Tuesday Thoughts

New moon on the horizon tonight, last day of May 2016...so many changes, it can make your head spin.

I picked blueberries this morning, the mockingbirds are giving me a run for the money on our berries this year.  Even as I picked this morning, they swooped down and fussed at me.

Hot and dry, so far the crops are ok, but if we don't get rain soon things will get iffy.  The good news, we have peppers, squash and tomatoes almost ready for the picking.  Yummy.

Early bed time tonight, I teach a 7:00 am class in the morning so it is rise and shine earlier than normal.

Hump day tomorrow, wishes and blessings of smooth sailing, moments of laughter and maybe even a few hugs for good measure.

Answers

Rick was the guest speaker at a local Memorial Service today.  I was proud of him, for being chosen and for the words that he shared.

The heat has been brutal today.  After the Memorial Service we came home, and I left for work.
As I was waiting for my students, I began to jot some thoughts down in a small notebook I keep in my yoga bag.  It was really just random, free thought sort of stuff.  After I had written a couple of pages, I read what I wrote.  To say I had an epiphany would be an under statement.  The thoughts that flowed so freely brought tears to my eyes.  I found answers I did not even know I was looking for.

A transformation took place in my life today, those words I wrote to myself put wheels in motion.
I urge you all to carry a small note book with you daily.  When you have a few minutes, write your random thoughts down or maybe a question you need an answer for.  If you write freely, without overthinking, you will be surprised, as I was.  You really do have the answers, you just have to take a few minutes of stillness to find them.

Remembrance

Just in time for the holiday, my bleeding heart burst into bloom this morning.  Enjoy the rest of your Memorial weekend, remember those who died.

Place of Gratitude

A very lazy Saturday.  I love Friday night gigs, you still have a weekend, even if all you do is nothing.Most everyone I know has plans for the long weekend, but we left this one open.
I will work on Monday.

Dinner was laid back and simple tonight...roasted chicken.  Some times you just need simple.
For all of you who have a jam packed, fun filled weekend scheduled please don't forget why this holiday weekend takes place.  Take a moment, close your eyes and find a place of gratitude in your heart for those who have given their lives for this country.

Goodnight, Sweet dreams

Seeds Coffee Gig

We had a wonderful time playing at Seeds Coffee House tonight.  Friends and family dropped by to hear us, and my niece Becky took this photo, which I think is really cool.
Hope your Memorial Weekend is off to a great start!

Fish Out of Water

Since Rick is vice-president of our local chamber of commerce, and the annual banquet was tonight, I came home from work and put on a dress.   I spend my days at work, bare feet, and yoga pants, wearing essential lavender oil.  I admit it is a little strange to get dressed up for something other than yoga class or performing on stage.  I always feel  like a fish out of water...truly a transformation.

We are so excited about out gig tomorrow night.  I love to perform at new places.  Our friends are always kind about our performances, but when strangers enjoy our show, I know we are doing something right.

It's rather late, I am tired and I think I might need a cup of hot tea.
Goodnight, Sweet dreams

Basket Head

Had an issue with vertigo last night and this morning.  It took the meds awhile but they kicked in and am much better this evening.  Vertigo reminds me of the meningitis episodes I had during treatment... there is no being tougher than the episode, at least not for me...not much you can accomplish when your head is buried in a waste basket.

I had a 7:00 am class schedule, so my trusty substitute volunteered to teach it.   In case any of you don't know, Rick subs for me when my head is in the basket.

Still not a 100 percent but getting there.  Hot tea and an early bedtime await me.
Goodnight, Sweet dreams

Long and Lonely

Some days my students come to class with such a defeated air about them.  Working on your transformation is hard, facing your demons and letting go of what you think is control is even harder.
One student said it so well," you give up all control when you enter rehab."

Going inward, seeing  your open wounds and scars, reliving nightmares is troubling.  Communal living,
structure, being away from home, friends and family seem almost devastating.

I felt the struggles today as my students walked into the classroom.  I saw their faces and heard their voices and knew in my heart, somehow, some way, burdens needed to be lifted.

Class was a little more physical today, the asanas were big, I felt the students needed to reclaim their space in their universe.  They needed to make their presence felt, to each other, to me and themselves.
Tears and  smiles appeared at the end of class, the road to recovery is long and lonely.  I am such a tiny speck in a complicated universe.

