Too many decisions

Have you felt like we have too many
 decisions to make these days.

Dona Anderson

Back in the Summer I took on the task of reducing some of the old Christmas Cards in the cabinet.

I was surprised that they went back over 20 years. The Box was full.

Each one was opened and read and 2 piles were made - one for keeping and the others were for leaving, though it was hard to make that second pile. 

It was nice to see some family names of ones no longer here and pictures given out for children that are now adults. I loved the art and drawings of the grandchildren along with the big letters when they were just learning to make the words.  

I also loved how beautiful many of the cards were and from the pile I only had 2 that were the same. 

Christmas cards have greatly reduced over the years due to the newer ways to communicate and each year we get fewer in our mailbox. But I still do love to get a few and think that we're remembered by others after many years apart.

  This is my Card box. 

  yes it's a special box I've kept that had tea in it from Oprah for  attending her live event in Seattle years ago.

 The Tea was Great and so was the event!

 So when I was doing this post I thought of the one I wrote  last  spring - 

Here's the link. post I wrote about boxes.  

What's in Your boxes?

PS. I had to share this photo from last year.

Timing really is important.

Our Westie Girl Kelsie has many beds and she loves this spare one for some reason so every once in a while if the door is open she'll go and snuggle with the pillow and at Christmas I put out these teddies for fun.

In the photo below that's her hiding with the Christmas Teddies.

It was so cute how she played innocent and looked the other way.  

Thankfully she stayed there long enough for me to get the camera.

                     Must Love Dogs in this house.!

That's it for today. 

New posts every Tuesday so please visit again and check out the Archives for over 700 past posts you to view, save & share - more decisions. 😊

Wellness  resources at the link above.

Have a great day and stay well and safe over the holidays. 

🎄

ebook available at this link 

Celebration of Life.

 

Remembering lives well lived.

Dona Anderson

After living here long enough to become a senior I was very glad to join one and then 2 senior centers that are full of activities and people who are enjoying this time of their lives by getting out to be with others, share stories, laughs, do activities like music, choir, cards, crafts and lots more. 

It often feels like family outside of home.

The sad part is when you learn someone can't attend anymore or have passed away.

In the last few years we've had several friends not connected to the centers pass so we knew about their lives and became part of their activities but at the center you may just know them from the activity you both attend and some days a hi or how are you may be all the time you get for conversation. 

But even that can bring a big shared smile on your faces each time you meet again.

"A Friendly greeting or acknowledgment can create a feeling of welcoming and belonging and let someone know you care"  

This last year has had even more sadness ... some years are harder than others.

I've learned a lot about their lives since from the paper, and I'm amazed at the stories. Many moved across continent's, countries and one lady moved 20+ times.

Many were quite active in volunteering, hobbies and supporting others. 

One lady at 89 was still driving and loved reading, being on the computer and doing activities  to support her self care. 

I noticed they didn't complain much even when they certainly could have.

I noticed they were always happy to get out, see others, and join in however they could.

And, they all seemed to be happy with what they could do more than talk about what they couldn't. 

The stories all seemed to show a busy full adventurist life that led them to this community to retire and for some to find the work they loved the best. 

Each had a life very well lived,

and we'll miss them all.

 PS.  Quote above is from the meditation Words to be savored and treasured on page 75, in my book Moving Forward from the Heart.

Todays quiet place to rest.

Bye for today & take care.

You never know how a small injury will affect your life.  I hurt my finger back in July and was told it would take months to heal - coming up to month 4 soon.  

Missing my activities and friends.

 

Mr. Bojangles - Nitty Gritty Dirt Band - [With Lyrics]

Do you have songs that make you cry?

The Ugly Cry.

I DO - this is often one of them.

Dona Anderson

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In my guitar groups music books there are 2 songs that make me cry.

This one and the other is Puff the Magic Dragon.

I love them both but ...

Some days the tears just start to come.

Then it's Quick - find a tissue as tears are running down my face and I need to blow my nose. 

