Filling Up On Sunshine

"Anyone's life truly lived consists of work, sunshine, exercise, soap, plenty of fresh air, and a happy contented spirit."

~Lillie Langtry

Working all day has it's perks.  I can't complain.

But, when I am away from my little green babies, I worry about them.  

Are they warm enough?  Are they getting enough light?

I do what any loving mother would.  I rush home, open the west facing front door and run to gather and place all my seedlings and herb babies in my make-do incubator and chlorophyll inducer.

Even Charlie participates in the frenzy.  

I might be wrong, but I think she's under the impression that if she sits in the window long enough, she'll grow too.  

At least she's optimistic, right?

Big Puppy Dreams

"The Eskimos had 52 names for snow because it was important to them; there ought to be as many for love."

~ M. Atwood

Quietly, she stared out the window, watching as the snow covered the lawn and decorated the trees.  

"Please, Mama," she begged.  "I want to play in the snow."

"But we're warm and snug in here, CT,"  I replied.  "Look how windy and cold it it out there.  You're sure to freeze your little paws off."

"But, Mama, I really, really want to, and I've been such a good puppy," she sweetly reminded me.  

...

So, her Papa Bear took her on a small snow adventure.

She roamed and frolicked, while he carved her a potty path.

After a few minutes of intense investigation and the pummeling of harsh winds, she made her way back to the door.

"All finished, Mama," she said.  "I'd like to come in and get warm now."

...

So, of course, we made ginger peach green tea, read the newspaper and snuggled in.

..and melted hearts.

On Feeling Better

"My dog winks at me sometimes.  I always wink back in case it's some kind of code."

~Unknown

I swear I can hear her gentle, little voice in my mind.  Honestly, I completely know how it would sound- soft, yet confident, sweet and singsong-y.

Wouldn't it be great if animals could talk? If we, as humans, could find a way to easily communicate- sans tail wags and pouting eyes?

...

 I've knew something was wrong, mother's intuition we'll call it.  Therefore I made an appointment with the vet and off we went for a little check-up.  The whole way there I talked to her, telling what would happen and how the doctor had just the right stuff to make her feel better. She seemed to listen, content with the knowledge that relief awaited.

As it turns out, my little fur-child managed to get herself quite the irritating skin infection.  Poor baby.  

While we work on figuring out what she is allergic to, Charlie finds herself limited to a deliciously satisfying hypo-allergenic kibble diet.  Always the trooper, she adjusted quite well.  Mama, on the other hand, did not.  

Naturally, I felt terrible that her normal potty-time routine of  "potty = Cheerio" was disrupted.  No longer did she get a real reward, but rather a little piece of her food, the same stuff that continually filled her bowl.  "This isn't going to do," I chided myself.

Now it isn't everyday that I fill my food processor with kibble, but a mom's gotta do what a mom's gotta do.  I diligently added just the right amount of water, creating a dough-like consistency, formed a few dozen biscuits, and sent them off into a 350 degree oven.  

While they baked, I showed her the treats and told her how delicious they would taste.  I made a huge deal about the whole event, causing her to wag her tail and softly yip around the kitchen.  

Much to my delight, she loves those little biscuits.  She downright thinks they are tops.

Hence, the lip-licking.

For now, she must rest, allowing her medicine to work and her skin to heal. 

Get well, Little One.  We sure love you and want you free of the sickies.

"All things on earth point home in old October...."

~Thomas Wolfe

She Cuddles

"You can only come to the morning through the shadows."

~ Tolkien

...just because I never want to forget how I found her on Thursday morning... 

Hurriedly, I went about my morning tasks: making tea, straightening hair, and accessorizing.  Meanwhile, Little One found my old college sweatshirt and got cozy.   

It started out as a Sunday Stroll...

"There are no ordinary moments. There is always something magical going on."

~ Peaceful Warrior

We started the day with a festive mug of pumpkin spice coffee, never intending to stroll through the yard. But as I watched Little One, looking intently through the glass, I found myself open to the idea of a free-range stroll through the lawn.

It started out innocently enough with me walking around the yard, enjoying the small greetings of autumn: golden and maroon leaves fluttering to the ground, crisp air, vibrant moss, and spider webs.

Charlie, on the other hand, enjoyed sniffing about and tracking the scents of invisible critters. She’s crafty, I tell you~ always finding a way to wonder about and get her little paws dirty.

She was hot on the trail of something highly interesting, when suddenly, she stopped. I followed her gaze only to spot the most adorable squirrel running, make that sprinting across the fence rail. Not only was he moving at mock speed, but in his mouth he carried a large breakfast treat.

