COFFEE WITH A FRIEND

This is a late night post from me - while I wait for my electric blanket to warm by bed - I know I am a wimp - never used to be - used to love to slide into crisp cotton sheets and find the cold spots in the bed, but these days I like the warmth of the bed.   Aging ?   or just changes in my life for whatever reason - I don't know but warm is the flavour of the month for me.

I had coffee with a friend yesterday afternoon and it was doubly special because that friend is also my younger daughter.    As part of her job she had been out locally in our area to address a Church Group for Amnesty International ~ so her Dad and I collected her and then went out for coffee by the lake.    It was lovely to see her all grown and confident and enjoying what she does.   The time by the lake was lovely, although the chilly wind was blowing.   I am blessed to have had this time.

Coffee, cake and conversation are important and on Sunday's I spend time with a friend over coffee and we discuss all sorts of things - it is a cherished time for me.  Albeit it is due to the wonders of the modern technology that we are able to rendezvous and transcend time and distance.  It is a magic time.

I am working on that gold medal for napping - this afternoon I slept for two and a half hours and I am enjoying the warmth of snuggling down and trying to read a while - I think I read two paragraphs this afternoon - going to take me a long time to get through my book at this rate.   In the early days post transplant I would often read right through the night and sleep during the day - my clock was way out of alignment.

These are my daffodils now picked and on my desk and I am truly delighted with them - they are perfect and bring me joy each time I look at them.

Today is Thankful Thursday and I have so much to be thankful for and the gift of the daffodils and the gift of friendship, care and support are high on my list today.

There are too many things to list on my Thankful list, but I am grateful and thankful for loving and caring support from my family and my friends.  Those who pass on a cheery word, listen to my fears, wipe my tears and encourage me to do things that challenge me with messages of   "hit the road, roads are for journeys not destinations".

Those who laugh with me and are silly with me - I cherish the silliness  - it keeps me grounded and yet those silly friends can be so serious and share care and concern and demand respect when needed.

I am indeed blessed on this Thankful Thursday and I thank you for calling by to visit the musings of this thankful heart.   I hope you are able to have coffee with a friend and enjoy the companionship and joy of friendship.

I hope there are green lights in traffic for you, smiles from strangers, a hug from a friend, a quiet moment with those you love, a phone call that means the world to you, a short line at the store checkout, a nice news article to read, joy and laughter, music and magic and that you are thankful for these things.

Love and hugs,

Linda. 

INSPIRATION AND THANKFUL THURSDAY

Good Evening and welcome to Thankful Thursday - I am running late ~ been a few days in a whirl and I am in love with my life ~ although it is taking some keeping up with recently.

I have an early morning Dental Appointment tomorrow - so this post will not be a long one or I will not get much sleep.  I have had parcels and mail all beautifully packages and much appreciated.  The joy of mail coming in is so very special and I try to keep up with my side of the world and in all of this busy living and joy of life I try to take time in solitude to gather strength for each beautiful day.

There are days when the sheer joy of living and the beauty that surrounds me takes my breath away and brings tears to my eyes and times when music takes my breath away and these are the times when I am aware of just how blessed I am.    I am blessed to have received the gift of life and honour that gift by trying to live life to the full and helping others and supporting those on a similar journey to mine.

I have friends who walk a very difficult path and it seems only a few months ago that my path was rough and difficult to negotiate.  I am thankful for love and life.

I am blessed to have those in my life who make the sun shine brighter, the birds sing sweeter and my sky a little bluer and for this I am thankful on this Thankful Thursday.   Thursdays are special because it was on a Thursday that a very special friend received his transplant and began the journey to new life.   It is a great privilege to share his joy of being alive this Spring to see the world reborn and to feel the gratitude of being alive to see the awakening.

Life is not without difficulty but there is joy to be found in the small things that we can see out and share with those around us.

I enjoyed the meeting I went to for Transplant Australia and hold high hopes for plans to increase awareness of organ and tissue donation.