I wonder who else has songs

 that do the same to them for
whatever reason ...

I used to be very sensitive,

much worse than now.  

I couldn't listen or watch some things because the ugly cry would swell my eyes up so bad I just had little slits to see out of the next morning.

Sometimes it was embarrassing especially when we were out at movies or concerts. 

The people beside me weren't always appreciative. 

And, I really felt bad when others told me their problem/story and would apologize that I was sad/tearing up.

Do us sensitive ones ever lose it or

is it just how we're suppose to be. 

Google can Help. 

There's questions & responses to help about

crying if you want to check that out.  

There are even Benefits listed.

I guess I need that cry every once in awhile

which was the second I added Tilly's photo in here.

My first photo message back in 2012 - Miss you beautiful  Scottie Girl.

 Her heart was very Kind & Happy.

Thanks for your visit.

New posts every Tuesday.

Together we're sharing Wellness around
the World - links for sharing below.

PS. I hope I'm not alone in this crying thing and Hopefully

 one day we can get back to those before Covid activities.

You're part of my 107,600 + Reasons

2 Birthdays this Fall,

the other is coming in November.

Dona Anderson

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Thanks to You 

My Blog turns 10 this month

You're my 107,600 + reasons - each one of You.💚😊

You and the other viewers around the World inspire me to keep going every week.

Over 600 Posts

Your sharing with others around the World helps me know we all have the same wants and needs to be happy, healthy and enjoy our lives the best we can. 

I never imagined all that it

has become over the years.

It  was initially created for the 100 travelling books I sent out in 2010.

I just remember reading the instructions to create the Blog and I got to the point where they told me to just write something and hit the publish button - I was so scared. 

Those first posts were not great and it took a few years to figure out the how and what - what I could do, how and the when.

I never imagined I would still be here 10 years later writing and sharing with all of you.

When I look back over the pages of titles, I have forgotten what lots are about, some bring up memories and a few bring tears.  

Here's some info on the travelling books.

Take a look at this last post I wrote about

the 100 Travelling Books

Links for Sharing below.

Take Care

I hope you'll continue  to

visit and be part of my

Dream to send everyday

Wellness around the World.

Get your email link to next weeks post,

just a few steps & watch for the email next Tuesday.

Subscribe to Dona Anderson by Email

Working on the next 100,000 views!

Bye for now.

PS. Hop on over to the 

Archives & take a look.
Have Fun.

The TOP 3 revealed.

Here's the Top 3

Thank You, thank you!

I love to share with You music videos, Ted Talks, other info & videos but I'm very happy to say they weren't in my top 3. 

Excepts from both my books took 1 & 2 spot and the other I wrote using my photo from Hawaii for inspiration.

Dona Anderson
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Hope you enjoy these Gifts again from me to You.

           # 1 From 2016 

Come along ... see what happens 

From Simply, One Breath At a Time.

This post continues to show up in my stats everyday. 

Over 23,000 views.

     

   

#2 from 2017

#3 also from 2017

Thanks for being here

 - a Gift for You

From Moving Forward from the Heart                         

    This isn't a Labyrinth

Check these out at the Links above.

Have Fun and visit the archives to find Your Favorites.

You can also use the labels below to help.

New posts every Tuesday.

The next ones coming up maybe just what you're waiting for.

These inspiring, nourishing, nurturing
& unique meditations

open the body mind and soul.

More info at this link.

Did you Subscribe yet?

See what supports you over time.

Discover the types of things You need.

Subscribe to Dona Anderson by Email
it's just a couple of steps to follow.
no cost - you just get to enjoy.

Looking after Ourselves in a Changing World

Self Care,

One of our most important Jobs

Dona Anderson

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But often it's the last on our List.

Taking care of ourselves is one of the best things we can do for ourselves, our family, friends, neighbors our co workers and those we meet when we're out living our life.

We can't give to others what we don't have whether it's love, kindness, respect, peace, time, happiness, help, compassion, smiles or our being healthy ...

