Tag: viola brumbaugh

Summer ONLINE Sessions begin 7/6

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Summer session is here!
 Thank you all for sharing practice during our free sessions while on break, and also for the participating and support for our Black Lives Matter fundraising Spiral Qigong workshop last weekend. If you would like to make a contribution to BLM Seattle, follow this link.

Also, tomorrow morning begins our summer sessions! The codes and passwords for the online sessions have been sent to those I have registered, so if you didn’t receive them, please let me know. The links are no longer available on the calendar, so once you received the log in info, please save it for easy access for the rest of the quarter.

We have made a plan to teach the Wed. evening classes through SSC, also online beginning Wed., July 22nd, Yang 24 Tai Chi at 5:30 – 6:50 and Qigong from 6:30 to 7:20pm, both of which are open for registration now through SSC following these highlighted links.

More info below on our summer schedule of classes, how to register or offer support, as well as booking private lessons online, easily seeing available days and times.

I’m excited to be sharing practice with you, even if we are not together in person, I feel grateful for this connection through shared practice, building and maintaining good health and vitality.

Please stay safe and take good care.

Patience, peace & practice,
Viola
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SUMMER SCHEDULE OF CLASSES
Day and Class
MONDAY
Qigong 7:30am
Chen Taijiquan 8:45am
Tai Chi for Seniors 10:30am
Chen Taijiquan 6pm
TUESDAY
Yang Tai Chi 8:30am
WEDNESDAY
Qigong 7:30am
Chen Taijiquan 8:45am
Burien Tai Chi & Qigong for Immunity, Wellness, Vitality 10:45am
SSC Yang 24 for Beginners 5:30pm
SSC Qigong, Health of Body, Mind & Spirit 6:30pm
THURSDAY
Yang Tai Chi 8:30am
Tai Chi for Seniors 2pm
Chen Taijiquan 6pm
FRIDAY
Adv. Chen Taijiquan 8:45am
SATURDAY
Spiral Qigong 9am
Chen Taijiquan 10am
Tai Chi Weapons 1pm, at Pratt Park
 
 Please note that classes through South Seattle College & Burien Community Center require registration directly with them and are not included in the Wise Orchid Unlimited registration.

Reminder about Paying for tuition, support & tipping:
 Our Square store is easiest if you prefer to pay by credit card. (please note that a 3.5% transaction fee is charged) Please note that there is now a tip option on our square store. This is completely voluntary and an option if you’d like to provide extra support.

We also have a donation option on the square store now if you are interested in making a separate contribution. The contributions help us pay for our Studio lease and the additional expenses in bringing your online content. Please let me know if you have any questions and know that no amount is too small and any amount is completely voluntary and deeply appreciated.
 Other ways to pay:You are welcome to use one of the following free apps.
Zelle: https://www.zellepay.com/
Venmo https://venmo.com/
All you need is my phone 206-321-0613 or email: viola@wise-orchid.com 
The money comes directly into my account without a transaction fee on either side.

Check: feel free to mail a check to: Viola Brumbaugh, 1311 12th Ave S B201, Seattle WA 98144

And lastly, other support you can offer:
We have a Patreon account set up if you’d like to make a monthly contribution. You can choose any amount and set yourself up for auto-payment, and cancel it at any time. Become a Patron!  
 Private Lessons: Now available in person (at a distance) or online!
In order to deepen your practice, sometimes you need a closer look at your practice. I am now offering private lessons in person outside following safety guidelines as well as online via Zoom. I’ve set up a calendar where you can find a time and book a lesson based on what’s available. Check it out here:book a lesson here!

