Monday, February 29, 2016

Stronger

I think this is a wonderful thought for a Monday.

Be stronger than your excuses.

Sunday, February 28, 2016

Good and Bad

It has been a day of good and bad...we found out this morning a friend passed away last night.  He had been ill,  but in my heart I always have hope.  As his brother said today, he is in a better place and no longer sick...but the family and friends who are mourning him are not.  As those of us who have lost and grieved know, time heals...maybe not completely, but there is healing.

The good....we have practiced our show for next weekend and things are coming together nicely.
The new songs are working, the old ones are even better.  Hard work does pay off.

Wishing you all a Monday that feels like a Friday, enjoy your week, and remember, tomorrow is Leap Day.

Saturday, February 27, 2016

Saturday Thoughts

A day of errands...laundry, grocery shopping and spending time with Jordan and Samantha.
You could feel spring in the air today, though the wind was chilly the sun was warm.
We drove into Birmingham for our monthly Costco run and some of the trees are showing tender buds.  It is amazing how traveling an hour or so south can show the difference in the seasonal changes.

I am still dealing with the fatigue that has hung around since I had the flu.  Surely in a few more days it will be gone.  The nasty cough still exists too.  If you have never had the flu don't kid yourself and think it is no big deal.

We are working hard on our show for next Saturday night.  It is our favorite coffee house and we usually only get one booking there a year, maybe two if we are lucky.  It is important that we do our best at every show, but for Berkeley Bob's we always want to be at the top of our game.

I hope your weekend has been a good one.  Wishes for peace and joy for your Sunday.
Goodnight Sweet dreams

Friday, February 26, 2016

Neighbors

Our neighbors, Billy and Denise called this morning and said they wanted to drop by for a few minutes.
We were fine with that and Rick made an extra pot of coffee.

Denise had told me they had made me a surprise.

At Christmas I had given them one of my hand painted cards...Billy was inspired and went to ceramics class  with my snowman on his mind.

He created Rick and Jilda snow people.  I love that they brought them to us this morning.  I still have my snowman flag flying and we use our snowman dishes until spring.  Tonight, they are sitting on our mantle and each time I look at them I smile.

Billy and Denise are wonderful neighbors and we love them.  They are the real deal, they are ministers who work with the homeless, a food bank and with those who have addictions.  They live the words in red, every day.  We are lucky and blessed to know them.

Thursday, February 25, 2016

Taz Owns Me

Today has been a weather oxymoron...spring flowers are blooming...it is freezing cold and windy.
Even Taz has snuggled in the warm and fuzzy blankets today.  Her walk was short and sweet.
About half way to the barn she looked at me as if to say" ok, this walk is over.  I want warm and fuzzy."  She refused to walk another step.  Yep, I carried her back to the house.

We do not own dogs...they own us.  We fetch, jump and do every trick they demand of us...well, at least I do.  Something frightened Taz last night, she would not sleep, she sat on the sofa and barked at the darkness out front.  Finally, because I knew Rick had a long busy day today, I got a blanket, and slept with her on the couch for most of the night.  It's ok.  When I did treatments, every time I got sick, Taz lay at my feet, never leaving my side.  I can do the same for her.

Rick has my cup of hot tea waiting, my warm flannel sheets are waiting...
Goodnight, Sweet dreams

Wednesday, February 24, 2016

An Empty Page

Hump day,  a day off and truly a day without plans...it's kinda fun to have an empty page on the day planner.  It doesn't happen often, so when it does...you just go with it.

Today was a fly by the seat of my pants kind of day.  Not every day should be that way, but you  do need them.  For me it was rest, relax, give some thought to the coming months.  We practice and worked on our show for our gig, walked in the freezing rain with the dogs and made chicken soup.

After last night's storms it was no surprise that we had some large tree limbs down.  Jordan will come over this weekend and help us clear up the side yard.  We were lucky, nothing major.
The plus to all that rain, you could hear both creeks rushing and gurgling through the woods today.
I love that sound.

