Dirt Lover

I love playing/writing music.  I love teaching yoga.  I love gardening (playing in the dirt).
Today Rick and I rehearsed for our May gig.  We are the opening act for someone from the East coast.  It's a big deal for us, so we are practicing like crazy.

Today we also went to gardening center and bought more plants.  We laughed all the home discussing how we need to get our habit under control.  We came home and both played in the dirt.  There have been recent studies that suggest there is bacteria in the soil that helps with depression.  What can I say, playing in the dirt makes me happy, maybe it will work for some of you too.

Rains and some storms have come through this afternoon.  The rain was so welcome.  The weather service has placed us in drought conditions again.  It seems even when it rains, the next day strong winds and breezes began to blow, the soil dries out and here we go.  Hoping with this system we have broken the pattern.

Today is the last day of April, 2017.  I blinked and four months of this year have disappeared.
It's so important to do what we love, spend time with those we love and spread some kindness. Time does have wings ( we wrote a song about it) and even if you are young the years fly by.

Start your week, start May with the sharing of love, the spreading of joy and the act of kindness. Play in some dirt!

Foxy

My hunny bunny upgraded my iPhone today.  It's much bigger than my old one, and it is rose gold.
Rose gold, fancy word for soft pink.  Me and cell phones, me and technology don't really jive, so I was not sure about a new phone.   But the camera is so worth it.  Now Rick is jealous.  I see an upgrade in his future soon.

It has been a beautiful hot day.  Much too warm for April, but what can you do?  I ventured out today, for errands and such.  What a transformation.  So good to feel good.

The picture I took with my new phone is another flower, of course.  Foxgloves were always in my mom and my grandmother Mamie's gardens.  I make sure they are always in mine as well.  I think they are elegant and the colors rich.  A few years ago I had a yellow one, am looking for yellow now and peach.  I know they are somewhere waiting for me.

My transformation this week has been a rough one, but it taught me a lesson.  Sometimes the teacher forgets to practice what she teaches.  The lesson, hydrate in hot weather and take frequent cooling breaks.

May your Sunday be all things peaceful, may you feel joy and know kindness.

Lesson Learned

"Almost everything will work again if you unplug it for a few minutes...including you."   - Anne Lamott

I am taking this quote to heart this weekend and sorta of unplugging myself.  Well what I am actually doing is as my husband so fondly says, "laying sorry."  I  crashed and burned last night, the migraine, vertigo and nausea all came together for a party at my expense.

Thankfully around noon today I started to feel human again.  The doc thinks I got overheated and dehydrated.  Since I did IVIG treatments I have not sweated nor do I feel heat until it is too late.
 I live in a hot humid climate,  I have to be extremely mindful of the heat and hydration, this week I did neither.  I paid the price.  Lesson learned.

As I was working on this post tonight I realized that Rick and I both shot pictures of the same flower today.

My Friday has been spent on the sofa or sitting in the shade on the deck with a glass of water never leaving my hand.  I hope yours has been simple and easy.  I hope your weekend is simple and easy.
Don't forget to be kind.

Honeysuckle

I worked today, am still not 100 percent, maybe by tomorrow.   My favorite two scents of summer, gardenia and honeysuckle.  Walking the dogs today I came upon a small tree covered in honeysuckle.
It smelled heavenly.  I wish you all could smell it.

Tomorrow is Friday, it will be a day of rest for me.  On this last weekend of April remember to treat others the way you want to be treated.  Early bed for me tonight.

Full Bloom

For the first time in almost a year, I am in the throes of a vertigo attack with the Meniere's disease which I deal with.  Just a photo tonight.  A picture of the John rose bush in full bloom.

Goodbyes

For the past week I have said goodbye to so many of my students.  This has been such a remarkable group and I will miss them.  But it's the nature of my job to say hello and goodbye.  It has been a very long time since I have had a group of students who embraced me and my classes like this group has.

Always prayers for each group who leaves, but this one leaves my heart a little more empty than most.  I have sent each of them off with hugs, prayers and some tears and hopes for the life they deserve.  Hopes for the life they were born to live.

Early morning class and then at some point tomorrow I will go see Louis.  This letting go of such a friend causes a great deal of pain and sadness.  I am weary tonight.