Meridian Tapping Qigong Video for Home Practice

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Hello everyone, I hope that you are doing well and staying safe and healthy. Here is a good practice to start your day. From Dr. Chui in the International District, this series of Qigong exercises is to stimulate Qi and support better health.
If you are looking for ways to support the studio, please consider contributing to our relief fund to help pay rent and utilities. Donations are accepted here: https://wise-orchid-taichi.square.site/product/studio-support-during-covid-19-crisis/26?cs=true
or consider becoming a Patron via our Patreon Account at: https://www.patreon.com/join/4149508

Summer 2019 Newsletter

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Greetings everyone,

Happy Summer Break to all. We will be off in a couple days to train with Grandmaster Chen Zhenglei and family in Las Vegas. We’ll be back and ready for our Summer classes to begin on July 8th. Look below for:

  • Our Summer Schedule of classes
  • Info on our upcoming Costa Rica Tai Chi & Qigong Retreat!
  • Drop in Wednesdays with Myles
  • Rus’s Rehab Update and our Go Fund Me campaign
  • Erlu with Eldan on Thursdays continues, and
  • Laojia Yilu Section 6 intensive
Tai Chi Seattle - Wise Orchid Taijiquan Qigong Studio

Summer Sessions begin July 8th, Monday, back at the Studio. Due to wildfires and park issues, we’ll be training inside at the studio for the summer Mon-Fri. for the Central District classes. Saturday mornings will be at Pratt Park unless the AQI is above 100. See below for info for specific classes and links to register:

  • All levels Chen Tai Chi resumes Monday & Thursday evenings at 6pm as well as Monday and Wednesday mornings at 8:45am, and Saturdays at 10am.
  • Qigong All levels is back on Mondays and Wednesdays at 7:30am and Saturdays at 9:15am.
  • Yang 108 Tai Chi All levels will be back at Lincoln Park in West Seattle Tuesdays & Thursdays at 8:30am.
  • Burien Tai Chi for Everyone will continue Tuesdays and Thursdays at the Burien Community Center at 10:45am.
  • Chen Tai Chi for Beginners in Burien will have a new session beginning Tuesday, July 9th at 6pm at the Burien Community Center.
  • Burien Qigong for Health of Body Mind & Spirit will return on Wednesdays at 10:45am starting July 10th.
  • Intro to Tai Chi – Fundamentals for Beginners will start Wednesday July 17th at 6:30pm at the Wise Orchid Studio and will be DROP IN Only $15-20 per class, sliding scale.
  • Erlu with Eldan will return Thursday, July 11th at 7:30pm following the all levels Chen Taiji.
  • and at South Seattle College, Summer sessions of Yang 24 Tai Chi 5:30pm and Qigong in the Arboretum 6:45pm will begin Wednesday, July 10th.
  • Tai Chi for Seniors will also return for two sessions a week beginning July 8th, Mondays at 10:30am (class full) and Thursday afternoons at 2pm (only 3 spots left).
  • and for summer, Saturday classes will continue at Pratt Park between Yesler and Main off of 20th Ave. South, as long as the AQI is below 100.

Our Costa Rica Taijiquan & Qigong Immersion Retreat is a great opportunity to get away for some transformative practice, fun, and a tropical escape in the midst of winter. You are invited to join us next January for this week long retreat in the central mountains of Costa Rica. Come immerse yourself in beauty, relaxation, and focused training. Early Bird registration (save $150) continues through Aug. 15th. Full amount due by October 1st. For details and registration link here.

Costa Rica Tai Chi Qigong Retreat - Sloth

“Being at and learning Qigong and Tai Chi in Costa Rica with Viola was a fantastic treat. We learned and appreciated both the fundamentals of Qigong and Tai Chi in the beautiful country of Costa Rica, that truly inspired us to want to learn more. We would recommend this retreat to family and friends, as Viola is not only a wonderful instructor, there is a calm, gracious, and kind spirit that exudes in her, whether you are in her class for the first time or have been for many years.” — 2017 participant

Summer is always busy, now you have the flexibility of a DROP IN class. INTRO TO TAI CHI – FUNDAMENTALS FOR BEGINNERS is Wednesdays at 6:30pm this Summer, Starting July 17th. Join Myles for $15-20 a class sliding scale, and begin your practice or work the basics to improve and deepen your foundation. Look to the calendar for specifics. Class only running through the end of August to give you Labor Day and September to continue your practice in any of the All Level’s classes.

Hangzhou Gardens - Tai Chi Seattle

Rusel Update!
Rus completed the Functional Restoration Program through Swedish Hospital’s Pain Clinic and since that time, has slowly been able to return to a few Tai Chi classes each week. Making a lot of progress, he is now able to walk the dogs without the assistance of a crutch. Pain and weakness are still a very taxing challenge, and he has a way to go in rehabilitating the nerve damage to his left leg. With the help of physical therapy, massage, and chiropractic, he is working to manage pain and regain strength and function. The journey is a long and slow process.

