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

Where to Start

My morning run is often the only time I have to myself, to let my thoughts flow. I had just been thinking about how, despite all of the most recent changes in the world, we have the ability to continue being our unique selves when I noticed the pavement looking back up at me.

I stopped to take a picture. It's not often I jog by what looks like a giant pastel eyeball.

Returning to my thoughts, it occurred to me that while we may need to get creative about how we are able to express our individual talents and abilities, it's been positively heartwarming to see people doing what they do and being who they are. Whether it's being helpful by delivering food to those in need, making people laugh, mobilizing teams to raise money, organizing community services, doing yoga, dancing, teaching, cooking, nursing, writing, etc., people all over the world are finding ways to help each other (and the world itself) with a sense of purpose as never before.

We all go at our own pace. We might each, in our own time, stop and evaluate our path deciding how best to proceed. As we are forced to adapt we might temporarily be in what I call a blind spot - that place we find ourselves when we can't yet see our own future. Faith is necessary. Hope is necessary. Even when these are in short supply, we can keep going. Even when we can not see what is ahead, we can continue our journey with deliberate intention. We might take a new direction. When we don't know where to start, we can just start somewhere - anywhere.

As I put my phone away to continue my run, there was another sign...

I love when the pavement speaks! Who knows where our journey will lead? I ran along the chalk outline until the numbers faded away and finally disappeared completely, but by then I was running again so I just kept going.

Have a beautiful week.

Love,
T

Moments

Even in the midst of staying hopeful and positive, we can acknowledge our moments of grief or sadness. We've had to say goodbye to so many friends and loved ones; and to so much of life as we knew it before. We can give ourselves permission to feel what we feel - and still stay strong. 

These are lyrics from my song "Everywhere." It's a reminder of how we carry the Spirit of those we love with us, always.

In my solitude

I sometimes think of you

Where I am lost, you'd know what to do

When I can't break free

Gripped by uncertainty

I go searching for some truth to comfort me

Deep in the night

When the answers come

I can smile

Feel the warmth of love rush through my soul

And I know, I know

I know that you're here

I feel you in the air

You're everywhere

And when I close my eyes

I can see so clear

That you are always here

You're everywhere with me

I'm filled with gratitude

Though you never truly knew

All you have done for me

Now I thank you

You have blessed me

Incredibly

Because of you, faith guides my destiny

I pray that you never doubt

What your life was all about

You touched us so

And I know

I know

I know that you're here

I feel you in the air

You're everywhere

And when I close my eyes

I can see so clear

That you are always here

You're everywhere with me

You stand with your wings

And all of these earthly things

Slip away, into the deep (Off to sleep)

The true you stays the same

You remain

Love,

T

Unexpected Inspiration

An old friend inspired me this past week. He reminded me how important it is to be there for each other. Forget old wounds as quickly as you can. Life is too short.

I'm so grateful for quality time with friends. Remembering the good ol' days was the unexpected highlight this week. Love and the warmth of smiles and laughter transcend all challenges, obstacles and divisions. Love remains.

Blessed week everyone...

Love,

T

The Non-Blog...

Instead of reading/writing this blog today...

Let's spend that time in prayer or quiet meditation to send Love, Strength and Hope to all those affected by the severe weather from hurricanes Irma and Harvey. #Faith #Love

Namaste,
T

Repost: SPECIAL EDITION BLOG - "Superhero (Song for St. Jude)"

It's been a while since this very special song and fundraising effort has appeared in this blog. I would like to start including a link to it in upcoming posts. 

This is a repost of "SPECIAL EDITION BLOG - Superhero (Song for St. Jude)" as originally posted in January of this year... Many thanks to everyone who helps us spread the word and to those who help support St. Jude Children's Research Hospital.

Namaste,
T

REPOST:

Hello everybody...

We are so excited to announce the release of our new song, "SuperHero (Song for St. Jude)," with proceeds going to benefit St. Jude Children's Research Hospital!

Some time ago, Russell and I were asked to perform at a college event to benefit St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital. We had seen commercials for St. Jude and were familiar with the remarkable story of its inception by founder Danny Thomas. We offered not only to perform at that event, but to go a step further and also write a song to be released with proceeds going to benefit St. Jude.

We sat down as songwriters, seeking inspiration and more information about the hospital. What we learned about St. Jude moved us to tears of joy. Its history, groundbreaking research and extraordinary contributions to families around the world affected by life threatening diseases filled us with extreme pride in their astounding accomplishments.

We learned about the most amazing children whose courage and strength are inspirational beyond measure. Words can scarcely describe their incredible spirit. To us, they are superheroes. Thus, the concept for the song “SuperHero (Song for St. Jude)” was born.

While so many of us find it easy to complain about little things, these kids fight for their very lives. They do it with bright, smiling faces and beam with positive energy. They are leaders, showing us all how to live with courage, strength, hope and joy.

