A Call To Hodgepodge

Thank you to Joyce at "From this Side of the Pond" for our fun and interesting hodgepodge of questions each week!

1. They say you learn something new every day. What did you learn yesterday?

It was one of those situations where I thought I was the only one that was noticing something going on and it turns out I wasn't. I also learned The third movement in Tai Chi 9 "cutting through to clarity".  I'm learning how to do the walk with it, but I need a lot of work on putting it together. 

2. Have you ever had a now or never moment? Elaborate.

Probably but I really can't think of one at the moment
3.  April 25th is National Telephone Day. Do you still have a land line or have you gone mobile only? When you receive a text message do you respond immediately? Last time you turned your phone off?  In two or three sentences share with us a story/memory/incident from your childhood (or something current if that's too hard) where the telephone is featured.
We have gone to mobile only. It depends on who is messaging me or what they want as to whether I'll answer right away. I can't remember the last time I turned off my phone. Childhood? Well, I remember sitting on the floor next to our black rotary dial phone with the short cord talking to my best friend for long periods of time every evening. We had been with each other all day and yet we had to talk out every detail of that day on the phone each night and plan what we were going to wear to school the next day. 

4. Close call, at someone's beck and call, call the shots, call a meeting, call it quits, call in sick, call on the carpet, wake up call...which call have you 'heard' recently? Explain.
Today over breakfast my friend told me she is getting closer and closer to calling it quits with our church and moving on to find a new body of believers with which to worship. 

5. What subject do you wish you'd paid more attention to in school?
History
6. Insert your own random thought here.

I had Tai Chi class tonight and I'm so tired. I can't believe those small movements can make me so tired and relaxed. Night, night!

Rebounding

I think it best to start with a bit of a recap of the last few weeks. About a month ago now I came down with my first illness of the season; the worst sore throat and swollen glands I can ever remember having. Without insurance I'm not one to call the Dr. at every little sniffle but after 3 days of that kind of pain, it was time. He said it wasn't strep but rather an infection in my glands. He prescribed an antibiotic and prednisone. After a few days the sore throat and swollen glands all went away and all seemed well. Shortly after that a stiff neck made an appearance. Stiffness and tenderness has been a part of my  life for quite a few years now so this wasn't too surprising but normally I can visit my massage therapist, chiropractor or even work on it enough myself to get it to loosen but not this time. Two chiropractor visits and a massage did loosen it enough so I could drive without endangering my life but I just felt like something wasn't right especially when I started needing a nap every day after lunch! I finally gave in to making an appt. with my MD thinking maybe that infection took up residence in my neck somehow? Grasping at straws at this point. MD asked all the questions, felt around a bit then decided to take 3 vials of blood for testing thinking perhaps mononucleosis. WHAT?? MD said it was very rare in an adult my age, but wanted to check and felt it best so not to miss anything else. MD never said what else they were checking for and I didn't have time to ask but when I got home I looked everything up and liver and kidney were included also blood sugar. The wait was a bit disconcerting but the call came the next day and everything was normal. Well...good, but what's next? I'm to finish the prednisone which will be finished tomorrow and if I'm not better call back...as if I can afford to after an unplanned blood draw to pay for. I am feeling better but I'm still concerned that now I'm finished with the meds I'll be back to square one. I keep working on my neck with hot/cold therapy, my theracane and just plain stretches. It feels like it gets looser, but the pain is still there when I get it in certain positions....like head down. Strange. 

It's been an awful winter what with all the drama at church, businesses in trouble and just plain winter. One of the things that came to light this winter was the unofficial diagnosis of fibromyalgia. My chiropractor firmly believes I have it and after his own assessment, my MD said he agrees. 

I've been thinking and praying about some of the changes I'm going to need to be making. In our ladies Bible study we started this week in Joshua. I read about the ark of the covenant and it was obvious how important it was that the ark go before them as they began their journey. When priests stepped into the water of the Jordan while holding the ark, the waters were gathered up and the way made clear. Lesson for us? When we allow God to go ahead of us He leads the way, clears the path, makes clear the path we should take. 