The expenses incurred for his treatment are continuing to come and so we are still asking for whatever support you are able to offer. Even if it is to share this GoFundMe campaign with your network, it all helps. As always, we are so grateful for you and this community. The help we’ve received so far has made a world of difference.

GoFundMe Page


We are hoping that with your help we can meet the medical bill obligations and stay afloat. Please have a look at the campaign and share with your friends and contribute if you are able. You have all made a difference in us getting this far. Thank you so much for all you do and give.

Continuing this Summer Session, join Eldan on Thursday evenings at 7:30pm for Laojia Erlu at the studio. Begins July 11th.
Beginning July 13th, Saturday’s sessions will continue in Pratt Park as long as the AQI is below 100. We’ll begin with Qigong at 9:15am, followed by All Levels Chen Taiji at 10am, and rounding it off at 11am with Chen Spear and short weapon review. If we run into inclement weather, we will meet under the shelter. Bring water and layers and see you there.

Lastly, we’ll be offering a Laojia Yilu section 6 – 2 hour intensive training on Friday Aug 2nd, at 2pm at the Studio. Suggested donation $50 to be contributed toward a social justice organization. Contact Viola if you are interested in particpating.

So, we are off to Las Vegas to train with Grandmaster Chen and family. Looking forward to returning in July and sharing more insights and good practice. Stay tuned for news about Master Leung workshops later this summer or early fall.

In the meantime, be well, breathe, practice and take your time.

Much love and gratitude,
Viola

Yang Tai Chi in Lincoln Park

Spring News & Events

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Spring at last… it seems as though it has been a long and dark winter. With longer brighter days ahead, there are many great opportunities to get your Qi flowing!

First, we’ll be taking a break between quarters and there will be no classes from March 24th to April 1st, then we’ll begin Spring session with a Sunday practice of Push Hands and Broadsword on April 2nd at the Studio from 10am to noon.
Look below for the full spring schedule and links to class registration. Registration is now open.
Then, coming in April, we’ll be hosting Master Shanti on April 22nd for a training in Structure, Internal Power, and Connection. There are still a few places left. Jump on them as this fills fast.

And, as is our tradition, we’ll be celebrating World Tai Chi Qigong Day at Cal Anderson Park Saturday, April 29th from 10am to noon. Spiral Qigong, Push Hands, and Broadsword will not be meeting and all are encouraged to join us in the park for an extra practice to join the millions of people sending healing energy around the planet.

Also, you may be aware that this year we have a new special series of mini-workshops to support social justice, the environment, and other important causes. The first, Standing for Social Justice, was held on Jan. 14th to raise funds for ACLU. Many people participated and contributed in an afternoon of Silk Reeling and Standing and together we raised over $2000!
Then, just this last Friday, March 17th, we took another take on Green for St. Patty’s day and offered a Spiraling Qigong session to benefit Conservation NW. We are still accepting donations for this great organization to help protect wildlands, connect habitats, restore wildlife, and more. Please make checks out to Conservation Northwest and get them to Viola by the end of the day on Thursday, March 23rd.

Look below for details on our new special series on the Spiral Qigong starting April 8th, at 9am. Spend 8 Saturday’s with us “firming your roots!”

In May, I am excited to be hosting Master Arthur Baner on Push Hands Techniques. See the details below.

Then, in June, Grandmaster Chen Zhenglei will be offering another of his Light of TaiChi summer camps, this time in Toronto. There is still time to get an early registration discount, so get your registrations in soon, and join us there if you can!

Lastly, Rus and I had an extraordinary trip to Costa Rica over the holidays, meeting rare birds in the cloud forest, howler monkeys foraging in the canopy, and finding a fitting retreat center for a Tai Chi and Qigong retreat to bring you with us next year. January 2018 we’ll be returning to Costa Rica to offer a journey into deep practice. Details below on how you can join us!
Master Shanti’s workshops will now be held on April 22nd in the afternoon and evening at Wise Orchid Studio. With two sessions on Structure, Internal Power, and Connection as well as integration with movement and partner work. Link here for information and registration.

