Gimme A Break

I don't need encouragement, validation, pats on the back or anything like that. I just want to tell the truth. I was weary. I'd had enough, was completely worn out and felt like my composure was slipping. There were simply too many things to do and not enough time or nearly enough sleep. I ran into a friend to whom I immediately began spewing out my exasperation. She said I needed a break. I disagreed. "What I NEED, is to get my work done." I was seriously stressed.

I headed home and started racing around like a maniac trying to get a thousand things done in the time it would normally take to do only ten things. After a while I noticed the clock (5:39pm). Evening service would start at 6pm and I had just enough time to get there. ("But all the unfinished work," my brain chided me.) I flipped a coin. (Heads, so off to church I went.)

I arrived just before 6pm and noticed that a whole series of texts mysteriously vanished from my phone as if to say, "forget all about this." (Alright.) During the meditation I thought I might fall apart. I felt tears well up in my eyes as I just sat there quietly and tried to "get in tune with my heart" as the minister instructed. My heart had HAD it. I was running on empty and my heart felt it.

Amazingly and almost instantly I realized an answer. (I didn't even know I had a question!) I was not at the mercy of circumstance. It didn't matter how little time I had or what curve balls came at me. I was not powerless. I would get through. I just knew it. I was certain.

It sounds simple enough, but that little quiet break was exactly what I needed. It really only took a few minutes. I stayed for the whole service anyway, but after five minutes or so of meditation I was good.

So I guess my friend was right. I'm glad I ran into her. I'm grateful for her instruction and for the logistical ability to take that break. It truly did wonders.

Namaste,
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

Seek and Ye Shall Find

It was a good week. We relocated back to the NYC area and after months of physical therapy I finally made it back to the gym. (#KeepGoing!) We met friends for a lovely brunch and made some new friends too. I even took the little guy to the beach!

One standout thing was that every time I sought out some bit of wisdom or guidance - it came. There were some great posts and connections that came at just the perfect time. (<Smile> Isn't that always the way? Don't we find exactly what it is we're looking for?)

So, this week I'm going to look out at the endless sea of possibilities. (#ImGoingWithThat)

Thanks to all the hard workers who inspired and created today's holiday! Enjoy your Labor Day everyone! xo

Click here for "Labor Day" on Wikipedia

Namaste,
T

Green Day

First and foremost - prayers and love for all those affected by Hurricane Harvey. 

Ways to help:

Click here for donation links on Texas.gov

Click here for Washington Post article, "How you can help..."

This blog WAS going to be about Russ coming home from the Chic / Earth Wind & Fire tour, but then we went to see Green Day.

When I saw Matt and Christine a couple of weeks ago, we had been trying to think of something fun that we could do together. I love hanging out with my young relatives!!! Green Day was mentioned, tickets were bought and we all piled in the car to head to Darien Lake for the show.

Merch was purchased...

THE SHOW WAS AWESOME!

Click here for The Buffalo New's "Green Day brings explosive 'Revolution' to Darien Lake"

The experience was priceless. The collective soul of the crowd was... (I can't think of a word good enough) how about... "POWERFUL." The energy was terrifically high and the musicianship was outstanding. I love how Billie Joe Armstrong said to look for the heroes in times of catastrophe - they can always be found. The mosh pit next to us was happening - even if I did think someone's shoe might hit us in the head a couple of times - lol.

Special thanks to Matt for the idea to go in the first place and for sharing his favorite band with us. Huge thanks to Matt, Christine and Russ for the journey! THAT was a really good time. Thanks for sharing it with me. xoxo

Here's to the music!

Namaste,
T

Moral Fiber

Life Lesson this week:

Moral fiber can't always be found in the traditional places.

Note to Self:

But it CAN be found. Look for it in everyday people, places and things. Look for it within yourself.

In the drama of our lives, we often cast a "hero" where one doesn't actually belong. People we expect to be role models often let us down. It can be very disappointing when a role we historically cast one certain way, is revealed to be only a myth of our own making. We create expectations for athletes, celebrities, police officers, judges, politicians, parents, loved ones, etc. - then they don't behave the way we imagine they should. If we're going to be honest about it, we disappoint ourselves sometimes too.

Sometimes things are so scary...

we don't even want to look.

#DigDeep and then #DigDeeper.

Keep on loving. Ease up on the blaming of others for our own perceived shortcomings. Carry on and expand the love... watch it grow. #FocusOnTheLove

As darkness literally descends on us this week (via solar eclipse), let us emerge and shine brilliantly from all the lessons learned. We go through. We uncover truths. We live. We learn. We grow.

Namaste,
T

Concert Going, Baby!

Of course he won't remember... but he'll always have the pictures.

WHO TAKES A BABY TO SEE A NILE RODGERS & CHIC AND EARTH WIND & FIRE CONCERT!!!??? - TWICE!!!???

A mommy who knows that his daddy is up there on stage playing keys.

"I play keys too Mommy!"

I was fully prepared to abandon the idea and go back home at any moment if he seemed overwhelmed. He didn't. He had his noise blocking headset. He was fed and changed and content. He slept on the way, was interested in the activity around him at the venues and was happy to see his dad backstage. I had braced myself for judgmental looks from people who couldn't possibly have guessed what we were both doing there. There weren't any. A lot of people smiled and said hello to him. One post from after the show summed it up nicely: "This kid has about a thousand Uncles and Aunts."

Meet and Greet, Keybank Center

I know that's right! #WeAreFamily

MSG

with Ray Chew and Vivian Scott Chew

with Joey and Val

with Donald and Sandra

with Nile Rodgers

A million thanks to all our dear friends and family! It was so great to see everyone in NYC and Buffalo who came to the show! I just adore all of you - truly. LOVE to all the people and musicians who make this life journey so warm and wonderful! Prayers for everyone's continued good health and well-being... Love is in the house.
xoxo

Namaste,
T

Just Start

I was overwhelmed with tasks to be done, and was talking to myself out loud. I gave myself instructions and wrote them down:

"When you don't know where to start... start anywhere.

Just start."

It must have been a good idea because I managed to eat healthy, do workouts six days of the week, walk every day, get my receipts organized, get all the filing done, clean out the closet, write a new verse, practice / learn an upcoming show's worth of material, pack for a road trip and keep my sanity (along with all the regular daily tasks). I even made it to the spa!

Ahhhhh... the spa

I'm going to have to remember that instruction. ;) #JustStart

Have a great week!

Namaste,
T