1/29,30 NM, Painting: L plays detective, Movie Night

1/29 The key memory for Friday was working on the painting. It's almost finished and I did what I hoped I'd do rather what I have done in the past. I gave it my all. I could have said, "Good enough and the end." But I got myself into the kitchen for water and brushes and I worked and worked until my back hurt. Now I'm am truely bringing out my vision and I probably only have another few hours to say everything I want to say on this canvass.

1/30 Luke talked to Bill (the older gentleman who calls us in the night. It seems that AT&T cannot find a problem. They are not being woken up in the middle of the night. (More than once sometimes) Bill's sister seems to have our phone number. So when he calls her at odd times, I mean he's 90 something, it's understandable.

Luke wants to figure out the mystery himself. (AT&T isn't interested ) We got in the car and tried to follow the clues that Bill gave us. Finally we found an address that seemed like what Bill was describing ( I couldn't have done it) He's a natural detective. He got out of the car and ring the door bell, no one was home. Her neighbor wasn't home either. We'll go back.

Movie night. I wanted to see Tooth Fairy. Luke owes me because I let him take the lead in our home reconstruction. But MKate didn't want to see it either, so I gave in. We ate at Boston Chicken. Very good for the diet. We didn't get into our first choice movie. Another couple left and we have had to do that in the past. But . . . yay. There was another movie we all wanted to see, "The Young Victoria." It was romantic and it showed the politcial climate of the time. I didn't understand some of the mechinations but I loved the relationship. And I remember reading that this was Victoria and Albert had a life long love. So I'm glad we saw the movie before it disappeared.

1/28/10 Visit from . . . Chores

We start the morning with a visit from Miss Pumpkin and Miss Greyling, the fairy princess. Luke lets them in. I am surprised given his allergies and the fact that he had a bad cold--just a few days ago. They are so cute. They are also hungry. I make a plate for both to share--next time I'll give them both their own dish. They wander around for awhile, then want to play outside again.

Well, the owners are not going to keep the kittens inside. I accept that. I'll feed them when they come to eat. Luke and I will be co-pet parents. Anyway that's what's happening now. From a yogic point of view the word is surrender. The kittens don't belong to me and I can't keep them full time in my home because of allergies. So . . .

After lunch, I got for chores. I have to drop off Luke's photo at Mindful Movement. We are doing a joint program on Feb 20. That will give us some time. We do Hatha and classical music, not meditation. After I finish the painting and my bio, I'll get to a design for the class.

I am not pleased with how I presented the class to the news letter. Everyone on Miriam's list will see this. I should have put more work into the presentation. I am resolved to improve.

More chores. In and out of the house.

1/26-27/10 Dr Logan: Bear Picnic in Btown

Yesterday Mike and Aaron came to work on the meditation room. I have been worried about a construction problem with the fire place and bookcase. I knew that one side would be different than the other and that it would bother me terribly. However, I didn't mention it to Mike. They worked and the fireplace doesn't look right to me. Why oh why didn't I mention the problem right away. Errg. Willow. Why?

But tomorrow is another day. And I'll mention it to Mike the next time he comes. It will be all right. (I hope)

I had my appointment with Dr Logan. No wonder I'm tired. It's my lungs again. But he's hopeful that if I rest and take what he gave me--daily--that I'll bounce back as always.

I came home tired. It was cold and I really didn't want to teach class. Not to worry, no one came. So MKate and I went home. I do need to work on building the class but I won't think about it today.

1/27 Last night the phone rang at 5:20 a.m. What? I'm telling you the truth. Our 90 year old Mr Jones calls his sister, Mary Shapiro, that early. We have the same phone number. Really. And AT&T created this mess. Bad AT&T. Luke tried to talk with a tech and with a manager. We had to leave for Btown before it was settled, but had high hopes.

Luke and I go to Dr K (chiropractor). I tell him about my appoint with Dr Logan. He worked on my back behind the lung area and on my neck--and quess what--I felt better.

Luke and I came home. Had mushroom soup with corn for lunch. Delicious. The weather was perfect for a drive. We are tired from being woken up so early. Mr Jones can take a nap. We can't. We talk about our life and getting to work on our den and tax items tomorrow. If only.

Luke goes into the school to pick up Xavier. He's a good looking kid. He could model. He's in a mellow mood. Yay. He wants to be sure that we brought our bears for the bear picnic. I tell X that after homework, we have to use our time for the Bear Picnic--not games.

And for the first time, X gets right to his homework. He tells Luke about another assignment that Rain didn't know about. They have fun doing the work. Then X and I get busy with the Bears. While they are working, I take all the Bears and arrange them on the sofa. I know that X will love it because of the way he arranges the bears around his bed. X brings toy food--pizza, ice cream, a drink and a chocoate chip cookie. We arrange the favored bears so they can eat and be photographed. I take some photos and X takes some photos. We have the best time. X doesn't ask to play video games even once.

Rain calls and tells me that the pizza will come soon. I get up and start cutting up carrots (according to what X wanted for the people picnic.)

