Friday, July 31, 2015

July 31

Continuing my sunflower theme...I just thought my table decor was fitting for the blue moon tonight.

It has been an exquisite day, low humidity ( VERY rare in Alabama in July) the bluest skies you could ever wish for, and a gentle breeze from the north...yes, the temps were still in the 90"s...but what a day!

The full moon is peaking over the tree tops, it is shinning through the lace curtain on my window like a shy perfect pearl.

Something about this moon has given me a burst of hope, after all to have a full moon on the first day of the month and then on the last...don't you think there might be some magic in the air?

So, once again the full moon shines on me and it shines on you...I hope it brings a bit of magic to all of us tonight and maybe, an ounce of kindness too.

Thursday, July 30, 2015

Color

When I was in college I took a course in the psychology of color.  It was one of the best courses I ever took.  As an artist, color has always fascinated me and when I became a yoga teacher and learned about the chakras, color became more important than ever.

There were many years in my life when I wore the darkest, most muted colors I could find...black, grey, navy, burgundy, browns...those were the colors that appealed to me. I worked in the fashion industry then and I think because I was surrounded by so much color I had to buffer myself from being over stimulated.

As the years went by I began to recall my class, and remembered that not only  could color play an important role in my life, but it would in those around me as well.

Color affects our moods, how others perceive us,
it energizes and calms...it can inspire creativity,
bring warmth and friendliness to a room, or create an austere, cold cubicle.

When I snapped this picture of our sunflowers this morning, I smiled...the blue sky, the bright yellows and greens...I knew all was right with my world. I hope your world is filled with beautiful happy colors tomorrow.

Wednesday, July 29, 2015

Fallow Times

Fallow times, it is easy to talk about abundance, after all, that is what we all want, but fallow times...those are the times we often want to forget or rush through.

When fallow times knock on our door, we often wonder if we did something wrong, did we upset the apple cart, could we have done it all better?  But fallow times are part of that circle that I speak of so often.  Fallow and abundance are part of the balance, fallow times remind us about little things like gratitude, patience and humbleness.

The interesting thing about life, you can have abundance in one area and be fallow in another...or it can be all or nothing.  Rick and I have both have experienced some fallow times in parts of our lives the past month or so.  And like most everyone, we struggled at first trying to figure out what we did or didn't do...about a week ago, I got it.  Sometimes I am a bit slow, but the lightening bolt hit and
understanding began to creep into my brain.

I realized you really do have to live the fallow parts, use them, take advantage of them.
Learn, experience, rest....do what ever it takes to make the most of the lean/slow/fallow times.
For us as musicians, time to write, practice, work on our voices, hone our skills...get inspired...so that when the time comes, and it will...we can inspire others.

If there is a fallow time in your life, take some inventory, see what's missing,look at  your strengths and weaknesses.  Work on yourself, your health, your talents, your intelligence, your kindness...and know that this too shall pass, that abundance will come again.

Tuesday, July 28, 2015

Pretty Maids

Along the garden's edge, there is a row of zinnias and sunflowers, they really are "pretty maids all in a row."

Each morning as I walk the dogs, I see those flowers.  Usually there are butterflies and bees buzzing about too.

I love the vibrant colors, the happiness if you will of those flowers as they face the morning sun.  If I am tired or grumpy, they always cheer me up.  Nature has that ability, to lift our spirits and remind us of the beauty that is everywhere if we open our eyes.

I keep fresh flowers in our house almost 365 days a year.  Those rare days when there are none, the house seems empty and a little drab.  My mom and my grandmother Mamie taught me to love flowers, to grow them and understand how important they were to the human spirit.

Tonight, I am grateful for my pretty maids all in a row...I am humbled by their beauty.

Monday, July 27, 2015

Affirmations

Affirmations...I believe they work.  I occasionally teach yoga classes using positive affirmations with each posture.  I taught my afternoon class using affirmations today.  We are bombarded by so much negativity that I think anything positive we can put out in the universe will help.

One of my favorites, do a simple twist and repeat the affirmation..."I let go of my past."
It is easy to wallow in the past, to cling to it and relive every moment.  There comes a time when you have to let go to move forward.

Another of my favorites, a forward fold..." I let go of stress".  Hard to be stressed when you are in a forward fold.

The nice thing about doing a class with positive affirmations...once you move through that posture and repeat that affirmation...it sticks with you.  I have done thousands of simple twists, yet each time I do them, I think about releasing the past...about letting go.

