MUUV People - Heather Schwabe

4th IN OUR SERIES


I never really knew Heather that well, I guess I’ve always just known her as the sweet, smiling, woman who joins us for DDX. When I approached Heather on having her story be next, I didn’t realize what I was asking. What makes Heather such a compelling story is that she has experienced physical and emotional suffering many of us have never known. And yet her ability to find joy and greet life with such grace, would leave most of us thinking her life is roses all the time.

I’ve been moved getting to know Heather more, maybe even a little bit humbled. You see the story below is just a fraction of who Heather is. And while she was going down a very scary and altering path, she was also dealt curve balls that come with life sometimes. Things she had to process and take care of even while going through her own very personal hardship.

In months past Heather had a liver transplant and remarkably the donor for the transplant was her husband, Don. Prior to the transplant Heather underwent chemotherapy and radiation for two months:
“People cannot live without a liver so if the liver is at risk for whatever reason, you have to wait on a cadaver or if you can, find a Live Liver Donor Match.  Don matched right away, blood type and liver size, which is rare.  We transplanted on (no lie) the exact date we met 18 years ago.  The date was pushed up for some reason and swear to God, landed on the day we met.  That's when I knew everything was going to be fine.  Don gave me part of his liver, it then regenerates in me and his part left regenerates in him.  The liver is the ONLY organ that can do this.  It's one of the hardest surgeries performed, with huge risks.  There have not been many Live Liver surgeries performed, we were number 100 in the history of liver transplanting at the Mayo Clinic, Rochester.

What I love about Heather is she may have a million things going on or happening to her yet she can still show up to dance with a smile and her sweet laugh. “Probably one of the reasons I smile a lot, is because I've been given the beautiful gift of life.  I really do cherish each day, with so much gratitude. There are things to worry about but I just try not to dwell on them, deal with them when they need to be attended to, and move on. “

“As bad as things can get I realize there are always people out there in worse situations.  I remind myself of that often. Someone once told me, family, friends and laughter will get you through anything, and I believe it and am so thankful to have people that care in my life.”

I asked Heather what advice she would give on staying healthy: “Follow your intuition, especially when it comes to your health.  I really do believe your attitude can make a big difference in how you live your life.  My personal stress management and healing is exercise through music, one of the many reasons why I love to coming to MUUV for DDX.  I tell everyone it's my therapy ( smile).”  

This YouTube video is of Heather and Don right after transplanting. “We're on a lot of pain meds so we sound kind of funny.  It really is a beautiful story, but I heard lots of these stories while I lived in the Transplant House, these people were so inspiring to me, seeing them fight for their lives and some doing it so graciously.”

Heather you have shown us that we all have ability to keep on believing that whatever life brings, we never lose our essence. You're a beautiful reminder that this moment is all we truly have, and having the grace to accept and embrace what is, is what life is all about. 

Thank you.
Love,
Mikayla
Photos of Heather taken by Erica Sparlin Dryden

MUUV People - Robbie

3rd IN OUR SERIES


Loving what you have and what you do is what life is all about. The third in our MUUV People series is a story written by the subject in her own words. Robbie is the embodiment of love and thankfulness and that is how we feel about knowing her and having her share the joy of dance and friendship. Here is her story:
"First thing to say is that I have 3 main passions in life.  My faith, my family and dance!!!!  I  met my husband Cortland in Seattle 22 years ago, after going to that area as a missionary for my church.   What a life-changing experience!  That's how I eventually found myself here in Eagle, Idaho after having been raised in England, in a city just east of London. 
We have three gorgeous children, one of whom shares my passion for dance.  That's Cami!  She's 17 and a Senior this year at Eagle High.  Then I have Ethan who is 13, he's in 8th grade.  Last but definitely not least is Faith.  She's 10, and is in 5th grade. 

