Snow Flag for the New Year

December 31, 2018...it's almost gone.  2019 is waiting in the wings, hoping that he brings good health, great joy and much love and kindness to everyone.  And I hung my winter/snow flag today so hoping to see a little snow as well.

Happy New Years to you all.

Brave

A dear friend lost her husband just before the holidays.  She shared this quote with me tonight, it goes on my board tomorrow.


"There are four things in this life that will change you. Love, music, art and loss.  The first three will keep you wild and full of passion. May you allow the last to make you brave."  - Erin Van Vuren

Cold and Damp

We have had such a rainy season moss is covering anything that doesn't move.  Usually we see all sorts of fungi in the spring, but it abounds this winter season as well.

A mostly sunny day but rain moved in again tonight and will stick around for the  next two or three days.

I love moss and we have so many varieties in various shades of green now, it is delightful to walk each morning and see what the cold dampness has brought. 

I know that many suffer from the dark days of winter.  Rick is not a fan of the cloudy days but there is beauty even in the grey damp cold.  You just have to look a little harder and wear warm clothes.

It may be hard to find beauty on a cold damp day, but it's there.  If you deal with winter light disorder, there are things you can do to help.  Wear brighter colors, keep live flowers in the house, spend time outside as much as you can, and if needed use special lights in your office or home.  Try to eat seasonal food, plenty of citrus, root veggies, dark greens, apples, nuts...continue to hydrate well, heated dry air not only dries your skin, but your respiratory system too.  And remember, spring will come, sometimes she is early, sometimes late, but she always comes.

May you have a peaceful Sunday and may you dream of warm sandy beaches.

December 28

Started taking down my Christmas decorations today.  I love our decorations, the way they make the house look magical...I really hate taking them down.  I will so miss the glow from the Christmas tree lights and the Santas on the mantle standing guard.  But by the end of the weekend, all will be back to normal and we will welcome the New Year.  Normally I leave everything up until New Years, but I go back to work Monday. 

Yesterday we got around 6 inches of rain, and it was almost balmy today.  Cooler tomorrow, then more rain and then really cold air comes back.  The weather certainly does a dance here in Alabama.

I have spent a great deal of time the past few weeks thinking about 2019 and the things that I want to accomplish.  2018 was a really productive year in many ways, but there were some spaces that were left empty.  Sometimes life just throws curves.  I know that there are some who live their lives with a single driven purpose, who dance their dance regardless and often I wish I did that. 

So, here we are, the last few days of December, the last few days of 2018.  Enjoy your weekend, be kind to those around you, don't forget to laugh out loud.  All the transformations that took place in our lives in 2018 added to our journey, I hope those transformations that greet us in 2019 give hope, kindness and joy to all.

Peace

In this season of peace, I give you one of my most favorite quotes about peace.


"Peace is all around us and within us.  Once we learn to touch this peace, we will be healed and transformed.  It is not a matter of faith, it is a matter of practice."   -Thich Nhat Hanh

Boxing Day

I have taken the week off from work, some R and R was greatly needed.  Rick's younger sister's husband ended up at the hospital yesterday morning with some heart issues, today he got a stent.
He is doing well and should be home tomorrow.  We went over and spent a little time with them today.  Though they missed Christmas day, the annual Watson family gathering isn't until Saturday so they should be all festive by then.

Tomorrow rain, like 2 to 5 inches for the next couple of days is moving in, so it should be a good day for getting the house in order.  Rick is working this week, so he will be in and out.

These days after Christmas are one of my favorite parts of the holidays.  The decorations are still out, the mood is still festive but now I can be still and enjoy the beauty of everything.  Last night before we went to bed, I turned out all the lights except those on the trees and we sat by candlelight/tree light just enjoying the silence and beauty of the lights.  While we were out and about today, people just seemed less frantic, moving slowing and smiling.

Today is Boxing Day if you live in the UK.  Last year, our great niece and nephew ( who were living in London at the time) brought us candy from the UK, it was so tasty.  We celebrated Boxing Day last year with our candy, this year, just a nice up of tea and biscuits.

I hope your Christmas  was a good one, we are getting ready to do our vision boards and think about our goals and a plan to meet them for 2019.  2018 has been kind to us, I hope 2019 continues that path.  Get some rest, enjoy your time with family and friends and if you are like us, about to face monsoonal rains...stay dry.

Goodnight, Sweet dreams

Christmas 2018

Our 2018 Christmas card, Merry Christmas and a happy, healthy New Year!

Baking Christmas Cookies

Breakfast with my brother Ricky and his family this morning at 8:00.  Then his grandkids came over and made Christmas cookies.  ( his kids use to do that)  We took a well deserved nap, then carried presents to Rick's sister Mary Lois, my sister Pat and my sister Nell.  Then home for Christmas fettuccine and It's A Wonderful Life.  Busy day.

I enlisted the help of my great niece Daisy to help me with the baking today.  She loves to cook and for an eleven year old, she is awesome.  We came over right after breakfast and got the dough ready, cut out the cookies and placed a cookie sheet full of cookies at each kid's chair.  Then she got all the sprinkles, pearls, stars place in little bowls so that everyone could decorate their cookies any way they wished.  We had a grand time.  We are still sweeping up sugar crystals tonight.

Christmas Eve will soon be over, I hope your Christmas Day is full of joy, full of peace and full of love.

Sunday Thoughts

All the gifts are wrapped.  We go to my brother's house next door for breakfast in the morning.  8:00 am, but Sam has to see patients tomorrow,  I think her dad and brother have work to do as well.
But, we eat a hearty breakfast and hopefully they will all get home early tomorrow afternoon.

Rick and I will visit our older sisters tomorrow, leaving gifts for their families.  Christmas afternoon we will drop by and say hello to their kids and grandkids. 

I am finding that fatigue is a trigger with the meniere's  flares.  It is hard to find a balance in this holiday season, but we are working at it.  I teach acceptance of change daily, but I know from personal experience, it is very difficult, especially with health issues and aging.

I hope that regardless of how you celebrate the holidays, that you find time for peace and solitude.
 I hope there is a place where you can experience the gift of silence as well as the merriment and fellowship of family and friends.  Even the holidays require balance.

If you are traveling this week, safe travels, treat others as you wish to be treated and at some point look up, and see the beauty of the winter sky.  The moon has been a gift this week.

Jordan's Decor

Rick and I, my brother Ricky ( Jordan's Pawpaw) helped Jordan with his Charlie Brown tree and yard decorations today.  We had a great time.  We all declared it was the best tree ever!  I don't think we could claim to be professionals, but it sure was fun.

No Agenda

Rick finished up his column this morning and we decided to do our grocery shopping and the last of our Christmas shopping.  It was pouring rain, 40 degrees with bitter wind straight out of the north and we didn't care.  We had a great time, we drank hot peppermint mocha coffees from Joe Mugs while we shopped for gifts.  We took the long way home.  Though we got a great deal accomplished, there was really no agenda.

