Sunday, May 31, 2015

Coffee House

I love playing coffee houses, and Berkeley Bob's is one of the best.  Last night's gig was so much fun...just had to share a picture with you tonight...peace, love and music...that's what it's all about at the Watson house.

Wishing you a good night's sleep and a Monday full of good things.

Saturday, May 30, 2015

A Good Gig

A good gig tonight.  We love playing music, we especially love playing at Berkeley Bob's in Cullman, Alabama.  We have made so many good friends there, it always feels like home when we are on the stage.  Many in the audience tonight were songwriters, awesome songwriters...when your peers come to hear you, you stand a little taller, sing with more heart.

Our energy levels were extremely low today, but I kept telling Rick not to worry...just focus on having a good time and sharing our songs.  I was right, when it came time to play, all fatigue left our bodies and we felt great.  Right now, is a very different story...the adrenalin has left the body, and we are exhausted.

Time for a cup of hot tea, and a warm cozy bed.  Tonight my heart is filled with gratitude because we
had the opportunity to do what we love...I wish the same for all of you.
Goodnight, Sweet dreams

Friday, May 29, 2015

Strep Update

What a Friday!  Jordan was much better this morning, Rick was not.  As the day progressed, Rick is better, Jordan wound down a little, neither are well, but there is light at the end of the tunnel. Jordan no longer has a temperature, Rick's has come down...

We practiced this evening for a bit...yes, we have a gig tomorrow night at one of our most favorite venues.  Send good thoughts, prayers, and lots of healing energy our way...we only play a couple of gigs a month at most, so they are near and dear to our hearts.

We had a couple of hours of sunshine today, it was wonderful...I think the warm sun made everyone feel better. The blueberries are so abundant this year, sweet, juicy and fat...but,  there are no apples on the apple trees, and all the peaches fell off the peach tree.  This farming is interesting, confusing and frustrating...you are at Mother Nature's mercy.

I hope your weekend is a good one, have some fun, show some kindness to someone who needs it,
and remember to laugh out loud at least once.


Thursday, May 28, 2015

House of Strep

Now Rick has strep throat...I have sprayed the house and me with everything and anything that will kill germs.  I am eating Airborne by the handfuls.  I am performing ancient rites, my toes are crossed and so are my fingers....please don't let me get strep!

Jordan is better today, but Rick has been one sick puppy.  I made hot chicken soup for dinner tonight.
Hoping his meds kick in by morning.

It is pouring rain...the system that hung around Texas has come into our neighborhood...the backyard has become a pond.  Thank goodness we live on top of a hill.

I am exhausted tonight, caring for the sick is a tough job, but they are worth it.
My warm cozy bed is calling, and I think it is time for...
Goodnight, Sweet dreams.

Wednesday, May 27, 2015

Wednesday Musings

Jordan has strep throat, he spent the day with us...he was one sick little kid.  Usually he is up for anything, the most strenuous thing he did today, pick a few blueberries.  Hopefully by tomorrow the meds will kick in and he will be back to normal.

Tending to a sick child, is time-consuming and exhausting...and he is a great patient...but the energy is used checking on him, cooking something he will eat, making sure the fever doesn't go up...of course the hugs.  By the time his grandmother picked him up this afternoon, I had to nap.

Storms rolled in around supper time, winds, lightening and pouring rain...the tomatoes are standing in a small pond right now.  It has not been a very good spring for planting....but the blueberries, wow, they are hanging full of big fat berries.  We have had blueberry smoothies for breakfast every morning this week.

We have a gig this weekend...and after this show, we start to build a new one.  Time to add new songs, take away some of the old ones, and maybe record a new cd.  We don't want our fans to become bored with our shows.

Time to practice a little more, and then maybe an early bedtime.
Goodnight, Sweet dreams

Tuesday, May 26, 2015

Listen to Your Heart

I was just wrapping up my first class today, when a pounding headache began...it was the alert that a little bout with meningitis was about to take place.  I quickly took my meds and sat in the floor drinking water.  A gentleman appeared at my door and wanted to know if I would be starting the meditation class soon.  To be honest I was hopping that no one would show up for the second class, my head was pounding so hard.  But, I was starting to feel better...and my heart told me to stay and teach.

