In the Past

The moon shines through the lace curtains that cover the window in front of my desk.  Sometimes life seems surreal, and this is one of those times......to sit in front of a computer writing this blog, looking up at the moon through heavy cotton lace.  I hear the neighbor's dog barking, the whistle of the tea kettle and  I am transported back to Ireland, getting ready to go sing at the pub.

Being in the present is good, but sometimes a journey back in the past is good for the soul.  I need to feel that aliveness again, the joy of playing music for such an enthusiastic crowd, the fun and fellowship of a pub in a small village or town.

It has been damp and chilly this week,  and the smell of a fire in our neighbors fireplaces triggered fond memories.....of playing at Characters ( a pub in Tullamore) in front of a giant fireplace, the fire roaring.....our friend Dominic pulled a charred piece of wood from the embers and promised he would make me something.   A year later, a bowl with a hole was delivered, it sits in our living room on our coffee table, a place of honor, to be looked at daily with great fondness.

My blueberry tea is ready, and I am ready for its warmth and comfort.
Goodnight, Sweetdreams

November Moon

A full moon tonight, Jordan called to remind me.......that is a connection that I hope we always share, the love of a full moon.  Even before he could speak, he was fascinated by the moon.  I think my fascination goes back that far too, my first memories of a full moon........maybe I was two or three years old.

I am envious of friends this week who are traveling in foreign lands, they are seeing the moon over some exotic places.  But I have to admit, this November moon that shines over Alabama tonight is not so shabby.  Some students and I were talking about full moons a couple of weeks ago, we decided it just makes sense, if the moon has power over the ocean's tides and since we are 70% water.......no wonder the full moon pulls at us, mystifies us, and enamors us.

Our night sky is deep and dark, full of mystery tonight......the full moon is holding court over the darkness, shimmering in the cold air, beckoning for adoration.  Mother Earth, the sun, the moon and stars.......perfect balance, perfect beauty.  I understand the worship, the love and reverence that those before us had for those orbs.  The earth is our home, the sun warms us, and the moon and stars light up the night sky.

A full moon, where ever you are tonight......take a few moments and gaze at it's beauty, be grateful for its light......and be honored that it shines on you.  

Yin and Yang, Perfect Balance

"We are buried beneath the weight of information which is being confused with knowledge;
quantity is being confused with abundance, and wealth with happiness.  We are monkeys with money and guns."  - Tom Waits

I love Tom Waits' music, his voice gravely and deep, his phrasing like no one else's.  I saw this quote tonight, it is quite a dark  summary of we humans.  I don't think we have reached the monkey stage yet, at least I hope not, or maybe some of us have.  I think the weight of information has numbed us, and I believe it is quite easy to confuse quantity with abundance......and sadly many do think wealth equals happiness.

But, I also know in my heart that goodness still lives in our hearts,  that kindness permeates our existence, and that when our fellow man is in trouble we want to help.  The rawness of the human spirit understands  our connection to every living thing, but technology takes place so fast, our minds are boggled with its vastness.  My glass will always be half-full and I will always believe the sun will shine tomorrow........I expect the best in everyone, everywhere I go.......I settle for nothing less.

Though many voice that they see only the bad, and nothing good to come......I choose to believe they are wrong.  There is yin and yang, it is the perfect balance of the universe, I believe in the circle of life.
Good night, Sweet dreams

Common Sense Rules

Thanks to my friend Roberta for sharing these thoughts from Whisper of the Heart.
Just common sense, nothing complicated.
I gave out copies of this to my students today, thought you all might enjoy it.

S'mores Adventure

Lows down in the 20's this morning, it was a great afternoon for a fire in the firepit.......and Jordan thought a great afternoon for s'mores.  Things got a little sticky, soon there were
marshmallows and chocolate from his head to his toes.

He was amazed by the stickiness........no, I wouldn't let him use a fork......but he did get a bath, later.

It has been a wonderful, stress-free day.....walks with the dogs,
the Sunday comics, and the s'mores adventure.
I hope your Sunday was just as wonderful.

A Long Busy Week

A very long, busy week.......I taught classes on Monday and Tuesday, painted the cover for a children's book on Wednesday, cooked for two different meals on Thursday, spent all day Friday helping Rick with his book event, and sang at a funeral today......I am exhausted.

I hope tomorrow is a very uneventful day.  My body is yelling loud at me tonight, I should probably listen.  Wishing you all a beautiful peaceful Sunday.
Goodnight, Sweet dreams

A Favor

Our neighbor passed away yesterday morning, he and his wife had been married seventy years.
Carolyn ( his wife) called me last night, her voice shaky and cracking and she needed a favor.......I knew in my heart what she was going to ask, she wanted me to sing at the memorial service in the morning.  This is not the first time a friend has asked me to do this......it is not easy.
But in my heart, I know it is an honor, it is the last thing I can do for the deceased......a gift to the family.....and hopefully some comfort.

Tonight, say a prayer for  a family .......who lost a dad, a grandfather, a wonderful member of the community.  And say a prayer for Rick and I, that somehow, someway, our music will comfort.
Goodnight, Sweet dreams