Goodbye January

The last day of January, 2017.   It has been a blur.  I try to live each moment fully, but this month slipped by so quickly I don't know where my moments went.

Today was a day of saying goodbye to students at work.  I send them off with blessings and prayers.
They return to a world that they may not survive.  I hope that they do.

Everyone you know needs a bit of kindness.  It is up to each of us to spread kindness and hope.
Without each other, we are doomed.  Share the love, there is never enough.

Monday Night Musings

It's a new moon, but you could see the outline of the whole moon tonight.  In the distance the coyotes 

are howling and the stars glimmer in the night sky.  

My community class was a full one tonight, all ages, but lots of fun.  The flu has left me with a nasty residue...a hacking cough.  Never sure what triggers it, but when it starts it is difficult to stop.  I am ready for it to leave the building.

A long day and this hacking cough has drained me.  Time for a cup of hot tea and my warm cozy bed.

I hope your Monday was a good one.

Goodnight, Sweet dreams 

We All Want

January 29, the first month of 2017 is almost gone.  Did you blink?

The day started with the bluest of skies and then grey wintry clouds  moved in.  It is nice to have a winter's chill in the air.  I know our fruit trees are rejoicing.  They need the cold and darkness to bear fruit in the spring.

Today has been a day of rest and prepare.  Yoga blankets are washed, class notes are started, meditation cds recorded.  There is much work to be done to make a yoga class look simple and easy.

I hope this Monday brings you what you seek and what you need.  I hope you remember to be kind and don't forget, we are all part of the human race.  We all want a roof over our heads, enough food to eat, our families to be safe...we have to remember that.

Saturday's Musings

A busy day.  The first gig of 2017 was tonight.  Good crowd, friends and family gave their support.
Tomorrow is Jordan's birthday.  Yesterday was the 26th anniversary of my father's death. A long time ago, yet seems like yesterday.

I am so very tired tonight.  I have missed my dad more than I can express in words.
Wishing you all a Sunday of peace.  Please don't forget to be kind.

Spread It

It has been a good day.  Nothing earth-shattering, just a nice ordinary day.  Morning coffee, watching the birds and hanging with the dogs.  A walk in the brisk cold air and the opportunity to admire a crystal blue sky.  Lunch with Rick and a trip to the book store to buy Jordan's birthday gift.
A chai latte and chocolate chip cookie and an afternoon nap with the dogs.  Some practice for our gig tomorrow night and our traditional new moon gratitude ceremony later tonight.

Today has been all about the small things, looking for the good that is always there.  And the good is there, some times we just have to look for it and let go of what is taking place in the world around us.
Sending good thoughts and kindness to all of you tonight.  Share peace and spread kindness to those around you tomorrow.  It starts with each of us, this kindness stuff, and we have to spread it.

Truth

An update.  According to Jordan's mom Samantha, his candy cape was the talk of the school today and apparently made him a rock star in class.  He and his friends had a candy fest.  I love making memories!

Classes today were based on Satya, truth.  Yoga can be fun, but often like life, you have to experience
the good and bad, the sweet and the bitter, the joy and the sad.  Students were  somber as they walked out of the room, lots to think about.  Identifying your truth, recognizing what is true in your life and what is not can be a sobering experience.

Enjoy your Friday, the last one in January 2017.

Candy Man

I have always been known to possess a big imagination.  Usually if a family member or friend needs creative input, they call me.  Samantha called in a panic last night.  Jordan had gotten a "creative"  assignment at school.  Tomorrow is the 100th school day of this year.  To celebrate his teacher asked the class to make a super hero cape using 100 items of their choice.  I suggested that Jordan could be "candy man" super hero of all things sweet.  The cape is actually an apron that Sam and her class made me when she was in kindergarten.  Each child painted their handprint on it.

Jordan was thrilled with his creation.  He plans on letting his classmates take the candy off the cape after class tomorrow.  They will have an impromptu candy feast.

