Tattoos

I want a tattoo. I have thought about one for years, but I could never really figure out what I wanted. For a long time, I thought about some sort of rose(after all, we wrote a song called Rose Tattoo), then thoughts of a peace sign. At one point I thought about one of the yoga sutras. I think I may have reached a decision........ a lotus flower. I have a very strong affinity for the lotus.

The lore that is associated with it, I find fascinating, the design itself one of beauty and grace.

I think as far as body placement, either shoulder or upper arm, still thinking about that.

And when do I see this work of art taking place? when Rick and I finish our singer/songwriter

cd. It will be my celebration.

I know it may seem a bit strange to go all these years without a tattoo, and then decide to get one.

But, I think there are certain rites of passages that I never did, and that's ok, but this one represents a certain freedom for me. I need to do this for myself.

I have friends with tattoos and some of my friends will be appalled when I do this. It won't be the first time I have appalled someone or the last.

I know a lot of you got tattoos on a whim, but this is something that will be me with forever......I want beauty and symbolism, I want it to be worth the pain. The cd is coming along slowly, but rest assured when it is completed, you will know........hopefully you will hear.........and you will see.

Senseless

Do you ever have days that are senseless?........you know the ones where you get up and it goes down hill from there. It seems I have had several of those, maybe my biorhythms are at an all time low, maybe my stars are not aligned, I just don't know. It just seems I get up, everything is ok, and then it starts. So what is going on?????? I am getting tired of lessons.

I think my spirit has relocated, or maybe just doing some r&r. I feel unconnected, disconnected.

Friends seem to be out of reach, I am raw and lonely. I am questioning the good as well as the bad. I know that this too shall pass, but when????

I am sure that I am driving Rick crazy, but transition is difficult, transformation is hard, even when it is for the better. I want to run away, but there is no where to run, I have to face my demons and battle. All I can say, there should be some ass kicking songs that come out of this!

I keep thinking take the high road, but all I really want to do, is curl up, go to sleep and wake up in the next place. Even my dogs are sensing the weirdness.

I read my list over the weekend, you know the one" What Do I Want". Guess what, a couple of the things I had listed, well they are already taking place. It is true, be careful what you ask for. I mean I am glad I am receiving, but next time I know to be way more specific !

Thank you all for listening, I have needed to share with someone, the good and the bad.

I learned a long time ago, the kindness of strangers. So this all started last week, and it is getting better( I think), but it has become so obvious, that there are more changes coming in my life. For one thing, I am determined to live my live with abundance, and that seems to really rock a lot of boats. But you know what, I can't even swim and I am ready to jump in the deep end. Bear with me, more to come.

Judging

Due to my yoga life style and beliefs, I try to never judge. I figure we are all out there doing the best we know how, life is tough and the last thing any of us need is somebody judging us.

Many years ago, a friend convinced me to judge a beauty pageant. It was heartbreaking, how dare I sit there and decide who is beautiful, who is more beautiful and who is most beautiful.

So I made a promise to myself, never ever again!

A couple of weeks ago, a friend called and asked if Rick and I would judge a cake baking

contest at their church tonight. Ok, I caved, I LOVE cake. Rick is the celebrity in our house since his column runs in the local paper, his book has done well, he actually writes for several papers.

I am sure they asked me out of kindness.

We got there this evening, and it turns out, this bake off........ the men of the church have actually baked the cakes!

So, there I have spent the past two hours eating cake. Only small bites, but you know a dozen cakes or so, and all those little bites add up. It will be a long time before I want cake again.

Now I am figuring out how to lose the pounds I packed on this evening.

The cakes were great, everything from a pineapple upside down, to coconut cream, to honey bun, to the winner which was a brownie torte, with walnuts and cream cheese frosting.

But I am on sugar overload. I had not eaten since lunch, I have a sugar buzz that most pre-schoolers would kill for. I may be comatose before I make it to bed.

But these men, wow, they could actually bake, now Rick makes a great cup of coffee, and in the winter, a mean pot of chili and pan of cornbread, but anything else......let's just say he should stick to writing.

So, I am still in conflict about this judging process, cause there were some disappointed men walking around tonight, and I thought that I would be so happy to eat all that cake.

But right now, I am going to look for the Pepto, and go to bed.

good night, sweet dreams, and please don't call me about any kind of judging for a long long time.

I Still Got It

In the movie, Under the Tuscan Sun, the main character shares a moment of ultimate joy when she realizes that even though she has been celibate for a couple of years, when she does hook up with this incredible Italian stallion, life is good and she still's got it!

Ok, bear with me, this is not about sex(though it could be) I have not rocked(as in singing rock and roll) in a couple of years. The last time, was on stage at the Princess Theater, Decatur, Al with the Paul Thorn Band. The energy was so incredible on that stage, singing with Paul and his band was like taking the space shuttle to Mars........it was rather orgasmic.

Well, today, my friend Jamie and his writing partner Rex have written this sexy,rocking song, called Freight Train and I got to record it. There is wondrous freedom, when you wail. There is release of spirit, and an unleashing of pent up energy, when you rock. I haven't felt this good in a very long time. I STILL GOT IT!!!!!!!!@!?!!!!!

What fun, to let everything out, anger, anguish, hate, love, lust, despair, every emotion that the human psyche is capable of , comes out when you rock. It is better than years of therapy.

So, I am home, very tired, yet the adrenalin is pouring through my veins. I STILL GOT IT!

Do you know how good that feels? My self esteem had dropped way down this week, but you know the universe provides, when we step out of the way.

So, my wish for all of you tonight, is to find what ever it is that reminds you, ......YOU STILL GOT IT! and I hope that someday soon, you all send me notes telling me ........YOU STILL GOT IT!

good night, sweet dreams

and thank you Jamie and Rex, for a great song!

The Lesson

Well, all that worry, and anguish, ........the rocks were there, I floated right on by. There were friends who did hit the sand, and I still grieve for them. I know that many of you sent me good energy and thoughts and I appreciate it. I came through the fire, with a few burns, but that is what band aids are for. I wish I could share specifics, but I can't. I was tested, but you know, the lesson was learned last week as I studied the Tao.

I think this episode that I just experienced this week, is something that has slapped us all in the face at some time. We get wind of impending gloom and doom, we spend a sleepless night tossing and turning. The next morning, we inform the universe that what ever it is we are ready.

My next morning was filled with a conversation that went something like this, ok powers that be, where ever you are in the universe, I have spent most of my life making sure that everyone else is ok, and that their needs were met first, today, big change..........I want what is best for me!

