Fall Surprise

On this last night of November 2016 there is sadness and gratitude.  We are so grateful for the rains, but saddened by the destructive killing storms that came through our state last night.  We were lucky, a few tree limbs tossed about but  to our north and west there were many who were not so lucky.
We live in a beautiful state, but our proximity to the Gulf of Mexico and the dips in the Jet Stream create violent weather patterns in the spring and fall.  Yesterday it was almost 80 degrees, tomorrow highs in the 50's.

I thought because of the drought and the record breaking warm fall temps, our chance for a any color was lost.   I was wrong, there have been vivid pockets here and there.  Today after the rains passed and the sun came out I discovered a surprise as I walked the dogs.  I share with you the beauty of Mother Nature tonight.

Taz's Tree

I call it Taz's tree.  Ever since she came to live with us, she is fascinated by the hole at the base of this tree.  She is always sniffing and scratching around it.  Today, something new  must have spent some time  in that tiny little cave because when I took Taz for her walk, she dove into the space.  She was not a happy Yorkie as I picked her up and carried her barking away from her tree.  Who knows what was there or had been there.  I did not want to know.

RAIN

Rain, finally rain!  The wind has blown like crazy today and there was a risk for storms ( greater risk tomorrow night) but the rains came after I got home from work and it was wonderful...
You could smell the wood smoke when the drops began to fall but after about 30 minutes all you could smell was wet earth.

I know the earth gave a sigh of relief, you could hear it and feel it as the drops fell to the ground.
I am so grateful, so very grateful.  I hope the rest of the states that are dealing with the drought got rain as well.

With a heart full of gratitude, goodnight, sweet dreams

A Restful Sunday

Today we rested.  Rick and I have both been super busy for the past couple of months and I think the crash hit us yesterday.  We tried to do some Christmas shopping at the mall this afternoon and nothing clicked. After about thirty minutes we both agreed to go home, rest and try it again next week.  A long nap, black bean soup and some time with Jordan proved that home and rest was what we needed.

Rick has a busy week scheduled again and it seems  mine are always busy this time of year.
Thank goodness we have learned to listen to our bodies and we know you can't push 24/7.

The weather guys say rain is on its way.  I think they might be right this time, there is a dampness you can feel in the air...we are keeping our fingers crossed.  It is not a drought breaker but a few inches will help and maybe stop all the fires.  The smell of wood smoke is no longer something I enjoy.

The last few days of November, 2016 and then December will be here. Enjoy these moments, they will be gone before we know it.
Goodnight, Sweet dreams

Grateful

Our sun sets this week have taken my breath.  Everyday there is so much to be grateful for.
Hopes for a peaceful Sunday, a chance to catch up and get ready for the end of November and the arrival of December.

A Good Friday

The fridge is bulging with left-overs, the dishwasher has been on overtime and I am still a little bit tired, but Thanksgiving 2016 was a good one.

Our morning started with dense fog, but the sun came out around noon and soon the bird feeders looked like Target and Walmart on Black Friday.  We have three male Blue Jays that have become friends of sorts.  They actually feed and drink together, but then they sit up in the tree branches and make noise at each other.  The birds come in shifts, after the Jays leave, the smaller wrens and such come, then the Cardinals and finally the doves.  Our niece Andrea says our front yard always looks like a Disney movie, with the birds, squirrels, deer and other creatures who visit.

It has been a nice lazy day.  No, I do not shop on Black Friday.  I worked retail for years and I cannot bring myself to visit a mall or store on this day.

There is a beautiful sunset taking place as I type and a nice chill in the air.  We are having Chinese for dinner and then we begin our tradition of watching our old Christmas movies.  Usually we start with Christmas Vacation, but who knows what we will begin with tonight.  No decorations or Christmas music until December 1, but we have such a big collection of movies if we don't start tonight, we won't see all of them by Christmas.

Enjoy the rest of your weekend,  stay safe and be well.