May we all know peace, appreciate all that we have and love and respect each other.
Goodnight, Sweet dreams

Roses

I have a green thumb for many things, but not for roses.  My brother Ricky can grow roses with the best of them.  He called yesterday and said my roses are blooming come take a look.  They took my breath away.

It has been tough day.  My friend Louis is getting worse.  Loss sucks doesn't it?

This is the last week of April.  Make tomorrow count.  Hug those you love, be kind, everyone you meet is fighting some sort of battle you know.  Enjoy my brother's roses.  They smell as good as they look.

Gig Pics

Thought you all might enjoy seeing a picture of us from our gig last night.  Our friend Dana shot it.
Hope that today was a restful peaceful Sunday.  It was for us, just what we needed.  Can you believe April is going by so fast?

Tomorrow is a the start of a new week.  Be kind, smile, spread some joy and breathe.

Serenity

I love porch weather.   It is where I find serenity.  Our gig was awesome despite the storms.  Time for bed.  Goodnight, Sweet dreams

Good and Bad

We got a great afternoon of practice in today.  We play Old Town Coffee House in Hartselle, Al tomorrow night.  This is our first gig there and we are excited.

We also went to the garden center today and bought more tomato plants, egg plants and another butterfly bush for the butterfly garden.  I am so happy.

It has been a picture perfect weather day.  Clear blue skies, fluffy clouds, 84 degrees more June like than April, but the temps drop on Sunday.

We visited Louis at the hospital today.  He is so very frail.  I called him this afternoon and the hospice nurse was talking with him.  My heart is breaking.  Loss is tough and it does not get easier with age.

I hope your weekend is a good one.  Hug the ones you love.  Smile at those you meet.  Be kind to everyone, even those who don't deserve it.

Goodnight, Sweet dreams

Seven Years

Times flies.   Seven years ago today I wrote my first blog entry.  It has been quite a journey.  Just like life, there have been ups and downs, good and bad, happy and sad.  Many of you have been with me since the beginning, through sickness and health.

I am grateful for this journey.  I am thankful that you all have read my humble words and gazed at my photos.  You have been there for me when I needed friends, inspiration and kindness.
Thanks for a journey that would not have taken place without you.  I appreciate each of you.

I will go down this path as far as I can.  Blessings of love, joy and always kindness to each of you.
My heart is full of gratitude.   Tonight I celebrate this anniversary, never did I dream I would still be sharing this path.

Goodnight, sweet dreams

Petunias

Slowly getting the yard spring and summer ready.  We cleaned and reworked the butterfly gardens out back last week.  Buddy the Bunny lives there now.  Today I found hanging baskets of petunias at our local curb market, two came home with me.  Hot pink and purple ones and they smelled so good!

We rehearsed for our gig, and Rick had to do emergency repair on our air conditioner.  Hoping we don't have to buy a new one.  I spoke with Louis this morning, he is holding his own.

Hump day was a smooth one, here's hoping the rest of the week is too.   Sending hopes of peace, kindness and joy to everyone.  May we all treat each other with respect.

Smile

John roses, honeysuckle and Francis the yoga frog all made me smile today.  I am grateful.
Tomorrow share the love, give a hug and be kind.  Everyone is fighting a battle of some sort these days.
Goodnight, Sweet dreams

Tough Day

It has been a difficult day.  My chair buddy Louis who spent my three years of IVIG treatments holding my hand, who has been to our home for holidays and family dinners is getting ready to make his transformation to the next place.  Tonight, he is holding his own but the doctors say he won't get better.

Louis is a friend, he is family.  I talk with him almost daily.  He is the kindest sweetest person you would ever want to meet.  I don't want him to suffer, but I can't imagine life without him.  I am struggling.  He doesn't want me to come to the hospital, but I want to go hug him one more time.
He knows that Rick and I love him, but I want to tell him one more time.

My heart is so heavy tonight. Loss is so hard.  I am so very grateful that he came into my life, into my family's life.

Just a reminder to all of you tonight.  Tell those you love that you love them.  Hug them, let them know you care.  Goodnight, Sweet dreams.

