I CELEBRATE LIFE

Today I celebrate life in all it's beauty and with all it's complexities.

I celebrate every breath I take and each morning when I wake reminds me of how lucky I am to be alive.  Each morning brings a new song of gratitude from my soul to the man who gave me the gift of life, to the surgical teams and nursing staffs who restored me to health, stood me back on my feet and helped me on my way.

I am thankful for my family who cared for me and loved me when I was unlovable because that's when I needed them most.

I celebrate daily the joys of friendship and the kindnesses shown to me, the love expressed and the care given.

I celebrate every sunrise, sunset, rain storm and the changing of the seasons which all serve to remind me that I am alive to see them happening.

I embrace cool shady spots on hot days, hot chocolate by the fire in winter, lovely books, perfume, flowers, outings with friends, deep and meaningful conversations with those who love me just the way I am and who rejoice that I am still here.

I am taking this life I have been gifted and grasping it with both hands and although I know I live on borrowed time, I am happy and living my life to the full.

My words for 2013 are "celebrate" and "embrace" and I know I made the right choice with those as I know also did my dearest friend did when he chose "Carpe Diem"  - I celebrate and embrace and seize every day.

Take hold of your life, grasp it with both hands and waste not a moment in self pity, wallowing and misery - find joys in the smallest things, laugh, love and be silly - splash in puddles, dance in the rain, walk by the river and splash in the sea.

CELEBRATE and EMBRACE your life.

Thank you for visiting the Musings of this pensive, thoughtful and happy heart and go peacefully and celebrate and enjoy.

Love and hugs,

Linda.

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. 

NURTURE THE CHILD WITHIN AND LAUGH

Welcome to Wednesday and I hope that you remember your childhood with affection and good memories ~ remember that feeling on the swing when flew higher and higher and did you ever jump off when the swing went forward and thus rush to get away from the returning empty swing ?  

I watched some children playing in a park today and thought how different their playground are to the ones I knew as a child.   I couldn't take a photograph or would have been in trouble and could have been accused of all sorts of dreadful things.    

The playgrounds I remember were very basic with plain and simple swings and slides, and metal monkey bars to swing from and many happy hours were spent there.  The playgrounds of today are much more complex with all sorts of brightly coloured and curly metal features.

I wonder if the children of today have as much fun as I did on the swings and roundabouts their landing places seem to be cushioned more than when I took many tumbles.

Play is very important in the life of a child and I believe also in the life of an adult and we should strive not to lose our sense of wonder and play.

It is wonderful to have that special someone with whom we can be so completely ourselves and be silly with.

Silliness is good - very good.  !!

The sound of laughter is wonderful ~ the first baby giggles and then the older tittering laughter which grows and develops into a certain style - high pitched or a deep belly laugh.  

Laughing so much that tears just run down your face, your tummy hurts and you make a hasty dash to the bathroom - all part of the fun of being friends or part of a family.    There are things that although they happened years ago,  still bring laughter to my family,  The silly things we said and did.

The things the now grown up ones did as children and who blush and get embarrassed when we parents recall them at family functions.

There are times for tears and they are very healing and times weeping with someone are very special times, but just as healing are the times when laughter rings through our hearts and home and we revisit those times.

For you may there be those healing tears cried with someone you love and just as precious for you may there be those times of laughter, those silly, funny,quirky time that are cherished in our memory.

Let laughter ring out in your heart and may it bring joy to others and thank you for visiting the musings of this happy heart.

Love and hugs,

Linda. 

FRIDAY SUNNY AND WARM AND I CRIED A TEAR

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ilny-CIVdnQ

Anne Murray - You Needed Me.

Good Morning and here we are at Friday morning in my little corner of the world and the northern hemisphere is following suit and will arrive at Friday soon.   The sun is shining and the sky is blue and I am quite refreshed from a better night's sleep.

Today is Dietitian Day for me at Flinders so that will take care of the afternoon and I shall get things done this morning and then suddenly it will be the weekend again and so the seasons roll on.   Been a bunch of birthdays for friends this week - Happy Birthday Di and Narelle - sunshine and stars for you both.