I invited him...at first he was hesitant, he looked at me and knew I did not feel well.  But I promised him that I was feeling better and to come on in the room....just give me a few minutes for the meds to kick in. He sat down and we begin to talk.

His story was one that I hear every day... " I can't go to sleep at night.  I can't turn my brain off.
The chatter never stops.  I am so stressed, so tired."  I talked with him at length about meditation, what it was, how it worked and discussed some of the different ways to meditate.  I decided that Joppa would work well for him.

We sat in the floor, I closed the blinds....and we began.  About 20 minutes later, I asked him to slowly open his eyes.  The first words out of his mouth..." you are a God-send."  He  began to tell me how peaceful he felt, how relaxed.  You could see it on his face...he looked ten years younger.

He told me several times how much he appreciated me staying to meditate with him and that he would be back on Thursday.  I am so glad I listened to my heart. After the meditation, I felt better and he felt much better...it would have been easy  to tell him I was not well and I needed to go home.
But my heart told me to stay...he needed me, but I needed him more.  The meditation class did us both a world of good.

Monday, May 25, 2015

Monday Night Thoughts

A day of rest for me today...much needed I have to admit.  But I sure did miss my students at work.
Sometimes no matter how hard we push, the body says no.  I am on the mend, the antibiotics are doing their job, I just have to help things along with a wee bit of rest now and then.

Rain moved in yesterday, thankfully no really severe weather here....but a chance of storms every day this week.  I wish we could share the rain with our friends in California.  We finally got some things planted in the garden, a late crop is better than none.

I hope your workweek goes smoothly, that the traffic gods smile down on you and please remember...a little kindness goes a very long way.

Goodnight, Sweet dreams

Sunday, May 24, 2015

Remembrance

We had friends and family come over this afternoon.  Ribs and all that good stuff, kids playing in the backyard.  The rains held off until time to eat, then the monsoons hit.  That's ok, we moved everything indoors, the kids had play dough and finger paints....all was good.

We heard our song Bad Dog on Southbound Radio tonight...such a rush to hear our music on the radio...it never gets old.

It has been a weekend of mixed emotions...a year ago Friday, one of our best friends made his final transition, I still miss him.  He was a musician, an incredible one ( he played with John Denver).
I find myself wondering if he and John are sitting around playing somewhere.

I also find myself thinking of our friends who have died fighting for this country, and the ones who are still fighting, willing to lay down their lives for the USA.  I also find myself thinking of those who came back home, but the battles still rage in their heads.  Saying I am grateful seems so small, yet there are no other words that seem adequate.  It is a time of remembrance.

I think it's time to rest, I cooked for four hours today...I am a wee bit tired.
Goodnight, Sweet dreams

Saturday, May 23, 2015

Twenty-four Hours

It's interesting how long or short twenty-four hours can be...those hours can fly so quickly, you'd swear there were only twelve and then some days those hours are so long, eternity seems like a minute.

Today has been a long day...it has been a beautiful day, but totally did not go as I had hoped or planned.  I feel as though I have ran a marathon, maybe two.  If there had been a circus in town, I would have joined it...I have done much breathing today...

I hope your day has been a good one, may your Sunday be a peaceful one.

Friday, May 22, 2015

Bittersweet Tonight

Tonight was one of those bittersweet times...we drove up to Cullman to Berkeley Bob's, our most favorite place to play.  We weren't performing tonight, we will be there next Saturday night, but Bob and a couple of other friends, John and Mick were playing.  It was bittersweet because Bob's mom made her final transformation this week.

His mom had her own table at the coffee house, and tonight at her table there were flowers and a  candle, and pictures and cards.  It was sad to see her empty chair, but I could close my eyes and see  her smiling face.  Every time she  came to see Rick and me play, she would tell us how much she loved our music.

There were  tears shed tonight, but there was also laughter and great music and a feeling that somewhere tonight Bob's mom heard the songs and felt the love.