The Kindness of Today

Twenty friends and family members showed up for lunch today.  So much food, so much laughter, it was a very good Thanksgiving Day.  There was turkey and ham, dressing and veggies of every kind, sweet potato casserole, chocolate trifle and red velvet cake...I am stuffed.  Rick said my dressing ( stuffing) was as good my mom's.  I am sure she was smiling.  Where ever you are, what ever you are doing tonight, I hope your day has been a good one  May the kindness of today continue tomorrow.

Ruby's Angel

Eleven years ago on November 2 my mom made her final transformation.  Her garden angel came home with me and she has been welcoming family and friends ever since.  She is an old friend and I love her dearly.  Each time I walk by her as I leave or enter our house I feel that my mom is watching over us.  Tomorrow is Thanksgiving, I hope that each of you have food, family and friends to share your day, I hope that at some point you whisper a prayer of gratitude and that you are filled with kindness and peace.    Happy Thanksgiving!

An 8th Century Prayer

“May all beings everywhere

Plagued by sufferings of body and mind
Obtain an ocean of happiness and joy
By virtue of my merits.

May no living creature suffer,
Commit evil, or ever fall ill.
May no one be afraid or belittled,
With a mind weighed down by depression.

May the blind see forms
And the deaf hear sounds,
May those whose bodies are worn with toil
Be restored on finding repose.

May the naked find clothing,
The hungry find food;
May the thirsty find water
And delicious drinks.

May the poor find wealth,
Those weak with sorrow find joy;
May the forlorn find hope,
Constant happiness, and prosperity.

May there be timely rains
And bountiful harvests;
May all medicines be effective
And wholesome prayers bear fruit.

May all who are sick and ill
Quickly be freed from their ailments.
Whatever diseases there are in the world,
May they never occur again.

May the frightened cease to be afraid
And those bound be freed;
May the powerless find power,
And may people think of benefiting each other.

For as long as space remains,
For as long as sentient beings remain,
Until then may I too remain
To dispel the miseries of the world.”

Monkey Chatter

Even as a meditation teacher I have trouble with monkey chatter in  my brain.  As most of my friends and family know, I live with a day planner.  I live a busy life and the only way to keep my sanity is my trusty calendar.  Every morning I sit down and figure out "what matters most" and go from there.
Yesterday we had Thanksgiving lunch with my sister and her family, I planted my pansies and washed my yoga blankets for work, all on the calendar.  I didn't check it again after the once over that morning.

So here is where the monkey chatter had a hay day.   This morning at 1:30 I awoke bright eyed with the knowledge that I had forgotten to pick up our turkey at the grocer's yesterday.  The monkey was cutting me no slack.  I did every relaxation technique known to man, nothing.  Sleep had left the building and then, I just had to laugh.  At 2:00 am it dawned on me, no grocer was open and I had three days to pick up the turkey.  The monkey shut up and I went back to sleep.

A good laugh made it all better.   A good laugh usually makes everything better.  A good laugh at one's self is the best laugh of all.
Good night, Sweet dreams

Jordan's House

We decided to take a late afternoon walk without the dogs today.  We decided to stroll by our great-nephew Jordan's house for a surprise visit.  We were the ones who were surprised.  Jordan had talked his mom and granddad into some early Christmas decorations.  He was thrilled when we rang the doorbell.    Here I was thinking about making it through Thanksgiving and Jordan has a double dose of Christmas spirit.  He always makes me smile.

Living Forest

Today was the day, all the potted plants and trees  had to be brought into the house.  We have a freeze warning tonight, so it had to be done.   We started with the BIG citrus trees which touch our 16 foot ceilings. We repotted, nourished and pruned those babies first.  Then we moved on to the smaller bleeding heart and all the rest.  This job has taken about 6-7 hours today, plus we washed windows as well.  We are windburned and tired.  But it is nice and cozy living in a forest with the fireplace keeping us warm and toasty.

In years past creatures have come in on the plants.  One year, we had a chipmunk and we have had several lizards and such find their way in as well.  The next few days could be interesting.

