12/25/10 Christmas Morning , Home to Indy

Last night, I made a decision to get up early (for me) and be present with the kids while they were opening their gifts. I was thinking of others--the whole family. They all wanted us to be present with them for breakfast. I didn't sleep well in the motel (too much sugar) but I got up anyway. Showered and was ready for a day of fun and family.

Rain is being surprised by me. I get up when it's appropriate--more and more--and I'm present with people who love me and want me to share life with them.

Mostly I played with the kids. It's Christmas and I wanted to help create great memories for them. Luke and I realized that these kids are so amazing. They got so much today, but it didn't throw them off or make them nuts and wild. They were polite and said thank you. They played nicely with their things.

It was a beautiful peaceful time. We stayed as late as we could. I was very, very tired driving home. I didn't say anything, because I knew that Luke was even more tired. I did ask Rain to make me green tea and that did help. As soon as we started driving, Luke went right to sleep and he slept for most of the ride. I just prayed and kept drinking the green tea. God was with me and I stayed steady. But I have to say that I might have fallen asleep without the tea.

The ride home was God's grace to me. It was safe and quiet. I was able to stay focused. GD's are not only things we do, but the gratitude we feel for what is done for us.

I'm going to send a Blue Mountain card to Rain. She worked so hard cooking and wrapping gifts and setting a beautiful table. I want to let her know that she's appreciated.

12/22/10 Chores with Luke, Yes, I'm crabby, Hummm, Gave out some gifts , saw an old friends adorable baby.

I woke up a bit crabby. Who knows why. I made the decision to accept that I won't always be happy and up beat. It's what I do about it. Do I torture my friends and family. Baba used to say: " Don't be a burden on the world. "

So I did another kind of GD. I threw my bad mood into the inner fire. Wow. It flamed up so high. An offering to God. Instead of bumming Luke out, we worked together to get things done for our trip and our family.

We had a gift for Kay and for Melissa: both women will like their gifts. Luke and I worked together to pick each one out. We got to give Kay her gift in person. She seemed pleased to be remembered. I'd like to be a fly on the wall when she opens it. She gave us her gift. It was a lovely Christmas ornament.

I could have pushed Luke to do more chores, but it didn't feel fair. So I promised to do the rest of the chores tomorrow while he takes care of his own stuff.

I gave Chris ( our Shwan's guy) his Christmas gift. He's sweet. I didn't need much but we talked a bit, and wished each other a happy holiday.

12/21/10 Dr K, Shop, Drop, Hatha

Good Deeds? Again. Nothing pops into my mind. Hummmm.

Well, I did an anti GD. I was at Dr. K's and he did my adjustment. I was so freaked out about my up coming trip. He gave me a cool Bible reading to comfort me and to remind me that God wants to help me and gives me the things I want and need. I am his child. I just have to trust Him.

Well, that wasn't the anti GD. There was a woman in the reception area. Dr K was talking to her and he gave her a snack. So without thinking, I interrupted the conversation she was having with Alyssa (secretary) and blurted out, "Are you Dr K's mother?" Stunned silence. Uh Oh, I think. So quickly I add, his sister? a family member? She says, a friend. I slink away and sit down.

Well, I did learn a lesson.

12/20/10 Hair, Shop and so on . . .

I thought about an old story that I first read in a yoga magazine. A long time ago. It's about a farmer who accepts all. His son is hurt. The neighbors are all freaked out. The farmer says , " so be it." The army comes and conscripts all the young men in the village--expect his son. The neighbors say, "You are so lucky." The farmer says, "so be it. " He's peaceful.

When we first talked about it, we were going to drive Rain to the airport and Ry was going to pick her up. Then Rain asked us to pick her up instead of Ry. Luke had a student to teach which is usually his holy grail. He did his best GD. In an unprecedented act, Luke canceled the student and committed to picking Rain up from the air port. My GD was that I didn't get involved emotionally. I thought, "So be it " and I meant it. It was hard for me. But I over came and I felt so serene. O.K. I usually have a strong feeling of what is right and what is not right. This binds me. It's huge that I could give it up when my precious daughter was involved.

Other acts came and went. Small kind acts. A smile for a stranger. And so many people helped me. GD's are raining.

12/18/10 Target, Movie Night

Hummm. I'm not sure I did any GD's today.

I did call MKate to wish her fun at her granddaughter's B day party. Poor little Abby was too sick to have the party. So. . I'm going to light candles for her tonight. I pray that she gets well fast and has a healthy winter. Kids pick up so many things from their school chums.

Well, it wasn't a giant GD, but . . . .

At Target, I picked up candles for prayer. Also, I remembered to get two drawing pads for Xavier and Violet. They love to draw with Gramma. Ohhhh . . . two little GD's. Adding up.