It was good to see so many of our friends tonight, to hug and laugh...to cherish and appreciate life.
Transformation takes place on so many different levels, but there is one, the final one that we will all
experience someday.  I can't imagine a better way to be remembered than the way Bob's mom was tonight.

RIP Mrs. Keefe

Thursday, May 21, 2015

Behavior

loving this quote tonight...

"Do not let the behavior of others destroy your inner peace." - Dalai Lama

Wednesday, May 20, 2015

Busy Day

It has been a rough few days, over the weekend I picked up a lung infection...but thankfully with the SmartVest and strong antibiotics today has been a better day.

Jordan spent the day with us.  A few days ago, he found my jewelry making supplies...I explained to him that at one time I had made jewelry and sold it at several stores and  different venues.  It has been awhile since I had made any, but I promised him that today I would show him how to make something for his mom.

He picked out brown leather stripping and white quartz beads, for a seven year old's first effort it was great.  Then he decided he would like a wrist band for himself.....this time, he chose some sterling beads, amber, cat's eye, and blue lapis,  he  was getting better.  By this afternoon, he had decided to make Uncle Rick a wrist band as well.  I think we know how much of this summer may be spent. We will be taking him to swim class too.

It was fun picking up the stones, feeling the smoothness of the beads and smelling the leather today...it might just be time for me to make some things again.  I have missed the meditative quality of creating something with my hands.  It has been awhile since I have painted as well.  This summer with Jordan will probably be good for us both.  I know we will be busy.

Seeing life through a seven year old's eyes is good for the soul, he lives in the now and is excited about everything. The joy that gleams in his eyes and the love in his hugs made me feel so much better today.  I watched him pop a big juicy blueberry in his mouth and heard him exclaim, "this is the best blueberry I have ever eaten."  Today was a very good day.


Tuesday, May 19, 2015

Mindfulness

sharing a quote with you tonight...

"Mindfulness is simply being aware of what is happening right now without wishing it were different.  
Enjoying the pleasant without holding on when it changes.
( which it will)
Being with the unpleasant without fearing it will always be this way.  ( which it won't)   - James Baraz

Monday, May 18, 2015

Tomorrow

It is easy to let life get you down...I hear sad stories daily...and I see the hurt on people's faces and hear it in their voices.  But I keep saying over and over....we have to appreciate the good days, the good things.  Life is all about the circle and though it might that there is a never ending circle of bad, there is good.  I think it is just easier to remember the bad or dwell on it.

I urge you to take news vacations...when you watch the news day after day, you begin to think there is nothing good left...when you reach that point...quit watching and listening to the daily news.
Give yourself a break, time to understand and see the good around you, look for the good...it's there.

News fasts are healthy...being a news junkie is not.  Life goes on whether you worry about it or not.
The world continues whether you watch the news or not.  Taking a break helps you to keep life in perspective, it helps you think for yourself and to be in the now. Your consumption of hours of daily news will not change the world...it just stresses you out, lowers your vibration and helps to contribute to the gloom of others around you.

Tomorrow, skip the news.  Tomorrow, each hour, find something good around you.  Tomorrow, look for beauty and goodness.  Tomorrow, find three things to be grateful for. Tomorrow, be kind to someone and don't expect anything in return.

Sunday, May 17, 2015

Out of Town

We have been out of town a couple of days, hanging with friends, writing songs.  On Friday night I did my post on Rick's phone, last night a thunder storm rolled in and we were off the grid.

It was a good couple of days, up in the mountains of north Alabama, in the middle of nowhere.
There was much laughter, a couple of good songs written and time well spent with friends.
But, it was good to get home today, Taz and Calliou were glad to see us, so were Sam and Jordan.
It is good to be missed.