The image at the top of this blog says it all for me - yes I fall and yes I cry and the assurance and comfort from knowing I am not alone brings me comfort and joy.   I am not alone because I have my family and my friends to support and encourage me.  I am not alone because I belong to groups with members at all stages of their Transplant journey who know and understand exactly where I am and how I feel.   They understand the reactions to drugs and medications, the fatigue I feel and the days when it all gets a little bit hard.

There is immense joy in knowing that sharing my story has brought comfort and support to others and for that I am thankful.   To have shared the flame of hope with others is all that I can ask.

Phone call early morning from the airport from my younger daughter - she had been to Melbourne for a Janet Jackson concert last night - she flew out of Adelaide at 4.00.p.m. yesterday and was up at 4.30 this morning to catch the early morning flight to Adelaide.  Cab to the City and she would have been at her Office by 9.00 to start work.  Oh to have that sort of energy - I don't understand but then I don't have to - she is happy and enjoyed herself.   The first free day she and Alexis have is somewhere mid-December - they are real jet set members. Alexis flies to Perth on Saturday.   All of this with a full time, demanding job and studying full time - she amazes me.   She has captivated my heart from before she was born and has always had that drive and enthusiasm and a very sunny nature.  Her older sister is in awe of the speed she goes through life.

Today is a warm day and tomorrow forecast to be warmer and I shall be staying out of the sun - firstly because I don't like the heat and secondly because it is not good for my skin because of the medication I have to take.  I have so much planned for tomorrow at home - I wonder how much I will get done.    Will take photographs of any projects I complete and share them with you later.  I am hopeful.

Do you have plans for the weekend ?  Busy days or catching up at home?  Whatever is on your agenda - enjoy it and do it with a thankful heart.  I send love and care to those who are working on the weekend - it is tough working while everyone else seems to be enjoying themselves.   Your work is valid and important.

If you have little ones - try to spend some one on one time with them - do some cooking, painting or just go to the park, the library or even the Zoo.   Make each day important and be present to the moment.   

Try watching a DVD with the teenagers in your life or cook with them - just enjoy them - they grow up far too quickly and suddenly they are flying all over the countryside and you can't keep up.  !!

My tears these days are most often tears of joy at how far I have come and how much I have learned about the joy in little things, to not sweat the small stuff and being present to each moment of each new day.

Every sunrise hold the promise of a new day and new experiences for me and each sunset calls me to rest and restore ready for the next stage of my journey.

A happy day to you - I wish you green lights in traffic, coffee that you didn't have to make yourself, a hug from a friend, a compliment, a door held open by a stranger most of all I wish you love.

Thanks for visiting and reading the Musings from My Heart - a thankful and full heart this morning - full of the wonder of it all.

Thank you for wiping my tears dry, easing my troubled mind and for just being there for me.

Love and hugs,

Linda. 

FRIDAY AND WHISPERING HOPE

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Y9Qgf55nOZI

Whispering Hope - Jim Reeves

Good Morning and welcome to my little corner of the world - the sky is grey, the clouds are heavy and the thunder is rumbling - and of course heavy rain is falling.  Such a difference to yesterday.  I have done my shopping and will soon have to get ready to go to Flinders for my appointment.  

I was made aware of the death and funeral of a beautiful little girl in USA whose name was HOPE - and I have always been aware of how important hope is in my life and pictured above is the sign that sits on my desk right in front of me - "HOPE - live for today and hope for tomorrow."   My prayers, thoughts and care go out to this little one's family and friends as they struggle to come to terms with the face that their HOPE has gained her angel wings.   This lovely little girl was so beautifully named and I pray that comfort and hope will return to these hurting hearts.

While looking for this music for this page I came across Jim Reeves singing "Adios Amigo" and that brought me to tears because that phrase was how my Father and I greeted each other and also used when we parted.   His last words to me the night before he died were "Adios Amigo" and my response was "Adios Compadre".   I miss him and I always will - but I have the love and memories to comfort me.  My father was gone long before I became ill and I am thankful for that because it would have hurt him so much to see me go through what I did.

I have another sign on my desk - 'FAITH' - have faith in miracles." and I plan to get hold of the third one "LOVE" 

My life would be much less if I were not to have these three - FAITH, HOPE and LOVE.

I hope there is Faith, Hope and Love in your life and they enable you to face each day with courage and steely determination to live life to the full. to be a little kinder, and to spread joy throughout your little corner of the world.  Be the change you wish to see in the world by just practicing random acts of kindness, being helpful and cheerful.

