COURAGE ON THURSDAY

Good morning on Thursday - welcome to my Musings and I wish to take this opportunity to offer my love and care to the French people as they are coming to terms with events in Paris.   It seems that Terrorism is with us all over the world and all we can do it to be strong, take courage and keep on going.  Don't let your fears stop you because if you do - they have the victory.

Today in my fair city is very humid and stormy - we have had lots of seasons in the last 24 hours - we have had thunder, lightening, heavy rain and hail and in some places very strong winds.   The fires are out apart from the ones started by the lightening but the situation is much safer that is has been over the last week.

My Northern Hemisphere friends are in my thoughts as they cope with snow storms and very cold weather, school closures, and difficulty on the roads.   We are under flood watch in many areas of South Australia - so it will be interesting to see what Mother Nature has in store for us.

I am not a summer girl but I am also not sure that I would like the extreme cold that my overseas friends endure.  A snowy few days and a White Christmas would be nice, but I have seen the mess when it starts to thaw and the danger when it thaws and re-freezes.

The perimeter of our main fire is 240 kms but we are assured that they have it contained and I am thankful for all those who have given so much of themselves and their time to help fight these fires.

It is lovely to have the windows open and fresh air flowing through instead of being shut in with air conditioning on - I am blessed indeed to have air conditioning and roller shutters to block out the fierce sun.    I am blessed in so many ways - roof over my head and food on my table to share with family and friends.  I am blessed with health and although slower than I used to be I am still moving and living and enjoying life.

I hope wherever you are in this beautiful world that life is sweet for you and that you have the courage, faith and strength to see the journey through.

I send love and hugs your way and encourage you to be present to the moment and to enjoy it all.

Thank you for visiting the Musings of my Heart,  Tread softly on our earth and walk safely through the mists. 

Love and hugs,

IT'S FABULOUS FRIDAY AND THE WIND IS HOWLING.

Good Afternoon and welcome to a wet, windy and very wintry afternoon in my little corner of the world.   The entire State has been under a sever weather warning for damaging winds and hail for over 12 hours and remains thus.  Such a different day to yesterday when the sun shone and the sky was blue.

We are blessed with a pewter coloured sky today that is full of heavy clouds holding much rain.  It is certainly an inside day and a day that calls for comfort foods and my slow cooker is seeing active service again with another big pot of soup.

There are lots of puddles about and when I checked my letter box I just couldn't resist splashing in those in the drive way and I could hear my new neighbours laughing from their front porch.

Waiting for the storm to pass is going to take a while here from the forecast - we have rain forecast every day until next Thursday and whilst the weather is like winter - it is also spring like because of the way it is so changeable.

I have a raincoat, an umbrella and a car so it isn't going to affect me too much.

It's funny how the weather affects us in so many ways - the grey skies often make people feel miserable - but I am very much a winter person and like to snuggle up warm and cosy with a book.

It is a Fabulous Friday - each Friday is as I make my journey through life - "

"some days are diamonds and some days are stone."

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=gQW87VU__Pc

Please enjoy John Denver singing Some Days are Diamonds. Just click on the link above.   

Following Fabulous Friday comes the weekend and I know how much those of you who go to business, school and factory long for these two special days for rest and recreation.  Two days of less routine, two days with those you care about, two days to go visiting friends and family or just to kick off your shoes and take some time for yourself.   I hope you can find some special time over this coming weekend to sit and talk, read, have coffee with friends, do some shopping.    To those who keep "the home fires burning" - I hope you enjoy having your loved ones around you and that it is indeed as special time.

Summer is drawing to a close in the northern hemisphere so those of you who live there - please make the best of these last few weeks and enjoy splashing in the pool, sitting in the shade with long cool drinks and feeling the warmth of the sun because soon enough the chilly winds will blow.  Cram as much as you can into your weekend now that your children are back at School after the summer break.

Thank you for visiting the Musings of My Heart - again a heart filled with wonder at the many special things that have happened to me.   I am not a victim I am a survivor and I will not be defined by the things that have happened to me.   I am me, alive and well and loving life.  I am determined to be present to each moment of my life and hope that I can encourage you to be present to each moment of yours.    Don't miss a thing - enjoy it all.

Love and hugs,

LINDA OF A THOUSAND DAYS

Richard Burton, Genevieve Bujold as Henry viii and Ann Boleyn in 

ANNE OF A THOUSAND DAYS.

This was a film released in 1968 and one I loved and it has always stayed with me ~ I have loved the historic nature and the story - the acting was superb too.

Anne was Queen for 1000 days before Henry signed the papers to have her executed and he could then marry wife number three.

A thousand days is not a long time and yet it is a long time.  For me today celebrates 1000 days of living with "Oliver" my transplanted liver.


