What She Said

What DID she say? 

Part of the point was that she was saying anything at all. I'm talking about the nun who delivered a "reflection" at a Catholic mass I heard on Sunday. It was unusual. During announcements, she was introduced and it was as if I was hearing a homily, or sermon, from a woman. She was captivating. I've heard many sermons from women before, but if you understand the Catholic Mass, you know that it is the priests who deliver that kind of "reflection" usually. It was refreshing to hear her speak in that capacity. It was an informal way of participating, after the actual rituals were performed, but it was as if I caught a glimpse of what it would be like if the nuns had a more prominent role in the Mass. 

Interesting. Very interesting.

She challenged us to help others in need, to bring Love, peace, joy, justice and compassion. 

It was good to see.

xo,

T

Arguing with Angels

 Isn't it interesting how we don't trust the Universe to have our backs? 

Why do we insist on having things our own way instead of going with the flow - knowing that our best interest is always at work? It's hard to imagine in tragic times. Why aren't things going according to our plan? THIS is God's plan??? When we see the horrors that abound, why would we trust?

Maybe sometimes our circumstance is the result of our own free will. That makes sense. Sometimes we have to accept things we might not like as what is best for us though. So how can we tell the difference?

When we pray, or meditate, or make a wish for some specific circumstance - how do we know if that particular request is what's best? We could just wish for whatever is best, but then we REALLY have to trust that what ever happens is somehow, ultimately what's right. Can we? 

I've been there before. I remember before Zachary was born. I wasn't sure if he would ever show up and had to, after several unsuccessful fertility assists, surrender my fate to God. Then all of a sudden, there was baby Zachary.

These trying times hardly seem like an appropriate time to surrender. We have battles to fight, injustices to fix, solutions to find... this is no time to coast. Where's the line? When do we fight like hell and when do we accept and trust? 

We probably have to determine that for ourselves. There may be no right or wrong answer. I've heard that the time to walk away from a situation is when your health is being affected negatively. 

I suppose at the end of the day, it is ourselves who are responsible for our circumstance. We can't control everything, but we are in charge of our own choices. We have to live with the decisions we make and the consequences they bring. 

Today I was deep in thought and made a wish. Actually, I made a command. It felt like an Angel answered me back, "Are you sure about that?" I could qualify my wishes: "only if it's best' or "thy will be done" but sometimes I just want what I want. Maybe it's not best. Maybe my own limited perspective is preventing me from seeing a greater plan. Maybe I am getting in my own way. Then again, maybe I am finally going for it with gusto! The benefit of hindsight is always late! LOL.

Here's wishing us all good choices this week. Arguing with the Divine might not be the best idea. We might just do all we can do - and then trust. 

Love,

T

Grand Funk

I was in a grand funk. Russ was busy and school's out for summer. I have a mountain of tasks and I'm not going to lie - IT'S IMPOSSIBLE. I may have a panic attack just thinking about it. 

Full-on anxiety took hold for a couple of days and THEN, as if I wasn't busy enough, the phone rang. It was a gig. There was a last minute emergency and could I be 107 miles away by 6pm, fully glammed up - singing for someone's wedding? 

No. No I could not. I was on my way to the yard waste facility, with bags of mud, weeds, dirt, and potato bugs in the back of the car, along with Zachary. We were both a mess and attempting to clean up the driveway before we got some type of citation for junking up the neighborhood. Our bags of debris had been sitting so long in the rain that they broke, and we'd been shoveling their dusty remains in the sweltering heat. I also had no babysitter.

I hung up the phone, defeated. "I can't" are not words in my vocabulary, but there was just no way. There is a show next month with the same entertainment group, so I called the sitter to confirm that date. I thought maybe that would give me some kind of hope for the future.

Not only did the Angel who is my babysitter confirm next month's show date, but she was available that day as well and could come over anytime! WHAT??!! There was help??? I quickly called back for the job I had just turned down, "A sitter just fell from the sky. Do you still need someone?" Yes. Yes they did.

I can't even completely remember the whirlwind that followed, but I think I have never cleaned up so fast in my life. I was like a tornado, but I was straightening and organizing, putting away toys and papers, packing alcohol wipes, snacks, gloves, shoes, throat spray, electronics and a mic stand, all while cleaning up, curling my hair, letting the dog out, watching Zachary and doing my makeup.