I've been praying so much about how I've been feeling and it's so interesting how the Lord has begun to show me one thing and then another about how to fix me. 

I knew I was going to have to be intentional and diligent if I'm going to feel like myself again. This week I put my crown straight on my head and jumped in with both feet....literally.

In my research regarding what possible things can be wrong with me one of the things that I noticed was the lymph system. Well, that made sense seeing as how I had that infection in the lymph glands of my neck. 

I've just been feeling so 

                                                              CLOGGED...like everything is just stopped up and/or stuck. The best way I can describe it is I feel like a sopping wet dish rag that needs a good twisting ring out. So what to do for it? Well besides the usual, drink lots of water, eat healthy food, exercise, one of the things was  

rebounding. 

In my day we called it jumping on a trampoline...now it has a fancy name....rebounding. I have a mini tramp so I decided to drag it out. I had forgotten how fun it is to just jump up and down and let everything jiggle. It's important to shake, rattle and roll and just let everything hang loose and floppy, even the girls shouldn't be too restrained...so that's what I did. It did feel good like things were just getting shaken up in a good way. I also discovered it's good for balance work...good thing I had the presence of mind to put a chair next to the tramp...just in case I needed it....and I did...but not much which was encouraging. 

In addition to rebounding, 

dry brushing 

helps shed dead skin cells (and encourages new cell renewal), which results in smoother and brighter skin. More importantly for me, it assists in improving vascular blood circulation and lymphatic drainage. I added dry brushing to my list. 

Last year I did something very unusual for me. I enrolled in some summer Tai Chi classes. I found them to be good exercise and great for stress release but with my teaching schedule I couldn't continue during the winter months. Whether by coincidence or divine appointment my schedule opened up just as my teacher was advertising her next class series. I don't have much money to spend on myself right now, but I just couldn't pass this up so I signed up for 



Tai Chi 

and I had my first class this week. AMAZING! I'm still not quite sure why I connect so much to this form of exercise, but I just want to learn more and more and it makes me just feel good. Tai Chi is all about 

alignment; 
head, 
neck and 
spine, 
but also the alignment of 
mind, 
body and 
spirit, 

also balance and 


breathing 

which brings me to my next point. 

Several weeks ago the Lord has been nudging me to start singing in the church choir again. I'm a choir member from like forever. I joined school choir at the tender age of 9 and never left. I also joined my church youth choir and toured with both them and my high school choir for three years each. I was also in two ensembles at school and one at church. During my high school years I was doing so much singing my father saw to it that I take some voice lessons. When I went to college I joined up there too and traveled on tour with them as well and took some more voice lessons on the side. When we moved to our current home I joined the church choir but having young children at home I found the practices and commitment difficult, especially since I was playing the piano on occasion and learning the organ. I quit and hadn't gone back until this week. I went in very hesitantly. I don't sing anymore...haven't in years. I don't sing in church anymore because I'm playing the organ and reading three lines of music is enough to keep me busy, trying to focus on words and breathing just puts me over the top! I even stopped singing around the house for some unknown reason. It took me some time to remember how to breathe. I mean...I'm alive, so I breathe but singing breath is different...full, from the diaphragm. My mind knew what to do but my body wasn't getting the message. It took several weeks and probably some of the other techniques I'm discussing here to get to the point where I felt like I was doing it correctly. I actually finally felt it come back in church today...while singing. I suddenly could just

breathe.  



Singing 

can have some of the same effects as exercise, like the release of endorphins, which give the singer an overall "lifted" feeling and are associated with stress reduction. ... And singing necessitates deep breathing, another anxiety reducer. Not to mention the act of singing with a group gives a sense of belonging, community and unity. 

One of your blogs that I've begun following is entitled "Just Breathe". That's so important and so true. I have to take it a step further though...I have relearned how to deep breathe. Just breathing isn't enough, it has to be deep and full and with intention. For the first time today I am feeling the healing effects of full deep breaths. I actually read somewhere recently that people with fibromyalgia are usually shallow breathers. Interesting. 