I have been so very blessed to have been carefully and prayerfully supported by family and friends, in the care of a wonderful surgical team and returned and restored to health by a team of "Angels" who nursed me on 5E at Flinders Medical Centre.

I live each day with a thankful heart and offer my gratitude to the wonderful man who gave me the gift of life.   Owen and your family - I am thankful each day and offer thanks for each and every morning and every day of my gifted life.

I don't wish to compare myself with Anne Boleyn because at 1000 days if was "off with her head" with the flourish of a pen by Henry Viii.

Another Queen - who reigned for 40 years was Elizabeth 1 - and I am fortunate enough to share a birthday with her - and I hope that my reign will be long and trouble free.

Queen Elizabeth First.

I am blessed in so many ways - I have a wonderful medical team, a special family who allow me to be myself and live my life as I choose (some eye rolling at times) a fabulous group of real life friends, an amazing and supportive network of on line friends and I am loved.

There are special people in my life with whom I can truly share my hopes and fears and talk at length with and I value the love and encouragement that these special people bring to my life.

There is sunshine in my life, music to thrill my soul, and pleasure in the world around me.  I love walking at the edge of the ocean, strolling along the banks of the river, reading a great book in a garden, movies and meals with friends and family.   Family celebrations are special as there were times when I felt that I would not be here for those.,

I am blessed indeed - happy and proud - I know that I live on borrowed time, must check in to medical appointments often, take regular medications ~ but there is nothing that can take away the pure and special joy of just being alive.

Celebrate 1000 days with me and I am thankful to all of you who have followed this Blog since it first started as a way of letting people know how things were going for me.

Thank you for visiting the Musings of My Heart - a very happy and very full heart that delights in loving and living. 

Love and hugs,

I am dancing through life with the daffodils.

THANKFUL THURSDAY ONCE AGAIN

Welcome to Thankful Thursday where the sun is shining in my world and in my heart.    I can't believe it is Thursday - the days just drift on by and suddenly we are near the end of another week.    My life is full of many things and happy times.

Sunday last was the Donor Thanksgiving Service which was truly lovely - held in an impressive Hall in the grounds of a beautiful College on the outskirts of Adelaide.   The wind was chilly but there was music and tears and special stories to be told.

Sitting there among my family and friends, between my daughters I could not help but be aware of how huge the impact of my illness and transplant had been on these lovely people.  They carried me on the wings of love and prayer and were there for me in spite of their own feelings.  For my daughters I can only imagine the pain they felt and the fear that grabbed their hearts and yet they were constant in their care of me ~ they never faltered.  I remember seeing fear in their eyes and trying to joke with them to brighten their days and now when I look at them, that fear is gone.   I no longer get daily phone calls because they know I am doing very well.   

My heart is eternally grateful to the people who supported my daughters during this time - their partners were just wonderful and will always be special in my heart.

One on the speakers on Sunday who is the recipient of a double lung transplant spoke in a way that made me realize how awful it had been and how much I have to be thankful for.   She mentioned that she could not laugh or spend time with her friends - and I remember those days very well when my family would do things and I was too ill to participate.  She ended her speech by saying "Thank you for my life" and that was when it became crystal clear to me that I too had been given my life back.

The music was splendid and two of my favourite pieces were played and also one of my Dad's favourites too so it was a delight to be in the company of Donor Families and Recipients alike and to share the wonder and joy that organ donation and transplant is.  It is like being part of a special miracle and for that I shall be always thankful.

Two members of my Transplant Coordinator Team were at the Service and it was as special time when they, and all the other team coordinators were introduced and acknowledged.

Part of the routine of transplant is a continuing monitoring by the Unit concerned and this is my week for my three month check up - I go to Flinders on Friday afternoon after having bloods drawn yesterday.  I would much prefer not to have to go but I go with a cheerful spirit and gratitude that it is three months between visits.

My days are full and happy and I live my life in possibility - I had a wonderful conversation for a long time last night with someone who also feels like this and is the recipient of a double lung transplant.  We spoke of how we are changed and and how we now live each day to the full in love and hope.  It was a great conversation. 

Life isn't quite so sweet for some I know and there are difficult situations because of illness of family members and other family members being just plain difficult and neglectful.   It is very hard when all the responsibility falls to just two of what should be a much bigger team of people working together in care and love for the one who is ill.   

Courage and Strength be yours if this is your journey and I send loving care and hugs your way.  It is my prayer that when night comes for you there is a sweet and peaceful rest and the morning arrives with a refreshed and calm spirit allowing you to face another day of difficulty.   Please take care of yourself and each other - you know who you are and you know that I care very much,

Life deals us some severe blows at times and there are threads that we are uncertain how to weave into the tapestry of our lives and we think deeply and often about this.   It is my hope that however you choose to weave these loose and oftimes unwanted threads into your fabric that there is peace and joy in your hearts in the knowledge that you have done, and are continuing to  do your best.