We watched a wonderful movie tonight, The Intern.  If you get a chance watch it, the script was funny and poignant.  It was not what I expected and that was a good thing.

Goodnight, Sweet dreams

Tuesday, February 23, 2016

Surrender

Sometimes you have to surrender... to the day, to the emotions, to the breath, to the pose.
You can come to class in full armor, ready to stand strong and firm...but the breath and all those things you shoved deep down inside pierce your protective shield  and you surrender.

That was class today.  Surrender and let the body and spirit meet.  Surrender and find the rest, sleep and peace you crave.

That class of young men discovered what true surrender meant today. Their expressions and the energy that filled the room at the end of class is why I teach.  Seeing the struggle of ego and fear dissolve into joy is an incredible reward, a humbling experience that always brings a tear to my eyes.

As I listen to the pouring rain on our tin roof, my heart is grateful tonight...wishing you all a bit of joy, peace and a goodnight's sleep.

Monday, February 22, 2016

Rainy Monday

All classes included moon salutations today, after all it is a full moon, though the clouds and fog are so thick here...no moon in sight.
The rain has poured down since last night, every one's body is achy and out of sorts.  I think most have dealt with brain fog as well today.   Maybe if we didn't know the rain will be here for the next couple of days it would be different.

Flu and strep are still rampant, I am thinking about wearing garlic around my neck to ward off the gunk.

The mild days and rain have brought spring flowers out everywhere.  Daffodils, yellow bells, tulip trees are in full bloom, even our yellow jasmine is blooming.

I hope your Monday was an easy one and that the rest of your week will be uneventful, except for the occasional giggle or hug.
Goodnight Sweet dreams

Sunday, February 21, 2016

Rainy Sunday

Rains have moved in, full moon will not be seen at our house this week.  :(
Started practice today for our gig on March 5, working up some new tunes and revamping some old ones.  The flu is still rattling my chest, but it is getting better.

Had lunch with my sister and her family today.  Great food, fun times.  My younger brother is retiring from his job this week...I will be the only sibling still going to a job.  My family is yelling time to stop and smell the roses!

Not only is my chest still rattling, but the fatigue is almost unbearable.   Sorry didn't mean to whine. But my bed is calling my name.

I hope you see the moon this week, and feel the warmth of the sun.  I hope you laugh out loud and get a hug every day.

Goodnight, Sweet dreams

Saturday, February 20, 2016

Letting Go of Stuff

We started a journey a few weeks ago to declutter our house.  We both had read "The life-changing magic of tidying up" by Marie Kondo.  It did not take a book to make me understand how clutter affects your life.  Through the years,when we have been very busy and the house became cluttered and disorganized I would find myself get antsy.  I am not a neat freak, but disarray for me, creates
an anxious sort of energy.

It is truly amazing how much stuff lives in our house...and I clean my closets every six months.
The interesting thing about Marie Kondo's book was her theory about letting go of stuff...if you don't love it, if it doesn't bring joy...time to let it go.

The house is beginning to feel lighter, that same sort of energy I feel each spring when we clean all the windows.  Releasing things you don't love, that do not bring you joy is much easier than the thought process of will I use this, do I need this.  So far, the process has been painless.

As I have talked to friends about this tidying up, I have found that many of them ( and they have not read the book) are doing the same thing.  Maybe it is that stage in our lives when we understand, finally, we don't need all the stuff.  Actually, I can remember my mom doing this a few years before she died.

We are about half way through the list,  books and pictures and personal items will be next.
We will see how that goes.  I think it might be a little more difficult, we shall see.
I hope your weekend has been a good one.  Wishing you peace tomorrow, a day of rest and one of joy.

Friday, February 19, 2016

Friday Night Musings

Good intentions, I came home from work last night ready for dinner and the quiet time that it takes to write this blog.  Well dinner was great, but when it came time to write, there was no internet connection.  What can I say, we live in the country, we lose power for no reason, we lose internet for no reason.

Finally this afternoon a young man from Charter found our house and fixed our problem.
It's ok, I think it does a body good to not be connected all the time.  It was a beautiful day.
We did errands, spent time outdoors with the dogs...life went on, without the internet.