It was obvious the squirrel had big plans~ plans that included feasting in peace and quiet, enjoying his decadent delight.

I’ve gotta hand it to the little guy. He ran and ran, pausing at just the right moments to case out his surroundings. Then, he was off again, his final destination remaining his ultimate goal.

He spotted the sappy pine tree, the one with the perfect branch and the scenic view. He climbed and climbed, one foot in front of another.

Finally, his persistence paid off. He sighed (I could hear it, honestly), settled in, licked his paws, and enjoyed his morning meal. CT and I simply stood there watching, shaking our heads in amazement.

What started out as a lazy Sunday stroll for Miss Chalie and I turned into a spur-of-the-moment squirrel watching adventure. Ya just never know what the day will hold.

The Summer Diaries #8- Sweet, Sweet Sunday

"A man is a success if he gets up in the morning and gets to bed at night, and in between he does what he wants to do."

~Bob Dylan

Sunshine, breakfast, coffee and conversation on the patio combined to form the most perfect start to a fun Sunday. In fact, it was so fun that we sat there for quite some time, refusing to acknowledge that time was ticking by.

CT enjoyed some quality time with her Papa Bear, and although it looks as through she may attack at any moment, she was finishing up a yawn. It’s a “ruff” life that little one has.

Later on, it was a spur-of-the-moment happy hour with the neighbors, followed by walking to a local restaurant for dinner. Does it really get any better?

The Summer Diaries #1- To The House of Books

"No matter how little money and how few possessions you own, having a dog makes you rich."
~Louis Sabin

Little Peep decided to take me for a walk this morning. Together, we headed to the library—her choice. The apple doesn’t fall far from the tree.

She proudly returned three books, and we headed home…stopping, per her request, every now and then to check out the yard sales.

Snow Puppy, Reporting for Duty

Ruff Ruff, Friends,

Today Mama had the day off. Well, not really, but her phone rang this morning-- twice...awakening me from my sweet slumber. And, judging from her yippie skippie response to the phone messages and the way she pulled the blankets closer, rolled over, and drifted off to snooze-land, I can only imagine that it was a surprise cancellation of that work thing she does everyday. Poor woman.

Thankfully, we cuddled and snuggled and dozed and watched television together for an hour or so. Having Mama to myself in the morning is...is....is, well....just doggone wonderful. A treat! A little slice of puppy heaven! She made java and allowed me some of her delicious granola for breakfast. Lucky me. (tail wag)

Then, I heard her on the phone talking to Grammie. I was pretty sure they were planning something, but I hated to get all excited for nothing. The next thing I knew Mama was throwing a bunch of yarn into a bag, smashing her feet into boots, and putting my little coat on me. "Grammie's house?" I secretly hoped. "

Well, that snow is no joke for a petite little canine such as myself. I mean, it's one thing to scoot outside and potty, but it's another to tackle an unshoveled driveway and a poorly plowed street. But, like Mama, I enjoy a challenge. So off we went-- me carving my own perfect path-- and Mama following my trusty lead.

We made it, though, don't you worry. I kindly led the way, carving Mama her own little trail, just the right size for her feet. She appreciated it. That, I know, for sure.

I love lending a paw-- well make that four paws. Mama is such a rockstar that it makes me ruffy happy when I can help her out.

So, dear friends, finally, after much trudging and trail-blazing and snow eating, I spotted Grammie's house! I really love going there, even though I have to share the spotlight with that Millie dog.

I'm really hoping that the phone rings early tomorrow morning, too. My day with Mama was tops!

My Warm Puppy

"I think dogs are the most amazing creatures; they give unconditional love. For me they are the role model for being alive."

~Gilda Radner

I didn't sleep much last night. As a matter of fact, I woke up at 4:30 am, ran to the window, gazed upon a white wonderland, and began my "Snow Day Watch".

Charlie T. seemed pretty thrilled about having mama to lounge on the couch with. We didn't waste a minute of such a snuggly morning. At warp speed we plugged in the tree, grabbed our favorite blankies, turned on the news, made tea, and watched- not so patiently- until our school's name scrolled across the bottom of the television screen.

Happy. Happy. Joy. Joy!

Nestled? You could say so.

And all day, she's been this way. I think she's pretty thrilled that I'm here with her. She and I have been cuddle buddies all day. We've studied, done laundry, studied some more, and worked on a paper. Dinner is in the crock pot and the yummy smell has us both in an intoxicating grip.