Monday Fire Drill

My first class today was interrupted by a fire drill, nothing like coming to yoga to let go of the stress and then hearing the ungodly sound of the fire alarm.  My students were not happy, but we had an extra long relaxation that made up for their upsetting class.

The next two classes were much better, soothing and non-eventful.  The moon is starting to show his face over the trees and though it is still very beautiful, the waning stage has begun.  That's the amazing thing about the moon, it is always undergoing transformations.

Wishing you a week of blue skies and sunshine and nights filled with stars.
Goodnight, Sweet dreams

Off the grid

Sorta off the grid tonight
Writing a blog on my cell
Phone is interesting
Going to be a great night
For moon viewing and
Star gazing.

Blue Moon

A fun gig this morning, a full moon tonight and in between, a beautiful day.   My brother Ricky who lives next door has a green thumb, the blue hydrangeas came from his house, the day lilies from mine.  This is one of my favorite spring bouquets.  I hope this full moon brings great hope and change to all of you...and it is a blue moon.

Ruby's Gift

My parents lived on our farm years before we did.  Every spring it seems that we get a surprise from my mom, some flower or plant that just appears.   As we walked the dogs today, I spied a beautiful peach day lily, a surprise gift from my mom Ruby.  It was as though she sent me a hug straight from heaven.  Now mind you, it has been over thirty years since she and my dad lived here, but it is amazing what just appears year to year.  They planted and cared for this place and it just keeps on giving.  Happy Friday!   Enjoy your weekend and look for the  beauty that is around you.

Energy Plummet

Not sure if it is the waxing of the full moon, the storms rolling in or my personal bio-rhythms but my energy has plummeted today.  It has been one of those days where every thing I have done seems to have required twice the amount of energy that it should have.

So I am surrendering to the lack of energy, making a cup of hot tea and ambling to bed as soon as I can.  Hopefully a good night's sleep will transform my energy tomorrow.
Goodnight,Sweet dreams

A First

I taught a class this morning, a first for me, I taught some of the incredible people that I work with.
They are the ones on the front line, they counsel, care, and show endless love for the patients at the addiction center that I teach at.  The powers that be, are giving them a yoga class each week.  I am honored that I get to teach them.

It has been a good day.  I am a lucky woman. It has been day of transformation for me.

Goodnight, Sweet dreams

Summer Bucket List

Jordan spent the morning and early afternoon with me today before I went to work and he went to swim team practice.  We picked more blueberries, walked the dogs, read and then we worked on his summer project.  His summer project is something that I read about a few days ago.  It is a bucket list but not your ordinary bucket list.

If you have kids in your family, this bucket list is perfect for summer.   Get a small pail or bucket, some wooden clothes pins and a fine point marker.  Jordan and I discussed what he would love to do this summer while he was out of school.  He narrowed his list down to ten things, then he wrote each one on a clothes pin and pinned it to the edge of the bucket.

As the summer goes by and he does something on his "summer bucket list", we drop a clothes pin in the bucket.  Hopefully by the end of summer most of the list will be complete.  A couple of things on his list includes a fishing trip with Rick, reading ten books, a trip to Chicago...some will be easily achieved, others...not sure if we will make them or not but we will give it a good try.

After doing this project with Jordan, I think I am going to make a "summer bucket list" as well.
I have never made any sort of bucket list, but maybe now is the time, we shall see.
Don't you think a "summer bucket list" could bring about some interesting transformations?

Fresh Blueberries

Joy of joys, we picked our very first blueberries!  Let the season of fresh fruits and veggies begin.
They are so big and juicy and sweet.  I have great plans for these, I am thinking poundcake or pancakes.  Rick will have to decide, but I can't wait.  Feast your eyes on these beauties.

Unplanned Sunday

I have said it before, but I will say it again.  Sunday is my favorite day of the week.  Today was my favorite kind of Sunday, lots of coffee, the comics, no agenda.

If every day you live, there is an agenda...you need a break.  Leave a big blank on your daily planner and chill at least one day a week or at the very least, one day a month.  Our brains need down time, our bodies need down time and so do our spirits.  I admit it might seem like a luxury to have an unplanned day but you need it for survival.

Allowing Sunday to be your chill time gives you the opportunity to prepare for the coming week.
The rest helps with any stress that hits on Monday and if you spent some time outdoors, you face the new week feeling healthier and stronger.  If you have had some time with those who love you, the gratitude you feel keeps you focused on what is important the following week.

