Starting our staycation with a workday

Joyful devotees during the 2018 Rajarsi work day.

Yep, tomorrow we begin our staycation and, even though we’re “vacationing” here at home, we’re determined to use this time for some serious R & R.

Of course, Divine Mother being such a jokester, the first day of our time off is (you guessed it) a community work day!

And, yes, a snall part of me groaned when I realized it. Instead of sleeping in, I’ll be getting up earlier than what I’ve been managing to do lately (which isn’t saying much, actually!😏), then working at the Expanding Light for the entire morning.

Luckily, Ramesha and I are experienced enough devotees to not be tempted to stay home (well, at least not much). Why? Because we know that “service is joy” and also because we don’t want to repeat the past experience of having wimped out and stayed home, only to kick ourselves later as we look at the radiant faces of dear friends having fun and enjoying satsang while joyfully serving.

I mean, that’s the experience we’re here for! To expand beyond the sense of our little selves and know that we’re part of that “something more” which is all love and power and peace and bliss!

Which is why I can hardly wait! 😊

How can it be fall already?

I ran into a dear friend today and we commiserated (from behind our masks) about how things are feeling harder lately, rather than easier.

I think it’s partly due to the subtle but very real stress of trying to maintain normalcy in these extremely abnormal times. Staying centered and calm, cheerful and even-minded takes a heck of a lot of energy these days.

And then there’s the fact that it’s already fall, but I feel like I wasn’t able to be entirely present for spring or summer. I want to say something more about it, but — really — all I can do is shake my head.

In disbelief.

Priming the pump

Still not feeling truly inspired to write about anything, but couldn’t bear to give in to yet another day of the “dry spell.”

So I started scrolling through Facebook looking for ideas and loved this photo and quote. Plus it reminds me of one of my favorite scriptures: Be still and know that I am God.

Good thoughts to ponder on when when inspiration is lacking.

A dry spell

The well of inspiration seems to have run dry. Not sure why…except that both Ramesha and I are feeling way overdue for a break in the old routine. One more week to go and then we’re taking a “staycation”.

I’m sooooo ready…

Fresh air at sunset

It seems like forever since I was able to sit outside on our little patio, breathing fresh air while enjoying the peace and quiet of nature. The smoke is part of the beautiful sunset colors, visible in the distance. It will very likely be back tomorrow, but I’m very grateful for this break in the meantime!

A successful day in the studio

Christian and Neha in the booth while Ramesha lays down a violin track.

Guitar track. ✔
Melody vocals. ✔
Background vocals. ✔
Keyboard strings. ✔
Violin. ✔

Laughter. ✔
Satsang. ✔
Creativity. ✔
Fun. ✔
Joy. ✔

Yep, most definitely a successful day in the studio! 🎤

Needed: a good night’s sleep!

Why?

Because Ramesha and I are recording tomorrow! Just one song, which will be released in time for the holidays, but still…it won’t do to start out already tired.

Wish us luck! 🎼

Ramesha’s deer friend

We often get deer passing through our front “yard” in the mornings. For a number of weeks there were a few fawns in the group, one of which seemed to have a real connection with Ramesha!

The fawn would come right up to our glass front door and gaze inside, not running away even when Ramesha would come and gaze back at him. It was really quite something, which I finally caught on camera but forgot to post. So here it is. 🦌

All in the family

I’m finally taking advantage of the fact that I live with a singing teacher!

We’re getting ready to do some recording soon and I realized that I really (and I do mean, really!) needed to get my voice in better shape.

So for the past four or five days in a row (!), Ramesha has been guiding me through warm-ups, scales, and long tones. And — yes! — my voice is improving (imagine that! practice makes it better)! 😂

All kidding aside, he truly is an excellent teacher.