A Promise of Change

I walked the dogs this morning before the rains moved in.  The sky was angry and the air was hot and muggy.  As we walked a small patch of color caught my eye, a promise of things to come.
It is the last day of August.  Labor Day weekend is upon us, football games have started.  It is that time when summer and fall walk hand in hand.  Mornings are cool, days can be down right hot.

Enjoy your Friday.  Please don't forget to be kind.

Wednesday Thoughts

Good thing I saw lung doc today for my 6 month check, seems I probably have walking pneumonia.
Not surprised, there have been some students at work with it.  I knew my cough was not its normal self, and fatigue had been bad, but my mind set just said push through it, it's ragweed.  As Rick so fondly loves to remind me, I do not have a medical degree.  A Zpack for a week and all should be fine.  I am glad this weekend is a nice slow one.

The rains from Harvey started today, times of downpours but so far nothing bad.  The weather guys say tomorrow will be our day for nasty stuff.  South Alabama seems to be getting their share this evening.

I am a wee bit brain drained today.  Thoughts are going nowhere.  I think I should end this about now.
Sending all the good thoughts I can muster for Texas.  Spread some kindness tomorrow, we all need some.

Somatics

On Tuesdays most of my students have trauma or grief counseling.  It's a tough day, so I try to always make the class especially soothing and relaxing.  Many of them also deal with chronic pain as well.
Today was a Somatic Class.   If you suffer from chronic pain I recommend you read Thomas Hanna's book, Somatics ( reawakening the mind's control of  movement, flexibility and health)  I think it will be life changing for you.  The class is slow moving, no forced movements, not painful.  I tell my students even if you don't have chronic pain you will feel amazing after these classes.

Rain from Harvey is moving our way tonight.  We do run a slight risk of severe weather the next couple of days but nothing like the folks in Texas have experienced.  The upside, our temps will be in the 70's for the next few days.

Hump day is tomorrow.  I have my early class and then a pulmonary doc appointment.  Our abundance of ragweed and mold the past few weeks  has played havoc on my breathing.
September is almost here.  Take the last day of August and relish all that summer offers.  Walk barefoot, eat some watermelon, drink some lemonade, sit in the sun and look at the flowers.
Don't forget to be kind.  Share the joy, feel the gratitude.

Nocturnal Taz

Taz is not her normal self at night.  For the past couple of weeks she has stopped sleeping at the foot of our bed and she roams around the house most of the night.  She is also barking a good deal in the middle of the night, but when we get up to check on things, there is nothing there.  The other two dogs are fine, no issues at all.   She is due for a check up at the vet so we are going to talk about her nocturnal changes.  I am a little worried.

It has been a busy Monday and a rather long one.  I am not sleeping well because of Taz's activities.
How can a little 7 pound dog cause this much disruption?

My tea awaits and hopefully a good night's sleep.  I hope our friends in the Houston area are ok.
Prayers that the rains stop soon.

Bring Light

I love it when there are energy shifts.  The past couple of months had been a little rough. Losing a friend and a family member, the heat, the rain, things had seemed oppressive at times. Even the few days before the eclipse I felt really out of sorts.  Other friends had said the same thing.

Since the eclipse there has been a change.  Lightness has returned, an uplifting if you will.  Last night's pickin' party helped a great deal as well.  Seeing friends, hearing good music, sharing a meal, there is magic in all of that.

This is the last week of August.  Labor Day is a week from tomorrow.  Kids are back in school or are going back. Something about summer moving into fall always makes me feel hopeful.  I know most feel that way about winter to spring, but summer to fall gives me energy and hope.

This last week of August up your kindness quota.  Share more smiles, spread more joy.  We can do this.  One person at a time, we can bring light to the darkness and fear.

Just What We Needed

We invited a group of our musician friends over tonight to share their new songs and a meal.
We laughed, almost cried, voice frustration about the music biz and had a great time.
Even the dogs had a good time.  And when it was time to say goodnight, we all decided it was just what we needed.  We played our songs for each other with no judgement, just appreciation for talent and creativity.

Wishing a peaceful Sunday for each and everyone.  And if you are feeling down, listen to your favorite music.

Good Friday

Our weather pattern is changing.  The past couple of mornings have been down right cool, low 60's and the afternoon temps have been in the upper 80's .  It is a nice respite and according to the Almanac we are in for more "normal" fall and winter weather this year.  We can only hope.