Easter Soccer

We had lunch with my sister.  Then we went to Rick's sister's for her egg hunt  This evening my brother and his family came over for hot dogs and soccer.  To say I might be tired is an understatement.  But it has been such a fun day.   Rick got a picture of me and some of the kids after soccer today, we were all a little weary.  I hope your weekend has been a good one.

Spread a little love tomorrow and a lot of kindness.

Bunny Boy

We spent the morning at the local garden center, mid-afternoon rehearsing for our gig next weekend, then a visit with my older brother and then until dark working in the garden.  Long day.

As we were leaving the garden center, a piece of yard art caught my eye.  I am a sucker for yard art.
He now lives in our butterfly garden.  His name is Bunny Boy.  Have a peace filled Easter.  Enjoy the day however you celebrate.  I hope you all find a chocolate bunny somewhere.
Say hello to Bunny Boy.

Strange Spring

I can never in all of my life remember an Easter weekend this warm.  It was 90 degrees today.
It has been a strange spring.  Pollen counts are off the charts, all the trees are green, except for fruit trees.  Normally our peach tree blooms in February,  it has bloomed out this week.  The apple trees are just starting to show young green buds.  It looks and feels like summer yet something feels so strange about it.

We will plant some of our garden tomorrow.  Normally we don't plant until May but, it is so warm now the summer heat and drought might hit us soon.

Easter weekend.  Easter was a big deal when I was a child.  It always involved a new dress, shoes, hat and usually a spring coat or topper as my mom called them.  I did not get a lot of new clothes, but I did get a dress for Easter, one for Christmas and a couple when school started.  I loved all my dresses except those made of organza.  Those were the ruffled, stiff, scratchy ones.  I was miserable when I had to wear them.  I also loved my hats.  It is too bad that wearing hats is not as fashionable as it once was.

We will visit my sister and her family and Rick's sister and her family on Sunday.  Sunday afternoon,
the great nieces and nephews are coming over for grilled hot dogs and a soccer game.  It will be our first hot dog meal of the season.

Many of you have probably attended church services tonight.  May you experience peace this holiday weekend and may you carry it with you throughout next week.  Don't forget to treat others the way you would like to be treated.

Peace

My mom planted this tree years ago here on the farm.  She called it a red tip, not sure what it is but the bees love it.  This one is huge, covered in tiny white flowers.  The leaves are dark and shiny green with red tips.  The smell is kinda of funky, musky and damp.  But, it is beautiful.

Tomorrow is Friday, the start of the Easter weekend.  Blessings of peace, love and kindness to you and yours.  May peace wrap around us all like a warm blanket of love.

Yellow Flowers

Walking the dogs today I saw these yellow flowers and thought about Rick's mom.  She loved yellow flowers so whenever we put flowers on her grave I try to always make them yellow.  She died about five years ago on a mild February afternoon.   A few days after her funeral I was thinking about her and hoping that she was somewhere peaceful.  I walked down to our mailbox and our forsythia was in full bloom, yellow flowers everywhere.  I laughed and then I saw the most amazing thing, a big yellow and black butterfly in all those yellow flowers.  I knew that she was at peace and happy.

I know many don't believe in signs, but I do.  I think we have to look for them and be in tune with our surroundings.  Awareness is important in every part of our life.  We have to open our eyes as well as our hearts and minds to accept the gifts that are everywhere, just waiting for us.  I hope tomorrow you see the amazing beauty and gifts that surround you.  Remember to treat others the way you want to be treated.  May life treat you kind.

John Rose

This is the first John rose of the season.  I don't know what the real name is.  My mother called it the 7 sister rose because there were 7 tiny roses on each stem.  You see them all along the country side here.  Growing on fence posts and covering the remains of old houses usually with honeysuckle vines entwined.

I call it John rose because around 1990 our friend John dug it up for me and brought it to the house for me to plant.  John died from a horrible raging cancer in the blizzard of 1993 and I have cherished this rose.  It is big and sprawling and soon to be covered in hundreds of tiny pink roses.  The first one is never very pretty  but it is always special because it reminds me of John and his kindness.
As soon as the other blooms appear I will take a picture.

John was big and loud, charming and educated and truly one of the kindest people I have ever known.
I still miss him.  He was a bright and shinning star who left this place way too soon, but the people who were lucky enough to know him, will never forget him.  That single little rose brought a big smile to my face this morning, I knew it would be a good day.

