My Grama's Soul

JUST SAYIN'. Found this somewhere on the NET. JO

SHOW UP PAY ATTENTION TELL THE TRUTH DON'T GET TOO ATTACHED TO THE OUTCOME There it is in all its simplicity. So easy yet so very hard at times. xo Jo

While sitting at Mayo clinic this morning waiting for tests to be done, I sat across from a beautiful woman in a blue bandana.  Actually, she was dressed in blue from head to toe.  While contemplating what her health situation might be, I realized how confident and regal she appeared to be. This wonderful woman knew who she was, knew she was ill, and knew she would survive. If I am ever forced to wear my own blue bandana, I hope to show the confidence she shared with me today.   Just sayin' Jo

What a wise quote for the beginning of 2016.  I plan on staying PRESENT this year and enjoying every minute of it. xo Jo quote:  Values.com

I don't recommend many books on my blog, although I am a voracious reader. This is one book that I felt should be shared with all of you in blog land. THE UNTETHERED SOUL.....by Michael A Singer...this small book  takes you right to the heart of mindfulness and the yoga of the mind.   Because our world is getting more complicated all the time and all of us just trying to cope with this;  I feel each of us  is searching for that place inside where peace and calm resides.   We aren't looking for a temporary fix....but a permanent solution.  The message delivered in this book can provide that if you are just willing to open your heart to the wisdom that is shared here. Managing our thoughts is difficult in the best of times...but by attempting to put some of the ideas into practice as explained here each of us will be building mental muscle that will carry us for a lifetime. It is a simple read and right to the point. I th...

My husband and I have only been in our new spot since August of this year...and with family happenings and just life in general...we have not been able to finish  some of the projects we want to do around here.  One of them is our little back yard. I love to garden and aim to have a wonderful garden in this house as well. I garden in pots for the most part as our soil here in AZ is so bad....although, we have made a small raised bed in the yard. It is visible in the above photo.  We have not decided what to plant yet but that will be done by the end of the month or early March.  Many of these plants were brought over from our big house and have managed to survive our hot, hot summer so I think they will survive in this new spot. I'm trying vegetables for the first time this year.  I have never attempted to grow then in pots so we will see what happens.  Above we have strawberries and red swiss chard along with oregano, thym...

"I wanted a perfect ending.  Now I've learned, the hard way, that some poems don't rhyme and some stories don't have a clear  beginning, middle and end.  Life is about not knowing, having to change.  Taking the moment and making the best of it..without knowing what is going to happen next." "Delicious Ambiguity" Gilda Radner I don't know about you....but as I have advanced in age, I am certainly more introspective than when I was younger. Not so much looking at regrets but looking at all the miraculous things that have happened during this time I have been here.   I have almost always thought that "CONTROL IS AN ILLUSION"....in fact....I firmly believe that the only one you can control is YOURSELF and your actions.  Oh I believe in planning for an outcome...but one must always be ready for an alternative ending....just in case. Now, mind you, that doesn't always mean I don't fume and fret over someone or something...b...

Isn't it????? xoxo Jo Photo:  Style Carrot

From time to time, I believe one should bring home a gift for their house. I try to make a habit of this on a regular basis.  It doesn't have to be anything expensive....just a thing of beauty that imparts joy to your surroundings. Of course, one of my favorite things is flowers...but you could also bring home a new fragrant candle, or a new CD....just something to tweak your senses and make you FEEL your space. When you really think about our home is actually one of the most important aspects of one's life.  A home provides shelter, peace, harmony, stability, beauty...and the list could go on and on. So....besides keeping your spot clean and tidy...I think each one of us, should on a regular basis....bring home a gift for the house. Your house will love you for it. hugs, Jo

~~Quiet Time~~ Still the mind Slow your breath Breath in Breath out So Simple So difficult Mind always racing Soft breath Hard breath Breath in Breath out So simple So difficult ~~ Jo

While traveling.....we always cross several time zones......causing this thought to come to mind~~ THE LIGHT The light filters through trees~~making leaves dance on my window shade Buddha smiles as the light behind him flickers like so many raindrops on wet pavement This summer light is supposed to last longer now because of manmade alteration to time How foolish humans are~~Don't they know you cannot alter the light Light only lasts for so long~~no matter what the clock says. Just me thinkin' out loud today. Hugs, Jo

Oregon It's in empty spaces my friend that one can find true bliss Utah No distraction of the mind No rumination to hinder clarity somewhere on the prairie Between the in-breath and the out-breath That one brief moment of nothingness for the mind to feed on Wyoming Wide open spaces, empty rooms, simplicity...clarity.....leave the mind open for wisdom Giverny Being still...sitting with only yourself...are the empty spaces where one can find true joy. Normandy Hugs, Jo

Sometimes it is just a flutter This soft touch of air that kisses me so gently Often....it is an embrace  that envelops me with its boldness Blowing my hair and clothes about haphazardly with explosive gusts of air But more often than not it is just a soft breeze that caresses my face  whispering........ be present.... be present.... be present...... Have a beautiful day, Jo Photos:  Pictures. blogspot.com Pnina Evental Idea for this post.....my beautiful soul mate