Ryan and Rain come home with Violet. She's quiet and tired. We serve the food and eat quietly together. The kids eat at their little table in the dining room. Quietly. V doesn't eat much. When it's clear that she'd done eating, she says "What did you bring me, Grandma," I bring out a little candy bar and a little pack of gummies for the health store.

Everyone knew that we couldn't stay long because Luke had a rehearsal to get back to. My philosophy is that even an hour with someone you love is worth days and days. If you only have a hour make the most of it. It's the way Baba taught meditation. He's say again and again, do a few minutes but put your heart and soul and all your attention on those few minutes. And he was so right.

We left for Indy feeling great. Knowing that we had bonded with our Btown family.

Yes. I ate a lot of chocolate. I was so tired. So tired. The driving weather was not ideal. A light snow fell, making the roads a little slick and the visability not ideal. Chocolate is what my mom went for when she had to drive tired and I do the same.

A lot of scary, wobbly trucks bouncing around. Thank you so much God for a safe trip home.

Too tired to work on my painting. It's a time when I need my best focus and attention.

1/25/10 Med Class, lunch w MK, Hands on Spirituality

A little late for class. Should not do this again. However, Prem came and brought peace into the classroom. The whole class flowed together and the spirit of grace was present. A lot of peace. Students had experiences.

After class, Cheryl shared her experiences with Willow. I'm interested in Willow's progress. It's fun to see her coming into her own. Just when her mom was wondering what to do with her amazing daughter. At Willow's age it's best to be taught by a parent. Her mom is open to the Shakti. She's ready to transform herself and to support Willow's transformation. It's so great.

After class, MKate came back to chez Shapiro for lunch. We fixed salmon salad with fried onions and apples.

After lunch MKate went to work and I got some laundry done. Also, I studied the painting. Yes, I could leave it as is and it would be o.k. but to bring it to the next level will require more contemplation and more delicate work.

At 5:30, MKate and I went to Butler to teach the Hands on Spirituality class. Paula is the real deal. She meditates and does her own practices. The class is always in a great state to begin with. This class was no exception. The room is dark and the candle already lit.

Velma comes to create a deeper state for the students. People have a certain vibration. You can see it. Once they have a spiritual awakening --meet a great Saint like Prem --they just exude "that" energy.

The class was uplifting for all. The students kept thanking us. Yay.

I did a reading from the Gita. The more authentic I am the higher the energy in the class.

1/24/10 Wow-time flies

I can't believe that I haven't written for so many days--four days. I pledged to myself that if I only had time for one sentence that I'd do that--everyday. But I haven't this time. I got very involved in the destiny of the kittens. Who would care for them? What would be in their best interest.

When Julio (14 year old owner of Pumpkin) came to my door looking for his kittens--I was stunned. How could this be? Who would let two little kittens run free and be hungry in the cold winter. I decided to take a breath and also to take his phone number. I didn't know where the moral/ethical rightness lay. I decided to pray and ask for divine guidance. If you listen, you'll always get an answer. (You might not like it.)

That night I had a clear dream of Pumpkin (now living with another family. A family that I deemed perfect. They loved Pumpkin and would give her a perfect home.) In my dream, Pumpkin told me that he wanted to come home. (He told me a few things that aren't for sharing but he wanted to come home and that was clear)

1/23 I told Pumpkin's new family that Julio had come looking for his kitten. They decided to bring the kitten back. When Pumpkin came back, I called Julio. He's only 14 years old, but he's a very sweet person. A loving person. You can see it. He picked up his kitten --called Zoey--and hugged her. He told her that he loved her and I believe he does. He'll be a better, more responsible pet owner now.

That night MKate met Luke and I at the ICO Chamber Conversations Concert at the Historical Museum. (She was coming from a grandson basket ball game and was a little late.) Since Luke is Concert Master of the orchestra, we have to be on time.

It was an amazing concert.

Afterwards, MKate, Luke and I had dinner at Ocean World--perfect for dieting. We enjoyed a low cal fish dinner that was delicious. And fun.

1/24 I was excited this morning. Em gave Luke an amazing gift--great tickets to the Colts/Jets game. Ry was coming in from B town to enjoy this game with Luke. We had breakfast together at La Peep. Ry is always fun. We had the best waitress even. She noticed everything and quietly met all our needs for a great breakfast.

I ate 1/2 my meal and brought packed the other for lunch at NM.

Yes. I was a little scared. What if the theives came back. I prayed and asked for extra grace.

Sure enough at 4 p.m. near closing (when the theives came last time) Linda came to the front to talk to Matt and I, then Melissa came for milk that she needed for a recipe, then Kay, then MKate. So there I was surrounded by grace and the answer to my prayers.

I took Em and Nicole to dinner. Luke joined us. We had Thai food. Yummmm.

1/19/10 Grayling and me, Kittens, Hatha Class

This a.m. I got up and took a shower. Graying came into the bathroom to keep me company. She loved seeing the shower drops drip down the glass doors. When I dried my hair and got ready for the day, she sat in the sink and purred. I showed her Ganesh's photo, and she really looked.