When I do my smart vest, when I walk the dogs...I have several positive affirmations that I repeat to myself.  One that I repeat daily..."I am healthy and well."

I hope your Monday has been a good one and that you have experienced something positive today.
Before you go to sleep tonight, think of one thing to be grateful for and say a positive affirmation.
Goodnight, Sweet dreams

Sunday, July 26, 2015

Surprises

Life is full of surprises, life on the farm is full of surprises.  We had a surprise rain shower this afternoon.  Sam and Jordan had come over for our usual Sunday walk in the woods, it began to sprinkle...soon there was a gentle rain falling and we walked through the woods giddy from the refreshing coolness of the rain.

Rick had to make a grocery run into town after our walk.
I stepped out on the back deck, another surprise...three of our hens were enjoying themselves in our lounge chairs.
They seemed rather perturbed that I interrupted their Sunday afternoon rest.

Another surprise, a thunderstorm moved through after dinner dumping an inch of rain and dropping temps down into the 80's.
A few minutes ago, Rick yelled for me to come to the back door, a doe and a buck were eating apples as a warm fog spread across the back field.

A  day filled with surprises, simple ones but really good ones.  I hope your Sunday gave you a few nice surprises.
Goodnight, Sweet dreams

Saturday, July 25, 2015

Hot Sunset

Usually our sunsets are most colorful in the fall and winter months, but this one a couple of days ago...
it was 97 about the time this was taken...was quite beautiful.

I love the play of shadows against the color.

My wasp stings feel better, now they itch like crazy.  At least the swelling has gone down...and the meningitis has subsided.

We found Rick a new truck...just like his old one.
He is a happy man.

Hope your Sunday is a peaceful one.
Goodnight, sweet dreams

Friday, July 24, 2015

Magic

I walked out on the deck last evening, and saw a beautiful sunset and a moon rise at the same time...a very magical moment.

A tough few days...on Wednesday I had 11 wasp stings on my feet.  The stings caused the worst episode of meningitis in a year...still feel it today.  UGH!

But, I saw the moon rise and  the sunset and I am a lucky woman.

Happy Friday, hope your weekend brings some magic your way.

Thursday, July 23, 2015

The Wind

"The pessimist complains about the wind;
the optimist expects it to change;
and the realist adjusts the sail."  -William Ward

However your wind blows, I hope it takes you where you want to go.
Goodnight, Sweet dreams

Wednesday, July 22, 2015

Wasps and Cookies

It was a wonderful day with Jordan, complete with chocolate chip cookies.

There was a bit of a glitch...I had an encounter with several red wasps...about 6 stings on left ankle, about that many on right foot.  Yes, feet are swollen and they HURT!

But, we had fun and Jordan a had a story to tell his mom about my wasp dance.  I am so grateful they got me and not him.

Yep, those cookies were yummy and they do make wasp stings feel better.

Rick came home from work and became the wasp slayer...
Goodnight, Sweet dreams

Tuesday, July 21, 2015

Tuesday Thoughts

Rain, cooler temperatures, at least for the night...chair yoga today...my Jawbone my niece gave me is keeping me on my toes.  My goal, with this Jawbone tracker was to make sure I got ten thousand steps a day...it's working.  That little black rubber wrist band is keeping me on my toes, recording my sleep and activity.  My sleep needs some help, but I am getting close to my goal of 8 hours per night.

Another long day, but that is how it goes some days, you breathe, smile and know in your heart...this too shall pass.

Tomorrow, Jordan will spend the day with me.  All the important things will be done such as....
giggles, blowing bubbles, making cookies, running with the dogs, climbing trees...who knows what the two of us will be up to...there might be some paint involve as well.

My cup of tea is calling, so is my bed.
Goodnight, Sweet dreams

Monday, July 20, 2015

Monday Thoughts

Fallen trees, searing temperatures, a little reprimand at work.... make up a very long day.
It is all coming together with an aching head tonight.
This too shall pass.

A cup of tea, some soft music and a cozy bed await me...I am grateful.
Goodnight, Sweet dreams

Sunday, July 19, 2015

Weather Trauma

This morning I sat in the laundry room folding my yoga blankets that I had washed for my work classes...I heard a crack, then a louder crackle and then a really loud thud and felt the room shake.
I looked out the window as the tree that had been hit by our storm on Tuesday lost its support by smaller trees crashed into Rick's truck, its limbs brushing the side of the house.
I now know that my heart is strong...because it scared me silly.  I ran through the house yelling for Rick that the tree had fallen.

