What is it about our dogs that gets us thinking about heaven, about matters of ultimate concern? What is it about our dogs that pierces us to the depths of our souls?
If there is a heaven, some sort of afterlife, I like to think of it as a place where we get reunited with all the good deogs that we've ever known.
Each one of our good dogs is a psalm, a prayer, a song of praise-on four legs and with a wagging tail. The only reason any dog turns from the good is because it has been corrupted by the evil of men.
One of the gateways to true adulthood is when we finaly understand that even as we live, we are moving toward death. The dogs in our lives help leaven that understanding, let us rehearse those last breaths.
Tuesday, May 31, 2011
Saturday, May 28, 2011
Quotes from What a Difference a Dog Makes by Dan A. Jennings
But that's one of the big mysteries, right? How did we choose dogs, and how did they choose us?
What do we see when we stare into each other's eyes? What deep mamal bond lurks there? Why do we stoop for a strange dog and ask to scratch it's soft, irrestible ears? And why does that same dog give us the hard lean against our legs that tells us, "Hey, man, you're alright."
Oh I know that the biologists and tyhe anthropologists think they have answers to those questions. But their dry science isn't satisfying, doesn't roll around in the mud and revel in the mystery of it all.
There's something essential in the physical transactions between human and dog. When Bijou jumps onto the couch, circles a couple times, then plumps herself down next to me and sighs in contentment, that act sums up why we bring dogs into our lives: We savor the beauty of the fact that the miracles of their lives so comfortably intersect with the miracles of our own.
We invite our dogs into our lives as "just the family pet," but often they end up being canine candles that blaze and shine, illuminating our lives.
Dogs are miracles in the moment- and they teach us, in fact, that each moment is an absolute miracles-and they live in the eternal present. They don't fret over past mistakes, or dwell on past glories, either. The future is always now.
What do we see when we stare into each other's eyes? What deep mamal bond lurks there? Why do we stoop for a strange dog and ask to scratch it's soft, irrestible ears? And why does that same dog give us the hard lean against our legs that tells us, "Hey, man, you're alright."
Oh I know that the biologists and tyhe anthropologists think they have answers to those questions. But their dry science isn't satisfying, doesn't roll around in the mud and revel in the mystery of it all.
There's something essential in the physical transactions between human and dog. When Bijou jumps onto the couch, circles a couple times, then plumps herself down next to me and sighs in contentment, that act sums up why we bring dogs into our lives: We savor the beauty of the fact that the miracles of their lives so comfortably intersect with the miracles of our own.
We invite our dogs into our lives as "just the family pet," but often they end up being canine candles that blaze and shine, illuminating our lives.
Dogs are miracles in the moment- and they teach us, in fact, that each moment is an absolute miracles-and they live in the eternal present. They don't fret over past mistakes, or dwell on past glories, either. The future is always now.
Saturday, May 21, 2011
Geesh! Where does the time go???
So, I realize it's been a while since I've posted. I can't even explain where I've been. I made it through another great musical. I survived the news that Amber and Joe are splitting. I've even grown to accept the idea that Kelsey's pregnant. I can't quite say that I'm excited just yet but I'm working on it. She asked me to go with her to her appointment for an ultrasound on Tuesday. I got to see the baby and it's a boy! Everything looks fine so that's good. I've started looking at knitting patterns so that's good, right??? I want to be a good grandma but the situation is a little strange. I'm trying, really I am....
It's been a tough week. I had my last chorus concert on Wednesday. What the hell am I going to do with myself??? Not teach music??? Really?? It's like a huge slap. And to know that the kids won't be getting a teacher who is excited, happy to be with them and that is going to kill me. Teaching music has been my dream come true and now it's coming to an end. I've been close to tears all week and sometimes the tears have won. And I'm so sick and tired of hearing people say, "Well, at least you still have a job."" Really???? Please. I've given everything I could to this district. I've gone above and beyond what everyone else has done and this is my reward??? Ugh. On top of all of this, Thursday was the 5 month anniversay of Flutie. God, I still miss him like it was yesterday. Now that spring is here, every shadow I see outside, I think it's him. Des was here last night and heard something that for just a second- she thought it was him. Will this ever get easier? Will my heart ever stop aching? Will my tears ever stop?
