MUSIC, MUSIC, MUSIC

Good evening from Adelaide where it is warm and getting warmer - the sky is blue and the winds have dropped a little now so it is a calm evening.

I am back blogging after a difficult day yesterday - but all is well and I am back with a song in my heart.

I found this image this morning and knew that it was meant for me and my blog - I love music in almost all forms.  I like music, and the lyrics of songs can be so evocative of memory of both happy and sad times.   They bring people to mind and transport us to other times and other places.

How to describe music in just one blog post is a challenge in itself as there are so many types of music.  The bold and majestic marches and anthems of many countries come to mind.   

For me Edward Elgar's "Pomp and Circumstance" brings me to tears and my old school song "I Vow to the My Country" lives in my heart.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Vvgl_2JRIUs

and 

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=bvouc8Qs_MI

I enjoy the music of Billy Joel, Louis Armstrong, Ella Fitzgerald, Roberta Flack, 

Catherine Jenkins, and of course my beloved Rod. Stewart.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2Uz7KMVUEH4

and

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=K0z0dZRvCQg

As I sit here writing this blog there are more and more names coming to mind - Elton John, John Denver, Roger Whitaker, Carly Simon, Bette Midler,

Barbra Streisand, Bob Dylan, Leonard Cohen, Joan Baez.

There are many more and I hope the mention of these names has evoked some memory for you and encourage you to search the recesses of your mind and find some of those 1000 memories.

Find those memories and revisit and feed your soul - and I hope you find yourself singing of humming a song as you go through your day.

Sing to your children (albeit tuneless - I sang often to mine) and help them learn about love and life and ordinary things and to value music.  If they are showing any talent with playing an instrument - encourage and support them.

We had a trumpet player in our family and it was wonderful to see her "in concert" with the Primary Schools Music Ensemble and to feel such pride.

They both have an eclectic taste in music and it plays an important role in their lives.

Enjoy visiting the memories that the songs of your heart will evoke and I hope there are happy times and that you can cope with the sad memories that will surface.

I have very fond memories of a beautiful young lady sitting outside my hospital room when I was in ICU and playing a classical guitar for a long time - it helped to ground me and give me something of beauty to fill my long and lonely hours as I just lay there.    I am a firm believer that Music as Therapy works well and weaves a magic of it's own.

One last link to visit - a firm favourite of mine 

Leonard Cohen - Dance me to the End of Love.  - Please enjoy.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=NGorjBVag0I

Let music feed your soul and fill your heart and homes and give you much needed strength and encouragement.

Sing and dance your way through your life - and be at one with the music that stirs and feeds your soul.

Thank you for visiting The Musings of My Heart - a heart that has taken a trip down memory lane and remembered many songs from the little child like ditties I would sing with my girls to love songs and tunes that stir my soul.

Love and hugs,

MONDAY MORNING

Good Morning and welcome to Monday in my little corner of the world - a much quieter day than the last two have been.   My last two days have been filled with food and family.    Saturday I was cooking and Sunday we celebrated a special birthday with a special family member.   

The Barbeque was delicious and the company delightful - lots (in fact too much) very nice food and a lovely birthday cake made especially by Alexis.

Caramelized walnut and coffee cake.

The weather was very kind - a lovely day with sunshine and gentle breezes and very mild and it was lovely to sit outside, enjoy the food and company and listen to music.

It is certainly true that music evokes memory of people and places - take yourself back and hear a song you sang to your children when they were small - instantly you are back there holding their hand and comforting them.  They are small again and need you.  A gentle lullaby can almost take me back to the days when I rocked the cradle and smelled that sweet and warm baby smell.

The songs of our teen years take us back to carefree days when life was just about days in the sun and social times and then there are pieces of music that don't belong to just "you" they belong to  "us" - sweet romantic music that takes us to days when the air was sweet with the heady smell of romance and love was in the air.

Play the songs from your wedding and suddenly you are the quivering, shaking bride taking strides into a new life.  Then there are the songs that wherever played instantly transport you to another place, another time and you can look across the room and know that other person is transported there too.