Spring schedule of classes

Wise Orchid Studio:
-Mon. & Wed. 7:30am, Qigong
-Mon. & Wed. 8:45am, Chen Taiji
-Mon. 10:15am Tai Chi for Seniors
-Mon. & Thurs., 6:00pm, Chen Taiji
-Wed. 6:00pm, Intro to Tai Chi
-Fri. 8:45am, Advanced Chen
-Sat. 9am, Spiral Qigong
-Sat. 10am, Push Hands
-Sat. 11am, Weapons Class
West Seattle Classes:
-Tues. & Thurs. 8:30am Yang Taiji @Center for Movement & Healing
-Wed. 5:30pm Yang Tai Chi for Beginners @SSC
-Wed. 6:45pm Qigong @SSC
-Thurs. 2pm Tai Chi for Seniors @West Seattle Senior Center
Burien Community Center:
-Tues. & Thurs. 10:45am, Tai Chi for Everyone
-Tues. 6pm, Chen Taiji
-Wed. 10:45am, Qigong
Renton Senior Activity Center:
-Tues. 1pm, Yang Tai Chi & QigongFull Calendar of Classes Here.

Details about the Spiral Qigong Series

Starting in April, we’ll be offering a new Saturday Qigong Series, beginning with Spiral Qigong. Join us for 8 Saturdays, not including World Tai Chi Qigong Day at 9am-10am.

The Ba Fa Pan Gen (Eight Methods to Firm your Roots) Qigong comes from the internal Chinese martial art of Xing Yi, and is designed through it spiraling movements to cleanse and heal the body. The twisting movements of this Qigong stimulate the energetic pathways in your body (meridians) and massage your internal organs while developing a more stable foundation, improving the strength and structure of your legs.
Master Authur Baner will be joining us May 6th in the afternoon for the beginning of a new series of workshops focused on Push Hands skills.
The art of Taijiquan consists of both solo and partner training. Solo practice teaches us about our relationship with ourselves and with gravity while partner training takes that to a new level with the introduction of “external” forces. It allows us to study conflict and harmony in a way that is both effective and a lot of fun.
In this series, we’ll progress from our foundations of form practice, moving into single and double hand exercises that lead to stepping practices and a 2 person form. Link here for registration and more information.

This year, Grandmaster Chen Zhenglei’s Light of TaiChi camp will be held in Toronto, Ontario Canada! Here is a link to registration information and details about the camp. Not only will there be a training offered for beginners as well as advanced this year, but also there’ll be an opportunity to compete. Have a look and join us, eh!

And Lastly, over the winter break, Rus and I journeyed to Costa Rica to take some time in the cloud forest and celebrate my 50th year on the planet. We also researched retreat centers where we might host a Tai Chi and Qigong Adventure Training Retreat and we succeeded! We discovered the beautiful Pura Vida Retreat Center, where we will be hosting a training adventure intensive in January 2018. This is a great opportunity that I am so excited to be offering. Please check out our Costa Rica Retreat webpage where you’ll find information about the location, the training, and cost and then put your deposit down to reserve your spot. For 7 days of training, lodging, and delicious meals, it’s a great deal. Pura Vida!!

So much to look forward to in practice and community this spring. As always, I am grateful to you for joining me in this exploration of deeper connection.

Peace and practice,
Viola

Grandmaster Chen Zhenglei Coming to Seattle & New Fall Sessions

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Save the Dates!

