My new song, "Remember To Remember'

I wrote this song a little over nine months ago. My son, Jake, recently finished the final music and mix. He took my original music, kicked it up to a level of brilliance, and was my recording engineer. I truly feel like I've given birth. There were lots of delays, and setbacks while working on this song. One of which was being hit hard with fibromyalgia--a diagnosis that found its way to me after my auto accident.

I am healing. I am in great hand's with my beloved, Superman, taking the wheel to insure I get all the natural supplements, care, and love I need to get through this. Being nearly crippled by fibromyalgia, and the inability to exercise, I packed on quite a bit of extra weight. At the end of 2011, I was merely steps away from needing a wheel chair, and a handicap plaque for my car. I eliminated sugar, grains/wheat, and dairy (except an occasional indulgence with cheese) which has been a life altering experience in itself. I've lost 25 pounds since the beginning of January!

I have learned so much through this entire process of healing, and am well on my way to living my life as abundantly as I can. I have so much to share with you, I can barely contain myself! I'll be posting new videos soon, as well as the tidbits of wisdom I've experienced while healing. Thank you all who have been concerned by me being MIA here at Woodstock Lily & especially to those who took time to send me emails or messages of encouragement.

I am offering my new song, "Remember To Remember' as a gift to all who would like to download it or share it with others. I have been given so many gifts and talents, I feel it is my gift back to the Universe for blessing me so abundantly. It is also my heartfelt gift in song, as an encouragement to love yourself, and to love others. I invite you to take a listen. Close your eyes while you do, and soak up the message in the song. Click on the song title below to listen or download.

Remember To Remember

The Colors Of Gratitude

The view from my studio window.

The colors wash my heart with joy...

And leave me in a puddle of bliss.

The reflection of autumn in my bird bath.

I could sleep and dream in vivid detail
on a bed of leaves like these.
Couldn't you?

I wish you all a Thanksgiving full of love, grateful hearts
and colorful, charming conversations with loved ones.
As you prepare for Christmas, please try to support
local, small businesses, local artists and craft people.
Or make something yourself to give as gifts.
Occupy your hearts.
It's the best place to be for the holidays.

Royal Mail From the UK-- Hope Rocks

As soon as I saw the postal markings on the large, white envelope Superman brought into the bedroom for me this past week, I got excited. The package said "Royal Mail". Receiving mail has always been a Christmas like experience for me for as long as I can remember but once I realized who had sent me the package I squealed like a kid opening presents on Christmas morning.

I'd been resting in bed after my knee surgeries with Opie Taylor lying right beside me when Superman brought the mail in for me to open. He must have sensed my excitement because he perked right up, ready to see what had caused me to sit right up. I could see his tiny, pink nose twitching like a bunny's trying to catch a whiff of the object getting my utmost attention. Here's the story lined up in pictures as we open the package.

These are action shots so they may be a little fuzzy
(just like Opie)

The ribbon gets his attention right off the bat.

He takes it in his mouth.

He tugs, and pulls on it.

Inside the blue & white carton is a bundle of
purple tissue covering a small hard item.

Opie works until he gets it in his mouth.

Success! He then pulls it out of my hand
and drops it to the bed to further investigate.

Inside the purple tissue paper is a Hope Rock
with a delightful feather attached to its side.

The card inside reads ,
"To my adopted big sis, Lille"

How can a kitty resist??
They simply cannot...

Thank you, Dee Champion, my little sister across the pond,
for showing me some love Hope Rock style!
I am tickled, loved and healing!

I have mailed several Hope Rocks to friends who needed a little or a lot of Hope in their lives. I had no idea how amazing it feels to open a package and find a Hope Rock someone had lovingly made for me. I held it in my hand and thought of all my blessings, plus all of the things I had to be thankful for, and how loved I am. How could one not heal with a bundle of love like that??