Wherever you are on this Thankful Thursday - please try to find something to be thankful for and to enjoy your day - thank you for visiting the Musings of my Heart.  A heart filled with love and living.

Love and hugs,

Linda. 

THANKFUL THURSDAY - SUNSHINE, LOLLIPOPS AND RAINBOWS

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6zetJfrVsdg

Lesley Gore - Sunshine, Lollipops and Rainbows.

Good afternoon and welcome to Thankful Thursday - a beautiful day filled with sunshine where I live - I have achieved much today, although it's taken a while.

John and I worked on changing the too if a small table to match another one which will abut the main dining table and make it comfortable for eleven people on Christmas Day.   It was lovely to watch him work with tools and timber - a passion of his working life, but also sad to see the arthritis taking over at times.  He like me is stubborn and wouldn't ask for help , but I was able to hold  timber etc. while he did the sawing and the sawdust in my hair doesn't matter a scrap.   I love the warm smell of timber as it cuts before the saw and was happy working with him.  He thought we didn't have to make this change, but I assure him it is what I wanted - so bless him he just rolled his eyes and got on with the job.  I am thankful for that.

I am thankful today for the lovely memories I have of my girls decorating the family Christmas tree last night and for the banter and conversation over dinner as we discussed the "The Ghosts of Christmas Past." and many of the funny things they remember.  Alexis and Naomi brought me a gift - a tiny Christmas tree that changes colour and operates by battery and it currently pink and sitting on my desk.

I still have much to do but it is all falling into place and looking lovely - the tree is delightful, but the star is lost - we can't find it anywhere - some more investigation to be done and it will be off to buy a new one should we not find it.

I am thankful as always for the Internet which gives me a window to the world and time with friends and for those friends I give thanks.   I am thankful for their sensitivity and care when they show emotion on thinking of my illness.

We had our own Grinch with us last night - Rebecca doesn't really like Christmas whereas Naomi is like me and loves everything about it.   Rebecca did however hang decorations and repair those that were broken.   I wouldn't have minded if she had just sat there talking to her Dad (who also is a bit of a Grinch)  just to have my "babies" at home with me for dinner and to do the tree was so very special.

Naomi and Alexis putting the lights on first.

It is serious business and requires concentration.

Detail of the tree - minus the star.

So that's where it is at at my house and when I discovered I still have lots of decorations and I said I will have to get another tree for them - everyone groaned. !! and I grinned !!  they are never quite sure what I will get up to next.

We had cold dinner - lots of salads and chicken and "vegetarian chicken"  (some sort of meat substitute)  and a birthday cake for Miss Alexis whose birthday we missed when she was away on business.

I was sad when the evening was over but glad to crawl into my bed and give thanks for everything I have in my life. 

I have a home, family, friends, good neighbours, and I am able to share laughter and fun with them and to delight in their company and care of me.

I am very blessed, so on this Thankful Thursday - I am Thankful.

Thanks for calling by and visiting  "The Musings of my Heart" - it is a thankful heart today.

Love and hugs,

Linda. 

THANKFUL THURSDAY - MAKE YOUR OWN KIND OF MUSIC

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=PEQxEJ5_5zA

Make Your Own Kind of Music - Mama Cass Elliot

It is thankful Thursday and there is a song in my heart just for the pure joy of being alive and able to tell my story.

Music is something which is very important in my life and inspires me when other things fail - it comforts me and often lulls me off to sleep.

I thought of this song this morning and share it with you.

The rain has stopped and the sun is shining despite a very cold wind blowing - it is lovely and the sun cheers me.

On this Thankful Thursday my post today recognized and acknowledges all Donor Families.

In the past week there have been several people I know who have received "the call" for their transplant and who now start a new life thanks to the generosity of a family at a time of extreme grief.

There are families grieving and I am thankful for wonderful Counselors to comfort them and to ease their pain.

There are parents who sit and wait outside operating rooms with their minds in chaos as a much loved child undergoes surgery -  I am thankful again for Counselors who spend time with them and help them cope with the stress.

Medical teams who stand for hours and work under difficult circumstances often and use wonderful skills to bring a second chance at life for their patient.