I am exhausted....a warning this post is about to end...better quality tomorrow night.
Goodnight, Sweet dreams

Friday, May 15, 2015

Snow Cones

Snow cones...Jordan loves them.  We learned to make the syrup, we have a blender that turns ice to snow. Everyday is now a snow cone day and he is a happy boy.  The secret recipe ...a half pack of kool aide, one cup of sugar and half cup of water.  Bring sugar and water to a boil add kool aide, pour over ice
And as Jordan says Enjoy!  I know it's not healthy, but you are only seven
Once

Thursday, May 14, 2015

Listen

Each day I listen as my students walk into the yoga room...I know within a few minutes how their day has been.  Most were subdued as they came into class today, a couple talked about how difficult their day had been.  I knew today would be a meditation day, today would be temple massages, today would be very gentle asanas.

They have all seen me on the days that meningitis has hit me, so I told them that today was their day to be cared for, their day to be nurtured.   It was a good energy day for me, time for me to share and give.

After class, some of them had tears in their eyes...because I listened, I was able to help them through a rough day.  I find that often as I scurry about my day I don't listen as I should...I am trying to do better.  Listening is an art...to hear and not judge, to hear and try to figure out what you can do....it takes much energy.  You can't listen and multi-task, you can't listen and text or read your messages ( though you think you might). To truly listen and hear what is being said, takes focus and energy.

Tomorrow, take the time to listen to someone...stop what you are doing and listen to them.  They will know and appreciate it...and your connection to that person will be much better.  You will understand what they are saying, and they will feel appreciated because you listened...truly listened and heard their words.

Goodnight, Sweet dreams

Wednesday, May 13, 2015

Good Friends

It was a good day.  We met my best friend Kaye and her sweetie Jamie for lunch...fish tacos, yummy.

The weather was perfect, we dined alfresco.  There was much joy...it was a late celebration of Kaye's birthday.  Her mom Nila, passed away a few weeks ago and we all miss her so much...the great thing about Nila...her friends were important to her and she passed that on to Kaye.

We had a great lunch, the food was good, but the company was great.Kaye has been in my life as long as I can remember...I love her dearly.

We all talked so much, and laughed so hard that I am sure those around us were envious...it was a good day.  If you have not seen and visited with old friends lately, do yourself a favor....call them, get together, laugh, talk and enjoy life...you won't regret it.  Seeing a good friend is good medicine, seeing a good friend makes for a good day...what are you waiting for, call your friend...life is short.

Tuesday, May 12, 2015

Butterflies

Sometimes I think about why I named this blog Transformation Information.....my fascination with transformed lives started when I was a child.   I loved movies about people whose lives were transformed, I still do.  I love working where I do because I know that for many who come through the program, their lives are transformed.

I believe that no matter our past, we can be transformed, if we want it, if we are willing to accept responsibility and are willing to put in the work that transformation takes. Many wish for transformation but are never willing to pay the price, but for those who are willing.......transformation can take place.

I was a make-up artist for many years, once again it was that fascination with transformation.....it was truly magical to "make-over" a woman who had been stuck in the muck of life.  Maybe she had gone through a divorce, or some other life altering incident.......maybe just years of living had robbed her of her self-esteem....... working as a make-up artist had its moments, when you saw the gleam in a woman's eyes and knew she had found the woman she knew she could become.

I love transformation.......I love to evolve......I love growth. I think that life is experience and we can take those experiences and evolve and transform or we stay the same, locked in our thoughts, and ways.......and wake up one day, sad and resentful  because we remained a caterpillar when we could have become a butterfly.  Tonight, my wish......is that one day, we all become butterflies.

Monday, May 11, 2015

Aspects

Continuing on last night's theme, thought you all might enjoy this quote........


"Activity and rest are two vital aspects of life.  To find balance in them is a skill in itself."   - Sri Sri Ravi Shankar

Sunday, May 10, 2015

Rest and Relaxation

It has been some time since I actually took a week off work........I did that this past week.  The first part was spent down in Fairhope celebrating our anniversary, the latter just hanging out at home.
I did not realize how badly I needed the nothing time until I took it......my body needed it, my spirit needed it even more.

I read once that many people get sick when they take vacation time, it has happened to me more than once......the theory behind this.......that most of us run on adrenalin and when we actually slow down and rest, the body succumbs to illness......and I will admit, that I spent a couple of days not so well last week.....but the rest and relaxation was perfection, and I find myself wishing I had just a couple of more days of R and R.