Instead of letting time go by and causing stress for Luke and MKate--by staying too long at Target--I would force us to go to a later movie: not ideal for anyone-- I stopped shopping at the right time. I wasn't finished shopping BUT I respected my most special people.

I got home and started cooking right away. God gave me strength not to sink down and rest.

MKate came over to help me cook and serve dinner. She did a magical GD. I was tired and when I put the popcorn into the micro, I pressed potato instead of popcorn. It started to smoke and would have burned if MKate hadn't stopped the micro. The corn was inedible but the fire we might have had would have ruined our movie night and cost $$$$$.

Instead we ate a great meal and saw an amazing movie. C. S. Lewis's "Narnia, The Voyage of the Dawn Treader. " So inspirational. I cried at the end.

12/17/10 Shopping with Luke

Today, I did what I haven't done since my ashram days. In order to support Rain --she hasn't been away from her family for 10 years or more--it was hard for her to --well, let go and honor herself with this little trip. So, if you can believe, I got myself up at 6:15 a.m. so I could go to the airport with Rain. Also, I felt like I needed to support Luke. He's still coming back energy wise. The weather wasn't ideal and he was tired. So I went for him too.

There was a great, warm feeling in the car. Rain told us that'd she'll never forget our support. And that meant the world to me. Rain was there for me when I had my car accident and was semi conscious in the hospital. It was a rain of GD's.

Then, Luke did a GD for me. I had so many things to accomplish today. Including mailing a heavy box, which would have been so hard to carry. I might have had to ask for help. He isn't used to giving a day to me, but he did and we had so much fun.

The big package was for our Christmas family. This was a group effort--Luke and I, MKate, and Emme. Mkate put her heart and soul into this project for the kids. She made the most adorable T shirts. The kids are going to love those T's. And finally, Rain helped wrap the gifts. Another rain of GD's. We're changing the world with showers of GD's.

Luke helped me all day long. He hates shopping, so this was a sacrifice of love. God blessed him in his sacrifice. None of the stores we shopped at were crowded, which he double hates.

And he helped to chose perfect gifts for all.

Finally, I gave offered walking and walking, which was hard for me. When I see people open their gifts and smile a big smile--it will be a blessing. And I'll be glad that I pushed myself.

12/16/10 B town

Last night the weather was snowy. The weather report said all kinds of things like: freezing rain and so on. We were supposed to visit the little kids and to bring Rain home so that we can drive her to the airport tomorrow morning.

BUT . . . I didn't want to wake up at the crack of dawn to drive her there (with Luke.) So . . . I thought well . . . if the weather is bad . . . . But then my strong side came up . No, I said to myself. We will go to B town as we promised. A little weather won't stop us.

The weather wasn't bad. The kids were happy to see us and Rain was glad to spend some rare quality time with us.

Not a GD. I spent more time with Violet than with Xavier. It hurt his feelings. He didn't even say good bye to me. I wasn't sad for me, but I was sorry for Xavier that he felt so bad. I mean--I was selfish. I brought a darling little dress for Violet and for her doll. I wanted to play with girl things. Not a GD.

It's important to take responsibility for my own bad GD. I won't do it again.

12/14/10

There is nothing else to say really. Tonights Hatha Class was an amazing blessing--way more than a good deed from Bapuji, and the great beings. The spiritual energy in the class was so deep and uplifting. I slipped into a dream of Bapuji and India. MKate went into and stayed in a meditative state for the entire 1 1/2 hour class. People had visions. No one wanted to leave.

12/13/10 MKate and I shop and shop

Today, MKate and I shared a GD. We shopped for the ones we love. We went to a cool sports store. MKate got great, warm gifts for her family. I got a great warm under garment that Luke can wear now and also wear at Bear Valley. Also I got him smart wool warm socks.

Then, instead of clothes shopping for us, we went to Target to shop for our Christmas family. We worked together to find the best items we could for two little boys. Their mom and dad are going through a hard financial time. Last year the kids were thrilled with warm coats and gloves. They were cold before. It makes you think about gratitude. How deeply grateful I am and need to be for blessings showered on Luke and I and our family.

12/12/10 NM, Dinner with Emme and Bobby

As I was getting ready for work, I got a phone call from MKate. She was concerned that I would fall in the parking lot--we're in the midst of a snow storm. Her GD was to suggest that I go into NM through the back door. (less walking). I was grateful. It's good to be grateful for what we receive and never take it forgranted.

12/11/10 The Messiah Rocks

Luke was kind of off today. He worked for 12 hrs yesterday and had a hard time sleeping because his foot hurts. I babied him and gave in to him when he was crabby. So that was my GD today.