I reviewed songs in the car on the way. The next thing you know, I was parking on a hill next to a cow and running toward an outdoor pavilion from which I could hear the sound of an amplified guitar. The bandleader met me by the driveway and told me not to rush and that all was well.

Life is better while the music is playing and I am doing what I do. There were fine and talented musicians, happy smiling people, and beautiful countryside views. 

I am here to tell you that the impossible can be done! Thank you! Thank you! THANK YOU!!! Huge thanks to all the people who have stepped in to help when I've felt overwhelmed. Thinking back... there have been so many Earth Angels who carried me just when I thought I couldn't make it. When we can't do it on our own, we still CAN with a little help. My grand funk turned into some kind of wonderful.

It's a miracle to lose hope and find it again. May we see light just when we need it and be light when someone else needs - especially now in these days of extreme hardship for so many.

With Love and gratitude,

T

The Snow Angel

 

A quick Google search didn't yield a precise answer as to the history or origin of the snow Angel. Some say (Noel Botham's "The Book of Useless Information") that Jewish mystics would roll in the snow to purge themselves of evil urges. The current world record of "Most People Making Snow Angels Simultaneously" is held by the State Historical Society of North Dakota (8,692 people on February 17, 2017). Numerous people have written books with "Snow Angel" in the title and Wikipedia will tell you how to make one. One comment online (by Richard O. Colestock on Quora.com) suggests that as long as there has been snow and children, snow Angels have existed.

Click here for guinnessworldrecords.com "Most People Making Snow Angels Simultaneously"

I just find it interesting that this simple act we did outside today, which I was mildly curious about, could be something that's been around since the beginning of time and have the ability to connect people from all walks of life, throughout time and culture. That's a powerful ability for one little playful action.

Have a good week everyone. Stay safe. Stay warm.

Love,

T

Click here for Tanya Diona's "United (Angels' Anthem)" on Spotify

United (Angels' Anthem) - Official Lyric Video

The lyric video is here!

"United (Angels' Anthem)" conveys the idea that all people are one. It draws upon Spiritual concepts from various faiths and backgrounds, including the idea that the Divine is not only everywhere, but is within Us and part of Us - and as such, we can say (philosophically) that we are all part of each other. It's ancient mystical wisdom. The lyric is delivered from the perspective of a fleet of Angels coming to heal the world.  It is their anthem.

This song inspired an entire album! While we continue to work on mixing and mastering the whole album, we decided that the message of two songs in particular could not wait. This is the first single - the song that started us off on an incredible journey. We imagined, as Angels might, how best to heal and inspire this world and the humans in it, who may have forgotten their Divine nature and strength. Unity and Love is where we begin this musical chapter. Thank you so much for listening and allowing us to share these thoughts with you!

We'd deeply appreciate your help in spreading this message of unity by sharing it and encouraging others to share as well. Here are some additional links to "United (Angel's Anthem)" and information.

United (Angels' Anthem) on Apple Music

United (Angels' Anthem) on Spotify

TanyaDiona.com

With Love and gratitude,

T

TWO NEW RELEASES!!

Two new singles from Red Queen Records (that's us) are out now!!!

"United (Angels' Anthem)" and "Relentless" are available now on all major music platforms.

"United (Angels' Anthem) conveys the idea that all people are one. It draws upon Spiritual concepts from various faiths and backgrounds, including the idea that the Divine is not only everywhere, but is within Us and a part of Us - and as such, we can say (philosophically) that we are all part of each other. It's ancient mystical wisdom. The lyric is delivered from the perspective of a fleet of Angels coming to heal the world. These warrior Angels are here to ensure that Love will win.

Click here for "United (Angels' Anthem)" on iTunes/Apple Music

Click here for "United (Angels' Anthem)" on Spotify

"Relentless" is about the power of Love. Love will always win, and trying to fight it is a losing battle. The lyric is delivered from the perspective of Love herself (apparently I just made Love a "she"). If Love could speak, she might say something like this...

Click here for "Relentless" on iTunes/Apple Music

Click here for "Relentless" on Spotify

There is so much to tell you about the songs, the journey, the artwork, the upcoming videos and more! We will be posting all kinds of fun things in the weeks and months to come. Why on earth did we release TWO songs in two days? (Thinking...) Probably because doing one thing at a time is just not something I can do??? Because I LIKE making an impossible amount of work the norm? Because sleeping at night is totally overrated? SMH. 