We walked outside, staring at the fallen trees, now resting in the center of Rick's truck, the cab crushed and a large  v shaped dent  from bumper to bumper.  We had called the tree guy after the storm came through, but there were so many trees down we were on the list for this week.  Now all he will have to do is cut the trees for fire wood...they are down.

It has been an interesting week, hot as blazes, storms and fallen trees...this week another week of furnace like temps and more storms predicted. We are in some sort of weather trauma for sure.
 I am dreaming, I am longing for days filled with cool breezes...hanging on with hopes for a chilly fall.
Goodnight, Sweet dreams

Saturday, July 18, 2015

Humble Pie

This morning's horoscope was interesting.  It reminded me that my talents were gifts from the universe and I should keep my ego in check and let go of any attachments that I had about concerning my talents.
It was a splash of cold water on my face.

For the past few months, I have had this absurd need for validation concerning my music.  I am not sure where or how it developed, but it had grown and festered.  In my past my music has always been an incredible source of joy, pure absolute joy.  Somehow the seed had been planted and had grown
immensely in my brain that I needed validation...more bookings, more fans, more, more, more.

That little horoscope brought it all back into perspective today. It was a reality check.
Have you ever had a reality check?  It is unsettling to be going on your merry way, all smug and secure and life yells at you.

So today I have eaten humble pie, readjusted my sights, realigned and rechecked ego and dreams.
Humble pie is not tasty, but it sticks with you.
Goodnight, Sweet dreams


Friday, July 17, 2015

Energy and Bio-Rhythms

Thanks to Julia for last night's comment about bio-rhythms...I checked my chart today, guess what?
My physical energy was at -100% and will continue there for a couple of more days...no wonder
I have been a walking zombie.  At least my creative and emotional energies have taken an upward turn.

Whether you believe bio-rhythm theories or not, they are quite interesting.   I have followed mine for several years and for me personally they are right on the money when it comes to my energy levels.
I had thought about painting the bathroom this weekend, but now I think I will take it easy for the next couple of days and wait for the energy to begin its upward swing.

If you are interested in checking your rhythms out, there are free 30 day charts available on the internet.
All it takes is your date and year of birth.

When it comes down to it, it is all about yin and yang, a season for everything, life's circle if you will.
The ebb and flow of life's energy for humans, for the earth itself is an eternal balance.  At times, I forget, but days like the past few remind me...there are  times you have to slow down.

Our heat wave is still coming on strong, at least 10 more days of it and little or no rain.  I think this Alabama summer must have an energy level of 100% +
I am grateful for air conditioning and fans and cold clean water to drink.

Enjoy your weekend, if you are in the hot zone, remember to hydrate!

Thursday, July 16, 2015

Auto-Pilot

Have you ever ran on auto-pilot?  I think I must be doing just that...I have accomplished many menial tasks the past few days, but it seems my creative juices have dried and become dust in the wind.

I know, you can not force creativity, neither love nor passion...there is an wax and wane to all things and I am in the wane of creative energy right now.   Not sure if this fatigue is heat related, but my energy is at a standstill.

So what do you do?  I have continued to push forward, with hopes of a spark that will ignite the flames once again.  I do know this, I am not alone.  I have friends who seem to be knee deep in the same rut.
Perhaps a short vacation or out of town trip is what I need...some place cool, peaceful and joyful...full of music and good times.

The overwhelming light and heat of long summer days has once again taken its spite out on me.
I wait...for cooler days...for shorter days...and my energy to glow.

Wednesday, July 15, 2015

Storm Report

Not sure if it is the heat, the alignment of the stars....or heaven forbid, old age...but I am dragging tonight.  I think Rick must have used the Kirby to suck the energy right out of me while I was sleeping last night.

After last night's storm, I spent a good part of the afternoon sweeping debris off the deck, and the front walk.  The yard is still littered with leaves, pine cones, small limbs etc. We realized today, there were more trees down and one at our driveway hanging by, well supported by another tree.  Poor Zeus the rooster, when the old pine hit the chicken pen last night his world turned upside down...in the middle of the storm he is running around in the back yard crowing.  Rick finally got him in the hen house, but
he has been a little spooked today.

