Friday, November 30, 2012

Wanderlust

New hair cut today, new hair stylist.......very happy.  Old stylist semi-retired, our schedules were getting more and more difficult to match.  So happy with new cut, got my new passport photo today.
And even with new cut, the picture is pretty frightful!

I am bound and determined, whether my numbers are up or not, this coming year.......I am going somewhere.  I will take my chances.  My wanderlust  has reach a state of frenzy.

I can't help myself, I have always loved to travel.......road trips, planes, an hour away, a day away, it doesn't matter......new people, places, food.......I LOVE it.  Packing a suitcase makes me a happy camper! and I am a great packer!  Did I tell you I recently bought new luggage?

Now, we have to think about where, when.......my list is long.....poor Rick.

Thursday, November 29, 2012

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

Wednesday, November 28, 2012

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.  

Tuesday, November 27, 2012

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


Monday, November 26, 2012

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.

Sunday, November 25, 2012

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.

Saturday, November 24, 2012

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

Friday, November 23, 2012

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

Thursday, November 22, 2012

Guests and Visitors



This being human is a guest house.
Every morning a new arrival.
A joy, a depression, a meaness,
some momentary awareness comes
as an unexpected visitor.
Welcome and entertain all!
Even if they're a crowd of sorrows,
who violently sweep your house
empty of its furniture,
still, treat each guest honorably.
He may be clearing you out
for some new delight.
The dark thought, the shame, the malice,
meet them at the door laughing,
and invite them in.
Be grateful for whomever comes,
because each has been sent
as a guide from beyond.

Jalal ad-Din Rumi

This from Rumi, sums up this day.......thanksgiving, gratitude is not only for the good in our lives but for everything.  Today, I hope that every guest who visited your home brought joy.
Happy Thanksgiving to all of you.

Wednesday, November 21, 2012

Live By Our Words

As we express our gratitude, we must never forget that the highest appreciation is not to utter words, but to live by them. 
John F. Kennedy 

Thanksgiving Eve, 2012......this quote seems to fit this evening's blog.  Living by our words, expressing our gratitude.....Thanksgiving is so much more than a good meal, a football game and looking at the sale papers for black Friday.  Thanksgiving should serve as  a reminder for gratitude for all things in our lives......the good, the bad and everything in between.  We are all that we have experienced, we are the choices that we have made, the thoughts that we have thought.......giving thanks, expressing gratitude is way to turn all of that into joy, to remind us of the treasures we hold in our hearts.
Let us remember, tomorrow and every day, to live by our words.

Tuesday, November 20, 2012

Be Conscious of Our Treasures

"We can only be said to be alive in those moments when our hearts are conscious of our treasures."
- Thornton  Wilder

Continuing with our week of Thanksgiving thoughts on gratitude, this quote by Wilder really says so much.  How often do we go through our days, and never think of our "treasures"?  We take our health for granted, we take our friends and family for granted, our talents, our jobs, our homes.......no wonder there are so many of us just going through the motion of living.

To be alive, to feel the emotions of love and joy and even sadness, we have to be grateful ( or conscious) of all that we have and have had.  If we have one person in our life that loves us, we are wealthy.....if we have our health, we have treasures beyond measure.

Take a moment tonight, promise yourself to take a moment every day, and think of the treasures in your heart.....allow yourself to feel alive......allow yourself to feel gratitude.  You are richer than you ever dreamed possible, you just have to look within, be conscious of all that you  have.


Monday, November 19, 2012

One Whole Day

A challenge to my students today, during this week of Thanksgiving .........live one whole day this week and speak only uplifting, positive things......you heard me, one whole day.....speak only positive, uplifting things.  No whining, no complaining, no saying unkind things about anyone.

They all had that deer in the headlight look on their faces, as a I talked about this exercise in gratitude.
And it is an exercise in gratitude, when you find and speak the positive in everything.........your heart will be full of gratitude.

So if today has been a difficult day, if you can't think of anything to be grateful for, place your right hand on your chest......take a deep breath, close your eyes........think of those you love, think of you friends and family, breathe deeper......and then think of those you love, with gratitude......breathe another deep breath and allow yourself to feel the emotion of love........now, think about living one whole day without saying anything negative, living one whole day speaking only positive, uplifting things.  One whole day, yes, it will be hard......really hard, but just try.
Blessings of love and joy, I am grateful for all of you.