Interesting too that one of the hymns I've been practicing on the organ this week is O For A Thousand Tongues to Sing which has these words: 

Jesus the name that charms our fears, that bids our sorrows cease, 'tis music in the sinner's ears, 'tis life and health and peace. 

Spring arrived this week! 
I'm pretty sure this time. 

I ventured out one day at noon and enjoyed my lunch on the front steps. I still have the rosy cheeks to prove it. The sun bouncing off the snowbanks is quite intense but oh I sure needed that 

sunshine...

it went all the way to my aching bones. So healing. I can't wait to be able to walk barefoot through green grass again. Did you know that has a fancy name now too? YUP...

Grounding, or earthing, 

refers to connecting electrically with the Earth. A growing body of research is finding numerous health benefits as a result of the physical body being grounded.

Ok, so where am I going with all this? 

Whether my condition is the result of an infection or the effects of fibromyalgia I am seeing that I'm being led to stress reducing activities which tells me perhaps this is mostly a stress issue that could be compounded by the infection and fibro. 

I don't know which of these activities is helping me...maybe it's a team effort but I'm starting to feel better. I feel like when I stretch the stretch actually goes somewhere...it's no longer quite so stuck. Don't get me wrong...I still have a very long way to go, but at least I feel like I'm on my way and I'm praising

God 
for His guidance as He has gone before me, 

leading the way. 

Healthy Hodgpodge

Thank you Joyce from This Side of the Pond for our Hodgepodge questions each week! I sure enjoy these and I'm finally starting to remember to check in each week.

1. Three things on your spring bucket list? If you don't have an actual list that's fine, pretend you do.
1. Finish all my family scrapbooks for the sake of family history.
2. Get to a place where I feel good about my weight again.
3. Write at least one short piece of organ music to be used for the prayerful meditation part of our service.

2. Where do you find rest? What restores your soul? When was the last time you did whatever it was you answered here?
I find rest in several places.
1. In my husbands arms
2. Sometimes it's just coming home...walking in the door.
3. Doing Tai Chi...just got home from class after being away for awhile and it's very restorative and I'm ready for bed.

3. April is National Celery Month. Who knew? Do you like celery? What's your favorite dish made with celery? On a veggie and dip platter which would you reach for first-carrot sticks, celery sticks, cucumbers or cherry tomatoes? 
Celery isn't my favorite to just eat, but I know it's good for us so I put it in a lot of our dishes. Soups, casseroles, and my green juice I make in the mornings.

4. I read here eight things to do before 8 am to make your day less hectic-Start one load of laundry, drink water, empty the dishwasher, read your Bible, know what you're having for dinner, get dressed, brain dump (two lists-one what you're thankful for and one what's weighing on your mind), and after the brain dump make your to-list for the day
How many of these are you currently doing? Which one do you think would help the most if you added it to your early morning routine?
I think I do all of them from time to time, not necessarily every one of them every day though. They're all very good and I need to be more consistent.

5. Describe the view from your window.
That's easy...snow covered.

6. Insert your own random thought here.
Back to the Dr. today. I'm still looking for answers to my pain and fatigue beyond my normal. They drew blood today, hopefully tomorrow I'll have some answers and they won't be too scary. 

Thankful Thursday

I'm joining Thankful Thursday with Rebecca Jo at Knit By God's Hand for the first time today. Thank you Rebecca Jo for this opportunity.

Several months ago I was diagnosed with Fibromyalgia. It's been a very difficult winter for me learning about this condition and how best to help myself cope. Although I know what to do actually doing it is quite difficult for me. A few weeks ago I went from bad to worse and for no reason that I could see. This week it's been so bad I wasn't able to move my head up and down or side to side. I went to massage therapy and came out nearly crying then made an appointment with my chiropractor. After several attempts to make an appointment I finally got in and he drew a diamond shape with the top point being at the middle base of my skull, the two side points at my shoulder blades and the bottom point at my middle back and then proceeded to show me how my pain is all connected. He said I really didn't seem to be out of alignment but he gave me a couple of compressions to my mid back, said he wished he could do more and told me to come back in a few days.

