Saturday, April 30, 2016

Road Weary

Road weary...a show today in Mississippi, a long drive home afterwards.  A good show, we love playing the Natchez Trace Festival, but out of state gigs are tough on the body these days.

The dogs are overly glad to see us.  Seems there were storms here last night and they were in the house alone...sigh...at least they were in the house.  We will make it up to them in hugs, treats and love.

I hope your Saturday has been as much fun as mine, yes it is worth the fatigue and the aching back.
Hot tea, a good read and a comfy bed awaits.
Goodnight, Sweet dreams

Friday, April 29, 2016

My Path

This is my daily path.  I find peace and calm and grounding as I walk this road.  Sometimes there is excitement, maybe a snake or spider web in my face, but always it is a walk of beauty and serenity.

Thursday, April 28, 2016

This is a quote from Gandhi that I posted on my board today.  Eye opening, I  believe.


" 7 things that will destroy us:
Wealth without work
Pleasure without conscience
Knowledge without character
Religion without sacrifice
Politics without principle
Science without humanity
Business without ethics"  - Gandhi

Wednesday, April 27, 2016

Signs

Today is April 27, for most of you it is no big deal, for those of us in Alabama it marks the 5 year anniversary of the worst tornado outbreak in our history.  62 of our 67 counties were hit, over 250 people died and those of us who lived here will never be the same.

All around where we live, there are reminders of 4-27-11, places where there once were communities,  trees still twisted, crosses where people died.  And yet time goes on, life continues, regardless of what is stored in our memories.

When we got up this morning I looked out our back door and saw the red and gold streaks of a sunrise, crystal blue skies and a waning moon.  It almost seemed as though the universe read our thoughts and promised us a good weather day today.  I look for signs, I believe in them, I need them.
The sunrise, the blue skies and the moon were gifts that I accepted gladly and with much gratitude this morning.

Tuesday, April 26, 2016

Back Class

My classes were packed to capacity yesterday, but only a few came today.  Busy schedules and structured days sometimes get in the way of yoga class.  :)

Since I had thrown my back out Saturday, and am still dealing with some issues I did the most logical thing today for class...a class on back pain.  I told my students at the beginning that today the class was for me, but they loved it.  It seems that most of us at some point have dealt with back pain.
Yoga is often recommended for back pain and it works.  Even after teaching three classes yesterday, I felt better last night.  Tonight, my back pain is almost gone.  Yeah!

Another beautiful day, a student asked me today if the weather was always this beautiful in Alabama.
I assured them, that July and August would be unbearable...heat and high humidity, even the nights will be hot and humid.  But today, 80 degrees, blue skies, a gentle breeze ,the world is green and fresh and everything is blooming.  It is picture perfect.

Tomorrow is hump day and my off day and no plans.
Goodnight, Sweet dreams

Monday, April 25, 2016

Monday Musings

Packed classes today, still a twinge in the back, but getting better every day.
New strings on the guitar, practicing for our gig at The Natchez Trace Festival this Saturday.
Excited, we played there last year, they ask us back!

Another beautiful spring day, still lots of pollen ( cough, sneeze, cough).   Rain moving in later in the week.  Our garden looks great, so do all the fruit trees.

So ready for my cup of hot tea and my warm cozy bed.
Goodnight, Sweet dreams

Sunday, April 24, 2016

Sunday Night Movie

The twinge is still with me...the body can be interesting, can't it?
A busy day, but a beautiful one...and a beautiful night.
We watched The One Hundred Foot Journey tonight.  It melted my heart, delighted my eyes and made we want to visit France and India.  If you have not seen it, the story is poignant, the cinematography is like dessert for the eyes and Helen Mirren is wonderful.  A great way to wind down on Sunday night.

Blessings of joy, abundance and good health for the coming week.
Goodnight, Sweet dreams

Saturday, April 23, 2016

Little Twinge

As I was loading the dishwasher today I felt a funny little twinge in my lower back and hip, I stood up and it was interesting.  This happened to me about a year ago, suddenly I am walking with a lurch and some pain that is nasty.

