From Isabelle

"Dear Alex,

You introduced me to Yoga and my first class was with Melanie. I will never forget her vivacity. Her footprints will be forever engraved in our lives.

Isabelle"

The Dangers Of Going Through Old Emails.

From Melanie around Xmas 2008:

When you finish putting it together, watch what happens
 
 Click here: Santa's Jigsaw <http://www.jacquielawson.com/viewcard.asp?code=ER13610552> 

Enjoy,

Alex

I went to get a haircut today...

Well, I finally got up the courage to find a new hair stylist... I was considering never getting another haircut again, but reality knocked on my door and .... well, I think this was the most depressing haircut I ever received - except for the time my mother made me cut my hippie hair off in 8th grade, and the barber who did it must have sheared sheep for a living.

We miss you Melanie! - Alex

From One Of Melanie's Old Newsletters... SHE WAS GREEN AS GREEN GETS

GOING GREEN ECO NEWS ALL ABOUT PLASTIC Whether you buy bottled water or conscientiously tote some from home, you'll want to avoid swallowing chemicals along with it. Particularly for small children, whose bodies are developing, it's best to steer clear of plastics that can release chemicals that could harm them in the long term. Below, the plastics not to choose (check the recycling number on the bottom of your bottle) and those that are safer: Plastics to Avoid #3 Polyvinyl Chloride (PVC) commonly contains di-2-ehtylhexyl phthalate (DEHP), an endocrine disruptor and probable human carcinogen, as a softener. #6 Polystyrene (PS) may leach styrene, a possible endocrine disruptor and human carcinogen, into water and food. #7 Polycarbonate contains the hormone disruptor bisphenol-A, which can leach out as bottles age, are heated or exposed to acidic solutions. Unfortunately, #7 is used in most baby bottles and five-gallon water jugs and in many reusable sports bottles. Better Plastics #1 polyethylene terephthalate (PET or PETE), the most common and easily recycled plastic for bottled water and soft drinks, has also been considered the most safe. However, one 2003 Italian study found that the amount of DEHP in bottled spring water increased after 9 months of storage in a PET bottle. #2 High Density Polyethylene #4 Low Density Polyethylene #5 Polypropylene Best Reusable Bottles: Betras USA Sports Bottles, Brita Fill & Go Water Filtration Bottle, Arrow Canteen Better Baby Bottles: choose tempered glass or opaque plastic made of polypropylene (#5) or polyethylene (#1), which do not contain bisphenol-A. Tips for Use: *Sniff and Taste: If there's a hint of plastic in your water, don't drink it. *Keep bottled water away from heat, which promotes leaching of chemicals. *Use bottled water quickly, as chemicals may migrate from plastic during storage.  *Do not reuse bottles intended for single use.  *Choose rigid, reusable containers or, for hot/acidic liquids, thermoses with stainless steel or ceramic interiors

From Robert...

Thank you for posting the pictures of Melanie. Words cant convey my sadness, nor could I articulate how profoundly she had an impact on me. I have tried to write something but it all seems so extrodinarliy inadequate.  I knew her for almost 20 years yet lost touch over the last 3.
 
 I too commit to honoring her through actions of kindess in the way she always did.
 
Thanks again
 
Robert

From SARASWATI Yoga in Norwalk, By Liz Pia

Dearest Friends,

Early Tuesday morning a beautiful spirit left us behind.  Melanie Weeks, owner of Jyoti Yoga & Wellness in Stamford, died heroically in a house fire trying to save her friend.  In true Melanie fashion she courageously walked back into the fire and  facing her fears straight on, she put another's interests ahead of her own.  Her departure has left a void in many hearts and her bold personality, sultry voice, and infectious smile will be deeply missed.  In the words of her favorite mantra:

Asato Ma Sat Gamaya
Tamaso Ma Jyotir Gamaya
Mrityor Ma Amritham Gamaya

Lead me from the Unreal to the Real
Lead me from the Darkness to light
Lead me from death to Immortality

- Liz Pia, dear friend of Melanie

From Carmen

Alex,

I got in very late last night and didn't want to call that late.  Thanks for returning the call.  

I wasn't clear on how Melanie died.  At first I thought it might have been a car accident since her husband was mentioned as being in the hospital.  Today I looked for an obituary on line and found the Norwalk Hour article on how she died.  

I feel very sad about her passing.  So much life ahead of her, such a bright star of energy wherever she went, whomever she met.  Although I did not know her as well as you and others she still affected me with her energy, her kindness, and that fabulous smile.

My condolences to you, and all the others who mourn her passing.

Love and blessings,

Carmen