The Donor and the Recipient - forever they are connected by an invisible bond of love and gratitude and often they don't even know who their donor is - yet they give thanks daily for this unknown "friend" and the gift of life.

I am thankful for the Nursing Staff who work so skillfully and tenderly bringing ease to patient and comfort to the family - they are very special people.

All I know about my Donor is that he was a much loved man who was kind and generous and loved his family and his dog and that he walked his dog daily and chatted to neighbours.  I know that he is very much missed and I am trying to live my life to honour his gift.

I have received two letters from his wife who tells me "he was a joy to be with" and that is a lovely thing to say about someone.

To those who are recipients I am sure you are thankful for your gift of life, to those who are listed as Donors - I am thankful for you and your kindness and for the conversation you have had with your family.

There are Transplant Teams all over the world who work long and difficult hours facilitating transplants, paper work and understanding for the families - I am thankful for them.

Donor Families I salute you - without you there would be no life for so many of us.

I am thankful for so much, but today I want to honour Donor Families and all who work for Organ donation and transplantation.

Promote the cause, encourage others and in all things be thankful, and make your own kind of music.

Love and hugs,

Linda.

THANKFUL THURSDAY - have you ever seen the rain?

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2oX2FSv4Rys

Have you ever seen the rain - Rod Stewart

Good Morning and if you want to see rain - come visit me this morning - we have lots of it.   Grey sky and no sign of the sun, steady soaking rains.   It is beautiful - there is a silver bead curtain of raindrops running down my window.

I am safe and warm (drinking coffee and writing to you) - lovely coffee mug this morning with masses of bright and beautiful yellow daffodils) a promise of spring.

There is so much to be thankful for in every aspect of my life.

Today I am particularly aware of my senses:

Sight - the visions of splendour to behold me in my home, my suburb, my city and my country. The smile on a loved ones face. A painting from a five year old.  A beautifully decorated and lit Christmas tree.

Hearing - raindrops on my window and roof, sweet and beautiful music, Christmas carols, a telephone ringing, the voice of a loved one.  A deep and beautiful male voice (be still my heart!)

Smell - those beautiful perfumes I love, freshly brewed coffee, a newly mowed lawn, baking bread, Christmas smells from my kitchen, winter soups and stews.

Taste - the bitter salty taste of olives, beautiful creamy cheeses, chocolate, fresh fruit (particularly peaches and cherries), nuts, avocado, salads and vegetables.

Touch - all the things that I can do because of touch - fingers on the keyboard, doing up buttons, holding a hand, soothing a fevered brow, and arms to hug someone.

I write this morning with a very thankful heart for many people who put into practice skills learned over many years - surgeons who stand for long hours and restore healing to people.  Nurses whose work through the nights to bring comfort, friends who constantly just love us for who we are.   

The rain has eased a little and the sun is trying to break through and this brings to me the hope for good days.

I look in the mirror and wonder where the girl has gone - the long, dark hair is now short and "coloured", there are marks on my skin.  My peaches and cream complexion bears the scars of many battles, but scars and marks are badges of victory won in the fight for life.

Wishing and praying for children who suffer so very much and yet maintain the dignity that lots of adults lose - Little Kenzie who is in surgery as I write, Riley who was prepped for a transplant yesterday but the organs were not viable (third time for this child) and Big McKenzie who constantly battles to avoid infection following a bone marrow transplant.  Bella whose family are waiting for the results of tests to define what her condition is. 

Little Emily-Rose the delight and joy of her family and who is so precious.  Twin granddaughters yet to be born to a family who will welcome them with open arms and loads of love and care, and Logan who just wants a puppy not twin sisters. 

And my real life two little ones Grace and Henry - you are precious to me beyond words.

I seem to be like the Pied Piper with the children in my life and I love it.  They are precious and are the hope for the future, and I hold them all very close.

Enjoy your day - take a few moments out to send some healing energy to these children and some comforting thoughts to their families.  For the healthy ones - give thanks and for those whose path is uncertain, the reassurance that you are there to support them.