My body aches, and I think this might be my earliest bed time since I was six.
Wishing you all a Sunday filled with peace.

A Really Good Day

Our niece Samantha took us to lunch today.  We had such a good time, our waiter thought she was our daughter...we didn't tell him any different.   :)

Tonight, we saw our friends Keith and Roberta.  We were in their wedding, Rick actually did the photographs.  They live in Florida now,  so our visits are few and far between, but always fun.

It has been a really good day.  I love this

picture of Sam and me.

What Might Have Been

There are fleeting snippets of fall around.  Most of the trees have just turned various shades of dried brown, but when you least expect it, you see a glimpse of what fall might have been.
That happened as I walked the dogs yesterday.   One tiny area of woods decked in fall's glory, just enough to take my breath and remind me, there is always beauty.

Look Up

As walked the dogs this evening, the sun was starting to set but for some reason I decided to look up.
So glad I did.  A good lesson, sometimes you have to remember to look up.

November 15

November 15, how can this be so?  Time seems to have taken a major leap in the past few days, for better or worst.  At least the temps have dropped a little and I can wear semi-fall clothing like long sleeves and boots.  Who knows, there might be a sweater or jacket in the future?!!!

West Alabama got a little rain today, it was interesting to watch the radar...all this rain would move across the state line from Mississippi and then the closer it got to us, it just vanished.  Tomorrow there will be a rain dance/ceremony at the Watson house, all are welcome to attend.

Dinner is done, I am starving, time to eat.  Tomorrow is my early class and hump day.
Wishing you kindness for the rest of your week.

Education

 A long Monday, I am a wee bit tired.  Hoping your week gives you what you need and maybe even a want or two.  Be sure to look at the moon tonight and tomorrow night, it is amazing!  Sharing with you a favorite quote.


"Education is the most powerful weapon which you can use to change the world."  - Nelson Mandela

Peace, Joy and Love

This next twenty-four hours bring a full moon.  According to all the FB hype it brings dynamic changes, you think?

I know tonight there is energy moving throughout the world and change is coming.  Change is scary for most.  When we think about change, we don't always embrace it, but we want it to be positive and good for all involved...well, at least I do.

I have had great wonderful changes take place in my life, such as single to married, career changes, changes in places I have called home.   I have also had heart breaking, gut wrenching changes  like death and illness.

I look at the  night sky tonight and I hope that the changes that are coming bring we humans to a better place.  I hope that respect and kindness come with those changes and that we stand up to the Pandora's Box that has been opened and we demand that hate goes back in the box and the lid is shut.

I call this blog Transformation Information for a reason.  When I started writing I wanted to share love and kindness, to give hope and maybe naively spread some peace and joy.  I still believe with all my heart that the only way to replace hate is to love.

Tonight I wish you peace, joy and love.

A Heart Full of Love

For the forty-two years Rick and I have been married we have shared our meals and home with:

Jews and Arabs
Straights and Gays
Christians and Atheists
Buddhists and Hindus
Blacks and Whites
Conservatives and Liberals
Rich and the Poor
Famous and Unknown
Loved and Unloved

We will continue to live our lives sharing our love.  I told Rick today, I had rather die with a heart full of love than live with a heart full of hate.  Tomorrow is Sunday, blessings of peace to everyone.

Hate

HATE

IT HAS CAUSED A LOT OF PROBLEMS IN THIS WORLD
BUT IT HAS NOT SOLVED ONE YET

- Maya Angelou

Choose Love

Live and Give

The Elixir of Life

Forest fires are raging in our neighborhood again.  I am so tired of smelling wood smoke.  It has become obvious that we have an arsonist in our area and there are probably others throughout the state.  I think about the beauty being destroyed, the wild life dying and the firefighters who are putting their lives on the line and I wonder what kind of human would do this.

As a COPD patient my lungs are battling the smoke as well.  Every time I go outside and come back in I smell like smoke.  I am using my inhalers more and more.  The dogs have been restless and nervous all the day, just like they get when we have tornadoes.