My challenge, or encouragement depending on how you choose to look at it, is for you (whomever is reading this, whenever it's being read... today, next week, a month from now, etc) to make a Hope Rock and mail it to someone you know who could use some Hope. All you need is a rock and a Sharpie pen. Or you can get as creative as you wish. Fancy or simple does not change the message or detract from the messenger's intention. It is a powerful gift either way. Take a picture of your Hope Rock like Judith, from Renton, WA, did below before you mail it and post it on the Hope Rock Fan Page on FaceBook. Thank you so much for spreading Hope to the people of Renton, WA, Judith!

On one side Judith McWilliams Collins painted happy, silly faces
and on the other side she wrote the word Hope.
Very fun, and creative!

Sign up below to play along or leave me a comment to let me know you are participating. If you have a blog, I'll link back to you so others can see your Hope Rocks and where you hid them. That's the whole point of Hope Rocks. Paint them, hide them for someone to find and sleep well knowing you gave someone a loving blast of Hope! New visitors to Woodstock Lily's, you may read the Hope Rock story above at the top of the page listed right under my colorful header. The Mr. Linky below also lets people see the link to your blog. That's a good thing so sign up and play along.

Here's What I Think About You

I think you're more than amazing. You're outrageously spectacular! You're brilliant, inspirational, brave, and talented. You are kind, silly, funny and caring. You have made my life rich! You've encouraged me, and others, on this journey called life to stay strong, love myself more, and laugh at myself when life looks too darn serious. You've helped me see another viewpoint when I was stuck in my muck. You've never failed to love on me when I was too worn out to give myself a much needed hug.

I think you all deserve a round of applause... No, make that a standing ovation! Yes, this is what I think about each one of you who read my blog and have made my life richer by your presence. The video is 1:01 minute long. Take a bow, then linger here listening to the sounds of appreciation I feel for you. Then grab this video and share it with your family and friends.

You have just experienced an official Woodstock Lily Love-In.

~Peace~Love & Incense~

Validation

Oak Creek, Slide Rock State Park, AZ taken by me on our honeymoon.

Have you ever wondered or thought about what your true purpose in life is about? I'm talking beyond the day to day survival things we do just to have a roof over our heads, and food on the table. Life has a way of burying the truth inside our hearts about what we know to be true about our reason for living, and giving back to others.

What would you do if you could do anything you wanted to with your life?

With your talents?

With your gifts?

Everyone has a higher purpose.

Everyone has talents and gifts.
Everyone not just some.

I'd love to hear your thoughts about your gifts, your mission in life, your talents. I'd love to know what you would do if given time and opportunities to live your life freely. Leave me comment then go watch this video that expresses an idea about changing lives by validating others and the gift of exhorting. We can do so much by using this one gift of lifting others up with our words and our smiles.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Cbk980jV7Ao

I am grateful to have so many talented, gifted, kind, knowledgeable, resourceful, spiritual, funny, happy, loving, giving, and unique people following me on my blog, and in my life.

You all have changed my life for the better.
Thank you!

The Joy & Peace of Cooking

You will always find this can of Love sitting in my kitchen. I have had it for nearly 25 years. The kids in our old neighborhood where my son grew up always loved coming to our house when I was baking or drying apples for Christmas treats. I'd let them help me, and before anything went in the oven, it was sprinkled with as much love as their little hands could shake out of that can. The smiles on their faces as they shook the Love can always made my heart smile. Love never dries up unless you let it. Love never runs out even if someone turns their back on it. Love waits for your to pour it on life as freely as you wish.

I am realizing more and more each day how time spent in my kitchen is good for my soul. It's good for my mind because it gives me an escape from negative thoughts I may be having due to life or an onslaught of anxiety caused by PTSD. I was told by a dear hippie friend in the early 70's the importance of cooking with love, and focusing on how the food will bless those who eat it. It made sense to me and I've never forgotten it. I do not cook when I'm angry. I can't. I grew up to become a hippie, too. I always cook with Love.

If you're having a rough time finding joy this holiday season, try making a batch of cookies for a group home or a shelter. Sprinkle the ingredients with mental love. Try this with everything you cook or bake even if it's just some scrambled eggs for yourself. You will taste the love and your body will feel the love, too.

Here's a quick and easy main dish that looks festive and tastes great!! It's a Woodstock Lily original.

