Attitude

“Nothing can stop the man with the right mental attitude from achieving his goal; nothing on earth can help the man with the wrong mental attitude.”

Thomas Jefferson

I love this quote, my parents always told me attitude would get me where I wanted to go in life, well attitude and hard work......for me, it has worked.

I know I have posted many quotes this week, but between the infection that resides in my lungs and the antibiotics I take to control them......has not been my best week......but I can say today I am stronger and feeling better.  I promise, if I use a quote......I try to use a good one.

Wishing you all a restful, peaceful weekend with as much fun as you can stand......and maybe a little attitude adjustment if needed.

Time

Time is too slow for those who wait, too swift for those who fear, too long for those who grieve, too short for those who rejoice, but for those who love, time is eternity.
Henry Van Dyke 



Here's wishing you all love tonight......to love and be loved.......here's wishing you the time you need, the time you want.
Goodnight, Sweet dreams

Look Up

“Before we invented civilization our ancestors lived mainly in the open out under the sky. Before we devised artificial lights and atmospheric pollution and modern forms of nocturnal entertainment we watched the stars. There were practical calendar reasons of course but there was more to it than that. Even today the most jaded city dweller can be unexpectedly moved upon encountering a clear night sky studded with thousands of twinkling stars. When it happens to me after all these years it still takes my breath away.”  - Carl Sagan 

Looking up at the night sky always takes my breath away, it reminds me of how really small and insignificant

I am, but it also reminds me that we live in a miraculous place.......and we should be grateful.

Sometime this weekend, go outside, look up at the night sky and be awestruck.  

Hanging By A Thread

People often ask me why I spend my time writing a blog every night......after all, I am only a songwriter and yoga teacher. :)  All of my life people have trusted me, they have told me their  stories and I have listened.
I have friends now all over the world, and honestly sometimes I feel in my heart that they need a hug or someone to listen to them or they just need to know that someone cares.

At this point in my life I have taught yoga to thousands of students, I have sung my songs to that many or more and I just wanted a way to keep in touch.  There are days in my life that I feel as though I am hanging on by a thread, I know that there many who feel the same way at some point in their lives.  I want to let them know, to let  you know that you are not alone.

At some point, each of us needs to know that some one cares, that some one is ill, or sad or lonely or angry......sometimes we need to know that there are others who are hanging on by a thread.  Hanging on by a thread......is a pretty scary visual......but at some point in our past or future or maybe today, each of us will do just that.  If there is someone in our lives, that we can talk with, e-mail or read their blog and know that they too have hung on by a thread and made it,  then maybe that will give us hope to hang on a little longer.

So tonight, if you ask my why I write this blog.......it is not for the number of followers (I appreciate you all),
or the comments (I appreciate those too).......I write because I want you to know that thread can be quite strong and we have all hung from it at some time or another.

Anger

Anger is not always a bad thing.  Allowing anger to take over your life, to build and fester into resentment is a bad thing.  But sometimes you have to get angry to survive.  I have a good friend who has come through a year of cancer......surgery, radiation, chemo.....today there is no cancer in her body and that is wonderful.
Today she is angry.....about the loss of a year of her life, her health, and the loss of those she met in the chemo room who didn't make it.  She looks in the mirror and sees a changed woman and she knows she will never be the same.  She is different now, she looks different, she feels different.

Though I am not battling cancer, I understand the anger. I understand the guilt of survival, the loss of parts of your life, the changes that take place physically and emotionally.  Yoga teaches to feel the anger, acknowledge it, and then to let it go.......don't hang on to it.  The one thing that  helped me most with the illness/anger issue.......the phrase "why me, why not me".  Those five words help me to keep it  all in perspective.

My friend and I have talked a great deal about anger the past couple of days and she is working through it.
She mentioned today about how old she felt, how much older she thought she looked.......illness is aging, but health is beautiful......I told her she was glowing now......that she looked younger today, than she did a year ago......healthy is beautiful and today she is healthy.