So this is how my day has rolled.  A six thirty yoga class at work, a trip to Muscle Shoals for Rick's guitar class, then I gave his teacher our friend Max a yoga class.  Lunch with Rick, Max and Jerry Phillips, and then home to pick up Jordan.  We made his cape.  Rick and I practiced for our gig this weekend, I cooked dinner.  Yep, I am ready for a bed.   But it was a great day.

Peace

My class today was on Ahimsa (non-violence of self and others).  This is the quote I used on my board.


"If there is to be peace in the world, there must be peace between neighbors.   If there is to be peace between neighbors, there must be peace in your heart."  Taoist proverb

Almost Normal

It felt so good to be back teaching today.  My body feels better as well as my spirit.
I do admit I am rather tired.  My FitBit weekly update showed me at around 30,000 steps this past week.  Normally, it is more like 65,000 to 75,00.  The flu took its toll.  Honestly I am surprised I had 30,000.

Cooler temps have moved in.  Finally it feels like winter.  The sunset blazed this evening.  Nothing like cold clear air to make those sunsets dazzle.  Wishing a week of kindness to you all.

Sunday Rituals

A rainy stormy Saturday and Sunday.  The storms missed us, others in our state were not so lucky.
Taz and I have our Sunday rituals.  We read the comics and then after our walk I let her snuggle up with my walking shoes.

Wishing  everyone a  week that begins with peace and ends with love.

Out of the House

Today was the first time I had ventured out of the house since seeing the doc on Monday.  I needed to feed my body fresh veggies so we went to our local produce stand.  I love visiting there.  It is family owned, second generation and they care about their customers and the produce they sell.

One of their young daughters, who is maybe six was outside in her rain boots playing.  She waved and I told her how much I loved her boots.  She immediately replied, " and how are you today?"
It is interesting to see their kids interact with all the customers.  Their son, who is maybe 11 or 12 can pick out the ripest sweetest melons ever.  When I walk through the door, he always offers me a sample of his favorite fruit of the day.

It was nice to finally get out of the house.  I admit I did have to take a nap once we came home.
We had storms move through this morning.  The sun and blue skies beamed this afternoon.
More storms to come later tonight and tomorrow.  Fingers are crossed that more seasonable weather will soon find its way to Alabama.

Wishing you all a peaceful Sunday.

Seymour

His leaves are the size of my hands.  A neighbor gave him to me and he has thrived.  Seymour blooms regularly, but this time he has strutted his stuff.  This morning his purple blossoms were everywhere.  He is my largest violet and his flowers look like miniature roses.  Such a nice surprise on this Friday morning.

Peace

One of the books that I have been reading this week is "Several Short Sentences About Writing."
Verlyn Klinkenborg is the author.  It is such a different perspective on writing.  Reading this book has been a delight this week and it has turned some of my thoughts about writing upside down.

Since couch time was mandatory, I have not felt the least bit of guilt about lying on the couch reading.  Today was a perfect couch/reading day.  Pouring rain, grey skies and hot tea and a good book ( well a couple, plus newspapers and magazines) has made this flu bearable.  I won't say enjoyable, but tolerable.

Tomorrow is Friday, the end and the beginning of so much.  Hopes that the needs of many will be met, and the greed and the hate will pushed back into the bowels of hell.  May the light of love take away the darkness.  May common ground be plentiful and may we all remember we are the human race.

Peace.

Surreal Time

One thing about the flu, it is tenacious.   My big accomplishment today, taking a shower and washing my hair. My knees were wobbly and my arms shaky but shower and hair do were a success.

This week has been a blur.  Normally by now I would have taught at least 5 or 6 yoga classes and a meditation class.  As Rick says, " the flu slows you down."  Couch time is surreal time.

Wishing you all a Thursday filled with hope.
Goodnight, Sweet dreams

Bookworm

 I have been a bookworm all of my life.
Because I was a late life child, my mom and siblings read to me daily.  Honestly I don't remember when I started to read but it seems I have held a book in my hands my whole life. They always gave me a book to read when I was being a pest.  I was often a pest.
Rick knows when I am too sick to read we are in trouble.  Sunday and Monday I was too sick to read.  Today was couch and book day.  I am better.