Here's hoping you have great weather, time with friends and family and smooth sailing at work this coming week.  Laugh out loud and give someone a hug.

Fish Fry

Our third annual fish fry was today.  Fatigue does not begin to describe my body right now.
But it was so much fun and so much good food.  Family and friends, a beautiful day...wow.

Reworking the Garden

Tonight, I am exhausted so is Rick and Jordan.  The three of us redid our flower bed at the back of the deck today.  There were already peonies,  and several other perennials, but a few of the older plants had died and it was time to do the hard stuff...that meant shovels, digging forks, enriching the soil and replacing the dead plants.

The fatigue is worth it.  Tonight the bed is filled with foxglove, larkspur, daisies ,lilies  and zinnias.
Even the old plants look happier.  Jordan loves getting his hands in the dirt.  I am sure when he took his bath tonight, his mom was appalled at the amount of dirt in the water.

It was the perfect spring day in Alabama, highs in the 70's with low humidity and brilliant blue skies.
I am so ready for a cup of hot tea and bed.

Goodnight, Sweet dreams

First Meditation

A long hectic stormy Thursday...but my classes were wonderful today.  Some days in class everything goes and flows as it should, it did today.  For some today, it was their first yoga and their first meditation class, they were smiling when they left.

Some struggled with the meditation, I explained that it happens, but the reality is there is no bad mediation.  Meditation is not always grand and glorious, sometimes it can be a downright struggle.
Often our expectations get in the way.  If you can sit and meditate and expect nothing, quite often
you get a great experience...or maybe not.

There is still the dripping of rain on the tin roof, and in the distance the rumble of thunder.
The storms are being pushed by a "cold front" basically for this time a year it just means our humidity is dropping and instead of almost 90 tomorrow it will be 80 degrees.

I hope your Friday is the beginning of a wonderful weekend.  Spend some time outdoors, look at the trees and breathe and remember to be grateful for just one thing.  If you have never meditated, maybe this weekend will be a good time to try.
Goodnight, Sweet dreams

The Growing Season

A busy day, a Costco trip and then my favorite, a trip to a garden center to pick up some plants to freshen up my flower beds.  Zinnias, larkspur, shasta daisy and foxgloves filled our truck and the most exquisite bougainvilla ( not sure about spelling) in the softest pale pink and green.
When the bed is reworked, I will post pictures.

We have green tomatoes in the garden, blueberries are starting to ripen, garlic is ready to dig.
I love the growing season.  Soon there will be squash and peppers and eggplants, life will be good.
To watch the transformation from seed to something edible is truly a miracle.

At some point in your life, everyone should experience the growing season.  Growing your own food gives a sense of satisfaction and confidence that is hard to explain.  Hands in dirt changes the way you look at life, it is humbling and exhilarating.  To eat fresh food that you grew, well there is nothing like it and you don't have to live on a farm.  You can grow tomatoes in a flower pot.

We are getting ready for our annual fish fry.  Lots of hard work, but so much fun, I can't wait.

Hump day has been fun.
Goodnight, Sweet dreams

Love, Surprises and Compassion

Today's class was about love and compassion...for yourself.  We opened our heart chakras and hopefully by the end of class we all had let go of some destructive self-loathing.
There were tears, but also smiles and today was a day of hellos and goodbyes as well.  What can I say, it has been an emotional rollercoaster.

When I took the dogs for a walk today, I had a couple of surprises.  The first,  I met the most beautiful black snake.  He was about 5 feet long and so dark, he was almost indigo.  It was a good surprise.
Here in Alabama he is the kind of snake you want on your property.  He kills poisonous snakes, such as copper heads.

My second surprise, my pomegranate bush is covered in blossoms and tiny pomegranates.
Last year we had none, now there is probably a hundred.  I can't wait, I love to eat pomegranates.
They are yummy and good for you.

Plant Love

My Monday night quote

"Every leaf that grows will tell you:
What you sow will bear fruit, so if you have any sense my friend, 
don't plant anything but love."    - Rumi

Mother's Day

Happy Mother's Day!  I hope all of you had a wonderful day.  Even though I am not a mom, several of my nieces and nephews called and even got me gifts and cards, and so did my friend Louis.
It is humbling to be loved.

This is a photo of my mom and my oldest brother, Herbert.  Mother died ten years ago in November, Herbert died the following February.  To lose my mom and my brother in a short time span like that was difficult.  I miss them and my dad very much.  But I have great memories, and I carry them in my heart always.

