Sunday's Reflections

November is almost gone, 2015 is almost over....two facts that I just can't wrap my brain around.
Where did the time go?

It has been a very good Thanksgiving week.  Time with family, lots of food, beautiful weather.
Memories were made.

The rains have moved in today, though it is still warm, much too warm for the end of November.
With all this rain, maybe snow will visit us in the next few weeks, those temps just have to drop.

December's calendar is starting to fill up.  That is ok, it should always be a busy month, we just have to remember to breathe and pace ourselves.  It is all about enjoying the moment.

The last of the Thanksgiving turkey made wonderful soup tonight, along with homemade apple pie.
Back to veggies and smoothies tomorrow.  Even with the holiday, I still continued my 10,000 steps.

Time to recharge, get ready for classes tomorrow.
Goodnight, Sweet dreams

What We Think

a quote for this Saturday night...

"All that we are is the result of what we have thought.  The mind is everything. What we think we become. "  - Buddha

Joy of Kids

The house was full of food and family yesterday.  The backyard was abuzz with kids this afternoon.

My brother Ricky, and Jordan, Breezze, Daizy and Joy came over and it was full tilt boogie. 

Those kids ran for almost two hours, just for the joy of movement, fresh air and sunshine.  Just for the joy of being kids.

Rick, Ricky and I just sat and laughed...and wished we had half the energy.  Ha! Maybe in our next lives.

Too Short

The light of the moon shinning down on all creatures is driving our dogs crazy tonight.  They keep barking at any and everything.  Just after dark, a small very young deer walked gingerly up to our birdbath for a sip of water.  She stared at me with large dark eyes, so beautiful, so trusting.

Our fridge is full of leftovers, no one left our home hungry today.  I think about those who are hungry, who are cold, who are without home or country. I think about those in our military far from home.  I think about my students at work who could not go home.

Tonight, I wish I could feed everyone, I wish I could give everyone a soft warm bed, I wish all those who are away from their homes could be home.  I am blessed and everyone I know is blessed and yes we all go through hard times but we have roofs over our heads and food in our bellies.

I think about our friends who lost loved ones this week, about our friends who are sick....but yet, there is still so much to be grateful for. The moon shines so brightly tonight and as I look at its light, I pray for peace, for humanity, for kindness.  I pray we remember, to do unto others as we would have them do unto us.  Life is too short for hate...life is too short for fear...life is too short.

Goodnight, Sweet dreams

Happy Thanksgiving

Tomorrow is Thanksgiving.  Since my parents have both passed, holidays are bittersweet.  Filled with good memories yet sadness because of those who aren't here to celebrate anymore.

My brother Ricky and his family are coming for lunch, so is my sister Pat and her daughter Jayna.
My friend Fred, who works with me will be here too.  Life goes on, new traditions are created and precious memories are held in our hearts.

I have so much to be grateful for, family, friends, work and better health than I have had in years.
Sending you all blessings for this Thanksgiving, may your day be filled with good food, loving friends and family and gratitude.  And may the beautiful full moon peaking through my window tonight shine his light on all of you.

Happy Thanksgiving!

Real Compassion

There are times in my classroom when there is so much love and kindness flowing from the students that I leave there with the sensation of floating.  Today was one of those days.  As class ended, I sat there and thought about humanity, if we could only spread what we all felt for that hour the world would change.

My quote on the board today was from Pema Chodron, " Compassion becomes real when we recognize our shared humanity."  Every person in class today felt that shared humanity.
For all the darkness that seems to prevail around us, there is light.  I believe there is more light than darkness.  We have to remember and recognize our shared humanity.

My Thanksgiving wish is early this year, but my wish is that we all recognize our shared humanity.  That we all feel real compassion for each other and that the light of humanity shines brighter than ever before.

Goodnight, Sweet dreams

All You Leave With

I am sharing this from FaceBook tonight, my friend Connie Jean posted it today.
It resonated with me,   especially after attending two memorial services this weekend.
Goodnight, Sweet dreams

Laugh Out Loud

While we were at our gig Thursday night, a friend we have known for some 40 years made her final transformation.   The last few years we hadn't seen each other  as much as we did in the early years.
Life took us down different paths.  We went to pay our last respects to her today.

As Rick and I stood waiting to speak to her husband and children, her sister came over and spoke to us.
There was a large crowd, actually the church was full of people who had come to celebrate Debbie's life.  Her sister Donna looked at me and said "she would have loved this, all these people here."
I agreed.  We talked about Debbie's wicked sense of humor. After spending time with her, if you had not laughed, it was your own fault.  She really could have been a stand-up comedienne.

I have often said through the years that it seems so many people have lost the ability to laugh.
I think a sense of humor, the ability to smile and laugh is vital for kindness and survival.
Our small world lost someone who valued laughter, who laughed out loud and encouraged those around her to laugh.  Laughter is the best medicine for physical ills and spiritual woes, especially the ability to laugh at ones self.

