Sunday, January 31, 2016

January 31

Seventy degrees on this last day of January...time to batten down the hatches...warmth and wind in January is never a good weather sign. The next couple of days should prove interesting.

As I looked at my vision board this morning, I realized that we were both making headway on our
visions for 2016, the hard part will be to stay the course the next few months.  That is the best thing about those boards, if you place them where you see them every day, they hold you steady and true.
But as the months go by, it is easy to not "notice" them, so then I write reminders in my day planner.

There is a chicken roasting in the oven.  I have craved comfort food the past few days, holding off on making the mac and cheese but could be persuaded with very little force.  :)

Enjoy this last night of January 2016, we will see what takes place with that wacky groundhog in a couple of days.  Wishing you a Monday that is neither blue nor rainy.
Goodnight Sweet dreams

 

Saturday, January 30, 2016

You Need It

We were at a hotel last night, and the wifi stopped working after Rick did his blog in case any of you wondered what happened to my post.  Home today, walks with the dogs and Sam and Jordan.
Jordan was beside himself with joy...yesterday was his birthday.  Rick and I got him a gift card to Books A Million.  He brought home a bag full of books and had to explain why he picked each one.
He is eight years old and loves to read.  I loved to read at age eight also.

A pot of soup is on the stove, cornbread in the oven.  Comfort food tonight...sometimes you just need it. The past couple of days has been spent with family...sometimes you just need it.

Taz and Calliou were not happy about our night away, they never are.  But they have been appeased and all is well for now.  I think Taz needed a hug this evening...I know I did.

Thursday, January 28, 2016

Expectations

Most come to my class for the first time with all sorts of expectations.  Some are fearful, some arrogant, some come to test me....at the end of each class when I do savasana, one of the things I tell my students, inhale peace, exhale expectations.  It is a hard lesson for many of us, this giving up of expectations.

Today, there were many expectations brought to class.  I think that most gave them up by the end of relaxation.  Most were happy to just be and breathe.  Tomorrow, give yourself a few minutes to let go of expectations of any kind...and just breathe.  I think you will be rewarded with a nice surprise...peace.

Dinner awaits...then my warm cozy bed.
Goodnight, Sweet dreams

Wednesday, January 27, 2016

RIP Sharky

On this day twenty-five years ago my dad died.  It doesn't seem like he has been gone that long.
I still hear his voice, his whistle, his singing.  I remember how he smelled the last time I hugged him.
And even though it has been 25 years, there are days I miss him so much that the tears stream down my face.

I thought about him this morning as I drank my coffee. He would be proud of our little farm and he would adore the grand kids, and great grands that he never got to know...his message to them would be the same one he taught me and my siblings...love.  You have to love one another.  He truly lived the golden rule.  He was the kindest person I have ever known.

I feel the sadness, and the hole that was left in my heart when he died.  But, I am grateful for his love, and wisdom and the life skills he taught me.

RIP Sharky

Tuesday, January 26, 2016

Nobility

Tonight, I give you a quote from Ernest Hemingway.

"There is nothing noble in being superior to your fellow man;
true nobility is being superior to your former self."  Ernest Hemingway

I put this one on my board in class today.  I figure Hemingway struggled with his former and present self as much as anyone.

Monday, January 25, 2016

Blessings

So very lucky, we had missed the full moon for the past few months because of the weather, and now two nights in a row the  moon shines through my window.

A long full day, but I think Mondays should be that way.  You start the week full tilt, and then with any luck it is smooth sailing the rest of the week.  Fingers crossed.

If you can go out and look at the moon, then count your blessings that you saw such a beautiful sight.
Goodnight, Sweet dreams

Sunday, January 24, 2016

We Saw The Moon

Finally after months of waiting ( clouds or rain) the full moon is beaming through my window, shinning through the intricate lace curtain.  I called Jordan as soon as I saw it rising up above the tree
line tonight.  Squeals of joy came across the phone as I heard him yell to his Papa to go out on the porch to look at the moon with him.

Jordan and I share a love of the full moon, of snow, of spending time outdoors.  He is my kitchen assistant and can help me round up the chickens in the blink of an eye when they get out of the fence.

