Look Up

Halloween, an almost full moon, chill in the air...perfect fall night.  Today was just as perfect.  Skies so blue they were endless, a crisp breeze and warm sun.  I walked the dogs and at one point on our walk, I looked up.  So glad I did.  I share with you tonight what I saw when I looked up.

Happy Halloween!  Hope you got all treats and no tricks.

Monday Musings

I surprised my class tonight with chair yoga.  Students are always amazed at how deep and intense the stretch can be while seated in a chair.  Classes at work today were centered around different types of breath work.  I have had great students and classes today and yes I am a little tired.

It has been a good Monday.  The moon is waxing and will be full by Thursday.  It was a beauty coming home tonight.  Tomorrow night is Halloween and there goes October.  November will be rushing in and before you know it, Thanksgiving will be here.

I hope your Monday has been a good one.  I hope you all get treats tomorrow night and no tricks.
Spread a little kindness with the candy.

Sunday Thoughts

Another kid pic from last night.  I have not recovered, but the kids are already asking when are we gonna do this again.

This weekend the weather has been amazing, truly fall like for the first time in a couple of years.
Last night lows in the 30's, same again tonight.  It has been heavenly.  Wonderful how a change in the weather can make you feel so good.

Last couple of days of October coming up.  We bought Halloween candy today, though Jordan and Anthony are usually the only two kids that show up.  I'll take some candy to class tomorrow night and some to work with me on Tuesday.

Be sure and spread some kindness tomorrow, everyone needs and deserves some.

Kids

Kids everywhere tonight.  Ages 3months to 15 years.  Hot dogs, chicken chili, red chili, cake and cookies, hot cider, fire in the fire pit.  I am exhausted.  But boy howdy did we have fun.

Kid Parade

Today was the local high school Home Coming parade.  For the past couple of years, Jordan and our great nephew Anthony have gone to my sister Pat's house to watch.  She lives on Main St and the parade begins just a block or so from her house.  Her great grandkids come and watch as well.
The kids love it.  They get bags of candy that the people on floats and fire trucks throw to the folks on the sidewalk and the police and fire sirens thrill them.  My sister orders pizza and it is like a half day kid party, complete with a sugar buzz from the sacks of candy.

Tomorrow the same crew of kids, plus more are coming to our house for hot dogs, chili, hot chocolate and cider and cookies.  I hope I survive the weekend.  :)

Goodnight, Sweet dreams

Confused

Mother Nature seems so fickle now.  Friends in St. Louis had near 80 degree temps today, we had 70 degrees, tomorrow St. Louis will struggle with temps in the 40's, then it comes our way tomorrow night.  Wow!  She just can't make up her mind.

When I walked the dogs this morning this little fellow seemed confused as well.  He was moving really slow.  Though the flowers are still blooming, frosts and freeze are on their way.  Hopefully Nature will get on the fall path soon and then move on to winter at the appropriate time.  Fingers crossed.

Hump Day

It felt great outside today.  My first fall day to wear boots, jeans and a sweater.  Life is good.
I have been nesting, getting the house ready for chilly days and nights.   Organizing closets and pantries, and hopefully in a couple of weeks I will be painting the great room and our bedroom.
I did the kitchen and guest room a couple of years ago.  Our office will get a fresh coat after the New Year.

My early morning class was small.  Much like my Monday night class, there has been quite a bit of allergy/sickness with the changing of the season.  Hopefully our bodies will adjust and everyone will be healthy soon.

I put the flannel sheets on the bed this evening.  If Rick could tolerate them, I would sleep on flannel 12 months out of the year.  They are so soft and cozy.  I can't wait to go to bed tonight.

It has been a good hump day.  October is zooming by.  Here's to a Thursday that is all we need.

A Gift

It's that time again, time to say goodbye to students and hello to students.   This can be a tough part of my job.  Watching those who leave, spread their wings and move on to a better life and seeing those who walk in for the first time, scared, embarrassed, angry and hurt.

The drive home was wonderful this evening.  Autumn sunsets take your breath here in North Alabama.  This evening there were purple clouds with silver linings and streaks of rose, crimson, tangerine and fuchsia.  I envy those whose houses have a western view, I hope they realize how lucky they are on days like today.