I  encourage students, friends, family and those who read this blog to laugh out loud daily.
Tomorrow, in memory and honor of our friend Debbie...laugh out loud.
Goodnight, Sweet dreams

Energy Spurt

Friends and family in Chicago and Michigan are getting snow...we are getting freezing temps tonight.
All the plants are snug and happy in the house tonight, time will reveal what creatures were brought in with them.  Through the years we have brought in an assortment of lizards, chipmunks, spiders, etc.
always interesting.

I also went through some of our bookshelves today.  3 boxes of books for family and charity.
Where did this energy spurt come from?  Now, if it would just stay long enough for me to do some painting...walls and cards. Of course I need to stay focused and clear all the bookshelves first.

Wishing you all a peaceful Sunday.
Goodnight, Sweet dreams

Trees and Moons

The half moon has been so lovely the past couple of nights.  I am hoping that for the full moon this week we have clear skies.  I am calling this a gratitude moon, after all reaching it fullness by Thanksgiving, what else could you call it?

We have our first freeze warning issued for the weekend, time to move plants into the house.

The two big citrus trees were brought in this afternoon.  It took me an hour of pruning but they look great tonight.  Tomorrow, the mango and avocado trees will be moved in.  We have so many big plants now, it gets a little congested when we bring them all in and usually by spring, I am a little claustrophobic.

Rather worn from the gig and the road, there is a cup of peppermint tea calling me softly.

Goodnight, Sweet dreams

Music

Tonight was an awesome gig. Nothing like an audience that gets what you are doing.  What fun.
I love seeing people smile when we play or listening to our words...we are not a band, but there were even people dancing.

Music is a healer. It reminds us of better times and of sad times.  It brings joy and reconnects us to our memories.  It brings out the human in all of us.  I am so grateful for music.

One of the gentlemen in the audience tonight said, "can you imagine how horrible the world would be without music, who would want to live here?"  I agree, music and art keep us sane, keep us human.
I am so thankful for my talents, however small they may be.

Goodnight Sweet dreams

A Golden Gift

As I started my second class today, we were half way through beginning breath work, I looked out my windows and saw the most beautiful golden light.  It had rained all day, monsoonal rains, pouring sheets of water at times.  The sky had been gray since yesterday.

I asked the class to open their eyes.  I told them to look out the windows and see the most wonderful gift the universe had given us.  The whole world was bathed in shimmering golden light.  Never have I seen light that looked like spun gold, but this light did. It took my breath away.  If light can give hope, this light did.

That golden light set the tone for the entire class.  A peace settled over the class, students moved through asanas effortlessly and gracefully.  Those who came into class, troubled, became subdued and calm.  I often talk about healing breath and light.  We experienced healing light in that class this evening.

It was another day of saying goodbyes and hellos.  The gift of golden light seemed to put it all in perspective.  For everyone today was a new beginning, wrapped in gold.  A gift to remember, a gift to treasure.

Tuesday Thoughts

Storms rolling in later tonight, November and December are actually our second tornado season each year.  The winds have been howling tonight.  Much too warm for mid-November.

Rick is still not feeling well.  Almost everyone I know is ill or has someone in their family who is ill.
It's as though we need to do an anti-bug/virus/flu dance.  I have washed my hands so many times I think the skin is coming off.

Energy was low in class today.  Sometimes the sadness just sweeps the building.  I read that there were to be meteor showers tonight, too bad the clouds rolled in.  I think we all could use some wishes on a shooting star.

I think bedtime will be very early at the Watson house tonight.  I also need a cup of hot tea.
Goodnight, Sweet dreams

Ego/Soul

I am sharing this from a site, Music for Deep Meditation.  I loved this.
Hope it resonates with you as much as it did with me.

Sundays

I was born on a Sunday.  Is that why Sunday is my favorite day of the week?  Sundays for me have always been special.  Early childhood memories of Sundays are good...reading the Sunday comics with my dad, my mom's Sunday dinners, family Sunday afternoon rides...I love Sundays.

For some, Sunday is the beginning of the week, for others the end.  For me, Sundays are like New Year's Eve every week.  The opportunity to look back, to reflect, and to look forward.  My Sundays keep me balanced and centered.  They give me a day of rest, to spend time with family and friends.

Sundays are my day to recharge,  I catch up on e-mails and calls on Wednesdays...Sundays are for walks, enjoying nature, reading, working my day planner for the coming week. Remembering the past week, letting go of what I can and holding on to lessons I have learned.

Today, has been a Sunday of cooking foods we love, spending time outdoors, rehearsing for our Thursday night gig, and I got a haircut today.  I thought about my students that I said goodbye to this week and sent them good thoughts.  Actually, I sent good thoughts out to the whole world, including all of you who read this blog.

