Be You

To be nobody but yourself in a world which is doing its best, night and day, to make you everybody else means to fight the hardest battle which any human being can fight; and never stop fighting. - e.e. cummings, 1955

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In the Quiet

You have the Answer. Just get quiet enough to hear it.

- Pat Obuchowski

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I found these skeletal remains in the quiet of yesterday's garden.

I also found productivity, satisfaction, tranquility and life among the weeds.

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What do you find in the quiet?

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Sprig of Hope

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No winter lasts forever; no spring skips its turn. -Hal Borland

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Winter and Spring are sometimes used to describe seasons of trial followed by seasons of hope.

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Winter storms seem to be never-ending sometimes. And, in the midst of a blizzard it can be very difficult to even imagine that spring will eventually come.

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However, as the number of my winter storms add up, I'm learning to keep my eyes turned upward to better see the hope I know lies there. Challenges so often lead to new opportunities. Troubles almost always teach us a little something new to help us live better and healthier and happier.

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Here's hoping that you see a sprig of hope among any winter storm you may be facing today.

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Courage to Listen

Courage is what it takes to stand up and speak; courage is also what it takes to sit down and listen. - Winston Churchill

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This quote gave me cause to pause.

I have always been a talker. I have been one to share feelings and emotions in words, both verbally and in written form. However, due to some life challenges, sometimes the words that would be most beneficial to express remained locked inside my soul.

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I've come a long way in finding the voice to my soul. It took courage - sometimes more than I thought I had within myself (which in truth, I did not have until I allowed God to help me).

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But now I realize that sometimes it might take more courage to be silent than to speak.

Sometimes it take more guts to listen and just be - then it takes to act or do.

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Thanks Mr. Churchill for this quote. You've gotten this girl to ponder.

May you all be courageous today.

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PS: I am being a copycat of sorts today.

I saw this framing technique on Scott's blog - The World's Best Photography Blog.

I just HAD to try it - but of course I had to put my own little spin on it with double colored frames as well. Thanks for the inspiration to try something new Scott!

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Little Fellow

Envy is the art of counting the other fellow's blessings instead of your own.

- Harold Coffin

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Doogie wanted to make sure everyone knew he was still top dog on this blog. He allowed me to post an image of his cousin yesterday - but then he drew the line in the sand.

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Doogie isn't typically the jealous type.

He doesn't mind if I aim my camera at grass, or birds, or flowers, or the car (he dislikes the flashing red light on the camera). He doesn't mind if I wash my face and hands (he's not fond of baths). He doesn't mind if I have a glass of water (he prefers food).

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However, he does get jealous if I go near the frig and don't bring him back something to eat. He'll even get green eye'd if I grab my keys and leave his leash hanging in the hallway.

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I've tried hard to get him to count his blessings.

I've reminded him that his Gammy gives him cheese upon his arrival at her house.

I've showed him the soft foam pad he has under his thermal lined bed and soft fleece blanket he gets to bury himself in when I'm away. He tastes the fish oil on his dinner every single night. He gets to see his harness and leash almost every single day. And, I've also explained to him that not every dog has this many stuffed toys to play with.

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For some reason though, these blessings don't measure up when he is riding in the car.

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Specifically - when we are slowing down in the car (like at stop signs or off ramps).

Anytime the foot comes off the accelerator my little fellow begins to whine.

And if you slow down and/or make a turn - holy moly - the whine turns to shrieking and then

shockingly loud howling.

Seriously.

My cute, sweet, innocent looking paw baby.

Uh-huh.

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For some reason (perhaps something happened before we adopted each other) he thinks he will get left in the car when I take him places. He has to know he gets to get out of the car. I tell him where we are going when we go to get in the car. Example: Want to go see Grammy? Let's go see Grammy! Doogie's tail wags and he runs to the door for his harness and leash. He's great riding in the car. Until it slows down or stops at stop lights. Or goes below 30 miles an hour....like in school zones. Or if I need to turn at an intersection.

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Shrieksville.

Howltown.

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So... I'm asking a favor here.

Does anyone have any ideas on how to get my little paw baby to be calm in the car when it slows down? I've tried treats to distract him. I've tried anxiety meds. I've tried to desensitize him by driving slowly and stopping and not getting out of the car and going again. I've tried ignoring him. I've talked with three vets. NOTHING works.

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I'd be forever grateful if you would share your ideas.

Or... if you would come drive him to my mom's for me the next time we go.

I'll lead the way in my car.

You take Doogie in yours.

Thanks.

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Between Friends

The difference between friends and pets is that friends we allow into our company, pets we allow into our solitude. - Robert Brault, http://www.robertbrault.com/

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I'd like to introduce you to Dolce, my brother's paw baby. She's almost two years old. This image is literally "a rare click in time" when she is sitting and not jumping around with her exuberant puppy-like energy. She's yellow in color and oh, so sweet.

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Our pets have a way of not only creeping into our lives but into our souls.

Paw babies seem to teach us as much as we teach them.

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I know both Dolce and Doogie have taught me:

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- about joy and happiness by just being themselves

- to let my hair down for some serious fun by bringing me a toy to toss

- that every day needs a few moments of relaxation by rolling over to have their tummies rubbed

- that exercise is as important for me as it is by them (Doogie doese this by sitting at the door, next to his leash)

- but mostly our paw babies teach us to love unconditionally by always being there when needed... in all kinds of weather

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A Peaceful Home

He is the happiest, be he king or peasant, who finds peace in his home.

- Johann Wolfgang von Goethe

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Peaking in on a house that was once a home.

Realizing home is a shelter in all kinds of "weather."

Knowing that home is what the heart always wants.

Remembering love is the center of every happy home.

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Wishing you great comfort, peace, and love in your home.

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