I think I got what was best for me. Yes, my pocketbook was hit, and my ego took a beating, but

the world is still spinning and I am still standing.

For those of you who are scratching your heads wondering what the heck I have been smoking..... read the blog from a couple of days ago, this will make a little sense.

So to my friends out there, who gave me support and sent kindness and sweet energy, thank you so very much, I will do the same for you when you need me.

May life always treat all of you kind.

Ready for Change

It is twenty six days until fall, September 22. Most days I try my best to live in the now.....but when the nights began to cool down just a wee bit, the mornings are refreshing(instead of oppressive) and there are tiny fragments of red and gold leaves starting to appear, I began to lust for fall. It is my most favorite time of the year.

I love the crackle of leaves under my feet, the more vivid blue of the skies, the crisp mornings and warm days. Our apple tree down in the field is full of apples and later in September, they will turn a rich deep red, and when you take that first bite, they will be crunchy and juicy.

I am already seeing the deep golden yellow of goldenrods starting to bloom and this week the full moon seemed a little closer to the earth. I picked a warm ripe pear from the tree when I got home this evening, and as I took that first buttery sweet bite, the juice ran down my chin.

Soon, all around people will begin to rake their yards and burn leaves........what a great smell!

I am already thinking of the design for the pumpkin that I will carve and mugs of warm spiced cider. High school football games started tonight and in about a week the college games will begin. The county fair comes to town in a few days.

I picked out new boots and a jacket that I want to buy, you knew it would come down to wardrobe didn't you?????? After all, I worked in the fashion industry for over 25 years and fall is the biggest season. I do love fall clothing, warm cozy sweaters, boots, tweeds, the dense rich colors that bring a flush to cheeks and a sparkle to the eye. I do wish I lived where coats were

necessary, but jackets are nice.

I love the foods of autumn, stews, home made breads, the earthy taste of fall vegetables like sweet potatoes and butternut squash. And I wouldn't be southern if I didn't love my greens!

I bought grapes this week, and this year's harvest from California is excellent, firm, sweet and plump.

So, as my girlfriend Kaye, gently reminded me, we live in Alabama, there are several more weeks of hot/warm weather and I might as well dream on for a while. She loves warm summer weather even in December!

Yes, it was almost 90 degrees today, I know I am trying to rush Mother Nature.

But, I am patient, I love to be teased , and yes, even taunted , I am a big girl and I can take it, but I do hope there is a cold front somewhere in the near future.

Test Before the Lesson

I co-wrote a song with Rick and our friend Tracy, called Life 101. It is about the lessons we learn as we live from day to day. One of the lines is, sometimes you get the test before the lesson, welcome to life 101. My test started this morning with a call from a friend, I think it will hopefully end by tomorrow, and I can figure out the lesson that I am supposed to learn.

I taught a class based on the 58th verse of the The Tao a few days ago. That verse talks about living untroubled by good or bad fortune.......the first two lines of the second verse, Bad fortune is what good fortune leans on; good fortune is what bad fortune hides in. The lesson in the 58th verse is basically, good fortune is invisibly there in all moments of despair and we want to learn to live untroubled by both.

On a humorous note, Steve Goodman wrote a song about , it ain't hard to get along with somebody's else troubles, just as long as fate is out there busting somebody else's bubble, everything is gonna be alright. Tonight, I am glad that it is my test, my lesson, my bubble, though it is my friend's also and I feel really bad for her.

I talked with her today about the lesson from The Tao, and how so many times I think I am teaching my students, and I am really teaching myself. I know that in days to come, I will take a leap of faith and live what I teach. These are times that I wish I had my mother's core of steel, but I chose to live my life like water, I hope the rocks aren't too big that I have to flow around.

So I ask you all tonight, to send a little kindness, and sweet energy to me. I want to live my life with wisdom, I don't mind tasting the bitter but I never want to become bitter.

The yin and yang, the good and the bad, we all live it every day, most days we just forget that where ever we are in the circle, we'll be on the other side soon enough.

Good night, sweet dreams.

Full Moon

Just got in from band practice, I am a tired camper. Rick and I babysat our two year old great nephew, Jordan today. My energy level is way low. Maybe it is the full moon, yesterday when I was getting ready to leave for work, walked in Rick's office and told him bye, that I was going home. His office is in our house.

Can we say overload? Nah, let's blame it on the moon.

The moon was beautiful shinning over Birmingham as we came home tonight. Clear and bright, with just an occasional wisp of a cloud passing by. Jordan loves the moon, when it is big and full, the light shines in his bedroom window and he always wants to go outside and see the moon.

We did moon salutations in all my classes yesterday. I have to admit, I love the moon too.

Ever since I was a child, I have been fascinated with moon gazing. I especially love harvest moons, when the air is chilly and there is that slight tint of orange, and it hangs so close to the earth you can almost touch it. So, it seemed fitting and proper for all those moon salutations

yesterday.

So where ever you all are tonight, I hope you get a chance to view the moon in all its fat, full glory.......and just remember, I'm looking at the same moon that you are....it's shinning down on all of us.

Good night, sweet dreams.

Why?

I watched the movie, Julie and Julia tonight. It is actually maybe the third time that I have seen this movie. Honestly, it is the reason that I began this blog. Yes, my husband Rick,goaded me

with no mercy, but it wasn't until I watched the movie that I truly understood why someone would blog.

This is a strange way to communicate. Every night, I sit here and pour out my thoughts to the universe. And when I think about that, I think how dare I think that I have something to say that someone would want to read! I know I have a few friends who read it, and Rick reads it, and tonight I ask myself why?

Julie started her blog because she loved to cook, she loved Julia Child, and she wanted to meet Julia. Why did I start this blog? It takes a lot of time, a lot of perseverance and dedication to write night after night. Why did I do this, why am I willing to put my self out there for people I have never met, or might never see again, why am I willing to expose my thoughts and feelings to the world?

I think the big reason, it is the same reason that I write songs.........I want to be remembered.

I am not so sure why this is important to me. But I don't want to be forgotten. I want someone on down the road when I am no longer in this body, to remember words that I have written.

That maybe some of those words helped someone, gave some of you a memory, a feeling of love or hope. Maybe you were down, and I made you smile, or maybe my thoughts on something made you think. Or maybe, you just laughed and thought what in the world is this woman doing and why in the hell is she writing???????

Maybe I am writing this blog, because I can write down what I can't say. It is so easy for me to listen to others, but so hard for me to speak what I feel and think. Writing this blog gives me freedom, the same way writing songs does, to say what I could never speak.