One of the dogs brought me a gift today.  I had just gotten my lunch ready when I heard Red the Hen clucking.  I stepped out the back door and there at the door  lay a big dead rat.  The last time we used the grill Sam had squealed because she swore a big rat jumped out from under the grill out back and ran between her feet.  Rick and I laughed at her.  I figure the gift  must have been her critter and Hook and Lady and Calliou made sure he would not scare her again.

Early class in the morning, and rumors of our first frost.  But then it will be 70 degrees by Friday and then more frost Saturday and Sunday. So goes Alabama weather.
Enjoy your hump day.  Share some joy, spread some kindness.

Pink

The rains last night brought cooler temps, and more on the way.  The zinnias are on their last hurrah.
I will miss them so much.  The ones that are still blooming are more beautiful than ever.  But frost will be here by the weekend and they will be gone.  I think these pink ones are breath taking.  Their color has become more vibrant as the season comes to an end.   October seems to have become the pink month.  For all of those who have been touched by breast cancer this bouquet is for you.

Scooby Pumpkin

Jordan had to do a book report/project today.  His book was Scooby Doo and The Haunted Pumpkins.
The project, decorate a pumpkin that works with the book.  He and his mom Sam came over and we had a great time with paint, glue gun, felt and googly eyes.  While we were working on the project I asked Sam if she remembered me helping her with projects when she was little.  She laughed and talked about how much fun she always had.

Of course I had to share a photo of Jordan, Sam and Scooby Pumpkin.  Yes, we did have some fun.

Uneventful

Clouds moved in last night so no watching any showers, no shooting stars, nothing.  Maybe later in the week after the rains move through the next few days.

We did our Costco run and a few chores around the house.  Another day of semi-rest, rebuilding energy and getting ready for next week.  Tomorrow I help Jordan and his mom decorate a pumpkin for a school project.  It has been a very un-eventful Saturday.

Hot tea awaits and  my favorite Britt-coms.  May your Sunday be a peaceful.
Goodnight, Sweet dreams

Orionids Showers

A much needed day of rest.  I stayed in my sweats most of the day.  With packed classes all week, my batteries needed to recharge.  We are meeting friends for dinner this evening at a local Italian place.
For me, Italian food is comfort food.  I can't wait.

We are gearing up for the meteor showers tonight.  Tomorrow night, clouds will be rolling in and rain comes Sunday and Monday so tonight is our best bet.  The viewing guides that I have Googled say the best time to catch the most meteors is around 3:00am.  We will be setting our clocks and see what happens.  These are not the big long ones, what I have read is that they are small and if you blink, you will miss them.  Still, I think they are always worth a view.

The night sky is so mysterious, so vast and so much unknown.  I think it would be really nice to have a planetarium out back.

Enjoy your Saturday.  We will make a Costco run and then Rick will watch football games.  I will read and putter around the house.  Don't forget to be kind.

Self Study

We studied the 4th Niyama today, Savadhayaya, self study.  Self study, very few spend the time to study our inner and outer selves.  Meditation is a way to study self.  So for class today we did walking meditations.   It was the perfect day for it, clear skies, 72 degrees, a hint of color in the trees.

None of the students had done a walking meditation.  Sometimes a walking meditation can be more difficult than sitting and breathing.

As we gathered outside near the edge of the woods where I work, I sat the parameters of where we would walk.  There is a large field between the parking lot and the woods, it was the perfect place.

I explained that we would do two different meditations.  For the first, we walk slowly, hands clasped, in a line,  ten steps forward and then turn around and retrace our steps to the starting point.  We would practice mindfulness by keeping our focus on our breath and steps.  No talking and no interaction with each other, the timer was set for five minutes.

For the next meditation,  we would practice awareness.  Once again no talking or interaction, but we could walk the field, gazing up, down around.  We would walk slowly, maybe stopping to observe a leaf or the sky.  We would be aware of the sky, any sounds, smells, the sensation of walking on grass and soil, any wildlife.  We would be aware of everything around us and by doing that, the stress of the day would leave, and our minds would no longer race.  This time the timer was set for ten minutes.  The students were awestruck by the time we went back to the room.  They all mentioned seeing and being aware of things they had never noticed on the grounds.  They were calm and peaceful.  They realized how important taking a walk can be.