Hanging out with our Friends

I had a bad cold back in February that took me out for over 3 weeks.

While I was stuck at home I missed my friends at Tai Chi on Mondays,  Guitar on Tuesdays and Wednesdays, and my Cello lesson on the Sundays.

I didn't only miss them but they wondered where I was as well.

The Hi's & how are you's, the little jokes, the smiles, thank you's and the goodbye's affect us all. 

We all want to see each other the next time.

A few weeks later the coronavirus started to arrive in this part of the world and life was changed. 

The World was changed. 

Thankfully quickly came the closures, distancing, isolating and staying at home.

While I'm safe at home I could be doing the spring cleaning and other projects that get put off but I don't. 

Right now, the cleaning and projects don't seem important.

It's hard not the think of all the people affected in so many ways from loss of lives to loss of jobs and pay, to all the work of the Health Care Workers, and the many many others involved to keep us safe, informed and supported.

A friend asked me a few weeks ago if I thought the isolation and limited contact with others would help us come together more after it's over. 

I don't know the answer but, I hope so.   

In the beginning we'll all be happy and excited to get out again but later, when a different normal settles upon our life - will we be more kind, communicative, friendly, welcoming.

Or will there be a holding back, a wondering of what's next, a feeling of carrying another Stress around on our shoulders ...

I can only feel right now that whether it's at work, chatting with the neighbors, being with family or out at activities that we all need those personal connections and we'll need even more help, kindness, understanding, gratitude, support and love as the whole World grieves.

We do need to be with and see others - know they care, we care, that we're welcomed, they're welcomed, we're missed and they're  missed.

We all need to see those smiles and acknowledgments that let us know we need each other.

Please let us get back together and no one is missing.

My hope is that we will come to a greater understanding that this World is home to all of us - and a lot of changes to support all life and this planet are greatly needed. 

Please stay safe and well to help the Helpers

Thank You to the Health Care Workers, 
and the many others around the World 
who are working very hard to
help keep all of us safe and supported.  
💚

Often from disasters there comes new discoveries, learning, ideas, leaders, changes in medicine, standards, response and recovery, new friendships and other things. 

 Let's hope many come from this. 



Let's all relax for a few moments and sing ... 
I can hear all your beautiful voices. 

New post every Tuesday.

Links below for sharing 

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Christmas List - Pet version

Lucy has her own Holiday Wish List

Dona Anderson
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She even has her own stocking for Santa.

Can't forget the rest of the family at this time of year.

We LOVE you sweet Scottie girl.

Here's what's on Her List

Hi, I'm Lucy

Resting ... by the fireplace ✅
Cuddling ... in the blankets ✅
Cookies ... maybe new ones to try out ✅
Walk ... need exercise  after cookies ✅ 
Treats ... leftovers from the fridge ✅
Gifts ... maybe a new stuffy ✅
Visitors ... more pats and kisses ✅
Supper ... loves a bit of turkey gravy  & even better with peas added to my dish ✅

Love it that we get to be
 part of all her wishes.

Last one - Play in the snow ... We can't help with this one Lucy but hoping you do get to play in the snow - it makes you so ... happy.  


She wants to know if you see her eye?

This post was Lucy approved!

New Years wish -
More of the same. 

Our Summer surprise - We have a new girl in the house, a beautiful 5 year old Westie (West Highland White Terrier) girl Kelsie. 

that's me, Kelsie

I hope she likes the Christmas holidays and we're looking forward to see what she likes about Winter.

We'll have fun making new memories, wish lists and taking pictures of them both for next year.

I do know that anything food related, tummy and back rubs, and Sunshine would be on her list. 

She loves going for a walks, and faces to kiss. 

*** Lucy says she already got the best gift this year - 

a new Sister. 

Thanks for your visit.

Please take care of you this busy time of year and keep the pets warm.

It sometimes take a Village

A Sweet Story to warm your Heart 

from the Bird and Man Kingdom

This story is from a couple years ago but is one with no time restriction.

As I only do one post a week, I often have ones still as ideas, some started and others scheduled and in the line up.