I immediately took a warm shower, got an ice pack, took some advil, rested for about an hour, walked around and iced again.  We had a high school alumni function so I dressed and made it through ok.
But now, that silly little twinge is knocking on my door again.  Aging is not for the faint of heart.

Hot tea is waiting, so is the ice pack.
Goodnight, sweet dreams

Friday, April 22, 2016

Holy NIght

Full moon Passover...interesting energy moving through and across the earth tonight.
A Holy night, and a spiritual night with the blessing of a full moon...we should all feel a little more hopeful, a little more loved, a little more grateful.

May the spirits of our ancestors guide us, may we have the wisdom of the ages, may we feel the strength of the moon and the stars.   Know that the light of the moon shines on each of us.

Goodnight, Sweet dreams

Thursday, April 21, 2016

Deepest Fear


Our deepest fear is not that we are inadequate. Our deepest fear is that we are powerful beyond measure. It is our Light, not our Darkness, that most frightens us.  - Marianne Williamson

I love this quote.  I used it on my board at work today.  For one student in particular it resonated.  I believe with all my heart that we are powerful beyond measure, but because of fear we don't believe it.

Fear robs us of daily treasures, fear steals our joy and our peace and plants the seeds of hate and distrust in our hearts.  Time to let go of the fear, to claim our true power and see how incredible our lives can be.

Wednesday, April 20, 2016

Six Years

Six years ago tonight, I wrote my first blog entry.  It has been an interesting introspective of who I was and who I have become.  With this blog I have shared the good and bad, my love of yoga and music and art, my family and friends.

I personally have undergone many transformations these past six years.  I hope that my sharing of information of my transformations has helped some of you.  Many of you have laughed with me, and cried with me and supported me when I thought the treatments I was going through might kill me.
Thanks for being there.

When I started writing I never dreamed I would write this long, and now I am even writing a monthly column for a Birmingham area newspaper.  I am not sure if I will still be doing this six years down the road, but it has been a great learning experience.  I often wish that all of us could meet face to face, that we could hug each other and share a cup of tea.

This blog is one of the best things that I have ever done for myself.  I thought when I started writing it that it would be to help and encourage others.  I think that most of the time, I get more benefits from the writing and your comments than you all ever get from reading my thoughts.

Thanks for sharing these six amazing years.  Let's see where the path leads and what kind of transformations are waiting for all of us on down the road.  Happy Anniversary to me!
Blessings of kindness, great joy and good health to you all.

Tuesday, April 19, 2016

Babies

We have baby chicks!  Cotton Ball, the mom accidentally let Rick see a couple of them today, but she is still sitting on them and the rest of the eggs and she is a very protective mom.  We are not sure how many, but it is so exciting to know we have babies.

When I called Jordan tonight to give him an update, he was beside himself.  He loves baby chicks as much as I do.  We are picking him up at school tomorrow, so hopefully Cotton Ball will give us a glimpse of those little cuties.

I am sure that Rick will take pictures of the babies as soon as he can.  In the meantime, I hope we have a few more hatch tonight.  Exciting times on the farm today.  :)

What a life we live...baby chicks, yoga, farming, music...we are not dull people.

Monday, April 18, 2016

Teaching Ups and Downs

It is always interesting to watch students' faces when they walk into my class for the first time.  For those who have never been in a yoga class, there is usually fear or at least an uncomfortable look.
For those who have been in yoga classes before, quite often there is that look of show me what you got.  I had all of the above today.

Yoga teaches not to judge and I work very hard to keep judgement out of my classes.  People that I thought might not enjoy the class today seemed to love it, those that I thought would like  it, seemed indifferent.  That is why as a teacher I have to teach what is in my heart, teach with love and hope the seeds I planted, grow.

My community class tonight was fun. Often in the community class there are new people but tonight, it was all regulars, so I spent less time on instruction and more on encouraging.  I love having new students but teaching newbies requires incredible energy and focus.