Clasping the hands is important, it keeps you from swinging your arms, it helps you to walk slowly.

Remembering to breathe is just as important. If you have never done a walking meditation try it sometime.  It will take walking to a whole new level for you.

New Moon

I saw the most breath-taking sunrise this morning.  I am not a morning person.  Getting up in the dark is drudgery for me.  The pay-off,  the sunrises that I see.  On my way to work this morning I topped one of the many rolling hills on my drive and as I crested one of the last before making my last turn, I gasped.  The horizon was the color of a blood orange, the trees were black, the sky was a shimmering
blue like the waters in the Bahamas. Just over the peak of red orange and midway of the blue there was a tiny sliver of silver.  It was the new moon making it's first appearance for this month.

I didn't bother taking a picture with my phone.  My phone could never capture the magic of that image and those colors.  So it was my personal gift from the universe.  Well mine and anyone else's who was looking at the sunrise.

I love my work schedule.  I see sunrises and sunsets.  They are all unique and beautiful.  As many of you know I am fascinated by the moon.  New moons for me signify beginnings, the chance to start all fresh and new.   Seeing that tiny sliver for whatever reason gave me hope this morning.

The new moon is a beauty in the night sky this evening.  If you get a chance, go out and moon gaze.
Maybe there are changes you need, some sort of new beginning in your life.  Maybe the new moon will give you hope just as it did for me this morning.
Goodnight, Sweet dreams

Fall Surprises

Unusual fall flowers, tiny delicate purple daisies of some variety, I think.  Fall wild flowers around here are normally yellows and oranges and reds and usually fairly bold.  These little things are so sweet and fragile.  A nice surprise for the morning walk.

Mossy Timber

The temps dropped last night after the storms came through.  This morning was windy and cool and the dogs loved every minute of their walk.  The sun came out when we were walking and the sunlight that dappled through the trees was dazzling.  This moss covered timber reminded me of our time in Ireland.  The green was rich and verdant.  It was a gift.

Gentle Rain

A gentle rain has started to fall tonight.  Behind the rain, cooler air is on its way, finally fall has decided to show her face.  I am so grateful.

We have done quite a few chores this weekend.  It is a good kind of fatigue.  I laughed today and told Rick I would have to go to work tomorrow to get some rest.  He agreed.

October 15, the month is half gone.  Take a deep breath and don't close your eyes, 2018 is rushing to get here.

Start the week with kindness, even to someone who does not appear to deserve it.  Be grateful for answered prayers as well as those unanswered.  May we all know peace.

Chores

There are certain chores that I put off as long as I possibly can...defrosting the freezer is at the top of the list.  I can clean closets and pantries all day, actually enjoy it, but that freezer, ugh.  Today was the day.  I did routine cleaning this morning and then this afternoon I took a deep breath and dove head first into the freezer.  A hair dryer, ice pick and shop vac sped things along and tonight I pat myself on the back.  That freezer chest is ready for holiday cooking and so am I.  Next weekend, the oven gets the attention.

There has been a video that has floated around FB for sometime by one of our military leaders, called Make Your Bed.  The gist, if you make your bed every day, no matter how good or bad your day is, you can go home at night to a fresh bed.  I have done that my entire life.  My mother could have taught the military a few things about  making your bed.  I can count on one hand the times growing up that I did not make my bed. Those three or four times involved the flu.

I do find completing chores and tasks satisfying.  I suppose that is why time management and a daily planner make such good sense to me. Rick is watching the Alabama football game tonight, I am about to take a hot bath, sip my hot tea and read.  Tomorrow is fun and rest.

Wishing all of us a day of peace tomorrow, may we all know kindness and love.

Prevention

Jordan is so much better.  Today, he and his mom came over and he is back to his old self.  What a relief.  I am so grateful that our friends helped us get him to doctor who took great care of him.
Anytime one of my loved ones is sick it is stressful, but when it is one of the kids my stress level goes through the roof.

Rick and I practiced a little preventative medicine today.  We both got flu shots.  I know that there are many who are skeptical of any type vaccination and that is a personal choice.  Working in a hospital setting, having primary immune issues, makes me a setting duck for things like the flu.  Yes, there have been a few times through the years that I have gotten the flu, even after the shot.  But I never know how well my immune system is functioning, so just walking around in a crowd can be a crap shoot for me.  Anything I can do to hedge my catching something, I do.  I eat healthy, wash my hands with soap and water often, take probiotics, rest as much as I can, exercise , get fresh air and sunshine and hope for the best.  I take vitamins and supplements too.

