Yoga brings Hollywood actress to Sisters

Sisters residents played host to a Hollywood actress last week and she loved every minute of it.

Monika Jolly first became aware of Sisters after meeting a group of Sisters women who were attending a yoga retreat in Ojai, California. She felt an instant kinship with the Sisters women and was intrigued by their descriptions of Sisters and what makes it such a special place.

"After spending time with those amazing women, I had to see this place," she said.

The opportunity came when Jolly heard about a yoga retreat offered by life.love.yoga. on March 13-17 called "Quiet as Snow." Jolly didn't waste any time making her travel plans for the trip. She decided not to worry about the few loose ends she hadn't worked out yet ... like where she was going to stay once she arrived.

"Everyone is so kind and gracious with lots of perspectives and walks-of-life but still so gracious and kind," she said.

During her stay, Jolly was invited to stay at Kay and David Grady's home.

"Kay had my room fixed up like a five-star hotel," she said. "I had everything I could possibly need, even delicious chocolates and a robe and slippers."

Jolly loved Kay instantly.

"She is such a heart-centered woman and I can tell that she's a force to be reckoned with," she said.

When Sisters residents were celebrating at Bronco Billy's Ranch Grill and Saloon after local option passed on Tuesday, Jolly came as the Grady's guest.

"I realized that Kay is a rock star!" she said.

Jolly has been working with some impressive folks in Hollywood, including Will Smith and director M. Night Shyamalan. She worked with them on their most recent film, "After Earth." The science-fiction thriller film's release date is June 7; Jolly played Lt. Alvarez.

She described her experience working with Shyamalan and Smith enthusiastically, recounting their generous spirit, talent, and the gracious way they treated everyone on set.

"I learned more in three weeks of shooting that than I have in my whole career," she said.

One of her all-time favorite experiences happened after finishing up filming for "After Earth." She did a one-day reading at the La Jolla Playhouse, performing the most recent work by writer Ayad Akhtar. She was able to work with actors she held in high esteem and loved working on Akhtar's creation.

"We spent all day rehearsing then did a reading for the public ... but mainly for the writer. It's the first time the writer gets to hear a live performance of his creation. It was one of the highlights of my life," she said.

The workshop Jolly attended through life.love.yoga.'s Winter Play for Yoginis was taught by Kira Ryder from the Ojai Yoga Crib and Kari Sims Anthon of life.love.yoga. Jolly explored inner landscapes under the guidance of Ryder, while Sims Anthon took participants into the Sisters wilderness on snowshoes.

"I have done all kinds of winter sports," Jolly said, "but never snowshoeing. It's a real workout! Whenever I try something new, I can usually catch on fast. This was harder than I thought. It was a good lesson in remembering not to be hard on yourself."

Jolly headed back to Los Angeles on Monday and she was still beaming from her experience and the friendships she made and strengthened while in town. Her time in Sisters and the yoga retreat lived up to her expectations and left her wanting to explore the area even more.

"Kari has done something very special here," she said. "I can't wait to come back!"