I hope your Sunday gave you what you needed, maybe it was a nap, a visit or some time for meditation. I hope this Sunday night gives you rest, peace and sweet dreams.

Blessed

It has been a beautiful autumn day.  It has been a wonderfully normal day, filled with routine.
I washed yoga mats, cleaned eye pillows, washed yoga blankets, played with Jordan, ran with the dogs, and looked up at the clear blue sky.  Rick is slowly feeling better.

I found out that my insurance company is going to pay for my Smartvest, the manufacturer is willing to accept what the insurance pays.  I owe nothing for something that has been life changing for me.

I am a lucky woman.  Life is good. I am grateful. I am blessed.

Goodnight, Sweet dreams

Grateful

My harvest flag, a symbol of my gratitude for the abundance that fills my life.

Wishing all of you peace tonight, reminding you that there is always something to be grateful for.

Goodnight, Sweet dreams

Rare Blue Moon

Every once in a blue moon I get a group of students that are so incredible they take my breath.
For the past few months, I have had one of those groups.  They are kind, brilliant, clever, funny, smart, the best of the best.  They began to leave the program a couple of weeks ago and soon they will all be gone...back out into the world to hopefully live the lives they were born to live.

I have cried  many tears in the past weeks, saying goodbye to them, saying prayers for them, hoping with all my heart that they go home and live the life they long for.  I pray that their choices are the right ones for them and they have the courage to walk the path that leads to a peaceful life.

Rick is feeling better tonight and I am very tired.  I think warm flannel sheets and hot tea will do me good.
Goodnight Sweet dreams

Thank You

To all who have served, and to those who are still serving, Thank You!  Happy Veteran's Day!

My dad and mom, just before he left for war.  He was an Air Force medic, who served in Germany and France.  I never knew until many years after he died, that he was a decorated hero.  He refused to talk about the war.  I just know that many times through the years, he seemed so sad.

Sadly, I know now that he must have suffered miserably with PTSD all those years.  Now it  is ironic that I spend my work days doing everything I can to help my students who have PTSD  cope with their daily lives.

Looking at that picture of my dad and mom, they look so happy, so full of hope.  I am lucky to have had such good loving parents.  They taught me to always be of service to my friends, family, community and mankind.  RIP mom and dad.

Thanks to all of you Veterans for your sacrifices.

Bugs and Creatures

Rick is under the weather, I might be approaching the same front.  There are some nasty bugs going around.  I have fingers crossed, taking loads of vitamins, washing my hands, howling at the stars...you know, whatever I can do not to catch the stuff.

Thank goodness I am off tomorrow.  Maybe some rest and fresh air will boost whatever is left of my immune system.

The deer are prowling through the neighborhood again tonight.  They drive all the dogs crazy.
As I left work tonight, at the edge of the parking lot was a huge raccoon eating something.
He watched me as I got into the car, I felt as though he was daring me to take his food.  After our escapades with raccoons and our chickens I don't trust the little bandits at all.

It is time to let this day go, get a good night's sleep and start all over tomorrow.
Goodnight, Sweet dreams

A Cup of Hot Tea

Chilly and rainy today.  The dogs did not want to run this morning.  Taz walked to the barn and then immediately started back to the house. She hates getting wet.

When we came home tonight, two deer were at our driveway.  They come almost every night and eat the birdseed in the feeders.  Creatures are funny.  They really do have habits that can be quite endearing. The deer often look in our windows as they eat the birdseed.

It has been another emotional day in class.  More hellos and goodbyes, it is the nature of what I do.
I will never get use to that part of my job.

My cup of hot tea awaits.  I am tired tonight,but the tea is just what I need. Tea is magical, it can energize, calm and soothe.  It can be as comforting as an old friend. When I am sick, it makes me feel better.  Nothing like a cup of hot tea.
Goodnight, Sweet dreams

It All Works Out

I just wrote my Christmas column for The Leaf today.  I will post it here on my blog after it is published in the paper.  It was one of those times writing that the words flowed quickly and effortlessly.  I am still surprised that I am published in a newspaper.

I laugh often about how life changes your plans.  Never once, when I began this blog did I ever imagine my writing being published.  I thought I would write this blog for a few months, maybe a year...my,my how time flies.

It has been a good Sunday,peaceful, but productive day, with a few curves thrown in.  We were suppose to have a meeting of our songwriting friends at our house this evening, but no go.  Some were sick, others had other commitments, you know, life happens, plans change.  Instead of the meeting, I wrote my column and baked pumpkin bread.  It all works out.

Wishing you blessings of peace this week.  Find some joy in all that you do.
Goodnight, Sweet dreams

No Tomatoes

We drove south this morning for our gig.  It rained all night and has rained all day. It began warm and muggy, now it is damp and chilly.