My wish tonight, that whatever anger any of your are dealing with......it is important to acknowledge it, but it is more important to release it......anger is much like cancer it will consume you, until there is nothing left....be aggressive in its demise and get on with your life.

Bring Balance to Your Life

Balance.......those were the classes today.  Physical, emotional, mental.......the balance has to be there.
Most struggle with balance, especially when the whole class deals with balance......some get angry, others embarrassed, most laugh at themselves......that is why it is a yoga practice.  Balance in any part of our life can be difficult to obtain and maintain, and on any given day you can rock it or lose it.

Balance classes have to be fun, a little tongue in cheek.......that struggle to be like everyone else, to perform as well as your neighbor will suck the joy right out of class if you take it too seriously.  So we laughed a lot today, but there were also intense  moments and delightful moments when someone balanced for the first time.  That's what happens when everything comes into balance.....delightful moments.

So, how's your balance tonight?  all work, no play, time for everyone but you, bad food, no exercise, no fresh air, no water.......NOT balanced!  Balance takes practice, one small movement at a time and lots of breathing......start with my five minutes of breathing, or two minutes of breathing every morning before you get out of bed......add one or two minutes of stretches.....get up and drink some water.....eat breakfast.....find one thing to be grateful for.........this is how you bring balance to your life......now you can practice tree pose.  :)

Lessons From Lady

Lady is Jordan's dog......she's a mutt that he and his mom found on the side of the road when she was maybe six weeks old.  She has become our part-time dog since Jordan has started to school.
Every morning after Jordan and his mom leave, she comes over to our house and waits at our front door.

Lady is a good size dog, maybe 60 pounds......she thinks she is still six weeks old.  She sits on the steps with her rear on the top step, her feet down below.  Her favorite activity......gnawing on Calliou the collie's head......well, that and trying to jump up trees to catch squirrels.  I swear, I have since her jump at least five feet in the air trying her best to snag a squirrel.  She never gives up.  Lady believes that  she can catch that squirrel that sits in the top of a fifty foot white pine and laughs at her.

I watch Lady and think about the lessons that she can teach to all of us.  Play hard, run with abandon, take naps, drink lots of water,
eat when you are hungry, have fun with kids, never give up on the dream of catching that squirrel, accept every hug someone offers you, don't mess with skunks or snakes.  There you go, life lessons from Lady......or as Jordan calls her, Wady .

Use Your Talents

I heard the news today that Linda Ronstadt has Parkinson's and can no longer sing......I sat on the couch and cried.  During the 70's, I must have played her records hundreds of times......I knew every song. I saw her perform live and she was amazing.  She inspired me, each time I heard her sing  I felt every emotion she was singing about. I think her voice was the voice of my generation, strong and fearless.

The news probably hit me  harder than most.......with COPD and MAC there have been times in the past few years I could not sing.......there were times I thought I might never sing again.......that was the most scared I have ever been.  Singing brings me the most intense joy I have ever experienced.......when I sing, it feels like I have been given wings and I can fly......I soar through the heavens.  I have said it many times, there are many with better voices than mine, that doesn't matter to me......what does matter, writing and singing songs, even by myself in the car.

I have thought a lot about those who have lost their talents today.....who have struggled with illness that has stolen a part of their souls.  People who have lost their hearing, their sight, their ability to move, or speak and sing.  It must be hell, that loss of your ability to express yourself, to use your talent.  Thinking back during the times that I was so ill I couldn't get enough breathe to sing, or teach......it was difficult to find the good, to find the reason to hold on......but I kept thinking, I will get better.  What do you do when there is no better?

So tonight, use your talents........none of us may be as famous or well known as some.......it doesn't matter..... use your talents, for your personal joy, to share with those around you.   Use your talents, the day may come, when you no longer can.
By the way, my all time favorite Linda Ronstadt song.......Long Long Time.

I'm Back

A better day today.......another downside to treatments, I lose a few days.  But, today.....I came out of the pj's, walked the dogs and ventured out of the house for awhile.  My limbs no longer feel like jelly, my temp is normal, the headache has almost gone.  Happy Dance, I'm back!   almost.