Classical guitar music takes me back to hospital and Music as Therapy and a beautiful young lady playing outside my hospital room. 

There are songs I sang to my little ones that are rarely played now and I often wonder if the girls remember them - I am afraid to ask if they do because I know I shall be disappointed and sad if they don't.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ykKNC6NjgMc

Save all your kisses for me

Brotherhood of Man

I know they didn't save all their kisses for me - but this takes me back to very happy days.   

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=g5AzmEX-txw

A Daisy a Day

Jud Strunk

I cannot see daisies without hearing or even singing this song.

It has been a lovely weekend and it was lovely to spend time with my grown kids and hear the things they have been doing and the music that thrills their souls.   Music plays an important part in our lives and I hope it does in yours too.

I hope your weekend was filled with happy hours and happy music too and that music thrills your soul as you venture forth into another week.

Thank you for visiting the Musings of My Heart - sing your way through this week and enjoy each moment.

Love and hugs, 

SEEK AND YE SHALL FIND

Good Afternoon - Welcome to Wednesday - another deliciously cool day in my little corner of the world.  It's Wednesday and Wednesdays are very special to me because it was a Wednesday when I had my liver transplant.
263 weeks ago (1841 days) and I cherish every day of my gifted life.  

A transplant is a life changing experience, not only physically but emotionally.  I have learned to find the beauty in the smallest moments - joy in the little things.

I have always been aware of the wonders of nature and this has increased with every day of life post transplant.   The little things - a spider web so intricately worked, the velvety petals of a rose, the laughter of a child, the ripples on a puddle caused by raindrops.   I value the sound of silence, the dulcet tones of a beautiful voice, a piano concerto, deep and rumbling thunder and the magnificent sky show of lightening.

I love the smell of coffee in the morning, clean linen on my bed, a soft and downy pillow where I can lay my head.   A hot and steaming shower and a fluffy towel, fresh minty toothpaste and a meal I didn't have to cook.  A lovely pen to write with.

I like lovely thin drinking glasses and pretty coffee mugs, pretty jewellery, beads that I can put together to make my necklaces, earrings, bracelets etc.
Lovely sharp scissors when I cut fabric, tools for beading, a door bell with a variable tune, matching crockery and dinnerware.  Pretty stationery and a supply of stamps so that I can write when the mood takes me.   Phone calls/messages from friends and family, a lovely long letter or email.  Sparkling and blinking Christmas lights on my tree and Christmas confetti in envelopes and on my table.

There are so many other things that I can find that are small and yet so special and important if I will seek them out.      What are the little things that bring happiness to you ?   Is it a piece of music that stirs your soul and makes you weep tears of joy.   I could go on and on - but will leave you to find your own collection of little things to seek out and be thankful for.

Seek and you will find - they are all around you if you will be receptive to them, if you will stop long enough to find them and I guarantee that they will bring you great joy.   Be sure to look and enjoy what you find.

I washed some big pots this afternoon and when drying my hands realized that my Mother's wedding ring which I wear on my right hand was missing.   After some seeking I did indeed find it in the soapy water.  A big relief for me.

Keep on seeking and finding beautiful things in your life - they will add joy to your days - I wish you good luck as you seek.

Thank you for visiting the Musings of My Heart - a thankful heart today for the small things that bring me great joy.

Take care and tread softly on our beautiful earth.

Love and hugs,

WELCOME TO A MUSICAL MONDAY

Welcome to Monday in my little corner of the world where it is hot hot hot and there is no sign of rain but there is the chance of a cool change this evening. 

It was a very hot and sticky night last night and as I lay with my ceiling fan whirring and purring away I listened to some lovely music and one piece in particular touched my soul.  I listened in the velvet darkness to "One Fine Day" from Madam Butterfly by Puccini and although it is a piece I am familiar with I was particularly touched by this piece.

Music has always been an important part of my life and I guess my Welsh heritage has something to do with that and I have a very eclectic taste going from the Classics to some country music, middle of the road, to some rock and some of the modern music too.  There has been a shocked look on the face of my daughter when she has come home and found Mum listening to Pink or Kelly Clarkson.