I decided to get work done in the house, putting away the christmas ornaments, and other christmas decorations. I organzied the kids toys so they can enjoy them more.

Without getting into it, because it makes me sad, Graying has a home now. It's what I asked God for, so I shouldn't complain. I hope they take good care of her and respect her as a child of God. At least I know that Pumpkin (who will have a different name) has a great home. I know the cat kid is very happy. So, I'm happy for her.

I picked up MKate for hatha yoga, April was there as well. When it's just the three of us, all with a relationship to a yogic Saint, the classes are like a deep, deep meditation. l love them.

The theme of the class was from Eknath Eswaran. He's talking about how to control the mind. How to focus and in doing that improve all your relationships.

Good bye kittens. Have a good life sweeties.

1/17-18/10 NM, Din w Em & fam, Med class , KITTENS

It's sunday and we aren't going to try a new church. I hurt myself doing splits (which I know I should give up, but can't seem to) Instead I say my prayers deeply and have time for Hatha Yoga. Now this is strange although I'm having real trouble walking, I can do all my hatha. Strange.

I am walking very slow and have the kittens. Pumpkin is much more bouncy than Greyling. I'm glad that it's Pumpkin that's getting a new home. I need a more kaptha cat. I do get to work on time. I can't jump around and show customers where to find things, but I can help them. And I'm able to do the register. MKate handles the walking part. Some of my old friends come in and that's what makes the job fun.

We have dinner with Em and Bobby, Jennifer comes. We eat at Puccini's. I have a salad and a small portion of pasta. The conversation is fun, as always. Jennifer says that she'll come to see my cats before Pumpkin goes to his new home. But, she doesn't.

1/18 Today Nicole is picking up the kittens --at 7 a.m. I don't even open my eyes before 8:30. Luke is willing but he gets up so early to be ready. By the time I'm awake, the kittens are at the vet. Nicole calls to say that their surgery went well and that they are healthy kittens. She will bring them home at 5:30. Kris and Dana will come right away and pick up Pumpkin. I'm a little sad that the kittens will be separated. But at least I know that Pumpkin will have a loving home.

Meditation class went well. I can't explain. I almost don't have to do anything. I meditate myself. The grace is there. The actual spirit of God is there. I feel so fortunate to be part of it. The new student , Sheryl is deep and fits in perfectly. I hope that she's able to share with her crystal child.

MKate came over for lunch to help me get ready for the kittens. I worry that they will be in pain. Then she goes to work and Luke and I take our conversation ride. We are determined to get up to speed cell phone wise and to put our home in the shape we want it to be in.

After our ride, we come home and wait for the kittens. MKate promises to come over as soon as the kittens come home. And she does. When they come over, Kris and Dana like Pumpkin and he likes them. I'm so happy. From poor, scared throw aways, out in the cold and hungry Pumpkin will be someone's special pet. I'm sad for the kittens because they'll be separated but . . . life is a coming together and a moving apart.

Oh yes. We thought that Pumpkin was male, but no . . . she's a little girl. And both kittens were neutered. I quess it's what Luke and I thought to begin with. A family had two kittens. They took care of them until they lost their home. Then, they left the kittens behind, hoping that they'd find a good home. And Pumpkin did.

I'd like to keep Greyling, the fairy Princess, but you know, Jen and Xander have allergies. I want them to be welcome in my home. I'm going to pray, pray, pray. I'm going to hope that Greyling finds a good home as well.

MKate had dinner with us. It was fun to cook together.

I spent the rest of the evening painting. I like what's happening but . . . I have to finish.

1/14-15/10 NM , Purses, Pasta and salad ,KITTENSS

O.K. Dan and Daniel came at a decent time--11:30 rather than 10:30. Lucky me. Mike didn't come on time (yay) and they waited. More work got done. I have LIGHT in my bathroom. Lots of light. All I need and more.

I get to NM early to meet Cheryl. She is late which gives me the chance to meet a guy who is fighting weight and an addiction to carbs. He is suffering from stress and he and his wife are thinking about coming to a few of my yoga classes. They live in Avon so they'd have to drive for more than 30 min to get to Mindful Movement. We'll see.

I'm interested in my work with Cherl. Her daughter, Willow (my "stage" name) is a pure crystal child. I was awed when Cherl told me how Willow is responding to yoga. Cheryl is the perfect mom for this child. I'm amazed. They have started to pray at night. Willow did a perfect pranam. No one ever showed her how. Amazing. When Cheryl told me about Willow's flow into yoga, I was speechless. (which is unusual for me) I'm excited to see how Willow responds to her new vit program. Crystal kids can be a handful.

A nice flow at NM. People to work with. Yay.

MKate came over to help me with dinner. We put together a mix of chicken and sausage with onions and veggies (and a tiny bit of garlic, Luke doesn't like it) We enjoyed the dinner and watched Jeopardy with Luke. He loved dinner as well.

I was tired.