I truly had meant to write something else tonight, maybe tomorrow night. But this is what came pouring out of my heart............why? For whatever my reasons are, all I can say is this........ to those of you who spend your precious time reading my words, thank you. I know that words are powerful, that there is energy in words, that they can cut deeper than the sharpest sword, and they can caress the soul and soothe broken hearts and spirits. My promise to all of you,

my words will be as honest as I know them, and they will always come straight from my heart.

Good night, sweet dreams.

Flights of Magic

This morning we got ready to take a walk with the dogs, I walked by my flowers that are planted along the edge of the garden. The sunflowers are gone, but the Zinnias are just showing out! It seems their colors just get more vivid with the heat. As I walked by admiring their shapes and colors, this butterfly followed me. It was a teasing flutter dance, she would light on a flower, and just as I was about to take the picture, she would flit to the next one. Finally, just as I was about to give up, she spread her wings and posed for this shot, wow!

It seems there have been more butterflies than ever this summer. Everyday I see them in this exquisite ballet as they go from flower to flower. One morning I counted eleven dancing among the flowers. I felt as though I had been privy to a special meeting as they sipped nectar from the flowers.

Butterflies have always been fascinating for me, but they became even more so because of a chance meeting I had several years ago. Rick and I had taken out niece Samantha to California.

It had been a wonderful trip, but we were exhausted and it is an all day gig from San Francisco to Birmingham. As we boarded the plane, Rick had a seat behind Sam and I, so Sam and I settled into our seats, waiting to see who would share our row. A neatly dressed woman in her

late sixties, maybe early seventies sat down beside me. The plane took off and we began our long flight home. Sam had already discussed with me how flying "just sucks the beauty right out of you", so she had decided to take a nap.

The woman beside me began to talk, asking about Sam, where we had been. At that time, my mom was in the early stages of her illness and the woman and I spoke of the tragedy of dementia.

She began to tell me, about her work. She wrote, she was a missionary, and a motivational speaker and college professor. Her husband had died just a few years before and she had donated a labyrinth to be built as a memorial to him at the college where she worked. We talked about the incredible power of walking a labyrinth, and then she asked if I had ever used a pendulum.

I told her no, that I was very interested in them, she then took this beautiful pendulum out of her purse and showed it to me. Then she began to teach me how to use it, and told me the story of this particular pendulum. This pendulum was a copper penny, and in the center of it, the outline of a butterfly had been cut. It seems that before her husband died, he had told her she would not be alone, that the butterflies would comfort her. She said , when the labyrinth was completed and the day the dedication was made, butterflies were everywhere, lighting on her shoulders and all around. The pendulum she showed me, was one her husband had made for her. Well, by this time I was in tears, and the rest of the flight was one of the most spiritual

events I have ever had. When the plane landed in Kentucky( we had a layover there) she got off, but before she left, she held my hand and placed in it, the butterfly pendulum.

Now, each time I see a butterfly, I think of her and hope that she and her husband visit my flowers. The world is full of possibilities, of opportunities, of miracles, every day..........we just have to be open to them. What if I had closed my eyes when she began her conversation, what if I had chosen not to talk with her. I would have missed the flight of a lifetime. How many of those moments, those flights have we all missed? I am so grateful that she sat by me on the plane, that she shared such an intimate part of her life with me. Rick gets a little crazy sometimes, because no matter where we go, anywhere in the world. ......I see someone I know, or someone shares their life with me. It's ok, what ever the reason, I have been blessed by some of the most wonderful people in the world. My life is rich and full because of those chance meetings and I wouldn't have it any other way. So tonight, my friends, I wish you all flights of magic,

those chance meetings with those who change your life!

Dog Tales

This is Blackie the Bear Dog, and Buddy after a long hot walk this morning. The vet says that Blackie is part lab and part chow, I think he may also be Native American. He hates to have his picture taken, and the ONLY reason we snapped this one this morning........he was hot, tired, and I held all 97 pounds of him down while Rick took the photo.

He was just waiting for me to open the door and let him get to the air conditioner!

Blackie was one of those dogs that no one wanted. Can you imagine?

He has been with us about 10 years, and our vet thinks he is around maybe 12. He lived through heart worms, and he is my dog.

In the mornings, he doesn't get up until I do. He follows me to the sofa, and loves to let me hug him and tell him that he is my favorite! He follows me to the bathroom, and waits patiently, and

heaven forbid I try to close the door, he opens it! When I am on the computer, he sits by my side, and if he decides that I have given the glowing light too much of his time, he nudges me and demands some petting. When I am in the kitchen, and we have a very small kitchen, he lies in the middle of the floor and no matter how much I fuss, he will not move.

Charlie is another of our dogs, that no one wanted. He and Blackie are friends, they meander and ramble together. They are both old, and neither one enjoys running anymore. But Charlie talks, and Blackie prances and they both claim ownership of me. The other dogs are Rick's, but these

two, are mine! Sometimes when I get home from work, they meet me at the car. Charlie barking, telling me the day's tales, and Black prancing and nudging. We take a walk every morning and since the horrid heat hit in June, they walk only about 10 or 15 minutes and they head for the house.

Buddy was my mom's dog. While my mom was in the hospital, Buddy bonded with Rick.

When it became apparent that she would not recover, she made me promise that we would care for Buddy. He is a strange little dog, maybe because my mom actually named him Baby.

When her dementia raged, she would wrap him in a blanket and treat him like a baby, I suppose he remembers that. But then there were days(found this out as the sickness progressed) when her rages were uncontrollable that she beat him with a curtain rod. Poor Buddy. But after he bonded with Rick, he came to live with us, and he has been king of the castle ever since.

There is Astro, another dumped dog, also abused. He is kind and sweet and a magnificent animal. He reminds me of a race horse, all sleek and muscle. He doesn't really claim either of us. He weighs about 98 pounds and thinks that he is Buddy's size. Every morning as we drink our coffee, he tries to sit in our laps. He actually bonded with our niece, Samantha, but he has to live with us because we have a fenced yard.

Then, there is Taylor the Dump Dog. She is Rick's also. He found her at the dump, in really bad health. But she came home with him and blossomed into quite a dog. But, a year or so after

she came to live with us a really strange thing happened........we had gone out of town for 2 days.

It was in the heat of the summer, much like now. She got out of the fence and disappeared.