Through the years we have given nieces and nephews and friend's kids books as gifts.  Some have been happy, some not so happy.  Last year we gave Jordan a Books -A- Million gift card for his birthday.  He spent two hours picking out his books.  He is getting another gift card this year, January 29.  His mom knows they will be in the book store for awhile.  But she is good with that.

Sending you all hopes that you find the perfect book to read this week.  Let me know what you picked out.
Goodnight, Sweet dreams

Flu

I was at the local urgent care at 8:00 am this morning.  I tested positive for the flu.  Even my toes and fingers hurt.  This too shall pass.  And yes, I took a flu shot, but with Immune Deficiency the shot does not always give me protection.  Going back to bed.
Goodnight, Sweet Dreams

A Gift

Since today was Rick's birthday, I booked us a suite at Orange Beach for the weekend.  This time of year the sunrises and sunsets are most magical.  The downside to all of this, I have come home sick.
Even for beach weekends, there is a yin and yang.  Sunrise this morning was a gift.

Sweet Dreams

I think the crud has found me.  It might also be the residue of smoke that filled my lungs as we drove near a forest fire yesterday.  Whatever it is, I am not up to par this evening.  A hacking cough and fatigue seem to be the only symptoms.    About to drink my Breathe Deep tea and hope for the best.

The bed is calling my name.  Rick might spend his birthday eve hearing me snore by nine tonight.
Wishing you a Sunday filled with peace.
Goodnight, Sweet dreams

Weather Rant

My body has been so confused the past few days.  It is January and last weekend we had ice and 30 degree temps for the day's highs.   Today it was in the mid-70's.  My closet is full of winter clothes.
The dogs were panting when we walked today.  This is not normal.  We have set weather records for the past year.  Our blueberries are budding.

Is the rest of the world having extremes in their weather?  I keep reading about the ice caps melting.
I miss having fall, winter, spring and summer.  We are no where near leaving last year's drought and are already behind in rain again.   I know this is a weather rant.  My mom always told me you can't change the weather, but something has.

On a lighter note.  I gave Taz a haircut yesterday.  She loves being groomed.  She actually coos as you brush her hair.  When we finished I told her how pretty she was.   She tilted her head and looked up at me as if to say, " I know."  Never at any time in my life had I thought of owning a Yorkie.
What a sweet gift from the universe.  I will always be grateful for Taz.

Jordan is celebrating his birthday tomorrow.  His birthday is the 29th but he has a swim meet that weekend.  He and his cousins and friends are going to an indoor climbing event.  He is so excited.

I am ready for a cup of Breath Deep and a good night's sleep.
May your weekend be one of peace and joy.

Peace and Calm

Full moon is breath-taking tonight!  If you can see it, don't miss it.  Soft golden glow, almost flax ...I am so grateful the clouds moved out.

My drive home had been another hectic one.  There is a small grass airstrip between our house and work.  There is a family restaurant and hangers filled with small planes owned by people in near by towns.  Tonight as I neared the strip I saw emergency vehicles and the news media.  My heart skipped a beat.  One of the planes had crashed.  I called Rick and  he told me the pilot had been airlifted to a trauma center in Birmingham.  Prayers for him and his family tonight.

Seeing the moon was calming and assuring.  I needed to see its beauty and feel the peacefulness of the night sky.

Wishing you all a Friday that leads to a wonderful weekend.
Goodnight, Sweet dreams

Updates

Rick and I both have been running on empty today.  Not enough sleep, busy schedules are catching up with us...and I hate to admit it, but we are no longer chicken springs.   :)

I did make an interesting purchase for his birthday which is coming up this weekend.  I got him(us) a rebounder (mini trampoline).  I did a great deal of research.  I looked for low impact, cardio, balance, and immunity health and something that was compact.  It came yesterday, we put it together today.

I think we are both going to love it.  It is easy and fun.  You can feel it working and so far the only thing we have done is a few minutes of barely bouncing.  Yes, I teach about 10 hours of yoga a week, yes we walk around 10, 000 steps daily, but sometimes the heat or rain or just our schedules and we need something we can do when it is convenient...because joint pain can cramp your style.  Will give updates and let you know how this particular transformation is going.