Sunday, November 18, 2012

Love Comes Naturally


“No one is born hating another person because of the color of his skin, or his background, or his religion. People must learn to hate, and if they can learn to hate, they can be taught to love, for love comes more naturally to the human heart than its opposite.”

― Nelson Mandela



Here in America, it is the week of Thanksgiving........a holiday that seems to be losing its place and importance because the retail world hasn't figured out how to turn a day of Thanksgiving into a cash cow.  For the past couple of nights I have posted quotes about love, I will continue doing so this whole week.........for love and thankfulness are partners.

My friends Kaye and Jamie just got back from a holiday in Africa.  Their pictures and stories were amazing.  Their trip was life changing, it was obvious as they shared their thoughts and feelings with us over dinner last night........with tears, and voices that cracked.....it was apparent, that theirs was not an ordinary vacation.

I love this quote by Nelson Mandela, because I believe it is true......I believe our hearts were meant to be vessels that were to be filled with love........maybe that is why heart disease is the number #1 killer here in America, the hate that grows here in our hearts is destroying them..... physically and emotionally.


Saturday, November 17, 2012

Love in the Doing

" It is not how much you do, but how much love you put into the doing that matters." - Mother Teresa

I read some wonderful news today, a survey that shows new college grads are gravitating toward nonprofit and public sector jobs that feed their souls more than their bank accounts and that volunteerism is at an all time high.  I already had a really good feeling about most of the twenty-somethings that I knew......they are smart, unselfish, willing to help their fellow-man, wanting to live
not only purpose driven lives, but passion driven lives.

I think many of the young men and women that I have spoken to lately are sincerely concerned with the welfare of those less fortunate, with healthcare for all, and with taking care of the environment.
Hopefully this up and coming generation will not be "addicted to the dollar."  Instead of spending all their days climbing the corporate ladder, they want quality time with their friends and family too.
They want to make a difference in their communities and  the world they live in.
I think Mother Teresa would be extremely proud of these young people who are working hard at what they love,  and giving back!

Friday, November 16, 2012

Love and Kindness


The whole of planet Earth is a sacred site. All people are the chosen people, and the purpose of our lives is a spiritual one.

May we care for each other, and for the earth, for everything relates to everything else.

Feeling this oneness, may we radiate the light of love and kindness that all may live in unity and peace.

Radha Sahar
The Sacred Site
 



This just sums up my thoughts for tonight.........sending you all love and kindness.

Thursday, November 15, 2012

Perspective

My energy has been the level of a limp noodle today, so I have rested......drank lots of water.....eaten a little.....walked down to the barn.......and rested.  I have to remind myself these are not wasted days, these are  the days when the battery has to recharge.  These are the  days when I am reminded that the body is not indestructible, and that it is ok to sit in the sun, feel the breeze, and just be happy.

I realized around five this afternoon  that I had not even looked at my e-mail since early morning.....I had actually made a list in my day planner, but I never look at it again today, I have learned the hard way, my body will get what it needs or I will be very sick.

I use to wonder why every Christmas Eve I came down with strep throat, once I left the retail world and the stresses of buy,buy, buy, sell, sell, sell.......the strep never came back.  I know that we're told that cold and flu and season hit because we are inside in the heat, etc.....but I also  think come the holidays we let our stress levels hit the roof and we get sick.

So, with the holiday season approaching, take care of yourselves.  Get some extra sleep, drink lots of water, wash you hands often, eat fresh fruit and vegetables, and every once in awhile, look around take a breath and ask yourself......what would I be doing if this was my last holiday season with my family......that will help keep it all in perspective.

Goodnight, Sweet dreams

Wednesday, November 14, 2012

Treatment # 10

Treatment # 10......walked into the room this morning and I did not see a familiar face.......a little bit of panic.  None of my chair buddies were there, the television was blaring, my veins were rolling......I breathed.  A new mix of meds today.......bone stuff included,  hopefully we have nixed the thinning process.

I kept breathing, the room was full, lots of activity,but began to talk with the woman beside me.
She was just what I needed, funny and kind. A jolt of pain as the needle finally found a spot in the hand that didn't duck and run for cover.  The nurses were in overdrive......because of the holiday next week, ( and no one wants an infusion on Thanksgiving) it seemed the chairs were booked back to back.

I keep breathing, the kind funny woman is done, the television seems to get louder and louder......the patient who has the remote keeps channel surfing........suddenly an answer to a prayer.....one of my buddies appears......and he looks GREAT!  and he is doing great, eating, no more radiation, and there is hope in his eyes as well as his wife's.  We both express worry and concern for those who are not there today.......we try to stay positive......which is hard to do, with a blaring television.