I realized this afternoon that today is Friday......this has been my great nephew Jordan's first week at the big school, he is in kindergarten and loves every minute of it.  He has already informed his teacher that I am available to help her at any time, that Rick and I will bring the guitars and sing, and that I can bake cookies or cupcakes when ever she wants them.  :)

Walking the dogs today, I noticed the evidence of what is just around the corner......fall.  Hickory nuts are starting to drop, muscadines are ripe, tinges of color are beginning to show in the leaves. Even though it was warm and humid today, the light is different......the days are getting shorter.

Wishing you all a weekend that gives you what you need.......time, rest, fun, love, peace, good food, good friends.

Words of Wisdom From Mother Teresa

Sharing words of wisdom from Mother Teresa tonight, blessings to you all.

“Life is an opportunity, benefit from it.
Life is beauty, admire it.
Life is a dream, realize it.
Life is a challenge, meet it.
Life is a duty, complete it.
Life is a game, play it.
Life is a promise, fulfill it.
Life is sorrow, overcome it.
Life is a song, sing it.
Life is a struggle, accept it.
Life is a tragedy, confront it.
Life is an adventure, dare it.
Life is luck, make it.
Life is too precious, do not destroy it.
Life is life, fight for it.” 
― Mother Teresa

Treatment #19

Nineteen months.........it seems the treatments get closer and closer together, even the one of the nurses looked at me today and remarked that it seemed as though I had been in only a few days ago.
The room was full today, those big green chairs are not aging well.....today, they looked worn and tired.
As always there were some old friends and new ones.......but there was a happy spirit  today.
Everyone laughed, and there was a feeling of optimistic joy.

My beginning was a little rough, the first try, vein swelling......but we moved to the other arm and all was well.  Some of the early side effects have fallen by the wayside, mostly due to the slowing down of the flow of the drip......but the fatigue and aches and weakness are still with me......and strangely, even though the dose is the same each time.......every month my body reacts differently.

I took my doctor one of my relaxation cds that I give to my students.....it has four different meditations, including one for sleep.  My students tell me it's not the meditations, that it's my voice that helps them to relax......who knows, as long as it helps.  It will be interesting to hear to hear what my doctor says.

Those green chairs are not so scary anymore, I know that there is a place for them in my life.......there must be a reason I sit in them each month. My doctor keeps telling me the other patients find comfort when I am there.......I don't do anything different, I talk, I listen, I give as many hugs as possible.
Those green chairs have taught me many lessons, I see death and pain in them.......but I also see hope and health......I see incredible loneliness, but I also see family and friends finding strength and reconnecting with each other.  Those green chairs bring out the best and the worst in those of us who sit there.  I have seen those chairs empty and full......I understand the power they have.

The exhaustion is quite painful on these days.......I think that it is a combination of many things......the treatment, but also the emotional energy that flows through the room......some days the sense of fear and loss is palatable......today, even with the joy and the laughter, there was an underlying current of helplessness with some of the younger patients.  I talked with one young woman for awhile, explaining to her how important it was to not give up.......it takes a strong warrior to sit in those chairs, fighting for your health.....fighting for your life......it takes warrior skills you never knew you had.   Warriors in big green chairs.....what an image that must be.
So very tired, my bed calls to me
Goodnight, Sweet dreams

Moon Wishes

I love knowing that the moon shinning down on me tonight is also shinning down you.  I love that connection,
of all of us under the moon, gazing upward, our faces bathed in silvery light. Standing in shadows of darkness on the deck this evening, I heard the crickets and the barn owl, the air so still and heavy.......I wondered, do others feel this connection?

I understand why there have been cultures who worshiped the sun and the moon.......when you stand in the heat of the mid-day sun and feel it beating on your face, you know the importance of its warmth and light.
But, when you see the moon in the dark night sky......that is when you feel the magic......and see the possibilities.

These things I wish when you see the moon tonight.......you feel the magic, you think of our connection,  and you see the possibilities.

