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Posts from the ‘Golden Retriever’ Category

Apr 11

12 Comments

The Hunter

“Searching is half the fun: life is much more manageable when thought of as a scavenger hunt as opposed to a surprise party.” – Jimmy Buffett

At times we get stuck in the rut of our thoughts and circumstances. We wait for something to move us when we need to hunt up joy and light to get a new perspective, to get unstuck.

From the excitement of a squirrel pouncing from tree to tree to the delight of a leaf blowing down the path, Lily understands the bounty found in curiosity and attention to the very moment she’s in. Fully present with ears perked up and bounce in her step, she does not wait for adventure, she pursues it.

My happy little hunter emerges herself deep in the present, senses fully engaged in new sights, sounds and smells. She’s discovered that all that we need is close at hand ready to be captured by our hunting spirit.

“My aim in life isn't so much the pursuit of happiness as the happiness of pursuit.” – Charles Saatchi

“My aim in life isn’t so much the pursuit of happiness as the happiness of pursuit.” – Charles Saatchi

 

Mar 8

8 Comments

1825 days

“Whoever is happy will make others happy too.” – Anne Frank

“Whoever is happy will make others happy too.” – Anne Frank

“Be happy for this moment. This moment is your life.” – Omar Khayyam

We celebrated Lily’s 5th birthday today. Or from her perspective, she’s celebrating 1825 days since she makes each and every one count. Make today, tomorrow and the next day count with enthusiasm, gratitude and generosity of spirit. Happy day.

Mar 7

7 Comments

Thaw

“Earth teach me to forget myself as melted snow forgets its life. Earth teach me resignation as the leaves which die in the fall. Earth teach me courage as the tree which stands all alone. Earth teach me regeneration as the seed which rises in the spring.” – William Alexander

After high 30s yesterday and with a steady increase into the 50s the next few days, the snow will melt transforming the hard ground into soft green grass. The spring thaw uncovers not only the girls’ toys but my socks that they’ve snuck out the past four months. When they grabbed one this morning, I let them go knowing clean up begins today and it gave me a good laugh.

“Every spring is the only spring, a perpetual astonishment.” – Ellis Peters

“Every spring is the only spring, a perpetual astonishment.” – Ellis Peters

The thaw brings a newness and fresh start that we all need on many levels. It’s been a particularly busy three months and there’s been a lot of autopilot just grinding it out, doing more and more. Frozen and buried in habits of too much doing.

As winter transforms to spring, so can we. The thaw of our judgments, assumptions and ego makes way for hope, joy, kindness and delight in each day. The buds asleep beneath the earth break through and the beauty and promise of what’s next reveals itself in its own time. Cast light and let the thaw begin.

Feb 28

9 Comments

Expect and Accept

“Each day holds a surprise. But only if we expect it can we see, hear, or feel it when it comes to us. Let’s not be afraid to receive each day’s surprise, whether it comes to us as sorrow or as joy It will open a new place in our hearts, a place where we can welcome new friends and celebrate more fully our shared humanity.” – Henri Nouwen

When my mind strays too far ahead or lags behind staring the rear view mirror, I am brought back to the moment by a smile, a reminder to find joy in now.

Many of the best life lessons I’ve learned are from my dogs. How to smile, dance, gaze, enjoy, forget, forgive, be present, rest, play, be welcoming, encouraging and loving without conditions. Perhaps the reason that our dogs live such short lives is that they live each moment fully, without hesitation, assumption or judgment. Nothing is wasted or taken for granted.

“Gratitude can transform common days into thanksgivings, turn routine jobs into joy, and change ordinary opportunities into blessings.” – William Arthur Ward

“Gratitude can transform common days into thanksgivings, turn routine jobs into joy, and change ordinary opportunities into blessings.” – William Arthur Ward

A warm smile, a simple act, a kind word can change someone’s day, maybe even transform it. We have a tremendous opportunity, obligation, to make the world better by giving our best. Our world expands and deepens when we shift our focus off “me” outward to care and concern for others.

Expect more and accept what is now. Be surprised and delighted today. And get your smile on.

Dec 22

10 Comments

New Old Self

“Life is about not knowing, having to change, taking the moment and making the best of it, without knowing what’s going to happen next.” – Gilda Radner

For the past seven weeks, Lily has been wearing a cone on her head to stop her from scratching at her face. Thanks to the University of Minnesota Veterinary Hospital treatment, the infection is healing with a combination of medications and she’s been “cone-free” for five days. She’ll be going back in January to start tests for food allergies.

Even with the cone on her head, she’s kept a good attitude but not quite herself. In the past week, Lily’s starting to get back to her new “old self.” Frolicking, wrestling and of course getting into a bit of trouble.

On Friday when we were opening gifts at our first round of Christmas family events, she was busy on the table eating dessert ahead of us. Luckily we caught her in time before she cleared the table. She’s back on her game, full bounce in her step.

“From there to here, and here to there, funny things are everywhere.” – Dr. Seuss

“From there to here, and here to there, funny things are everywhere.” – Dr. Seuss

We all go through stretches of difficulties and challenges (cones on our head) where we lose perspective and a bit of ourselves. And when we come through, we return to our old selves but somehow newer, stronger, with a deeper gratitude.

And Lily highly recommends eating dessert first. It’s a sweet life.

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 15

8 Comments

The Frog

“Eat a live frog first thing in the morning and nothing worse will happen to you the rest of the day.” ― Mark Twain

“Know the true value of time; snatch, seize, and enjoy every moment of it. No idleness, no laziness, no procrastination: never put off till tomorrow what you can do today.” – Philip Stanhope, 4th Earl of Chesterfield

“Know the true value of time; snatch, seize, and enjoy every moment of it. No idleness, no laziness, no procrastination: never put off till tomorrow what you can do today.” – Philip Stanhope, 4th Earl of Chesterfield

There’s an old saying “eat the frog first” – do what you don’t want to do first so you stop procrastinating and move on. When we delay starting, we give too much power to the “frog.” Our perceptions, assumptions and worries are not reality, but we make them our reality when they prevent us from living the good life we are meant to live.

Jump to it and eat the frog! There’s a lot of living to savor and not a lot of time to do it.

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