His fascination with the moon began before he was a year old.  Moon was one of the first words he spoke and on nights when the moon was full he would look out the windows saying moon, moon.
There is a circle around the moon tonight, rain is on its way for sure.  But Jordan and I are grateful that on this night, we saw the full moon...I hope you saw it too.


Saturday, January 23, 2016

A Good Day

Today we celebrated Jordan's , Breeze's, my brother Ricky and Rick's birthdays.  Breeze and Jordan love Minecraft so  Samantha and I baked cakes with that theme.  We had so much fun doing the cakes.  We also  had chili and spaghetti, Jordan chose the menu.

After almost everyone had left, Rick, Samantha, Courtney, James and Andrea and myself took a walk through the woods, enjoying the cold fresh air.  It was a fun family afternoon and evening.
Lots of laughter...good memories...a good day.

Friday, January 22, 2016

Make The Most

It really is the simple things in life that bring so much joy and happiness.  We had snow flurries today and if you had seen Rick, Jordan and I playing you would have thought we had experienced a blizzard.
It didn't matter that there was no snow on the ground, we caught flakes with our tongues and let flakes land on our faces.

We came inside, made hot chocolate with marshmallows and dreamed of more snow coming tonight.
The weather guys say we might get an inch.  :)  We don't care, we will be happy regardless.

One of the things I have learned through the years, you take what life brings and make the most of it.
That includes enjoying a few snow flurries.  I  know our friends north and east of us are in for a rough bit this weekend.  They are getting way  more than a few flurries.  You all stay warm and safe.
You can listen to us moan this summer when it is 90 degrees with 85% humidity.

Enjoy the weekend, don't fret about the past or worry about the future, if you do, you lose this moment, the present. Make the most of now, it is all you have.

Thursday, January 21, 2016

Change in the Weather

A full moon is on its way, but I doubt if we see it.  Pouring rain tonight, snow, sleet, icy rain, some sort of frozen stuff tomorrow,  Rick is home, safe and sound and the dogs are already asleep.

I think the changing weather is playing havoc with my body tonight, everything is stiff and painful.
Classes were moon salutations today, greeting the moon, whether we see its beauty or not.

Those flannel sheets are calling my name and I can't resist.  This body is demanding some rest.
Goodnight, Sweet dreams

Wednesday, January 20, 2016

Ordinary Hump

A nice hump day,rainy but that is ok, I did all my errands.  I am so excited, the weather guys here are teasing us with the S word.  I know my friends and family to the north and east of me are not excited, but a few flakes here are so rare I can barely contain my excitement.

The dogs keep barking like crazy tonight.  There is a raccoon that has knocked the suet feeder down on the ground  and is having a feast.  Taz wants to go outside and make him dance.  Calliou just encourages Taz to bark.

I hope your day has been as ordinary as mine.  We need these days, these ordinary days.  These days are the glue that holds us together when things get crazy good or crazy or bad.  Time for my cup of tea.
Goodnight, Sweet dreams

Tuesday, January 19, 2016

My Dogs Won't Answer

A full class this afternoon, several new faces.  A couple let me know immediately that they were not in yoga because they wanted to be there, their counselors had "urged" them to come.
I am not a fan of someone being sent to yoga, but I understand our program and the thought process behind it.  I also know that 99 times out of 100, those made to come tell me after their first class how much they loved it and they can't wait to come back.

That's my goal for every class I teach, make the class so enjoyable the students can't wait to come back.  I will let you in on a little secret, it's hard work you know.  It requires incredible energy.
But the rewards are worth it.

After yoga today I also taught a meditation class.  As I was leaving the building tonight I looked up and saw an almost full moon surrounded by twinkling stars.  The air was so cold it took my breath.
I drove home, knowing that the house would be empty tonight, except for the dogs. Rick is in New Orleans for a couple of days at a conference.  I love the dogs, but they don't answer me back when I talk to them.  :)

Time for a cup of hot tea.
Goodnight, Sweet dreams

Monday, January 18, 2016

3 C's

"The 3 C's in life...choice, chance, change
You must make the choice to take the chance if you want anything in life to change."  - Tommy Chong

I wrote this on my board in class today.  Lots of comments by my students, this one resonated with all of them.  