This evening, I made hot cider and we watched The Shop Around the Corner . Today was one of the least stressful days I have experienced in weeks.  Tonight, we did our gratitude ceremony and celebrated the Winter Solstice.  We were hopeful about the full moon tonight, but the clouds still cover the skies, maybe tomorrow night we will see moonlight.

The very last card was mailed today.  A couple of presents wrapped, more tomorrow and then I start working on cookie dough  for Christmas Eve.  My brother Ricky's grandkids come over after breakfast on Christmas Eve and make Christmas cookies, their parents did it when they were kids.  I hope this is one tradition that will continue, they are really good cookies.

December 21, only a few days until Christmas, only a few days left in 2018.  May we all experience joy in our hearts tomorrow, may  we all be kind.
Goodnight, Sweet dreams

Christmas Tree

Rainy and cold, so Rick picked up Chinese for dinner.  It was so very tasty. 

Tomorrow we will finish our shopping and then I wrap.  Breathe a sigh of relief.
Colder tomorrow so that should really put us in the Christmas spirit.

The dogs are a little confused about the Christmas tree.  It blocks their view of squirrel and deer patrol.  But they have learned to wriggle their way around it.  I hold my breath every time we leave hoping Hook won't take it down while we are gone.

Tomorrow is Winter Solstice, we celebrate the longest night with our gratitude ceremony because we know the light begins to grow with each passing day.
As I write this I can smell our tree.  It is a lovely ice blue cedar and the smell has not weakened in a week indoors.  It is small and not perfectly shaped but it suits us and our little cottage.

During these next few days, don't forget to breathe, don't strive for perfection and always be kind.

 

Powder Santa

 Santa is everywhere, even in the powder room at the Watson house.  Rain moving in, it just makes the Christmas lights sparkle and become more magical.  Painted the last card today.  Breathe a sigh, a big sigh of relief.  So excited there is a full moon this weekend, makes the holidays extra special.
Dealing with another bout of vertigo tonight, peppermint tea and bed.  Be kind, after all tis the season.

Welcome Santa

 The tree is up, all the decorations are out, and the last of the cards go out tomorrow.  Time to wrap gifts  and then enjoy these next few days.  The past few days we have spoken with friends and made plans for the new year.  Visits are a top priority for us in 2019, it has been ages since we have  visited so many of our friends and that is sad.  It seems everyone is in that constant rush, I am so ready to slow my journey down a little and really smell the roses.   I made this Santa wreath many years ago, but I still love to display it.  Painting my cards has reminded me of how much I love to paint, I have missed it.   Enjoy your hump day, spread some joy, be kind.

More Christmas

One more Christmas decor picture and I promise no more until I do the tree.

The sun came out today and blue skies were stunning.   Everyone was in a better mood.

But, I am so happy, we are suppose to have snow flurries this weekend.
I am doing my happy dance.

All my classes were packed today.  I am tired so ready for bed.

Enjoy your week.  Be kind.

Bits of Christmas

 Almost done with my cards, will finally be able to decorate my tree soon.  I can't believe I use to do all my stuff and my mom's too. 

I hope your weekend has been a good one.  What is it now?  9 more days til Christmas????

Wishing you all a week of kindness and great joy.  Enjoy my humble decorations.

Me and the Big Guy

This evening was Rick's office party for the paper.  It was so much fun, employees brought their kids and grandkids, the food was tasty and even the big guy, St. Nick showed up.  I know he was the real deal because when I told him what I wanted for Christmas, he agreed I had been a good girl and should get what I ask for...we'll see.  I ask for a vehicle, an Outback, doesn't have to be a new, but I gave specifics.

Stockings Hanging

Lots accomplished today, more cards painted, some shopping done, tree is now in the house ( not decorated yet)  all the inside decorating is done, and the Christmas dishes are out!

Tomorrow I get my hair cut, and we have a Christmas party to attend at the paper where Rick works.
I have been wanting to eat at this place for ever and the party is there, can't wait.

Sharing my mantle decor with ya'll tonight.  I call it Stockings Hanging.  Instead of flowers, I always use fresh greenery it makes the house smell so nice.

Season of Love

We decorate our tree tomorrow!  Sent out the first batch of cards today, to those who are far away, painting the second batch to send out Saturday and hope to finish up our Christmas shopping tomorrow.  Yes, I save almost everything until December, for me, it just adds to the fun.

Rain moving in again tonight, these cold rainy days are perfect for cider and coco and hot tea.
While I worked this afternoon and evening, Rick shot pictures of the local Christmas parade.

I hope your week has been a good one and I hope the weekend brings you whatever you need. Some need rest, some need joy, some need kindness and this is the season we all need love.

Goodnight, Sweet dreams  From our Christmas Pig and Chick.

Frozen Beauty

A busy day, card painting, taking care of Jordan ( not feeling well), and work.  I am a wee bit tired.
Another picture from our frozen fog event...it was beautiful.

Frozen Fog

Last night we experienced a weather event that rarely happens here but when it does it is beautiful.
We got up this morning to frozen fog.  All the trees, the leaves on the ground, everything was covered with a dusting of light ice.  Not an ice storm ice, but almost as though the winter fairies had sprinkled sparkles on everything. 

December Color

We planted our blueberry bushes because we love to eat the berries, but the rewards have been even greater.  They provide flowers in early spring, then yummy berries and beautiful colorful foliage in the winter.  They are incredible plants and so easy to grow.  We love our blueberry bushes.

Rest in the Darkness

45 cards are now drawn and waiting to be painted, that will start Tuesday or Wednesday.  We visited our favorite tree farm today and got our tree, a beautiful blue ice cedar which we will plant on our farm after New Years.  It smells heavenly. It will be a few days before it is decorated, but that's ok.

Another cold rainy day, but you know like these days.  They give me a great sense of connecting to mother nature as she rests  these next few weeks.  I like that feeling of slowing down, going inward during the cold dark days and then the explosion of energy as the season changes moving toward spring. 

I think that as humans it is important to feel a connection to nature, to be mindful of the darkening of the days as a time to rest and contemplate our lives.  Then as days grow longer and brighter to know and embrace the possibilities of all things new and reborn, of growth.

I hope this week brings a greater sense of peace and hope to all. I hope that we remember we are spiritual beings experiencing a human form and that we all belong to the human race.
May we all be kind to each other.

Labor of Love

Rick worked at the newspaper all day.  I washed my yoga blankets for work and then I started working on my Christmas cards.  I do the sketch on each one first, so I have sketched 40 cards today.
Tomorrow I lay down the water colors and then the acrylics and then I add the special finishes like pearl, gold or silver.  They are a labor of love.