An incredible moon out tonight, this will be the Snow Moon, but since we have rains predicted for Monday night when it is full, we will enjoy its beauty tonight and tomorrow night.  Did I tell you it was 70 degrees today?  I know most love the warm days, but as farmers...we need cold.  Our fruit trees need the cold, our ground needs the cold.  Usually warm winters increase our risk of tornadoes in the spring as well.

I am still not 100 percent in my recovery from the flu.  The fatigue and cough just won't go away.
We had a gig this weekend that we had to cancel.  Just not able to do a two hour show yet.
I admit, I probably went back to work too soon.  Anyone know any magic cures?

Wishing you all a weekend that brings laughter and peace to you and yours.
Goodnight, Sweet dreams

Wednesday, February 17, 2016

Happy Flowers

Our friends Jamie and Kaye gave this beautiful camellia to me for my birthday a couple of years ago.

Last year, when the buds appeared we had a freeze and they all dropped off.  The weather has been perfect for it this year.

My mom had giant camellia bushes.
They were probably 15 feet tall and always covered in bright red flowers.  She would have loved this pink one.

Though it has been cold and rainy this week, the sun came out today along with these beautiful blossoms.  It just made me happy to look at them.

I hope they brighten your day as much as they have mine.

Tuesday, February 16, 2016

Valuable Coin

"Time is the most valuable coin in your life.  You and you alone will determine how that coin will be spent.  Be careful that you do not let other people spend it for you.  " - Carl Sandburg

As the years have gone by, I realize that many times I let someone else spend my coin.
I wish I had read this quote many many years ago.  Old dog is still learning.

Monday, February 15, 2016

First Day Back

First day back at work in over a week and even though I taught simple classes today, I am wiped out.
This flu stuff has been a bear.  Pouring rain all day today, so even my bones feel chilled tonight.

Enough whine and complaints, my students were glad to see me.  Most of them have been sick also.
Seems we have had flu and pneumonia o 'plenty.

My brain refuses to function properly tonight, might as well find my bed and rest.
Goodnight Sweet dreams

Sunday, February 14, 2016

Valentine Cookies

Jordan and I made Valentine cookies today.  As usual there is just about an inch of sugar crystals on each cookie, but that is just the way he rolls.

Happy Valentine's Day from Jordan and Aunt Jilda's cookie factory.  Hope your day was as sweet as ours.

Saturday, February 13, 2016

Worthy of Love

Sometimes transformation takes place and we don't even know it until it's over.  A week ago, I thought I had everything figured out, well, at least for me for the next little while.  And then the flu hit and I realized that things that I thought were so clear in my life were really not clear at all.
I know this sounds kinda vague and weird, but my transformation will become more apparent in the coming months.  Maybe it is the fuzzy fringes of the aftermath of the flu, but I feel change in the air...of what kind I don't know.

It has been a cold, yet incredibly beautiful day.  The most brilliant sunshine, blue skies and crisp air.
But a friend sent pictures of his daffodils in full bloom this morning and no matter the temps, the days are getting longer and spring will not be denied.  

Tomorrow is Valentine's Day.  My mom always told that was the day the birds mated and that no matter how horrible the weather was, spring was coming.  Rick brought me flowers this evening, they cheered me and the house up, winter doldrums had hit me yesterday.  Enjoy your day of love tomorrow and if there is no one to bring you flowers or chocolate, buy yourself some. I hope where
ever you are, you see a robin and feel warm sun on your skin.  Don't forget, you are worthy of love.

Friday, February 12, 2016

Normal

I have written about the goodness of normal days more than once.  Today was a wonderful normal day...the first one since I caught the flu last Thursday.

Normal...no fever, no aches...did a few light chores...even cooked lunch and had a short walk with the dogs.

A normal day...it was sunny and blue skies and the clean air felt so good in my lungs.  A normal day and I almost look normal again...not that sickly pale look.