So this is thankful Thursday isn't it. I'm not sounding very thankful, am I? Oh but I am! I'm still in a great deal of pain, but let me tell you I'm sooooooo much better than I was earlier in the week. I slept last night...in my own bed! I was able to stretch and nod my head! I have a long way to go and I return to the chiropractor tomorrow for hopefully a bit more help to get me closer to my normal .

If you know someone who suffers from chronic pain, give them a gentle hug or send them a card or do something helpful for them.

                            Yes, that would be so nice as dealing with this every day is very exhausting.

Hodgepodge-Volume 347

1. April is National Jazz Appreciation Month. Are you a fan? If so what's a favorite you'd recommend to someone new to jazz listening?

I like many types of music, jazz included. That being said, I don't listen to jazz on a regular basis and I really don't know any jazz names. 

2. Mandolin, ukulele, harp, accordion or banjo...which would you be most interested in learning to play? Or do you already play one of the instruments listed?
I play and teach the piano and the organ but I think I'd really enjoy learning the harp.

3. Do you judge a book by it's cover? Elaborate. You may answer in either/both the literal or figurative sense of the word.
I guess I do. If the cover is eye catching and attractive I'm more likely to pick it up. Some I suppose depending on what is on the cover I may not pick up at all. This goes for DVD's as well. 

4. According to a recent study the ten most nutritious foods are-almonds, cherimoya (supposed to taste like a cross between a pineapple/banana), ocean perch, flatfish (such as flounder and halibut), chia seeds, pumpkin seeds, swiss chard, pork fat (shocking! but I don't think they mean bacon), beet greens, and red snapper. Are any of these foods a regular part of your diet? Any you've never ever tasted? Which would you be most inclined to add to your diet?
I already enjoy almonds, chia seeds, pumpkin seeds occasionally, beet greens from our garden each summer. I have never tasted cherimoya, swiss chard or red snapper. I don't see myself adding any of those any time soon. 

5. Besides a major holiday what is the most recent thing you've celebrated with your people? Tell us how.
Last October we celebrated our granddaughter's first birthday with a party planned by her mother. 

6. Insert your own random thought here.
Well I'm feeling a bit better this evening but it's been a very painful week for me. I've had some shoulder and neck pain that just escalated yesterday. I wasn't able to get in to see my chiropractor but did see my massage therapist. It was a very painful massage, but I believe a necessary one. I had a miserable night last night but did get to see my chiropractor today. He really was stumped as to why I've had so much pain but was able to do a small adjustment. Neither of us felt it was going to make much difference but all afternoon/evening I have been doing some gentle stretching and I'm beginning to feel like I might just be starting to improve. Even though I must take care of some neglected house work tomorrow I will also have to set aside a good deal of time for some self care. 

Jesus Loves Me

Post Easter and I'm playing catch-up. The house was a disaster...every towel was dirty and I had several loads of sheets to wash. I haven't seen Facebook much in several days and I missed this weeks Hodgepodge.

I don't know about you but Holidays make life busy and stressful. As a church musician there is always more to do, practice and plan during the holiday seasons (although somewhat less for me now than in years past...more on that in another post to come), not to mention the stress of playing for a larger crowd and for those that have higher than usual expectations.
As a wife, mother and grandmother holidays revolve around family and food which once again means I am called upon to do more than usual. There may be stressful situations with family members as well which only adds to the overall stress of the day. Questions always are flashing in my mind, should I speak up, should I let it go, what's going to happen next, is this situation going to escalate? Then there's that one person that just seems to get under everyone's skin...like and itch you can't scratch. UGH! Don't get me wrong, I love holidays, I love being with my family even with all their quirkiness and brokenness but when I wave goodbye and watch the last ones drive away I experience emotions that throw me for a loop. I'm sad to see them go, I miss them while I can still see their car driving away...especially my precious granddaughter, but at the same time I'm grateful for some time to be quiet, calm my heart and spirit and finally have the chance to reflect on the meaning of the holiday that is now completely past and gone. 

