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.

Frog Level

We played one of our favorite gigs tonight, The Frog Level Festival in Fayette, Al.  Frog Level was the original town name for Fayette.   The Festival takes place downtown around the beautiful old court house.  This is a true artisan festival, great music, incredible food and wonderful original arts and crafts.  We were thrilled that they asked us back this year.  Anytime you get asked to return is a real thumbs up for a musician.

The meds and all your good energies kicked and I made it through our set without too much difficulty.  We were well received by the audience and several people told us how much our songs touched them.  That is why we do what we do, share our music for others to enjoy.

I am exhausted and so is Rick.  Hot tea and bed await us.
Good night, Sweet dreams
May we all be kind.

 

Rest

A day of rest, just what the doctor ordered and I did as ordered.  The most strenuous thing I did today was go through our set for tomorrow night.  Our gig tomorrow night is important, they always are, because performing our songs is what we love.  Please send me your healing energies tomorrow at 6:00pm that my voice stays strong and we do our set, sharing our songs with love and joy.

It has been a beautiful day, but strangely hot, 90 degrees...where is fall?  I envy all of you who are getting to experience cooler temps, some of you, even snow!  We have lost most of our apple crop because of excessive heat.  It's a shame because we have the best apples ever.

It has been hard to rest today.  I am on a steroid dose pack, if you have never had steroids pulsing through your body, just imagine that you have drank 8 pots of coffee today.  Get the picture?
I woke up at 4:00 am this morning and wrote a song, wide awake, raring to go.   Today I wanted to clean house, paint the walls, wash the windows and repot all the plants...and that was just before lunch.   Thankfully each day the dose decreases, yesterday was the big boy dose.

Tomorrow is the start of the weekend, I hope there is laughter, love and kindness in yours.
Goodnight, Sweet dreams

Wednesday Thoughts

I saw my ENT yesterday, my second sinus, bronchial infection in less than six weeks.  I taught my men's group today but am not going back to work until Monday.  I think along with the meds, my body might need the extra rest.

We do have a gig this Friday night, it is a good one and it's only an hour.  Other than our gig, my plans are to rest, rest, and rest.

My class today was poignant,  I had students who will be going home tomorrow.  They are part of this incredible group that has been coming to class for the past month or so.  Never have I had a group come into my room with such open minds and hearts, it has been a teacher's dream.  I will miss them all when they leave.

I am ready for my cup of hot tea and bed.  I wish you all a good night.
Tomorrow may we all know kindness.

Value

 A friend sent this quote to me today.  As I read it I realized on how many levels this rang true.
It goes on my board tomorrow.  Give it some thought, see if it hits you as profoundly as it hit me.



"Once you carry your own water, you will learn the value of every drop."

October 1

October 1...,today was my parents anniversary, would have been married 76 years

October 1....this can't be October, temps in the upper 80's low 90's

October 1....waiting patiently for crisp fall air to arrive ( well maybe not so patiently)

October 1...we have gigs almost every weekend this month

October 1....my dad's, Rick's dad's and my twin brothers birthdays are this month

October 1...our treat this weekend, mixing salted peanuts with candy corn, yummy

October 1...I am longing for fall

October 1...bon fires, apple cider, smores and kids running through the back yard

October 1...I love Halloween

October 1...spider webs everywhere

October 1....can't wait to sleep in flannel sheets