I am thankful too for your visits and the support you give to me - I love your constancy.  Love me when I am unlovable - because that's when I need you most.

Love and hugs,

Linda. 

THANKFUL THURSDAY - SO MUCH TO BE THANKFUL FOR

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=tuQDPHneFm4

Josh Groban - Thankful

There is so much to be thankful for.

Welcome to Thursday morning in my little corner of the world and I can't begin to count or relate all the things that I am thankful for.

Sometimes it is the little things - a clear blue sky, sunshine after rain, warm blankets for my bed,  a "Christmas in July card" a long and carefully written letter in the mail, a nice meal with friends and oh so much more.

There are of course "the BIG issue" things which go far beyond our comprehension - those we don't and can't understand and yet we are thankful for them.

I understand the process of organ transplantation but I don't understand the technicalities of it - nor how much can be learned from a blood test.   What I do understand is when I am told that my blood results are all within the "normal" range and I am thankful.

I sit and watch aeroplanes taking off and landing and don't understand how they do it, but they do and I am thankful for the safety of air travel for my family members (who seem to spend lots of time travelling and are off again this evening.)

The coming of spring brings joy to my days, but I don't understand how under the cold and the rain there is growing the daffodils and spring bulbs that will burst forth at just the right time - they understand it and for that I am thankful.

I am thankful for shared cares and the support I receive from my family and friends - the little things they do for me such as arranging things early so that I can get an early night and rest.  Those friends and family who honour me by staying away when they are coughing and full of cold.


I hope you can find things to be thankful for today and every day - make a list of the things that bring gratitude to your heart and share it with a friend.


We have to opportunity to bring special times to people by just a word, a smile or a little kindness and remember to be sure to tell those you love that you do love them.


Enjoy this day - if sleep is on your horizon then I wish you a sweet and peaceful sleep and may you wake tomorrow refreshed and restored.


Thank you for calling by and visiting "The Musings from My Heart" a thankful heart this morning.


Love and hugs,

THANKFUL THURSDAY - DOWN BY THE RIVERSIDE.

The River Torrens near my home.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=iS7La6pnnno

Down by the Riverside - Elivis Presley

Welcome to Thankful Thursday and the sun is shining and the sky is blue and I have been "down by the riverside"  Lots of the trees are bare and the river is cold looking and busy on its way to the sea.

I had spent some time with the Country kids this morning - they are in Adelaide as part of a school holiday visit and spent some time with Grandpa.   It is only a few weeks since I have seen them and they seem to have grown so much already.  We watched some Seasame Street together and I was introduced to the latest gimicky toy that they received as payment for helping Daddy with the sheep.  Henry starts Kindergarten next week and Miss Grace informed me she is going to be 7 on her birthday.  They are delightful and brought lots of smiles.

Grace and Henry have little critters who have a "habitat" and they play with them often - but call it their "Happy Tat" - I thought of Lynne when they said that.

We had extra visitors call in last night and it was very special to see Darren and Zac and spend time with them.  I don't know where this strong and tall young man with broad shoulders has come from - it seems only yesterday he was a little boy with skinny legs and knobbly knees.

Naomi tells me she has "head down and bottom up" this week end in order to get study assignments in on time Monday.

It seems that they all have busy schedules and work very hard and I am proud of them all.

Part of my Thankful Thursday is gratitude for living so close to the river and being able to spend time there in any season of the year and to watch the changes as the seasons roll.

Gratitude comes from looking at the grown up kids and seeing how well they have developed and matured into beautiful adults with compassionate hearts.  Seeing how they are responsible in the jobs and in the community. Well done gang.!!

I am grateful for the music I can find to often match my blog post and for the sheer joy of playing music at all times of my day.

I am thankful for clean laundry hanging on the line and drying in the wind and sun - for clothes to wear and appointments to keep.