A couple of days after we got back, Rick was looking for her in the woods and he heard a strange sound. It was Taylor, she had gone into a rabbit hole and gotten her head and upper body stuck. She was in horrible condition, no food or water for almost a week in 100 degree heat, plus the trauma of being stuck upside down in a hole. Rick had to dig her out of the hole. She now has an eating disorder, she weighs 120 pounds. She is part Pitt Bull and sweet as a baby.

What can I say, we take the ones no one wants or cares for. And we receive unconditional love.

If we just leave for an hour and come back home, it's as though we have been gone for months.

Nothing quite like sitting here at the computer, and being nudged and chastised for not petting

a big baby. My mom would not let us have dogs when were growing up, I have made up for it big time! I cannot imagine my life without dogs, I hope I never have too.

So thanks for letting me share my stories about them tonight. If any of you ever drop by, I can assure you, you will be licked and nudged until you can't stand it. And no, you cannot take any of them home with you!

From A Distance

I listened to the Julie Gold song tonight, From A Distance. As a writer every time I hear that song, I think about something different. It is probably one of the most poignant songs I have ever heard.

I wish I had written it.......... every day there seems to be more and more hate and fear building in this country. The media is in a feeding frenzy, and all I can think about is that this must be Oz and some fool is behind the curtain.

I don't listen to the radio anymore, the only thing I read in the newspapers is my horoscope and comics, I only watch movies on tv, and occasionally take a quick look at the weather, if they are not showing their god awful what if series.

As I sat and listened to the lyrics of From A Distance, it just made me sad. Sad for our country, sad for the generations who are growing up bombarded by the propaganda from the right and left.

For the past several weeks I have given a lot of thought to Maslow's Hierarchy of Needs. It is so strange that we all have the same basic needs and wants, and yet it seems we search out the differences in others so that we can destroy and tear down.

So tonight, as I heard the words, " from a distance there is harmony and it echoes through the land, It's the voice of hope, it's the voice of peace, It's the voice of every man." Is it the voice of each of us to want hope, and peace? If so, why so much hate and destruction?

I think fear has driven the whole country mad. Even during the cold war, I never saw the fear and felt it like I do now. Have we become one big cesspool, a breeding ground of fear?

I keep thinking about the song, "from a distance, you look like my friend even though we are at war" , when did we go from being able to discuss politics and other topics with intelligence to screaming obscenities at each other, because we don't think a like or share the same views.

I keep hoping that from a distance, one day, we will all look at each other through the same eyes, and see the connection, the human connection. We will see that we have more similarities than differences, that good and bad run through us all, and that we are all in this together.

Seven Dreams

I know........it seems that I have become obsessed with dreams the past few days. Maybe it is because the moon is waxing and it will be full in five days, maybe it is because I am somewhat of a dreamer myself. But this blog tonight is different from the others.

There is a book that I recommend to my yoga students where I work. It was written by a young man from Australia, Matthew Kelly. I personally have read this book three or four times and every time I read it, there is an aha moment. The book is called The Rhythm of Life.

Tonight's blog is about the seven dreams that Matthew Kelly talks about having for all of us.

Those seven dreams that he discusses, are really the hopes and dreams, and the philosophy that I share with people every day. Tonight I share these dreams with you, and if they touch you at all, read the book. It is on a recommended reading list that I give out all the time. The following are shortened versions of the dreams.

The First Dream........that you have complete control over your mental and physical faculties and that you are slave neither to food, drink, nor any other substance.

The Second Dream.....that you are able to discern the people, activities and possessions that are most important to you.

The Third Dream.......that you have the courage, determination, firmness, and persistence to perform the tasks that you choose, decide and resolve to perform.

The Fourth Dream........that you discover a unique talent that leads you to dedicate the professional aspect of your life to work you can be passionate about. That you enjoy the rare privilege of meaningful work.

The Fifth Dream.......that you grow in wealth in every sense of the word, that you are never in need and that you share you wealth with all you can.

The Sixth Dream......that you find true love. Someone you cherish, who makes you want to be a better person.

The Seventh Dream........that you discover a deep and abiding peace. The peace that comes from knowing who you are, where you are, and that what you do is essentially good and it makes sense.

Tonight I share these dreams with all of you who read this blog. These are my dreams for you, they are my dreams for the human race too. It seems that the past few decades, most of us have forgotten any dreams we ever had, that we have tossed them aside like they were old childhood toys that were no longer relevant.

Where would we be without dreams? every inventor, creator, writer, artist, musician, teacher, the list could go on for pages, nothing would be the same in this world without dreams. So I urge you all tonight, to dream. Dream of the life you dare, the one you were born to go out there and live. We all know that life is fleeting, the people we love, come and go. We each have a purpose, lives to touch, and a path to follow. I think our dreams are the road map to live an abundant life.

Dream Big.

Recurring Dreams

I have recurring dreams, and no they are not bad, or scary. These dreams are actually some of the most beautiful dreams that I have ever had. They seem to appear when I need them the most.

Maybe it is my escape, maybe it the universe letting me know that all is well, but I can assure you, they are most comforting.

One takes place at a waterfall, I am hiking down a lush green hill side, but it is not tropical.

The water rushing over the falls is sparkling clear, the color of aquamarines. I make my way down the mountain side, to the pool where the water collects, and the water shimmers. It is cold, or it has the sensation of cold, but yet very refreshing. It is this place of peace, you can feel nothing but love, and well being. Every time I have this dream, I wake up feeling so at peace, feeling loved and great joy.

The second dream, once again takes place on water. It is a wide shallow river, with a bridge that seems to float on the water. The odd thing about the bridge, you crawl on your belly to get across. But it is not scary, it is very humbling and soothing. The river runs through a small village, maybe somewhere in Europe, the houses are small and quaint. There are people every where, but it seems like a celebration of some sort. As I cross the bridge on my stomach, there are folks at the end of the bridge to meet me, they cheer and hug. We walk through the village and sit on the banks of the river, eating and laughing, watching children play in the river's shallow waters.

Ok, I know weird blog tonight. But, I have been out of sorts today and just replaying these dreams in my mind has helped. Some days are full and short, some are long and empty. You go through the motions, and all appears well, but deep inside you, there is a little emptiness. I have been a little empty today. This weekend is a slow one, it's time for a little rest, to recharge the batteries. And who knows, maybe dream a new dream.

Creative Cravings

I have not painted in almost a year. It seems I hit a wall, the desire was gone, no inspiration.

Over the weekend, I dreamed of paintings, they were in front of me, taunting me. I think the urge is coming back. It has been years since I have done water colors, yet that is what I dreamed.