Disappearing Summer

Almost a full moon, wispy clouds, a few lightening bolts......an interesting evening.  A sunset full of orange and deep purple, after a day of rain.......our weather has been a conversation starter for weeks now.
Moon salutations for class.....greeting the moon.....welcoming the changes that are coming whether we want them or not.  Summer is coming to an end, school is starting........life is different.

Can you see the difference in the morning light, have you noticed the days are shorter?  The afternoons warm, yet the mornings have a gentle coolness......tinges of yellow in the leaves, apples getting their rosy glow......butterflies and humming birds seem frantic to get that last taste of summer.

Wishing you time to enjoy the last juicy melons, to sit and enjoy the fireflies dance in the night,  and feel the hot sun on your skin..........walk barefoot on the grass, and drink icy cold lemonade.  Summer is almost gone, hold her tight, she'll disappear soon.......leaving nothing but memories.

Harvest Lessons

Harvest.......it has not been the most plentiful or beautiful this year.......but the tomatoes have been yummy.
We had dinner with friends tonight, their crops have been erratic also.  You learn to plant what you love, so if you have a bumper crop, you enjoy it and if not so much, then you appreciate it.

Maybe that is how life is for most of us, when life is full and happy and good, we enjoy it.  When things are not so good, we remember and appreciate when it was.

I love gardening......it is a great teacher and valuable skill.
Knowing that you can grow your own food gives a special sense of accomplishment and confidence.  Once you understand the growing of food, you appreciate what you put in your mouth forever.

Even if you live in the city, sometime plant a tomato in a flower pot, set it in a sunny spot and water and care for it.  I promise, it will be the best tomato you have ever eaten.

Blaze

This blazing star has outshone itself this summer.....the blossoms are the size of saucers, and the plant is well over six feet tall.  It grew in my grandmother Mamie's yard, rescued by my sister, Nell many years ago.

Every morning I walk out on the deck and admire the "blaze" in all its glory......and each time I smile.  Through this plant, my sister and I both share a legacy.  Mamie would be proud. Not really sure of the name of this plant, Mamie just always called it Blazing Star......you know, five points, red.

Hoping that this crimson star brings a smile to your face this weekend.

Life Is Short

Finally, after not seeing each other for a year......my friend Nancy and I met for lunch today.  What can I tell you, life happens.......I have been sick, her husband has been sick, we have both dealt with loss.
But today was wonderful, we laughed and it was just as though we had seen each other yesterday.

This had been a difficult week, lots of changes going on, and it's the week before my next treatment so my "juice" is running low.  But seeing Nancy today was good medicine. We promised each other it would not be a year before we saw each other again.
Life is short, it is complicated, it is messy, and it is crazy.........but there is nothing like spending time with a dear friend to put it all in perspective.  Rick and I are seeing several friends this month, I didn't do any bookings for August because of work on the cd, but I did set up dates with friends.  I also got to spend time today with a cousin that I had not seen in several years.......it's interesting, we have the same disease.  Very different backgrounds, and at different stages, he lives in Florida.  Today was the first time to meet his wife and daughter, we had a great visit, including his mom and two sisters and Rick.  It has been a good day.

What can I tell, what can I encourage you to do, what kind of transformation information can I give you tonight?  Find the time.......find the time......find the time......to spend with friends and those you love.  Call, send a note, visit if you possibly can......you will never regret the effort, the energy, the time.......because life really is short.  A year will be gone in the blink of an eye, then two, three,.........
life is short.

Stolen Energy

I swear someone has stolen my energy today.  Have you ever just lost every ounce you ever had?  I think
my batteries died or something.  Wow.
Today felt like fall, it is starting to look like fall........our normal temp for today should be around 90 with high humidity......it was 80 with low humidity.  The light has started to change, and when you look at the trees, there is a golden tinge around the edges of the leaves.
The humming birds are still in a feeding  frenzy, I swear we have bought more sugar in the past two weeks than in the past two months.
Maybe my body is just as confused as Mother Nature right, where is the heat, and the air so heavy with moisture you feel as though you are swimming each time you take a walk?  I am grateful, just confused.