Faith and family has always been a part of my life, but it wasn't until a few years ago, in a gym in Eagle, that I had my love of dance re-kindled.  I think when you have children, it's easy to forget the things you used to be passionate about, because it naturally becomes all about them, so I'm truly grateful to have that joy back in my life!  I was inspired to re-discover myself a few years ago when all the kids were off to school, and I started taking yoga classes at my local gym.  I loved that experience for 2 or 3 years, until the yoga teacher announced she would be leaving.  I was devastated.  But then, this vivacious lady called Kris came into one of our classes, and told us she was taking over the Friday morning spot with a yoga/dance blend called ViYo.  I was skeptical.  I was a 'yoga-girl', after all, but Kris persuaded me to "just give it a try".  Well, thankfully I gave it a try, and I've hardly missed a class since!  Kris's class has gone through a few changes of name and location, but has remained the experience in my life that lifts my spirit, keeps me moving, and in extra-special moments, brings that 'rush' of joy through my whole body that causes tears to escape my eyes!  What a blessing it continues to be in my life after all this time. A few weeks ago, I even caught myself looking in the mirror, and instead of having the usual negative dialogue about my body marching through my mind, I just had one word come to me.  The word was 'STRONG'.  Thank you for sharing your amazing gifts, I love you Kris! And I love our new home at MUUV!"

MUUV People - Erica

2nd IN OUR SERIES

This time our spotlight shines on Erica Sparlin Dryden.

Erica tells us she felt like she joined the party late when it came to Deep Dance, but to us her timing is perfect! When DDX made the transition from the YMCA to MUUV, many beautiful people we rarely saw or talked to were suddenly front and center, and Erica is one of them.

Getting to know Erica, we learned she’s not only the mom of a beautiful two-year old daughter, but also a graphic designer and photographer. After a few weeks at MUUV we noticed Erica wearing these super cute hair clips.
Come to find out she’s now venturing into another creative aspect of herself by designing and making these clips for retail. Flowers, feathers, swirls and color, these are fun to wear and add some spice to any outfit.

So we thought it would be fun to share them with you and let you know you can purchase them at belle boutique and The Record Exchange. For more info on Erica and her products go to: Sugar Magnolia's Blossom Blooming Designs.

One last note on Erica and dance, in her own words: “I love dancing, always have, and now I feel like I finally found a place to comfortably be free to express myself and let go on a regular basis. I have found dance to be one of the purest forms of expression and it allows me to channel my creativity into other formats better. For me, dance is an expression of the soul. It is a gift to share it and to be around others who are also grateful for movement, music and the uplifting of spirit.” Erica

See you on the dance floor Erica!

MUUV People - Tina

This is the first in a new series we are calling MUUV People. The series was created to highlight the creativity, talent and heart that each and everyone of us has to share. It seems to me when we share who we are we never know who we might inspire or encourage, maybe even on to a healthier, happier path.

Our first spotlight is on Tina Barnett. We recently posted a video of Tina on facebook (dated July 2 if you missed it), living proof that you can transform your body and mind by just jumping in and going for it. Tina works out hard and makes taking care of herself an important part of her life.
Fairly new to Pole dancing haven taken only two full sessions of Pole Fitness, she managed to inspire us all. The clip we are showing here is not the best quality as far as the video is concerned but I love how you can see the power and grace in her form. Oh and did we mention that while hard to believe, Tina will be 50 next month? You go girl!

Thank you Tina for doing all you do at 100% and for your inspiration to all of us at MUUV! Read Tina's fitness story!
Ladies and Gents...Tina Barnett!

WOW!

I can not express how full my heart is these days with all the faces and words of the people who come to MUUV and spend time in its walls. What an amazing thing to be able to share stories and dance our way into healthier, happier lives. Some of you may not know it but just showing up for your class is a gift in and of its self to me and the instructors and the space. You are the gift to us that makes the journey worthwhile. I look forward to all that lies ahead for MUUV and the joy that is to come. Thank you!

Oprah is on it!

Check out all the awesome info on organics in this latest issue of the Oprah online magazine. Check it out!

We're Listening!

Tell us what you want! How do you want to spend your time at MUUV? It could be from meditation to dance or going for a walk. Or anything else your heart desires even if it's not fitness related.

You can leave your suggestions in the comment field below or email us.

Thank you for helping us do the best job we can for you!