Water colors, pen and ink. This weekend I am cleaning out my space, and see if I can paint what I dreamed. It is scary, to think about picking up the brush and starting again. I have drawn and painted since I was a child. One of my first memories of my mom is her teaching me to draw, well that and her shaking me the night she gave me too much paregoric and she couldn't wake me.

(don't ask, in a small town in the late 50's and early 60's the local pharmacy took the place of the local doc, not sure why they even gave it to me, but I bet it made sense at the time)

So, I keep seeing the images, I just hope that I can paint them the way they are in my brain.

Soft dreamy colors, with pen and ink drawings on top of them, where did those beautiful flashes originate? and please, please, please, let me paint them as I dreamed them!

For years, I painted and gave them as gifts to friends and family, I have painted Christmas cards for the past 25 years or so, some years as many as 150. All hand painted with love, friends tell me they have saved them all, some friends have even framed them. Isn't that a wonderful

gesture of friendship and love? But somewhere along the way, the past few years, the cards

continued, but all other painting stopped.

So to the muse who has awakened the sleeping beast, thank you whoever/whatever you are.

If the water color gods are kind this weekend, I'll post the results, if not bear with me. Creative cravings sometime take a while to fill.

Friendships

Have you ever thought about how friendships develop? I have given it a lot of thought the past couple of days. Some friendships start as children, in school, on the playground, at church.

Some take life as common threads begin to weave through lives.........working at the same place,

common friends, like hobbies or interests.

Friendships take place at all stages of life, from the very young to the old, and everyone in between. Friendships take different directions and paths. Some last a lifetime, others fulfill a need at a particular time and place. Some lead to romance. With any kind of friendship, at some point there is love and caring, camaraderie and bonding.

Friendships form out of need, mutual respect, survival of difficult situations, and sometimes there is no explanation for how a friendship develops. It's almost as though, the friendship has been there through centuries, many lifetimes, a never ending bond, sealed for eternity.

Some friendships flow. You may not see each other often, but when you do get together, you just pick up where you left off the last time you saw each other. Those are effortless. Then there

are those friendships that demand and you wonder why they continue......yet they do.

Maybe it is just too hard to let go, too much history, too many connections.

I have friends from all walks of life, all over the world. I love my friends. The relationships are all different, yet most special. Friends have seen me through the best of times and the worst of times. The ebb and flow of friendships makes life worthwhile. Whether the friendship lasts a lifetime or just a while, it is worth it. To put yourself out there, on the line, to form a bond of trust, of love, can be scary, after all there are friendships that betray and hurt.

One thing I have noticed as the years have gone by, time has become such a precious commodity, it should be spent with friends. It is so easy for time to be stolen by jobs, by obligations, so easy for us to think that we will get together with friends tomorrow or next week.

Friendships require work, like any relationship does. I have always loved the old saying, You can't pick your family, but you can pick your friends.

So tonight, if you have a friend you haven't seen in awhile, pick up the phone, send an e-mail.

Reconnect and discover why you became friends in the first place. Whether you are in beginning of a brand new friendship or basking in the joy of one that has lasted for years, cherish the moments, the conversations, the jokes, the tears and know that friends are truly one of life's most wonderful gifts.

Mindfulness

There are certain things that I love to do because I am in the now when I am doing them.

Of course singing and playing guitar create mindfulness because you concentrate on what you are doing, well hopefully you do. But I am thinking tonight of the small mundane chores that many of us hate to do.

Take ironing, I love to iron. There is something so restful, so soothing as you watch the wrinkles disappear, the repetitive motion as the iron glides across the fabric. I love to paint the walls in our house. I haven't done it in a few years, and I have begun to look at color cards, I think this fall would be a good time. The movement of the roller, the spread of the color, once again, I find this

calming, it helps me to be present.

Cooking is something else that I truly love to do. When I am in the kitchen, chopping, stirring,

mixing, it is such a creative process, and when you use knives, you really do have to be mindful!

Friends say that I am a good cook, many come to visit and threaten to never leave. I think the food is good, because I cook with love. When I am cooking, I think of who will eat the food, the laughter and conversation of those around the table, the memories that will be made because of a meal that is shared.

Something else that I guess is kinda strange but it creates such mindfulness for me is cleaning house. When the house gets cluttered I feel as though my life is cluttered. I am not a neat freak,

but there is a method to my madness when it comes to clutter. This summer things have gotten

in disarray and I am thinking tonight of when I can take off work a couple of days and get things in order.

Gardening is something else that brings mindfulness. I love digging in the earth, the feel of the soil between my fingers, ( I know I should use gloves, but I don't) There is something so satisfying to see flowers and vegetables growing where there was once just grass and weeds. And gardening gives such a connection to Mother Earth, I think it is important to understand that food does not just appear at the grocery store, there is sweat and a partnership with the elements too.

Even writing this blog has brought mindfulness. As I sit down to write every night, I think of those who already follow my musings, and wonder about their day, their lives. I wonder who might stumble on this blog, and hope that they might find something useful, or inspiring.

I feel a responsibility to all of you, that even though there are subjects that might not interest or amuse you, maybe they make you think. And in the end, you learn a little about me, my thoughts, my sometimes not so good attempts at mindfulness, my struggles with living a life I teach about.

So tonight, the next time you do the dishes, or sweep the floors or fold clothes, let yourself be in the moment. Think about who walks on those floors, wears the clothes, or eats off those dishes.

Send them a blessing and yourself one too, the world most often keeps spinning because the little things get done, and that in turn allows for the big stuff to happen.

Thanks

This is a thank you for all of those who came out to our show tonight! You all are the reason for the music, you inspire, you support! It was a fun show, and as our sound man Fred says, it is always a good sign when nobody leaves during the break!

There were some great musicians in the audience tonight, and it is an honor when you guys take the time to visit. I can't believe I am so lucky that I get to do this music gig, it is magic!

Blessings to you all, and once again, thanks for coming!

I am tired and hungry, good night sweet dreams!

Dream Chasing

I spoke with a good friend tonight, who is a songwriter. He is so excited, the fates have smiled on him and it seems very likely he will have some music in a movie in the near future. He, like myself is no chicken spring to this dream. He has been chasing it for many years, just like I have.

We talked about how, every once in awhile, you just get out of bed and think why am I doing this??? Carrots get dangled in front of your nose, deals are discussed and then, it's all smoke and mirrors, nothing happens. And yet, you just keep on keeping on. Music is as much a part of me, as my blue eyes or fair skin. There have been times that I told myself never, ever again. And the very next day, a song would dance its way into my head, or someone would call and ask me to sing.