I enjoy folk music and celtic music, the music of Rod Stewart, Billy Joel and Kenny Rogers.  I love the triumphal marches of Sousa and Elgar.  I sing a lot as I work or write (most times off key) but the lyrics often touch my soul and the music moves me to tears.  I enjoy music in film and often enjoy Australian bush music.  National Anthems and songs stir my soul to it's core and I can recall when my children were smaller - Naomi saying "My mum knows a song about everything."  They were often sent off to sleep to a slightly out of tune lullaby.

There has been music in my home in many different forms - trumpet and clarinet and recorder were played at different times and each of the children were in choirs at one stage or another.

The songs that have lived through my sadness and joy and have become part of the melody of my life and I am blessed to have a friend who can always come up with a song to suit the moment - be it a tender moment or a frivlous one and who often leaves a message of song for me.

There are so many quotes and comments on music and I am glad it is part of my life.  Sometimes it's the lyrics and sometimes the tune, but always there is music playing the melody of my life and it often reflects the mood of the day.

I rarely watch television, sometimes DVDs (and I check the music out there) but most evenings will find me quietly listening to radio or music of my choice.

My life is full like a gentle flowing river - I remember with affection the days when the river ran faster and stronger and bustled along, but these calmer days are wonderful and I relish the rippling of the water which itself is music.

There are many songs I could quote, but I leave you with a quote from The Mammas and the Pappas ~

"You've got to make your own kind of music - even if no body else sings along."

Make sure you do listen to your own music and follow the beat of your heart - I wish you a wonderful day and I hope you find yourself humming a tune or singing out loud.  Sing out loud and sing out strong.

Listen to the memories your music will evoke in you and visit those memories with a smile. 

Thank you for visiting the Musings of My heart - a pensive and music filled heart today.

Love and hugs,

CELEBRATE MUSIC

Welcome to Thursday morning in my little corner of the world, where the air is clear, the sky is blue and the birds are singing.   It is still cool and refreshing - although long hot spells take a while to get over.

I have woken this morning to changes in my life and that's fine because change can be a good thing and I have woken with an awareness as to how important music is in my life.

My Welsh heritage gives me a natural affection for music and poetry and I am passionate about both.   I like to read and write poetry but I am just a listener when music is concerned and I have an eclectic taste with sometimes just the music touching my soul and at other times the lyrics bringing me to tears.  There is usually music to be heard in my home at any hour of the day or night and always music in my car.

I am not a good sleeper so music often soothes me and lulls me back to sleep.

The background music on this blog is one of my favourite pieces by Edvard Grieg and called Morning and part of the Peer Gynt suite. 

There are so many styles and types of music that I hesitate to claim any as particular favourites but suffice to say that Christmas music can be heard at all times of the year and that Rod Stewart is often heard.  (He is 68 years old today).  Billy Joel often resounds through this house along with the Classics and a little bit of country.  Ella Fitzgerald and Frank Sinatra often serenade me along with other Jazz greats and other crooners.   John Denver and Roger Whittaker can be heard too.  Bryan Adams and 18 'til I die often echoes here.

In mentioning those few names I am doing the many others a mis-service because I could mention many many more.

I love to watch musicals and am very aware of music in film and listen carefully to the score of most films.   A recent visit to the movies to see Les Miserables gave me a treat with the music there.

Felix Mendelssohn, Johann Sebastian Bach, George Frederic Handle and Ludwig van Beethoven along with Edvard Grieg have all brought joy to my soul and tears to my eyes.

The marches of John Phillip Sousa and the glorious Pomp and Circumstance by Sir Edward Elgar all bring me pleasure and stir my emotions.

I celebrate music and I let it wash over me and take me away to another time and place and it is wonderful to share music over time and distance with other music lovers - and there is a song for every occasion with appropriate lyrics.

Songwriters Songwriters: Fransson, Johan; Larsson, Tim Mikael; Lundgren, Tobias; Mae, Audra; 

did a wonderful job in the writing of the song "Who I was born to be" and Susan Boyle brought it home to my heart and it brings immense joy each time I play it.