It has rained constantly all day.  A very cold pouring rain, so for my snack this afternoon  I had hot tea and fruitcake.  Dinner tonight was comfort food at it's best, chicken and dumplings.

I have gone two days now without migraine/vertigo and nausea and no meds.  My heart is full of gratitude.  Hopefully the shots have fully kicked in and I will have smooth sailing for many months.
This Menieres can be such a beast.

We are already in our pjs and I think Rick just put the water in the tea kettle.  Can we say early bedtime?   We are such party animals.

May we all feel peace tomorrow, may we all know kindness and love.

Little Giant

I was beyond excited today, our favorite produce market has reopened.   The Little Giant Produce stand has been in my hometown of Sumiton since before Rick and I married ( we've been married 44 years).  This summer the young  man whose father had started the business  announced that he was closing the store.  I did not take the news well.  This market has sold the freshest produce you can buy all these years.  When ever possible they buy from local farmers ( yes they have bought from us) and they go to the huge farmer's market and Birmingham and  hand pick what they sell.

The young man's dad had died and his heart was just not in the business.  But a young family had moved into the area and they have opened the market.  The new owner had grown up in a family market business and loved it and was thrilled to reopen Little Giant.  Today as we walked in, my first words were "I am so glad you have reopened."  While we were there other shoppers came and exclaimed the same thing.  I hope nothing but good things for this young couple and their venture.
While we were there he talked about the how he loved the community spirit that the market provided as well as the fresh produce.

So we left with bags full of fruits, vegetables and nuts.  We were almost giddy.  Oh yes the original owners had carried the best ever fruit cakes each holiday season, they had them in stock today. I admit one came home with the Watsons.

I know for many people they think that produce is just fine at the local grocer.  I promise there is a difference and once you have the freshest to be found , it is hard to settle for anything else.
We feel the same way about our meats that we purchase.  The town also has a family grocer with their own butcher who hand cuts all the meat and poultry.  We are spoiled.

I hope your day has been a good one.  Even though it is very cold and rainy, it has been a good day.
The dogs were not happy about walking in the rain, but they got new beds today so tonight they are nestled in new cozy beds.  Enjoy your weekend, be safe, be kind.

Momma 101

Today would have been my momma's 101 birthday.  She died in 2005 and I miss her daily.
She was strong, a woman who came of age in the depression and tough.  But she was also beautiful and loving and kind.

Happy Birthday Momma!  I  miss you.

Hump Day

The interview went well today, it should be on line by the weekend.  When it's posted I will send a link through my blog.  It is part of our county heritage association, they are interviewing several people from each town in our county.  It was fun recalling how the small town of Sumiton was in the 50's and early 60's.

The house is decorated, the cards are waiting to be painted and soon the outdoor decorations will be done.  The finale will be the tree and presents.  We are getting there.

A class of new students today.  They were eager and happy to learn something new.  All were asking when they could come again.

Hump day is almost over.  Time for rest and hot tea.
Goodnight, Sweet dreams

Christmas Stuff

It is starting to look like Christmas at the Watson house.  For the past few years I decorate the house first, then the outdoor stuff and finally the tree.  For me it works, working in shifts with the decorating is how I get it done.  For years I tried to do everything in one or two days, I got it done, but I was one cranky woman.

Today I did the great room and Rick's bathroom.  Tomorrow I will do my bathroom.  Later in the week, we will work outside and the weekend brings the tree and the painting of the cards.

The shots/infusions have kicked.  Two days without symptoms...I can not express enough gratitude.

Tomorrow I am being interviewed for an on line magazine about growing up in my hometown.  I will post the interview when I can.

I hope this first week in has brought love and kindness into your lives this week and I hope you share it with others.  I believe we reap what we sow.  May our seeds be those of joy, love and peace.

It Goes On

Back to work today, very tired tonight so I am sharing a wonderful quote with ya'll.


"In three words I can sum up everything I've learned about life:
It goes on."   -Robert Frost

Siblings

My siblings celebrated the holidays with lunch today.  Since our mom died, we meet every year on the first Sunday in December and have lunch at my sister Pat's house.  We no longer try to get the whole family together, there are so many grands, great-grands and great,great, grands it is impossible.
Even one brother and his spouse couldn't make it today.  But I am always thrilled and grateful for whoever makes it.

I realized today that my some of my siblings are in their 80's.  Where has the time gone? and how did we age so quickly?  But there was good food and laughter and hugs and that is all that mattered.
December is here and I can already hear the grains of sand tumbling through the hour glass.

Enjoy your week, be kind.  Front row, my brother Lynn, sister Nell and Pat.  Back row, Lynn's wife Gwyn, my brother Ricky, me and Ricky's wife Deb.  Of course my Rick took the photo.

December 1

December 1... Rick's mom's birthday is today, my mom's will be on the 7th...the holidays are not the same when mom is no longer with you

December 1...rainy and warm, we moved into our little cottage on this day 35 years ago, Auburn and Alabama were playing in Birmingham and a tornado swept over the stadium, we have two tornado seasons in Alabama, lucky us

December 1...Prototype Christmas cards are drawn, now I have to decide which design to go with and paint

December 1...lots to do, making lists, checking them twice...decorating, shopping, wrapping, cards and cooking to be done

December 1...next weekend time to go look for a tree

December 1...Christmas music on the stereo, I like the offbeat as well as the traditional

December 1...my favorite part of Christmas, making cookies with the kids on Christmas eve after we have had breakfast at my brother's house

December 1...Christmas Eve night, Rick and I open our gifts to each other, have some champagne, get ready for a long winter's nap

December 1...Rick's sister's birthday is also this month, so is my nephew Haven's, his wife's Alesha and our niece Jayna

December 1...This coming week, we will do our yard decorations and then I start in the house.  The tree is is the last thing I do.

December 1...last month of the year, 2018 has moved so quickly

December 1...I hope we have snow sometime this month

I'm Back

Three hours at the doc's yesterday, shots in the ear.  Almost home, the vertigo hit the worst it has in 6 months, a very rough night.  But a better day today.  It has been a day spent on the sofa.  I started to fret this afternoon about doing nothin, but I remembered all those classes that I teach and remembered it was time to give my body what it needed...rest.

It has rained most of the day, so it has been a good one to spend on the sofa drinking hot tea.
The dogs have napped most of the day as well.  Rick has written most of the day.

It will be an early bedtime tonight.  I hope you are all warm and cozy.
It is the last day of November.  Only one month left in 2018, make every day, every moment count.
Be kind.

Weather and Life

My men's classes have been amazing.  Their participation, enthusiasm and energy that they bring to class is every teacher's dream.  New students today, all left with smiles saying that they couldn't wait until the next class.

The north wind moved through the past couple of days and most of our color left with it.  It is still beautiful, just different.  Not as cold tonight, rain moving back through in the next couple of days.
The weather is a good teacher of life, always changing, just like life.