This fixation, this obsession of creating music is both horrific and wonderful. It is a common thread in my marriage, it has weaved incredible friendships for me, but then those times, when all my self worth was tied up in whether someone thought my voice good, or my song good, and when I failed to make their grade, devastation

I heard the excitement and joy in my friend's voice, and I knew that feeling so well. It is the highest high imaginable, the sensation of validation, that maybe just maybe, the song will soar, and all those years, all those tears, it will all be worth it.

Since I have never had a child, I don't really know the euphoria of giving life to a human, but I know the euphoria of giving life to a song, to a good song, to a song that some places in the world went to #1. I can tell you, I have never experienced anything like it before or since. I just know that I want that feeling again, just one more time(ok, maybe 20 more times).

So tonight, I say a prayer of gratitude for my friend's twist of fate, and hope that the music gods continue to smile on him for many many more songs. May all my songwriting buddies know that feeling of making it, of knowing that your song has taken on a life, and may you all get a check in the mail!

Sweet Smells

Almost every day someone tells me I smell good. I think that it is a combination of the fragrant lotion that I wear, and the lavender oil that I use in my yoga classes. I do have a really special perfume that I wear on weekends, I don't get nearly the compliments with that fragrance that I do with my everyday one.

It is interesting how smells bring people closer or keep them away. We all have fragrance memories. There is truly nothing as sweet as a newborn. But then the smell of fresh rain on dry earth is memorable too. I love the clean scent of clothes dried in the sun and fresh air. In the winter I bake bread, and coming into the house on a cold winter's day and the smell of bread baking is awfully cozy.

The smell of gardenias is one of my favorites. When my gardenias bloom in early summer, I fill the house with bouquets. There is something sensual about gardenias, they are so pure and white, yet their fragrance is heady and rich. My mom had a lilac bush in her front yard, and every spring I would gather arm loads of lilacs, the smell was most intoxicating.

I remember the smell of my grandmother Mamie's back yard. A mix of herbs, and damp moss and coffee, she would pour the grounds around her garden. I have a dog, Charlie who is just a throw away that no one wanted. Sometimes when I am a little down, he makes sure that I pet him and it is the strangest thing, he smells just like Mamie's back yard. I like to think that maybe

she has petted Charlie down with that old familiar smell to remind me that I am loved.

Another floral fragrance that I love is peony. I have peonies in my flower garden that belonged to Mamie and my mom and dad. When they bloom, those big beautiful pink and white blossoms, that soft sweet smell connects me to the three of them.

This winter we were lucky enough to have a couple of snows. Now there is quite a smell! Clean, crisp and sharp, so fresh that it takes your breath! The first time I drove down the California coast, the smell of dill and redwoods took my breath away.

In the fall, the smell of burning leaves transports me back to childhood, walking home from school in the fall when the whole neighborhood seemed to be burning leaves. I remember the smell of coal dust on my dad when he came in from the mines.

We have a fresh Christmas tree every year because I can't bear the thought of not smelling the tree when you walk in the front door. I make hot spiced cider as much for the way it makes the house smell as well as how good it tastes.

So tonight, what do I smell as I sit at my computer?...... for starters, Charlie has been here with me, so I definitely have his scent drifting about, there is a lavender candle on my desk, so I am getting a whiff of that woodsy freshness, there is a hint of my body lotion that floats by.

When you began to really concentrate on one sense, which tonight is the sense of smell, awareness becomes so heightened. So my friends, what about your memories of smell, and what do you smell right now?

Mystery

Living from day to day is such a mystery. Good things happen, bad things happen......yet the world keeps spinning. Friendships develop and last a lifetime, others fizzle in a few months and you sit back and wonder what happened.

Some mornings start out good and go down hill from there, and then some days nothing can go wrong. People come into your life and it seems as though they have been there for ever, others who have been in your life for years, walk away without so much as a goodbye.

You visit someplace, that you have never been, yet it is all so familiar, so much like home.

And then some times the place you have called home for years seems like a foreign country.

Things that were once important to you, don't matter anymore. Life goes on.

There are days when you are surrounded by such exquisite beauty that it brings tears to your eyes. Then there are days when the ugliness of the human condition turns your stomach.

Some days you feel such incredible love that it seems as though your spirit has been wrapped in silk and cashmere. And there are those days when the hurt is so bad that you think someone has slashed your soul with a razor.

This thing we call life, it is such a mystery. Just when we think we have the answer, we know nothing. When we think we are lost, someone finds us. It seems the past is always taunting and the future is always mocking. And then the sky is blue, and the sun is warm, we hear the birds sing, and someone shares a smile or a kind word and all is good.

Life is a mystery.

A Positive Note

This week, Thursday and Friday is the peak of the Perseid Meteor Shower. Right now, that's the best thing August has going for itself. The heat is on, the air quality is nasty, and so is the humidity, but I cannot wait to see those shooting stars!

About 20 years ago, we had an amazing meteor shower. My nephews, James and Haven were maybe 10 and 12 years old. We drove our pickup down in the corn field, spread blankets and lawn chairs, sat back and watched the show of a lifetime! The stars had the longest tails I had ever seen,

and there were so many of them, we lost count. The boys were amazed, they carried on and got so excited, you would have thought they were watching Alabama beat Auburn.

So, my plans are, Thursday night, go down in the field, spread a blanket and watch Mother Nature just show out! I have a whole list of wishes that I plan to make as those stars stream across the night sky, and you know, I think they just might come true.

So my friends, lets make a date, let's all plan to do some star gazing, send out some good wishes and vibes and enjoy what Mother Nature creates. May your Thursday night be filled with the brightest stars you have ever seen and may stars not only fall on Alabama, but where ever you are too!

Out of Balance

Some days are just out of balance. Today was one of those days. No matter what I did, or tried, nothing went as I thought it would. It was one of those days when I should have pulled the covers over my head and ducked! Nothing bad, just lots of little things, gone awry. There is a new moon tomorrow night, the planets are changing, and the world keeps spinning.

There is a cup of hot tea waiting for me, my favorite pink pj's with the red roses, and leopard sheets on the bed. Some days the only way for change to come, go to bed and sleep! Transformation is never easy, and it is pretty clear to me, there are lessons to be learned. I have learned a couple today.

So to all of you out there tonight, if it was one of those Mondays for you, give yourself a little love.