I have two appointments tomorrow and one I will drive myself to and the other I will be driven by John.   I am thankful for medical check ups to see that all is progressing normally for me.  I am going to list 10 things I am thankful for:

1. sunshine - warmth and light
2. blue sky - to gaze at
3. my car - it gets me where I need to be
4. my fridge to keep my food safe.
5. phone calls and messages - I love them
6. the internet - it brings your world into my home
7. Doctors and nurses who maintain my health
8. a child with a toothless grin
9. My family
10. and YOU

There are so many other things I could list and in each one listed there are other other things I could mention.

Keep your heart thankful and open to seeing the things in your world that can bring you joy.Be sure to let your family know that they bring love to your heart and you are thankful.   Be sure to tell people that you love them.  Never let the sun go down on your anger and a hug never goes astray.

I had the delight of children rushing to be hugged this morning and it made me very thankful for life.

Take care whatever you do and wherever you are and please call by again to read "The Musings from My Heart" or to leave a message about the things you are thankful for.

Love and hugs,

Linda - on 

http://about.me/lindajvaughan

THANKFUL THURSDAY -There's so much to be thankful for.....

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=p2M0GQOgYGg

Josh Groban  - Thankful

"Thankful"

Some days we forget
To look around us
Some days we can't see
The joy that surrounds us
So caught up inside ourselves
We take when we should give.

So for tonight we pray for
What we know can be.
And on this day we hope for
What we still can't see.
It's up to us to be the change
And even though we all can still do more
There's so much to be thankful for.

Look beyond ourselves
There's so much sorrow
It's way too late to say
I'll cry tomorrow
Each of us must find our truth
It's so long overdue

So for tonight we pray for
What we know can be
And every day we hope for
What we still can't see
It's up to us to be the change
And even though we all can still do more
There's so much to be thankful for.

Even with our differences
There is a place we're all connected
Each of us can find each other's light

So for tonight we pray for
What we know can be
And on this day we hope for
What we still can't see
It's up to us to be the change
And even though this world needs so much more

There's so much to be thankful for 

Good Morning and welcome to Thankful Thursday and the lyrics to this Josh Groban song very clearly express the feelings I have as I have so much to be thankful for. Times can be difficult and stressful but it is really up to each of us to be the change that we want to see in the world.

Morning brought rain and a chilly wind in my fair city, but I am warm and safe and have coffee and sweet gentle music - I am at home with myself.

I spent a lovely evening with friends - after dinner we sat and tackled a rather difficult crossword puzzle and finally completed it and all felt that our minds had been challenged.  There was laughter and chatter - it was a lovely evening.  I am thankful for friendship and laughter and for being able to spend time together.

I am constantly amazed and thankful for the technology that allows fast instant communication - often just for the pleasure of being in touch, but also for those times of illness and difficulty.  To send love and prayers and care instantly around the world just astounds me.

I get to see the photographs of children growing and doing very well, I get to share the heartaches and victories and I am thankful.

I am thankful for my life - albeit changed, but it is life and I love it.  I am blessed indeed with family and friends, shelter from the storm (both actual and emotional) and at this time of year I am grateful to be warm and cozy.

I hope that wherever you are in our world that you too have so much to be thankful for and can set about being the change you want to see in the world.  I wish you and those you love peace and calm in an often troubled world.  Live life to the full and enjoy the ride.

Be present to every moment of your life and be warm, be safe and be loved.

Thanks for stopping by and reading "The Musings from my Heart." - there is so much to be thankful for.

Love and hugs,

GOOD MORNING AND WELCOME TO THANKFUL THURSDAY.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=p2M0GQOgYGg

Josh Groban - "Thankful"

Gosh it's cold in my little corner of the world this morning - but very beautiful and "there is so much to be thankful for."

As I made my coffee and opened up this blog to write I had no real idea where it was going - whereas often I have it all planned in my mind.  But I am just going to let it flow and let it all happen.  Often I spend sleepless nights going over things and come to type with a pattern but not this morning.

I have lots of stuff going on in my mind and so much to look forward to and on Thankful Thursday and always "so much to be thankful for."