The big green chair feels as if it is going to swallow me today.....I am freezing and even the warm blankets are not helping. My friends and I try to talk above the incessant blather of the television.
I breathe.........Rick comes in to visit, the hospital book stores have bought some of his books to sell, he is happy.  The room begins to quiet down, patients leave, the remote control is back with the nurses, I finally ask them if we can turn off the tv if it is ok with the other patients......the patients who are left cheer......even the nurses seemed relieved to turn that ridiculous box off.
Why do they have a television in a place of healing?  I know the standard answer to that question.......because it takes your mind off your troubles.........I think that is BS.....I think music, I think caring people around you, I think hearing laughter and voices of those who are walking a path much like the one you are,  I think connecting, or  sitting there reading a book or meditating......sorry, you all know how I feel about that damn tv.
It is late, I am tired.....the green chair wore me to a frazzle today.

Tuesday, November 13, 2012

Tomorrow

I am not sure how the moon and stars are lined up, but chaos seems to be the ruling planet in my
universe today.  Maybe it is because today was my first real meal since Saturday, and tomorrow is Treatment #10, or maybe it is the fact that life is messy and we all end up knee deep in it sometime.
And did I mention that tomorrow is treatment day?

One of my students asked today if I get nervous before treatments........the truth, yes......I'm not sure why......well, I do know why.  I will spend most of my day tomorrow in an infusion room, where most of the patients have cancer and are receiving what they hope and pray are life saving chemicals.
Going there for me, is like gearing up for battle, for myself, and my friends that I have made in that room.  No matter how I feel, I know when I walk in that room, that my week has probably been a cakewalk compared to what many of my "chair buddies" have had.   

I feel that it is somehow my duty, my destiny if you will, to bring one tiny glimmer of hope with me each time I walk through that door. Yes, I am receiving  life saving chemicals too, but I don't have cancer......I still have my hair.  Yes, I have lost a lot of weight, and yes, the bones are thinning.....but I don't have cancer.  Each time I look around that room, each time I think about that room......there is a tugging at my heartstrings........I know there is always the risk that I lose another "chair buddy."

Spending days in that room has changed me forever.  Honestly, ( and no, I am not wishing bad healthy on anyone) but I think every person I know would benefit from time spent in that room.
So I walk into that room tomorrow, with a smile on my face and a heart full of love and pray  for that one short day, I am able to share love and a little joy and maybe a tiny ray of hope to someone sitting next to me.  Sending blessings to all of you, asking for prayers for all of us.

Monday, November 12, 2012

Warm Cozy Night

Please accept my apologies for not posting yesterday.......since my treatments started in February, I have had really bad bouts of nausea, what can I say it's like being in a horror movie, but my head doesn't spin.

Saturday evening, sitting with our friends it hit, the rest of my night was spent pretty much on the bathroom floor, trying to keep ice chips down.  (sorry for the graphics) Sunday I was out of it, I finally had solid food about an hour ago.  This too shall pass.

Pouring rain this morning, freezing temps tonight, I think we can safely say, fall is here to stay.
As the rain poured down this morning, I watched leaves swirling down to earth, it was a great meditation.  The flannel sheets are on the bed, it will be a cozy night.

My nephew James brought his wife and four children to yoga class tonight.  The children, ages 1 to 10 seemed to love it.  When I gave them warm blankets for relaxation, they almost went to sleep!
Their son, Stone told his parents as they left he wanted me to teach yoga to his basketball team.
Teaching yoga to a roomful of 10 year old boys could be interesting.  :)

Wishing you all a warm cozy night, my cup of ginger tea is waiting.
Goodnight, Sweet dreams

Saturday, November 10, 2012

Thank You

This rather early in the day for my blog writing, but it has been such an emotional day I wanted to try and capture all that I could.  My hometown celebrated Veteran's Day today......it's a small town, maybe 4,000 to 5,000 people, if you drove through, you'd never take a second glance.

I have spent most of my life in or near this town, my parents grew up in communities nearby.
Rick and I have been involved with our Veteran's Board for the past few years, I have never regretted any time that I have given them.  Our memorial is beautiful, it recognizes every branch of military service and our POW's and MIA's.  Today, I had several people tell me that even in much larger towns, they had not seen  a memorial as beautiful as ours.