It's been a tough week. I had my last chorus concert on Wednesday. What the hell am I going to do with myself??? Not teach music??? Really?? It's like a huge slap. And to know that the kids won't be getting a teacher who is excited, happy to be with them and that is going to kill me. Teaching music has been my dream come true and now it's coming to an end. I've been close to tears all week and sometimes the tears have won. And I'm so sick and tired of hearing people say, "Well, at least you still have a job."" Really???? Please. I've given everything I could to this district. I've gone above and beyond what everyone else has done and this is my reward??? Ugh. On top of all of this, Thursday was the 5 month anniversay of Flutie. God, I still miss him like it was yesterday. Now that spring is here, every shadow I see outside, I think it's him. Des was here last night and heard something that for just a second- she thought it was him. Will this ever get easier? Will my heart ever stop aching? Will my tears ever stop?
Saturday, February 12, 2011
There You'll Be
I heard this song while I was putting away the houses from my Christmas village today. Seemed very fitting:
When I think back on these times
and the dreams we left behind
I'll be glad 'cause I was blessed to get to have you in my life
When I look back on these days
I'll look and see your face-
You were right there for me
In my dreams I'll always see you soar above the sky
in my heart there will always be a place for you for all my life
I'll keep a part of you with me
and everywhere I am- there you'll be
and everywhere I am- there you'll be
Well, you showed me how it feels to feel the sky within my reach
and I always will remember all the strength you gave to me
your love made me make it through
Oh, I owe so much to you
You were right there for me
Cause I always saw in you my light, my strength
and I want to thank you now for all the ways
you were right there for me
you were right there for me for always
In my dreams I'll always see you soar above the sky
in my heart there will always be a place for you for all my life
I'll keep a part of you with me
and everywhere I am- there you'll be
and everywhere I am- there you'll be.......
When I think back on these times
and the dreams we left behind
I'll be glad 'cause I was blessed to get to have you in my life
When I look back on these days
I'll look and see your face-
You were right there for me
In my dreams I'll always see you soar above the sky
in my heart there will always be a place for you for all my life
I'll keep a part of you with me
and everywhere I am- there you'll be
and everywhere I am- there you'll be
Well, you showed me how it feels to feel the sky within my reach
and I always will remember all the strength you gave to me
your love made me make it through
Oh, I owe so much to you
You were right there for me
Cause I always saw in you my light, my strength
and I want to thank you now for all the ways
you were right there for me
you were right there for me for always
In my dreams I'll always see you soar above the sky
in my heart there will always be a place for you for all my life
I'll keep a part of you with me
and everywhere I am- there you'll be
and everywhere I am- there you'll be.......
Sunday, February 6, 2011
Super Bowl Sunday
We had the gang over to watch the game. Well, who am I kidding??? We had the gang over to eat!!! I've been so good with this weight lose game and my goal was to lose another 1.4 pounds this week to make my total 10 but I think I blew it today. I've eaten more than I could have imagined. Oh, well. Back to tracking tomorrow.
Work has been pretty stressful. There have been a few union issues, a new teacher accusing a grade-level collegue and the principal of harassement and on top of all that my student teacher came. I haven't had a moment to myself at work in weeks. But tomorrow should be a quieter day. The student teacher is sick and won't be ocming in. The other issues have settled down a little (at least for me) so I'm looking forward to a quiet day.
I'd like to say my grieving is getting better but that's just not the case. I miss Flutie every day. There hasn't been a day yet that I haven't cried. And sometimes it just comes out of nowhere and wham- tears are rolling down my cheeks. I found this awesome pendant on etsy that I'm going to order for myself. It's a custom pendant with his name on it with a paw print. I'll be ordering that later in the week- as soon as I'm sure there's enough money in the old checking account. Anyway, maybe I'll feel that he's still with me- even if it's around my neck! Who would have thought a dog could wiggle his way into my heart so strongly that I'm missing him like he was my best friend?
Well, I'm going to turn in for the night. Actually, I'm going to read for a bit. I'm reading The Forgotten Garden by Kate Morton- great book. Then it will be lights out!! Here's to a better week.......
Work has been pretty stressful. There have been a few union issues, a new teacher accusing a grade-level collegue and the principal of harassement and on top of all that my student teacher came. I haven't had a moment to myself at work in weeks. But tomorrow should be a quieter day. The student teacher is sick and won't be ocming in. The other issues have settled down a little (at least for me) so I'm looking forward to a quiet day.
I'd like to say my grieving is getting better but that's just not the case. I miss Flutie every day. There hasn't been a day yet that I haven't cried. And sometimes it just comes out of nowhere and wham- tears are rolling down my cheeks. I found this awesome pendant on etsy that I'm going to order for myself. It's a custom pendant with his name on it with a paw print. I'll be ordering that later in the week- as soon as I'm sure there's enough money in the old checking account. Anyway, maybe I'll feel that he's still with me- even if it's around my neck! Who would have thought a dog could wiggle his way into my heart so strongly that I'm missing him like he was my best friend?