1/16/10 Em came over this a.m. to bring cat carriers from Nicole. Monday will be the big day. Everything will change for the kittens after they are neutered and treated by the vet. Nicole will take them. We have to get them ready.

Em had breakfast with us. We talked about a lot of things. She said something very touching. We mentioned our Long Term Care insurance. She said that she and Dan hoped that we'd live with them when we got old.

When I came downstairs (with wet hair), Em had let Greyling in. She was exploring. So cute. I was worrying about Pumpkin. Would he come by in time? Would he go missing for another week or so? Em saw him at the back door, where the kittens like to enter. Now they were both in the house. I was concerned. Would they use the litter box. Would they be scared? Was Pumpkin in good health? So many questions.

The kittens were fine in the downstairs bathroom. They prefered it to roaming the house, which may have scared them. Pumpkin eats. He eats the dry food and doesn't like Fancy Feast. Good taste Pumpkin. The dry food is organic for NM.

MKate came to help me with the kittens. She has a lot of experience and they know it.

Then we went to the mall. I hurt myself and was walking very slowly. Very. In a lot of pain and kind of scared as well. MKate had to return the purse that I got her for Chirstmas. It was beautiful but not right for her. We had fun as she picked out a new purse. And people watched.

The three musketers went out for dinner at Puccini's. Yum.

KITTENS RULE

1/14/10 Changes, B-town, Family and soup

After having to beg Ricky to do the smallest thing in our house, we are thrilled that Mike and his team --the two Dan's --come and get things done. They do them well and they aren't finished until you're pleased and satisfied. They worked in my bathroom, it will be done tomorrow, and the out dated meditation room. Luke and I are excited. Very.

We got on the road a little bit later than we hoped, but within reason. The weather was warm and al most spring like. OMG. I didn't have to wear a coat. After the frigid days we've had , this was weather heaven.

Luke went inside the school to pick up Xavier. He's growing up and so much more co operative. Also capable. we were worried that we couldn't attach X's car seat. He did it in a sec. So confident. At home he did all his homework without a word. He ate one small candy and a few apple slices. Then came the big change. After homework, X put on his X11 game--Bat Man Leggo. When it was time to stop playing and get ready for dinner out, I gave X five minutes to finish up. In five he closed the game and the t.v. set. A first. Oh my. He's growing up.

We went to "Up Town." Yummy but expensive. I love their black bean spicey soup. I also had a chicken and salsa wrap. I felt it was diet friendly. Hopefully.

We had good conversation and fun. X brought toys and played nicely. Violet is so very tired at this time of night. She liked the Ruby (of Max and Ruby fame) doll that I brought her. But would have rather had the Max doll because he's the little bro and she's the little sis. She has a new friend at day care. Anyway, she did her best although she was very tired. She did eat some of her dinner and that was very good.

I was tired on the way home. I had strong tea in the restaurant, so I could drive home. Still I was tired and had to really concentrate. There was a lot of traffic on 465. I was so, so tired.

Through grace we got home safe.

I'm happy that my fav show is on tonight, "Project Runway," and after the Models show. I have to get right up after the show and jump into action. Nothing extra. I hope.

1/12 & 13/10 Pain scars, Hatha: Dr K, NM, ART

As I was getting ready for Hatha Yoga time, I heard a knock at the door. I wasn't dressed . Luke wasn't dressed. Usually we wouldn't answer an unexpected knock. Luke put on clothes and went down. I thought he should. It was Mike and Dan. OMG. I mean we were used to Ricky who promises and doesn't come. They were here. I got excited and gave up my hatha to go down and talk with them about our kitchen remodel.

Oh yes. Ideas were flying. I'm learning from t.v. what not to do and I can say no even to experts.

But that wasn't the interesting thing about the a.m. of the 12th. We sat at the table and talked. Dan began to talk about a terrible time in his life when he was severely burned. He almost died but he didn't. He fought through. I want to film his story. Then Mike shared about his terrible burn experience. I want to film his story as well. People should know you can suffer and yet survive. It's a metaphor for the suffering that everyone goes through in life--not just physical but mental and spiritual as well.

Then we had Hatha class. It was small. I'm hoping the obstacles to the growth of this class are removed and that's what I'm praying for. However, Baba used to say that you don't teach for others. You teach so you can grow. He said that if one person comes--you should teach. What's the dif if thousands come. If one person is uplifted--that changes not just that person, but also everyone that touches their life and also the world around them. Baba used to say that if you cut a branch off a tree it affects the whole world.

O.K. 1/13

This a.m. I got up earlier than usual so that I could do Hatha for myself. I missed 2 mornings.

Luke woke me up and I jumped into it. I did have time for 20 min of Hatha.

Dr K worked hard on me. I felt a lot better. He wants me to do the exercise that he gave me. I said that i'd do the exercise. It would only take 5 min in the evening. Yet again and again, I don't do it. Five minutes. Five.

I went to work. First the bank. Then the register. Sometimes I really feel inspired at the register. I was able to help a few customers and that felt good as well. Linda told me that she doesn't think Pumpkin has a health issue. I pray.

