Gratitude and Hindsight

Cleaning off some bookshelves, I happened across a receipt. At first, it was hard to make sense out of what I was seeing. Why would I be in a hotel for several days, around the corner from my house? It was from Feb 16th.

Funny. I remember being beside myself at the time - at how crazy it was that both the furnace and hot water heater failed at the same time, filling the house with carbon monoxide; at how the garage doors stopped working after the fire people came; and at how I had a gig to get to that evening. The baby sitter had to wait at the neighbor's house because I had to take the dogs to the kennel after picking up Zachary from school. She had to come with me to the hotel where the show was and watch him there while I performed, then Uber home.

That seemed like the craziest sequence of events ever.

Little did I know.

How fortunate it was to have had both of those household repairs done then. How amazing is it that everything was falling into place ahead of time - a solid month ahead of all this.

If "today me" could go back in time and tell "then me" to be thankful for all those crazy happenings because they were such Blessings...

Gratitude. Oh for the strength of Faith to understand that all things happen for reasons unknown at the time, but always for the good.

Blessed week...

Love,
T

P.S.
On a totally unrelated subject, can anyone explain to me why my watermelon has a mustache??? Is this normal? #randomweirdthings #whatisnormal

It led me to this song:

xo

Blue Skies

 

Sometimes it's really just that simple.

It's amazing how many things we may have taken for granted. Just carelessly running out for groceries was such a Blessing. Wouldn't it be great if we developed a profound sense of gratitude for the incredible Blessings we still enjoy? The sky is so blue and beautiful. 

 

xo

Love,

T

Merry Christmas 2017

Regardless of your spiritual practice, cultural tradition, or religious belief...

Here's to celebrating a day when a story is told about The Divine incarnating here on Earth, to symbolize the Divine in all of Us, uniting Us all as Family and inspiring Us to respect and cherish each other as such.

Merry Christmas! Blessings for a joyous New Year, that We might be refreshed in that Spirit.

Namaste,
T

Believe in Miracles

I had forgotten about this Angel that I got last Christmas.

Now when I look at it, in this season of miracles, I'm reminded of all the Blessings that came my way in 2016. It's as if my last-year self was given a message to keep the faith - good things were about to come.

Here's to believing in all the Miracles that are still to come, to keeping the faith.

Christmas and Hanukkah at our house

Continued Blessings to all in the new year...

"There can be miracles when you believe"

- Stephen Schwartz and Kenneth "Babyface" Edmonds

Namaste,
T

The Amazing Human Spirit

I can't shake the thought.

The standout moment I keep coming back to is when I found out someone I know is terminally ill. I had no idea. She spoke of it candidly. I must have seemed at a loss for words. I was.

The human spirit is amazing. Most of us try not to think of our own ending. Those who are forced to and do it with grace and bravery beyond measure, leave an unforgettable, inspirational mark on our hearts.

I am reminded to always be kind. We never know what challenges our brothers and sisters are facing. I am reminded to be grateful. The silly things we complain about are mostly petty. I am reminded that we are all the same. We all come into this world and we will all leave it one day. I am reminded that we should live in a way of which we can be proud. How we journey through our short time on this earth is everything.

Then there was this story of an extraordinary Santa visit... (Warning: You may cry.)

Click here for CNN's "Terminally ill boy dies in Santa's arms"

On Saturday's gig, Joe had the audience members take each other's hands and hold them in the air as he spoke of unity and the power we all hold to make a difference in the world. I just love the people I work with.

Joe, Me, Russ at the gig

So as the trees go up and the Christmas lights come out, I'll remember that we can all make a difference to someone by our actions and kind words. We never know what they might mean to someone.

God Bless Us - Every One.
(A Christmas Carol reference)

Namaste,
T

Social Media Appreciation Day

Remember when we had to call everyone on Thanksgiving and the list would be so long and everyone would be getting hungry and there would always be someone who you wanted to call but didn't because there just wasn't enough time? Well, maybe I'm exaggerating a little (not really) but there were only so many people we could get in touch with. I usually only got to the closest family members. We wouldn't get to see everyone else's Thanksgiving table right away unless we went around visiting. Pictures would come later - if at all.

How times have changed.

Fun with Snapchat

Russell and Me on the Thanksgiving Day Drive

I'm feeling grateful to be able to stay in touch with so many people! Along with having a great time posting, I got a firsthand view into the homes of so many friends over the holiday. Texts, pictures, videos, funny stories, laughter... all made Thanksgiving even bigger. 

All of the special people in my extended family and all of the people I've met and worked with over the years don't always know how much they mean to me. Projects change, people get busy, time slips by and sometimes I think of people that I haven't seen in years and wonder how they're doing. Now they're just a click away. That's great!

Sadie came home from the kennel wearing ribbons. She promptly took one out. 