Looking around outside today, you can see the subtle changes taking place around us.  The garden is playing out.  The trees that were verdant and rich a few weeks ago seem to becoming tinged with gold. The sunsets are more vivid and the days are getting shorter.  Summer is holding on, but fall is waiting in the wings.

It has been a good Friday.  I have thought of Louis many times today.  I miss my friend.
May the weekend bring each of you joy and may each of you spread some kindness.  Sending good thoughts and prayers to our Texas friends.  May you all be safe.

Masters/Slaves

Sharing the quote I used on my board today.


"We are masters of the unsaid words, but slaves of those we let slip."
- Winston Churchill

Celebrating Louis

A celebration of our friend Louis' life was held today, which by the way was his 89th birthday.
There was music, pictures, videos, laughter and tears.  Honestly, I hope it is the way I will be remembered.  No long pious sermon, just an encouraging prayer, the 23 Psalm and story after story of people loving Louis.

An opening song of Amazing Grace, closing with Frank Sinatra singing My Way, Louis would have loved it.  We met so many of his friends and family.  Now we have faces to go with the names he so often talked about.

I woke up this morning thinking of him, wishing that we could have celebrated this birthday together.
It was just not meant to be.  His body was worn out.  Our nurse Lynn from the infusion room came, his friends from Home Health Care.  I could just see him sitting over in the corner, laughing and holding court, glad that we were all together.

I miss him.  I know that I will always miss him.  He was a gift that I will never forget.  I am so grateful for his friendship and the friendships that we made with his friends and family.
His favorite thing to say each time any of us told him we loved him, " I love you more."
Tonight, I love you more Louis.  I miss you so very much.

Palatable Fear

Transformations are painful, whether they are good or bad.  We humans don't like change, don't want change.  Change is going to happen, whether we embrace it or fight it, change will happen in our lives.

I listened to students' stories in class today.  I am always astounded at how strong  they can be.
My students are fighters.  No matter their lifestyle, their profession, their past, by the time most make it to rehab they know something has to give.

Today was a day of tears, anger and frustration, but by the end of class there was a flicker of light in faces.  These students are new and they are walking a tightrope with no net.  For many of them this time at our facility will make or break their life.  Fear is palatable.

In a few weeks, their eyes will begin to sparkle, laughter will slowly come back into their lives.  Hope will blossom and the understanding of how to rebuild their life makes sense.
I am drained, but that is ok.  A cup of hot tea and my cozy bed will make it all better.

Early class tomorrow, early bedtime tonight.
Remember to be kind to every one, even those who don't seem to deserve kindness. They need it the most.

Monday Energy Shift

To celebrate the eclipse today, our class tonight did both sun salutations and moon salutations.
I did not want either to feel slighted.

You could feel the energy shift as the eclipse took place this afternoon.  For me personally, I went from a place of out of sorts to arriving at peace as the light overpowered the shadow.  For days now I have not slept well, had weird dreams and just felt strange. When the eclipse was over today, I began to feel like my old self.

Jordan and my brother Ricky had lunch with us and then stayed for the eclipse.  Jordan was delightful watching the change of light, seeing how the birds and chickens and dogs were reacting to mother nature showing off her stuff.

If you missed today's eclipse there will another one in seven years.  Jordan will be driving then.  Wow.

Spread good will, joy and kindness where ever you go tomorrow.

My Kind of Sunday

 The kind of Sunday I love.  Morning papers, walk the dogs, brunch, a few chores.  No place to go, nothing that has to be done, a day  to recharge and relax.

We all need these kind of days.  A day to spend at your own pace, enjoying normal little things.
Sunday gives me the  time to get ready to face the week.  My yoga clothes are washed, my yoga bag is packed, I am ready.  Rick will tell you if my Sunday is jammed with things to do, I get grumpy. And I face the week a little out of sorts.

These past few weeks our weekends have been packed with things to do, places to go. To get out of bed this morning, knowing that the day was ours, was delightful.  We did have a little power outage this evening ( heat index 103) but Alabama Power came to the rescue.  No storms, no wind, who knows why or how, but we do have outages often.  Winter is not so bad, but summers are brutal with no fans or AC.  We do love our creature comforts.

Tomorrow is the eclipse.  I will be glad when this shift of energy is past and maybe things will settle down.  Jordan is excited because he gets out of school early and will spend the afternoon with us.
Spread some kindness tomorrow, share some joy.   Time cannot be taken back, spend it wisely.