I could go on for a very long time - but now leave you to discover how important music is in your life - find the pieces that thrill your soul and listen to them in quiet and calm ~ play the rock music loud and strong ~ let the Operatic Aria fill the air ~  just 

"CELEBRATE MUSIC' 

in all its wonderful and complex ways.  Sing out loud and clear "Happy Birthday, Merry Christmas or I Just Called to say I Love You" make music a part of your life and celebrate it.

Thank you for visiting the Musings of My Heart - a music filled heart today.

Love and hugs

Linda

LIFE IS A DANCE

Good afternoon and welcome to Thankful Thursday in my little corner of the world - where although the wind has been bitingly cold, the sun has shone and given us a reminder that spring is coming followed by summer.

We only have today - and whilst it is good the anticipate the future and look forward to don't waste a moment of today - be present to each and every moment.

I have had a day of lovely and very ordinary things.   Shopping early, the purchase of a newly released book (which I can't wait to get started on) and a quick visit to a shut in friend with a book and chocolate.

The shops were not busy (I was early ) and the roads were quiet too so all in all it made for a lovely day.   I am so pleased to be able to do these normal ordinary things again and will enjoy doing crosswords with a friend in a little while.

Staying warm has been difficult because there is still the chill of winter in the winds but my laundry has flapped in the wind and looked lovely.

We are due for a pleasant weekend weather wise and I have no idea what is on my agenda - but I do have my new book and if I can find a spot in the sun and out of the wind that will be a nice way to while away some hours.

The lake was lovely this morning with choppy waves and white caps - but still brave souls ventured out in their sailing craft.

I am expecting mail from overseas and although some did arrive today, there is more to come and it is very exciting - the anticipation is wonderful.  I have cards galore and I am blessed indeed.

On this Thankful Thursday I am thankful for so very much - for love and laughter, music and magic, flowers and friends, books and boxes, coffee and chocolate, letters and love.

My daffodils are still dancing and those on my desk are still standing tall and bringing me immense joy.

I am happy and healthy and quote a friend ...............

"how lucky we have been  - a journey through some bumps, but overall a fair and steady star has guided us thus far."   How true these words are and here's to many more star guided days.

Take care as you journey and be present to each moment of today and every day - don't miss a moment - enjoy it all.

Thank you for visiting the musings of this heart that knows love and friendship and is eternally grateful.

Love and hugs,

Linda. 

BREAK THE RULES

Welcome to Wednesday afternoon in my little corner of the world where the sky is grey one minute, cloudy and blue the next ~ and holding the promise of rain and storms again.   Rather like life really - all going smoothly one minute and then you hit a bump in the road that causes you to wobble.

Life is sweet for me - and I have so much to be thankful for and my days are quiet and peaceful ~ daffodils are blooming in my garden and are a constant source of joy - they make my heart sing and bring a smile to my lips.

I am thankful for safe medical procedures for those I love, happy hours, letters in the mail, blossoms on the tree, music to thrill and stir my soul, communication, messages and photographs. laughter and the joys of friendship.  I am thankful for my warm and comfortable bed while the chilly wind blows, food in my fridge, and a good book to read (and a pile of them waiting to be read.)  I enjoy a movie on DVD every now and then and can watch it on a portable DVD player while I continue at my desk.  

I have been busy with many things and yet don't seem to have much to show for the efforts but I have a sense of calm and peace within my life.

News comes in fast and furious over the Internet and it thrills me to share all the good and bad things that happen and today news of the death of a Transplant friend came through.   Megan received a new heart in 2010 and became unwell very suddenly, and very quickly lost the battle for life.  She leaves a little family with her daughter just four years.

This young woman was full of life and seemed to have the whole future in front of her - but she used the gift she received to be present to each moment of her life and I am proud that her path crossed mine.   Fly free Megan and dance on the wind.

She had two extra years of life and I am encouraged by that fact and urge everyone of you to register as an Organ Donor and give others like Megan and me a chance at life.

