Thursday, March 31, 2016

Dreaded Words

Those words we Alabamians dread...tornado watch has been issued by the National Weather Service.
You can feel the instability in the air, it will be a long night.  We are also under a flood watch.

I didn't teach today,for the third time in as many weeks I have picked up a stomach bug...or maybe it is just not going away.  This evening's meal was my first since yesterday.  If any of you have some home remedies please share them.  I think I might have tried them all, but you never know.

A cup of hot tea calls to me.
Sorry for the short post, but brain function is not at its best today.

Wednesday, March 30, 2016

Kodak Moment

For many years, Rick and I both worked as photographers at a newspaper.  It was back in the day, of film and darkrooms and the art of printing a photograph. There was a commercial during that time that spoke of Kodak moments.  The moments where there is intense joy or love or emotion captured forever in a picture.  It has been years since I thought of that phrase, but I did this afternoon.

Jordan came over after school, it was a breezy spring day, a little cloudy but everything around us had that yellow green tinge of spring.  I sat on the deck and watched the chickens peck in the grass, the dogs rolling in the grass, Rick sitting at the fire pit and Jordan racing around the backyard.  It was a real Kodak moment.

I sat there and hoped that the image, the memory, would forever be etched in my  mind.  It was one of joy, beauty and hope.  I just wanted to stop time, take a breath and hold on to that instant.  Zeus was crowing, Rick and Jordan were laughing and the world was as it should it be.

I am so glad I took a few moments to sit on the deck and watch my little world develop.  It was nothing special, yet it was incredible.  We all have those moments you know, those real Kodak moments.  Too often we let them slip by without realizing their value.

Tonight, I wish you all a Kodak moment tomorrow...but most of all, I wish you take the time to know acknowledge its value.

Tuesday, March 29, 2016

Pollen

Right now my world is covered in thick yellow pollen.  Everyone I know is coughing and sneezing.
Breathing is downright difficult these days, even for those who have no breathing issues.
This time of year I have the urge to run to the desert or some mountainous costal region far away from pine and oak.  Is there such a place?

On the flip side, the weather guys say rain is coming, but with a price...maybe some hefty storms.
Gilda Radner said it best, "it's always something."   :)

March is moving out so fast, she is taking my breath.  April seems awfully impatient to bring her showers.

I think it is time for hot tea and bed.  I hope your hump day brings some fun into your life tomorrow.
Goodnight, Sweet dreams

Monday, March 28, 2016

Need and Connection

Once again today I witnessed the healing power of yoga.  Seeing broken spirits began to mend is an amazing sight and in both afternoon classes I watched and listened to students talk about their experience.  It seems that for the past few weeks the relaxation has brought about what I call  the detoxing of the spirit.   Tears, laughter and even sleep have happened during the savasana ( relaxation) part of class.

In my community class there has been much grief, three students have suffered loss... one a mom, one a brother and one a husband.  I see their faces and watch their spirits lift as the other class members give them hugs.  The breath work, the movement and the stillness of relaxation helps the grief process.


Honestly, when I began to teach yoga, I never thought I would be in the midst of so much pain but that is where my path has brought me.  Every class I teach is humbling, every class I teach shows me just how much we humans are connected and how  much we need each other.

I hope your week brings hugs and laughter and that where ever you live, there are beginning signs of spring.
Goodnight, Sweet dreams

Sunday, March 27, 2016

Sunday Thoughts

After a day of cloudy skies and showers, just in time for sunset, sunshine peeped through the clouds.
I cooked lunch today and shared it with our neighbor whose wife died yesterday.  This afternoon we visited with family.

It has been an odd energy day, not sure if it is because of the passing of my aunt and our neighbor's wife, the weather or what, but I have felt out of sorts today. It has been a busy week and suddenly I realize it is back to work tomorrow.

March is quickly coming to an end this week and April seems to be rushing in, Jordan informed me today only nine weeks until summer vacation.  I do remember those days of waiting for summer vacation and the anticipation of no school and no homework.

I hope your Easter weekend has been blessed with family, food and friends and with joy and peace.

Saturday, March 26, 2016

Easter Memories

Memories of Easter today, I loved getting a new dress and shoes for Easter each spring.
I didn't enjoy hunting eggs, but I loved jelly beans.
I also loved Easter hats and gloves...showing my age.
I liked the cellophane straw that filled my Easter basket, purple was my favorite color.
We never had plastic eggs, always real ones that were dyed with food color.
My mom baked a ham and coconut cake, what more could you possibly want?