Waiting

one of things that is not so much fun in playing music is the hurry up and wait that takes place before a gig of any kind.  Rick caught me patiently waiting at the wedding this evening.  We were the music before the wedding started.  It was a beautiful wedding and the room was full of happiness.

The View

We are celebrating a wedding this weekend.  Our friends Wes and Deidra's daughter Laken is getting married tomorrow night.  ( their younger daughter Leigh got married in May, yep you heard that right, two daughters, two weddings in 3 months).  We have watched both girls grow up.  They are family.

Laken had asked Rick and I to play guitars for her wedding.  We did the rehearsal tonight and then went to the rehearsal dinner.  It was held at The Club in Birmingham.  If you ever have the opportunity to visit The Club, go.  The food is excellent and the view will take your breath.  Seeing the sun set over the city and watching the lights appear as the darkness moved in is something you don't want to miss.  Looking forward to the wedding tomorrow.

No Money

An interesting quote came across my FB page today.  I thought I would share it with all of you.  It made me think.



"If there was no money and everything depended on your moral standards and the way you treated people, how would you be doing in life?"   - Tupac Shakur

Mossy Path

A day that I needed.  Hanging out at home, doing chores, taught my morning class and playing guitar.
A good day.  Hook's stings are nasty.  He has about 12 stings from his face to his tail, but he is getting better.  He did not want to walk with me today.

Our path that we walk changes daily, with the weather.  Since we have had so much rain, the moss that I love is everywhere.  Part of our walking path is now covered in moss, so of course I took a picture.

I saw the butterfly again today.  I was sitting on the back steps and there she was, just flitting around my feet.  I have never seen a butterfly like her.  Her colors are incredible.  She is not shy or afraid.
I keep thinking she is some sort of omen, a good one.

Tomorrow is Thursday.  Remember to be kind.  It's more important than ever to spread kindness and love.  Be the change you want to see.

Hook's Adventure

Walking the dogs became quite an experience this morning.  It was so warm and muggy that Taz stepped outside the fence and refused make another step.  She went back to the house.  Calliou walked one of our usual rounds and he decided to call it quits.  Lady ( Jordan's dog) and Hook took me up on a second lap.  Hook as usual ran ahead to scare up all the rabbits and squirrels.  Just a few yards from the barn he left the path and within seconds ran across the path in front of me, began rolling and yelping.   He took off for the house.

Hook made it to the gate in record time and just about knocked me down to get inside the fence.
He barreled through the doggie door and by the time I made it inside he had hidden in Rick's closet.
I feared the worst, snake bite ,but suspected yellow jacket stings.     It was yellow jacket stings.  Big angry red welts were popping up on his nose and back.  He would not come out of Rick's closet.
I gave him a dose of Benadryl.   I sat in the floor and petted him, assuring him no wasps were in the house.  After about an hour he finally ventured out of the closet.  He slept for most of the afternoon.

There was a good moment on our walk this morning.  Down by the barn, there is a patch of tiny gravel and pebbles, a most beautiful beautiful  butterfly flew around me there and then flew down on the pebbles and posed while I snapped a picture.  Sadly I have not been able to convince Hook that anything good happened on our walk today.

Forecast

The Farmer's Almanac came out with their fall/winter forecast today.  For our area, the southeastern United States they are predicting below normal temps and above average rainfall.   I know it might sound crazy, but I hope they nailed it.  I love fall and winter.  I love boots and sweaters and coats.

I love walking the dogs in the cold.  Hot tea and coco in front of the fireplace is my cozy special place.  Snowfall is so rare here in Alabama that even if we just get flurries I am thrilled.
I admit, I did a happy dance when I read the forecast this morning.  I know there are many who would love to spend their winter in tee shirts and shorts, but not me.

I like the changing of the seasons.  Fall and winter are my favorites.  As a wannabe farmer, I know the importance of cold weather on crops.  The past two winters have been extremely mild.  As a result of the drought and mild winters our fruit crops have been almost nothing.  The bug infestation this summer has been awful.  So bring on those cooler temps, I am ready.

One of the 36

My friend, Barbara Dollar shared this post with me this evening.  I think it is a very insightful and profound way to look at life today.  So I am sharing it with all of you tonight.   May we spread love and kindness on our path tomorrow, may we be one of the 36.