I am thankful for the basic things in life which would be luxuries to many - a warm bed, a family, love, care, support, food on my table, a wonderful medical team etc. etc. etc.

My word for 2011 is 'ATTITUDE' and my attitude of gratitude is developing well - I am more and more aware of how good my life is.  My attitude of care and love for my fellow man has always been strong and is still so and I am thankful for being able to love and support those who are struggling right now.

Message from Crosby this morning reads:

"Well, my bloodwork has gotten worse, so the docs ordered another liver biopsy tomorrow. If the results of the biopsy indicate that I'm having steroid-resistant rejection, they will start me on what I call "big boy anti rejection", AKA Thymoglobulin; which will virtually shut down my immune system in order to 'reset' it."

I am thankful for his faith and the courage he is showing and proud to call him friend.  A young man with a very strong faith, a supportive family and a lovely young lady in his life.  

There are so many of you all struggling with your own issues of health, grief and pain and I send my love and care your way and encourage you keep the faith, stand strong and work towards resolution of these issues.   Life is beautiful but it can be difficult and hard to handle sometimes.

Others are rejoicing in family events - new babies on the way, weddings and happiness - and I truly share your joy - can't begin to imagine the excitement of anticipating identical twin grandchildren - brothers or sisters for a little boy who would much prefer a puppy.  I am delighted for you and your family Lynne.

My celebration this week is to join my family and the family of Rebecca's partner to celebrate a milestone birthday for Nick.  Happy 40th. Birthday Nick - thank you for the joy you bring to our lives and thank you for the love and care you show to our daughter.

I am off this evening to see and hear the Soweto Gospel Choir - new to me, but I am assured I will love it all and we are having dinner at an Italian Restaurant earlier so it should be a lovely evening.  It will be bright, colourful and wonderful.

This weekend is a special time for me as it will be the second time I have been able to attend the Organ and Tissue Donor Thanksgiving Service on Sunday afternoon.   I attended last year but chose to go on my own as I wasn't sure just how I would hold up.  This year I am blessed to have my family coming with me and for that I am thankful - very thankful.

So as you can see my friends I have a busy few days and will have to get some rest during the days as I will be very tired at the end of it all. 

I am thankful to you for visiting and reading "The Musings of My Heart"  - a very thankful heart.

Take care, find joy in the little things and be thankful for them

Love and hugs,

IT'S THANKFUL THURSDAY AND I WANT TO SAY THANK YOU.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=W_l_A6-7td0

You Raise me Up by Josh Groban

Another cool day in the city of Adelaide - sunny and a forecast of 21 degrees - a nice day.

This morning I want to do something a little different in this blog - it is thankful Thursday and my heart is full to overflowing with the gratitude I have.

Today's post is about YOU, and all that you did to "Raise me Up" - kind words, telephone calls, beautiful cards in the mail, flowers and visits.

Cheerful words of encouragement and hope - I really could not begin to list or count those of you who deserve my gratitude.  The list would be long and include so many people from so many places, so many in differing professions, each of you different and special to me in your own way.

To those of you who placed my name on Prayer Lists all around the world and stormed Heaven's Gates on my behalf thank you just does not seem enough.

My family - well done you were great and I am proud of you all - you were my network and were equal to the task.

My on line friends - always a word of cheer and encouragement and guidance in many ways and I am glad, so very glad you are part of my life.  Your funny greetings and kind words and your shared worlds have kept me in touch with the real world, and go on doing so.

Thank you for everything you really do "raise me up"

Love and hugs and Thank you.

THURSDAY THANKFUL THURSDAY - Ain't it funny how time slips away.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=UCqAt6-sptk&NR=1

Time Slips Away - Elvis Presley

Welcome to Thankful Thursday in my little corner of the world - a lovely crisp Autumn morning with sunny patches and times of cloud.   I have so much to be thankful for that I really don't know where to start.

Firstly for 70 weeks of life after transplant - that was yesterday but I am thankful for it - and very aware of how time slips away.  I can recall lying in bed in hospital at 7 days and some of the Staff singing "Happy Week Birthday" to me - and now here we are at 70 weeks and time has sure slipped away.