Finally, I get to share this story.  

It starts with a friend of my husbands, Rod, who's also a lover of the little humming birds that live here year round and sometimes need a little help.

This baby fell out of its nest and Rod found him due to the mother making a huge fuss.

He didn't know where the nest was in the trees or bushes so set up a common place for the Mom to visit. 

Rod kept his feeders full for the Mom and other Hummers as I call them and during the day put the baby outside on a chair with a fluffy towel to keep it warm.  There the Mom could see the little one and luckily came often to feed baby hummer.  They were talking to each other lots so I guess that kept them calm.

At night he would bring it inside out of the cold but put it right at the patio door where the Mom could see the little one.   So this became the daily routine.

Then came the Problem - maybe not.

Rod had to go away and needed helpers to keep this going.

It soon became the photo op and how's the little one doing for his friends and neighbors who became caregivers to keep the feeders full and transport the baby in and out of the house and the care watchers  during the day kept the area safe from passing birds and other critters. 

I can't imagine how the baby and Mom were so comfortable to feed while helpers were often close by sitting quietly on guard and sometimes had to put baby back up on his chair.

The trust shown by baby & Mom was just - well I don't know the words to explain it so I'm not going to try. 

Then the day came when the little one managed to fly up into the trees ...

This ends the Story on the Man side.

It was time to be continued on the Bird side.

thanks for your visit.

I hope you enjoyed the Summer of Music and now we're back to normal posts again. If you missed some scroll down or find them on the right in the archives.

Now we're in September and it always seems to bring us back to our regular routines again so stay tuned as lots more posts are in the works to carry us through the months ahead.

If you liked this little story, keep it going -
Links to comment & share below.

Dona Anderson
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the labels at the bottom of the post. 

Yoga for the Soul

What does that mean?

I don't know...

Dona Anderson

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photo & message by Dona Anderson

I have been using these four words many times over the years I've been practicing and teaching Yoga. 

Yoga for the Soul

I said I didn't know what it means above because I think it could be something different for each of us.

And, now there are so many different kinds of Yoga.

There's the old traditional types and new ones pop up all the time.  Whatever style it is there's always things to learn and try out, which helps to keep us coming back.

For me, I'm happy I grew up in times where nothing much changed for years so we were more relaxed and knew what tomorrow was about.  That well used response to what have you been doing, "same old" was kind of like a nice deep breath.

Yoga and I finally came together 20 years ago and I decided to put teacher training on my to do list to learn more after we moved here.

I love sharing what I can with others in my age group that like me need a gentle class because we usually hurt in various places.

Lucky for me, I have a small room in our home and lots of props and things to entertain us.

Through the years I have had the privilege to share and be part of some pretty special changes on the mat that also flowed off the mat into ones life as well.

In Yoga we talk about the purpose of our poses, and how they help us build connection, awareness, presence, gratitude, acceptance, focus and so much more.

What I got to witness over the years was "My Ladies" learning about their bodies, their breath, that they had toes, how the body feels with a smile rather than a frown, that we just do what we can that day and letting go, resting and  looking after ourselves is not doing nothing. 

In the classes we grew in strength of

body, mind & soul. 

We all grew in knowing our body and being grateful for the gains and understanding the days we needed to nourish and nurture. 

We grew to recognize and pause for past hurts in our lives that maybe went unnoticed and needed to be resolved.

We grew in compassion for ourselves that enables us to pass it on to others.

We learned to appreciate our differences and not try to do something someone else could do better that we didn't want to do or couldn't. There were no prizes for perfect poses, or that long list of what I did that day before I got to class.

We learned to relax and look forward to resting on the floor and take that feeling out into our days that we can relax and just breathe almost anywhere.

We learned to listen to different kinds of music and hear unfamiliar words and not be uncomfortable with them.

We used drums, singing bowls, rang bells and used kids toys to make music, have fun, laugh and relax. 

We learned that our differences do not hold us back, they help us learn.