The Messiah was his GD to me and MKate and the whole audience. So amazing. I was moved to tears several times.

12/10/10 NM

I tried to do a GD and to get a cool gift for my bestie MKate and for Matt, but the phone operator couldn't or wouldn't put through my order??? What? Anyway. I lost confidence and gave up. Sooooo weird.

One our customers came in. I've known her for years but lately she's been kind of falling apart.

She's getting older. She's been a maid and now it's hard for her to work her body so hard. It's Christmas. She doesn't have a family and there's very little money. She needs nutrients to help with her aches and pains. So Mkate gave her some nutrients and skin care and I paid for one of her nutrients. She was so happy and felt that someone cared. Then, I gave her Braco's information. She doesn't have a computer, but her neighbor does. So that means that two people will get to see this amazing healer. And hopefully both will be helped.

When I got home from NM, there were three calls from Nana. She loved her presents and the whole package that I sent her. She loved the card with Luke's picture in it and she loved the snacks that I tucked in between the clothes. I felt so good.

I could have waited and called Nana another time. I hadn't eaten dinner, but instead I called Nana back. She was thrilled to get my call. She wanted to thank me for the gift but she also wanted to talk about positive things. We talked about Carl and his journey. When I share inspiring stories with her, she feels uplifted herself.

12/9/10 Shopping with MKate

So . . . .. This morning my house keepers came. Angie has two little kids--Ashley and Alison-- on holidays like Christmas, I try to surprise them with fun gifts. Tangled is a huge kids movie this year. I got them both the Tangled doll. I didn't see what else I could do, because that doll is the best this year.

I met MKate at NM. We took off in her car for a day of shopping. We were hoping to get new outfits at Chicos. We've all been able to get great outfits at Chicos. Always. But this time--ugg. Both of us felt that the clothes were pathetic. I told MKate that I have a new plan. On New Year's Eve, I'm going to wear my heart and tat T shirt that I bought on sale at Target. Why not.

We're planning another shopping day. But . . . where are we going to go?

Oppps. This is more like a diary than my GD blog. So back to that.

After a long shopping day, MKate and I went out again. Her GD was going with me. My GD was to get all the gifts we need to cheer people up and make them feel cared about. Also, I found two cute pairs of PJ's for Iris's boys. They'll go in a package with some toys, and super hero socks.

12/6/10 Med Class, THE CAR DRAMA--GD'S EVERYWHERE

Meditation class was beautiful. What can I say. God's grace filled the room and our hearts.

Then, Luke and I , innocently went to Dr K for our adjustment. We were talking about Christmas shopping together. It's so much easier with both of us. We don't have to give these gifts --they're for the people who used to help Luke at work. Mostly they don't anymore, but we still love to brighten their holidays with a nice gift.

BUT . . . as we were driving away from Dr K's office--we heard an awful car sound. Hopeful as ever, I asked Luke if it was ok (some magical way) He looked tense. I knew . . . it wasn't o.k.

It's freezing outside. Freezing. I didn't wear socks or an extra sweater.

I kept thinking of my morning prayer: Teach me Lord, but give me easy lessons. Let me live on this earth as thy little child.

Luke thought about driving back to Dr K's and calling AAA from there. We knew we couldn't make it that far. The tire was klunking and it was hard to control the car. AND there it was a friendly fire station. Luke pulled in. The secretary at the station said that the fire fighters were on a call but that we could wait until they came back.

AAA told us that it would be 4 hours before they could come and tow our car to Firestone. So many people were stuck and in trouble. We called MKate. MKate is the nicest person in the world. Honestly. Good Deeds are her middle name. She heard that we were in trouble and she was on her way to pick us up. We planned to eat something, get Luke's car and go back to the fire station and wait for AAA.

The firemen came back and had an idea. They put on our spare. Then we were able to drive to Firestone. The firemen were so, so kind to us. We got to like them. I'm going to make a Christmas package for them. I thought cookies but I'd better not try to make them myself. I haven't baked since Jensy was in 2nd grade. and I wasn't too good them. For littles icing covers many sins of the baker (burnt bottoms on my cookies) The GD's were flying.

Luke and I supported each other. Neither one watched "Jeopardy, or Chuck." We ate dinner and brought the car to Firestone together. Firestone added us to an already big list of jobs. They would be going home late. GD's and more GD's.

Luke and I were rewarded for sticking together by the interesting people we got to see and to speak with.

My car is o.k. The tire was healed without having to repair it. All is well.

12/5/10 NM, Bobby feeds us

Sometimes a very small, secret act of kindness informs a whole day and uplifts it.