It resonated with me as well.  Choice, chance, change will be my motto for a while. 

Goodnight, Sweet dreams

Sunday, January 17, 2016

Weekend R and R

We did a quick beach trip for Rick's birthday.  I love the Gulf Coast in the winter.

As we made our first steps toward the water, I felt the salt air burn my lungs...the breeze was cold and the sun was dazzling.

It is important to recharge, to rest and refresh.  Walks, naps and seafood, all of those were exactly what we needed.

Ready to face tomorrow, rested and renewed.

Saturday, January 16, 2016

Rick's Birthday

Rick's birthday dinner.  Good food, great company.

Happy Times.

Friday, January 15, 2016

Celebrate

 A half moon tonight, making Rick's birthday extra special.  Next Friday will be my brother Ricky's birthday and the moon will be full.  Both the Ricks got some luna magic this year.
Jordan's birthday is on the 29.   Those three guys, every seven days, a birthday.

Jordan and I are making plans for a family celebration of birthdays.  He has chosen a menu of chili, hot dogs and spaghetti.  Perfect menu for guys right?  Except that we will include Breeze whose birthday was the 11th,  but she is a swimmer and burns carbs and calories like crazy, and she loved the menu too.  If the weather permits, smores for dessert.

Birthdays are meant to be celebrated, so eat what you want.   Sleep late, get up early, spend the day in jammies, or get all dressed up.  It is your day.  It is all about you.  Once a year, let the world know they are lucky you were born.  Twenty four hours just for you.

So Rick has had a nice dinner, cheesecake, a little wine and is now in his Alabama pj's ( he wore them watching the championship game, so now they are his lucky pj's)  I think his 24 hours has been interesting, fun, all that he expected and maybe more.  Happy Birthday Rick!  I love celebrating your birthday.

Thursday, January 14, 2016

Planting Hope

"To plant a garden is to believe in tomorrow." - Audrey Hepburn

The first seed catalogs came in the mail this week.  I love looking at them and imagining that my garden, my plants will look just like those in the pictures.

Audrey Hepburn was right.  Planting a garden gives hope, a belief that something good will take place in the future if you plant the seed.

When I walked Taz this morning  I noticed a tiny purple violet blooming at the edge of our front walk.  It had braved the cold, hidden under the fronds of a fern.  A tiny sign that spring would come again.

Goodnight, Sweet dreams  

Wednesday, January 13, 2016

Just Like The Lotus

There was a beautiful image of a lotus flower that came across FB today.  The caption read, " No mud, no lotus."  I often teach about the lotus in my classes.  We usually do an asana called Lotus flow, which begins with hands in prayer position as you inhale the hands go upward over the head, as you exhale the hands open wide.  Since it is a flow we do several of them.

As we go through the flow, I talk about how precious and beautiful the lotus flower is.  It is considered to be sacred, much like our western dogwood blossom.  I talk about how the lotus oil is used in the finest perfumes, but it only grows in the mud, the murkiest of waters. And then I talk about my personal philosophy of the lotus, how it also represents the heart...I believe that we all have this incredible lotus flower that lives in our hearts...full of beauty...and no matter how sordid or dirty our past, that blossom can bloom from our hearts with love.  We all have the potential to bloom like the lotus.

Tonight, no matter how bad you feel, how guilty you might feel, no matter how much your past haunts you...with kindness and love, with effort...you can rise up out of the mud just like the lotus.
Your life, your blossom can be one of beauty, just like the lotus.

Goodnight, Sweet dreams

Tuesday, January 12, 2016

Spicy Balance

It will be nice to not teach tomorrow, to focus on the music.  We have a couple of gigs coming up, getting new shows ready, it is exciting.  It is also nice to balance, the yoga, music and art.
I can usually tell when one area of my life is becoming too dominant, I feel out of sorts.

I love all that I do, but there has to be a balance, for me anyway.  I know there are many who focus on one aspect of their life and are happy to do so.  For me, variety is my spice of life.

I also have some great ideas for a couple of floor cloths that I am getting ready to paint.
But, tonight it will be an early to bed kind of night.  I am tired, ready for those warm flannel sheets and my comfy cozy bed.