After our shots, we had a delightful lunch at one of our favorite restaurants, then did some errands.
This afternoon, chores filled the hours until dark.   Dinner was cooked on the grill and as always, I cook and Rick cleans the kitchen.  I love our system.

No gigs this weekend, several things on our to do list.  Here's hoping you all have a great weekend. Friends and family in the midwest watch for the storms.  May you all be safe. Sending every type of energy I can muster out to California, I hope the rains come soon.
Remember, be kind, send love, spread joy.

Sharky the Fiddle Player

I got a treat in the mail today.  My cousin Carolyn had called a month or so ago and told me that she had some pictures she wanted to send me of my dad and mom, and us kids when we were small.
The pictures of momma and daddy were taken during the war when he was stationed in Florida before being shipped out to Germany and France.  There was one that brought tears to my eyes.
During my years of growing up at home, my dad played guitar and sang ( apple did not fall far from the tree).  His dad had been a banjo player.  But my dad also played fiddle.  I never knew until the pictures fell out of the envelope today.  There he was sitting on the steps playing the fiddle.
Wow, I have never missed him so much since he passed.  Tonight I share that photo with all of you.
My dad Sharky, the fiddle player.

Where's Fall

I worked a little more on our entryway today.  Jordan's dog Lady sat and watched me.  At one point she looked up the road as if to say, "where's fall, you sure it's coming?"

Tuesday Thoughts

Jordan is still sick.  He spent most of the day with me before I left for work.  His grandfather, my brother Ricky picked him up after lunch.  He is showing some improvement but it has been a long couple of weeks.  It breaks my heart to see him dealing with lung/sinus issues.  Hopefully by Monday he will be back in school.  So glad fall break is this week.

My classes were packed again today.  I love teaching.  Teaching to a packed class is exhausting.
Watching everyone, making sure they are not doing anything that might hurt them, keeping all in alignment takes a great deal of energy and attention.  I have several students with physical issues so I have to be on my toes at all times, no matter how gentle the class.

Early morning class tomorrow, but it is hump day.  Plans are after class to do some major house cleaning.  How can two people trash a house like we do????

Hot tea awaits, so does my bed.
Goodnight, Sweet dreams

Weather Rant

So hot and humid today, this can't be October!  It felt like July or August.  I hope there is relief soon from the heat.

We had a week of cooler temps and then they just went away.  Summer has to know it is time to leave.

I am having fall withdrawals.  I need the chilly mornings and cool days.  I want to wear my boots and jackets and sweaters!

Sorry, the weather rant is over.  All my classes were packed today.  I am a wee bit tired.
Time for hot tea and bed.
Good night, Sweet dreams

Golden

Thankfully Nate was just lots of rain and an occasional gust of wind.  We needed the rain.  I thought that with the storm our temps would drop, but it is just hot and muggy.  Nate brought the tropics north.  It still feels like August.  One week of fall and right back to summer, I hope it is not a replay of last year.  I miss cold air.  I do not enjoy tank tops and shorts all year long.  It is not in my DNA.

Today was rest and do the stuff to get ready for the coming week.  You know, laundry, grocery shopping, all the mundane yet necessary things.

I hope this Monday brings health, joy and peace to all of us.  Please be kind.  This Golden Rule came across my FB this morning. We all want kindness, don't we?

Frogged Out

Can we say all frogged out?  Last night we played the Frog Level Festival in Fayette.  Today We spent the first half of the day at the Frog Festival in Sumiton ( Rick does their website).  Tonight the rains from Hurricane Nate started to drop on our roof.  The generator is ready incase we lose power.
But the sound of rain on our tin roof is making me so happy.  I think I will sleep well tonight.

May we have a peaceful Sunday and a week of kindness.

Frog Level Festival

Tonight we played the Frog Level Festival in Fayette, Al.  What an awesome festival and so much fun.  A great sound crew, and wonderful organizers as well.  It is always fun to play, but sometimes the stars line up and everything comes together, tonight under a full moon, it all came together.