Rick and I were asked to sing today, and honestly, it's hard to sing when you're crying.  We had invited our friend Wes to sing also.  As I looked at the Veterans who were there today, and the active service men and women as well, I was overcome with emotion.  There were three local Veterans who were recognized for their service to country as well as community.  One, an 82 year old Navy Seal, who even though has battled cancer for three years, stood as erect and tall as a 20 year old. A 90 year old, who was one of my dad's best friends and an 80something, Merchant Marine.

Many of my parents friends were there today, and I was flooded with thoughts of my mom and dad.....and drowned in the sadness of missing them.  Later at lunch, at the local BBQ Joint, I saw another one of my dad's dearest friends......it seems I have cried most of this day.

I have thought about my brothers, my dad, his brother, and so many of my cousins and friends who have sacrificed so very much for our country.  I will never be able to repay them for all that they have done.

Today as the service closed with the Honor Guard playing Taps, 21 white doves were released.........a symbol of what I pray for every day..........Peace.
To all of you, who have served, are currently serving, prayers for protection, prayers for peace........
hugs and love to you all..........and a great big Thank You.

Friday, November 9, 2012

Expose and Undo

"Meditation is not a matter of trying to achieve ecstasy, spiritual bliss or tranquility; nor is it attempting to become a better person.  It is simply the creation of a space in which we are able to  expose and undo our neurotic games, our self-deceptions, our hidden hopes and fear. "
- Chogyam Trungpa

I read this quote today, and realized I have so far to go, so much to learn.........it will take much longer than this life time to achieve what I am hoping for.  I reach a point where I think my soul is bare, that all about me is known, that nothing is hidden........I then realize that the surface has only been scratched.  The complexity of being human can be overwhelming.........thank goodness for meditation.

Blessings of peace to all of you tonight

Thursday, November 8, 2012

Picking Up the Pieces

"Sometimes being a friend means mastering the art of timing.  There is a time for silence.  A time to let go and allow people to hurl themselves into their own destiny.  And a time to prepare to pick up the pieces when it's all over. " - Gloria Naylor

Picking up the pieces is a nasty job, but a good friend will be there to help.  That time of silence can be quite difficult too, these words also pertain to relatives as well as friends.

Long day, the lure of a soft pillow and warm bed can no longer be ignored.
Good night, Sweet dreams

Wednesday, November 7, 2012

The House We Live In

"The words you speak become the house you live in."  - Hafiz

My good friend Sara posted this quote today,  it is such a wise statement.  If we speak ridicule, and hate, if we belittle and begrudge.......those really do become the "house"  or world that we live in.
If we talk of understanding, of caring, of kindness and love......that becomes our home or our world.

I hope that since the elections are over,  the words that we speak reflect the house we want to live in.
I think that living where I do,  I hear way more hate and bitterness than in other places......I also know that the hate and bitterness stems from fear.  My niece talked with me tonight about all the horrible things that she had heard people say today, but she is smart and loving and kind, and she knows that it is all fear and ignorance.

We live in an area where there are probably more churches per square mile than any other place in the world.......we live in an area where the hate and fear are palatable.  How do you light up the darkness?

My good friend Mary Grace suggested today that red, white and blue combine to make purple, a sacred color, a color of unity.......I reminded her that my front door has been purple for years.  :)
So my prayer for my community, my state, my country tonight.........that our words are chosen wisely, and that our "house" becomes united.......that respect, and human kindness becomes our foundation, and that love, caring, and compassion and a willingness to get along becomes our walls, and the understanding of our differences builds our roof.  This is the house I want to live in.

Tuesday, November 6, 2012

Recurring Dream

This is the second blog that I have written tonight, the first would not post.......maybe the blog world did not like its content......so here is the second one, totally different subject.....lets see where this one goes.

I have had a recurring dream about my parents the past few weeks, it is a great dream but rather unsettling.  In the dream, they have just bought this big old rambling ranch house.  It sits in the middle of beautiful acreage, with a creek that flows  near the house.  They show me their new house, room by room......we go outside and admire the serenity of the creek, the lushness of the surroundings.
I see another house by the creek, it is a small cottage and they are beside themselves with joy when I ask about it.  They tell me it is mine, all I have to do is move in.......and then I wake up.

I have had recurring dreams throughout my life, but they usually take place when I am very stressed.
These days, other than health issues, my stress levels are not very high.  So, if any of you can interpret dreams, fill me in.  About to drink my blueberry tea and call it a day.
Good night, Sweet dreams

Monday, November 5, 2012

We Should Remember

Election eve, a cold rain falling.......it seems quite fitting.  Election years sadden me, they seem to bring out the very worst in our citizens.  This is my prayer tonight, my hope, my wish.........that we as a country would remember these things........
1. we should remember,  no matter our color, black, white, red, yellow, brown or any shade in between .....we are all Americans.