Happy Apples and Sausage

Slice up a package of smoked sausage, 1 large sweet onion, 2-3 apples [don't peel but remove seeds], and 1 large red pepper. You may also add chopped yams or sweet potatoes. I prefer yams because they have more nutritional value than a sweet potato does. Drizzle the mixture with olive oil, salt and pepper to taste. Add some fresh oregano and a sprig of rosemary if you have it and bake at 350 degrees until nicely browned. Stir occasionally while baking. You may also add a nice touch of color and flavor the last 5 minutes with some dried cranberries. The options are endless with a dish like this. Be brave. Cooking is an adventure. Sprinkle it with LOVE and enjoy!

Next time you're preparing a meal, put the tea kettle on.

Make a nice cup of Black Cherry Tea and think of me.

I'll be smiling and sending you some love.

Passages

Shortly after my last post on August 8 I found out Jake's dad, Tom, had passed away earlier that day--it was his birthday. Three days later my Dad passed away. It's been a rough couple of weeks. I'm so happy Tom got to see his grandson, Emery, in March. I saw my Dad in October on my birthday. It was the first long distance trip I've made in a car since the accident. It was worth the stress of being in a car.

We are never guaranteed tomorrow. We are blessed to have today. For this I am grateful. I know we'll meet again on the other side. There is peace and comfort knowing that. Thank you all for your prayers. My family appreciates each of one. I do as well.

My lap top picked up a virus on Face Book... Bummer. Superman to the rescue... once again. He is indeed my Super Hero. He's loaned me his puter and is de-lousing mine. Be careful what you open on Face Book. I got my virus clicking on a person's name to block her from sending me advertisements. Who'd have thunk it???

I'll be back soon with regular posts. I'll have pictures of the remodel to show you but cannot get to them until my puter is cleaned up. In the meantime, be good to yourself and to those around you. It may be the last time you get to.

Bloomers

A new piece I'm working on, "In Full Bloom".
I dedicate this post to all who are blooming.

Or have bloomers...
Or are wearing bloomers...
Or not.. [just sayin'...]

"In everyone's life, at some time,
our inner fire goes out.
It is then burst into flame
by an encounter with another human being.
We should all be thankful for those people
who rekindle our inner spirit."
~Albert Schweitzer (1875-1965)~

I'm grateful every day, in every way, for all
that I'm blessed with.
I have a loving family,
Superman as a body guard & protector,
and amazing friends like each of you
who inspire me to keep
pushing through PTSD
and to run the race of life with joy.

We have some new kids on the block.
Opie's Rainbow Ant Farm.
The sand is layered in bright colors
so we can watch them mix it up
like paint on a palette
as they tunnel to China.
You can see Barney's [the beta] cool house
in the shot above this one.

He's always ready t0 lend a helping paw
and some creative brain waves
even when he's cat napping.

Some visual inspiration in my studio.

"Count your blessings not your troubles."
~Lille Diane~
[yes, you may quote me...]

Happy Spring!!!

Happy Spring Everyone!

I cannot wait to see what blooms
in your yard this year.
Plant seeds of joy, hope and love.
~Then watch them grow~

Prayer Request

Jake and Emery

My son's daddy isn't doing well. He's battling throat cancer. It's very hard for so many people right now especially my son, Jake. Please say a prayer, and send comfort, and peace to cover us all in a blanket of love.

And lastly, please pray for my Mom. The surgery on her back is tomorrow. The last 2 years have been really rough on her. I'm just sick that I cannot be with her. One day I'll be able to drive or ride in a car anywhere I want to go. I cannot give up hope that this will be a reality. It's times like this I feel so bad that I can't step outside my comfort zone to be with those I love when they need me like my son, and my Mom.

Thank you so much everyone.

Flying Dream--Part One

I had a liberating, vivid flying dream. Lord how I love my flying dreams.