I hear my bed calling my name, and tonight.......I just can't refuse it.
Goodnight, Sweet dreams

My World

The flower garden at the back deck has taken on a life of its own, I swear even the bottle tree seems to be thriving in all this rain.
The blazing star and spider plants are in competition for
space.  Many are complaining about the rain, I am trying my best to be grateful, never have I seen Alabama so lush and beautiful.
Welcome to my world this evening......wish you were here.

Sweet Responsibility

“Friendship is always a sweet responsibility, never an opportunity.” 
― Kahlil Gibran

I have thought of several friends in the past few days that I have not seen in some time........I miss them. I know that when the day comes and we do see each other again, we will not take our responsibilities lightly.
Meeting a dear friend for lunch this week and a couple of others for dinner.......I love responsibility.
Good night, Sweet dreams 

A Taste of Confidence

I wish I could bottle confidence........for myself and so many others.  I wish I could take a sip everyday and then face the world fearlessly......I wish we all could.  If it were that easy......if only it were that easy.
Every day I teach brilliant students.......people who have the ability to change the world, to lead, to teach,
to truly make a difference.  Very few have even a tiny inkling of their talents and abilities.

What is it about our society that robs us of our confidence?  What steals  our belief in ourselves?  The answer I believe......we do.  We steal  and rob from each other.  Every time we judge, we belittle, we hate,
........we steal someone's confidence and belief in them selves. We can demoralize someone by a look, and words can destroy faith, hope, love and joy in a matter of seconds.  How long does/will it take for all of us to understand that.

Often we push to do better, do better and yet we never acknowledge what we have already gone......we don't celebrate our accomplishments, the goals we reach......we just keep pushing.  It is important to celebrate our achievements, to be grateful for what we have done......and then strive to go further.
That builds confidence.

We are all connected, in this vast universe.......we all strive for the same things......love, security, food, home
education.  We all in some way, want to be recognized.......we have to acknowledge the incredible work and achievements that each of us has done......we really do have to pat each other on the back. What we accomplish may not make much sense to our neighbor, but it might mean the world to us......high fives all around please.

Tomorrow, give someone a taste of confidence......a pat on the back, an acknowledgement. or just a simple
"good job".  Let's pass it on.  

Those Who Believe

Our musical "think tank" met this afternoon.......this group has been such an inspiration.  As a collective, we are quite diverse.......everything from fusion to traditional country to original rock-a-billy to blues to folk.  The pic show only four of us, Rick snapped it as we were all getting ready to go home today.

Each member of the group has just finished or is currently working on a cd.  As a group we are also working on a compilation cd, which will show case all our genres.

There are times when creativity seems to have vanished forever from my brain, but spending time with those who believe in your talents, who love you
and want to see you succeed is the perfect fuel when the flames are dying to embers.
There are  times in life when you look around, at the people you meet and how they have influenced you.......and you marvel at how incredibly lucky you are, at how blessed you are that your paths have crossed.  There have been times in life when friends did not believe in me or my talents........sadly, I kept trying to figure out what I was doing wrong......it took a while to see......you have to find those who believe in you, you have to have those who cheer you on, you have to have those who want you to succeed.

Tonight, if you don't have someone in your life who believes in you, who cheers for you, who wants you to succeed........run........run, and find someone who will, who does.......life is short.....do what you love, and surround yourself with those who believe.

A Dream Comes True

A musician must make music, an artist must paint, a poet must write, if he is to be ultimately at peace with himself.

Abraham Maslow

I know for me personally that is a truth.  Music and art have been a part of me my whole life, and honestly there have been times that I have tried to leave them, to walk away.......it was impossible.

Today, we completed the vocals on our cd, still a ways to go.......it has been a long time coming.

I have no expectations of this cd, only that I knew in my heart it had to be made, it had to be born.

Tonight, I am extremely tired, it is hard to sing the same line or phrase several times......you live for those moments when you can do it in one take.  There is such a sweetness, a true peace  in knowing

that the fruits of our labor, the flowers of our very souls are about to blossom.  My heart is filled with gratitude tonight for my path, for friends and family who have said all along you can do this, we want you to do this.  Just a little longer......a dream comes true.