I hope you all enjoy your Easter Sunday tomorrow.  Wishing you peace and blessings of joy.

Happy Easter

Friday, March 25, 2016

Joy?

We are still in the throes of decluttering.  Our bookshelves are feeling the release now.  We have been fearless with our discards and our great room has breathed a sigh of relief.

Letting go is easier when you look at things and ask yourself, " does this really bring me joy?"  If you are truthful and the answer is no, let it go.  Let someone else find its joy.

So ready for my warm cozy bed.  Getting rid of clutter is hard work.

Goodnight, Sweet dreams

Thursday, March 24, 2016

Goodbye Aunt Betty

The phone rang this afternoon and it was my cousin Nina, it had been a couple of months since we had spoken, but I could tell by her voice something was wrong.   Her mom, my aunt Betty had made her final transformation this morning.  Her words hit me hard.

Aunt Betty was the last of my mom's siblings, she was the youngest.  I thought about my mom and her siblings and I hoped that somewhere there was a family reunion tonight.  It has been ten years since my mother and oldest brother died.  The last time I had seen Aunt Betty she talked about how much she missed her brothers and sister.  I told Nina this evening how much I missed my mom, dad and brother...it never goes away.

I have an old photograph of my  mom and aunt Betty when they were young girls.  I swear, they look like movie stars.

I thought about how large my mom's family use to be, all the aunts, uncles and cousins...now there are only a handful of cousins still alive...time goes so fast.  It has been a rainy sad afternoon.
RIP Aunt Betty

Wednesday, March 23, 2016

Incredible Birthday

I have had the most incredible birthday.  Calls, emails, texts, cards, and over 200 FB messages, it has been overwhelming, this love and kindness that has been shown to me.

Rick had asked me what I wanted for my birthday. Originally, we had planned on going to Memphis for a few days and having lunch at Corky's BBQ for my birthday.  The weather guys are forecasting nasty stuff for us tomorrow and since our dogs do not handle the storms well,
We made a day trip...yep to Memphis for lunch.  219  miles one way for Corkys BBQ and it was worth every mile.
My sister Pat went with us.  She had been to Corkys with us before and I think she loves it as much as I do.

Birthdays are interesting times in our lives, some of us ignore them, some wish they would not come and others celebrate.  I am so humbled by all of those who chose to help me celebrate today with their good wishes.  I am blessed.  I am a lucky woman.  I am thankful.

Tuesday, March 22, 2016

I Love the Moon

I just can't help myself...we have missed so many full moons this past year because of the rains and clouds and this one is so very beautiful...

It shines through the lace curtain that covers the window here in the office.  I feel that every person I have ever loved who has made their final transformation  is a part of that glowing silver light tonight.

I understand why people through the ages have considered the sun, moon and stars god-like.
Nights like this when it shines down and bathes the world in a pearly glow there is a feel of power and love, a pull to marvel in its greatness.

What can I say, I love the moon and I feel the peace of knowing it shines on everyone.

Monday, March 21, 2016

Amazing Moon

If you can see the moon tonight, look at it and be amazed.  It is the biggest and brightest that I have seen in months, and it won't be full until Wednesday. Of course we did moon salutations in class tonight, it would have been a shame to have not acknowledged that beautiful orb in the sky.

It is still cold, and we have had frost and we are a wee bit worried about our fruit trees, but there has not been a freeze and that is good.  It seems to always be chilly for Easter, whether it comes in March or April.  I think even with the cold, the dogwoods will be in full glory come Easter Sunday.

I hope that the moon that is shinning down on me tonight, shines on you as well.  May you feel the peace and beauty of its light.

goodnight, sweet dreams

Sunday, March 20, 2016

Spring Birthday

Cold and chilly in Alabama tonight, but I know that our northern friends saw snow and much colder temps.  Spring is such a tease, she has wooed us with 80 degree temps this week and brought frost to our young tender flowers tonight.

Here in Alabama, spring can truly be cruel and dangerous, caressing us with warm sunshine and blossoms and then can swiftly slaughter with tornadoes and floods.  Though I was born in the spring, she is not my favorite season, at least not here in the south.

My birthday is this week.  Birthdays are interesting,  they can be reminders,  of all we have accomplished and reminders of all we have not.  They can taunt us with memories of youth and throw harsh reality in our faces about age.  I think we should all celebrate our birthday, but not dwell on them.  Once again, it is about being present, not wishing for the past or being fearful of the future.