According to Jewish legend, there are in each generation 36 righteous humans who prevent the rest of us from being destroyed. Through their extraordinary good deeds and their love of the divine spark, they save the world over and over again. They're not famous saints, though. They go about their business anonymously, and no one knows how crucial they are to our well-being.
Might you be one of the 36? As a temporary experiment, act as if you are. ~Rob Brezsny

Saturday Update

A busy Saturday.  We went shopping this morning and Rick got his first new suit in many many years.  Sometimes, you just have to wear a suit even if you are a jeans  and khakis kind of guy.

This evening we celebrated our niece Alesha's graduation from the UAB master's program.  She graduated with a 4.0 while being a mom, working as a nurse full time and dealing with MS.  We are proud of her.

For the first time in a couple of weeks the night sky is clear, hoping we can see some meteor showers tonight.  Then of course we have our glasses ready for the eclipse this week.

Ready to watch Doc Martin, sip a cup of tea and have some sweet dreams.
May we all know peace, joy and love.

Tough Friday

I had a 46 year old cousin die this week.  His funeral was today.  A couple of years ago, he had pneumonia  which was viral, which went directly to his heart.  He developed congestive heart failure.
Diabetes followed, do did a foot infection, death came this week.  Tony left a mom, three sisters and two children, remember them in your prayers.   Right now in our area, pneumonia is rampant, scary stuff guys.

Jordan spent another day with us.  His school starts Monday.  He loves his teachers, he is excited.  But he is also looking at the calendar for fall break and Christmas vacation.  We had a great time with him.  Did I say he is has become a bottomless pit?  I swear, he ate most of the food in our fridge before he left for home today.  Swimming burns endless calories.

A better day for me.  Sometimes at work, my heart breaks.  Sometimes life breaks my heart.  Anger is not the answer for any of it.  This too shall pass.  My reaction is all that I can control.

Saturday is tomorrow.  Summer is zipping by. Get those grills going, enjoy the last few weeks, Labor Day is waiting and then fall zooms in.

Don't forget to be kind. Take the time to love and spread joy.
Goodnight, Sweet dreams.

Flow

Some days are difficult.  Today was one of those days.  I have not been angry in a very long time.
I understand the anger, I know where it's coming from and I also know that the only thing I can change is how I react.   This too shall pass.

Anger and stress are exhausting.  I am exhausted tonight.  Lots of deep breaths and talking to myself  has helped.  Life throws curves.  They are frequently unexpected.  Once again it comes down to realizing that it is all about your reaction.

Class today was on the second chakra.  One of the key phrases for working with this chakra is to live like water.  Go with the flow.  Life is change and survival and growth cannot take place without it.
Perfect class for me, the teacher today.  Live like water, face the ups and downs, go with the flow.

Tomorrow is Friday.  May we all have peace, joy and kindness in our lives.  Go with the flow.

Hump Day

Hump day, more rain and clouds.  Mold, mildew and mushrooms are everywhere.  A walk through the woods in the morning is like moving through some dank, dark medieval world.  We are now past jungle and into the fungus domain.

Jordan told me yesterday he just wanted to play in the sun.  He loves fresh air and sunshine as much as I do.  I keep telling him, the weather will change, fingers crossed and full of hope.  At least our ground water level is back to normal, no more drought.

I have thought of my friend Louis so much today.  We usually saw each other on Wednesday or Friday...I miss him.

Spread a little kindness tomorrow, throw in a smile and make someone's day.
Goodnight, Sweet dreams

The Root

Working on the root chakra today in yoga class.  With students who have PTSD, the root chakra always needs lots of work and love.  PTSD from being in combat puts the student in constant fight or flight mode.  The adrenals are in over drive and fear an usually guilt are constant companions.  By the time our asanas were done and students had experienced a 25 minute yoga nidra and temple massage (with cedarwood oil) there was a sense of peace and calm as they left the room.  The teacher received many hugs.

PTSD from any cause is devastating.  Most of its victims do not sleep, or if they do they experience night terrors.  Any sense of security they might have had in their past is usually gone.  Fear most often drives their days and nights.  Our group was mixed today, military and non-military.  Thankfully it was a small group.  The room became a safe place, a respite from the thoughts and memories that flood the mind.

As a teacher, I walk into my classroom, give all I have, use every ounce of wisdom and knowledge that is in me and keep judgement and competition out of the room and hope for the best.
Tonight I am drained, but that's ok, tomorrow is a brand new day.

Pink Zinnias

Please don't tell me you are tired of seeing photos of my zinnias, they are so beautiful this year.

These pink ones make me smile every time I see them.

It has been a rainy Monday.  Looks like rain for the next week or so.  That's ok, the flowers are thriving.