It is the middle of the working week (hump day) which means it is only a few more days to another weekend and for those who are working hang on to that thought.  Be gentle with yourselves and go steadily into your working days - enjoy the company of your colleagues, walk in the fresh air in your lunch time, and take good care to rest easy.   If you don't go to the Office/Place of Business, but spend your days at home supporting the family and those who do work it is really important that you take care of yourself too.

Life is short, break the rules, ~ Forgive quickly, Kiss slowly ~ laugh uncontrollably and Never regret anything that made you smile.

And today more than ever I encourage you all to be present to each moment of each hour of each day  ~ tell those you love that you do love them, hug your kids, dance in the rain, splash in puddles and turn your face to the sun for then the shadows will be behind you.

Listen to the music that thrills your soul, eat desert first, walk by the river or the ocean and listen to the noises of the water and the sea birds.

Most of all take the time to be at peace with yourself:

DESIDERATA

"Go placidly amid the noise and haste, and remember what peace there may be in silence.

As far as possible, without surrender, be on good terms with all persons. Speak your truth quietly and clearly; and listen to others, even to the dull and the ignorant, they too have their story. Avoid loud and aggressive persons, they are vexations to the spirit.

If you compare yourself with others, you may become vain and bitter; for always there will be greater and lesser persons than yourself. Enjoy your achievements as well as your plans. Keep interested in your own career, however humble; it is a real possession in the changing fortunes of time.

Exercise caution in your business affairs, for the world is full of trickery. But let this not blind you to what virtue there is; many persons strive for high ideals, and everywhere life is full of heroism. Be yourself. Especially, do not feign affection. Neither be cynical about love, for in the face of all aridity and disenchantment it is perennial as the grass.

Take kindly to the counsel of the years, gracefully surrendering the things of youth. Nurture strength of spirit to shield you in sudden misfortune. But do not distress yourself with imaginings. Many fears are born of fatigue and loneliness.

Beyond a wholesome discipline, be gentle with yourself. You are a child of the universe, no less than the trees and the stars; you have a right to be here. And whether or not it is clear to you, no doubt the universe is unfolding as it should.

Therefore be at peace with God, whatever you conceive Him to be, and whatever your labors and aspirations, in the noisy confusion of life, keep peace in your soul.

With all its sham, drudgery and broken dreams, it is still a beautiful world.

Be cheerful. Strive to be happy."

Max Ehrmann c.1920

Thank you for visiting the Musings of my Heart ~ a heart deep in thought.

Love and hugs,

Linda

THIS MOMENT

Welcome to Sunday in my little corner of the world where Mother Nature is wearing a gown of silver grey and hiding her smile today.   It has been cloudy since yesterday afternoon and we therefore missed seeing the Supermoon in all it's glory.  I was disappointed to have missed that and then realized while I was being miffed at not being able to share the beauty of it ~ I was missing so many other things.     Sure I couldn't see the moon in a crystal clear sky, but I could see the beautiful cloud formations and the wind whisking the clouds along across the moon and that was beautiful in itself.  I could feel the gentle wind that was blowing and smell the damp earth that comes with autumn days.   All simple but very beautiful things that are there if I will be present to the moment.

A restless night for me meant an early start to the day and a long distance phone call in the middle of my night got my head on straight again and I was again present to the moment and able to go back to my bed and get some more sleep.   When I finally did rouse and get out of my bed I felt that Sunday had started without me ~ but I have caught up now and all is well.    I realized that even though it was ten o'clock in the morning and I was still in my nightdress and robe, that the world would not go into a holding pattern and that it was okay to be a little lazy - a big lesson to learn for one who is usually showered, dressed and ready to face the day by 6.00.a.m. 

Busy days often mean a preoccupation and times when we do not listen carefully to what is being said - or what is not being said - it is important that we really try to be present to the moment as the moment is really all we have.  Cherish the time with those you love and don't forget to be sure they know that you love them.

