Avalanche!

Busy is good. Overwhelmed can be, too, if you like what you're doing.

And in the merriest month of the year -- well, now that I live in Florida -- it's all good. Just so there's no confusion . . . yes, I DETEST, cold weather. I LUV what we call cold here . . . 50s and 60s, maybe something in the 40s every once in a while. Everyone else can split the 30s, the 20s and God forbid, all that inhuman stuff south of there. That would not put me in a festive mood . . . it would put me in a mood to hibernate!

So, holiday avalanche upon me, it's nice to have something to go to for a laugh . . . see accompanying photo from Local artist Dawn Schreiner. If I was in a real avalanche, I think I'd want him nearby. He's toothless now, can't bite. See more of Dawn's wonderful works on her website: http://www.dawnschreiner.com/.

And, while we're on Local artists, also check out the accompanying image of the gorgeous Christmas ornaments photo taken by Valerie Reeves. This photo and others can be purchased in greeting card format on her webpage: http://www.zibbet.com/StimplesandStrummels.

I was supposed to be back into this blogging thing last week. Working with quite a few new Local businesses, and turning into a large Owl on a number of occasions, that didn't work out so well and so I began to focus here: Monday.

One of the places where I morphed into Parker a week ago tomorrow was Legacy Fitness on Orange Avenue. In a word, that was FUN. Parker took part in a boxing / kick boxing class, made his way up into the ring to spar a bit, posed out front and then did a pose off to show his muscles. Okay, his fur. Yeah, it was good!

I've been in this gym a number of times now and I have to say it's pretty awesome. It just got this energy. Yes, gym's should have energy. But it's different here. The environment is so urban, with lots of natural light coming in back and front. There's space, too. They didn't fill every inch to try to make it seem serious, because the seriousness speaks for itself. Classes move from the warm up, stretching and yoga area to the bags at back as a group. One of the owners, Erica Eberly, who owns Legacy Fitness with husband Joe, tells me about wanting a community-feel, where people know one another, help one another. As I spoke with her on another night, I noticed two women hanging around on the mat, stretching, conversing, doing just that.

Erica, and Joe, a general contractor for 11 years, tells me they both had their bout of getting out of shape, feeling run down, desiring to snap back. They were back in shape, happy doing other things, but then things changed. "We looked at the building industry – which was a business that we had – and we had to make a change because the environment was changing," she says. "So you have to be flexible and change with the world. So we decided to open a business that’s in a highly competitive market; but, because we have a unique format -- and it’s our passion -- that’s why we did it."

"We did what we love," she continued. "I didn't say I want to open an ice cream store. I could have opened a dry cleaners, or you know a business I thought might make money, or whatever, but this is what we really love to do and I think it comes across in the way we are invested in it. And I’m invested in every person’s experience. I really do care that they come. I don’t want them to just pay their money and never show up."

Legacy Fitness has been open for three years. "We both have been at those points in our lives where we were overweight and had to make those big life changes, and change our lifestyle," she shared. "But then we have been living this lifestyle, working out at other places, but there was no place that was what we wanted as athletes, which was using boxing – because it’s such a phenomenal, probably most challenging workout in the world. But use it to improve whether you’re a runner or you’re, you know any other sport, a cyclist or a swimmer, or for the average person. Fun, it’s not boring. And you’re not outside running by yourself. There’s a social feeling here and it’s like everyone’s a small community. This is very, very high intense cardio. But it’s like a sprint training because it’s high and then it’s low and then it’s high, so it helps your body recover. That’s why it improves your cardio endurance, because nobody can go out and sprint for an hour. So it raises your heart rate to challenge you, but then it lets you recover."

She smiles, saying, this “works your body from your toes to your fingers." She says their kick boxing classes burn between 800 and 1,000 calories per hour. “There’s no other workout that does that unless you’re sprinting.”

Erica works full time for Nestle, but often conducts classes at Legacy during the evening. She tells me about amateur and now professional boxers who have trained at the gym, an event they'll be having in February. She is now, I think, one of two Wonder Women I know, yet she became an enthusiastic kid when I morphed into a big Owl. Yeah, I, uh, I mean Parker, has that effect on people.

Flags of those who train there hang on the wall, other flags hang from the ceiling.

The whole environment here is just different, maybe does have that 'the athlete's gym' sort of personality to it, yet is not intimidating. I see the community thing, absolutely. And I'm pretty sure the glue here is the couple behind the idea.

A few shouts of of sort this evening . . . .

First . . . YES, please, please let me know about great Christmas lights around the city and I will try to photograph them, encourage others to include them in their drives to check out glowing holiday spectacles. There's a certain woman on Old England -- just south of Palmer and north of Morse Avenue -- who LUVs "Christmas balls". I was actually supposed to have an appointment with her a few weeks ago, but she didn't show. I worried, yet had forgotten my phone and all else. When we corresponded later, she informed me she had gotten awfully caught up in hanging Christmas balls. Yes, Sandy Womble . . . . I noticed! That seems to grow now by the year. And, admittedly, my photo of it STINKS, but as I plead Owl recovery, as I took hit driving home from the Tuni Christmas party where Parker decided to dance around for a few hours . . . and later felt like Owl roadkill. THANK YOU, Brittnie Gallo, for putting ice and that ice pack down Parker's back. He felt much better! Anyway, the Christmas balls on Old England have been fun to watch over the years now . . . as they've grown and taken over the tree tops!