The Breath Deep tea is wonderful.  I coughed less last night than I have in weeks.  I am also breathing deeper and easier.  Will continue the updates on that as well.

Full moon this week, but our skies are full of clouds, no rain.  Enjoy the moon if you can see it.
Goodnight, Sweet dreams

Breathe Deep

Breathe Deep, I should have known when I found an herb tea that spoke to me on such a basic level it would be good for me.  Breathe is a word that my students hear me say over and over, it will probably be my epitaph...just breathe.

The tea is not the tastiest, it is rather earthy with a mild sweetness.  I would never have put thyme and ginger together but it works in a weird way.  What I can tell you, it really does help the respiratory
system.  It just seems to open the bronchial and sinus areas  and helps them to function more efficiently.  I think the taste will grow on me and if it doesn't who cares?  It works.

I have tried detox teas,  but this is different.  I didn't cough as much today.  There didn't seem to be as much lung gunk.  I am having more tonight and we will see where this new and exciting tea leads. :)

Tomorrow is my early class, my bed and my cup of tea awaits.
Goodnight, Sweet dreams

New Tea

Very small class tonight, but I knew going in that with Alabama playing for the National Championship that most would stay home to watch the game. Living here I know that college football is truly king.  I know to never book a gig on a ballgame weekend, because it will be very small audience.  That is just how it goes.

The moon was almost full tonight as I left work, but when I left my community class the clouds had rolled.  If I can't see the full moon this week, I sure hope it rains.

I bought a new herbal tea today, am excited about trying it tonight.  It is a mix of licorice, thyme, eucalyptus, ginger, peppermint and several other herbs for supporting respiratory health.  It sounds delish, and I can't wait to try it tonight.  It is Yogi brand, called Breathe Deep.

Hope your week began with a smooth start and continues that way.  Going to try my new tea.
Goodnight,Sweet dreams

Sunday Musings

A cold night sky with a waxing moon, but wispy clouds are starting to  move in.  Temps are moving up, rain will be moving in and that is ok.  We still have a long way to go to make up for rain lost in the drought.  Rain will bring no complaint from me.

A friend's mom passed away this week so we went to the visitation tonight.  Her mom was 101 and had been in very good health until the past few months.  Rick had interviewed her for a story back in September, 100 years old and still playing the piano at her church.  She enjoyed life more than many 45 year olds that I have known.

I think I just heard the tea kettle, I am so ready for a cup of hot tea.  Enjoy the rest of your Sunday night, may Monday bring good things to everyone.

The Bear

I am a bargain shopper, have been my whole life.  My wardrobe in high school was thrift store or home sewn.  I found this fake fur about 7 or 8 years ago one July for $50 so I bought it.

 Rick was like why are you buying something you probably won't ever wear.  I just laughed.

About once a winter here in Alabama it gets COLD.  Like today, 18 degrees this morning with a high of 30 and a windchill of 20.  So I drag out the bear as I call it.  Walking the dogs I was nice and toasty and Taz thinks the "bear" might be her next bed.

Coffee with Lady

Lady is Jordan and Samantha's dog.  They found her and a couple of her siblings on the side of a country road a few years ago.  She was a tiny fragile pup.  She grew up to be Clifford, the Big Red Dog.  When Sam was a little girl, younger than Jordan is now, her favorite cartoon show was Clifford.  She and I both wished that Clifford belonged to us.  We got our wish, Lady is Clifford.
When Samantha and Jordan are not at home, Lady stays with us.  This morning Lady decided to have morning coffee with me.

Thursday Thoughts

The s-word is still in our forecast, of course the weather guys are saying a dusting, but when you live in Alabama and love snow, a dusting is better than nothing.  It is cold and damp tonight, but I saw a glimpse of the moon as I left the building at work.  I hope to see moon light on snow at some point this weekend.

My body is tired tonight as well as my brain.  Wishing you all a warm cozy night, time for me to drink hot tea and find the bed.