My students were happy to see me today.  It was good to be back in the classroom.   After a week without yoga, my body felt some transformation today.  Felt so good to breathe and stretch.

Goodnight, Sweet dreams

Welcome Zuzu

I met my great niece Zulu for the first time today.  Like all her siblings before her, she is perfect.
I can't wait until she is at my kitchen table baking Christmas cookies and gathering flowers in my garden.

Harvest Continues

A beautiful day in the neighborhood.  The butterflies are still swarming the flowers and the hummers are drinking their food about as fast as we can fill the feeders.

Walking the dogs this afternoon ( it was so beautiful, we walked them twice) I smelled figs.
I walked over to the large bush and yes, there were ripe figs!  Not a large harvest, but enough to make us happy.  The jalapeños are large enough to grill.  That should happen happen tomorrow.

I hope your Saturday has been a good one.  My mouth pain and tenderness has finally left.  About to binge watch Doc Martin.  I love the show.

Blessings of peace to all of you tomorrow.

Healthy Journey

This week away from work has seemed more like one day and  not a week.  I have done a great deal of sleeping, I suppose my body needed it.  What can I say, I have been a slug.

Today was a whole day of real food, not soft stuff.  Rick and I went to our local produce stand and bought tons of fruits and veggies.  My body is rejoicing.  I have been reading about a Dr. Wahls.
Basically her story, she was a successful doctor, was diagnosed with relapsing-remitting MS and became wheel chair bound.  Since her particular MS did not respond well to meds, she was told any function lost as the disease progressed would never return.

She began to research why her body was failing and what she could do about it.  She took her health into her own hands.  After successes and failures, she figured out the nutrients the body had to have to function properly.  She was able to return to walking after being wheelchair bound.  It was not an easy journey. But her story is amazing.

I have been reading a great deal about energy healing/medicine.  I believe with all my heart we are what we consume, food, water, positive/negative energy, books we read, thoughts we think, people we spend time with.  Everything around us has an impact on us.  I believe our earth has everything we need to keep us healthy.  Native Americans taught that all the medicines we needed were supplied by nature.  My father and his mother believed that as well.

It's Friday, the first weekend of August.  The year is half over.  Let this next half be one of kindness, a journey toward health and joy.  Eat your fruits and veggies, drink some fresh water, get some sunshine and gentle exercise, breathe and be grateful for one thing every day.  

Madame Butterfly

Jordan spent the morning with me.  We watched a couple of PBS shows, took the dogs for a walk and just hung out.  We had a great time.  I ate real food today, very small bites, but real food.


After Jordan went home, I spent some time gathering fresh flowers for all the vases in the house.
The zinnias were covered in butterflies and bees.  They were fearless, none of them ever flew away as I cut flower after flower.  I talked to them as they danced flower to flower, you could feel the tiny breeze as they fluttered by.  This one, a beautiful yellow one, followed me, flower to flower.  I called her madame butterfly.

Tomorrow I get my hair done.  Nothing like getting your hair done to make yourself feel great.
My mouth still hurts, there is still soreness, but it is way better today.
This week has flown by.  Tomorrow is Friday.  Summer is slipping away.  Enjoy it while you can.
Spread some kindness.

Normal

Starting to feel normal again.  What is it about general anesthesia that just kicks your butt?  Well, stitches in the gum and roof of the mouth don't exactly make you feel pretty either.  But, much better day today.  Can begin to eat regular food again, just very small bites.

Our nephew James texted me this evening.  His wife's water broke, so they are now at the hospital with baby number five on her way.  Zuzu Phillips should be arriving around midnight tonight.

This week is Hook's first anniversary with us.  A year ago, his ribs were showing, he was sick with all sorts of infections and heart worms.  Today he weighs about 80 or 90 pounds, all muscle and happy as can be.  Who knew we would have a collie, a yorkie and a bulldog?

Ready for a cup of hot tea and bed.
Goodnight, Sweet dreams

August 1

August 1....oral surgery is not for wussies

August 1...summer is half over

August 1...here in the south east, there is talk of football

August 1...local teachers and support staff have already gone back to school

August 1...today was picture perfect

August 1...tomatoes and watermelons are at their best

August 1...I really hope we have winter weather this year(ask any farmer why we need the cold)

August 1...can't wait to see the eclipse

August 1...days are shorter

August 1...always strange to see swimsuits and sweaters at the same time

August 1...I have missed work this week

August 1...what I miss most about back to school?  new clothes