Climb into your cozy bed, say a prayer of gratitude and let it all go. This too shall pass.

I have a recurring dream that comforts me when things are not quite like they should be, I hope it visits me tonight.

Good night, sweet dreams.

Possibilities

Some days are full of possibilities. Choices are everywhere, just yours for the taking. But then others.....it seems there are no choices, no forks in the road. Just a straight and narrow path that leads exactly where you have to go. It's all laid out, and all you have to do is follow.

I like the possibilities, the choice. Decisions are a test, and forks in the road, they always take you someplace. I love to encourage others to think about the possibilities, sometimes it is best if you create your own fork in the road. Do the unexpected.

My front door is purple, (not eggplant or burgundy) it is purple. Most of the house is green and purple, with some red and a little blue here and there. It is unexpected, a possibility that I think worked really well. Some possibilities work out, others don't.....then you deal with the consequences.

I have thought of possibilities all day......of different places to live, different hair cut, thinner body, new guitar, life in the fast lane, a change in the weather. My friends tell me I drank the

kool aide, I call it keeping the mind open.........to possibilities.

It's Back

A few years ago, someone built a dirt track across the river and through the woods from us.

Every Saturday night, our peaceful bit of heaven on earth turned into sounds from hell.

Finally, who knows what happened, but one Saturday night a couple of summers ago, the rages of testosterone driven, gas guzzling, wasting vehicles stopped.

Tonight, when we came home from spending a wonderful afternoon with our friend Fred, we got out of the truck and heard the screams of speeding cars blowing gas out of their exhaust like it was confetti. I am just so sorry that the folks driving these cars don't live here so they could experience first hand how much noise pollution they create on what use to be peaceful Saturday

nights.

So its back. The beast that was created by folks unmoved by the recent oil spill in the gulf, or by the deaths of thousands who have died in the middle east to keep the supply of oil coming so it can be wasted by someone driving in circles on a dirt track.

Coming of Age

I have finally come into the twenty first century........well sorta. My cd player that I use in my yoga classes died Monday. I go through a couple a year, it just seemed like such a waste to keep buying disposable cd players. One of my students suggested I use my I-phone, Rick had also suggested it, the light bulb finally flashed over my head and I came home and asked for help. So Rick went to Best Buy, got me my own docking station, helped me load my cds to my IPod app, and I now have music o'plenty! It's all right there at my finger tips, I am so excited!

And yes, I am ready to acknowledge that technological advances can be a good thing. It's just that I don't want to give up paper books. I love to write cards and letters. And I still love my albums.

In my own time I am coming of age. It has been a slow process, and I still kick and scream about it sometimes, but I am getting there.

I keep reading stories about teen/tweens who text so much that they are losing social skills.

I think that even though the world seems to be shrinking, we spend so much time with our lap tops, and cell phones that we are evolving into some sort of mutant communicative challenged

species who will forget about books, news papers, and phonograph records and just be content

to sit around and stare at those glowing screens.

Ok, now that that is off my chest! I am loving IPod for music, and yes it is simpler, so now I am eating crow, and it's pretty tasty.

Joy

I have a photo on my desk by my computer, a friend made it for me. It is a collage of things that reminded her of me. There is a lotus blossom(of course), ohm sign, lavender flowers, and musical references, and a large JOY. It holds a photograph of she and I and another good friend. I look at this photo every time I sit at my desk and I always smile. There are the three of us smiling, with this huge JOY right by our faces.

The past couple of days I have centered my yoga classes around joy. It is so easy to be distracted by life, that we forget to have joy. I love the hand mudra for joy and I taught that to my classes this week too. Just a way to remind ourselves to look for the joy in our lives.

Joy is such a simple thing. It can be cold creamy ice cream cone on a hot summer day or a mug of steaming hot chocolate on a cold wintry day. It can be the smile of some one you love as they come into the room, or a hug from a friend when they see you. Joy happens in moments, just fleeting seconds , those ah ha moments when it is all good.

No matter how bad it gets, no matter how beaten and sad you feel, if you give yourself the chance you can find joy........how you may ask? Think of someone, of some place or some thing

that has given you joy. That sensation is so strong, so ingrained in our hearts that once we are reminded , you feel joy!

The wonderful thing about joy, it goes hand in hand with gratitude. If some thing, some one gives you joy, you just have to be grateful, and once you are grateful, there is joy. It becomes

a circle.

I read a story recently about a young girl who lived in a war torn country. Food was scarce, fear was every where, but there was a cherry tree growing near her. She watched as spring brought

blossoms to the tree, and then as green fruit appeared, and then finally one day, Ripe Cherries!!!! She said that she and her friends and families ate themselves silly, it had been so long since they had had fresh fruit. Those cherries brought joy into her life, and I can promise you, for the rest of her life, whenever she sees or thinks about cherries, she will experience that moment of joy.

It is so easy to dwell on the bad, and even easier sometimes to forget the good. If we could all just once a day, find joy. Take a few seconds to think about something/someone who give us joy. It's there just waiting for us to rediscover it...........find joy.

Road Warrior

I love to drive. There is something so soothing, with the scenery passing by, the white lines moving, racking up those miles. I have an old Volvo, and her name is Ingrid. She is a 1996 with 223,000miles and still going strong. She is a deep forest green with British tan interior and a great stereo system. My plan is to put at least another 100,000 miles on her.

Ingrid is the first automatic transmission that I had driven in years. I learned to drive on an automatic, but after Rick and I got married, there was not much money for a car. I had driven ancient ones, until we finally decided we could afford a Honda Civic.....with no extras. No air conditioner, no auto trans. We went to Jasper to the Honda dealership and there was a little red Civic, with no extras. We signed the papers and Rick left for work. As the salesman was getting everything together for me, keys, etc. I told him I had a couple of questions, so he said sure, ask away. So, I said, let me get this straight, first gear is really slow, the second is a little faster,

then third, and fourth is highway and each time I shift I push the clutch in, right? He looked at me with panic in his eyes, and asked if I was kidding. No, I said, I read about straight shifts, and I am sure I can drive one. He freaked, he kept saying that he would get someone to drive me home. I told him, I had to learn sometime, that I had to get to work and I would be fine. I am sure when I left the car lot that day, he was sweating bullets.

I loved shifting gears, it is such a fun way to drive. After the Civic, I had a Grand Am and then a

Ford Explorer, they were all straight shifts and I loved driving them all! But I kept looking at old Volvos and when a friend of mine wanted to sell Ingrid I jumped at the chance to get her! She would be perfect if she were a straight shift!