I am still rather sore and stiff from our gardening yesterday, you would think after teaching three classes today that would not be a true statement. The aging body is an interesting one.

I hope your Monday has been a good one.  Blessings of joy, lots of hugs and be sure to laugh out loud this week.

Sunday, April 17, 2016

Dirty Hands

I love getting my hands dirty.  I know that it comes from my grandmother Mamie and my mom.
As we were buying plants for our garden today, a woman asked me how could she keep the dirt and water from spoiling her manicure.  I suggested the type of gloves that many use to wash dishes.

We have a nail brush in both bathrooms.  We have worn out several.  Neither of us are big on using gloves unless there are briars and such involved.  I love bare feet walking on dirt, sand or grass and I love the feel of soil running through my fingers.  My hands would never be considered beautiful, but I know that they tell many stories.  The callous fingers from steel guitar strings, the spots from sun and age.  They are always dry from painting.  And I am rather phobic about germs since I have immune issues, so my hands get washed a great deal.

We planted tomatoes and peppers and replenished some herbs, repotted others and freshened up the front of the house with pink impatiens.  Rick and I have both experienced epsom salt soaks tonight and I think bed time will happen soon.  He  just made me a cup of hot peppermint tea. We are exhausted.  Wishing you all a beautiful spring week.

Goodnight, Sweet dreams

Saturday, April 16, 2016

RIP Aunt Betty

We said goodbye to my aunt Betty today.  She was my mom's last sibling.  Her daughter had asked that we sing a couple of songs, it was honor.  Just her daughters, some of her grandchildren, and the handful of remaining cousins were there to celebrate her life and memory.  Our family is dwindling down to only a few.

There were tears and laughter and lots of memories shared.  I hope that my  mom and her sister had a fun reunion, where ever they might be.
RIP Aunt Betty.

 Me, my brother, sister and cousins.

Friday, April 15, 2016

My New Old Self

I stepped into a brand new frontier today, well sorta.  My hair stylist that I had used for the past couple of years has moved to Georgia.  At first she came home every weekend to continue her salon business, now she is working a few days each week at a salon in Georgia and coming home a couple of times a month for two days to keep her Alabama clients happy.

I love her dearly and she is a great stylist, but with my schedule and hers, things got too complicated.
I walked into a new salon today and met a new stylist.  She actually cuts my sister and three niece's hair, so she came highly recommended.  I was very nervous.  I think most women are like me, their hair, no matter how short or long is their calling card.  I just know when my hair is not right ( at least in my eyes) things are out of sorts.  Aging and wrinkles are no big deal, my hair is.

Kelli was drop dead beautiful and sweet as a glass of ice tea.  I told her up front that I had some issues with vertigo this past week so if I got dizzy not to panic.  She was wonderful and caring, but even better my hair looks great.  I felt like my old self, maybe even a little sparkly.  I made her promise not to move.  :)

I will post pictures tomorrow of my new old self.

Thursday, April 14, 2016

Blackberry Winter

Walking the dogs today, I realized why the weather was so damp and chilly...well at least the explanation that my grandmother Mamie and my mom would give.   The wild blackberry vines are blooming, it's blackberry winter.   That is the weather lore I heard every spring, and I smiled as I thought about my mom and grandmother today.  I would say their observation would be spot on.
The blackberry vines are full of flowers.

Wednesday, April 13, 2016

Wednesday Ramblings

More rain tonight, we are truly in a rainy season.  The Farmer's Almanac forecasts a wet and humid summer, we shall see.  What can I say, rain is better than tornadoes.

I cleaned closets today. You might say I am a wee bit tired.  We have practiced for our upcoming gigs this evening.  We are also playing for my aunt's memorial service Saturday morning. It is an honor to be asked and it is the last thing that we can do for her and her memory.

My brain has left the building.  Sorry.
Goodnight, Sweet dreams

Tuesday, April 12, 2016

Hope

A few minutes before my class this afternoon the sun finally pushed away the clouds and the blue skies that appeared were dazzling.  You could feel the change of energy in everyone as they walked outside the building and felt the warm sun on their skin.