I get my shots tomorrow.  I know it is strange to be looking forward to something painful.  The pain doesn't last long and the shots bring the benefits of being symptom free for months.  Can't wait for the vertigo to subside.  The amazing thing, the last shots were about 5 months ago, and even though I am in the midst of a flare, the symptoms are much milder than they were before.

I have drawn several prototypes for my Christmas cards.  Rick and I will make a decision tomorrow on which design we both like the most...and then I start painting.  Can you believe Christmas is less than a month away????

I hope your Thursday brings good surprises and much kindness.  Tomorrow afternoon if you have time and the energy, send me a few good thoughts, that the shots will be effective, the results long lasting.  Thanks in advance.

Goodnight, Sweet dreams

Tuesday Random Thoughts

Driving home tonight, the air was so cold it seemed to sparkle.  You know that type of air with each breath you feel refreshed, that is how I felt when I walked out to my car.  On the dark country roads holiday lights are appearing more frequently each night.  Those lights twinkled in the cold stillness.

As I rounded the last curve to our house, I gasped.  Our neighbors had decorated their entire front yard today.  I was met with a Christmas fantasy of color and light.  Very beautiful.

The meds have controlled the vertigo today.  But the meds make me feel as though every nerve in my body is raw and exposed.  Can't wait for those shots, keep good thoughts that they work for a very long time.

Three more days in November and then December will roll in and be gone in a flash.  Take a deep breath and hold on.  We are in the middle of all sorts of holidays.  No matter what or how you celebrate, Happy Holidays!  Please be kind to one another.

Be Valued

I didn't make it to work today, another round of vertigo.  Thursday, more shots in the ear, but the last ones kept the vertigo away for about 5 months.  Worth the pain.

Here's the quote that would have gone on my board today.  It will make it there tomorrow.

" There's a difference between being liked and being valued.
A lot of people like you.  Not many value you.  Be valued."


I couldn't find the person responsible for this quote, but it is such an inspiring one.
Last week of November, be kind, be grateful, share some joy.

Favorite Fall Tree

Out of the hundreds, maybe thousands? of trees on our property, this one is my absolute favorite in the fall.  It is one of the last to change color and it undergoes a daily transformation for about a week  before all the leaves are gone.  Today it was yellow gold,  tomorrow who knows what it will be.

It was shaped by an ice storm or maybe a tornado but it forms an arch  or sorts there in the middle of the woods.  Underneath its shade is where yellow jackets build their nests in late summer and Hook so foolishly digs them up.

It has been a great holiday weekend.  Peaceful and restful, no shopping or mall, just hanging out on the farm.

Can you believe this is the last week of November?  In just a few short weeks we will say goodbye to 2018 and hello to 2019.  Make this week special, be kind, be extra kind, show love  and share joy.

Wish You Were Here

Morning walks, damp and chilly , the dogs run into the woods, Rick leads the pack and me and Taz follow.   A very nice laid back Saturday.  Wish you were here.

All Grown Up

Rick had to shoot pictures for the paper this evening at the local Christmas Festival.  As we were walking down the street I heard someone call my name.  It was a young woman that I had known since she was a toddler, all grown up and now a local business owner.  She was still just as beautiful as always, so proud of the successful young woman she has become.   Here we are, me and Paula.

Happy Thanksgiving

We have had way bigger groups, but Thanksgiving is good no matter who is here.  We miss the ones who have passed on, but their memories were with us.

I am tired, but it is truly a good tired.  About to go raid the fridge for leftovers and just chill.

Rick's Thinking Bench got used as a hangout today.
I hope your tables were full of food, your hearts full of love and your house full of laughter today.
Happy Thanksgiving

Thanksgiving Moon

It's been an unusual sight the past couple of evenings, to walk out while there is still light and see the moon so bright.  The picture doesn't do it justice but me and my phone tried our best.

If you are celebrating Thanksgiving tomorrow, I hope you are blessed with a bounty of food, family, friends and joy. 

Goodnight, Sweet dreams

Sensory Treat

As I left the building this evening I stood and watched the moon rise above the trees in the dark autumn sky.  I looked to the west and the sun was saying goodbye with vivid orange and fuchsia .  It was quite a sensory experience, standing in the cold seeing the moon rise and the sun set at the same time.  The smell of logs burning in someone's fireplace added that little extra joy.

I find this time of year so invigorating, my energy  seems to be climbing every day and I am sleeping soundly every night.  Almost home, a big buck danced across the road in front of me and I was grateful for him and myself that he was fleet of hoof.

Tomorrow will be the end of the work week for me, a long holiday weekend is so nice.
I hope your hump day is a good one as so  many of your get ready to see friends and family this weekend.  I don't do black Friday or shop on Thanksgiving day.  Thursday evening I will sit in front of the fire and be grateful and Friday, no shopping stress for me.  I spent many years working retail,
I am almost mall-phobic.

Rick is bringing home Chinese tonight, I am so excited.  Already in my pj's.
May your Wednesday bring joy and kindness.

Create

A quote to ponder tonight.....



"Creativity is an inherent human quality of the highest order.
When we create, we become more than the sum of our parts."
- Yanni

Prayer

I have a book that I bought around 1995.  It is a book of daily thoughts and meditations.  There are years that I read it daily, then put it on my bookshelf for another time.  It has been a few years now since I pulled the pink book off the shelf.    It is Simple Abundance by Sarah Ban Breathnach.  Each time I began to read these mediations they speak to me in a different and profound way.

I started this book again on November 8 and several of the meditations have reopened my eyes to things I needed to see and think about.  Books are truly old friends and they come into your life when you need them most.

The meditation on November 8 was about prayer.  Not a prayer, but the fact that most of us pray twenty four hours a day.  It is not a about kneeling to pray, but it is in caregiving sick parents, children, helping friends and neighbors, nourishing bodies and souls.  Every day life is prayer.
One way or another, prayer is conversation and when we do this prayer in our daily life, it is what my mother use to call putting feet on our prayers.

Sarah ends this particular meditation with an interesting statement...."women pray because we need to talk to someone who's really listening."

It has been a good day.  Thanksgiving lunch with my sister Pat and her family.  Rest this afternoon, a recharge of our batteries for the work week.  It is a week of Thanksgiving, a week to remember to be grateful...actually something we need to practice daily.

May we be kind, may we spread joy.

I shot this picture of Calliou yesterday,he seems to always be looking for the beauty around him.

Busy Saturday

Rick had to work at the newspaper office today.  I took advantage of a few hours at home alone and cleaned house, did laundry and washed my yoga blankets.  When he got home tonight, I did steak, salad and baked potato, I think he's happy.

It has been a difficult couple of weeks.  I dealt with a sinus/bronchial infection for about six weeks and now that I am finally over it, the Meniere's did a little flare up.  Nothing like it use to, but just sudden bouts of vertigo with migraines.  Today has been awesome, no flares at off.  I am hoping that this bout is over and will be gone for a few months, if not it will be time for shots in the ear drum again.