My friend Jackie and I go to yoga teacher trainings together all the time. At first, Jackie would always offer to drive or help me with the driving. I finally convinced her that I just love to drive.

It is almost meditative for me. When I am driving, any worries that I have seem to just fade away. Traffic seldom bothers me. I turn on the stereo and just sing.

Once, several years ago, Rick and I and a friend of ours, drove to Norfolk,Va.. We left one afternoon after work. The plan was I would drive and then on down the road they would help.

I drove all night. I woke them when we got to Virginia.

Maybe in a parallel universe I am driving a big rig cross country, or a covered wagon east to west. I just know, I am a road warrior. I love the road, the feel of the steering wheel in my hands, and the passing of towns and road signs. The road offers possibilities, there are turns, and curves,hills and valleys, you can make the choice to turn left or right or stay straight.

The highway takes you to cities and deserts, through the mountains and plains, you are out there, yet isolated with in the confines of your car. It is a modern day marvel, this ability to set out on the open road and go where ever your heart leads.

Memories of Heat

This heat wave that we have experienced the past few days........well it is surely stirring up memories. I have always said that it is the heat and humidity that makes southern writers go to the edge and if my theory is correct, there should be some amazing writing taking place in the south about right now!

Today thoughts of 1980, Rick had been sent to Mobile to help restore telephone service to the area after Hurricane Fredrick struck in 79. He and the crew were at the Howard Johnson's when he called and told me it was going to be a long stay, several months. So, I packed up some clothes and drove to Mobile.

It was a long hot dry summer. The guys would work 10 to 12 hours a day, I would just hang out at the pool. After awhile that got to be boring, so I came home, got a grill, a crock pot and a cooler.

Went back to Mobile, and started cooking dinner every night for 5 or 6 guys.

I cooked every thing from venison roast to chili in our room, and served home cooking to Rick and his friends.

As the heat became more oppressive, we began to drive to the beaches in the evenings. Sometimes to Pensacola, sometimes to Biloxi. When the nights no longer grew cooler(as it is doing here now) we found even better ways to amuse ourselves and stay cool. There was a Krispy Kreme donut shop down the street from the hotel, at 11:30 every night hot donuts rolled down a conveyor belt. We were there around 11:25, we'd pick up a couple of dozen, add a couple of six packs of cold beer, and drive out to the causeway. We would watch shooting stars, drink those cold beers, eat hot donuts and dangle our feet in warm gulf water.

One evening we decided to drive over to Fairhope and hang out. Fairhope was a quaint little town, with a small city park and beach area. We had just driven up, and started to walk down to the water, when people from all directions came running, yelling Jubilee, Jubilee!!!!!

Turns out some sort of strange tide, moon/stars thing(there is a scientific explanation) and the fish all swim to the beach.......not just a few, but every fish, shrimp. crab in the area comes inland and all you have to do is reach down and grab handfuls of them! People came with garbage cans, bags, buckets, anything they could grab to land themselves a seafood feast. I had never seen anything like it before or since!

We also drove down to New Orleans and had quite a few adventures, but I will tell those some other time . As a teaser, one story involves red cowboy boots, another our German Shepherd and well, like I said, I will share those on down the road.

So tonight, hot donuts, cold beer and feet dangling in the waters of the Gulf of Mexico, maybe not your idea of cool, but don't knock it til you've tried it.

Homesick

I looked at my photos from Ireland a few days ago. I have had such a longing to go back and visit and play music. Looking at the photographs, brought back so many memories. Every Christmas I paint Dominic and Tony Christmas cards and I keep promising that we are coming back.

They are the duo, that we played several pubs with, met their families, spent time in their homes. I miss the green. I miss people who love music, a good chat, can spin a good story, and make you feel so much at home, that even after 10 years, you still feel homesick.

The day we got on the plane, as we were leaving Shannon airport, the tears began to stream down my face. I was homesick for a place that I had not even left yet. I have always felt that I left a part of me there. I love the crisp cool air, the rough seas, the rocky coasts, the simple way of life.

I love the fact that music, is as much a part of life there as tv is here. I love the honesty of the Irish, their toughness, and their kindness, and their work ethic.

As the temperature has hovered near 100 for the past few days, I really miss the climate of Ireland. I am one of those strange ducks, that doesn't mind the rain, the grey skies or the cool days. 80 degrees for a high in mid summer is good for me!

As I looked through those photographs, memories of the grand times we had , came rushing back. One of the funniest, we had played with Tony and Dominic at a pub called Characters in Tullamore, and as we were doing the last set, a group of very rowdy Irish undertakers on convention came in to listen and have a pint. As I finished the last song and we left the stage,

the largest one in the group, came over, hoisted me over his shoulder and yelled to the others

that he wanted me to birth his children! Well, Rick, Tony and Dominic just stood there and laughed, when he finally put me down, I said something to the guys about no one came to my rescue, they looked at me like I was crazy and finally Dominic said, "he was twice the size of any of us" and we all had a good laugh!

Music is so important there, everywhere we went, we were treated like rock stars. People followed us from pub to pub. To show their appreciation, they would buy us pints of Guinness. One night I looked down at the stage and there were 24 pints! We got to a pub another night and had not had a chance to eat. The woman who owned the pub, went to her house and brought us back part of her own family's supper. It was though acts of kindness that followed us from town to town.

So tonight, it is 90 degrees here in Empire, Al. and I am homesick. Homesick, for the kindness of strangers, and the joy of playing those incredible pubs where no one ever wanted me to stop singing. Homesick,for a walk on a sandy, rocky beach where the waves crash against the rocks and the air is cool and fresh.

Beat the Heat

Rick mentioned this morning that my last few entries had been "heavy". I think that was a just a nice way of saying lighten up, it's 100 degrees outside!

So, I thought I'd share with you all a way to beat the heat. My great nephew, Jordan came over yesterday evening and asked if he could play in the sprinkler. So we hooked up the sprinkler out back, turned it on and WOW.......instant fun, instant cool! Jordan's mom, Samantha and I were blowing bubbles while he ran through the streams of water. Jordan is a very smart two year old and he soon figured out how to control the pressure and directions of the streams, after about three minutes he was shooting water at Sam and I and all three of us got soaked! There were lots of giggles, a couple of slips on the wet grass, and the heat no longer existed.

If the heat at your house is unbearable today, just go hook up the sprinkler, invite a couple of kids over, nibble on Popsicles, and I promise the heat will disappear at your house too!