Winter is really upon us in Adelaide and the nights are cold and crisp and we have had very heavy rains  and I think of my daffodil bulbs in the dark and cold brown earth and hope they are getting ready to burst forth in blossom in my springtime.   It is almost time to prune my roses and I am reluctant to do this because there are still blossoms there, but I will get them done very soon.

I had a meeting last night and there was poor attendance and therefore it was cancelled - too nice at home by the fire I think, so I was home again early and able to sit a while and think how fortunate I am to be out and about not only in daytime but in evenings too.

Life can be difficult but if we hold on to hope, love, and faith, find a little laughter and music to add to the mix and show some tenderness to others, the journey is not quite so difficult.

Wherever you are, however difficult is your journey know that I send care on the wings of a winter wind to find you and comfort you and to refresh your hope and trust.

Thank you for visiting the Musings of My Heart today - a heart humble and very aware of the gift I have been given.

Love and hugs,

Linda.

SUNDAY WET AND WILD - NO FRONT PORCH SWING

River Torrens in flood

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=rO3PLDqSZdI

Dolly Parton, Loretta Lynn and Tammy Wynette

The Front Porch Swing

Good Morning and welcome to a very wintry Sunday in my little corner of the world.    The sky is grey/black in parts and yet there are patches of blue.   The sun is trying very hard to peep through and there is rain, rain, rain.

We had some torrential showers over night and I listened from the warmth and comfort of my bed and today the river near my home is rushing and gurgling in it's fury to reach the sea.

It is just another Flinders Park Sunday - a typical winter day when those people we do see are looking pinched and very cold,  Neighbours merely wave and hurry back inside instead of stopping to chat - a lovely day for cooking and enjoying all the winter things - a book by the fire, a DVD with children (don't forget to include some popcorn).  I have two slow cookers on with lovely warming winter food - meat balls and tomato in one and in the other a lovely plump chicken cooking away - the stock will be used for soup and the meat for a chicken curry.

And that's about as domesticated as I am going to be today - I have a load of linen on the clothes line - dripping wet thanks to it's final rinse by Mother Nature. I started the day off with good intentions, but they have gone out of the window as it is now lunch time and nothing much done.   I have been speaking on the phone for quite a while.  I am warm and safe - new ribbed jumper in cream skinny rib under a windcheater ensures my warmth.

There will be very little sitting on the front porch this Sunday - too cold, but I love this song and wanted to include it.

I remember the time when the bloom was on the cotton

When our hearts chased the clouds like the swallows on their wings

Winter cares which we're already few or soon forgotten

Just sittin' on the front porch swing

Oh we sit every Sunday and watched the married ladies

And we dreamed of white dresses and church bells in the spring

And they talked and painted their nails while they let us hold their babies

Sittin' on the front porch swing

Where was I when the time came to join the married ladies

Why did I paint the nail when the finger had no ring

Why do I sit at night and long to hold their baby

Sittin' on the front porch swing

When the mind longs to follow but the memory erases

And the lips form the words that the heart no longer sings

When the leaves in the hollow have been died to match our faces

Sittin' on the front porch swing

Oh we'll dream of the time when the bloom was on the cotton

When our hearts chased the clouds like the swallows on their wings

But the words to the rhyme are the only things forgotten

Sittin' on the front porch swing

Sittin' on the front porch swing

I hope wherever you are that your blessings are many and your troubles are few and that you are able to enjoy the space and time that the weekend brings - if you have to work I hope that you get some time later in the week to relax.   There are many who work at the weekend - nurses, doctors, police, ambulance drivers etc. etc. - all unsung heroes.  People who work in restaurants so that we can dine out - pilots and cabin crew who make it possible for us to fly home or to visit.  Cinema staff working means that we have the opportunity to relax and enjoy - shop assistance so that we can shop at our leisure.   I salute you all.

I have a contented heart today and for that I am thankful - there are always concerns I carry with me, but I am learning to let go of those things I cannot change and to trust more.

Thanks for calling by and reading the Musings from My Heart - take care and may there be sunshine in your shadows.

Love and hugs,

Linda.

WEDNESDAY - BECAUSE OF SO MANY THINGS

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9CkKuA86Mis

Celine Dion - Because 

Good Morning and welcome to Wednesday in my little corner of the world where it is wet and windy and winter reigns.   It is the type of weather for warm rooms, beds and comfort foods and nice to rug up and take a walk by the river which looks so cold and grey.  The trees are bare and just the odd leaf drifts down on a journey.

