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Posts from the ‘Dogs’ Category

Dec 21

8 Comments

MERRY Christmas

“Christmas is not a time nor a season, but a state of mind. To cherish peace and goodwill, to be plenteous in mercy, is to have the real spirit of Christmas.” – Calvin Coolidge

The preparations and rushing around that lead up to Christmas makes this special and reflective time often feel like “Hurry Christmas.” There are no gifts that you can give that are more important than your full attention and presence with family and friends. So slow down, be present and make sure that “merry” is in the forefront and center of your Christmas. And remember to carry the true spirit of Christmas in your heart every day.

“Christmas, my child, is love in action. Every time we love, every time we give, it's Christmas.” – Dale Evans

“Christmas, my child, is love in action. Every time we love, every time we give, it’s Christmas.” – Dale Evans

Dec 7

2 Comments

Good Cheer

“Nothing is so contagious as enthusiasm.” – Samuel Taylor Coleridge

“A well-spent day brings happy sleep.” – Leonardo da Vinci

“A well-spent day brings happy sleep.” – Leonardo da Vinci

A long unrushed walk in the woods, slowing to explore tracks, discover hidden treasures and gaze up to soak in the blue sky. Time spent together, just together is all that is asked for by friends and family, especially the four-legged ones.

Lily can always muster up a wide smile and bright eyes. And when she does I can’t help but return a wide smile in return.  And when I smiled and said “hi” to the older gentlemen walking slowly on the path, he lifted his head and smiled as well. Instead of merely passing by, we acknowledged each other’s presence.

Attitude and outlook are contagious, but some we don’t want to catch. So we need to be on guard without being guarded or hesitant to be the one with the smile in a room full of frowns. Get your smile on and go out and change the world in a good way. Be of good cheer.

Nov 15

14 Comments

The Cone

“Kindness in words creates confidence. Kindness in thinking creates profoundness. Kindness in giving creates love.” – Lao Tzu

For the past month, we’ve been trying to figure out what’s going on with inflamed skin on Lily’s nose. She’s been on antibiotics, steroids and is wearing “the dreaded cone” to keep from scratching it. On Monday, she had biopsies done. The good news is that she doesn’t have an autoimmune disease but rather a severe allergic reaction to something. Next up is a round of heavy duty steroids and more time in the cone.

The first day or two in the cone, she was disoriented and bothered, but she’s now adjusted and acclimated. She hasn’t let the cone define her or affect her ability to wag her tail, give kisses or run full speed at Molly and I with toy in mouth ready to wrestle and play. She’s as lighthearted and crazy as ever and a bit more snuggly.

Molly has been watching her like a hawk and you can see the concern in her eyes for her best friend. She makes sure to get a toy on the way out so they can play when they get outside, even if she’s going to get hit in the head with the cone. And the sweetest act I’ve witnessed is when Molly slowly walks up to Lily and puts her head in the cone to give her a gentle kiss, letting Lily know that cone or not she’s present and by her side.

“Friendship is one mind in two bodies.” – Mencius

“Friendship is one mind in two bodies.” – Mencius

We often can’t solve and fix things in our time. With patience, they must heal on their own. But we always have the power to show empathy and compassion, joining our friend in their “cone” reminding them that they are not alone.

Oct 20

7 Comments

True North

“When the solution is simple, God is answering.” – Albert Einstein

When I lose my way, may I always be brought home to a smile, a warm greeting and undivided attention. And when I go back out, may I carry that with me and offer the same that I have been given and restored by.

“Friendship is always a sweet responsibility, never an opportunity.” – Khalil Gibran

“Friendship is always a sweet responsibility, never an opportunity.” – Khalil Gibran

Sep 3

17 Comments

To Be Found

“Love is our true destiny. We do not find the meaning of life by ourselves alone – we find it with another.” – Thomas Merton

Every once in a while, Lily or Molly quietly disappear from the living room. When I go look, I always find them lying on the bed waiting to be found. When I sit next to them and snuggle in, they always perk up – mission accomplished. That’s all they want. They just want to be found. A simple yet profound reminder that all of us just want to be found, to be missed, to be sought, to be seen, to be heard.

“Kindness can become its own motive. We are made kind by being kind.” – Eric Hoffer

“Kindness can become its own motive. We are made kind by being kind.” – Eric Hoffer

When we get out of our own head long enough and use our heart to find others with a smile, a compliment, a moment of attention, our world expands and grows richer.