The winds blew most of the big fat pears off the tree, took out about half of my sunflowers too.
I am grateful it was not a tornado...just straight line wind.

My cup of red zinger tea awaits, and my nice cozy bed.
Goodnight, Sweet dreams

Tuesday, July 14, 2015

Respite

Rain and wind swept through about an hour ago...the temperature has dropped at least 10 degrees.
We had an old dead tree that we were going to have removed, the wind did it for us.
The rain is still falling and I can hear the earth rejoicing...I am rejoicing too, the heat has been in the upper 90's for over a week and more to come. Tonight is a nice respite.

Today one of the doctors at work told me that I was still getting glowing reports about my classes...after 10 years...I told him that I loved what I was doing.  He laughed and told me so did the patients.  It is nice to be told you are doing good work.

I am drained tonight, the heat is getting to most of us.  So grateful for the rain and the temperature drop even though it is just for tonight.

Goodnight Sweet dreams

Monday, July 13, 2015

Different Roads

"People take different roads seeking fulfillment and happiness.  Just because they're not on your road doesn't mean they've gotten lost."

- Dalai Lama

Sunday, July 12, 2015

The League

Our songwriters group met at our house today...as I sat and listened to the songs that these incredible friends have written I am amazed at their talents.  It is humbling to be around talented creative friends...especially when they are so kind. Though we have only been together as a group for about three years, I feel as though they have all been in my life much much longer.

It is important to our well-being, our physical and mental health to spend time with friends.
We need the love and support of friends, we need their cheers when times are good, we need their
hugs when times are difficult.

Having friends who do not look at you as competition, but who respect what you do is rare in a creative field such as music.  We are all very diverse as far as the types of music we write and perform, but our love of writing brought us together. Many of us have written songs together, performed together and cheered each other at our individual performances.

Tonight I am grateful for The League of Extra Ornery Songwriters, for their friendships, their talents and all they have shared, am looking forward to this next year of music and friendships.

Saturday, July 11, 2015

Time In The Past

Rick has been on a nostalgia kick, going through old pictures like a mad man, flooding Facebook with them for the past couple of days.

This one brought back a rush of memories...me and my best friend Kaye.  I rarely look at old pictures, but this one reminded me of how much Kaye has been a part of my life.

She has been there through the best of times and the worst.  I cannot imagine my life without her.
Sometimes it is ok to spend a little time in the past...especially when it reminds you of how abundant your life has been.

Friday, July 10, 2015

Weather Rant

I have the Weather Channel app on my phone, it has some of my most favorite places I have visited
keyed in so I can check their weather.  Galway, Ireland is one of the places that I check daily.  The heat index was 110 here today, with 77% humidity, in Galway it was 63 degrees with a light rain.

I like rainy weather, I like cold weather...hot humid sunny weather makes me feel ill.  Hot dry weather I can deal with, humidity ...that's the deal breaker.  There are not many of us in the south who enjoy cold weather or rain.  Most who live here are here because of the sun and warmth.
I am an oddity. A stranger in a truly strange land.

About September, the weather will become a little more tolerable, until then my motto is "this too shall pass."...but then again, some winters we never wear coats.  My friends in Ireland call Alabama the Hot Country.  I know this sounds bizarre coming from a woman who is cold a great deal of the time but the humid heat and extreme air-conditioning just confuses my body.

Thanks for letting me weather rant.


Thursday, July 9, 2015

Always Got

" If you always do what you always did, you will always get what you always got."  - Albert Einstein

There is great truth in this quote from Einstein, how can you expect life to be different when you live it the same way day after day? If you want change, you have to change.

Wednesday, July 8, 2015

Great Day Off

Today was our day off.  Our friend  Bob, who owns Berkeley Bob's Coffee House is having a summer music festival, weekdays at lunch.  All acoustic, just voices and instruments, no amplification.

Rick and I played there today.  Some good friends came by to listen, the lunch crowd was enthusiastic and we had a great time.  Bob's wife, Geri made us tomato, avocado and turkey sandwiches and watermelon lemonade.  Wow!

It was one of the best off days ever...good food, and we got to
play music and hang out with friends.
My wish for you all tonight, that your off day will be just as good as mine was today.

Tuesday, July 7, 2015

Shade Garden

I have spent years working on our shade garden that leads to our front door.  Gardens are so much like life, they have to be loved, nurtured, cared for, fed and then given the freedom to do what they do best.