We learned about paying attention to our whole body, being present, and pausing in between things.

We laughed and supported each other through changes in health, life and any other topic that needed 2 or 3 minutes or more that day. 

OK, I guess I answered my Question.

Whatever draws You to the mat -
Whatever kind of Yoga you choose,

Thank You for making a difference in your life & World.

Have a wonderful day.  

I'll be back here again next week.

Until then you can Visit my 
Facebook Wellness Page 
for lots more ...

Life Lessons From 100-Year-Olds

A Good Title

better than this one - 
I learn a lot from Funerals.

Dona Anderson

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Here goes ...

I never thought of Funerals as a place for learning but I always seem to come away with something.

Something seems to stick or I'm reminded to slow down, go out more, visit,  travel or something else that feels lost or missing due to those too often used words, I'm BUSY.

I guess that's what the regrets list is about but since we're still living we have a chance to change that list about our life.

I hope we can think about this for a few minutes. 

Watch the video and then let's see what we can do.

Some Things I've learned

Friends are Friends - age has nothing to do with it.

Enjoy others Friends & Family for the time they spend with you and let go of the time they didn't.

True friends come over even when they know the house is always a mess. 

Try not to let bad weather, illness and old age limit visiting your family and friends. They may not be able to express their appreciation but you'll see it in their eyes, smiles and warm hearts.

Relax and just be there if that's all you can do. Sitting and being with someone else is Huge. Listening to their Stories is Huge even it you've heard it 20 times.

Can't make the old fashioned family suppers anymore - order take out. Have it delivered.  Get someone to spread it out and ENJOY!

Cherish those who enjoy and want to be with you.

Go around your neighborhood and find new friends.

Welcome those who stop by.

Invite someone over for tea, to share a meal or take them some leftovers or dessert.  Make a big pot of soup and share it. 

Ask questions and find out about other peoples life, where they lived, their friends.  I have been so surprised to find out that we shared places and people with others when you ask questions.

When I grew up we didn't talk about those who passed but we have to keep them with us and remind ourselves of the good or bad things. It's good to share their stories with family. Give your kids and grandchildren some sense of their family history.

Life has changed and troubles/problems change very fast.

We all have to be appreciated and work through what is going on in our time as well as understanding someone else's time.

We all need to be loved and appreciated for just being here.

Smile and laugh lots.

Tell others you love them often so they know it in case you don't get the chance again.

One day, you won't get another chance to say I love you or Good-Bye.

check out my Facebook page for lots more

Thank YOU for your visit.

Links to share below.

Take Care!

15 Years wasn't long Enough.

Chloe 

Warning this is about -

Loss of a pet

Tear jerker

The Ugly Cry

Tears of Love

That about describes it all

Dona Anderson
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This is what I shared on FB at the time

Yesterday Chloe traded her wheels in for wings to Fly.
I believe in doggy heaven
I believe in doggy angels
I believe in friends to meet you and Love you
I believe that we'll see you later
Go forward Beautiful girl.
You will be and have all of these.
We are so lucky you picked us to Love you.for 15 years and forever.
We Love you so.....much Mom Dad & Lucy.❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️


It's been six months now and while the hurt softens it's still there as we remember our last kisses.

Chloe our beautiful West Highland White (Westie) girl had to leave us.

For 15 wonderful years we had the privilege to look after and love her. But the loving never stops and it's the love that hurts - it has no place to go.

In our hearts we still hold her close by and remember all the travelling we did, the cuddles under the covers, the kisses, the tricks to get more cookies, the smiles she gave out to others on our walks, and watching her personality come out as a terrier and a best friend.

She didn't care about getting dirty when a hole needed to be dug, that maybe she shouldn't be licking our friends toes that always tasted so good, and turkey gravy,  tuna water or rice and peas were always the favorite extras to her supper bowl.

When they're puppies they try to go fast to see what's ahead and it was nice to see her slow down, stop to look around, and as they say, smell the roses.

Luckily we have our Scottie girl Lucy to hold on to but she didn't know where Chloe went so she was also very sad and lonely.