Snow days- we love 'em.

Tap, Tap, Tapping On Our Window Pane...

"When I no longer thrill to the first snow of the season, I'll know I'm growing old."

~ Lady Bird Johnson

Munchkin and I already have our paws and fingers crossed. We're hoping for a snow day tomorrow. A day away from work and the normals of the Monday-Friday grind. She and I, well, we really need a mother-dogger day.

We're thinking: coffee, the Today Show, knitting, studying, and cooking.

Yes, it's the first big snow of the winter season and we couldn't be happier about seeing our favorite friend, Suzy Snowflake.

Holding On To Forever

"Love many things, for therein lies the true strength, and whosoever loves much performs much, and can accomplish much, and what is done in love is done well."

~ Vincent Van Gogh

If you stop and think about it, cameras are quite magical instruments. With the click of a button we are able to freeze moments of time forever and ever.

Forever. Humm....that's pretty powerful.

Someday we will gaze upon photos of days gone by and we will remember. Little by little, memories will tumble from the recesses of our minds and we will re-live those moments.

You've seen people do it. They sit there, studying, losing themselves in the image an old photograph holds.

What do you notice when you take a photograph in your hand?

Do you smell the long forgotten scent of a grandmother's house? Do you remember the sound of a specific laugh or notice a characteristic mannerism or gesture? Do you taste a favorite recipe or hear an old television program play in the background?

The camera is amazing, magical, and perhaps even hauntingly sacred. How else would we forever capture special moments, major events, tiny details, and the faces of our loved ones? And, more importantly, how would we hold on to them forever?

Change of Plans

"Think of entrainment as being "in sync." When your head and heart, thoughts and feelings, are working harmoniously together, you have more clarity and inner balance–and you feel better."
~IMC

In so many ways this has been a most wonderful week. On the other hand, it's been quite difficult. I've had a few decent cries on the way to work, and perhaps a sniffle or two on the way home. I won't dwell on that now, though. You're not here to read of my sadness, and at the moment, I'm not quite ready to share it. So there. We're even.

But, in an attempt to treat myself for getting through a most emotional week, I decided I'd ride to a favorite little knitting store of mine and attend "Knit Night." All week I looked forward to this evening. Just thinking about it made me calm and helped me focus and look ahead.

Today was to be the day. Today was to be my little reward, my treat.

Guess what didn't happen? Take a wild swing at the event that got canceled.

Knit Night.

Bummed. Disappointed. Angry. Those words accurately summarize the emotions I experienced. But, like any true champion, I pressed on. I made myself don the smile and the half-hearted "no problem" attitude and I went about my night.

Starbucks and candy corn twinkle lights and time with CT and the finishing of a knitting project occupied my evening. It wasn't quite the night of learning a new knitting technique that I had previously envisioned, but it worked. I didn't get to surround myself with nice people who shared a common interest. Heck, I didn't even talk to a soul.

But, I made it to Thursday night. And, amazingly enough, I found my peace- for now, anyway.

Sunday Mornings

"The ordinary arts we practice every day at home are of more importance to the soul than their simplicity might suggest."

~Thomas More

Yesterday I savored every single mili-second of my last day of summer vacation. The sun danced upon the umbrella table and I was surrounded by soft yarns, pretty flowers, and my little family. It was quite wonderful.

Little Peep, however, displayed her dismay at my returning to work. I don't know who is going to miss our summer days more; me or her?

Six = 42

"Dogs are our link to paradise. They don't know evil or jealousy or discontent. To sit with a dog on a hillside on a glorious afternoon is to be back in Eden, where doing nothing was not boring- it was peace."

~ Milan Kundera

Our little fur-face turned six yesterday. Six or 42. I suppose it depends on how one looks at it.

I often think about how the cards in life lined up so that I was chosen as Charlie's mama. It makes me sad to think of what her life might had been like had she not landed a spot with Chad-0 and I.

Who would have raised her?

Where would she have spent her afternoons?

Would she constantly have hugs and nuzzles?

Would she have a soft golden pillow and a Stevie Santa Bear toy?

I'll admit that there isn't a single time I'm on the couch or at the computer or cooking dinner when Little Peep isn't right there, too. It's a very gratifying feeling-- to be so loved and wanted by a furry little critter.

In honor of her birthday, I made her the sweater in the above photo.

She kinda likes it. Wink.

Grammy also brought her some treats and chewies and got her the coolest card.

We sure ruff our Charlie T.