Herbal tea and exercise. I think I've mentioned that I live in a small town. We don't have a YMCA or a fitness club in our town, but we do have two schools and four gyms. Before the new school building was built in the 70s or 80s (not sure on my history), there was the old school. The old school was demolished save for the Old Gym. We now call that stand alone gym, The Old Gym. That's where overflow basketball games and volleyball tournaments take place. And, if you ask, you get your very own Old Gym key and work out there.

We took the boys there a few times over Christmas break to shoot some hoops and get the wiggles out. One boy brought his thunder tumbler remote control car. It's a great place for remote control cars. Yesterday the boys went back to school and I went to the Old Gym by myself for a workout. It was great.

I haven't had a cup of coffee in over a week. I drink herbal tea and water. No more soda either. I feel great. I never, in a million years, thought I would give up coffee.

Music. So many things going on. So many surprises and worries and delights. I wrote two songs last week in a wave of fearlessness. I wrestled with a song yesterday and lost. I'm picking up the guitar again today and keeping the editor out. No editors allowed.

I'm going to Lyons again this summer. The calendar says it's January, but the little boxes on the 30-31 days page are calling out to me asking to be filled in with this and that. It's hard to stay here when my eyes are moving over to March, then August, then back to February while also trying to stay on top of where I'm supposed to be this afternoon.

I guess that's normal. Herbal tea will keep me calm.