is the universe’s way of reminding me to take time to roll out my own yoga mat.

In addition to the physical and spiritual benefits, practicing yoga has led me to meet some very special people. I’m thrilled to be able to share with you some places where you can explore yoga for yourself, and I truly hope that you will take the time to do it. There are many different styles, and we have a great article on page 22 that might help you narrow down your search a bit. Most importantly, be sure to try a few different styles, teachers and locations; there is always something for you to learn from each and every experience.

Selena Browne of Northville wrote a wonderful and very timely article for us this month about the beauty and benefits of adding native plants to your garden on pg 40. If you have some soil challenges, like clay, to deal with, it seems that nature has all sorts of remedies available.

Camelia Noble is another one of those amazing people that I have met recently. Camelia will be leading raw food classes coming up at the Total Health Foods store in Wyandotte. I love her approach to raw food, which is based around figuring out a way to do what you can with what you have. I really believe that’s an excellent strategy, not only for raw foods, but for life in general. You can learn a little bit about Camelia’s inspiring journey to wellness on page 35. Thanks to writer extraordinaire Erin Eagen who did a great job of pulling this article together.

Ya Tafari is an amazingly interesting musician that I met recently. He had a wonderful idea of creating relaxing music in super long cuts that can be used for yoga classes, massage therapy, meditation and all around personal relaxation.

I am truly blessed to have the opportunities that I do, and I thank the universe for entrusting me with so much to be thankful for.

Love, Peace & Gratitude,

Mary Anne