In reality, I think it has more to do with the times. It's the message. Millions of people are talking about how crazy these times are now. We feel like these songs convey a message and a Spirit that needs to be heard and felt. Now. Right now.

We thank you in advance for liking and sharing and being a part of spreading messages of Love and Unity. 

Love,

T

(and Russ and the team here at Red Queen Records)

xo

The Angel

The Angel in my room, the one that lights up, twinkles, and sends dancing patches of light around the walls every night has stopped.

I could take this as an ominous sign: The Angel has left, its light extinguished.

Then again, its absence of light can serve as an example of faith: We must believe even when our path is not lit. The Angel is clearly still there. Its lack of illumination only indicates that we must believe in what we can not see, have faith through the darkness.

Then there's the reality that I am just out of C batteries. As soon as I put the new ones in, it will light up again.

What's really real is that I can put C batteries on the grocery list, but that light will not go on until I actually put them in and flip the switch. It's on me.

Blessed week...

Love,
T

Working Angel

Halloween was a riot!

I was really getting weary and worn out this week though. FOR THE RECORD: I still looked like THIS while blogging.

Not at ALL like this:

Again - to be clear, THIS is what I look like blogging:

NOT this:

Sometimes I have a little help and things get easier - like when someone offers to vacuum...

or cook me dinner.

Sometimes I ask for a sign.

One pretty cool thing that happened this week was that my Angel started working again.

I thought it had stopped. I went so far as to get new batteries, but I hadn't put them in yet when I noticed it running. Maybe it never really stopped. Perhaps I just couldn't see it for a while. Maybe it was always just trying to get through to me. ;)

Namaste,
T

#Perspective

Everything is totally different, yet everything is exactly the same.
#Perspective #Focus

How am I going to color it THIS week? (Just thinking out loud.) Happy Monday everyone. xo

Namaste,

T 

"Just thinking out loud" reminded me of this song:

Love Deeper

Dave is gone. I had no idea. I last saw him at the beginning of September. He was at the front desk of the gym, gently teasing me about my workout as I was leaving for the day.

“Are you OK?” he laughed.

“No!” was my reply. “My legs feel like gummy worms!”

As director of training, he had set me up with my personal training sessions the previous week. He had also set me up with trainers years ago when I first joined that gym, but I had taken a break upon doctor’s orders during pregnancy. We both laughed and said quick goodbyes as I walked out the door. No one knew then that he had less than a week left to live. I didn’t know until this past week.

I had gone out of town shortly after that exchange and missed his passing and all the announcements. I had noticed his absence at the gym lately, but thought he must be working evening hours, or maybe on vacation. I finally asked about him on Saturday.

"Where's Dave? I haven't seen him in a while." 

The poor kid at the front desk hesitated awkwardly for a moment before telling me that he had died. It happened a couple of months ago. WHAT??? His obituary said it was an apparent heart attack. Anyone would tell you that Dave appeared to be in excellent physical condition. He was always giving new clients fitness assessments and was passionate about health and well-being as a lifestyle.

I stood there in disbelief for a few moments and stammered out a few questions before apologizing for the fog I was in, trying to process the information. I had just finished my workout and needed to stretch. Eventually, I drifted back to the personal training area and found a mat. With watery eyes I talked to Dave in my mind as I stretched. (How could I not have known? I was so sorry to have missed him...) I felt as if I could hear his voice speaking back to me as plain as day - as he always had. He was a source of lively charm at the gym. He would always smile and greet you enthusiastically, making you feel like family. Sometimes we would chat and philosophize. I had told him all about the baby and how physical therapy was going. He told me about the excellent results he was having with massage therapy for his shoulder and gave me the therapist's name and number. We spoke about the amazing mind/body connection and I noticed the book he was reading (An Interview with God, Woodrow Kroll). He inspired a lot of people there and they would all miss him.

I just couldn't believe he was gone. It felt as if he was standing right there, agreeing with me. He seemed his usual, smiling self in my mind's eye and he impressed upon me the significance of cherishing every moment. Of course he wouldn't want me to think of him and be sad. I envisioned him speaking very matter-of-factly, saying "This is how life is." It's just amazing how you can be here one moment - and be in Spirit the next. I kept talking to him periodically throughout the day. He's like "Angel Dave" to me now. It's going to take some getting used to.