Chen Zhenglei workshops Jan. 14-17, 2016

Just in, exciting news that Grandmaster Chen Zhenglei will be back teaching in Seattle for the first time in many years. Some of the topics to be covered: Silk Reeling, Old Frame 1, Old Frame 2, New Frame 1, and Straight Sword. Please stay tuned as details and more news to follow.
In preparation for Grandmaster Chen Zhenglei’s visit, I’ll be offering pre-camp training on Fridays and Sundays. Whether you plan to attend the workshops or not (are you kidding me?!) you are welcome to join in these fun and expansive training experiences.
  • Fridays Beginning in December, expanding the ongoing advanced Chen class to 2 hours beginning 8:45 to 10:45.
  • Sundays beginning Nov. 29th from 12:45 – 1:45pm Sword at CMH
Contact Viola if you are interested, pre-registration required. Please no drop-ins. Cost is included in your unlimited tuition. Donations appreciated to cover cost of studio rental.
Starting soon, late fall sessions of the Ba Fa Pan Gen (Spiral Qigong, the 8 Brocade Qigong, and Intro to Tai Chi: Fundamentals for Beginners. Details below. Registration is open now.
Spiral Qigong 4 week session in West Seattle at the Center for Movement and Healing!
Sun., Nov. 29 – Dec. 20, 11:30am
Cost $90, or included with your unlimited Tuition
Registration open now.
Intro to Tai Chi – Fundamentals for Beginners is a new class at SSC on Wed. this late fall beginning Nov. 18, this 4 week session ends Dec. 16 and is from 5:30-6:15pm

Also on Wed. nights beginning Nov. 18th is the 8 Brocade Qigong (Ba Duan Jin), from 6:30-7:15pm at SSC. This series will also be 4 weeks ending Dec. 16th.
Also, a thank you to everyone who came out and supported the workshops with Master David Leung and enjoyed his visits to our regular classes. Pretty beautiful time and practice. Coming Nov. 21st, he’ll be teaching in Vancouver, WA. Here’s a link for more information.

 

And, if you hadn’t heard, on October 18th, Wise Orchid Taiji family joined with Viola’s Tai Chi sisters Hong Yijiao and Wang Ning and their students to take part in a world Tai Chi practice and broke the Guinness Book of World Records for the greatest number of people practicing Tai Chi at the same time.

Here is a link to one of three articles from local papers, this one in english, and a video taken of some of the participants in China.

It was such fun to participate in this even though it was last minute notice, I want to give a shout out to those who with little information said yes and showed up. Heather Islander, Dawn Aiken, Leo Manzano, Jeff Allen, John Lindsay, John Howe, Rose Slavkowski, Terrill Chang, Kevin Tegmeier, Lisa Glendenning, Jan Ritter, and Rusel DeMaria. Doing Wise Orchid very proud!
And, lastly, just a reminder of our holiday schedule.
No class days:
  • Nov. 11, Burien Comm. Ctr. Closed for Veteran’s Day. Regular classes at Emerald City Aikido are still on.
  • Nov. 25-28th we are on break for Thanksgiving
  • Dec. 23-31st we are on winter break.

Thank you everyone!

Much love and gratitude,
Viola

September Events!

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Special Weekend with Master Leung! and Free Trial Classes to celebrate the coming of fall!

Master Leung returns to Seattle on September 19th & 20th for a weekend workshop series to push your practice to a new level. Get your registration in by September 5th to save $10 per class!
Join us Saturday the 19th for Yin Yang Medical Qigong and Universal Tai Chi Principles.
Then Sunday, all are welcome regardless of experience level to practice the Yang Tai Chi Broadsword.
Details below:

Register for Master David Leung's Tai Chi and Qigong Workshops coming up on September 19th & 20th here in Seattle!

Register for Master David Leung’s Tai Chi and Qigong Workshops coming up on September 19th & 20th here in Seattle!

Also coming in September, Burien Community Center’s Free Fitness Trial Week! Join us for the following free classes:
  • Tuesday, September 15th, 10:45am, Tai Chi for Everyone in the Lakeview Room, Burien Comm. Ctr.
  • Tuesday, September 15th, 6:00pm, Chen Style Tai Chi in Hilltop, Burien Community Ctr., and
  • Wednesday, September 16th, 10:45am, Qigong – Health of Body, Mind & Spirit in the Lakeview Room, Burien Community Center
Also, we are offering a demonstration class and trial of Tai Chi and Qigong at South Seattle College on September 23th at 6pm at the Chan Center, Classroom 101.

For more information about any of the classes, contact Sifu Viola Brumbaugh.

World Tai Chi QiGong Day 2012, Beacon Hill, Seattle, WA

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Part the Wild Horse's Mane, Yang Tai Chi's 24 form, World Tai Chi Qigong Day 2012

One World ….  One Breath ….