This year, there is a full moon on my birthday, March 23.  I do believe in signs and I think a full moon on my birthday is a good sign.

Wishing you all a week that is full of all good things.

Saturday, March 19, 2016

Busy Saturday

Cloudy all day, the temps have dropped and our beautiful warm spring days have become quite chilly.
Rick built a fire in the fire pit this evening, Jordan and Samantha came over and we toasted marshmallows.  In a matter of minutes Jordan had  marshmallow goo in his hair, on his face and even the back of his shirt.

We started the day on a somber note, one of my students in my community class lost her husband this week and we went to his memorial.  They had been married 48 years. I can't imagine the loss that she feels.

The dogs are tired tonight, so am I.  It has also been a day of chores.  I am ready for a cup of hot tea and bed.

I hope your Sunday brings you peace and hope.
Goodnight, Sweet dreams

Friday, March 18, 2016

A Belated Celebration

St. Patrick's Day is one of my most favorite holidays.  I love green, I love Ireland, and I love Irish food.

Yesterday morning I put my beef brisket in the crockpot, made sure I had potatoes and cabbage for the colcannon.  Mother Nature had gifted me with beautiful spring flowers, the house was clean and my copy of Darby O'Gil was ready to be watched.  I know, but it is one of my favorite childhood movies, just can't help myself.

Fast forward to the afternoon at work, splitting sinus headache, forgetting that I had not eaten in over four hours, I took a couple of advil.   Bad mistake.

On the way home, the headache worsened, dizziness from the stuffed sinus, upset stomach from advil on an empty stomach...I tried to finish cooking my feast, but the sofa, an ice pack and nausea medicine won out.

So tonight, we had our Irish feast.  Happy Belated St. Patrick's Day.

Wednesday, March 16, 2016

A Good Laugh

One of those days when nothing goes as planned.  At some point you either laugh and or throw your hands up in the air and yell I give up.

It's ok.  It was a beautiful day and we made the best of it.

I hope your hump day was smoother than mine.

A good laugh and a good night's sleep makes everything better.
Goodnight, Sweet dreams

Tuesday, March 15, 2016

Unexpected

Unexpected, I hear that word often when I teach...yoga 's results are often so unexpected.
Today I had new students, as always there was a great deal of skepticism, fear, and trepidation.
There were mixed emotions and feelings when class was over.

Emotion is something people don't expect from a yoga class.  That emotion can run the gamut from fear, sadness, relief, pain, anger, tears, joy, laughter.  Today I saw fear and pain, sadness  and confusion.

I give a handout to new students before each class, few read it, some leave the paper lying in the floor when they leave.  The handout explains the class from beginning to end and what to expect and what can happen.

Yoga serves as a release, the movements, the breath and the relaxation at the end bring about physical and emotional changes.  New students and experienced ones are often surprised when things surface.
It doesn't happen every class, but when it does, it can be life changing.

So today as one young woman left class, she told me how much she enjoyed it, but the emotion that she felt was totally unexpected.  I told her she was not alone, that interesting and different things happen to people when they began to release old hurts, pain and emotions, that often it is things that they might not be able to express but through yoga they let go.

Yes, I told her, the unexpected can surely take place in yoga class.

Monday, March 14, 2016

We

"There are no such things as "them and us".  In a world this size
there can only be "we", all of us us working together."

- Dan Ward

Sunday, March 13, 2016

DST

Ok, Daylight Savings Time, you love it or hate it.  I am not a fan.  Getting up in the dark confuses my internal body clock, daylight at 8:00 pm confuses it as well.  And I am a little freaked when our local school bus is picking up small children in the dark down our street.

I know, DST has made a booming business out of after school sports in the spring and summer.  Every town has a baseball field, full of lights and parents and players.  I read an interesting article today that one of the industries that profits most from DST...the oil industry.  Seems we up our consumption of fuel and energy when we spring forward.  No long trips, just trips to the mall or park, and all those extra lights at parks and stadiums.  

Ok, my rant is over.   No wait, a question...do you really get outside and exercise more with DST or do you just think you do?  Being in the car, or sitting on a bleacher does not count as exercise. :)

Hope your Monday zips by.