Horse Creek Festival and Privets

Horse Creek Arts Festival today, was warm and windy.  Privets, their pollen, blossoms and scent permeated the air.  Did I say I was allergic to privets?  Sinus congestion was almost immediate, headache came next.

The love of music creates a strange and wonderful life.

Goodnight, Sweet dreams

Remembrance

This is an emotional weekend, filled with memories.  It is Mother's Day, and it is also decoration where my parents, brother, mom's parents and most of my aunts and uncles and cousins are buried.

The act of putting silk flowers on a grave doesn't do the dead any good, but it is all about remembrance.  As I place those flowers on graves tomorrow, I will roam memory lane freely.
After all, when those we love make their final transformation their memories are what we cling to and embrace.

Rick and I will also be performing at the local Horse Creek Arts Festival tomorrow afternoon.
It will be a busy weekend.

Goodnight, Sweet dreams and thank you all so much for the anniversary wishes.

A life time

Forty-two years, a life time together as of today...and people said it would not last. There have been great times, good times, and rough times, but we have clung together. I know we won't have another forty-two years, but maybe if the universe is kind, we will have a life time.

No Place Like Home

No place like home.  A friend that had been away for some time has come home and I saw her today.
We both agreed there is no place like home.

Home is not necessarily where you are from, it's where you feel at home.  Many leave their home town and never look back, while others can't wait to return.  Sometimes more than one place feels like home.  For me, Ireland felt like home, but so did Telluride, Colorado and Sedona.

Home can be New York City or Empire, Alabama.  It doesn't really matter as long as it's your home.
Some people stay in a place all their lives and it never feels like home, others can be somewhere for an hour and think of it as home.

Rick and I wrote a love song, "I Consider You Home".  In the song we talk about "home can be anywhere you are".  Being with the person you love truly can make any place feel more like home.
We once lived in a Howard Johnson's for almost a year, crazy as it sounds, it was home because we were there together.

I think it is safe to say, regardless of where you are, if it feels like home, there is no place like home.

Late May 1

I was so excited about our performance at the Natchez Trace Festival over the weekend, that on Sunday, May first, I forgot to do my First day of the month blog.  So I am writing it tonight.

May 1...our forty-second anniversary is this month, on the fifth

May 1...end of school and graduations

May 1...Cinco De Mayo

May 1...lots of gigs this month, it is outdoor festival time

May 1...our annual fish fry is the 14th

May 1....Mother's Day

May 1...flowers are blooming everywhere

May 1...in the south, decoration days began  ( placing flowers on loved one's graves)

May 1...magnolias are blooming, but soon gardenias will scent the warm nights

May 1...ripe blueberries and tomatoes soon

May 1...time for flowing gauze dresses and skirts

May 1...new sandals and Ray Bans, I'm a lucky woman

May 1...lemon aide,  popsicles, and water with fresh mint and cucumber and lime slices

May 1...meteor showers for the next few nights

May 1....weather can be tricky in May, chilly then hot and often rainy, but when the sun shines it is worth it all

Monday Musings

Classes today ran the gamut, from very basic beginner, to chakra balancing to flows.  Some days everyone gets the same class, other days I go by instinct and teach what I think the group needs.

Storms have hovered all afternoon, I love hearing the rain, but the lightening and thunder can be uncomfortable for many when they try to relax.  The dogs were going crazy when we made it home tonight because of the thunder, Calliou does not enjoy storms.

My back is still acting wonky so I am going to see the local chiropractor later in the week.  It feels great when I am moving or teaching or walking, but the minute I sit down in the car or on the sofa,
everything stiffens up.  This aging stuff is not fun.

My cup of tea is waiting, wishing you all this first week of May,  plenty of sunshine and warm weather and lots of spring flowers.

Jamming on the Square

We got an unusual request while we were playing yesterday, the stage manager came up between songs and told us a friend of his who was an awesome harmonica player, was really loving our music and asked if she could play a song with us.  He assured us of her talent.

We chose a song that we felt she could follow us on and invited her up.  She was awesome!
Gloria was one of the most talented harmonica players we have ever met.  Too bad she doesn't live near us.  Talented and really sweet lady, thanks for playing with us.  By the way, remember we are singer/songwriters, we do all original music, she had never heard the song and rocked it.