Wild Iris

As I walked the dogs this morning Mother Nature presented me with a gift.  More of the rescued wild flowers that Sam and I had planted were blooming.  Over 15 years ago and they are still thriving.
This was my favorite, the wild iris, just in time for Easter.  Passover blessings to those celebrating tonight, and for those who celebrate Easter, may you have a blessed Holy Week.

Remember to share the love this week and spread a little kindness, it is what the world needs now.

Moon Gaze

Rick was supposed to have had a book signing today at the local library in Jasper.  But things happen and the library was unable to  host the event.  In the past, the local mall had hosted several signings for him and they graciously agreed to do that today.    It was probably one of the most successful signings he has ever done.  Books were sold, cds were sold, new friends were made, old friends came by and the local cable show did an interview with us.  We had a great day.

It has been a very good weekend, busy but very good.  Tonight I am tired.  It's ok.   As my mom use to say, I can rest when I am dead.  :)  The almost full moon is shinning down on me through the window.  What is it about that silvery orb that gives me such hope?  I look up at the night sky and know that all is well for right now.

My cup of hot tea is ready and so am I.  Tomorrow is the start of a brand new week and Passover for some of you.  A holy week for many.  May you all celebrate your connection to spirit, and whatever your religious beliefs are, may you know and share kindness and love.  Treat others the way you wish to be treated.   Be sure to moon gaze.

Goodnight, Sweet dreams

A Prayer for All

Rick and I took Jordan and Samantha to the Birmingham Art Museum today to see a Sand Mandala created by Lama Tenzin Deshek, the director of the Losel Maitri Buddhist Center.  It was truly a work of beauty and on April 15 it will be dismantled to teach the lesson of impermanence.

After we admired the mandala and other works of Buddhist art including amazing sculptures the monk gathered all who wanted to participate in a meditation upstairs. It was truly a beautiful meditation for peace and happiness for all.  What I found extremely uplifting was a prayer that he offered at the end of the meditation.  It was a prayer that I had given copies of to my students this week and that I had prayed before my family's Thanksgiving meal this past year.
I share it with all of you tonight.

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.”

Find Some Balance

"Life is all about balance."  That is the sign on the yard art that our great nephew Jordan bought for us today.    What can I say?  This nine year old knows me so well, he knew that Rick and I would love the treasure that he bought for us.   It is a bike with wheels that spin in the wind and a headlamp that is a solar light.  It has a place of honor on our deck.

Life is all about balance isn't it?  You can let your job, bills, world events and natural disasters take over your life, but a nine year old full of joy and love and a piece of yard art puts it all in perspective.
It is the simple question that I ask in my class daily, "what time is it, where are you?"  The time is now and you are here.  A life in balance is what so many seek, but they don't realize how simple finding that balance can be.

Tomorrow find some balance.  Walk barefoot on the grass.  Eat an ice cream cone.  Hug someone.
Don't be afraid to look foolish.  Feel the wind and sun on your face.  Laugh out loud.  Take your watch off and put your cell phone away for an hour.  Breathe.

Good Day

My classes today have been so wonderful.  I teach to help others, but I swear the group I have now is helping me to transform.  The past few weeks have made me a better teacher.  These students have made me a better teacher.  I can hardly wait to walk into my class room each day, look at their faces, feel their energy and know it will be a good day.  Even when they are having a bad day,  they come in so thirsty and hungry that my heart knows what to give them.

My friends and family keep asking when am I going to retire, but all I know is not now.  I know my age qualifies me for retirement, but my spirit and thankfully my body does not, at least not for now.

The moon is waxing nicely.  As I drove home tonight it rose in the night sky as the sun set.   The air is chilly.  My mom would say we are in the middle of blackberry winter.  The blackberries are blooming and Easter is just around the corner.  For some reason, Easter always seems to bring a cold snap.

Hook, the pitt bull needed cuddle time tonight.  Taz and Calliou are asleep, but Hook ( all 100 pounds of him) climbed up in my lap, lay his head on my knees and began to snore.  He so rarely wants to be petted or cuddled so we shared some couch time.  Because he is deaf I was worried about how he would fit in with the other dogs, but all three have become friends.  I am so glad we took him in.