I have hope for my appointment this afternoon and faith that all will be well - it holds me together and gives me strength.  I know that whatever is on the agenda for my life and my path - I do not walk it alone and I claim the courage to face my journey.  I know that I have wonderful support globally with a wonderful network of prayer warriors who have carried me and continue to do so.  I cannot and will not lose Hope or Faith and I feel the love around me.

What does the weekend hold for you ?   I have a beading class tomorrow with my friend Narelle and I am looking forward to that - I bought salad things for lunch and  now the weather is turning cold so I may yet take a sandwich - will sort that out later.    This is the last class for the year and I wonder what craft we will pick up next year - I hope we do - it has been lovely for me.    I have quite a collection of beads now - I am rather like a squirrel and keep stashing them away.

Wherever you are in this beautiful world I wish you safety as you travel, peace in your heart and home, laughter and music to comfort you.

Love and hugs,

Linda. 

SWEET SUNDAY MORNING AND TEARS

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7g2IlaDLVLo

Eric Clapton - Tears in Heaven

Good Morning and welcome to sweet Sunday morning - much more pleasant day today than yesterday when the doom and gloom of a wet winter weekend had us in its grip.  Today the sky is brighter and there are patches of blue to be seen,  

I am well and things are going well for me - then why the tears?  Tears are a blessing, a sweet relief and release for us at often difficult times of our lives.  Of course there are the tears of joy and the times when suddenly out of the blue something triggers a memory and the tears fall.

There are tears borne of fear that a hurt is going to raise it's head again and fear that the pain will be just as intense as before, and the tears that come from a misunderstanding. There are tears borne of the longing for something that cannot be - that ache to be with someone who has left our lives and yet lives on in our hearts.

I have had a few days when all of those things have been in the mix and add to that the upset of the falls John and I had, so perhaps a little fragile is the best way to describe my mood right now but I am nurturing myself and allowing the tears to fall in the hope that they will be healing.  

There are tears of gratitude - those feelings that just can't be explained - gratitude for life itself and for those who made it possible for me.

I have so many positive and good things in my life and most times I am able to chase the fears and tears away - but I have had a few days when this has been more difficult than normal.

To those of you who are grieving - let me say this - there is no time limit for grief, no set rules it just takes as long as it takes.  We grieve in many ways and I still grieve for my Father who has been gone eight years and for my Mother who left us 28 years ago and for all that could have been there.  Allow your tears to fall and let them comfort you.

To those who live each day with a "what if" or a "what might have been" try to let it go - we can't change things and go back and undo things, but we sure can make a great future. 

Don't run or play with the "woulda, coulda, shoulda" sisters.

School holidays are either in full swing or about to start in some States of Australia - this is just the two week winter break and I hope that those with children can find things to do with them that will make some memories - cooking, walking, craft work and even just watching a movie together.  Make the time and the memories.

Wishing you all a wonderful future - starting right now - share the exciting things that are happening in your families - new babies, weddings, birthdays and celebrations - store these memories in your heart and they will serve you well 

Have a wonderful Sunday and I wish you warm and sunny days, sunshine and flowers and diamonds in your sky.

Thanks for calling by to read "The Musings from my Heart" - a melancholy heart this morning.

Love and hugs,

WELCOME TO A WINTER MONDAY - Bridge Over Troubled Water

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=H_a46WJ1viA

Bridge Over Troubled Water - Simon and Garfunkel

Good Morning and welcome to a damp cold Monday morning here in Adelaide - we have had overnight rain but are promised a day of clouds but little rain.

Welcome to my little corner of the world where all is quiet and slow this morning.  I am weary after a restless night and a few busy days, so will be taking things quietly today to refresh and restore.  I am thankful that I was able to keep up the pace and do all the things scheduled over the last few days.   It is a great feeling to be able to take part in things, attend functions and celebrations and once again feel that I am living in a real world.  My long stretches in hospital have taught me to value the fresh air and the lack of a formal schedule - to be able to do the things I want at the times I want brings joy.

My eyes are gravelly this morning - lack of sleep and some tears do that.  I was not surprised at the emotion I felt yesterday nor the tears I shed when I came home. But I would not have missed attending the service for the world and to have my family with me meant more than words can say.