What an incredible morning!  Saturday, April 28, 2012, World Tai Chi Qigong Day, I woke to the forecast of clouds and occasional showers.  I was braced for the changeable spring weather of Seattle such as we had last year, with a torrential downpour just before we got started and then brilliant sun.  This year, I brought sunscreen just in case, and the skies did not disappoint.  Down to just a t-shirt and no hat, you’d think it was already summer in Seattle.

And so we arrived at Jefferson Park, not knowing how many people would be able to come.  I know weekends in the spring are a slam of opportunity as we  come out from under the cover of winter… You have many options and obligations of things to put your energy toward.  But you came, you practiced, and together we created some positive qi and inspiration to all our bystanders at Jefferson Park.  I thank you all who were there in person and in spirit, joining in the wave of healing circling the planet.  With 35+ people in attendance and several dozen onlookers, we had an amazing turn out!  Folks came from Bellevue, Auburn, Renton, Burien, West Seattle and around Seattle proper as well.

We practiced some Joint Lubrication Longevity Qigong exercises, Silk Reeling, Tai Chi Walking, and then jumped into some Yang 24 Tai Chi form, Topping it off with some Chen Taiji Laojia Yilu and the finale’ the Yin Yang Medical Qigong!  Whew!  Such a treat to have two hours to play together in the park!

2012 World Tai Chi Qigong Day Participants, Jefferson Park, Beacon Hill, Seattle,WA

Yang 24 Tai Chi Group at WTCQGD 2012

Wise Orchid Taijiquan & QiGong, World Tai Chi Qigong Day Seattle 2012 Yin Yang Medical Qigong

for more pictures, check out my flickr page

Thank you to Rusel DeMaria and Leo Manzano for taking these great pictures!

Spring 2011 Newsletter

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Travels to Shaolin Temple 2011

Dear Friends of Wise Orchid Martial Arts,

Spring is approaching and as the light returns I thought I would send out a wish for you all to be in good health and spirits experiencing the renewal that this time of year brings.  With so much desperation and difficulty in the world, I hope that you are continuing to cultivate peace and goodness in your own lives and in your own way.

Viola’s Travels and Class Cancellations:

With Spring comes the Eugene Chen Tai Chi Camp!  Yes, Grandmaster Chen Zhenglei will be giving his annual training camp in Eugene at the end of this month, followed by a Chen Tai Chi Summit in Los Angeles.  I will be attending both back to back, so mark your calendars; there will be no classes for Wise Orchid Martial Arts on the following dates: March 23rd & 24th and March 31st through April 5th.

NEW and Continuing Classes for Spring 2011:

When I return, there will be new sessions of Tai Chi starting at South Seattle Community College, Delridge Community Center, Renton Senior and Activity Center and the Burien Community Center.  Of course, classes will be continuing down in the ID and at Fauntleroy.  But the exciting news is that a New Class will be starting on Beacon Hill at the Jefferson Community Center, Mondays & Wednesdays at 11am to noon.  In this class I will be offering the Chen 18 form, along with Grandmaster Chen’s Longevity Exercises, Silk Reeling, and Chen Style QiGong.  Please come and join us in learning this wonderful style and form.

Why Chen Tai Chi:

I began my journey some 18 years ago now with Yang Style Tai Chi.  Not by choice, but because the teacher that came most highly recommended to me in town taught that style.  After less than a year of practice learning the Yang 24, Master Leung introduced me to some Chen Style Tai Chi.  For me it was love at first spiral.  I had loved the introduction of Tai Chi through the structure and grace and openness of practicing the Yang form, but discovering and learning Chen Style was… expansive beyond belief.  I began to better understand the development and movement of qi.  Through the spiral movements of the form, I felt my practice deepen, my spirit grew lighter, and my roots deeper.  I was able to incorporate the foundations I had learned in Yang Style to this new found love of spiraling open and closed, learning about flow, and the potential of my own strength and connection on a whole new level.  I would really enjoy sharing this art with you as it will only deepen your own understanding and practice of Tai Chi.

Thank you for joining me on this part of my journey and doing what you do to make this world a better place.

All of my best,

Viola Brumbaugh

….  expand & flourish!