Luke called me to say that both kittens came by for food and love. Yay.

Tonight, I played a little and ate a little. Then I worked on the painting. When I picked up my brush I wanted to put the thing in the basement or paint over it. And those are the good things I wanted to do. So I thought about Bapuji with my little painting in his hands, turning it over and over. Looking at the back of the painting. I wrote on the canvass back--I love you Bapuji with a red heart. And he touched the red heart again and again. Maybe he wants me to paint from my heart.

So tonight, I came from the heart and didn't think. I can't explain. When I was utterly tired, I stopped. And you know what - - - this terribly difficult piece is coming together. A miracle.

1/11/10 call from Judy/ meditation class/ CATS are back

Just as I'm ending my Gita study, I get a call from Judy B. She wants to share a book that we've been talking about for awhile. The author is a Kali shaman, who was chosen in his native india at age 9 years. Judy went to California to study with him and found her inner Kali--her strong, spiritual voice. He talks a lot about the meaning of animals in our lives and how to spiritualize the material. So I see this is the book for me. I was happy to order a copy. It ended up that Judy had 2 books and is sending me her spare. I'm looking forward to reading it.

Judy shared some of her experiences with Amma. They were truly amazing, but not for me to share.

At the end of the summer, my last morning with Bapuji this year, most of the devotees went to a yajna. But Bapuji kept Luke and I and another couple with him. The woman was a devotee of Amma. I've read books on Amma which are fascinating and a have a piece of her sari covering my Gita. After darshan, we had breakfast in Nayna's kitchen. The woman gave me the bracelet that Amma gave to her. Now Judy has suggested that Luke and I should visit Amma this summer. Hummm.

In her book, Amma talks about healing. Maybe that's how my healing miracle will come to me.

Finally I had to hang up and get ready for class. Talking to Judy was satsang and it put me in a very peaceful state for class. We had a new student. She's naturally pita, so I was surprised when she went into a deep meditation and supported the class. The class was spiritual silk. I slipped into a deep meditation. Luckily, Luke made a sound and brought me back so I could end the class.

After class, the new student came up and asked me a question. It turns out that her daughter is Willow, my secret name. So there's a bond. Willow is a crystal child, very amazing and very difficult to raise . I'm excited to work with Cheryl on creating a nurturing atmosphere for Willow to be all she can be.

MKate came over for lunch. She was going to help me find my kittens. We decided to eat and then drive around looking for the kittens. Luke went into the house first and he yelled out--it's the kittens, they're here. We were so excited. Luke brought the kittens in the house right away. Greyling loves him and kissed his nose right away. Pumpkin looks a little thin. I'm worried.

They ate outside. Pumpkin ate a few bites and then went for a drink. He's thirsty all the time. That worries me. Greyling ate the whole thing herself. It was a lot of food. She ate a whole can of Fancy Feast with 1/2 cup of crunchies and two vits. She was hungry poor kid.

The 18th is their day to visit the vet. I hope that Pumpkin is healthy. Luke and I have to have the kittens ready for surgery at 7:00 a.m. on the 18th which means that we have to keep them in the house. Somehow. God will really have to be behind this.

I spent the rest of the day doing house things--laundry and etc. It's nice to get chores done. I'm looking forward to organizing the house. We're starting next week.

1/10/20 NM, MKate's cast party

Got to NM to find a mess. Matt was really sick with a bad headache and etc. The front register was broken, leaving us with only the 2nd register. This meant that the person checking people out had to go between register 2 and register 1 --for every sale. Even for a person in perfect health it would have been a long day. For me the extra walking was very hard, and very tiring.

By the time the day was over, I was exhausted. The day went well, but I was not ready to go to the party.

MKate has spent the past month getting ready for the store Christmas Party which always takes place in January. I wasn't about to miss it.

I rested until my ankle felt better and then Luke and I were off to party land. I got a cute large gift bag that held all the many pairs of socks. I put the gift certificate to MKate and Jeff's fav restaurant--Oakleys.

When I got to MKate and Jeff's house, people were already eating their salads. No problem. I ate two salads and was ready for the main dish right along with everyone else. I'm a rabbit.

The salad was yum with walnuts and dried cranberries.

The main dish was MKate's special herb rubbed fish with Jeff's pasta bake, and veggies. Lots of sweet, delicious carrots. I had a little ham as well for flavor. And I didn't go too far off my diet--if you don't count 2 glasses of white wine. This wine was really great.

MKate surprised everyone with a fun game. Everyone picked a number. Starting with 1 people got to choose a gift from a plastic tub. Gag gifts. If you didn't like your gift, you could force an exchange with someone else. A lot of fun.

Dessert was amazing. Key lime pie with home made whipped cream and vanilla ice cream. The best.

I presented the gifts to MKate. The shakti started to flow. You could see it. Three people in the room had Bapuji's darshan. The atmosphere heated up. People started laughing in that special way. Then Luke played his violin, which he never does at parties. He wanted to honor these very giving and very special people.