I guess we all have "troubled waters" in our lives - times when we don't understand what is going on, times when emotions overwhelm us and we struggle to come to terms with events surrounding us.  I hope you can find a bridge and some easing of your mind.  It became clear to me yesterday that I have now become part of a group of people in the community who has experienced something wonderful and been the recipient of immense generosity and kindness.  I have an affinity with like minds and souls all around the world.

The Adelaide Thanksgiving Service was wonderful, but were I to join another community in any City in the world for their Service,  there would be that bond because of our gift and our experience.   It's a nice way to make friends.  Friends with common bonds.

I am sitting with a lovely coffee and the music of Simon and Garfunkel bringing calm and peace to my morning and I hope that for you there will be a time of peace and solitude somewhere in your busy Monday.

Take some time out - sit quietly in a park, by the river for even just a short time and I am sure that  communing with nature will bring calm to your day and refresh you for your journey.

Build bridges and not walls and be gentle with yourself and kind to others - this journey can be a real struggle and we never really know what burdens others are carrying.   A smile can lighten the load and often get people back on track.

I hope that you can find a bridge to cross and that your day leaves you calm and at peace when nighttime comes for you.

My love and hugs come your way and I thank you for visiting and reading "The Musings from My Heart" and for taking this journey with me.

IT'S MONDAY AND THE WINTER SUN IS SHINING

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=AN_AqUK_3LM

John Williamson singing Cootamundra Wattle.

On this Monday with only two days to go to winter I came across a picture of Cootamundra Wattle and listened again to this very beautiful song - I was going to wait until July to share it with you but  "Carpe Diem" - I am seizing the day and sharing it now. 

The words and music are by John Williamson and the song and lyrics are something that always - without fail, brings me to tears - I am misty eyed as I type.

Don't go lookin' through that old camphor box, woman,
You know those old things only make you cry.
When you dream upon that little bunny rug
It makes you think that life has passed you by

There are days when you wish the world would stop, woman,
But then you know some wounds would never heal
But when I browse the early pages of the children
And I know exactly how you feel.

Hey it's July and the winter sun is shining
And the Cootamundra wattle is my friend
All at once my childhood never left me
And wattle blossoms bring it back again

It's Sunday and you should stop the worry, woman,
Come out here and sit down in the sun
can't you hear the magpies in the distance?
don't you feel the new day has begun?

Can't you hear the bees making honey, woman
In the spotted gums where the bellbirds ring?
You might grow old and bitter cause you missed it,
You know some people never hear such things

Hey it's July and the winter sun is shining
And the Cootamundra wattle is my friend
For all at once my childhood never left me
And wattle blossoms bring it back again

Don't buy the daily papers any more, woman,
Read all about what's going on in hell.
They don't care to tell the world of kindness,
Good news never made a paper sell.

There's all the colours of the rainbow in the garden, woman,
And symphonies of music in the sky.
Heaven's all around us if you're looking,
But how can you see it if you cry.

Hey it's July and the winter sun is shining
And the Cootamundra wattle is my friend
For all at once my childhood never left me
And wattle blossoms bring it back again.

There are certainly days for me when I wish the world would stop and times when i do think that life has passed me by - and I guess there are wounds that will never heal.

I have given up buying the daily papers because I too believe that good news never made a paper sell and I want to spread as much joy in my little corner of the world as I can.

There's all the colours of the rainbow in the garden, woman,
And symphonies of music in the sky.
Heaven's all around us if you're looking,
But how can you see it if you cry.

These are my favourite words from the song and I try to look around and see the beauty that is there, try to dance on the wind and soar on the stars.

Please listen to Williamson sing this song and let it bring peace and warmth to your heart in a troubled world.

Wattle blossoms are beautiful and the Golden Wattle is our National floral emblem:

There is beauty all around us and we need to be the change we want to see in the world.  Be a little kinder, not only to people but to our earth - enjoy all the rainbows in the garden, all the symphonies in the sky, wipe your tears and see the beauty in our world.

Be strong, be brave and "seize the day" - don't miss a moment of living, be sure to live life to the full and come back and visit "The Musings from My Heart" - take the journey with me - paint on your canvas and share your images with the world.

I am seizing my second chance at life with thanks for 515 days since transplant - alive and living well.

Love and hugs from a very pensive heart.