Jesus Christ, God's Son, Savior, Lord. That's a lot to reflect on right there. 

I have to admit most Christmases and Easters find me not taking the time to reflect until the day is over and family is gone. This Easter I'm happy to tell you was amazingly a little different.

My precious granddaughter has always had a difficult time sleeping. I'm not sure what it is or why, but she just fights sleep...I know some babies can be like that for whatever reason. It wears on my son and daughter-in-law and of course being away from home can further complicate matters. It's my observance that the more they seem to stress about it the more of a struggle it becomes. Tempers flare between them and with other family members who are constantly shushed and told to turn down the TV, stop talking and laughing, etc. I learned to be a good mother-in-law/grandmother by watching my own mother. She was the best...yes, even my husband would attest to that. ;) Her way of navigating those waters was to only offer opinions or help when asked, so I've decided to adopt the same system. The second night here both my son and his wife had just about enough. They hadn't slept well the night before, the day was long, my granddaughter had kept us all busy keeping her out of trouble and they were on edge...just needed a rest themselves.

Finally they came to me and asked if I would try putting her to sleep...maybe I could think of something they hadn't tried. It's been 25 years since I've put a baby to sleep and I was a little afraid of not being successful but I gladly took that little angel in my arms and gave it my best shot. My studio was the only available space for her to sleep so I leaned back in my office chair and put my feet up on the piano bench and took a deep cleansing breath. As soon as I got comfortable she began to calm down while I patted her back and spoke to her softly. I never knew my heart could swell with so much love again! I haven't felt that way since I had my own sweet babies in my arms. I suddenly became aware of how blessed I am. More out of instinct that anything else I began to softly sing Jesus Loves Me and before I knew what happened the tears began to roll down my cheeks.

I was suddenly so aware of Easter and all it means. Jesus loves me...so simple yet so profound. 

I can't remember the last time I sang that song...probably 25 years ago. Jesus loves me...me...ME! Jesus loves me so much He came to earth as a baby, was born in a humble stable, lived a humble life teaching of God's love. Jesus loves me so much he suffered, bled and died on a cross then rose again to prove death has no sting...for Him or for me. Jesus loves me and is preparing a place for me with Him for eternity! Jesus loves me! It's in those quiet moments...even when we're not necessarily thinking spiritual thoughts or planning to say a prayer...just those quiet moments when we can finally be still and quiet that He puts His arms around us and reminds us of His love for us. He loves me just like I love that baby girl in my arms. Oh how precious that moment was for me. How blessed I was to be able to hold her, calm her, sing to her...love her.

She finally squirmed a little and I readjusted her so she wouldn't fall, then she squirmed again like she wanted down, but she was sleeping. I decided that must be her signal that she wanted her bed so I put her in the pack 'n play. She immediately found her comfort position and I patted her back for a few more minutes before leaving the room. I felt so blessed, so proud...so happy that I hadn't lost my touch and grateful that I was successful in the mission I was given. Because of those few precious moments of quiet with my baby girl the Lord reminded me in such a special way of His love for me...for her...for all of us on Easter...an Easter I hope I will never forget.

                                                        Thank you, Jesus. 

I was going to end this entry right here but this morning I found out my Aunt had a stroke and passed away on Easter. My Aunt Mary was my mother's brother's wife. She was born in 1930 on April 1st. She and my Uncle Ed were married when she was just 15!! They had four children together. I wasn't all that close to her really but for some reason it has been a difficult day. She was family and I no longer see my extended family anymore and though I have tried, only two of my cousins will make an effort to stay in touch with me. It's sad and I'm just missing family and the family connection today. 

I hope you all had a blessed Easter and have had your time of reflection on the love Jesus has for you.