Our song’s story is about a fictitious little boy who finds his strength in helping others. He is a secret superhero who delivers “heaven’s kisses sprinkled on ice cream” along with love and strength to those in need. He takes away pain and fulfills wishes inside the dreams of others.

It seems like this is exactly what the patients at St. Jude do and the facility itself does for the world by showing us all that anything is possible. Danny Thomas once asked St. Jude Thaddeus, the patron saint of hopeless causes, for guidance. After over fifty years of miracles, St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital gives hope to us all.

Thank you to all of the superheroes who have made St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital a beacon of hope. This song is our gift to you.

To help raise funds, we encourage you to buy a copy of the song for yourself and gift it to someone as well. We’ve also set up a page on the St. Jude website (link below) for those who wish to make additional donations toward our fundraising efforts. Thank you.

CLICK HERE for "SuperHero (Song for St. Jude)" on iTunes

CLICK HERE for our Donation Page on the St. Jude website

CLICK HERE for the "SuperHero (Song for St. Jude)" page on tanyadiona.com

Official Music Video on YouTube

SPECIAL EDITION BLOG - "SuperHero (Song for St. Jude)"

Hello everybody...

We are so excited to announce the release of our new song, "SuperHero (Song for St. Jude)," with proceeds going to benefit St. Jude Children's Research Hospital!

Some time ago, Russell and I were asked to perform at a college event to benefit St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital. We had seen commercials for St. Jude and were familiar with the remarkable story of its inception by founder Danny Thomas. We offered not only to perform at that event, but to go a step further and also write a song to be released with proceeds going to benefit St. Jude.

We sat down as songwriters, seeking inspiration and more information about the hospital. What we learned about St. Jude moved us to tears of joy. Its history, groundbreaking research and extraordinary contributions to families around the world affected by life threatening diseases filled us with extreme pride in their astounding accomplishments.

We learned about the most amazing children whose courage and strength are inspirational beyond measure. Words can scarcely describe their incredible spirit. To us, they are superheroes. Thus, the concept for the song “SuperHero (Song for St. Jude)” was born.

While so many of us find it easy to complain about little things, these kids fight for their very lives. They do it with bright, smiling faces and beam with positive energy. They are leaders, showing us all how to live with courage, strength, hope and joy.

Our song’s story is about a fictitious little boy who finds his strength in helping others. He is a secret superhero who delivers “heaven’s kisses sprinkled on ice cream” along with love and strength to those in need. He takes away pain and fulfills wishes inside the dreams of others.

It seems like this is exactly what the patients at St. Jude do and the facility itself does for the world by showing us all that anything is possible. Danny Thomas once asked St. Jude Thaddeus, the patron saint of hopeless causes, for guidance. After over fifty years of miracles, St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital gives hope to us all.

Thank you to all of the superheroes who have made St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital a beacon of hope. This song is our gift to you.

To help raise funds, we encourage you to buy a copy of the song for yourself and gift it to someone as well. We’ve also set up a page on the St. Jude website (link below) for those who wish to make additional donations toward our fundraising efforts. Thank you.

CLICK HERE for "SuperHero (Song for St. Jude)" on iTunes

CLICK HERE for our Donation Page on the St. Jude website

CLICK HERE for the "SuperHero (Song for St. Jude)" page on tanyadiona.com

Official Music Video on YouTube

Well, Which is It?

Is it THIS...

Hope is the thing with feathers

That perches in the soul,

And sings the tune without the words,

And never stops at all,

And sweetest in the gale is heard;

And sore must be the storm

That could abash the little bird

That kept so many warm.

I've heard it in the chillest land, 

And on the strangest sea;

Yet, never, in extremity,

It asked a crumb of me.

- Emily Dickinson

Or THIS...

Hope - that slippery creature of temptation

Shall I let him in?

Is it I, by myself

who allows that slithering beast?

That devil is already inside of me

Waiting...

For any crack in the door

To creep, undetected

Into the deepest recesses of me

And from there

Like a cancer grow.

- T.G. 

Which perception is Truth? Are they both true?  Does it depend on mood?

I have been considering perception and its powerful influence - how we, with the power of our mind, can choose to view any circumstance with a different perspective and create our future with it.

This week, I challenge my perspective of everything.  I encourage myself to see everything from a positive viewpoint.  With faith and gratitude, I know that all is well.  There is really never anything to fear.

Hope can be a beautiful, angelic creature or we can paint it with fear.  Is there something that we are afraid to hope, for fear that it will never be?  What dream is so important?  What idea do we have to guard so fiercely?  What holds that much power over us - that we would choose to kill hope instead of even trying?

This week, I want to figure that out - and make a change.  I want to dare to hope anything!  Isn't imagining something the first step towards creating it?  I don't want to be afraid to imagine anything!  I want to welcome hope and its sweet song!

LET'S DO IT!  

#fearless #daretodream

Namaste,

T