We have gone past 50 days without rain and there is none in sight.  Everywhere you look you see brown parched trees and grass. Even the people look parched.  I know that other places deal with drought.  I have spent time in Northern California during those times.  But, it is different here.
Usually we are lush and green and damp.  We are use to our rivers and lakes being full, so we honestly don't have plans in place for drought, not like other places do.  I still see people watering their lawns and washing their cars.

Water is life, just like the breath.  We humans are around 70% water.  We can go without food, longer than we can water.  It is interesting that almost the whole country in some way is dealing with water issues ( from fracking, to pollution, to drought) and yet not many seem concerned.

Maybe now that the election is over people will let go of the hate and fear and get to work on the real issues, or maybe not.  Clean water, we have to have it to survive.  What good is money, politics, religion or anything else that America has been fighting over with out water, the elixir of life?

Monday Musings

I used the last of our lemon crop to make a lemon cream cheese poundcake this morning.  I have to admit it is tasty.  Rick says it may be the best cake he has ever eaten.

The moon and the stars are shinning in the heavens tonight, Calliou is patrolling the fence and Hook and Taz are snoring.  A cup of hot awaits me and a warm cozy bed.
Goodnight Sweet dreams

PS.  As if you could forget it...don't forget to vote tomorrow.

Destiny

I have posted this quote on my board at work so many times.  I believe these words to be a profound truth.

“Your beliefs become your thoughts,
Your thoughts become your words,
Your words become your actions,
Your actions become your habits,
Your habits become your values,
Your values become your destiny.”

― Mahatma Gandhi

Life Goes On

A fun gig today.  We love playing for arts councils, they are our peeps.  If you have a local arts council be sure to support their events and artists.  They work so hard to keep the arts alive in our communities and schools and like so many programs their funding has been cut to the bone.
Creativity is vital for learning and for growth, for invention and exploration and development.

It has been an our of kilter week.  This week was the 11th anniversary of my mom's passing.
Time has made the empty hole she left more bearable, but I still miss her so very much.
I remember her passing as though it were yesterday, every detail, including the clothes I had on.
There are still mornings that I want to pick up the phone and let her know how my day is going and I miss the meals she cooked.

Thanksgiving and Christmas have been really tough  since she has been gone.  So many traditions and memories, but life goes on.

I hope your weekend has been a good one.  The night sky is truly beautiful tonight, go outside and take a look.  You won't be sorry.  Wishing you a peaceful Sunday.
Goodnight, Sweet dreams

The Gift

There is bitter with the sweet, there is the yin and the yang.   Going in to work on Wednesday mornings in the dark is sometimes disorienting but the gift of seeing the sunrise always fills my heart with joy.  The beauty of the universe shows me how small and insignificant I really am.
We have an awesome gig tomorrow.  I have had a great day today, got a new hair cut.  Maybe someone will shoot some photos tomorrow.  You all have a fun filled Saturday.

Beauty and Life

Just like life, in the midst of the dried and dying, there is beauty and life.

Golden Treasures

Even though the heat and the drought are still bearing down on us, fall shows her face here and there.
She's sending hope with her blue skies and golden treasures.  This too shall pass.  Believing in Mother Nature and the changing of the seasons.

November 1

November 1...90  degrees today, seems our universe here in the south is way off kilter

November 1...only two months left in 2016

November 1...I love Thanksgiving, forget the gifts, I am all about food and family

November 1...Veteran's Day, it is an important holiday

November 1...Macy's Thanksgiving Day Parade

November 1...I don't shop on Thanksgiving Day or Black Friday

November 1...I miss not having a fall this year, I miss wearing sweaters and boots

November 1...I am grateful for the incredible blue skies we are having

November 1..still no rain

November 1...all things pumpkin are good

November 1...the smell of leaves burning is not a joy this season

November 1...fresh nuts, walnuts and pecans

November 1...apple cider

November 1...sweet potatoes, turnips and beets, yes I like them all

November 1...a season of gratitude