And when we search and find others, we actually find ourselves, our best self. Shine a light, feel the warmth.

Aug 20

6 Comments

Fun, well done

“Never, ever underestimate the importance of having fun.” – Randy Pausch

One day seems too short to celebrate a birthday. So birthday week continues with a few visual guides to sum up three valuable insights on living well from wise sage and birthday girl Molly, accompanied by her lovely assistants/best friends, Elly and Lily.

  1. Quietly being with friends is more than enough;
    ellymollylilymolly
  2. There’s nothing better than a soft kiss on the forehead;
    mollyelly2lilymolly2
  3. And most importantly remember to grab your friends by the collar, shake them up and have some fun.
    play

Be aware, awake and in tune to your beauty-filled, delight-filled and swiftly moving life each and every day. Have fun, cast light.

 

Jul 16

4 Comments

As Simple as a Smile

“Did I offer peace today? Did I bring a smile to someone’s face? Did I say words of healing? Did I let go of my anger and resentment? Did I forgive? Did I love?’ These are the real questions. I must trust that the little bit of love that I sow now will be many fruits, here in this world and the life to come.” – Henri Nouwen

A simple smile can change the moment, the day. Three easy steps: 1) Curiosity 2) Discovery 3) Joy. Lighten up and cast light in the process. My where a smile can lead…

“What sunshine is to flowers, smiles are to humanity. These are but trifles, to be sure; but scattered along life's pathway, the good they do is inconceivable.” – Joseph Addison

“What sunshine is to flowers, smiles are to humanity. These are but trifles, to be sure; but scattered along life’s pathway, the good they do is inconceivable.” – Joseph Addison

Jul 6

4 Comments

Long Slow Summer

“Let us dance in the sun, wearing wild flowers in our hair…” ― Susan Polis Schutz

As I make my slow pilgrimage through the world, a certain sense of beautiful mystery seems to gather and grow. - A. C. Benson

As I make my slow pilgrimage through the world, a certain sense of beautiful mystery seems to gather and grow. – A. C. Benson

To a cool breeze that touches the soul. To the warm sun that ignites delight. To long walks that stop time. Awe found, slowly and deeply. Summer amplifies our blessings with vibrant colors, sweet fragrances and the music of nature. Summer frees us to live by the moment, present and aware.

Go slow summer, go slow.

Jun 2

4 Comments

Elbow & Nose Deep

“Poetry is an echo, asking a shadow to dance.” – Carl Sandburg

Blessed are those who not only see the glass half full but overflowing. Those who race into the rain to find the same joy found in the sun and breeze amidst the puddles and mud. Those who are lost in time, knowing that time passes swiftly whether we are happy or sad, so they wisely choose happy. Those who show us that life is found in ordinary moments and draw the marrow out of each one. Those that take silliness, fun and delight as serious business of the utmost importance.

“Let the rain kiss you. Let the rain beat upon your head with silver liquid drops. Let the rain sing you a lullaby.” – Langston Hughes

“Let the rain kiss you. Let the rain beat upon your head with silver liquid drops. Let the rain sing you a lullaby.” – Langston Hughes

May I be awake to my many blessings more often than not. May I not look back with regret, which is found in what we don’t do, what we don’t see, what we don’t appreciate. Blessed are those that recognize and act upon the abundance of blessings that are more than elbow and nose deep.

May 7

8 Comments

Remember Happy, Visit Often

“I, not events, have the power to make me happy or unhappy today. I can choose which it shall be. Yesterday is dead, tomorrow hasn’t arrived yet. I have just one day, today, and I’m going to be happy in it.” – Groucho Marx

“Smile, it's free therapy.” – Douglas Horton

“Smile, it’s free therapy.” – Douglas Horton

Ridiculously busy days filled nonstop meetings, hundreds of emails and unreasonable people can throw you for a loop, off your game and out of whack. In the midst of the chaos, which is actually the illusion, we need to remember happy and visit often.

It’s right there next to you, holding your hand. Stop, leave the “emergency” rooms of life and take in what’s good, really good. Memories made, memories in process and memories to come – make them happen. Friends, family, a broad smile and a lick on the forehead cures all.

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