I can't believe Thanksgiving is this Thursday.  I love Thanksgiving, it is all about food and gratitude, not gifts.  For me it has never dealt my life the stress that Christmas holidays have.  I love Christmas time, the cards, the tree, baking cookies.  The stress has always been trying to make everyone happy.
It took me most of my life to realize that I didn't have to make anyone happy during the holidays except myself.  I still have my moments when family members start a guilt moment about where/when/what, but I handle things  now, much better than my younger days.

Many of my students will get to go home for the holiday.  A few won't but sometimes being at the center for a holiday is best for some.  My work week will be a short one, just Monday, Tuesday and Wednesday.  I will cook some lunch on Thursday, but nothing big like I have often done in the past.  I need some rest this year.

Enjoy your Sunday, think of something to be grateful for, be kind and spread joy.

Jordan's Honor

Jordan was inducted into the National Honor Society today.  We are thrilled, though he shrugged his shoulders and told me it was nothing to cheer about.  He is an A student and I think that is something to cheer about.

His mom Sam, her mom( his Nana) and Rick and I went to the ceremony.  We also went to his mom's ceremony and her older brother James'.  Proud of all them.  My brother Ricky and his wife Deb have raised 3 awesome kids, James ( who is a newspaper publisher) Haven ( who is Ricky's partner in their plumbing business) and Sam ( Jordan's mom who works as a PTA) and since they grew up next door to us, we figure they are our surrogate kids.

Here's a photo from today, Sam, Jordan, me and Debbie  (Nana).  It has been a good day.

Art and Music

We awoke to a few snow flurries this morning and the coldest day of the year.  We headed out this afternoon to our gig, which thankfully was south and not north.  Just made it in and unloaded equipment.  As always we had a fun show, we loving playing this gig.  It is a fundraiser for a museum and we have done it for the past few years.  Art and music, what a life.

Time to unwind, drink a cup of hot tea and hit the sack.
If you are traveling this weekend, safe travels, be kind, spread joy, show some gratitude.

Rainy Hump Day

New faces in my men's class today, that means soon, some of the familiar faces will be gone.
The new guys took to yoga and meditation like kids opening Christmas presents.  All were smiling when they left my room today, that is a good sign.

Still cold and rainy, but warmer days coming for the weekend.  Looks as though it will be one of those winters, wet, wet and wet.  That's ok, everything, even in the cold temps looks happy.

The dogs are loving the rainy days, especially when the logs are burning in the fireplace.  Hook gets as close as he can and then he grunts.

Tomorrow night is a gig we look forward to every year.  We play a lovely museum a couple of hours southeast of here.  We always have such a warm welcoming audience.

Another mild bout of vertigo today, so bedtime beckons.  We are over the hump day, it is now mid-November and this year is almost gone.  Keep spreading the kindness and joy, it matters. 

Mary

I thought about our friend Mary as I cleaned a couple of kitchen drawers this morning.  She died a few years back and had fought cancer for several years before she made her transition.  We were talking one day about cleaning house.  She mentioned how much she hated cleaning her bookcases filled with books, and I agreed with her.  When you have floor to ceiling books, it is a major job to clean them.

She laughed and said "you know what I do, I decide to clean one shelf.  After you clean that one shelf, it looks so good and the others look so bad, well even if it takes a week of cleaning one shelf each day, you get it done."

I started with one drawer, and then I did another.  Then it was time to get ready to go to work, but I am going to do the same thing tomorrow.  I use to think I had to do it all in one day, but working one drawer or one shelf at a time is so much easier.

I miss my friend Mary, she was wise and kind and glowed with love.  But she was also loads of fun to hang with.  I can still hear her laugh.

Monday Musings

Fleeting moments of vertigo have hit this afternoon and tonight, never sure what triggers it.  Nothing bad, but truly unnerving.

Rain has come down most of the day.  Damp and chilly are two great words to describe the weather for this whole week.  Honestly, I had rather have damp and chilly than hot and humid.

I hope your week got off to a good start and if not, hopefully tomorrow will be better.
Spread some joy and kindness, even to those you don't know.

Horn of Plenty

We both got the nesting bug this morning and did a light cleaning of shelves, desks and closets.  I am trying to make this a regular ritual so that clutter can be contained.  We are not sparse by any means, we live in a small cottage and clutter grows quickly, just  don't want to feel overwhelmed by stuff.

I took down the October flag and hung the cornucopia for November.  I love this flag, the colors and what it represents.  We do have a bounty in our lives and I am grateful every day.  Our life is truly one that would be well represented by a horn of plenty.

Let's start this week with kindness and see if we can make it last the whole week long.

Wonderful

Our local Veteran's celebration  was this morning.  It is small town at its best.  Always remembering those in our community who have served, recognizing them and paying tribute to those who are no longer here.

After the celebration, we went to the family owned business who restores used appliances and found once again, a great washer.  They will deliver Monday or Tuesday and take our old one and hopefully be able to rebuild it and resale it one more time.  I shudder to think of all the appliances in this country which have found a final resting place in a landfill.   I appreciate this family for what they do.

We walked the dogs this evening near sundown.  The light is so different then than in the mornings.
The tops of the trees shimmered in the glow of the evening sun.  I took deep breaths of the cold fresh air, grateful for such a wonderful day.

Take some time tomorrow to think about the upcoming week.  Take some time to be grateful for those in your life who are there for you, think about ways to share your joy and ways to extend kindness to those you see daily.  May your Sunday be filled with peace.

Welcome

A good day.  A little house cleaning, some laundry, grocery shopping and a haircut.  We will play a couple of songs at our local Veteran's Day celebration tomorrow and hopefully go shopping for a new washing machine.  Mine is dying a slow horrible death.  My brother Ricky, who is a plumber  says to let it go and buy another.  I can't complain.  We buy from a family owned business who restores used washing machines, dryers, stoves and fridges.  We bought this washer from them I am guessing maybe 10 years ago for very little.  It has served us well.  We will go visit them tomorrow.

It has been in the 40's today with rain coming down most of the day.  Tonight I made a steaming pot of potato cheese soup, Sam is on her way to take a bowl home with her.

The picture tonight is what welcomes you as you drive into our driveway.  I think it is a pretty nice welcome.   Kindness and love, that is what it's all about, share some tomorrow.

Breathe

Some days I have to remind myself, just breathe.  Funny though, when I walk the dogs, I never have to remind myself to breathe.

Enjoy your Friday, share some joy, spread a little kindness.

World of Gold

Pouring rain moved in around mid-morning, so we walked the dogs early.   The skies were gray and the chill touched your bones, but there is so much gold in the trees right now, the whole world seemed golden.

