What a great time I had with Rick James' Original Stone City Band this weekend! They always bring a smile. I absolutely love the whole SCB family. What an amazing group of beautiful and talented people! It's truly a Blessing to know them and an incredible honor to be with them on stage.
With Mark
With Lanise
With Oscar
There was a lot of driving for me this week, but we are finally home and looking forward to getting settled back in. Maybe I shouldn't speak too soon though, because look at this guy:
I believe it's a male "Halloween Pennant" dragonfly and it was waiting for me when I got back.
"In almost every part of the world, the Dragonfly symbolizes change, transformation, adaptability, and self-realization. The change that is often referred to has its source in mental and emotional maturity and understanding the deeper meaning of life." - Google
Fine. Bring it on! (Just as I was about to get comfortable.) Might as well have an adventure.
Here we are - waiting for the verdict. Change has got to come, somehow, some way. Let's talk about some proposed changes.
While there is much support for The George Floyd Justice in Policing Act, many also agree that it does not go far enough. An article in The Chicago Sun Times (author: Jesse Jackson) says, "Surely the M4BL is right: sensible police reforms are necessary but not sufficient. Renewed investment in communities and greater community control over the police are essential. The plague of mass incarceration must be ended. The George Floyd Act, however, need not be in conflict with broader reforms... Police reforms will never work unless accompanied by and embedded in rebuilding and empowering communities."
Sometimes it takes so much for us to change. Can't we do better? Change can be so beautiful.
Let's do it. Let's change something - all on our own and just for the sake of improving ourselves. We don't have to wait until we are forced to. What if we found something - one little thing - that inspires us enough to step out of that comfort zone we love so much.
It all started with "suppression." I was thinking of how we suppress ourselves.
We do it. Yes we do (arguing with myself). We are all capable of infinite improvement, yet we hang on to our old ideas like our life depends on them. Why don't we just let go?
Leaves fall away and brand new growth emerges. That could be us. We don't need to keep doing things the same old way. We don't need to keep the same habits. We are fully capable of change for the good of our own selves.
"Progress is impossible without change,
and those who cannot change their minds cannot change anything."
- George Bernard Shaw
Uncertainty forces us to either fear, or trust. Let's trust. Let's believe.
Here's wishing you all a safe and healthy holiday season, regardless of how different it is this year.
We're OK. May that be the first thing you hear from loved ones as the next few weeks go by.
We went from new school protocols, to no school. From playground, to no contact with other children - not even the ones next door. From relatively normal life - to this.
As is the case for most of the world, life is changing by the minute.
Now we are heroes for keeping distance from each other, for following guidelines that require our mastery of the mundane within the walls at home.
There's a litany of things we can NOT do, but what about the things that we can? We can appreciate time together with our children. We can understand that we are all in this together. We can learn more. We can seek out positivity and do our part to promote it. We can call someone who is alone or elderly and keep them company by our conversation. We can put differences aside. We can act in a way that lifts others up and that brings us together in spirit. We can find new ways to have fun. We can do a lot to show each other love and respect.
Here's wishing health and happiness... and for the peace and comfort that comes from knowing that there are great depths of Love, Kindness, Understanding and Strength within us all.
With the new furnace and hot water heater installed at home, we said goodbye to the hotel room and picked up the dogs from the kennel.
Like Zachary says: "Keep it moving."
Russ joined in on the action.
I'm reminded of how quickly life keeps on chugging along. In the blink of an eye, years seem to pass. One of the secrets is probably to enjoy it and make the most of every step in the process. Every moment is an opportunity to choose optimism, happiness, and gratitude - or their opposites. With the power of our mind, we can make change be something to fear or something to look forward to. So I'm saying, "Onward! Good things are on the way!"
It's like a rite of passage to get to the point where you get your bike seat raised up.
It doesn't look like time is going to slow down. So here's wishing we all spend it wisely. Let's go!
Um... no. Where exactly is "there" anyway? Are we really ever done growing?
It seems we always want growth for the better... more money, more success, more time, etc. Except - if we keep doing the same things, why would we expect anything to, all of a sudden, change for the better? WE gotta be willing to change.