I am thankful this morning for - and this time I am going to list the things I am thankful for:

1.           I am thankful for my Donor and his family.

2.           For the team that looks after me

3.           Safety in our world - a Royal Wedding which went off without a hitch.

4.           For my daughters who are arranging Mother's Day lunch for me.

5.           For Mother's Day itself - a time to remember and be thankful

6.           For my own Mother - we didn't always see things eye to eye but I am thankful.

7.           For the gift of Motherhood

8.           For friends who lovingly care and check up on me.

9.           This beautiful Autumnal weather - "Season of mists and mellow fruitfulness'

10.          For awareness of time and beauty in our world.

11.           For the grace of forgiveness.

12.           For beauty in all it's forms.

I know that these 70 weeks have just slipped by and I guess that's how life is for most of us - those with children who drive the "Mother Bus" and take them where they need to be,  those who hold responsible jobs in the Halls of Government and Learning and Business - the responsibility there makes them lose track of time. 

Make the space to enjoy the time you have - stop wishing it all away by waiting for better days, more money, for the children to grow up, for a better job.  Enjoy every day where you are and what you have to do - time does indeed slip away and soon you realize that you have been wishing it away.

I have such clear memories of my daughters first days, them starting school and now they are mature and responsible citizens making a good life and showing care to me.  It seems only a few weeks ago that they were starting school and being funny and saying funny things.   They still say funny things and bring constant joy to my heart.

I try to value each new day and cherish the 24 hours in each one - filling them with positive thoughts, good humour, gratitude, kindness and care and I hope you are able to do the same.  We each have the chance to do lovely things - we can't change the world, but we can change our little corner of it, by being a little kinder and more generous with our time, our resources and our friendship.  I try to dismiss negative thoughts and to surround myself with positive people and situations and that really helps.

So on Thankful Thursday - I am thankful to you for your friendship and for taking the time to visit and read the 'Musings from my Heart".

Love and hugs,

WELCOME TO THANKFUL THURSDAY AND THANK YOU FOR THE MUSIC

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4069PUk3aM0

ABBA - Thank you for the Music

"What would life be without a song?"

Music has always been a part of my life and I think it is my Welsh heritage that brings music to every part of my life and on this Thankful Thursday I am thankful for Music and the joy and emotion it brings to my life. It is a beautiful autumn day again in Adelaide with sunshine and clear skies and the music of the birds was the first thing I heard this morning.

There will be beautiful music in London on Friday for the Royal Wedding and I am very much looking forward to lots of special pieces and no doubt the Trumpeters from the Royal Cavalry are fine tuning their skills and practicing over and over.   Hoping that there will be Pomp and Circumstance played and I shall have lots of tissues close by because it will be an emotional time for me.  I love it all - "The Dress" is much anticipated, the attendants will be beautiful, the flowers, and the music - I can't wait.

Thankful Thursday brings me here with a full heart for so many things - I am snuffly and think I may have a cold and even that is something to give thanks for because I can just rest and get well again.  I am not worrying about a workplace where I cannot attend.   

I am thankful for new lives - special little twins to be born to a friend's daughter - such joy in double the quantity and I hope and pray for a trouble and stress free pregnancy and a safe delivery.  Oh the fun of identical twins and the mischief they can bring.   Two new little lives make me thankful for life itself.

Oh the bliss of little things - reading in the garden with a cup of coffee, clear lanes and an easy park found at the Post Office, being able to shop on line and having the good delivered.  I am thankful too for the young shop assistant who insisted on guiding me as I backed out of the parking space - a lovely young man with a lovely smile.  My greengrocer shop with all it's lovely fresh vegetables and fruit looked glorious this morning and I am thankful for having access to the things I want and need.  For the Lovely Assistant at the Pharmacy who went through my medication with me for although I knew the things she was telling me she was doing her job well.  I am thankful for the big burly workman who moved my shopping cart when I stood still and was in his way,  and who then said "Thank you Sunshine" it made me smile.  Big boots, work clothes and a lovely smile and tender heart.