Where's my sister? Who am I going to eat and sleep with?

I've never been alone before...

Over time we stop crying as often, lessen the reminders around the house and think of her up in Heaven with her doggy friends and a few people who also Loved her so that helps a bit.

I noticed that because we're retired, home more and travelled a lot with the dogs we are attached even more to them and the places she slept summer & winter are now all empty.

We also got to dog sit their friends so more dogs to love and remember.

Many people say when their pets pass they can't get another because the loss was too hard on them.  I get it but for me now, not having a pet to cuddle would be even harder. Later when our Lucy passes we may be too old but I hope we will partner with someone to be the dog sitters, walkers or whatever we can to keep sharing the love we have to give and getting the love they give.

Cuddles and walking are wonderful Stress reducers.

Several years back when we lost our Scottie girl Tilly I wrote about how life changed and about telling our stories. I guess we've been reliving some of that again and I often go back to this post to feel close to her again.  Here it is if you want to read it.  For us dog lovers we all seem to connect at these times as we all know how the loss deeply affects us.

Keeping the Heart open is often really hard but that's where the 
Love and Memories live.

Salton Sea California

Please give your pets an extra HUG for me, thanks.

Thanks for listening.

Want your Book

Want your Book

was the subject line on an email

Dona Anderson

It was a wonderful surprise to get this very interesting email.

Domenica was introduced to my book Simply, One Breath At a Time at a yoga retreat and wanted a copy.  After much searching she finally found a used copy and contacted me wanting another copy for her partner.

She said they loved the meditations and also seemed very happy the copy she got was signed.

I let her know I would for sure send another copy and also that I had a second book and a Blog she could check out.

Upon hearing back she let me know they wanted a copy of both books.  So when all the details were settled off went a package with the 2 signed books and I put a CD in as a gift for them.

You know how some things that are suppose to be easy often aren't. 

The package went off heading east for the almost 4,200 Km into the US. 

We waited for delivery, and waited, then I contacted the Post Office.

It arrived at some point in the next town and then got lost (??). I'm glad I added tracking on to the postage.

The Post Office said we'd have to wait longer to see if the package was found so after a bit I felt it unfair to keep Domenica waiting longer so I sent out a second package.  

She was so kind through the long wait, and very delighted to finally get the second package and share it.

Unfortunately during the time we also got caught up with the post office thinking the second package she got was the lost one, but Domenica sorted that out and all ended well.

It was one of those times I was really Feeling Lucky and Grateful that Life sometimes gives us new Friends across the country even if our only contact has been though a few emails back and forth.

Later she sent me a Thank You card with lovely messages from her & friends who are enjoying the books as well.

So back at You!

Thanks so much for the lovely card, 

Wishing all of You a lifetime full of Good Health & Happiness.

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You're the Star of the Story

What are Your Great Stories

Do any Start with Once  Upon a Time

Dona Anderson
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Just think about it.

We don't even realize how many Stories we have.

OK, so for us Gals we're a daughter, maybe a sister, a cousin, an aunt, wife, mother, daughter in law, just to name a few.

Then you could be a best friend, Doctor, teacher, scientist, author or actor, a race car driver, singer.

And similar for the Guys, a son, husband, father, uncle, brother, airplane pilot, construction worker, artist, musician and on and on.

The lists are as unique as we are and can go on and on as each thing we experience, learn, connect with, do, will have a story attached.

Each Face has a Story

A couple of Meditations in my book Moving Forward from the Heart inspired this post.

In Words from a Friend  we look at what would a good friend say about you and what would you want to hear. What words are used.

And, the Meditation titled Stories to Tell talks about what you want to remember, share or pass on. How you want to be remembered and who else's stories you may want to tell so they are remembered.

Shine a Light on your Stories.

The holiday season is a wonderful time to get together with friends and family and share some of those stores with others.

There's so much to TELL.

How will you share your memories and experiences?

Find Easy Ways to Be Present in your life.

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