The rain is tumbling down as I write and my coffee is hot and sweet - how blessed I am.   Today it is 79 weeks since my transplant and all is well and it constantly amazes me that the quality of my life is so much better thanks to the generosity of a stranger.

Some of the lyrics from Celine Dion's song  are important to me:

"You were my strength when I was weak 
You were my voice when I couldn't speak 
You were my eyes when I couldn't see 
You saw the best there was in me 
Lifted me up when I couldn't reach 
You gave me faith coz you believed 
Em everything I am Because you loved me"

Thank you to those who stood beside me, cheered me on from the sidelines ~ for  whatever way you have supported me I am grateful. 

So many of you carefully and prayerfully supported me and were my strength, my voice, my eyes,  lifted me up and believed in me.

Because of so many things I am here today to enjoy this winter day and all the little things that go with it.

The things that happen to us in life can deepen family ties, friendships and bring to us new friends and for my family, my old friends and my new friends I am grateful for the joy you all bring to my life.

It is Wonderful Wednesday - another milestone on my journey and I am so very fortunate to be able to do so many things.   I have dinner cooking in the slow cooker, laundry done - all before breakfast and how different it is from the days when walking from the bedroom to make coffee took me a very long time to do and to recover from.

I hope that whatever is happening on your journey and wherever it is taking you  that you have the sort of back up team I had and still do have.  People to count on, depend on and to share the laughter and tears.

It was often the little things that seemed to mean the most - the friends who came into hospital and massaged my feet and hands, who came and trimmed my finger nails and made sure I had the perfume I love.  Those who did my laundry and brought it all back to me fresh and sweet.  Those who visited and watched me sleep and then just quietly left.   You were a wonderful team and my family - you were wonderful in your care of me and the way you supported and cared for each other.

Take your journey with faith and hope and I wish you a good result and the opportunity for you to say thank you to your team too.

We each have the opportunity to make a difficult journey a little easier with a smile and some kindness.  Make sure a kindness received is a kindness returned.

I wish you a day filled with sunshine, laughter, love and hope and progress on your journey.

Thanks for visiting "The Musings from my Heart" on this Wonderful Wednesday and I send love and hugs your way.

WONDERFUL WEDNESDAY 74 WEEKS AND REALITY CHECK FOR ME.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=whIYv3_CvqU

Enya - How can I keep from Singing

"My life goes on in endless song
above earth's lamentations,
I hear the real, though far-off hymn
that hails a new creation.

Through all the tumult and the strife
I hear it's music ringing,
It sounds an echo in my soul.
How can I keep from singing?

Oh though the tempest loudly roars,
I hear the truth, it liveth.
Oh though the darkness 'round me close,
Songs in the night it giveth.

No storm can shake my inmost calm,
While to that rock I'm clinging.
Since love is lord of heaven and earth
How can I keep from singing?

When tyrants tremble in their fear
And hear their death knell ringing,
When friends rejoice both far and near
How can I keep from singing?

No storm can shake my inmost calm,
While to that rock I'm clinging.
Since love is lord of heaven and earth
How can I keep from singing?

My life goes on in endless song
Above earth's lamentations,
I hear the real, though far-off hymn
How can I keep from singing?"


Baby it's cold outside.

Wednesday and 74 weeks for me - it is officially winter in this little corner of the world and suitably cold, but we are to be blessed today with sunshine - great day for laundry.

My eye appointment went very well and no changes to lenses, but a new frame coming up - I love new glasses !! and it was a reality check for me yesterday to get a good report and to read the comments on this blog.

Thank you Barbara for pointing out that everyone of us walk a fine line and don't know what the future holds and it was just what I needed to hear - the facts and so "pity party" is over.  My own words had been clear enough about not being promised tomorrow but I needed to hear them from someone else.  

Everyone of your comments on my blog is valued and read over and over - they do keep me grounded and on track and I cherish you all for that.   Please if you have never left a comment it would be nice to hear from you wherever you are in our lovely world.

Let me know how things are in your little corner of the world and share the joys and sadnesses that make up your life.   Lynne - coffee and flowers sounds wonderful and I am glad you were inside when the lightening struck.

The technology which keeps me up to date with issues emanating out of USA with friends, and keeps me in touch with so many of you is amazing, and my gratitude comes from a thankful heart.

Enjoy every moment of every day - find some things to be thankful for - I can

1. A warm and comfortable bed
2. Medical staff who care for me
3. Friends who care enough to help me back on track
4. Our beautiful world
5. Music in all it's forms                               

So with a song in my heart and so much good stuff going on in my life, thank you for visiting "The Musings from my Heart", for keeping me on track, caring about me - with all of this

"How Can I Keep from Singing?"

Love and hugs,