I was going to take a walk at the River today, but have decided that can wait until tomorrow when I am less tired.   The leaves will be turning and the reeds bending and quivering in the water and there will be ducks and other water birds all waiting for me tomorrow and each autumn day.   Today I need to be at home and be present to my own surroundings,  I have lots of things to do, lots I could do but won't and lots I would like to do   I am content with what I achieve and I no longer stress about things I just don't get done.

Music is my companion today  - lots of  lovely pieces ~ some with vocals and some just soul stirring music and the hours go quickly as I listen.   I watch very little television, numerous DVDs but generally find music and radio my companions.   I play music in the car and there is usually a collection of Cd's to be selected from..

“We are the music makers, and we are the dreamers of dreams.” 

― Arthur O'Shaughnessy, Poems of Arthur O'Shaughnessy

I am a dreamer , that I know for certain and a romantic through and through ~ so yes I am a music maker and a dreamer of dreams.

Wherever you are in your part of the world I hope that you can find some time to be a music maker, a dreamer of dreams and to be present to the moments of your life.

Thank you for visiting the Musings of My Heart - a contemplative but happy heart today.

Love and hugs,

Linda. 

MONDAY MUSINGS

It is Monday and it is okay - there is so much to be thankful for.

Good afternoon and welcome to a wintry afternoon in Adelaide - Mother Nature's summer persona has left the building and we are left with strong winds and heavy rain - and the promise of hail although as I type there is just a glint of sunlight peeping through a pewter coloured sky.

We have had some really heavy showers of rain and the gardens are sighing with relief and the petals of the last roses of summer are all blown around my garden this morning which is a sure sign that change is in the air.

Our Indian summer has certainly gone and today is a winter clothes day and as I write I have a cup of steaming coffee on my desk.

This is my cup this afternoon - in typical pink/purple for me.   I did contemplate a sleep this afternoon, but suddenly it is late and that isn't going to happen now.

My trip to the Post Office this morning was interesting - no mail to collect, but I did get some away and had parked the car a distance from the Post Office and on my return walk I got absolutely soaked by one of those showers that just seem to come out of nowhere.  I loved it - walking in the rain was lovely, although cold.  The wind in my hair was refreshing too.

My three CD'S from overseas, and adding the one I already had are being wonderful company and it is lovely to listen to music selected for my listening pleasure with each song meaning something special to both of us.   There are many songs that stir memory of other times, other places and different people and times long gone.  Music brings me much joy and I value it's presence in my life.

Discs that have been recorded for me always bring a smile and are played often - so much so that I know the lyrics by heart and feel the warmth.

There is such hope and delight in the music and the lyrics and it encourages me to have hope and to delight in my life.

Friend is home from a few days at the Farm with his daughter and Grandchildren and seems to have had a wonderful time - the children went back to school today so Grandpa came home.  

Thank you for visiting the musings of my heart - a heart that is filled with love and wonder on this cold afternoon.

Love and hugs,

Linda. 

WELCOME TO SUNDAY AND ONE TIRED GIRL.

Good Morning and welcome to another lovely summer Sunday morning - I like Sunday mornings where the world seems to be a little slower and kinder and when people take the time to relax a little more.

I have been up for a while and done lots of reading, replying to mail and staying cool.   I loved this quote above - it made me giggle - Yes there are always warnings but never positive ones and I really liked this.

I have gone back to juicing for breakfast because I just can't come at cereal or toast and this morning my juice was Carrot, Granny Smith Apple, Pear and Sultana Grapes. and it was very yummy,

It is quick and easy to do - then of course comes the cleaning up.  I have lots of lovely and interesting recipes to try and looking forward to finding more - email me any suggestions you have and I will give them a try.  It somehow tastes even better in an over large red wine glass. and with crushed ice is a perfect start to a summer Sunday,

I did a movie with the "Golden Girls" yesterday - George Clooney in "Descendants" - Well done George you did very well as did the young stars of the film.   It was interesting, sad and I found it a little disturbing.  It deserves any awards it receives.  Air conditioned theatre, air conditioned car, George Clooney and an ice cream - perfect way to end a summer Saturday.   I dropped chocolate and when the lights came up they revealed a rather large mess on my white top.