Tonight...a heart full of gratitude for normal.

Thursday, February 11, 2016

Take Care of Yourselves

I am still in the clutches of the flu, but it is loosening its grip.  There were moments today that I thought ok, I am much better...and then an hour later the sofa would have me.

Since this is transformation information, let me share a bit about the flu.  It is nothing to laugh at or ignore. If you think for a moment that you might be coming down with it, go get tested.  A simple cotton swab in the nose will give you the good or the bad news.  If you like me, got the bad news...go home, get on the sofa, REST, drink fluids, monitor your fever, take your meds......and then hope for the best.

I have not worked since last Thursday and honestly until today, I had been so sick work had not crossed my mind.  I  know my compromised immune system makes things worse, but this has been a bear.  I have seen the doc three times.

Enough about me...just remember it is flu season...take care of yourselves.

Wednesday, February 10, 2016

Keep On Shining

My thoughts for all of you tonight.

"Just keep on shining like you do."

Tuesday, February 9, 2016

Blanket of Kindness

The kindness of friends brought tears to my eyes today.  A package arrived in the mail this morning, filled with beautiful things, a scarf, a vest, a necklace...that was round one of tears.

Around noon, a phone call from a friend  asking how I felt, would it be ok to drop by for just a moment?  I told him I was really not up for a visit and I was sure I was still contagious.  He laughed and said no visit, just want to bring you something.  Thirty minutes later he arrived with pipping hot Mexican chicken soup and his home made ginger green tea.  It was ambrosia from the gods. I had barely eaten since Friday, but I ate a bowl of soup and drank three glasses of tea. I will never be able to thank him and his wife enough for their thoughtfulness.  Can we say tears?

Today reminded me of a lesson that I teach daily...kindness matters.  All the calls, the messages, the cards, the healing thoughts, everything you do in kindness matters.

FaceBook messages have  flooded my page today, once again the tears flowed.  My blog buddies messages, more tears.  It's ok.  Tears are healing, love and kindness even more so.

I am feeling better, though tonight there does seem to be some infection building in the lungs. A trip back to the doc is probably in the cards tomorrow.  It's ok.  Tonight, I am wrapped in a blanket of love and kindness...I will be ok.

Thanks for your thoughts, energies and prayers.
Goodnight, Sweet dreams

Monday, February 8, 2016

No Hog Tying

First, no hog tying.  So sick that I willingly went to the doctor.  I have the flu.  I took the flu shot, I do it every year.  But I have Primary Immune Deficiency and Bronchiectasis, the flu is dangerous for anyone, but for me the danger is greater.  The shot is always a crap shoot, but with the immune issues the shot does not work as well for me as others.

I am lucky, I have a couple of good docs.  My biggie for this week, stay out of the hospital and no pneumonia. My sofa is my best friend...and so is my hubby.  He can serve up chicken soup and hot tea with the best.

Thanks for your good thoughts, prayers.  I need them.

Goodnight, Sweet dreams  

Sunday, February 7, 2016

A time to rest

This is Jilda's hubby Rick. She's on the couch tonight with a nasty cough and a low-grade fever. I think she's earned a trip to the doctor early in the morning. She doesn't know it yet, so please don't tell her. But even if I have to hog-tie her, she's going.

Now when she reads this tomorrow, she's going to speak unkindly of my linage, and maybe force me to eat at cheap restaurants for the next weeks, but I wanted you to know that she loves you guys.

Saturday, February 6, 2016

Ugh

The couch and I have had an intimate relationship today.  I thought that I might have caught strep from Jordan, but the culture was negative.  This I know, the fever, chills and cough that has racked my body today is not pleasant.  Another trip to Urgent Care may be in order for tomorrow.
Ugh, is the best phrase that comes to mind at this point.

In the meantime, I hope your Saturday has been a healthy happy one.
Goodnight, Sweet dreams

Friday, February 5, 2016

New Tricks

It has been such a beautiful day.  Plenty of sunshine and blue skies, cold crisp air, the dogs have loved it.  Jordan has spent the past three days with us, he has strep, but is much better now.  It has been interesting working on math, reading, spelling and vocabulary with a seven year old.  I think he has taught Rick and I a thing or two about new math.  We are old dogs that have learned a few new tricks.