1/9/10 No Cats, Target, dinner/movie w Em & Bobby

Oh. Ohhhhh. No Kittens. I can't talk about it.

I got everything done this a.m.

I still needed a few things for tomorrow's party. I went to Target and was able to get all and stuff that Luke and I needed. I like Target. You can get what you need for a medium or even a small price. To me, Target is like an alien world. People coming and going. Up and down the isles. It's interesting. Faces intent on a mission.

I had to get home early. We were meeting Em and Bobby early for a nice dinner and a movie. We went to Kona Jack's in Carmel. I love the dark atmosphere, the giant fish tank and the feeling of affluence. Everyone like their meal. The impskies chose mine. I need to listen to those angelites and give them strength.

We went to "It's Complicated. " with Meryl Streep, Steven Martin and Alec Baldwin (all the roles were perfectly acted). Alec Baldwin was the best. I couldn't believe the richness of his interpretation. GO see this movie.

Now I'm tired. Very.

1/8/09 Pancakes w B and K-NM- Cats-Art

I got all my hatha done by 11:00. Kevin and Becky had to be on time because they have to leave for Chicago. We go . . . yes . . . to the Pancake House. And there Becky upholds tradition by ordering chocolate chip pancakes with extra butter. Kevin and I order the Sunrise Special but with pancakes and not toast. The coffee is hot and good and the waitress is really good. Everything including catsup gets on our table in time. It's a good ending for a happy visit.

We don't see Greyling and we are all disappointed. I haven't seen Pumpkin in a long time. I'm thinking about the lesson. Everyone who said they might give her a home has backed out. Again the lesson.

In the bank, things go quickly. It's not crowded. Back at the store, I get to work on the Solgar order. I'm working fast to finish as much as possible before I have to leave. MKate asked me to leave at 6 instead of 5--that worked for the work that had to be done. And Luke didn't mind--much. Before I leave a customer comes in with similar skin outbreaks like the kind I have. I felt bad for him and stayed to help him out. He's just gone through a nasty, painful divorce which brought on his rashes and eczema. I invite him to my yoga classes which are so relaxing. He's from India (he's a shik) and he takes a flyer. I think he'll really come to class. Sometimes, people say they'll come. They swear they will and they don't. But . . . I think that he will. Time will tell.

At home, I find out that I have no more time. I'll have to finish the art project NOW. Well tomorrow.

1/7/10 SNOWED IN. YAY.

I looked out the window and snow was falling and falling and falling. Luke and I decided not to go to Btown with Becky and Kevin. I had a feeling that MKate was right about my car. Once she pointed it out, I heard a grumble in the car and felt it shaking. Well, it was only shaking a little, but I didn't want a sudden break down on the road to or worse--from B town.

The kids came over for bruch. Luke made his special eggs and coffee. I was the beneficiary of a great 2nd cup of coffee. We talked and had fun conversations. It's great to see Becky so happy in her life and with a loving and accepting husband. In many ways, she's a whole new daughter. She looks beautiful. Happiness does that.

After a while, they left for Btown. Luke took my car into the muffler shop. He was also in charge of getting heat for the cars and filling up my tank with gas. I mean it's cold. So cold. Are we in Alaska or what? I haven't seen Pumpkin for three days and now I haven't seen Greyling. Where are they I worry?

About three, Greyling shows up again. I can't open the darn back door and she's waiting. I ask her to come around front and then I go fix her food. She dry food is not to be found. I open a can of wet food and add . . . dog food. She won't be able to eat it. (the two dog treats, she'll eat the Fancy Feast with no problem). When I get to the door, she is scared by a snow plow truck and runs off without eating. I feel bad, but what can I do.

I am able to straighten up the house, but Luke and I have a lot of work to do. Getting rid of what we don't use --so someone else can take advantage of it. And organizing what we do want.

I'm excited.

Tomorrow the kids go home to the East. Now, Luke is officially on sabatical. Here's what I think. If we're going to accomplish anything during this time, we have to make a plan and keep to it. ( more or less).

Our late friend, Phillip, was a famous therapist. He gave me a piece of advice. "Don't let anything be your master. Stay with a shedule but don't let it run you." Well those aren't his words. But those are his thoughts. I was so anal about my Hatha Yoga, as though I'd actually die if I didn't do my asanas every single morning of my life. You know, he was right. Gosh, I haven't thought of Phillip in years. We visited him a few times. I think he lived in Springfield.

missed 5-6/10 visit with Becky and Kevin

Tue 1/5/10 Went to breakfast with Becky and Kevin. Le Peep. The coffee was good. We talked about fur people and told jokes. It was fun.

When I am with my kids, I learn a lot of lessons about accepting humans as they are. And I'm sure that they learn the same with me. You can't grow if you hang around people who are just like you.

Sometimes, I'm sharp with people who push my buttons. With adult kids that isn't cool. At least not to me. So I step back and think and learn. Maybe I should do this more.

In the New Year, I want to grow into a deeper , calmer, more spiritual person. Come closer to God and the Saints.