Love and Don't Judge

Pain.......everyone of my students today were in some sort of pain.....physical, emotional.   I see and hear so much about that word.....pain.  I look at them all sometimes and pray and wish I were some sort of pain eraser........maybe a vacuum hose for pain.

Some days it is hard......to see and hear and feel their pain......I leave and I feel as though I'm drowning.....but I know mine will dissipate as soon as I get home.  Lives torn asunder are not pretty.....bodies beaten down by life's choices are not on magazine covers........faces painted in the pain of guilt, and heartbreak and actual physical pain do not show peace.

So we breathed..........and breathed.......and there were gentle stretches......and at the end......there was rest
and as much healing love as I could muster.  And that is the eraser, .........love.  Even when the pain racks every cell of your body, to know someone loves you, to be hugged, to not be judged.......it is the salve, the glue that mends, there is healing in love......and that I have learned is all I can do.......love and don't  judge.
Tonight I ask you all......love and don't judge.
Goodnight, Sweet dreams

Color

Did you realize that purple is my favorite color?  Actually purple, green and red rotate with an occasional turquoise splash.......it's not that I wear that much color, but I do love it in my life.
Our front door is purple, close to the color of this flower blooming on our back deck.

When I was in college I took six psychology courses, one of them was the psychology of color.  It was an extremely interesting class......all about how color can have dramatic effects on mood, personality, health, habits.  In yoga, there are seven energy points called chakras that are represented by colors......red, orange, yellow, green, turquoise, indigo and white/purple. These energy points deal with health and personalities also.

As an artist, I have been fascinated by color my whole life......my younger brother, Ricky loved the color red.  He was so enamored of the vibrancy and depth of a five gallon can of fire engine red  paint in our basement ( he was five) he opened the can and painted everything he could that brilliant blaze of red.  To this day, I can still hear my mom's screams ringing in my head.  To this day, my brother still loves red.

I can't imagine a world without color.....no blue sky, green grass and trees, no sunsets, no flowers, a life without color would have no taste, no feeling.  I have been thinking a great deal about color the past few weeks, I have the urge to paint.......before I start, the colors start to ooze through my head......for me, it begins with color.  I think a new floor cloth for the screen porch might manifest itself soon.  In the meantime, brighten your life with color, you don't have to paint your front door purple.........but then again......what about fire engine red?
 

Cookies and Cupcakes

It has been a strange, stressful few days......it seems I had a reaction to one of my meds over the weekend.  It was quite frightening, everything is fine today.

Since I felt better today, Jordan spent the day with us.  We did have to go into Birmingham for me to get checked out by my eye doc, but then we ate lunch at one of Jordan's favorite places and afterwards went for snowcones.  On the way home, he decided since I felt so much better, it would be nice if we made cookies and cupcakes........I thought he meant one or the other.  Wrong.

When we got home, he informed me that we  needed to make both, that it would be a great surprise for his mom........yep,
we made sugar cookies and chocolate cupcakes. The kitchen still has a light coat of sugar crystals on the floor and counter tops.
Everything was yummy, and he was correct......his mom was thrilled, and a little envious because Jordan had so much fun today.  Cookies and cupcakes, what a day!

Delicious Dreams

Delicious dreams......sometimes they truly are delicious.  I dreamed that Rick and I were with our friends Joel and Anne ( who have both passed on) we were playing guitar and singing and laughing, and at some point in the dream, we told them we had to leave........they both looked at us and said oh no, please don't go, this is so much fun.  I woke up this morning with a smile on my face and love in my heart for our friends and so very grateful for the power of dreams and memories.

No, not all dreams nor memories are good ones.......but the good ones are the ones you cling to, the ones your cherish and never let go.  The good ones get you through difficult times and mine did.......I had a very difficult weekend.....I suppose my mind knew that I needed to feel  love and happiness in a bad way, so the memories, the good dreams gave me comfort last night.....and I am thankful for that.