The company is always good and I feel rather proud to have seen two new films in the first week of their release.

Take away meal afterwards from "Barnacle Bills" - very nice but my eyes were bigger than my tummy.   The girls were settling in to watch a DVD when I called "stumps" and came home - it has been a big few days and I needed my bed.   I really love that special feeling of taking my feet off the floor and sliding in between the sheets, head on pillow and the big sigh that goes with it.

So Sunday is being a very quiet relaxing day for me - soft and quiet music and maybe some letter writing late in the day - a day where I am at peace with myself and that is so special.  A day when an afternoon nap may be on the agenda.    The summer heat drains me but so far I am keeping up by living within the boundaries that my new life sets.

I hope that you can find your inner calm and enjoy your Saturday evening/Sunday morning - to those for whom the snow is falling - be sure to stay warm and cosy in your homes and be safe out on the roads if you have to travel.   To those who are enjoying the summer sun - sunblock, sun hat etc. and be careful with water sports.

Thank you for visiting the Musings from My heart and this page has now become just that - no longer a real update on my health - just the musings and sharing of all the things that constantly buzz through my head.  

I send love and care to you, wherever you are in our beautiful world - walk a peaceful path, find joy in the little things and "Whistle a Happy Tune."

Love and hugs,

Linda. 

WEDNESDAY @ 103 WEEKS - NO MORE GRINCHES

And the Grinch, with his Grinch-feet ice cold in the snow, stood puzzling and puzzling, how could it be so?

It came without ribbons. It came without tags. It came without packages, boxes or bags. And he puzzled and puzzled 'till his puzzler was sore.

Then the Grinch thought of something he hadn't before. What if Christmas, he thought, doesn't come from a store. What if Christmas, perhaps, means a little bit more. ~~~~~~  Dr Seuss

Welcome to Wednesday - 103 weeks since transplant for me and in one week's time it will be 2 glorious years - 104 weeks  or  730 days - and am I counting? - Yes indeed I am.  I am counting every sweet and precious second of the gift that was given to me -it is life itself and I am thankful.  Yes I am well, yes I am delighted and yes, I am happier than I have been for the longest time.  There are times however when tears just fall - times when the whole concept of what has happened and where I have been totally overwhelms me.

I truly didn't realize how ill I was until I suddenly felt better after transplant - I knew I was ill, but not how serious it was.  Breathing again, pink skin, more energy - all parts and only small parts of the amazing miracle that happened to me.   I used to think that being pregnant and giving birth was the only time that I got to take part in the making of a miracle - but not so.  The generosity of a total stranger allowed me to be part of another miracle and to walk a different path.   I am changed in many ways and a similar journey for others binds them to be forever. The Transplant Community is like a family - hence why I am Transplant Aunt to young Tayden  who's picture arrived in my mailbox a little while ago- isn't this the cutest little guy?

Tayden

My morning started off with a check in with a friend for whom the emotion of transplant and the fact that he is alive was overwhelming him for just a little while.   We are sure the medication we take plays havoc without emotions too - and it was special to travel that particular bend in his road.

I then went out in the car to visit my housebound friend Jenny who is currently waiting for a hip replacement.    We laughed and reminisced and exchanged Christmas gifts.   This is my gift from Jen - a lovely Christmas bowl in The Nutcracker design.  I am very blessed and spoiled - I love it.  The little pate knife is in the form of a candy cane.  Thank you Jen.  I love it, will use it and will cherish it 

Apparently there are lots of accessories in this collection so I may be taking a trip in the post Christmas sales to see what matching things I can gather.

I have had a successful day with cleaning out fridges ready for the onslaught of food that will need refrigeration - it never ceases to amaze me how we have things packed nicely in the fridge, we take them out, each half of the stuff and then we can't fit the rest back in the fridge.    At lease that's how it is at my house.

The weather is warming up and it is still looking hot for Sunday but I did hear just a whisper that the temperature my not be as high as they originally though which is fine with me.