I don't need condolences. I'm sure his family and those closest to him are feeling a sense of loss I can scarcely imagine. His absence has me contemplating how short our time here is though. It's made me want to talk to loved ones. He is inspiring me to have conversations and make visits that I've been putting off because I'm "too busy." Most of all... I want to pay more attention to those whose presence I take for granted. I want to live more fully and fearlessly. I'll prioritize the things that are important. I'll appreciate people around me. (There are so many beautiful people whom I adore... ) I will Love deeper. I will forgive quicker. I'll smile and laugh every chance I get. I will put my energy there - in that place of Joy and Love.

Time is valuable. I will spend it wisely.

Love you all.

Namaste,

T

Quiet Time

Well, that was that. The whole crowd has packed up and gone home. (At times last week, there were twenty people at my house.) It's amazing how fast things can get quiet. For a moment it was sad.

Just me and the bees.

Oh - and the dog...

(Just before the other dog photobombed and everything got blurry)

and the baby.

I thought I would just sit and enjoy some quiet time.

Then as I put a few things away, I noticed the tag on one of my birthday gifts...

(Smile)

Here's to noticing the signs...

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

Purple Skies... #Prince

I have long maintained that most famous people would not have the ability to leave me starstruck. Prince was the only one I could ever think of who would have that effect on me. I never did have the opportunity to work with him, although Russ did a couple of times.

This past week, friends of mine were saying things like they were "reeling" from the loss, "crying real tears" and in need of a grief counselor - many were hit very hard.

"I never meant to cause you any sorrow

I never meant to cause you any pain"

- Prince (Purple Rain)

I was on a long drive out of town, then a long drive back which put me out of touch with much of the media and postings over the weekend. Somewhat isolated, I decided that I did not want to be sad. I began seeing the color purple everywhere. It was in the flowers, the stained glass windows at church, billboard advertisements, new siding being installed on old buildings - everywhere. I thought about my own relationship with Prince through his music.

"I'm not your lover

I'm not your friend

I am something that you'll never comprehend"

- Prince (I Would Die 4 U)

I didn't know him personally. I wouldn't be missing having lunch with him next week. I wouldn't miss talks on the phone with him. I wouldn't miss his music - I could hear that anytime. There wouldn't be any new music being written (I'm sure there's an abundance in the vaults unreleased), but it seemed selfish of me to want him to give any more of himself. Hasn't he given us plenty already? I saw reminders of him everywhere and THAT didn't seem sad at all.

"I'm not a human 

I am a dove

I'm your conscious

I am love"

- Prince (I Would Die 4 U)

My relationship with him felt strengthened. He was in my life. I was not ready to join in the collective sadness. I was looking for ways to be happy, grateful and in the moment. If sadness was the thief, I wasn't allowing it into my temple.

"Love come quick

Love come in a hurry

There are thieves in the temple tonight"

- Prince (Thieves in the Temple)

As I began the eight-hour drive home, I pulled up "Prince" on my iPod. Seventy-six tracks came up. I listened to them all (a few were repeated). I hadn't heard many in a long while. As I listened, I remembered good times, reflected, and thought about his lyrics and their meaning. I sang and danced as so many have done this past weekend.

"And I saw an angel come down unto me

In her hand she holds the very key

Words of compassion, words of peace"

- Prince (7)

I swear (you can't make this stuff up) seven birds flew across the sky in front of my car. I know because they flew in formation with two v-shaped sets of three and one leader in front. I laughed out loud.

"No one in the whole Universe

Will ever compare

I am yours now and u are mine

And together we'll love through

All space and time, so don't cry"

- Prince (7)

I am going to believe that Prince is still very much here with us - and that he has simply punched a higher floor.

"Dearly beloved

We are gathered here today 

To get through this thing called life

Electric word life

It means forever and that's a mighty long time

But I'm here to tell you

There's something else

The afterworld

A world of never ending happiness

You can always see the sun, day or night"

- Prince (Let's Go Crazy)

Thank you Prince...

Namaste,

T

"Dream if you can a courtyard

An ocean of violets in bloom"

- Prince (When Doves Cry)

"Now you say

God made you

God made me

He made us all equally"

- Prince (God)

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