At times during my life, I have kept a dream journal.....it is pretty amazing what your dreams will tell you.....how they can help solve problems.......send you wonderful lyrics and melodies.....and basically sort out the garbage that collects in the mind sometimes.  Dreams have helped me affirm my path, have connected me with my parents when I missed them so much it seemed my heart would break, and crossed the bridges of time and distance with remembrances of friends.  Dreams have helped me understand my fears and taught me that I can wake up and rewrite the ending to those images  that scare me.

Here's wishing you all the sweetest and happiest and most delicious dreams tonight, may you all wake up with smiles tomorrow.

Compromise

Rick has spent the past couple of days working on his parts of our new cd......mine will be done this coming weekend.  Recording, practicing, writing, re-writing, art work, photographs.......it is a mountain of work for an independent to do (independent meaning no contract with big major record label) It is much the same as when he has done his books, except this time the two of us are balancing our talents, tempers, and fatigue.

I think any collaboration is very much like a relationship, there is much give and take, a practice of patience,
laughter, and the need to remind yourselves why you are doing it, what is important, and most of all......why it is fun. Sometimes........you just have to breathe......and count to ten.

It is exciting to think that this collaboration is finally coming to fruition........it has been a long time coming.....but now is the right time.  So, if any of you are in any sort of partnership or relationship, working and or/ just for fun and love......remember there will always be rough spots, and mountains to climb and curves to cling to, no matter what it is or who you are with.  We are not cookie cutter humans, each of us is different and unique.......key word to remember.....compromise and ........laugh, alot.

Rose of Sharon

It came a ferocious thunderstorm last night.......I walked outside our front door this morning and this Rose of Sharon shimmered with
raindrops from the storm.
Hope you all had a beautiful Sunday........Wishing you a joyous week!

Bless the Weird

"Blessed are the weird people, poets, misfits, writers, mystics, painters and troubadours, for they teach us to see the world through different eyes."  - Jacob Nordby

I personally think we need more of these "weird people" in our lives, in our world.  The good weird, the creative weird.........I am proud to be one of them........most of my friends fit this category as
well.  Blessings to us all........and a peaceful Saturday night.

August 2

August 2......normally I do these posts on the first day of each month, but August slipped in before I knew it.

August 2.....is there anyway to slow the pace of time?

August 2.......still not fully recovered from treatment #18, this one has been a bear, and I fear I must have poked him

August 2......the hummingbird feeding frenzy has begun, we get buzzed each time we walk by the feeders, those little hummers are everywhere right now

August 2........while gathering flowers for a bouquet today, a rather large black, yellow and blue butterfly chose to land on the flowers in my hand, I heard a very faint clicking sound, I spoke to him and he looked at me, very surreal experience

August 2......our yard is the most beautiful it has been in years, green, lush, and the flowers are brilliant.

August 2......the goal for August, complete our cd

August 2......if you ever want to watch a simple beautiful movie with an equally beautiful sound track, watch Once.....it makes me homesick for Ireland, we watched it tonight.....one of the best compliments we ever got, a friend said the songs reminded him of those that Rick and I write

August 2.....homegrown tomatoes, eating them everyday, will miss them when they are gone

August 2.....the sunflowers are as large as plates, covered in honeybees....and we know where the bee tree is

August 2.....wishing you summer blessings, an abundance of fresh food, beautiful flowers and warm sun on your skin and blue skies above you

Slow and Easy

Classes today......yin yoga........slooooooowwwww.........holding poses around three minutes, breathing, surrendering........ahhhhhhhhhhh.   On those days, when the brain is careening around each corner, 100 miles per hour, when thoughts are flashing like lightening, and multi-tasking is too slow........ you need yin yoga.

Each class today, breathed audible sighs........several times........life in the fast lane, even when you don't want to be there takes it toil.  Cleansing your body, mind and spirit is hard work, those slow gentle asanas are what you need......controlled breathing is what your body craves.

Today, we all needed yin.......stressed, tight faces, rigid bodies, and shallow breathing were the tell-tale signs.  Smiling faces at the end of class........results and proof that yoga works, that yoga heals.
Goodnight, Sweet dreams