Last week looked like it was going to include a LOT of drive time. The plan was to drive from Western New York to NYC and back. Thankfully, the plan changed and I was afforded the luxury of some much appreciated relax time.
Sometimes you just have to follow the signs...
Sometimes the slower way is better.
Amish horse and cart
This sign from a yard sale reminded me that the best things in life are free...
#BestYardSaleEver
Then, there were THESE signs...
These reminders that we don't often fit one simple label made me smile...
So as the new week begins, I'll take in all that I see and remember that...
A few years ago, we fenced in our backyard so that the dogs could run freely. We soon became aware that Bentley has an obsession with apples. He will eat them until he becomes sick, if left to his own devices.
There happened to be a bumper crop one year and it was impossible to rake them all up. Despite having the fence, we had to keep Bentley on leash or else he would fill up on apples. We were given a most amazing invention called an apple rake, which rolls over the top of them and scoops them up easily, but the apples remained well into winter and I wondered why we had bothered getting the fence.
The next year, hardly any apples fell from the tree and Bentley enjoyed the run of the yard. I didn't know what to make of the apple situation.
So here we are this year. Already, I can see hundreds of apples on the tree. They are falling down and Bentley is eating some, even though they aren't really ripe and probably taste bitter.
What is the point?
When I saw all the apples this week, all the fruitful abundance on the tree, I was tempted to think to myself, "Oh darn it! Look at all those freakin' apples! It's going to be one of THOSE years!" I quickly realized the ridiculousness of that train of thought. Apples are a blessing! They are beautiful! They are a wonderful example of nature's bounty and a symbol and reminder of the gifts of life! What was I thinking, complaining about it??? It was time to change my mind and be grateful.
I think we encounter opportunities to change our thinking in this way more often than we realize. I'm reminded that sometimes we can't see the Blessing that lies ahead. Sometimes we think something unfortunate has occurred when in fact, it might be the best thing that ever happened to us. Where is our faith? Our trust? Why do we complain when we could be joyful?
I am going to make it a practice to be thankful and grateful, even when things don't appear to be going my way. If I trust that all is working out for the best, and the Universe is always working for my greatest good, I will say "thank you" and be grateful no matter what happens. I will trust that all will work out for the best eventually, even when I can't see it right away. I've heard countless stories of how people have lost their jobs, only to be forced into another that is better anyway. Sometimes we need a little push in the right direction. Sometimes, we don't make changes unless we are forced into them. Sometimes our disappointments lead to the most amazing opportunities.
I will remember that this week. I will smile and know that all is well. After all, it IS! I will focus my thoughts on the good, and therefore attract more positive things. I'll pay close attention to my thoughts and let go of any complaints, knowing that everything that happens is ultimately for the best. I know this to be true.
After the crazy hectic video release week, and a drive from Buffalo to Brooklyn and back, it was time to settle down and relax. I headed for the hills...
A trip to the Amish countryside always calms my spirit.
Then there were family visits, nature's beauty and the lake...
"Every breath we take, every step we make,
can be filled with peace, joy and serenity."
- Thich Nhat Hanh
Then I discovered Dr. Wayne W. Dyer and Kristina Tracy's children's book, "Unstoppable Me."
"Just try to remember,
when stressful thoughts attack,
that positive actions on your part
are the best way to fight back."
- Dr. Wayne W. Dyer and Kristina Tracy
This week, as I strive to balance work and play, I will take moments and breathe in serenity. I will be at peace.
Thank you first to God for making all things possible...
I am absolutely filled with gratitude and love for everyone whose support and encouragement made this song, this video, and this album possible; and to all of you who click, like, tweet, post, share and leave heartwarming comments. Your kindness and love make my heart sing! My deepest thanks to all of you. It is a most amazing Blessing to be able to do what I love - and feel so good about being an artist. Here's wishing all the positive energy you give out comes back to you tenfold and that all you do, in pursuit of your heart's dream, be touched with the magic, power and strength of love...
Namaste!
T
Official Music Video: Only Way Home
"Only Way Home"
On my own in New York City
Missing home for far too long
It ain't how I thought it would be
Still I keep on pressin' on
Longing for the days gone by
Times I lay down and I cry
Thinking back on how it used to be
But I ain't gettin' nowhere
Wishin' for what's not there
Now I think I finally see
**Chorus**
Keep on taking on a new day
Don't look back upon the old way
That old place is lost
It's gone, gone, gone
Next phase, bring it on, ya got me
Steep pace, only way that I see
Boldly forward is the way back home
It's the only way to get back home
Back home, back home
It's the only way to get back home
Back home, back home
It's the only way to get back home
Everybody's got a story
But everybody's all the same
Gotta get to where we're going
But don't nobody know the way
Home is where you just can be
Friends are true and you are free
Overflowing with a sense of peace
But we ain't gettin' nowhere
Actin' like we don't care
When home is where we wanna be
**Chorus**
Somewhere along the way I swear I lost my mind
Panic-stricken in my haste I tried and tried to find
From: Nothing To Prove... Something To Say Written by: Tanya Diona (BMI) and Russell Graham (ASCAP) / Produced by Russell Graham and Tanya Diona for Red Queen Productions / Lead and background vocals: Tanya Diona / All instruments and programming: Russell Graham / Recorded by: Russell Graham at Red Queen Studios, NY and Audio Magic, Buffalo, NY / Mixed by: Russell Graham at Red Queen Studios, NY / Mastered by: Gary Tole for Chelsea Sound Labs
Special thanks:
To Russ: My best friend, love and partner in everything - we did it! :) To Vincent Buccitelli, Meg, Qina and the New York Global Marketing Solutions team: for your continual encouragement to make things better and then even better, and for your swift and reliable ability to get it done! To Jim Bush: for your keen eye, photographic talents and warm spirit. To Chris Tringali and Leon Studio One: for always doing such a great job (and landing me so many hair compliments) - you're the best. To my most amazing band of musicians, vocalists and dancers whose talents make the live shows positively magical... Kenny Hawkins, Big Mike Porter, Richii Valentino, Russell Graham, Joey Diggs, Sharon Banks, Shelly Hirsch, Jenna Beth Stockman, Meghan Hinton - love you all! To Joey Diggs (Unka Doey): for your incredible talent, tireless dedication, awesome humor and true friendship. To Robbie Konikoff: for your constant encouragement and kindness. To all my family and extended family of most incredible supporters: you truly do make my heart sing and inspire me to reach higher heights! My most sincere thanks to you all...