It has been an out of sorts day, but sometimes a new moon does that because it brings change.
Hump day is over and tomorrow is my Friday.  May our lives be touched with kindness tomorrow.

Me and Hook, Again

Storms rolled through last night and this morning, but around lunch the clouds rolled away.
It has been a beautiful day and Hook and I enjoyed our daily dose of vitamin D before I had to go to work.

Rick and I voted today, I hope you did too.  Hook says he would vote if he could.

Life

This quote filled my board today, many of my students took the time to write it down.


"If you don't make the time to work on creating the life you want, you're eventually going to be forced to spend a LOT of time dealing with a life you don't want."   - Kevin Ngo

Hook Hug

The morning was beautiful and it was a great day to get things done.  Just routine things around the house that we both enjoy doing, like cutting the grass and planting more collard greens.  The dogs were quite frisky on their morning walk.

The clouds moved in this afternoon and a gentle rain has been falling for a couple of hours.  The weather guys are talking storms tomorrow night, hope they are wrong.

Hook always has to have a morning hug.  Rick snapped this picture this morning, me giving ol' Hook a big good morning hug.

Delightful Saturday

Our gig was one we love doing today.  It was at a senior living facility in Birmingham.  This was our third visit there this year and each time is a delight.  The seniors are delightful, attentive and so interacting.  Today I met a new lady who had moved in since we were there before.  She was very festive in a crimson outfit and I asked her what team she was cheering for today.

She smiled and told me she was cheering for any team in Alabama who had a game today.  She informed me that she was 90, a positive thinker and had been a cheerleader in her younger days.
Her quote "once a cheerleader, always a cheerleader."   She was so precious I just wanted to bring her home with us.

Several of our regulars showed up, always encouraging and sharing their stories.  Often they have family members who are visiting and they bring them to our show.  Today one of the ladies brought her daughter, and both were delightful.

Tonight, we helped our great-nephew Stone celebrate his 16 birthday.  His birthday was Halloween but the family celebrated tonight.

Rick is watching the Alabama/LSU game, honestly, I am too tired to watch.  Flipping through a magazine is about as much energy as I can muster tonight.

Wishing you all peace and kindness tomorrow.

Kids' Parade

If you read Rick's blog then you know our local high school celebrated their homecoming today, kicking off the festivities with a parade.  There is something about a parade that is all things good about a small town.  Maybe it is all the laughing kids, the sirens, the marching band and let's not forget all the candy that is tossed, but parades turn the mundane into the magical.

As I have for the past several years, I took Jordan to my sister Pat's house.  She has the perfect spot for parade watching on main street.  This year Anthony ( another great nephew) went as well and then for the first time, Jordan's mom got to come.  Rick and I picked the boys up at school, then on to Taco Bell and Sonic.  With growing boys you have to hit more than one fast food place for lunch.

It was cold and damp, and the kids didn't care.  The boys brought home sacks of candy, as much as Halloween.  On the way home Jordan announced that he never wanted to watch the parade from anywhere but Aunt's Pat house.  When I called her this evening, she laughed.  She is 75 and told me she hoped she lived many more years because she always wanted the kids to come to her house for the parade.  Two of her great grandkids came over as well...it was a  major kid event.

We loaded the car for our gig tomorrow, well Rick did, but I will help with the unload and load and unload tomorrow.  This weekend has gotten off to a good but busy start.  May kindness and joy continue to bless us all.
Goodnight, Sweet dreams

November 1

November 1... probably my most favorite month of the year, the leaves are changing, temps are dropping

November 1... Thanksgiving, my favorite holiday of the year...food, laughter...no frets about gifts

November 1...three gigs this month

November 1...time to design Christmas cards and start painting

November 1...time changes ( we fall back, thank goodness) I am not a fan of Daylight Savings

November 1...the first frost arrives

November 1...we try to eat seasonal, this means root veggies, stews, soups....comfort food

November 1...sunsets take your breath

November 1...sweaters, boots...I am so happy

November 1..this month is the anniversary of my mom's death, 14 years

November 1....I am grateful regardless of what month it is

Walking Season

 A blustery day, with clouds this morning and the sun breaking through this afternoon  Big changes coming later tonight, lots of rain, wind and cooler temps.  At least all the little goblins stayed dry tonight.  We live on a dead end road, only a handful of houses past us and then total darkness.  Trick or treaters rarely come to see us, though Jordan and Anthony our two great nephews did.  They got lots of treats.

Walking the past couple of weeks has been such a delight.  Mornings are cool, the fall colors are starting to dazzle and usually the skies are the bluest of blues.  Summers are so hot and humid here, you just want to sit in the shade and drink ice tea.  Springs can be frigid or hot and the days are filled with hard work, getting flowers and the vegetable gardens ready for their season.  Winters are beautiful and bare, usually cold mornings and not so bad afternoons.  But the falls, fall is walking season here.

We walk year round, but fall walks for me are most enjoyable.  The temps, the changes in light and color are sensory pleasures.  For me, fall is the best walking season.

I hope your Halloween has been fun, that whatever rituals or traditions you celebrate have been exactly what you needed.  May those who have gone before us, visit us in our dreams tonight.
Tomorrow, may you know kindness and may you share joy.

Wild Purple

I love this purple wild flower.  We only have a very small clump on our property.  I don't even know what it is, just that it gives me great joy to see it.  When I visited my sister Nell last week, she has a great big patch of it .  I was telling her how much I loved it, but she doesn't know what it is either, only that it a beautiful wild flower that blooms here in the fall.

Tomorrow is Wednesday, I hope your week has been one of kindness, of joy and of hope.  May we all remember to treat each other the way we want to be treated.  May we all be kind.

Zinnia Glory

We have a warm front for a couple of days, near 80 again and then storms and cooler air.
The zinnias are giving it their best shot, they always do as frost approaches.  I hope your Monday was a good one.  Tomorrow, be kind, be kind, be kind.  Treat people the way you would want to be treated.

Early Halloween

My brother Ricky's family came over this afternoon.  Since we live off the beaten path, nobody every comes trick or treating to our house.  They came today.  So I baked up a batch of cookies and the kids decorated them, threw some dogs on the grill and made a pot of chili.  It was an early Halloween.

Guilty

Something we are all guilty of.....



"Don't let yesterday take up too much of today."

Three Friends

I am about to take our great room through a transformation, it's has been about 15 years or so since the last time.  It's only paint, a new rug and throw pillows, but I think it's time.  I will take before and afters, my plans are to be done by Thanksgiving, but we shall see.

As we walked the dogs this morning they all acted like pups.  Taz has a way of strutting when she feels good and these cooler days, she feels good.  These cooler days I feel good, though I am still dealing with the sinus infection which will not go away.

No gigs this weekend, but Rick will be working his occasional weekend shift at the paper tomorrow.