"Life is change. Growth is optional. Choose wisely."
- Karen Kaiser Clark
We have to be willing to step out of our comfort zone and take some chance, some risk. Decide a direction to try and then go! It doesn't have to be permanent. It doesn't have to define our lives. It just needs to happen. If things don't seem to improve, change again.
I'm pretty sure that one thing we can be certain of is that things are going to change anyway. Why not be a part of it? Why not take decisive action toward it? Why not take that wheel and turn it ourselves? Let's go! Who's with me?
Zachary tried climbing up to the slide this way - it worked out well for him. ;)
Maybe it's not always easy accepting responsibility for the consequences of our actions, and so we coast along, comfortably blaming others or circumstance for our dis-satisfaction instead of changing ourselves. But, did you ever see this affliction in other people? If you can see it in others, then it must exist in yourself (otherwise you wouldn't recognize it). How about that? When we find ourselves criticizing others, or finding solutions to their problems, it's probably time to take a look at ourselves and take our own advice. #imgonnadoit
Once upon a time, a chick singer from Buffalo, NY took a chance and moved to the big city. I remember saying at the time, "this is either the best decision I've ever made, or the stupidest thing I've ever done!" LOL. I'm going to go with "best decision" as I look back on it now. ;)
Got my disco on this weekend :)
Spring cleaning time! Clear out whatever it is that you're still holding on to and move on! #bringonthenew. I'm going to shake things up a bit. It's time.
Did I drive this truck and trailer with a storage box down twenty miles of highway, then load a storage unit full of stuff onto it ALL BY MYSELF, then drive it another twenty miles before getting on a plane back across the country because I am a MOM and therefore I can do anything???
Yes. Yes I did.
It felt like I was closing out a chapter in my life. The days of being bi-coastal have been over for a few years now. It was about time to close the book on that storage unit. Change is good. Why do we always seem to hang on longer than necessary?
Then suddenly I was back in NY,
and in a snowstorm so bad it took me an hour and a half to get somewhere it usually only takes me ten minutes to get to. It took Russ six and a half hours to drive 46 miles to his gig that night. (SMH) The only real problem with driving in the snow is that NOT EVERYONE OUT THERE ON THE ROAD IS FROM BUFFALO! (#Buffalove.) It wasn't exactly a day at the beach...
But all in all, it was not that bad.
The week circled back around to my favorite thing - recording new songs for my next album!
Here's wishing everyone a very happy Thanksgiving and a beautiful change of season!
Letting go of that which no longer serves us can sadden the heart. It was the case for me this week as I changed the direction of some of my plans for my new album and myself. I know new plans will fill in the spaces left by the undoing of old ideas. Confirmation was everywhere.
Church was perfect. The priest spoke of how a seed must die and fall to the ground before it can grow and produce fruit. He talked about allowing old ways to die - like anger, pride and the like. He made an example of John Newton, the author of the hymn "Amazing Grace." John was in the Atlantic slave trade before his spiritual conversion in 1748 when he encountered a violent storm and "called out to God for mercy." (https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Amazing_Grace) The priest continued speaking about the newness that would spring forth and the beauty of the new path that would unfold when we let go of old ways. I had already seen some positive effects of being on my new path.
After the service, Zach and I met a woman who gave me a direct message to treasure every moment with him. She had lost her daughter in a tragic accident. We both hugged her before heading out to the monument to Our Lady of Lourdes. I stood in front of that very statue and prayed for Zachary's safe arrival before he came - and I was granted the miracle of life. There we both were, standing in that same spot together. https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Our_Lady_of_Lourdes
After a couple of errands, we went back home for lunch and nap time. As he was drifting off to sleep in my arms, Amazing Grace started playing on the station set up in his room.
They've been all around me lately! When I was letting the dogs in, one flew right in front of my face. Russ said, "Whoa! Did you see that butterfly?"
Yes. I've been seeing them everywhere. It was a few days later that a little girl I know drew me a picture. "That's nice," I said, "What is it? A heart?"
"It's a butterfly," she informed me.