Some short and quick ones . . . . Lisa Lyons Coney is one of the more amazing people I've met recently. Someone told me over the summer that I amazed them because I just do rather than talk about it. (You know who you are, ex- Editor of the WPMO!) Well, to whatever extent that may be true, Lisa is surely a kindred spirit. She truly does just DO. Seeing it in her, I so hope the description of me is even partially accurate because I find that quality in her infectious, prompts me to do more, want to do more. Yes, just jump right in! Her positive attitude, desire to just jump right in and get to work, well, it is awesome! I attended the art show she coordinated at Carey Hand Cox-Parker on Fairbanks on Friday night, along with a great turnout of others Great job, Lisa! And, congrats, Isaac Babcock, for having your story on the event picked by so many different groups!

Short mentions . . . . LONG overdue, but CONGRATS Bay Hill Jewelers on your new spot on Park Avenue. Just beside Spice & Tea Exchange, I visited them in their new location the night of the last Sip! and have failed to mention it until now. The new space is wonderful, with great lighting, and, yes, some gorgeous jewels! Bay Hill, of course, is the group which brought one of the best moments of this year's Park Avenue Fashion Show as one of their models was proposed to on the cat walk. Congrats and best wishes to Stacey Papp and team in the new shop!

And . . . Winter Park is getting a Wawa. I've heard great things about this gas station / convenience store chain out of Wisconsin. I actually participated in a focus group for them last year. The first Winter Park store will be on 17/92, adjacent to Flemings Steakhouse in that large vacant lot.

Also . . . I can't even remember the name, but a new burger place is now located in the old Four Rivers space on Fairbanks. I haven't been there, but heard it's great!

My column in this week's Winter Park Maitland Observer is again on the wonderful Christmas in the Park event. This one is focused on the day of, including an awesome treat, going to watch them load up the windows at the warehouse. I threatened to hide away just to spend the night there, looking around, but I think they kept special watch on me after that comment. A special THANK YOU to Catherine Hinman from the Morse Museum, and all the staff who were so gracious to me last Thursday. It was an extraordinary treat . . . . and if you think in any way I am kissing up for that column I want to do on just the warehouse in early 2013, well, you are oh so astute! :-)

Parker's Happy Owlidays Gift Guides and posts have started with some great initial spotlights! More coming all week! Only Local small businesses and artists are featured, as you might guess.

Up in this first one. . . Holiday Preparations. Okay, so you're in PREP mode! I understand. Whattaya need right now? 1) Guests coming into town and need some help spiffin' up the house? InstaDry Carpet & Tile Cleaning guarantees to get stains out and they won't come back, 100% kid / pet & eco friendly AND offering a free touch up after the holidays with any carpet cleaning before! Call (407) 476-8525, find them online at http://instadryorlando.com for more info, to schedule. 2) In decorating mode? The NEW Bistro Loft Shop has ornaments and figurines galore, plus Made in America candles, unique jewelry and other items you can pick up while you wait for lunch downstairs . . . THAT is called multi-tasking! Located in the Hidden Garden Courtyard off North Park Avenue, and can be reached at 407-539-6520. Some holiday party slots still open! 3) Looking for holiday serving options, or serving options as gift Downeast on Park Avenue has some of the cutest you'll find . . . Santas, and snowmen, gingerbread me . . . even food stuffs to serve on top of them! Downeast is truly your one stop shop for anyone on your list this year! Located on Park Avenue beside Prato, almost directly across from the Emily fountain. They can be reached at 407-645-5100. 4) Thinking about all those invites and wondering what to take as a thank you? Check out the cutest wine bags you've ever seen . . . Santa jacket and cap, available at Leisa Lovely Designs in Fern Park on 17/92. These will be an instant hit and you're going to LUV the price! Contact her a t407-467-2411, or see her at 7800 S. HWY 17-92, #178, Fern Park. 5) Still need to send some cards . . . some special, pet-oriented ones? Pookie's Pet Nutrition & Bow Wow Bakery has some of the cutest holiday pet cards you will find ANYWHERE! Made by Avanti, several of these had me laughing out loud in the store! Dogs, and cats . . . and you can pick them up some holiday treats while you're at it!

Don't miss the Christmas Break Golf Camp from Little Linksters (www.LittleLinksters.com), as well! If you've got a talented little one around the house, or know a child who could benefit from the required disciplines of golf, this is a great opportunity to learn, grow and have fun, all at the same time.

Tomorrow night . . . I'm doing my now traditional walk up and down Park Avenue . . . enjoying the lights and probably talking to myself! If anyone wants to join me, come on! It may just be me, but I'm used to talking to myself . . . so if you happen to be nearby and hear me mumbling . . . just make sure I'm not drooling or anything really embarrassing!

Give a Dog a Home through Christmas . . . and it's a GREAT time to give an animal a new chance at life with a LUVing family . . . is going to be all about promoting websites where you can go looking.

Starting off . . . Pet Rescue by Judy, of course. Judy Sarullo and staff are Local heroes, without question. Thinking of adding a member to the family this Christmas? Check out all the dogs and cats they have available at www.PetRescuebyJudy.com.

Til tomorrow night . . . . Holy bricks & Spanish moss . . . . I think I'm actually done!