Non-stealing

The third Yama today, non-stealing.  We know what it means to take things that don't belong to us, but there are other ways we steal as well.  We steal someone's time when we are chronically late.
If someone does something kind for us and we don't return that kindness, we have stolen.
There are givers and takers in the world.  It goes without saying much that takers, who take your love, your spirit, your energy, your talents steal as well.

We steal when we are in yoga class and someone does postures better than we do and we fill ourselves with envy.  We steal our joy from our hearts when we are not grateful.  What about those energy robbers who drain you every time you are around them?  You know the ones, who leave you exhausted after each conversation or encounter.

It is a beautiful Harvest Moon tonight.  Please take time to go out and gaze upon its beauty.
Remember that same moon shines on all humanity, take a moment to send love and kindness to each and every one.  Wishing peace on earth tonight, goodwill toward man.

Official Forecast

I get a Farmers Almanac weekly newsletter.  It is always such fun, filled with interesting facts, folklore and weather information.  This morning I read about the persimmon seed winter forecast.
Jordan was spending the day with us and though he did not feel very well I knew this was a great science/folklore lesson.

We picked our persimmon, the biggest we could find.  Our wild persimmons here in Alabama are only about the size of a quarter, most are smaller.  We squished it open, and then Rick helped us split the seeds.  We had four seeds.  When you split the seed you will see either a fork, spoon or knife image( it is true).  A fork represents a mild winter, spoons represent heavy snow, and a knife represents windy and cold.    We had 3 spoons and 1 knife.  Jordan's official winter forecast for Empire, Alabama...a cold winter with 3 snow events.   I hope he is right.    Will keep you posted.

We have practiced for our gig this evening.  We are playing at the Frog Level Festival in Fayett, Al Friday evening.  Our first time there, it should be loads of fun.

Be kind tomorrow.

Truth

Truth, removing the veil of deception, that is what our class was about today.  The second of the Yamas, one of the five moral teachings of yoga.  When we think about how we deceive ourselves, it can be unsettling.  We settle for a job or lifestyle or relationship that does nothing to help our journey as a human.  We lie to ourselves and say it's ok or it's not hurting anyone or anything. We stop thinking for ourselves and let others tell us what and how to think, lies that degrade us and tear us down and take away our dignity.

We exaggerate our own version of the truth to make our selves feel better, to impress or belittle.
All religions discuss truth, but we humans tend to see truth as we want.  Sometimes the truth destroys and hurts, it might be better see that truth in a different light.

My momma always told me if I told the truth I would not have to remember the lies.  Her wisdom still haunts me.

As we moved through the asanas today, I reminded the students to be truthful to themselves in their yoga.  If a posture hurt, if their bodies could not do something, to be honest and know that with practice the pose would come to fruition.  Sometimes we go to yoga or take a walk and our minds are everywhere but where we are.  We wonder when our class or walk is over why it did not seem as satisfying as other times.  We have to be truthful and remember to be here, now.

Early class in the morning, I will see the sun rise and that is always a good thing.
Remember what the world needs, what we need tomorrow and every day is a little love and kindness.

Fall Wild Flowers

Not only are we beginning to see color in the trees, but we have beautiful fall wild flowers.
Sending love to all tonight, please don't lose hope, please be kind.

October 1

October 1...a month of remembrance, today would have been my mom and dad's anniversary

October 1... my oldest brother Hubert would have celebrated his birthday this month, so would have my dad and Rick's dad

October 1...I have brothers who are twins, their birthday is this month

October 1....Leaves are starting to color and nights are cooler

October 1...fall festivals every weekend

October 1...apples, pumpkins, pears, sweet potatoes, turnips  I love fall foods

October 1...maybe it will be cool enough for boots in a few weeks

October 1...I love Halloween, but my favorite holiday is Thanksgiving

October 1....fall is my favorite season

October 1....bonfires if it rains

October 1...days are shorter, stars are brighter, sunsets take my breath

October 1...yummy candy corn

October 1...fall wildflowers are at their peak

October 1...fall, winter and spring are never long enough, summers here go on forever

October 1...have I said how much I love fall clothing? the richness of the colors thrills me.

October 1...2017 will be saying goodbye before we blink our eyes