Skip to main content

Year Two, Day 280: Funky and Laid Back

Today is a tired day.   I have been having allergy symptoms. Itchy, watery eyes, snuffly nose. And oddly enough, I seem to quite often smell burning oil. No matter where I go. And the lump beneath my right jawbone is swollen again. I may have to go see a doctor. But hopefully it can wait until spring break. I uave to keep my nose to the grindstone. Moving day is only a few weeks away.

So I guess today has been an under the weather sort of day. Odd. The rain, which usually invigorates me, is just making me feel soggy.  I have a strong desire to make popcorn and lie in bed with a good book and/or movie.


My mom recommended the movie, "The Conflict" with Martin Sheen. I borrowed the DVD from her. Unfortunately it starts skipping halfway through. But I love this movie so much, that I ordered a copy off of Amazon.

I usually put it in at night before I go to sleep. I have watched it from the beginning until nearly the middle about five times now. It is about one of my favorite groups of people: Monks.  In Ireland.  The Vatican is concerned because this little monastery on a small Irish island is conducting the Mass in Latin. Martin Sheen plays a very "modern" Catholic priest.

I can't tell you anymore because, I usually fall asleep.  Or it starts skipping or both!

But last night I did not put the movie in. I got home rather late. It was choir practice night. Choir practice was quite lively.  We are doing a Bach Mass.  I love sightreading the open score.  It makes me feeling like I have super powers or something. Bach himself was like the superhero of the Baroque composers. Lately I have been craving Bach therapy: an hour of just a piano, a Bach score and me. It relaxes and revives me to sit and play Bach just for the joy of it. Hard to describe, but deeply satisfying.

Speaking of relaxation, I am doing just that. Right this very moment. I am in a lovely coffee shop, "Pappaccino's" on SE Woodstock. They stay open until 10:00 p.m. I felt the need to just sit and sip peppermint tea (and nibble on a gluten free almond cookie and fruit yogurt parfait). It is quiet in here. The music is funky jazz fusion with a laid back beat. Funky and laid back. Like the baristas. And the customers. And me. I love it here. My funky mood is lifting.

I had some wonderful teaching experiences this week. Focusing on the fruits of the spirit has helped me be more present and compassionate in my teaching. My last student of the evening, I have veen teaching since she was 3. She is now 8. We had just a lovely time playing piano, discussing music and life. After her lesson, I was walking down the steps and she came running out. "I almost forgot to give you a hug, Teacher Zita! I always give you a hug!"

How can one be blue with that show of affection?! And coincidentally (I think not), my fruit of the spirit today was "Love".

Happy Wednesday!








Much love,

Zita


Comments

Popular posts from this blog

Day 347: My Big Fat Greek Salad!!

I have perfected the art of making a Greek salad!  I have made two huge bowls in the last week. My kinds rave. Essentially the secret is f vegetables , good feta cheese, Greek olives and a homemade dressing made with light, extra virgin olive oil, garlic, lemon juice, red wine vinegar,  and oregano. Here is my recipe: MY BIG FAT GREEK SALAD Serves 4 hungry adults 4 cups greens (I used a "spring mix" from Fred Meyer) 2 cucumbers 6 roma tomatoes one small red onion 1 cup cubed feta cheese 1 cup Greek olives (pitted) Get out a big bowl. Peel a clove of garlic, cut in half and rub it over the interior of the bowl.  Wash the lettuce if it is not prewashed and packaged like mine was.  Dry the leaves, and tear into bite sized pieces. Throw into the big bowl. Note: Romaine lettuce is good to include in the mix, because it is hearty. Peel the cucumbers and dice. Add to bowl. Cut the roma tomatoes in half and squeeze out the seeds (otherwise they make th...

Year Two, Day 307: Chasing Away The Gloomy Weather...with Music and a Smile! :)

It seems to me that most of the city is depressed, tired and sick. I still have my low grade snuffly nose, along with sneezing, and itching eyes.  Low energy. It is nice to know I am not the only one. Misery loves company, don't you know! Even through the gloom, I had an enjoyable day.  I told myself several times that I really am a lucky woman. My kids are grown, I'm going to be a GRANDMA, and I love my work. My church job is a nice secure little job and it seems I am quite needed there.  I am still learning the ropes. But I am enjoying it. Meeting new people. And best of all, I have only a 1 1/2 minute commute (by foot!). I have a cozy little room in a household full of wonderful laid back people.  People who love animals and music. But best of all, my afternoons are filled with music. I basically get on the bus and travel about town, sitting at pianos, visiting with students, who are like my family. We talk. They play the piano for me. I offer pointe...

Year Two, Day 201: "I"

Before my first meeting with "I" I had a wonderful first date last night! We had a lot on common. The conversation flowed easily. We laughed. It was so lovely, that I think I shall not blog about him. Not yet anyway. I am just going to call him "I". I like I. 😉 Today was a long, wonderful family day. Went to church with my daughter and son-in-law. Very powerful, uplifting service. After that we went to the horse races. Had a blast. Broke even. Essentially had a free lunch and four hours of entertainment. After the horses, we had yet another Thanksgiving dinner at my niece's place. It was her first turkey. It was amazing! But thank God I had enough willpower to resist the pie! Tomorrow I go for my first physical therapy appointment. Tuesday it is back to the gym!! Happy Sunday!