#ThatDogsGotTheRightIdea

:)

This week I'm celebrating the gift of staying connected with family, old friends and new friends from all over the world thanks to social media. Here's to a week filled with Blessings...

Namaste,

T

WHAT IS HAPPENING???

(These are the words I wrote on Sunday evening...)

WHAT IS HAPPENING???

On Saturday I had a gig in the Jersey Shore area. I had seen on the news that morning that a bomb had detonated at a charity race about twenty miles south of where my show was to be. The show was still on and traffic was not expected to be heavily delayed. So that afternoon I drove straight in that direction, stopping just twenty miles short of that site, and I sang with one of my favorite bands for a beautiful wedding reception.

On the way home (I left there about 9:30pm) I stopped at a rest stop and caught a bit of a news report saying something about an explosion in NYC. Turning on the radio, I learned of the Chelsea bomb as I drove back home, heading straight for NYC and the George Washington Bridge. My final destination was about 45 miles beyond the city. 

Once home, I turned on the news and it stayed on all day Sunday too. I quickly learned of the terrible events in a Minnesota mall and just now....

As I sit here writing this on Sunday evening, a "breaking news" report just came on about a suspicious device found in Elizabeth, NJ, where train service has been shut down in an ongoing investigation. 

All these events are enough to swallow up my spirit. I think of war torn parts of the world where this kind of activity is the norm - terrible. How do we keep a positive mindset when it seems like all hell is breaking loose? What is there to think when it seems like the "bad guys" are getting a leg up - or even winning?

I suppose I'm in search mode. I am actively seeking good thoughts to grasp onto. I'm trying to remember that people ARE coming together and helping each other. Neighbors are checking on each other. Families are checking on their loved ones. What about those amazing first responders and brave souls who rush in when others rush away for safety? I'm clinging to those thoughts. I'm making a deliberate effort to seek out the good. There was an inspiring group of Somalian community leaders who made very positive statements at a press conference in Minnesota that echoes in my mind. 

Click here for CBS Minnesota's coverage of that press conference with video

There are so many people working to promote love and understanding, even and especially in the midst of unimaginable chaos. In my experience on Saturday, sandwiched between two bombings was a wedding, a beautiful celebration of love. At that family gathering there was a coming together of souls. We sang songs like "We Are Family," and during "Ain't No Stopping Us Now" Joe (the male lead singer) had the whole audience chanting "Let's change the world" as an improvised ad-lib.

Although world happenings can make me feel weary, I will remember the power we all hold to effect change. I'll remember all the good people and be inspired to take action accordingly. I won't get swallowed up in anger or blame. There IS good to be found. God Bless all those who haven't given up hope or faith. God Bless us all as we face those internal stirrings that can challenge our nature.

This Monday morning we learned of a manhunt, a suspect and a capture.

There were no fatalities from the multiple bombings. Stabbing victims in Minnesota have all survived. Two homeless people found the Elizabeth, NJ bomb and notified police before any explosion. The race in Seaside Park, NJ had been delayed so that no runners were passing at the time that the bomb there detonated. Other bombs that were found did not detonate as intended. A bar owner notified police when a man fitting the suspect's description was found sleeping in his doorway. The suspect was then apprehended after shooting an officer whose life was likely saved by his bullet proof vest.

Yes. There are Blessings to be found.

Namaste,
T

"I think it is important to remember what terrorists and violent extremists are trying to do. They are trying to hurt innocent people, but they also want to inspire fear in all of us, and disrupt the way we live to undermine our values... We all have a role to play as citizens in making sure that we don't succumb to that fear. And there is no better example of that than the people of New York and New Jersey." - President Barack Obama

Click here for full article/video on CNN.com

Happy New Year!

Russ and I had a blast performing together this New Year's Eve with some dear friends.

Russ and Me on stage at the New Year's gig

This is going to be a GREAT new year! There are miracles, inspirations, good times, Blessings and countless good things to come.

Russ, Me, Joe and Matt - New Year's Eve

Greg, Junior, Frank, Me, Russ, Joe, Joey, Jim, Matt - New Year's Eve

I am going to spend more quality time with loved ones and more time reading. I have so many great new books! There is much to learn and much to do!  #LetsGo

A wonderful and Blessed New Year to us all...

Namaste,
T

Yes, Virginia...

A timeless classic, I just adore reading this at this time of year...

Click here for "Yes, Virginia..." from NYSun.com

This week, and throughout the Holiday Season this year, I'll remember the gifts of spending time with those I love, speaking kind words, the simple touch of a handshake or a hug, little gifts that show you've been thinking of someone, and acts of kindness.