Goodnight, Sweet dreams

Monday, January 11, 2016

New Faces

Lots of new faces in all my classes today.  New faces mean different things in each class.  In the first class, their stay at the center will be only 28 days, depending on the program and their health, I might see them in my class only 3 or 4 times.

In the second class, a 90 day program, we  begin to build a yoga and meditation practice. They have the opportunity to see that yoga can be a tool in recovery, that it can help with their daily stresses. We get to know each other.

In the third class, a community class I teach in my hometown, new faces might come back, they might not.  I learned a long time ago, as much as I love yoga, as much as I love teaching...it is not for everyone. But I have students who have been with me well over ten years.  I am grateful.

Because of where I teach, I always have new faces.  That is a challenge to any teacher. I am always teaching basics, modifications and yet for some, who have studied with me for years in the community class, I have to keep them interested and on their toes.

I am watching my students constantly, to see their alignments, their issues, their struggles and what is easy for them. I make sure each class is different, that no matter the student, they feel welcome and safe.

Now you all know why I whine about my energy being low sometimes.  :)

Rick is watching the college football championship game.  He is awfully quiet, I hope Alabama is doing good.  I suppose I should check on him.
Goodnight, Sweet dreams

Sunday, January 10, 2016

Cold Winter's Night

The coldest night of our winter so far.  There were some places in Alabama that had snow flurries last night after the rains moved through.  I didn't see them, but I hope to at least see a snowflake or two before spring.

The dogs loved running in the cold air today, so did I.  Well, I jogged and walked but it felt great in the cold.

We looked at a new vehicle this weekend, an Outback.  The Honda is a great car, but it is just not what we need.  I loved the way the Outback handled and how secure it felt to drive.  Keeping my fingers crossed there will be one in our driveway soon.

My hot tea awaits, I hear Calliou barking at the stars, deer, whatever he sees, smells, or hears.
Goodnight, Sweet dreams

Saturday, January 9, 2016

Ahimsa

This came across FB from the Wayne Dyer site.
In yoga we teach about ahimsa, the first Yama ( moral discipline  or restraint).  Ahimsa means non-harming, to be gentle to yourself and all creation.

I teach in my classes that often when we practice Ahimsa, it is easy to be kind and gentle to others, but most difficult to be kind and gentle to ourselves.

We often forget that our bodies are temples, that they house the most precious and incredible part of us, our soul.  We berate how we look, how much we weigh, our shapes, our sizes; forgetting that this body should be treated with love, respect and kindness.  We should nourish it with healthy food, clean water, fresh air and daily exercise.  It is the only body we have.

So the next time you hear yourself making disparaging remarks about your body, remember the word
ahimsa and be kind and gentle to yourself.

Friday, January 8, 2016

Taz Advice

Sometimes when we walk Taz has to take a break, she has lung issues too.  Today was damp and chilly, so we made our rest stop near the barn.

Enjoy your weekend.  Get some fresh air and exercise.  Taz says, " take a walk with a friend."

Thursday, January 7, 2016

Thursday Thoughts

It has been a strange rather sad week.  A friend died last weekend and it was sudden and unexpected.
She was 52 and had a brain bleed.  Since hearing of her death I have dreamed about her every night.
Her service is this weekend, a bittersweet one for sure.  I will see many old friends under sad circumstances.

Today was full of hellos and goodbyes..New students coming in for the first time, and old ones leaving, to pick up lives that were  put on hold for a few months.  Today has been an emotional roller coaster.  Did I mention I think I have caught a cold?

I think it is time for a warm bed and sweet dreams.

Wednesday, January 6, 2016

Lesson Learned

In some way or other, I have spent most of my life taking care of people.  Today a good friend called, we had spoken just a few days ago but her son is having some health issues and I figured she was calling to keep me in the loop about him.  That was part of the call, the other was about me.

She was upset and hurt by something that I had done... and we are good enough friends she could talk
with me about it.  I had been sick during Christmas holidays.  I had mentioned it here on the blog, but had not really talked about it. I missed some time at work, but I pushed myself to get my cards painted, visit with family and with friends.  We had actually gone by her house and visited with she and her husband.