This morning, Luke was soaking in the tub. I had on one of my yoga tapes to exercise to--as I do most mornings. I know that Luke doesn't always like my tapes. It was too loud. I got up and lowered the sound. Maybe he didn't even realize. I felt so happy.

12/3&4 NM , Hanukah party, Kids, movie night

It's hard to remember even a day backward, especially at holiday time. But, during the holidays , people who aren't happy tend to get very unhappy. At NM, I have a great opportunity to help people. Sometimes, I just let them tell me what's wrong. Several people shared with me, and I promised to pray--which is the best you can do and people feel a bit better as they leave.

Then we went to Emme and Bobby's for a Hanukah party. Rain and Ryan and their family had to be late. We went and ate early. I brought two dishes. I made enough rice for Emme who has to work long hours and appreciates veggie food for her to eat during the week.

I played with the kids during the time I usually help with the dishes. But when I saw how tired Emme and Bobby were, I stayed and washed the dishes.

12/4 Instead of my usual prayers and asanas, I started the day playing with Violet, like I did with her brother when he was young. She climbed up on the bed and we looked at my photos of the Saints. (Just as I did with her brother)

We went to breakfast. I brought play items for the kids. Violet was so very tired. She got upset but between Rain and I she calmed down and was about to enjoy her meal.

So what I do is to offer up my family time to God. And then it's more than a GD.

11/2/10 Chores, L helps me, GD around Chirstmas tree

Luke did a GD for me. He got up so early and came home to rest, but he saw that it would be so hard for me to do the chores that had to be done. So he offered to help me and he didn't make me feel bad for a second. We work so well together. First we did banking. Then we went to the lamp store. They fixed our two broken table lamps and we chose finials. I picked out three that were my favs and Luke chose out of the three. Blown glass and so beautiful. We felt so good; it's low level stress to have broken things in your home. And we found the perfect Chirstmas gift for David M. He collects pink flamingos and this was a blown glass pink flamingo finial. He's going to LOVE it. Another GD.

Then to the post office. We mailed a bday and holiday gift for Nana. I think she'll like it a lot and get good use out of it. We also mailed our gift to a mystery soldier who has to stay in one of those awful, hot countries that we're at war with. The woman who coordinate this humanitarian project, told me I might have a problem with the post office. But I didn't. Who can have a problems with sending snacks and books to a poor soldier who can't even come home for Christmas. I also put in some simple Christmas decorations.

I have to be honest here. Only MKate reads this and she knows me so . . . People tend to like me and help me out. Not just because I struggle to walk, but . . . . I think . . . We'll it's like my little granddaughter said, "Gramma, you make everyone feel happy. Well, almost everyone."

This was a happy day.

Then, MKate was nice enough to take me Christmas tree shopping. I saw a very nice tree on sale. But I knew that Luke wouldn't like it. So . . . . I took a small tree and we're going to put up the little tree (my GD to Luke) and then we'll wait for one of the new good lighting trees to go on sale. Hopefully before Chirstmas. It kind of doesn't matter because we leave our tree up for a long time to make the winter more cheerful.

11/30/10 Dr Hansen etc, 12/1/10 Holiday shopping

11/30/

The good deed highlight for yesterday took place at the dentists office. I came in without an appointment because I had a toothache and Dr H fit me in.

In the office was an elderly gentleman with his walker and breathing gear. He looked so pale and tired. And kind of sad. Then another elderly man came in. He was on his own two feet, very thin and also kind of sad.

Vanessa , Dr H's dental tech and part time secretary. Recently, she had a baby and I was chatting with her and looking at her album. The first man looked up. He made a comment about babies. I brought the album for him to see and then showed it to the thin man. We didn't exchange names, but we did exchange warm memories of holidays and kids and happy times. Everyone was smiling and feeling the joy of babies and holidays and sharing.

So it was everyone's GD to everyone else.

I smile when I think about it.

12/1/1o OMG. It's December 1. I went to Dr K kind of worried. I haven't felt my best since the allergy shots. His Gd was to settle my mind. If I had the big reaction, then I really needed those shots. I felt sooo much better. He also feels that the infection in my tooth needed to clear up and will be able to now. Yay.

I woke up with pain in my ankle. I had a hard time walking. I was planning to go to Toy R Us in Castleton --they were having a sale on Zhu Zhu pets, the hot new item for the 3 year old set.

Luke said that he'd go for me after work. My GD was to tell him that it wasn't necessary. I'd go to the Keystone Wall Mart instead. I thought it would be mean to send him to fight the holiday traffic on the off chance that Toys R Us would have the pink Zhu Zhu castle that Violet would play with and then tire of.

So I got two Rock Star Z pets and a few other fun things. And it was o.k.

It was a long day with many GD's going back and forth.