Goodnight Sweet dreams



Saturday, March 12, 2016

Blessed

Ricky's Retirement party was wonderful.  Friends and family even came from Georgia and Mississippi.  My nephew Haven did incredible smoked butt, my chair buddy Louis brought his famous slaw, my sister Nell made coconut cake...there was potato salad, baked beans, deviled eggs,
corn on the cob, peanut butter brownies, banana pudding, sweet tea and lemonade.  If anyone left hungry, it was their own fault.

We live in a small cottage, the place was packed...we crammed 28 adults and children into our house.
The rafters rang with laughter.  My brother had given me his list of who he wanted to invite, everyone but 2 came.  He was a happy man.

Tonight, I am grateful, we are blessed.
Goodnight, Sweet dreams

Friday, March 11, 2016

Successful

Tomorrow we celebrate my younger brother Ricky's retirement.  Mostly family and a few of his friends are coming over to eat BBQ and wish him well.   He has worked two full time jobs for as long as I can remember.  He is retiring from our local school as custodian.  He will continue to work with his son in their plumbing business.

He is a good, honest, family man.  He loves a good laugh and a good meal.  He is one of the kindest people I have ever known.  He lives next door and each time I watch him walk up the hill to our house I think it is my dad.  Ricky looks just like our dad.  He and his wife Deb have raised three awesome kids.  His grandkids adore him.

I would call him one of the most successful people I know.  Not a lot of money, but all the right stuff... honesty, integrity, kindness and love.

Goodnight, Sweet dreams

Thursday, March 10, 2016

Circumstances and Blame

A quote to share with you tonight.

"People are always blaming their circumstances for what they are.
The people who get on in this world are the people who look for the circumstances they want, and if they can't find them, make
them."    -George Bernard Shaw


I hear blame often, we really do have to let go of the blame to achieve what we want in life.  Taking responsibility changes everything.

Wednesday, March 9, 2016

The Kid We Use to Be

We watched the movie tonight, The Kid with Bruce Willis.  Through the years I had seen bits and pieces of it, but never from beginning to end.  An interesting story and probably one that on some level we would all like to experience.

Bruce Willis' eight year old self comes to visit him a few days before his 40th birthday.
The child is disappointed in the grown-up that he has become, and the grown-up is appalled at his eight old self.

But, because it is movie, they began to talk and they learn about themselves and their life between 8 and 40.  I remember a great deal about myself when I was 8, but it would be nice to meet me.
It would be nice to assure the child that life would have its ups and downs but no matter what, it would be ok.  And for my old self, it would be nice to truly remember the details of my childhood.

It is a Disney movie, but that is ok. I loved the story, I am a sucker for happy endings.
I think that for good or bad, it would be nice to meet the kid I use to be.  There are so many things I could reassure her about, her fears, lack of self-confidence...but even without my grownup intervention I think I made it through ok.

Goodnight, Sweet dreams

Tuesday, March 8, 2016

New Moon

Tonight is the new moon...once again bringing new beginnings,new energy to our lives.
March is all about change...including the one almost everyone I know waits for...spring.

I am ready for change, ready for the birth of all things green and fresh.  Our springs can be interesting here in Alabama,  not only for the violent weather, but cold and snowy one day and barefoot weather the next.  A warm spring day can be so beautiful, filled with blooms, birds and blue skies, yet the aftermath of our storms can leave a barren, ugly, raw landscape of destruction.  It is yin and yang, is it not?

Tomorrow is hump day, my off day.  I think there will be errands to do, some gig practice and most importantly, a nap.  I love ordinary days.

May the new moon bring the change you need and want.  May it fill our lives with renewed energy and hope.

Monday, March 7, 2016

Soothing Classes

Classes today were for chronic pain.  Many of my students at work deal with chronic pain, so we do breath work, meditation and movements to ease the pain.  Even those who don't suffer enjoy the class because it is so soothing.

Tonight's class, stretching out the back.  About 75% of those who came to my community class tonight had worked themselves into pain and agony because today was so spring like.  They had worked in their gardens, cleaned their houses and who knows what else.  They too, had a soothing easy class tonight.

I have learned through the years that even if I have class notes prepared,  to teach my students what they need I have to listen as they come into the room.  Most of the time, my notes are pushed aside and class takes on a whole different direction.  I have learned to listen and watch them and it is easy to figure out their needs.

I mentioned to one of my students today that I was a fly by the seat of my pants kind of yoga teacher, she laughed and said no, you are just flexible ( pun intended).