Lots of lemon drinks for me this afternoon and a rest and hopefully I shall chase away these cold symptoms and be fit and well and ready to enjoy all the excitement of The Royal Wedding - the Biggest World News Event ever - seems only yesterday that baby William Arthur Phillip Louis was born and presented to the world as Prince William of Wales.  I am thankful that the people have taken Catherine Elizabeth Middleton to their hearts and will follow their journey with pride.

"I am grateful for good news and the promise of new life"

Thank you for visiting and reading "The Musings from My Heart" on this Thankful Thursday.

Love and hugs,

THANKFUL THURSDAY - ALIVE AND WELL AND LOVING IT.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Tex0U7qS7h4&feature=fvsr

Welcome to a sunny Adelaide morning - and welcome to Thankful Thursday, which by definition follows the Wednesdays I love.

Be sure to listen to the music clip listed above and I am clearly going to make that my theme song and anthem.

 It has been chilly and a little wet overnight and as I lay in bed deciding to get up and start my day I wondered what I would write about today.  Most times something gels and I know which direction to take but this morning was somewhat different.

I checked my mail and my Facebook page and found a lovely video clip there from DonnaRae Erikson and I am inspired to share with you  - please watch and I hope it inspires you too.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=SmghdJv5WG8&feature=player_embedded

Life for so many people is different - changed forever, but the main thing is that thanks to the generosity of others, they are, I AM alive and well and living life to the full.

Taking a journey back over the last two and a half years - it has been a rough road, there have been highs and lows and some very difficult days, but truth is I came through and can truly say that I have been given a second chance at life.

These are photographs taken on Tuesday - 67 weeks post transplant - they are not perfect photos, but my eyes are bright and not yellow, I am well enough to go to the hairdresser, and able to live an ordinary life.  Ordinary is wonderful.

I have been home from hospital for a year now and each day holds new promise and I see things through clearer eyes.

I view things differently - I am carrying very little emotional baggage (tossed that overboard), learning to not sweat the small stuff and I don't play with or run with the "woulda, coulda, shoulda Sisters, )  No "what ifs" for me - I can't change things so just accepting them for what they are brings a peace of mind not known before.

I find such joy in the little things that I also view differently - raindrops on a rose, a spider web, the beautiful pattern on the wings of a moth which settled near me, sunrise, sunset and autumn leaves and oh so many more things.

I admire the skills that people have honed in their lives, the patience to get up one more time, the tenacity to just keep going in spite of the odds.  I value the people around me - those who drive delivery trucks, clean hospitals, answer telephones with good grace, deliver my mail, Medical teams, who after years of study and hard work, share their skills, and my family who love me, even when I am unlovable, because that's when I need them most.

I have met people with a similar mind set - who, having gone through deep water in their journey are wonderful advocates and ambassadors for Organ Transplant.  Young and older - their lives have been changed, so too the lives of their families.   It is that word that I adopted for 2011 - 'ATTITUDE'

and I want to live each day with an "attitude of gratitude"

What else could my gratitude for today be other than:

"I am grateful for my liver donor and the wonderful gift I received."

I am grateful also to my Donor Family - each day that I celebrate life is another milestone in their lives - another day they are without their loved one.

So on this "Thankful Thursday" I offer my thanks for all the wonderful things I have, the places I can go, the friends who care and share with me, I offer my thanks for the gift of life.

Of course, I couldn't bring this post to a close without reminding you to have "that conversation" with your family about organ donation - remind them of your wishes and be sure to mark your drivers licence and register with the appropriate body in the country you are in.

 In Australia registration can be done on line at:

http://www.medicareaustralia.gov.au/public/services/aodr/register.jsp

Learn all you can and encourage those around you to do the same - read my story in "The Book of Life" page 63 - http://www.donatelife.gov.au/

So here I am at the end of a blog which has just come from my full and grateful heart, and on this "Thankful Thursday" I offer my thanks to you for visiting and reading "The Musings from My Heart."

Love and hugs,