We humans are interesting creatures, or maybe it is just me.......I know I need a certain amount of rest, that my body needs to recharge and yet I continue to deny it.  You see, my transformation is constantly taking place, just the same as yours.......I admit I am much better about rest than I once was, I certainly don't feel guilty about any more, but often I just tend to forget.......you know the story, there is so much to be done, the list just grows, etc.

But a week off was wonderful, I know when I teach tomorrow, I will be a better teacher because of the rest and the recharging of spirit.  I was thinking this afternoon that two weeks would have been really nice.  :)   Here's hoping your week is a good one, that your days are less stressful, your nights restful, and that every day, you laugh out loud.

Saturday, May 9, 2015

Decoration Day

We played an event this morning, Art in the Park......even at 11:00am it was very warm,  ok, it was already hot......close to 90 degrees, but we were under the shade of two towering oaks, which made it bearable.

This afternoon, we took flowers to place on my parents' graves and my mom's parents graves.....in the south, it is called "decoration day".   All across the cemetery, there were waves of color.......flowers of every kind and color, real and silk .......and on the Veteran's graves, small American flags waved in the breeze.

When I was a little girl, my dad's mom, Mamie, made paper flowers for her parent's graves.  She made carnations from Kleenex, and roses, iris, daisies, mums and what ever else she could create with crepe paper.......after she crafted the flowers, she dipped  them in  melted paraffin to preserve them.
I loved it when she let me dip the blossoms in the hot wax......honestly, as a child, I thought those handmade flowers were as beautiful as the real ones.  

I think that "decoration day" is a beautiful tradition, a truly special way to honor the dead......but sadly, it is a tradition that will not last much longer.  Most of my nieces and nephews could care less about it.......but maybe as they age and death becomes more real to them, the tradition will become more important to them.  As I think back, in my younger days, it was not that big a deal to me either.
The loss of parents and siblings change many things.

The heat has zapped my energy, time for a cup of hot tea and bed.  Wishing you all a grand Mother's Day tomorrow, may you all feel loved and honored.

Friday, May 8, 2015

Gratitude Continues

Thank you all for the encouraging comments about my new Smartvest........it is truly a new path for me.  With all my teaching, you would think that I would be able to take really deep full breaths, but because of the sticky substance in my lungs I could not.  Today, has been wonderful......I got dizzy this morning because I was breathing so deeply.  I am coughing a good deal, but that is good too, the stuff is on the move.

I believe with the increased oxygen in my blood stream and body, my energy will increase and hopefully even my singing will become more powerful.......time will tell.  It is encouraging, to think that my quality of life will be/is improving.  I can't even begin to express my gratitude.

I have been on vacation this week, it has been a very restful time ( which I needed).  We have a gig tomorrow and then more rest. I look forward to going back to work Monday.  I have missed my students.

On this Friday night, I hope you all have a blessed Mother's Day Weekend.  May you all feel loved, may you all be hugged, and may you all know joy and peace.

Thursday, May 7, 2015

Quality of Life

Today was my first day with my new treatment........because of my diagnosis of bronchiectasis , my pulmonary doc wrote a prescription for a Smartvest.  This is totally different from the IVIG that I took for three years because of Primary Immune Deficiency.  This Smartvest is pretty amazing, it is an airway clearance system.  In the past because I have such a buildup of what I call lung gunk, Rick would pound on my back trying to loosen the stuff.......my lungs have also been suctioned and flushed to help get rid of the gunk......and I have also been on antibiotic rotation for years.

It has been several weeks since I was able to take a deep breath...... all that changed today with the first treatment......it was quite an experience......the vest is a nice bright purple ( I got to pick my color) and a wonderful RT came to our house today to help me.  Within the first five minutes I knew this was the treatment I had needed for a long time.  It is rather unique because the vest creates high frequency chest wall oscillation which shears mucus away from the walls of the lung's airways, reduces the viscosity of the secretions and in layman's terms helps me to cough up the lung gunk.