Soup is simmering on the stove, the dogs are already asleep.  I love these days that are so calm and peaceful.  Hoping that your weekend is relaxing, with some fun for good measure.

Goodnight, Sweet dreams

Thursday, February 4, 2016

Kind Words

Kind words cost nothing.  Someone shared that with me on Face Book today. It is true you know, smiles and kind words, everyone wants them...why do we find them so hard to share.

The hardest thing is to be kind to an unkind person.  That happened to me this week. I was taken aback by the harshness and anger of this person toward me.  I had to breathe, and remind myself not to be sucked in to the drama. If I had responded the way she wanted me to, I would have lost my integrity.  I gave her my kindness...sadly it was not enough.  Sometimes it is not.

There are some who are hurting so bad that even though kindness is what they crave and want...they refuse to accept it.  Acceptance of kindness proves them wrong, and they had rather remain in pain than be wrong.  We are strange creatures, aren't we?

Tomorrow is Friday,lets pass around some kind words and smiles.

Wednesday, February 3, 2016

Happy Anniversary Taz

Two years ago tonight, Taz scratched on our front door.  It was 6 degrees, she was sick and freezing.
We brought her in, wrapped her in a warm blanket and fed her.  It was the beginning of a love affair.
One of my friends told me Taz won the lottery when she came to our house, but we are the ones who won.

That first year, we were both so sick.  She and I spent many hours on the sofa together. Each time I had a treatment, she never left my side.  We bonded.
We found our common interests were the same...shoes.  She doesn't chew on them,  just licks them and holds them...I wear them.

If anyone had told me that we would have a Yorkie I would have laughed.  For years we have had labs, bulldogs, big mutts, the dogs that no body would ever want, actually most were throwaways. But they were dogs of size, like Calliou our collie.  He weighs almost 90 pounds.  Taz weighs about six pounds.  Good things do come in small packages.

Taz has brought great joy to Rick and I.  I hope she is with us a very long time.  She is out back, barking at the deer or some other wild creature that has no fear of her, but she sees herself as one to be feared, big and strong.  I thought she would be a diva, but she is a warrior.
Happy Anniversary Taz!

Tuesday, February 2, 2016

Weather Musings

Phil, I am so confused.  Phil, the official groundhog says spring is coming, but Bill, our local groundhog says nope, six more weeks of winter.  So then I look at the National Weather's Extended Forecast,  they say mild weather, no more winter...but, the Farmer's Almanac says this winter will be like last year, more cold and white stuff to come.

Truth of the matter, it's all just a guessing game, though I do think the Almanac hits more than misses.  It is pouring rain tonight, we are still under a tornado watch, it is 70 degrees...but highs tomorrow about 40.  Maybe it is because of where I live, or my Irish heritage, but I am fascinated by the weather.  After all, if you are ever at a loss for conversation, you can always talk about the weather.

My class was for chronic pain today.  It all goes back to the weather.  If you have chronic pain and there is any change in the weather you feel it.  Sure enough those in the class who deal with chronic pain were talking about the weather changes coming...they don't have to tune into the forecast, their bodies speak loud and clear.

Where ever you are tonight, wishing you a pain free, restful night.
Goodnight, Sweet dreams

Monday, February 1, 2016

February 1

February 1....70 degrees today, way too warm for February

February 1...Ground Hog's Day tomorrow

February 1...Valentine's Day in a couple of weeks

February 1...Leap Year, 29 days

February 1...a great month to wear red or pink

February 1...also Heart month, take care of those hearts

February 1...anyone for roses or chocolate?

February 1...president's month

February 1...thoughts of spring

February 1...still wishing for snow, it could happen

February 1...sometimes daffodils bloom and so do violets

February 1...amethyst stones, I love purple

February 1...I love Valentine cards, I am a sucker for hearts and flowers