Becky and Kevin have three cats. They just added a huge kitten. He weighs 13 lbs and growing. So far they are living in different states--Kevin in Ohio and Becky in New Jersey, but they are hoping to join forces soon. Then the 3 cats will have to learn to tolerate each other as house mates.

My outdoor cat, Greyling, came to call. When we came home from breakfast, she was on the roof trying to get into the house. Becky and Luke let her in an upstairs window. She loves being in the house and it's a shame that we can't bring her into the family. She and Becky got on like old friends. Greyling is so sweet and beautiful. I hope that I can find a home for her soon. The weather is getting sooo cold. She deserves her own family.

I taught class. Two new students. Very sweet. A young dancer and her husband. They live in Indy but still go to I.U. so they can't become regular members of the class. Maybe we'll see them now and again.

Becky and Kevin cooked dinner for Em and Bobby.

1/6/10 Getting colder. Greyling comes to eat in the afternoon, but not after. She usually eats twice.

I go to Dr K. He works on me for what seems like a long time. I've had some sore places in my back. Who knows.

Jessica (new at NM) was bitten by a spider. She couldn't be at work. I was supposed to go in early, but Kay knew that my daughter was in town for only a short while. She covered for me so Becky, Kevin and I could have lunch and visit.

Becky and I had fun. We redecorated a room in Durga's (on line pet)mansion. And mostly laughed. I'm glad to have someone to share Pet Society with.

I went to work late and stayed a bit later as well. When I came home, Em was here. I had most of dinner from Boston Chicken. I still wanted to make veggies and some veggie dishes for Em and Becky who are vegetarian. The dinner turned out well. Everyone had enough to eat. We laughed and told jokes. We talked about old times.

I haven't seen Pumpkin in days. Greyling didn't show up for her evening meal. I hope that she'll come by tomorrow. Kris and Dana may take her. I hope. Jahana also said that she might take the one kitty. You notice that I've given up looking for a home for both together.

1/4/09 Cold. Kittens. Conversation. Family dinner

Usually our bedroom is warm and I kick off my covers in the middle of the night. Tonight the air was frigid. I worry about the kittens. I pray that they find a way to keep warm. I have two beds for them but I don't think they use them.

I get ready for the morning. No time for my Hatha. It's the first meditation class since the holidays. I have chosen a reading from Eknath Eswaran. It's about what you desire and what your deepest desires will bring to you. The key word is detachment. It goes along with my Gita reading --you are entitled to work, but not to the fruits. Here too the key word is detachment.

The class settles me in a deep and peaceful way.

MKate comes for lunch. She sees the kittens playing near a backyard barn. I am relieved. They made it through the night and MKate (who knows almost everything) doesn't think that Greyling is pregnant. Thank God. I make Cambell's chicken soup to warm us up. Then I fixed tuna melts with Eunices sweet pickle slices and a slice of Swiss. So the kittens were eating wet food. MKate and I were eating warm soup and tuna melts. Luke ate in the car.

Then Luke and I went off for our Conversation Ride. Every marriage needs a time to talk about hot subjects and then . . . . not talk them to death afterwards. That's where trust in God and each other comes in, and that's where taking the witness position becomes your best friend. We talk about our cell phone issues. Luke doesn't like technology. I used to be mad at him. Lately I've been giving him the right not to like carrying a cell phone. I think he has to do it out of respect for me and for himself as well. But I can understand.

OK. We're in a department store. I'm in one section and he's in another. I want to show him something or to tell him that I'll be in a dressing room. He isn't carrying his cell phone so it gets messy and time consuming and tense.

We were going to do chores but it's so cold that we didn't feel up to it. We went home to rest a little. Kevin called to say that he and Becky were close to Indy. Em and Bobby decided to meet us at Amber Indian at 7 pm, and wait for Kev and Becky.

By the time Luke and I got to the restaurant, the others were there laughing and having fun. We love Amber Indian. I've found that I can eat Tandore shrimp and stay with my diet (as long as I eat small amounts of rice and etc). This time, Kev ordered the most fattening appetizer possible--batter dipped and deep fried onions and veggies. I has some but not too much. I think I'll be ok on the scale tomorrow.

We laughed and told jokes and talked mostly about fun things. I told the Pope/Rabbi joke that Matt told me. I messed it up again, but people find that funnier than the original joke AND I was able to continue on.

1/3/10 NMarket, Matt, and Dinner w Bobby and Em

I got my whole a.m. rountine done. I wasn't happy at the scale. After meeting my first goal just before New Years Eve, the impskies won and jumped off the diving board of eating--pizza, chocolate. I'm proud that I got on the scale this a.m. I knew I wouldn't be happy, but ok, I did it and there was no doubt who would be in charge today.

I was happy to get to NMarket. I knew that the weather would keep some people away. I would stay home myself. But I came in the door ready to play. One of my old yoga students, Mary, from St L's came in. She had a lot of problems. One was similar leg cramps to those Luke had. I put her on some of the nutrients that he takes. She didn't know that Luke and I left St L's. She was surprised to hear it, but happy for us that we were going in a direction that was better for us.