I hope your weather has been as beautiful as ours today.
Goodnight, Sweet dreams

Sunday, March 6, 2016

Bliss and Delight

Last night's gig was truly rejuvenating.  Yes, I was exhausted by the time we made it home, but today I had more energy than I have had in quite some time.  Doing what you love is magical.  Yes, I do love teaching,  but the giving of my energy to those who are sick and needy is exhausting.  Performing restores, because the audience gives their energy to me.  I truly needed last night.

It has been a busy Sunday, laundry and cooking, getting ready for the week ahead.  There is a new
moon Tuesday, so lots of new energy being sent our way.  New moons are the perfect time for change and choosing new directions and paths.

Wishing you all a Monday that is full of bliss and delight, just as this Sunday has been.
Goodnight, Sweet dreams

Saturday, March 5, 2016

Great Gig

An awesome gig tonight...wow, am I tired.  I hope your Saturday night was as good as ours.
Wishing you a peaceful Sunday.
Goodnight, Sweet dreams

Friday, March 4, 2016

Time and Energy

One of the things about aging, I think, is that you begin to really think about your choices that you make every day.  In my youth, I wanted to make everyone happy...so I tried to do everything, never say no, and eventually I made myself miserable.

It took a awhile to understand how to make personal parameters for me.  As the years went by, and health issues flared ,time and my spending of it became important in many ways.  Time and energy, my two most important resources, resonate more every day.

I look at how I spend my time, who gets my precious energy and does what I'm doing bring me joy and satisfaction.  Sometimes, life happens and that time and energy is spent...you can't get it back...on things and people that I didn't necessarily want to give it  to.  But now that I am in my 60's I am becoming more and more greedy about my personal resources.

It has become intensely important to me to spend my time and energy on what I need. I want my creative energy to be used wisely, my time to benefit me and those I choose for it to benefit.

My paths that I look at now, the paths I choose to travel are quite different than before.  I know that even if I live another 20-25 years that is not long...it is the blink of an eye.  I have made choices in the past few weeks that I am very proud of, I didn't settle.  I finally understand boundaries and parameters.

We are so excited about our gig tomorrow night, our first for 2016.  As always, we want to give the best of ourselves to our audience and we want to have fun.  Wish you all could be there.
Goodnight Sweet dreams

Thursday, March 3, 2016

Thursday Thoughts

Another day of pouring rain, actually it started as sleet this morning.  It was a day of students leaving and arriving...one of those hello/goodbye days.

These days are exhausting.  It takes a great deal of energy to welcome and even more to send someone back home.

Our gig is Saturday night, my cough continues...I worry about our show, and my voice.  Singing gives me incredible joy and I don't want this aftermath of flu to rob me of something I so seldom get to do.  I am a little down tonight.

My bed calls to me.
Goodnight, Sweet dreams

Wednesday, March 2, 2016

The Eternal Cough

It is the cough that will not go away.  Everyone I know who has had flu or bronchitis this season is left with a cough that lasts for months.  Rick has had his since November, my nephew James since December and now me since the first of February, my sister-in-law Deb since December.

I called my pulmonary doc today, his words "just wear it out."    I have used ginger, elderberry, licorice tea, hot sauce, air borne, inhalers, and my salt inhaler, cough meds.  As a singer, I can tell you this is scary.  Some days it is not so bad, and then other days I cough all day and night.
It is exhausting as well.

So if any of you have any suggestions, please send them out way.  You can probably hear us hacking where ever you live.

Goodnight, Sweet dreams

Tuesday, March 1, 2016

March 1

March 1...came in like a lion

March 1...my birthday month, as well as a my sister Pat's, my nephews James, Jared and Dewayne, my nieces Becky and Dani, my sister-in-law Deb, my friend Keith and may he RIP my friend Ron.
Oh yes, my sister's best friend Asa and our friend Danny and if I forgot anyone, sorry.

March 1...daffodils, violets and golden bells are blooming

March 1...our biggest snow ever came in March of 1993...18 inches

March 1....a fickle month, some days warm, some cold, some stormy, some sunny...she just can't make up her mind

March 1...Daylight Savings Time returns...I am not a fan

March 1...Easter is this month

March 1...Spring officially arrives

March 1...spring break for our local schools

March 1....our first gig of 2016 is March 5....Yeah!

March 1...white jeans, white sweaters...my favorite fashion for early spring

March 1...starting to look for new sandals

March 1...let's plan a vacation