How are your plans and preparations going ?  I am still in the calm mode - panic hasn't set in yet and I don't think it will.   I have paced myself and done things slowly.   I have an early visit to the Pharmacy tomorrow and then Friday VERY early to get the fruit and vegetables.  Then I shall be home without having to go out at all for goodness knows how long, four days at least. 

I hope your plans are running as smoothly as mine are - I have had several "Grinch" visits - 12 cards and envelopes - just gone,  the star from the Christmas tree missing, and a parcel that took forever to get here. Both sender and recipient were much relieved when it did, but I refuse to be drawn into the Grinch mode - no "Bah Humbug" here.  There is just a very big dose of TINSILITIS, which I hear is now in pandemic proportions and is also happening in Philadelphia .   I have been informed that both Joe's partner and I are tooooooo toooooooo much - to which I replied  "Well that is as maybe but we are cute too.".

I have chosen my word for 2012 and that word is INSPIRATION  and I am sure I can find lots of things to inspire  and indulge me and between Christmas and New Year I shall be revamping my "Linspiration and Lindulgence "Blog to coincide with the new word.   Look out for this Header in the new Year.

The word ATTITUDE has served me well and I have been always aware of my attitude to everything and have learned a great deal.

I hope that all is well in your little corner of the world, that the stress levels are low and that there is music and laughter in your hearts and your homes.

Thanks for calling by to read The Musings of My Heart and I send my love and care to you .

Love and hugs from my happy heart.

MONDAY MONDAY - A BUSY BUT PRODUCTIVE DAY.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9RBZz730ibU

I want a Hippopotamus for Christmas

Good evening - I am late posting today because I have been busy - it is beginning to look a lot like Christmas in my home and today I have been decorating, moving things around and listening to Christmas music and usually at about this time of year it all kicks in for me and I start to really be excited.   I love this song and it makes me realize that Christmas is on the way and how how special it will be.

There are many other things I would prefer for Christmas than a Hippopotamus and even then I have all that I need - not all I would like or want.

I have a forest of Christmas trees and the one I decorated today is my my Friendship and Memory Tree and on the top of this sits a beautiful star which for the second year has adorned my tree.  It was bought to honour and remember the man who gave me the gift of life.

For today I just hung the star for a long time before I added the many decorations I have received over the years ~  From Our House to Yours in 2003 from Columbus, Indiana - a beautiful Angel from Kentucky, a little crystal train from a little boy who loved trains.  And Angel made from a beer can (my daughter bought me that) and several decorations from Alexis and other friends.  A ceramic teapot and names woven with beads from a friend in New South Wales.    All of these are treasures and nestle comfortably under the beautiful star.

I have enjoyed spending time quietly reflecting on just how blessed I am to have been given this wonderful gift.
I don't forget - I owe my life to a very special man.

I have been fiddling with all things glitter and really shone during my shopping trip this morning ~ Rose at the Post Office said I was shining today.  

My family are coming home for dinner on Wednesday and to decorate the family tree - I shall love that and will take photographs and cherish the time.

Apart from that I have spent time talking with friends both on the telephone and on line - I am blessed indeed to have a group of great friends who care for me and want to spend time with me.   There is a movie on the horizon next weekend - some of the "Golden Girls" - others are away on holiday and I shall enjoy that - a movie and ice cream - nice way to spend time.  We may do dinner afterwards - early yet to decided.

I have had some wonderful times sharing music, poetry and deep and meaningful topics and it stirs my soul to share these times with someone special enough to indulge my "wild erratic fancy"  it is wonderful to share Australian Verse with an American who truly enjoys it too.  I had to be very careful there that I typed "erratic" and not another similar word.  

It's been hot in my little corner of the world today but I have stayed inside most of the day - there is thunder about and the sky is grey and there is rain forecast for tomorrow.   We certainly do live in a land of weather changes - a wild and lavish land.

I hope that Christmas is wrapping itself gently around you like a warm blanket and that you are able to enjoy it all.
- take time with your children - revisit your own childhood and memories - share them with your own little family - in all of this festive season, take time to be kind and gentle with each other and be happy.

Love and hugs,
Linda.