Well, I'm going to turn in for the night. Actually, I'm going to read for a bit. I'm reading The Forgotten Garden by Kate Morton- great book. Then it will be lights out!! Here's to a better week.......
Saturday, January 8, 2011
Monday, January 3, 2011
Back to work!
Today was the first day back to school since before the holidays. The kids are kinda crazy- they are so used to doing and saying whatever they want whenever they want to so it's an adjustment just to get them back in the groove. A few more days and we'll have them back!!
I've done pretty good eating -wise today. In fact, it's almost 8:00 and I still have 5 points left!! What to eat, what to eat??? I may have a few leftover sugar cookies with my coffee!!
Tomorrow is the big day. In the morning, I'm having a bone density test and my mammo and then in the afternoon I'm going to Mercy Hospital for a stress echo test. I'm really not looking forward to that one. They give you something to speed up your heart while they observe it through a sonogram- or so that's what I've been told. I'm not liking the idea of my heart racing while I lay on a table and they move that sensor around getting a view of my heart. I know, I know. it's not going to be that bad but......I'll let you know tomorrow. Keep your fingers crossed they don't find anything out of the ordinary.
I've done pretty good eating -wise today. In fact, it's almost 8:00 and I still have 5 points left!! What to eat, what to eat??? I may have a few leftover sugar cookies with my coffee!!
Tomorrow is the big day. In the morning, I'm having a bone density test and my mammo and then in the afternoon I'm going to Mercy Hospital for a stress echo test. I'm really not looking forward to that one. They give you something to speed up your heart while they observe it through a sonogram- or so that's what I've been told. I'm not liking the idea of my heart racing while I lay on a table and they move that sensor around getting a view of my heart. I know, I know. it's not going to be that bad but......I'll let you know tomorrow. Keep your fingers crossed they don't find anything out of the ordinary.
Sunday, January 2, 2011
New Year's Day- more
Well, I spent the day eating everything in sight- under the guise of getting rid of it before tomorrow. I watched Eat, Pray, Love by myself this morning. Great movie- better book. I finished my scarf and another dishcloth. Then, I started a baby sweater for my godchild to give as a shower gift. The pattern is Baby Sophisticate by Linden Heflin that I found on Rivelry. I'm using Vanna's Choice in Dusty Purple. So far I'm liking it. I finished the front up to the garter stitch for 7 rows and BO. Tomorrow I'll start the sleeves.
The kids came over tonight to play a few games and, again, eat all the food in sight!! We had a nice time. Tomorrow morning, daughter #1 and I have our first official weight-in. This is the only time I can remember being relaxed about weighing in!! Ha!! Next week I'll be stressing!!
The kids came over tonight to play a few games and, again, eat all the food in sight!! We had a nice time. Tomorrow morning, daughter #1 and I have our first official weight-in. This is the only time I can remember being relaxed about weighing in!! Ha!! Next week I'll be stressing!!
Saturday, January 1, 2011
Happy New Year!!
If you're actually reading this- Wow!! This is my first ever attempt at a blog. My hope is that it will continue to inspire me to be a better person in this new year. First of all, I'd like to lose at least 20 pounds. I think that's pretty realistic. I don't know when it happened, but I suddenly weigh as much as I did when I was eating for 2! I don't like it at all- I look crummy, I feel crummy....So, I'm going to try my best to lose some of me.
Another resolution (I hate that word) maybe we should call it a New Year's Goal instead- is to live more frugally- cut and actually use coupons, make my own laundry soap and other cost cutting ideas. Eating out less-which actually leads to another goal- eat better. With my trusty favorite cookbook in hand, I'm going to choose bi-weekly meals, complete the grocery shopping list, use the coupons I cut out of the Sunday paper and head to the grocery store. That shopping trip will happen on Friday nights- right after the Weight Watcher meeting daughter #1 and I will be attending weekly. See, all my goals kinda tie in together. I'm hoping that that will lead to success. Time will tell.
Another resolution (I hate that word) maybe we should call it a New Year's Goal instead- is to live more frugally- cut and actually use coupons, make my own laundry soap and other cost cutting ideas. Eating out less-which actually leads to another goal- eat better. With my trusty favorite cookbook in hand, I'm going to choose bi-weekly meals, complete the grocery shopping list, use the coupons I cut out of the Sunday paper and head to the grocery store. That shopping trip will happen on Friday nights- right after the Weight Watcher meeting daughter #1 and I will be attending weekly. See, all my goals kinda tie in together. I'm hoping that that will lead to success. Time will tell.
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)