I taught chakra classes today, actually yin chakra class.  It seemed fitting due to the dramatic change in the weather.  Balancing your chakra energy, even recognizing it can be emotional.  The class was small, but I knew the ones who were there needed this particular class.

Holding the poses for several minutes is powerful, holding asanas that relate and help to balance chakra or energy meridians is extremely powerful.  Rounding out the class with breath work, meditation and then savasana gave the students what each of them had searched for today.

There are days when I teach that I see change taking place.  I see it in student's eyes and their faces, I see smiles and or tears, but most of all I see hope.  It is a small miracle of sorts when you see hope that was not there an hour ago.  Today I saw hope, I felt hope.    I wish I could bottle that hope, but I can't...that hope, you seek, you open your heart and you earn it.

Monday, April 11, 2016

Do Not Grow Old

Great advice on a rainy Monday night...or any night for that matter.

Sunday, April 10, 2016

Getaway

My sister Pat said it best today,  " I need a break, I need a trip, a little getaway."  I am right there with her.  We have had a glorious week of fun, beautiful weather, friends, etc.  But honestly,  it has been a a long time since Rick and I did any kind of trip other than an overnighter.

I feel the need for more than a night away.  I feel the need for a few days away from the routine.
Some people can vacay at their home, not me.  If I am at home, then I see a million things that need to be done and I will be doing them.

A change of pace, a change of venue and scene does wonders for the spirit, the soul and the creative energy.  Overnighters are fun, but to really recharge you have to have that break from the routine...and that can't be accomplished in just a night away.

I hope your weekend has been a good one.  If you are like my sister and me and are feeling the need to getaway  maybe this will be the week we all began to make plans.  

Goodnight, Sweet dreams ( of the perfect getaway)

Saturday, April 9, 2016

It's All Good

We celebrated our friend Fred's birthday today...he is our friend, our sound guy and my work mate.
We invited our friends John and Diana ( the Spookhouse Saints) to dine with us.  Our nephew Jordan made sure to photo bomb and so did Taz.

It was simple, just grilled steaks, baked potato and salad and a black forest triffle, but there was much laughter and love.

Once again our weather has been so beautiful, those amazing clear blue skies and a gentle breeze.  The night has become rather chilly, we could almost have a fire in the fireplace, maybe by  morning.

I hope your Saturday has been as good as ours.
Good friends make for good times, throw in some good food and it makes a great day.

Wishing you a peaceful Sunday with some hope and joy thrown in for good measure.

Friday, April 8, 2016

Eating Habits

I saw this on Face Book and just laughed.  I have been known to have a sweet tooth on occasion and my friends and family will testify to that.   It's Friday night, I thought we needed a good laugh.
Have  a weekend that makes you laugh out loud and I hope you get at least one good hug tomorrow.

Thursday, April 7, 2016

Apple Blossoms

It's apple blossom time.  I love the smell, the colors and the delicate appearance of the blossoms.  Last year we had very few blossoms, but this year our big old tree is loaded and smells heavenly.

I wish there was a perfume that smelled like those blossoms. I wish I could find a lipstick that color and a dress the same, or maybe a pair of sandals.  It doesn't matter, I am in love with apple blossom pink.

Sharing my apple blossoms with all you tonight.  It is truly springtime now.

Wednesday, April 6, 2016

Good Report

I saw my pulmonary doc today and I am proud to say I got a good report.  Yes, I still have my disease, but right now all is good.  It has been just over a year since I chose to stop IVIG treatments.
There were some in the medical community who thought I had made a very bad mistake, but I never took my decision lightly.  I did research, and I knew in my heart the choice I made was good for me.

The wonderful thing about my pulmonary doctor, he, along with Rick told me he would support my decision.  Today he looked at me and smiled and said, " I think we made good choices."  I take a lot of antibiotics and will be on them the rest of my life.  But that is ok, I eat yogurt every day, fermented foods and take probiotics.  For me, any side effects from the antibiotics are minimal compared to dealing with aseptic meningitis for days on end that resulted from treatments.