Saturday morning I noticed some pretty flowers in front of a local diner. While in the middle of a little flower photo shoot, we got photobombed...
Soon another one came along and didn't mind posing for a few shots...
The next day, a butterfly flew in front of me while I was talking to someone and literally interrupted our conversation. Later that day, out of nowhere, another friend texted me a picture of a butterfly.
"The butterfly is one of the most emblematic totem animals symbolizing personal transformation."
- spiritanimal.info
I have been thinking not only of personal transformation, but of transformation in a broader sense a lot lately. It seemed as if everyone was talking about sexual harassment last week. It was all over the headlines, the radio, the television and social media. I was surprised that anyone would be "shocked" that a powerful entertainment industry executive would be accused of (or could be guilty of) sexual harassment. (Really? Shocked?)
Then there were the comments from Donna Karan implying women were "asking for it" by presenting sensuality and sexuality in their appearance. (Again... REALLY??? Victim blaming? In 2017? From someone who designs those "presentations"?) After fierce criticism, she said she regretted making those comments and that she was in fact "shocked" by them herself.
The talk radio show discussing the general issue of sexual harassment had me listening so intently I missed my opportunity for a cardio workout, while opting instead to stay and listen in the parking lot of the gym. Some "brave" women came forward to talk about their battles. Others expressed their lack of "bravery" in similar situations. Many of us have experienced both sides of that fence.
I like the idea that the whole collective is transforming - standing up for ourselves in new ways, bringing to light things that were in the shadows. Does it mean that sexual harassment will stop? Certainly not. Our collective evolutions might ebb and flow like the Universe Itself. Is the fact that we are having this conversation helping someone? Without a doubt, yes. A flood of support has come via #metoo, with people posting the hashtag to indicate that they have also endured sexual harassment or sexual assault.
I think of all the ways culture and societal norms affect us all. What we wear and how we act are often weighed with considerations of how we will be perceived - for both men and women, for all kinds of reasons, and in all kinds of situations. What about a day when we can all feel free to express ourselves, sexuality and all, without fear of physical vulnerability, negative consequence, or judgment? What about a day when we can look into each others' eyes, see ourselves, and offer ourselves enough compassion, kindness, and respect? What if power came from within and was not attempted to be gained by dominating or judging another? What if profits made by uniting people and seeking their best interest far outweighed those made from selling fear and division? What if we as a human race were inching toward finally getting our act together? What if all things were actually happening for the education and good of all???
I'm down with the caterpillars. Let's transform.
#letsevolve #butterflyme #butterflywe #metoo
Namaste,
T
"Your natural beauty wants to be. Set your sexy free."
- Tanya Diona, Get Your Sexy On
"But it is not enough to merely exist," said [the butterfly],
"I need freedom, sunshine, and a little flower..."
- Hans Christian Anderson
"Butterflies... flowers that fly and all but sing."
What if we were our own complaint department? What if every time we complained about anything, we had to answer for it?
I'd like to imagine a world where, instead of complaining, we all DID something toward positive change of the things we don't like. If we're not sure WHAT to do, we would LEARN.
I watched two documentaries this week. One was about Trump, the other about Clinton. They can both be found on demand at CNN.
How many of us complaining about one candidate or the other have visited each of their websites, or learned more about them, have taken any kind of stand on the issue that we complain about, have written our congresspeople, have volunteered for a cause?
I found myself complaining this week (unrelated to the candidates or the election) and it was not pleasant. I had to make a conscious effort to ask myself what I could do to change my situation. After taking some action toward accomplishing some goals, I felt better. It seems as if to complain is to sit back and put blame on others, while giving our power away to them. We have our own power. We can do SOMETHING. In activating our own personal power, we can generate a more positive outlook within ourselves. If THAT is our state of mind, then we can open up our own creativity and be a part of solutions instead of just being a part of a chorus of complaints.