We made a fast run to Walmart this morning.  To be honest most days if I have to visit Walmart it's almost like going to the dentist.  Today was a wonderful day.  First thing, Marlene met us at the door, if you recall Rick's post she is our Walmart greeter that he has helped to become famous.  Since he wrote about her in our local paper, the Birmingham News has continued her story and done a video about her.  She is our local super star.  As we were getting ready to leave, I saw one of my favorite yoga students Joyce, who is in her 80's by the way.  Her smiling face and incredible attitude make her everyone's favorite in our Monday night class.  And then in the parking lot, there was my precious friend Barbara ( whose incredible husband died this week) I saw her smiling face with tears rolling down her cheeks and we just stopped traffic there in the parking lot.  These three amazing women made my day.

We picked Rick's truck up at the Ford place after they fixed "the recall."  We headed home, had lunch and Taz and I took a two hour nap.  Rick said at one time, she and I were snoring so loud he could hear us in his office.  Ha!  I just can't believe that.

Enjoy your Saturday.  Have some fun, laugh, hug and know in your heart life changes in the blink of an eye.  May we all be kind.

Plants and Colors

Cold and rainy today....can't remember the last time I said that, must have been last winter.
The plants have been moved to the now converted screen porch and the two big boys are happy in the great room.  We worked hard yesterday but it's worth it to save our plants.  Next on the agenda, paint the great room, but first paint chips  to see how the colors look in our north facing room.

We are both a little worn and under the weather today, but we are not playing anywhere this weekend, so there will be some rest.

With the clouds rolling in last night, I missed the full moon and with the rain tonight, well that's ok.  We needed the rain.  The trees are beginning to show tinges of autumn color, reds, golds, oranges.  Soon Alabama will show her fall colors.  Pictures to come. 

October is coming to an end, just a few more days.  With all the beauty around, be sure to look for it...in people and places.  Show kindness tomorrow, not just to those you love, but to those you don't even know.

Best Self

On my board today....



You will be your best self when you take time to understand
what you really need, feel and want.   - Deborah Day

Changes Everywhere

There has been strange energy around this week, sometimes good, sometimes not so good.
Maybe it's the full moon and the change in the weather, but hopefully all will settle down soon.

That's life isn't it?  The good, the bad, the ok...sometimes it can be a mix, and some days it seems as if you are on top of the world or the bottom of the heap with no in between.

We have friends and family members sick, some are almost to their final transition.  Some are looking at major job changes, it appears that there is a great deal of topsy turvy  taking place in many lives.
A friend had posted something on FB yesterday about taking a good look around because a year from now, nothing will be the same.  That statement hit home in many ways today.

Tomorrow is hump day ( Wednesday).  However your week is going, I hope your changes, your transformations go smoothly.  May we all experience joy, and may we all experience kindness, no matter what we are facing.
Goodnight, Sweet dreams

Yourself

sharing a quote with you tonight...


" To be yourself in a world that is constantly trying to make you something else is the greatest accomplishment."  - Ralph Waldo Emerson

Beautiful Sunday

It has been a nice easy laid back day here in Empire.  We walked the dogs, planted collards, read 2 Sunday papers and enjoyed a beautiful fall Sunday.

I walked outside a few minutes ago to get my yoga bag out of the car and saw the moon rise.  Wow.
It's still not full, but it is big and glowing.  I think this full moon is going to be one of the prettiest all year.  It just seems as the air begins to cool down the moon thrives on the change.

This will be the week we get the screened porch ready to winter our plants.  Last year was the first time we did it and our plants thrived during the winter.  So glad we tried it.  We love our plants, but we have so many if we bring them all in the house, it gets claustrophobic.  Last year we only brought the big guys into the great room ( they are over 12 feet tall) and the two of them made it comfy cozy.

This is the last full week of October.  Let's make it kind, peaceful and joyous.  Tomorrow be kind, smile and hug someone.

Good Gig

Our gig today was a good one, a beautiful setting, very intimate with great acoustics.  We had a great time.   On the way home we both realized just how tired we were.  The only words we exchanged, were do you want to go somewhere to eat, no.   Home and something out of the freezer was just fine.
Thank goodness tomorrow is Sunday and we have another day before heading back to work.  The sinus gunk is dealing us both fits.  We both have decided it is one of those things we have to wear out.

This morning was cold and rainy, but this afternoon the cold front pushed through and the sunshine found its way  across  our little piece of heaven.  Tomorrow is supposed to be much of the same, not rain, sunshine and cool temps.

If you root for a sports team, I hope your team won today.  Tomorrow I hope we all get some rest, a few laughs, and maybe a hug.
Goodnight, Sweet dreams

Chores Done

Another picture perfect fall day.  We made our first visit to Costco since before Rick's knee replacement and all went well.  I got the closets done today, there is incredible satisfaction in getting chores done, well for me there is .  We are ready and excited about our gig tomorrow.  It has been a good busy day.  The new meds the ENT prescribed seem to be working, fingers crossed.

I did salmon filets tonight, one of my favorite dinners and Taz's as well.  She begs for salmon, I swear she is half cat. 

I am so happy our gig is indoors tomorrow, rain and a cold front are coming late tonight.  We have played outdoors in chilly damp weather and it's tough.  Playing indoors by a fireplace tomorrow should be nice.

I hope your weekend brings you the opportunity to laugh out loud, get a hug or two and spread some kindness.  Those three experiences should make for a great weekend.

Today

Another visit to the ENT today, this stuff is getting wearisome.  But, it has been a picture perfect autumn day, vivid blue skies, white wispy clouds and temps around 70.

Tomorrow we will practice for our Saturday gig, make a run to Costco and pick up new contacts.
Tonight when I got home, Rick had picked up Chinese from our local restaurant and it was yummy.
Their hot and our soup makes my day, throw in a couple of spring rolls and I am happy.

Emotional classes, new students, raw emotions, guilt, anger, adjustment to meds, it has been a roller coaster day and I am exhausted ( I suppose the sinus/bronchial stuff is fuel to the drain).
My hot tea and bed await.  Tomorrow is another day.

May we all know joy, peace and kindness. 

Too Much

The dogs bounded out of the house this morning, forget the walk, they ran.  It had rained all day yesterday and they went outside long enough to take care of business, but none of them enjoy a stroll in the rain.  Today they made up for lost time, even Taz who is much more of a rambler, strutted this morning.  I admit Rick and I walked a little faster today and when I did my run, it was wonderful to no longer feel oppressive heat.

I have packed back our summer clothes today.  His cool weather clothes are freshly washed and in his closet.  Mine are out of storage, but it will be Friday before they are in my closet.  I think going to work in the afternoons is not always a good thing.  I tend to do way too much before I leave for work everyday.

Tomorrow is my Friday.  This has been a long week, it will be good to play some music this weekend and hang with friends. 

I hope you laugh out loud tomorrow and may kindness greet you at every door.