After reading the book that I reviewed last night I feel even better about my health path that I have chosen.  The tests today didn't lie.  Illness can be frightening, dealing with health care and medical professionals can make you feel as if you are on a planet other than earth, but do your homework.

Educate yourself, ask questions, seek more than one opinion, listen to your heart and always have someone with you when doctors are talking to you about the disease and treatment.  To be honest, my numbers have dropped more than half since stopping treatments, but I feel better than I have in years.
I have reached the conclusion that I can't worry about the numbers, but what I can do is live my life.

I can do the things that bring me joy, I can live each day in the present.  I can eat healthy, exercise, spend time in the fresh air, be with friends and love myself and those around me.  I have said it many times, quality is much more important to me than quantity.

Tonight I am grateful.  It has been a good day.

Tuesday, April 5, 2016

Love andFear

I am reading a new book, " Dying To Be Me", by Anita Moorjani.  To say it is an interesting read is an understatement.  It is about a woman dying of cancer, in a coma who comes back and within a few weeks is free of cancer.  Her story before and after is amazing.

Her understanding of her experience is all about love.  Loving one's self, as well as others.  As I am reading this book, I think of what I teach my students.  I teach them daily how important it is to love yourself, to value yourself as a person and how we are all connected, no matter how different we seem.

Her reasons for her illness and healing might not be what you think or fit your beliefs.  But, I can promise you this is worth your time to read and hear her story.

I have talked and written often about how we become our thoughts, how we let fear destroy our lives.
She talks about how fear almost destroyed her, but how the understanding of love saved her.
If you don't want to read the book, you can Google her.  There is video clip, about 20 minutes which is what I saw that triggered my interest.  I hope you enjoy it.

Monday, April 4, 2016

Blue Skies and Pollen

Another breath taking beautiful day, our skies have been so clear and blue I think we must have moved out west.    Classes were small but intense today, another day of tears in yoga.  I am exhausted and so ready for bed.

I hope your skies have been as blue and as clear as ours today,  I hope they come back tomorrow.
The downside, the pollen is still clinging to everything, even with all the rain we have had.
My allergies are having so much fun.

Goodnight, Sweet dreams

Sunday, April 3, 2016

Sunday Perfection

If I could have written a description for a perfect Sunday, it would have been today.
Coffee and the morning papers, a blueberry smoothie, a walk with the dogs...off to a good start.
Our friend and sound man extraordinaire, Fred came over for lunch.  You know it's a good friend who will come and eat leftovers with you.

Another walk on our trails with Fred, and because we worried that we might have burned too many calories, I made a pan of brownies.  We sat in the warm afternoon sun and looked up at the blue skies and just blissed out.  Samantha and Jordan and Anthony smelled the brownies and came over for a visit and a brownie.

I washed yoga mats and blankets for work.  We practiced for our next gig.  I baked a chicken for meals this coming week.   I am tired, but full of joy and gratitude.  Blessings of joy to all of you this coming week.

Saturday, April 2, 2016

Zen

I thought this quote was appropriate for tonight.  I hope you all have had a sunny joyful Saturday.

"Zen pretty much comes down to three things...

everything changes
everything is connected
pay attention

- Jane Hirshfield

Friday, April 1, 2016

April 1

April 1...March went out like a lion, April came in cool and rainy

April 1...April Fool's Day

April 1...more birthdays this month including Samantha, Jordan's mom, my niece Tara, my friend Kaye and my late nephew Michael's.

April 1...trees are greening, everything is blooming, it sure looks like spring

April 1...moving into the second quarter of 2016

April 1...sometimes April storms are the worst here in the south

April 1...time to plant a garden

April 1...middle of the month last frost, then time to plant the flowers

April 1...time to pack up winter clothes, and get out those white jeans

April 1....I might need to buy some sandals

April 1...is it true those showers bring May flowers?