As we all bustle through crowded stores, search for parking spots, wrap, cook and travel around trying to get everything done, I pray we all have those peaceful moments. May we all pause and take in some seasonal magic. Maybe we'll see a beautifully decorated house or shimmering tree. Maybe we'll notice childlike innocence with a great sense of adoration. We'll celebrate family and love. We'll enjoy delicious home-cooked meals and marvel at the abundance we've worked hard to create all year. Then hopefully, we'll share that feeling of warmth by reaching out to one another. Little things can mean so much. I'll do my best to think of others and what would make them happy.

Click here for 5lovelanguages.com

May we all spread Love and Good Cheer this year.

Here's wishing you a Blessed and Happy Holiday...

Namaste,
T

Blessings...

The phone rang. It was the radiology department. I had just gone in for a mammogram and they wanted me to come back in. The test was “inconclusive.”

Thinking of my crazy schedule, I asked how quickly I would be able to go in, because it would be easiest for me schedule-wise to get back in there right away. That way I would not have to juggle the whole rest of the week around. She said, “The doctor would like for you to come in today if you can.” (Oh. Alright.) She went on to say that he had also ordered a breast sonogram in addition to another mammogram. (Yes, I’ll be there by 3pm.)

After both tests, the technician asked me not to get dressed just quite yet, and left the room. She returned with the doctor in charge. As he introduced himself, the thought flashed through my mind that he might be about to tell me something very serious.

He quickly told me that he had looked over all of my tests and felt satisfied that they were indeed conclusive now… and that he was very confident… that all was well and there was nothing to worry about. He would forward his findings to my regular doctor and see me in another year for my next annual. “Good news,” he said. I thanked him, then they left the room.

I really hadn’t been worried. It was just that one moment when he came in and introduced himself. I realized that I shared that moment with a whole community of women – who may not have heard, “Good news” afterward. I had a mere brush with that moment. I can scarcely imagine what it must be like…

I’ve been talking a lot about being grateful and counting Blessings lately. As we go rushing around through life and hectic schedules, we often don’t realize how Blessed we are.

This week, I’ll not complain about silly things. I’ll remember how Blessed I am.

I’ll also post this – reminding everyone to MAKE TIME for monthly breast self-exams and yearly mammograms.

Click here for info on self-exams from nationalbreastcancer.org

Click here for "7 Things to Know About Getting a Mammogram" from cancer.org

"Early detection is so crucial, I consider myself fortunate 

that I found this in the early stages and the prognosis is so promising."

- Joan Lunden

"I am a walking advertisement for early detection."

- Sheryl Crow

"I can't stress enough how important it is 

to get screened and checked for all cancers - and to do self breast-exams."

- Robin Roberts

Namaste,

T

Thanksgiving Leftovers

I am going to keep Thanksgiving. I am going to carry it right over into this week and beyond.

"Each day comes bearing its own gifts. Untie the ribbons."

- Ruth Ann Schabacker

"A thankful heart is not only the greatest virtue, but the parent of all other virtues."

- Cicero

"If the only prayer you say in your whole life is "Thank you," that would suffice."

- Meister Eckhart

"No longer forward nor behind
I look in hope or fear;
But, grateful, take the good I find,
The best of now and here."
- John Greenleaf Whittier

Namaste,
T

Sunshine and Rain

Last week, there was an anniversary dinner...

a doggie swimming lesson...

a showcase in the city with a great band, awesome vocalists and lovely friends...

with John and Chevonne

with Chioma

I TRIED to have a photo shoot with Sadie and Bentley, but they weren't exactly cooperative...

Then it rained on my head.  Hard.

I was reminded that challenges will come to all of us.  

"Many a man curses the rain that falls upon his head, 

and knows not that it brings abundance 

to drive away hunger."

- Saint Basil

As the songs of last week still echo in my head (Full Force released their music video for "I Feel Good, I Look Good, I'm God Good") and a Joan Rivers special plays on television at this very moment, I look at shining examples of how meeting up with life's challenges can bring us strength and unique Blessings.           

"When we meet real tragedy in life, we can react in two ways

 - either by losing hope and falling into self-destructive habits, 

or by using the challenge to find our inner strength."

- Dalai Lama

"Happiness is not something ready made.  It comes from your own actions."

- Dalai Lama

Okay.  How do we do it?  How can we invite a miracle and turn water to wine - or rain into sunshine?  It seems to me that gratitude must play a major role.

"Happiness cannot be traveled to, 

owned, earned, worn or consumed.  

Happiness is the spiritual experience of living every minute 

with love, grace and gratitude."

- Denis Waitley

"Self-pity is our worst enemy and if we yield to it, 

we can never do anything wise in this world."

- Helen Keller

Alright then.  Keep close to the gratitude and love, and away from the self-pity.  Got it.

As soon as I came back in the house, the rain stopped and the sun was blinding...

I remembered that sunshine always follows the rain and that if we zoom out a little, we can see the bigger picture...

My new bracelet

Have a Blessed week!

Namaste,

T