I'm going to put a complaint box on my dresser. I'll be responsible for what goes in, and I'll be responsible for answering all complaints as well. #LetsTryIt
Last week, the day I posted the blog about that new house in
the neighborhood, the water went out. While Russ was walking the dogs, he
discovered why. While working on that new house, workers hit a water line, interrupting
service for the whole neighborhood. Russ knew this because as he passed by that
house, he saw the water and electric company trucks in front of it, and overheard workers and
water representatives saying things like, “that should have been figured out
before” and “that isn’t our responsibility.” All I knew was that I had to go to
the gym to shower that day.
It was funny. I had just used that house as a model example of
how to build our own selves, and there it was with a major problem disrupting the
whole neighborhood. I realized that change isn’t always smooth and there are
bumps in the road of our journey. That’s OK. It’s natural.
It was interesting that people were looking to place blame
and not take responsibility for their own actions though. Don’t we all do that
sometimes? :)
I got this pendant over the summer…
It serves as a reminder to me that life is not about the
destination, but the journey. This week, I’ll try to remember not to place
blame for any aspect of my life on anyone else. I’ll take personal responsibility
for my feelings and know that outcomes don’t matter as much as how you play the
game. Being the kind of person you want to be is our own personal journey. Our
outcomes reflect our choices, and what’s really important is what we learn
along the way and how we live our lives. If we strive to make every decision
from the standpoint of being the kind of person we want to be, we can trust that we’ll arrive at our
perfect destinations.
"Every day is a journey
and the journey itself is home"
- Matsuo Basho
I looked up songs about journeys. This one came to mind, and this version… OOOH!
Last week I listened to an audio book from Louise Hay...
In it, she referenced author Ken Carey:
"The warm rains of new thought fall gently on the soil of human consciousness."
- Ken Carey (The Third Millennium)
As I was contemplating concepts of change, new thought, and letting go of that which no longer serves, my phone rang. It was the bandleader for my weekend gig asking if I would mind being put on a different show than the one I had originally been booked for. (Why would I mind?) :) It was a great show and I met some lovely new people.
On Sunday, I had no idea what to write about in this week's blog. I consulted Louise Hay's calendar...
There it was again! Change. I turned on the television. Joel Osteen was on. He was talking about making changes and and letting go of the old in order to make way for new Blessings. (OK Universe, I get it.)
This morning (Monday), I headed outside to walk the dogs. The phone rang. It was my training partner for a new video we're working on. She had to change our gameplan for today. I just smiled... (no problem).
As I continued to walk with the dogs, I took note of nature with all its falling leaves and quiet, truthful ways. I remembered that changes are good. They are a natural part of life. I was reminded to accept them and go with the flow of things.
New and interesting things are just around the corner. I won't get attached to any "plans" I might have. The road ahead is unknown and wide open. #Trust (like last week) and the wonderful adventure of life will unfold.
Russ and I were talking about life… (and doing taxes).
In self-reflection, we started examining whether or not we
were "reconciled within ourselves" – in other words, are the choices we make
reflective of the reality we are trying to create? If not, why? What are some of the ways we are holding ourselves back? In what ways are we complacent? Why
might we sometimes stay in a comfort zone instead of pushing forward? What could we do differently, that might bring change for the better?
These are really tough questions. In order to answer, we
have to journey into ourselves and seek the truth. We are going to need boots. :)
We have to have the gumption to travel through our own muck.
Sometimes moving ahead in life means moving ahead in our own thoughts first.
Maybe we have to dismantle some old, outdated shadow belief before we can move
on. We might start believing in ourselves a little more in order to take that
one leap of faith that would make all the difference. We might stop making excuses
and take one step, one action that moves us closer to our dreams. We might make
a healthy meal choice instead of saying we didn’t have time to eat right. We
might do the RIGHT thing instead of the EASY thing and feel so good about it
that we set off a chain reaction in ourselves and steer ourselves in a new
direction.
"To everything there is a season..."
- Ecclesiastes 3:1
As the weather turns and I am forced to admit what I had
been trying to deny (that winter is coming), I’ll try to apply the principle to
other areas as well. Like they say at the gym, sometimes we have to deconstruct a
little to rebuild stronger and better.
Here’s bidding us all safe passage through the muck! Here’s
to evolving and constantly improving ourselves. I can do it. I have boots. (I’m
thinking I could use a new raincoat too… #BringItOn)