After that first 30  minute treatment I was able to take a deep breath.  Wow......the downside, the dogs are freaked by the sound ( sounds like a helicopter) and the vibration ( I shake, rattle and roll).......but we will all get use to it soon I am sure.  I will be doing two 30 minute treatments daily.  This treatment is used for Cystic Fibrosis and Bronchiectasis........whoever developed this......I send them blessings of all good things for they and their families......I can't tell you how good it feels to take a deep breath tonight, and know that this will help  to keep the lung gunk at bay and improve my quality of life.

I am grateful tonight for technology, for my pulmonary doc, for Electromed, the company who created my Smartvest.  Quality of life, that is what it's all about.

Wednesday, May 6, 2015

Wisp

Some days just looking up at the sky gives you hope.......it is not always the bluest sky or the fluffiest cloud or even the brightest sunshine.........sometimes, it is the wisp that breathes and whispers hold on, this too shall pass.

There are days when we all have to remind ourselves, this too shall pass........hold on, this too shall pass.

If your day has been difficult, if you have forgotten to breathe, let this little wisp of a cloud remind you......hold on, this too shall pass.

Tuesday, May 5, 2015

East Bay, Fairhope

This is part of a martin bird sanctuary in East Bay, Fairhope, Al.  It is amazing to see all these little birdhouses standing out in the bay with swarms of martins flying around.  Rick and I were in Fairhope this weekend celebrating our anniversary.......41 years.  We had a wonderful trip, can't wait to go back.  Our beaches are beautiful, but Fairhope is a hidden jewel......full of wonderful restaurants, quaint shops, art galleries and flowers everywhere.  Wish you all could visit sometime.


Monday, May 4, 2015

Me, Fly Fish?

Meet Spencer, fly fisherman extraordinaire........ I love meeting new people, especially those with sweet spirits like Spencer.  He is trying to convince Rick that he should take me fly fishing with him sometime........not sure how good I would be, but Spencer and Rick seem to think I might be pretty good.  Warning to all trout, keep a special watch out for me......I might decide to come after you guys.

Now that would be a transformation........me as a fly fisher.  I love the places you go to fly fish and it does look like a dance when the guys find the rhythm.......I am giving this some serious thought,  will keep you all posted.

It has been such a wonderful peaceful day.......I have done nothing, but lunch with an old friend, take a long walk and nap.......I suggest you all have a day like this soon.
good night, sweet dreams







Sunday, May 3, 2015

The Circle Continues

This circle of life continues, yin and yang......I am beginning to sound like a broken record, but another friend entered hospice care this week.  He asked a mutual friend if he could round up some of his old neighborhood gang and let's all have one last visit.......calls were made, FB was slammed, and e-mails sent and a reunion became reality today.   Below, are two of my dearest friends from grade school and high school.....Debbie and Brenda, they have been through thick and thin with me.....I love them dearly.  The reason for the gathering was sad, but the gathering was a bittersweet one, filled with many memories and much laughter.   This circle of life is magical and scary, joyous and heartbreaking........and time goes on.





Saturday, May 2, 2015

Do What You Love

We really do, do what we love.

I missed my friend Mary Grace's memorial service today.....but she loved our music and in my head, I could hear her say.....don't cancel your gig, sing for me......so that is what we did.  We sang every song for you Mary Grace, and I know that somewhere, somehow......you heard them all.

Goodnight, Sweet dreams

Friday, May 1, 2015

A Peaceful Day

For the first time in a couple of weeks, I feel better......between the deaths of my friends, a bronchial infection and the ever lingering aseptic meningitis symptoms it has been a struggle.   I am grateful for a good day.

We play a local festival tomorrow, the weather will be perfect, around 80 degrees and sunny.  I am sure many of our friends and family will be there, and once again I will get to load up on junk food.....well, one funnel cake at least.

I sat on our deck today with Taz.  I could feel the healing energy of the sun, the wind and all of mother nature......I thought of my friends Charlie and Mary, and knew that somewhere, they were happy, healthy and at peace......I felt their peace.

I hope your weekend brings you laughter, I hope you have the opportunity to spend time with family and friends......but most of all, I hope you feel peace in your heart.