Part One: The Flying Dream

I was in Ojai, CA with my son Jake & he had concerns about what his dad would think about his hair having a swath of lime green in it. We decided since his dad doesn't have a great sense of humor about body piercings, hawks, and tatts, that we would tone his hair down a bit before he met up with his Dad. I happened to whip a bottle of hair color out of nowhere, and proceeded to dab a "safe, neutral, mousy brown" on both of our heads. I didn't actually need to color my hair-- I'm just a Loreal junkie. One sniff of that peroxide, chemical blend and I gotta have it! What can I say? They can't arrest me for it!

So there we are, my son and I sitting in a bathroom in a Mexican restaurant on Ojai Ave we used to go to all the time when we lived there, waiting for his hair to change from chartreuse to blah brown. Tick tock tick tock... time flys when you're dreaming....

Exit Dream

Real Life Footnote: Jake's dad is battling cancer for the 3rd time. Throat cancer. He just completed a harsh round of chemo and radiation. Jake hasn't seen his dad for a few years, and his dad hasn't seen Emery, Jake's son, who is his only grandchild. His dad can't fly out here to visit--the flight would take a toll on his already compromised body. And no one could afford to pay airfare for Jake, Ashley & Emery to go to CA to see his dad. Until I received a letter from an old friend in CA. Do you all remember my friend, Pamela Barrett who wrote, 'Tales of the Titmouse'? One of the characters in this book, Penny, is the friend that sent me a Christmas letter.

I'm embarrassed to say the envelope sat in a pile of Christmas cards unopened for a couple of weeks. I was too sick, and too exhausted from the severe panic attacks due to PTSD I was having plus a bad sinus infection. It was difficult to focus on much of anything except trying to keep my mind above water. Finally I found a place of peace to focus properly, I began opening my cards. I never expected a check to fall out of the envelope written to Jake from my dear friend of 39 years. She had a small inheritance left to her, and set aside funds for Jake's secondary education. She said she thought a trip for the three of them to come to CA so his dad could see his grandson, and family was a perfect secondary education---one called Life.

Needless to say... We are all overwhelmed, and in awe of such love and generosity coming from such an unexpected source. The Universe does hear you, and does bring you what you need. Thank you my precious friend, Penny, for loving me all these years. Thank you Pam & John, for visiting Jake's daddy at Christmas. Thank you for the secondary education funds you provided for Jake, Penny. He's planning the trip now. I'll keep you all posted...

Part Two of the Flying Dream coming up soon.

My First Music Video made by the Dafthermit

This lovely music video with my song Moonbeam was made by my dear friend, Andy, the Dafthermit, who travels the Highlands of Scotland with his precious wife, Mel, and their 2 cats and 2 dogs in a black bus that was custom made by them. Andy used his photography, and film of Scotland, plus some of my personal pictures to make this video. Listen closely and you can hear the winds blowing across the fields of flowers in Scotland.

Please stop by to see more of the dafthermits videos HERE and his blog featuring stories, films and photography about their travels living off the grid HERE. Fabulous! FABULOUS!

I'm happy to announce my tests results came back normal. First time I've ever been considered normal... I'm going to savor it. Thank you for all your prayers, and good energy sent my way. And thank you Andy and Mel for making such an amazing video for Moonbeam---and me. I adore you!

Best Gift All Year

Happy Birthday, Emery!
He made his debut last New Year's day.
I'm blessed to have such a beautiful family.

First headphone experience. LOL

Tis the season to be

Opie Taylor knows how to "be"...
Peaceful, Joyful, and Grateful
For all things, in all ways

This holiday season I'm going to follow his example.
I'm not adding stress to my Christmas list
Just joy, love, and peace.

Happy Holidayz, my dear friends,
and readers.
Opie Taylor, Superman, Wonder Dog,
Dylan, Jake, Ash, Emery and I
Wish you a Season
Full of Love, Joy, and Peace.
May you find a pair of Sassy Monkey Pantz
under your tree or inside a package.
Remember "One Size Fitz All"

I'll be back after Christmas...
But will try to stop by to wish
as many of you as I can get to...
Happy Holidayz
and to ask you....
If you have your monkey pantz on...

NOTE: These pics were taken last year at my beloved Tree House. I'll post pics later of my peaceful hippy, bohemian style Christmas here at the Lily Pad. I have kept it simple, sweet, and stress-less.