I am way past tired tonight.  This weekend will be all about practicing for our gig on April 22 and Rick has a book signing this Sunday afternoon at the local mall.  I also brought all the yoga mats home to wash.  One breath at a time and it will be get done.

Tomorrow is Friday, someone will need a smile and maybe even a hug and everyone will need kindness.  Pass it on.  Wishing all of you a good day, a good weekend.

Hump Day

Thankfully the storms were not as bad as the Weather Service  had feared.  There were still tornadoes, high winds, hail and torrential rain but it could have been much worse.  We are safe and sound.

We walked the property this evening, lots of small limbs scattered about but that is no biggie.  Our fruit trees are starting to bloom, peach trees, pears and there are baby blueberries.  This time of year, each walk brings a surprise.

Calliou's thunder shirt came today, after the storms passed.  But, we will have it ready for the next one.  I hope it works.  I have heard pros and cons.

We have a gig at a new coffee house in a couple of weeks.  It is always exciting to play a new venue.
I know this sounds a little strange but as much as I love performing for our friends, I love playing for new people just as much.  New audiences keep you honest.  They let you know the songs that resonate and those that don't.

This week is almost over.  Don't let it pass without spreading some kindness.
Goodnight, Sweet dreams

Send Good Thoughts

Yoga and meditation classes were incredible today.  I am such a lucky teacher.  Having students who are so thirsty for knowledge is what every teacher hopes for.  I have learned to cherish these moments, you don't get them every day.

Today was picture perfect, 82 degrees, blue skies, gentle breezes.  The weather guys are saying mother nature will show us her nasty side tomorrow.  The jet stream and the gulf stream are going to see who is the strongest and baddest.  I admit it is scary stuff.  We have one line coming early morning and then the next after lunch.  Thoughts of April 27 five years ago keep rolling through my brain and probably everyone else's who lives in Alabama and the southeast.  Hoping that momma takes pity on all of us and calms down.  No school tomorrow.

Send us your good thoughts.

Spread a little love, kindness and joy where ever you go tomorrow.  Everybody needs some.

Yoga Frog

One of my female students surprised me with a yoga happy today.  She and two other students ( who left this weekend) gave me frog in a yoga pose.  I loved it!  But I love them because they thought of me.  They have been incredible students and I will miss them so very much.

I have named my yoga frog Francis.  She now sits in a place of honor at my house.  She makes me smile every time I look at her.  I am so very grateful and honored.  Through the years other friends have given me yoga frogs.  Francis has a group of yoga friends, she will not be lonely.

Sunday Update

Another beautiful day with highs in the mid-eighties but the weather guys say we pay the price this week.  Storms moving in tonight and again on Wednesday with frost by Friday, welcome to weather in Alabama in April.

Rick and I have spent our day transitioning the house and yard from winter  mode to spring.  Still a great deal to be done, but we are getting there.  The guys came Wednesday and cleared all the underbrush, the place looks beautiful.  The flower beds are clean, the garden space is tilled. Toward the end of the month we will plant our crops and flowers.  Then it's on to cleaning the porches and hopefully began painting the inside of the house.

We have also been rehearsing for our upcoming gigs.  We treat each one as if it is our first.  We want our audience to have the best experience we can give them.

Last night we drove up to Lake Guntersville for a wedding shower for a friend's daughter.  It was good to see our friends and share their happiness.

This is the first week of April, spend it wisely.  Spread kindness, share joy and remember we are all humans, just on different paths.

April 1

April 1...April's Fool's Day

April 1....Samantha's birthday this month, I remember when she was Jordan's age

April 1...one of our  most violent weather months

April 1...pollen is everywhere

April 1...will be planting the rest of our garden in a couple of weeks

April 1...winter clothes are packed away

April 1....Easter just around the corner

April 1...peeps anyone?

April 1...my favorite Easter treats, cadbury eggs, jelly beans and candy coated marshmallow eggs

April 1...I loved getting a new Easter dress when I was a little girl

April 1....I don't like Easter egg hunts, but I love to dye Easter eggs

April 1...Rick mowed our lawn today

April 1...purple violets are in bloom, I love them

April 1...bees, butterflies and humming birds

April 1... don't blink, summer will be here soon