2. we should remember,   no matter our beliefs.......Christian, Jew, Hindu, Buddhist, Pagan, Atheist, whatever,  we are all Americans

3.  we should remember that  we as humans, should hope, want and pray that we all have health care, that everyone receives an education, that we all have a roof over our heads and food to eat

4.  we should remember that fear breeds hate, and that once words are spoken, you can't take them back

5.  we should remember, that once upon a time......all of our ancestors were immigrants (unless, you are Native American, and then I apologize profusely for the way my ancestors treated yours)

6. we should remember that spin doctors lie, use fear and hate and buzz words and then laugh at how they have manipulated the voters

7.  we should remember that we are all members of the human race and that each and everyone of us holds as much value as the next, money does not increase a human's value

8. we should remember that this is a country, not a business

9.  we should remember, you cannot mandate morality

10. we should remember, to do unto others as we would have them do unto us.

Sunday, November 4, 2012

Musical Yanks

I have told two friends about Ireland today........both are thinking of trips that would be special.....Ireland will always be special to me.  I have a pot of shamrocks that are probably 15 years old, as I watered them today, I promised myself a trip back to Ireland.

It is time to go back......to see our friends, to play, to renew.  To feel the rain and wind in my face,
to look around every corner and see someone that looks like my dad and grandfather.
To eat a real Irish breakfast, drink a cup of hot tea and have so many pints lined across the stage as we play, that it looked as if we were doing a Guinness  commercial.......

I think come 2013, a couple of musical yanks will be making their way home.

Saturday, November 3, 2012

Treasures

I opened up my grandmother's trunk today...... it is where I store my quilts.  I have quilts that my grandmother made, my great grandmother made and those that my mom made.  I am a lucky woman.
I pulled a couple out to put in rotation, I looked at the tiny stitches, the intricate pieces of antique fabrics, and I thought about all the hours that it took to make each quilt.

I remember my mom sitting for hours, stitching her beloved quilts.  Each stitch was an awareness of being in the now......if your thoughts wandered, so did the stitches.  I have the last quilt top that she made for me, she never had the chance to quilt it......beautiful purple tulips, trimmed in tiny green checks.  I keep thinking that one day, when I retire, I will quilt it.

I also have some tatting that my grandmother did, as well as some crochet and embroidery that she did.  My mother also loved to embroider and she taught me.......I was a big hit with my friends in the late 60's and early 70's because I could embroider their jeans!

I think about my nieces and nephews, and their children......will they want my handcrafted treasures when I am gone?  My mom made each of her  grandchildren a quilt, who knows if they all still have them.
I wish there was a way to teach them, how incredibly special those treasures are, how rare they are, and how much love as well as  time went into their making.

Looking through my treasures in that old trunk gave me great joy today, as well as a little sadness.......missing those women so much who created those treasures.
Time for a cup of hot tea, and a snuggle in one of those warm cozy quilts.
Goodnight, Sweet dreams

Friday, November 2, 2012

Be Fearless

"Be daring, be fearless and don't be afraid that somebody is going to criticize you or laugh at you.  If your ego is not involved, no one can hurt you."  - Mahala Punateer

Each of us has a wish deep down inside, a dream that maybe we have held to for a long time......
we can take it with us to our grave, or we can take a breath and be daring and fearless, spread our wings and go for it.  The choice is ours.........laughter or criticism should be the least of our worries.

The minutes go by, then the days, the weeks, the months, the years...........what are you waiting for?
Be fearless!

Thursday, November 1, 2012

November 1

November 1.......two months left in 2012.....cold and clear today, the wind blew many of the leaves off the trees, but there is still color......our first frost this week.

November 1......a month of extremes......a presidential election and Thanksgiving......I am grateful for the privilege of voting.......I have voted in every election since I turned eighteen, way too many years ago

November 1.......thankful that I no longer have to see Halloween and Christmas decorations side by side

November 1........my sweaters are washed in baby shampoo, soft and fluffy and ready to wear

November 1.......the full moon is starting to wan, but it is still an incredible shimmery orb in the night sky

November 1.......treatment # 10  takes place this month

November 1.......trying to savor every precious moment

November 1........the acorns are huge this year and plentiful, no shiny red apples left on our tree

November 1.......where does the time go?