The wild violets, ferns and mosses are thriving now. The stones, fountain, walkway have a beautiful green mossy patina.

I step out every morning to marvel at its beauty...to see the sunlight play on the rocks and moss and hear the fountain gurgle.

Even when the temperature hovers near 100, our shade garden feels cool. It has become an oasis for creatures, butterflies, hummingbirds, dragon flies, chipmunks, and birds
visit us daily.  I am in heaven.

Monday, July 6, 2015

New Beginnings

" New beginnings are often disguised as painful endings." - Lao Tzu

no explanation needed, this quote perfectly clear.

Sunday, July 5, 2015

Sunday Thoughts

Holiday weekends are strange and wonderful, I kept thinking that yesterday was Sunday.
Our neighbors spent a great deal of money on fireworks, our poor dogs just about went over the edge last night.  Calliou, the Collie was in Rick's bathroom trying to climb into the sink, Taz just sat and shook.  The next time there are fireworks in the neighborhood, the dogs will be sedated, it broke my heart to see them so upset.  We have two  Nam Vets on our road, after watching our dogs last night, I can't imagine what those guys were going through.

Holidays are wonderful, because of great food, lots of laughter, and time with family and friends.
I have eaten way too much, exercised way too little...but tomorrow is Monday and tonight, Samantha gave me a JawBone. The ugly truth or maybe not so ugly,  will show its face, as I track my sleep, exercise and eating habits.
I am taking my health into my own hands.  Hoping that technology, via SmartVest and JawBone will
take me down a path that medicine would not.  A path of health, and healing without monthly chemicals making me so sick that my quality of life disappeared.

Goodnight, Sweet dreams

Friday, July 3, 2015

Food Memory

A good day...Jordan spent all day with us, we did errands, cleaned house, got haircuts.  But the nice thing about doing all of this with a seven year old...even going to Walmart was fun.

Getting ready for a small 4th of July celebration tomorrow, a couple of friends, a few family members...lots of food.

It is interesting, how food plays such a big part of celebrations, actually food figures into most events in our lives, even the sad ones.  Wedding cake, birthday cake and ice cream,  BBQ, soup...think of special and every day events and the foods that you connect to them.  Think of all  the memories of  food and its role in our lives.

I think that is why it is so important to prepare food with love.  Food is not only nourishment for the body, but the soul also..  We celebrate births, weddings with glorious food, but  we comfort ourselves with it as well.  Here in the South, the moment there is a death in the family, there is a knock on the door...someone has brought food.

One of the first books I can remember reading, was a cookbook.  I think I might have been in the second grade.  I read a recipe for buttercream frosting.  When my mom died, I made sure that I got that particular cookbook.  I still make that buttercream frosting.

Tonight I made a peach pie.  It was warm, juicy and sweet with a tender flaky crust...a dollop of whipped cream made it perfection.

Ya'll have a Happy Fourth of July tomorrow, eat something wonderful...create a great food memory.

Thursday, July 2, 2015

Envious and Disappointed

Full moon tonight, but a sky covered in clouds...that's how it goes sometimes.  The moon had been beautiful this week and I was sure it would be an incredible one tonight.  Mother Nature decided I had seen enough Lunar activity and the clouds rolled in today.

There had been an orange/red glow to the moon earlier this week, come to find out it was because of forest fires in Canada.  The ash and smoke had drifted all the way to Northern Alabama.

So, if you see the full moon tonight, tell him I sure did miss seeing him...maybe tomorrow night will be clear.  Enjoy the night sky beauty, wish upon a star and maybe bask in a few moon beams.
I am envious and disappointed.

Goodnight, Sweet dreams

Wednesday, July 1, 2015

July 1

July 1...the year is half gone

July 1...Independence Day on the 4th

July 1...a slow steady rain is falling, you can almost hear the plants rejoice

July 1...a navy blue pedicure today, a hair cut Friday...it's all about me

July 1...peaches, blueberries and watermelons...I'm in heaven!

July 1...Calliou has convinced Taz to be afraid of thunder

July 1...Alabama summers make me very lazy

July 1...I planted turmeric today

July 1...though it is not the most flattering color on my pink Irish skin, I love white clothing in the summer

July 1...tiger lilies are blooming, zinnias are almost knee high

July 1...baby chicks soon, momma hen is on the nest

July 1...I wish my mom and dad had lived to see what we have done with the farm

July 1...enjoy your summer it will be gone so very soon