Healing

A quote that I use on my board sometimes about healing.  The beginning of healing is often when you decide to tell your story, maybe for the first time in your life.  Those stories are not pretty, but they have to be told, no matter if anyone believes you or not.  Our truths, our stories are often not told for many many years, because of fear and judgement.  I hope there comes a day when no one is afraid to tell their story and that we humans stop passing judgement on those stories.


"  Healing doesn't have to look magical or pretty.  Real healing is hard, exhausting and draining. Let yourself to through it.  Don't try to paint it as anything other than what it is.  Be there for yourself with no judgement."   -Audrey Kitching

October 15

October 15, we are already half way through the  month...wow.   Our weather is finally changing, cooler days and nights and more rain moving in.  These changes are good ones.  More color is starting to show in our trees, and tonight the half moon was wrapped in a gauzy veil.  I am loving this seasonal change.

We have another gig this coming Saturday.  We are playing for an exhibit of many things musical and how the items relate to our county and the people who live here.  The show starts with a vocal group, then our friends The Spook House Saints and then us...it's all acoustic, by a fireplace.  Should be fun and a unique experience.

My hot tea awaits and the bed is calling my name.  I hope your week got off to a good start, remember to be kind and spread joy tomorrow.

Official Forecast

The official Phillips kids persimmon 2018 forecast is in....9 spoons, one knife...10 seeds.
It's going to be snowy and cold folks, get your warm clothes ready.

Jordan, Breeze, Daisy, Joy and ZuZu came over this afternoon ready to go to work with their forecast.
Breeze even got stung by a wasp gathering the ripe persimmons.  They are tough kids and they all love science, even the home grown kind.  Well, we admit Zu is a little young but we have her in training.  To say they were delighted with their forecast is an understatement, they were bouncing off the walls, making plans for snowmen, snow cream, and snow angels...all things snow.

Honestly, if we just muster up one snow this season they will be happy.

It has been a wonderful day, beautiful and cooler.  A day of rest, long naps and happy kids.

A Good Night

A good night, we played our songs, spent time with friends and had a great time.  It's called doing what you love and we do it every chance we get.

We singer/songwriters are a strange breed.  We use vacation time, sick time, or sometimes just take off work so that we can do what we love.  It's not for the money, at least not for us and most of our friends.  It is the sharing of creative energy, of talents and our joy that fuels us to play whether we have a big audience or a small one.

I hope you all get to spend some of your time doing what you love, no matter what that might be.
It is important to your well being.

Tomorrow, may you know peace, feel joy, and share kindness.

Fall

51 degrees this morning...it felt like heaven.  The dogs ran and jumped for joy during their morning walk.  I wore a jacket, wow.  Fall found us, I hope she stays.

This evening the car is loaded with equipment, our friend Joe who is playing with us tomorrow night came by and helped us.  We are still dealing with the nasty crud.  Lots of Breathe Deep tea tomorrow and hopes that once again our voices stay strong for our show.

I hope your Friday has been good, I have worked and been busy most of the day.
Rest in the morning, play tomorrow night, a good day.

Sending joy, peace and kindness to you all.

Thursday Observations and Thoughts

Our skies today became blue, truly breath-taking blue, like out west Rocky Mountain sky blue.
Between Hurricane Michael and a cold front,  we got exquisite London blue topaz skies.

Our air has a chill tonight, finally those 90 degree temps are gone, and I truly hope I don't feel them again until next July or August.

We both are still dealing with the sinus monster and cough. My best relief has come from Yoga Breathe Deep tea.  It is not the tastiest tea in the land, but it helps with respiratory stuff.

In the past couple of weeks I have said goodbye to 5 or 6 of my students at work.  I will miss them.
They have been a part of the group who shows up for every class with open minds and hearts.
I will always remember this group and one from about eight or nine years ago who brought their A game to my class room. 

We have a gig Saturday night at one of our most beloved coffee houses, Berkeley Bob's in Cullman, Al.   Of course we are up against an Alabama football game, so the crowd might be thin, but that's ok.  Someone once told Rick even Jesus couldn't compete against SEC football, they were right.  I can promise you if SEC football was ever played on Sundays, churches in the south would have to install big screen tvs so the congregations could watch.

I hope this weekend brings joy, comfort and peace to you all.  Spread some kindness.

Hump Day

It has been a long day.  Have friends who lived in the area hit by Michael, they are safe, but they don't know if they have homes to go back to.  We all pay a price for living in our paradise, don't we?  Here where we are, we deal with tornadoes and hurricanes, our friends out west deal with fires, earth quakes and snowstorms, every place  has its beauty and its price.

Rick and I are still dealing with this sinus/bronchial infection.  I have had it going into my second week ( and second time in 6 weeks).  Rick came down with it a little over a week ago.

The weather guys swear that fall is coming tomorrow night.  We shall see.  70 degree days and 50 degree nights, that is the promise, I will believe it when I feel it.

Cooking dinner tonight, I looked out the kitchen window and awe struck by the rose light shinning through the trees where the sun was setting. Breath taking.  Maybe Mother Nature's apology for the nasty weather today?  The light varied from rose to apricot, the picture does not do it justice.

Flags

I know, I have way too many flags.  The one I hung September 1, has been replaced by the pumpkin, which November 1 will be replaced by the Horn of Plenty, which then will be replaced December 1 with the Christmas flag, and then of course Jan. 1 comes the snowman flag.

It all makes me dizzy too.  I just love to see them hanging from the arbor when I get home every day.
I think they make our little cottage look welcoming and homey.

For our friends in Michael's path, stay safe.
Goodnight, Sweet dreams

No Waiting

Loving this quote today.  So there is it is, no waiting, not even a single moment.



"How wonderful it is that nobody  need wait a single moment before beginning to improve the world."   -Anne Frank

Ready for New Beginnings

Sunday, today for us was a true day of rest.  Other than cooking dinner for my nephew and his family, his wife has mono and I think their five kids were getting tired of dad's cooking, I have done nothing.
My FitBit probably thinks I have died.  It's ok, I have learned the hard through the years to be very gentle with myself when infection strikes.

Jordan reminded me a few days ago I had not placed the witch hat/broom by the front door.  It is a simple decoration that I have done all his life and he loves it.  So I did get the hat/broom by the door this weekend.  I think next year I might have to at least get a new broom, not many miles left on this old model.  :)

A new moon this week, always new beginnings.  Show some love, share some joy, and may we all be kind.

Fall Decor

A day of rest, well for me.  Rick went down and shot pictures of the Sumiton Frog Festival this morning.  This was the first one I have missed, but with work and all our gigs coming up, I have to work on health.  And this was another raging hot day in Alabama.  Never in my life do I remember 90 degree days in October.  Ugh.

I have spent some time doing my fall decorations and am sharing some photos with ya'll tonight.
I hope your Sunday is a peaceful, may you touch someone with your kindness and joy.