Commit to FLY

I think the intensity of the past couple of weeks caught up with me today.  I have been busy, but what I have really wanted to do was have a pajama day.  You know, one of those days when you stay in your pjs, don't leave the house, read and drink hot tea.  Those are so rare aren't they?  Yet most of us need them very much.

Friday we are under a winter storm watch, so I am hoping that will be my day to stay home, read, drink hot tea and make snow pies with Jordan.

We need those mental health days ( pajama days).  I think if we took one quarterly, we would rarely need a sick day.  We push our bodies and spirits to the breaking point, thinking there is no time for "me" and then when we collapse we are shocked.

So join with me in the decision to take an occasional mental health day this New Year.  Spend the day reading, or watching movies or hiking in the woods or hanging with your kids/dogs.  Eat your favorite foods, do what your body and spirit need/want.  You are worth it, I am worth it...we are all worth it.  I think that if we commit to this one act of self love it will change us and our year for the better.

I saw a quote this week that I loved.  F.L.Y.  first love yourself.  Let's FLY.

Long Drive Home

I left work around 6:00 pm today, driving the curvy dark country road that brings me home.
There is a long hill about half way between work and home, almost a mile in length and at the bottom I make a right to continue my route home.  In the  middle of the hill some sort of accident had taken place in the darkness tonight.  There were rescue teams, police, first responders and frightening sounds.  I was about ten vehicles away from the site so I couldn't see.  I sat there for over 20 minutes without moving, in the midst of the chaos.

Cars in front of me began to maneuver u-turns in the middle of the narrow road in the darkness, after about five cars made the u-turn I began mine.  I was successful and able to head back toward work and an alternate route.  What is a normal 20-30 minute trip took an hour.  The lights of home were a welcome sight.

I still don't know what happened, but from the sounds I heard, things were bad.  I sent loving thoughts and prayers for the strangers in the midst of the chaos and hoped for the best for them.
It was heaven getting home to Rick and the dogs tonight, and the universe did not have to remind me to be grateful for my safe arrival.

Sending you all blessings of peace, remember to hug those you love and always be grateful.

Rain and Snow

As I drove to work today I was thrilled to see that some of the lakes and ponds I pass by on my way are finally beginning to fill with water again.  None of them are where they were a year ago, but most have water tables which have risen in the past few weeks.  Today has been a rainy day, you know one of those kind where the drops fall all day and the ground is squishy.  We haven't had one of those in many months.  I am grateful for these last few days of rain.

Classes were full today.  Lots of tension and stress in the air.  A new year at an addiction center is always stressful, things will settle down soon.

It has been a long day.  Jordan spent the day with us and we had so much fun...but then I had to leave for work.  He and Rick continued to have fun even after I left.  Can you believe that?

Rumors of the s word keep popping up in the local weather.  My fingers, toes and and knees are crossed...yes, I do want snow!  Maybe by the weekend Jordan and I will be making snow pies.

I hope your new week in this new month and year got off to a great start.  Give some hugs, spread some kindness and joy.
Goodnight, Sweet dreams

Jan 1

Jan. 1...first day, first month, brand new year

Jan 1...Rick's b'day, my brother Ricky's b'day, Jordan's b'day and Breeze's b'day this month

Jan 1...foggy and very warm tonight, maybe serious storms tomorrow

Jan 1...time to make this year's vision board

Jan 1....wishing for snow

Jan 1...hoping that 2017 is a year of kindness

Jan 1...we already have gigs for Jan, just call us, have guitars, will travel

Jan. 1....hoping that the anger and division that fills my country leaves

Jan. 1....flu season, I don't need a repeat of last year

Jan. 1...I think there might be a trip to the beach in my life soon

Jan. 1...no resolutions, but lots of hopes and wishes

Jan. 1...black eye peas, greens and sweet potatoes were consumed today for money and luck

Jan. 1...grateful to see another year

Jan1...my mom always told me that whatever you did and experienced on New Year's Day, that would be your life for the coming year...a good day today, good food, friends and family, a walk with the dogs

Jan. 1...I hope we all have a good year...spread some kindness and joy...don't forget to breathe.