Matt and I also had some very, very strange customers. One woman came in for hair nutrients. And yes, her hair was stringy. She has been sick, but she's strange. Very. Matt helped her. She wasted all his time and then even gave back the expensive samples he gave her. She ran for it, taking her stringy hair with her.

The other super strange thing that happened was a customer that barely speaks. He comes in most every Sunday. Today he stopped between Matt and my register. He began a long monologue. We did not know what he was trying to bring out. He asked us if we remembered what he wore last Sunday or the kind of bag we gave him. Honestly, I was a little scared and began to pray. In the end, all this man wanted was to exchange his Vit B -1 with another vit B that was only 5 cents more expensive. Also, he did not have his vit B-1 in his car as he thought, so he had to drive home (not close by) to get it.

At the end of the day, Matt and I made a little over $1,000, which for this weather rocked.

Luke and I met Em, Bobby and Evan for dinner at Puccinis. I did very well. I got herbal tea, followed by a chicken salad and a child's portion of pasta under tomato sauce. We had fun as always. It was fun to hear about the trip to California. They saw a lot of interesting sights and ate in the same restaurant as two stars (not big ones and I've already forgotten both their names.) After dinner, Bobby and Evan went home. Em stayed for a few more minutes and I told her the joke that Matt shared with me. It's a very, very funny joke about the Pope and a Rabbi. Before I started Em and Luke were joking that I'd forget the punch line. I JUST hear this joke and I practiced in the car. I was sure I'd remember it. What do you think. Just when I was going along great--I forgot the punch line. Em started to laugh. But I got back on the horse, and managed to tell it all. Luke and Em laughed so I guess I did a good job.

1/2/10 Cats, Shopping, and Movies

This morning I went looking for the cats. It's bitter cold out and I wanted to fix their house with more straw and to feed them wet food and coconut oil to help them weather the cold. Pumpkin was waiting for me on the porch. I went in to fix his food. He went to get Greyling. He's such an amazing cat. He stood aside and let Greyling eat her fill. She is the most beautiful cat. Her fur gets more and more interesting color wise.

After breakfast, I went shopping. OMG it's cold. Frigid. I decided to go to one place only. We needed staples like mayo and catsup. So I chose Target. And yes I got everything I needed. I'll have to get Veronie's book on Monday.

Coming out of Target it was so terribly cold. I thought, how grateful am I that I have a warm car and a warm, comfortable house. Thank you, God.

MKate came over early to help create a warm space for the kittens. She had a cat matress filled with seeds that hold the warmth. One of my favorite things about MKate is that she loves animals. She cares. It's not just words. And she may have found a place for the kitties to live more safely. I guess I'm happy for them. But really not. They are such amazing pets--so sweet and intelligent and loving and beautiful. Please God bring them a real home.

While MKate fixed the heated water bowl for the birds and the cats, I made the pop corn treat.

We had dinner at Noodles. Yummm. Then we went to the movie theatre and oh no. There was no room at the Inn. The theatre was crowded and the shows we would have seen were filled.

So we went to the video store and bought a few fun videos.

1/1/10 Breakfast w Rain and co, Super hero;s w Xavier

Yesterday Luke and I drove to Btown. The weather which could have been snowy was sunny, dry and perfect.

We met Rain, Ry, Xavier and Violet at Max's Pizza, Bloomington. Max's had a New Years Eve party for littles. There was a band just for kids, but nice for adults as well. We sat with some of Rain's friends and their littles. There were kids that Xavier knew in pre-school. Valerie was the partner in crime with Xavier in their pre-school days. Her little sister, Annabella is Val's little sis. She's 4 and loves Violet and they play so well together. It's interesting how early the mother instinct comes up in little girls.

After the kids party, Xavier went to another party. Violet was tired and went up to bed. After she was asleep, Rain and Ry had champagne and we watched one of our old fav's, "Dr Detroit." Strange that Luke and I talked about that movie on the ride up to B town, and said how we'd love to see it again.

Okay. Today. The first day of the new year. Our hotel was excellent. We want to stay there again. After showers, we met Rain and co at The Rencible Spoon. It was so crowded. Not many places were open. I was glad that they were opened for our celebration. Xavier was tired. He played games with Rain's phone and that seemed to settle him. But, he wouldn't give it up when asked. Rain let it go. I was glad. He was tired and needed to be settled. Violet seemed tired as well. She didn't fuss but she could have easily. I gave her 4 Bach Flower pastiles. Gummies always go over. With me as well.

The food was so yum. And the atmosphere as well. Such a wide variety of people. Interesting. A glow of creativity. Thier best is coffee. Fresh strong amazing coffee. A happy drink.

After breakfast we went to Rain's. I hung out with X, which sometimes means sitting with him while he plays viedo games. Well, games on the WII. Luke is usually in a big hurry to get home and work. Today he chilled and played scrabble with Rain. Violet watched Max and Ruby on t.v. with her daddy.

Peace and family love. What a blessing. What grace. A fab way to start 2010.