She found out a few days ago that I had been sick.  She was hurt that I had not told her.  I know that everyone has burdens they carry, and honestly I try my best not to add to anyone's load.  But she told me something tonight that touched a nerve.  She told me that I had always been there for her, and that it hurt that I would not let her be there for me.  A couple of other friends have said pretty much the same thing to me.  My friend Tom at work is always saying let people help you.

I thought about her words, and questioned myself about my actions.  It stems from childhood, my mom was tough ( an English bloodline) and we were taught to stand strong on our own two feet, to push through anything that didn't kill us, and  to help everyone around us.

So with this New Year just beginning, there will be an addition of sorts to my vision board...let others help me, let others be there for me.  This will be a toughie for me, after all I have been this way since childhood, but I will work on it.  I don't want to hurt my friends or make them think I don't need them.   Lesson learned tonight.

Goodnight, Sweet dreams

Tuesday, January 5, 2016

New Faces

Several new faces in class today and as always, some were fearful about their first yoga class.
They left  with smiles on their faces and a promise to see me next class.

I also have students who will be attending their last class with me this week.  I will miss them.
I know they are excited and afraid.  But our program is good, they have the tools to live the life they hope for, they just have to use the tools and live one day at a time.  I don't mean to oversimplify, but
living sober can be done.

Winter has come and seems to be staying for awhile.  Even the S-word has been thrown around by the local weather guys.  I can only hope.

For some reason, fatigue has hit me hard tonight.  My hot cup of tea calls to me.
Goodnight, Sweet dreams

Monday, January 4, 2016

2016 Vision Board

Well here it is, my 2016 vision board in all its glory.

For those of you who have never done a board, I encourage you to try.  You think about what your goals, hopes and dreams are for the year.  You look for phrases, words, pictures that speak to you, that illustrate those dreams.  Place them on a board like a simple collage.  Look at that board every day, think about what you want, and how can you achieve it.

Vision Boards are great incentives.  They do work.
I have done them for years.  People often ask me how I get so much done.  A daily planner and my vision board are my tools...they work.

Here 's to 2016, may we find what we are looking for, reach our goals, achieve good health...and may we always be kind to each other.

Sunday, January 3, 2016

Lemon Tree

A few evenings ago, as I opened the front door I smelled a most delightful scent.  I thought maybe Rick had a candle burning or some incense, but no, nothing like that.

Rick had smelled the odor when he got in from work earlier, but didn't know what it was.  I followed my nose, straight to the back door, there sat our lemon tree full of waxy white blooms and that delicious smell permeating every nook and cranny.

For the past two years, she has been full of blossoms, then tiny lemons and then.....all the lemons fall to the floor.  I am trying to figure out what to do, what I did wrong and this year, finally have a lemon crop.

For now, the blossoms and the scent are enough.  Wish you could smell them.  Enjoy your first week of 2016.

Saturday, January 2, 2016

Productive Day

Vision board is completed.  That was my task for today, but it has been a very productive day.
Not only is the board finished, but my yoga blankets are clean, the mats are clean.

Some days everything gets done, some days nothing.  That is just how it goes.
Cold with clear blue skies today, maybe the cooler temps are bringing me a surge of energy.
It has been nice to walk in the crisp air.

I hope your second day of January has been a good one.   As I was working my day planner this afternoon I realized this is a leap year and my birthday is on a full moon.  Woo Hoo!

Ready for a hot cup of tea and warm flannel sheets.

Goodnight, Sweet dreams

Friday, January 1, 2016

January 1

January 1...Happy New Year!

January 1...finally cold weather

January 1... black eye peas, greens and cornbread, a southern New Year tradition

January 1...Rick, my brother Ricky, Jordan and Breeze all have birthdays this month

January 1... nothing like a brand new day, month and year

January 1...vision boards will be completed tomorrow

January 1...our annual trip to the beach soon

January 1...let go of the bad from 2015, keep all the good for 2016

January 1...I hope this year is a good for all of us, may we treat each other kindly

January 1...Peace to everyone, today, tomorrow, for the next 364 days

January 1...wishes for good health for all