The gig was a good one.  I love playing for art councils and  festivals.  As I told my friend Louis when we got home this evening, "anytime they don't throw tomatoes at you, and they ask you to come back, it's a good gig."  No tomatoes, and they asked us to play for future events.  :)

It felt good to play today.  I am hoping this leads to more bookings for the next few months.
Rick is doing what he usually does every Saturday night  in autumn, watching Alabama football. I go by the tv room every once in awhile to make sure he's still breathing.  :)  He does love his football.

I am exhausted.  I don't eat before gigs. I run on Adrenalin and after it is over, I am empty.
I had plans on cleaning the fridge tonight, but I am passing on that.  Taz and I will sit by fire, read and drink a cup of tea.

Here's to a peaceful Sunday and no tomatoes.

Friday Ramblings

I hear the rain tonight.  For some reason, it reminds me of the impermanence of life.  The rain falls, the earth drinks it up and the cycle continues. I am missing the dead tonight.  My parents, my brother, and friends and family who have moved on to the next place.  It is one of those times when I just wish I could talk with them, get a hug...you know.

We have a gig tomorrow.  The first in some time.  I am a little nervous.  I want to share our songs, tell our stories.  I want to do my best.  We have practiced, we are ready.

Something about aging and the coming holidays, I want them, I need them. I want to remind those that are younger, don't stress, make your own traditions, don't get sucked into the guilt of making everyone happy.
Make yourself happy.  Spend time with the ones you want to see,  let go of the rest.  I wish someone had told me this so many years ago. I spent a lifetime trying to make everyone happy.

I know, I am rambling tonight. I think it is nerves about the gig tomorrow.  Wishing you all a weekend of joy, of many hugs.  See beauty no matter where you go.
Goodnight, sweet dreams

Regret/Gratitude

 I read this quote today and found it so very poignant, but true...


"Dead people receive more flowers than the living ones because regret is stronger than gratitude."   - Anne Frank

Wednesdays/Best Days

According to my Jawbone Up reports, Wednesdays are my best days for sleep and exercise, I get the most steps in and sleep my full eight hours on hump days.  Not sure why that happens, I am off on Fridays, Saturdays and Sundays, but Wednesdays seem to be my magic days.

This tracking device has been interesting, and enlightening.  It serves as a daily reminder to get off my duff and move, but it also has shown me how my sleep patterns vary.  I thought that on my most active days I would get the most sleep, but that is not always true.  (unless it is on a Wednesday)

I have always been active, as the years have gone by and health issues arose, there were times I got lazy.  When I stopped IVIG treatments, I knew I had to be diligent about health matters.  There could be no lax moments.  This Jawbone has served as a gentle reminder that much of my health is in my hands.

We had sunshine and blue skies today for the first time in almost a week.  There are still tomatoes on the vines, so this was a great day for them.  I will pick the last of the eggplants tomorrow.  Cooler weather on its way.

I hope your hump day has been a good one, Rick has the guitars tuned and ready for practice.
We have a gig this weekend.
Goodnight, Sweet dreams

Strength and Kindness

There are days when classes seem to transcend all things earthly.  Today was one of those days.
There was the most exquisite feeling of peace that floated through out the room.  When class was over no one wanted to leave.  I wish there was some way to contain that feeling and pass it out whenever needed.

Who knows the mystery of how we reach those levels like we did today.  There was love and kindness permeating every square inch of space in that small room.  I believe each person took something special with them as they left the room.

I know that when that much goodness is felt, it spills over, it has to.  No matter the darkness that each one has seen or felt, the light of goodness and kindness shines bright.  Mindfulness is felt, because of the awareness of being in the now, in the present and nowhere else.

Strength and kindness, it might seem like an oxymoron , but there is strength in our kindness toward ourselves and others.  Some days we have to remind ourselves to show kindness to ourselves and that often takes more strength than showing kindness to strangers.

Tomorrow take the time, find the strength to show not only kindness to strangers but to yourself as well.
Goodnight, Sweet dreams

Color

The rains continue, the colors just become more vibrant.  Fall has made an impressive appearance.

I hope your first week of November is full of color.
Time change or maybe just the day, but I have ran out of steam.

Goodnight, Sweet dreams

November 1

November 1... rain all day

November 1...only two months left in 2015

November 1...I love Thanksgiving

November 1...leaves are falling in multicolored splendor

November 1...I do not shop on Thanksgiving

November 1....warm boots, cozy sweaters, it's that time

November 1...hot cider

November 1...where did those last ten months go?

November 1...it is all about gratitude and great food

November 1...I still watch Macy's Thanksgiving Day Parade

November 1...strange times we live in, Halloween, Thanksgiving and Christmas decorations in Walmart, all at the same time.  Don't you find this bizarre?

November 1...Autumn is still my favorite season