Category Archives: Dog

Something Good

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Blogging from the Heart with Susannah Conway

I signed up for this ecourse yesterday. “This six-week course…includes in-depth lessons, writing prompts, interviews with inspiring bloggers and absolutely everything I know about crafting a blog that truly reflects who you are.” There are still a few spots left, and if you are a blogger with a heart, I’d say to you: do not miss this opportunity.

Susannah Conway

The Cognitive Canine, and Trainer Sarah Stremming

I was really struggling this weekend with a new behavior Sam has developed. The Border Collie in him confounds and confuses me, always has, and sometimes it even breaks my heart a little, (I do not want to fail him).

Luckily for me, when I get to this place where I am feeling defeated and my confidence is shaken, I can call on my friend Sarah Stremming, the owner and trainer for The Cognitive Canine (she knows dogs, and she knows Border Collies). Even if you aren’t lucky enough to have her help you in person/dog, you can benefit from her training blog.

99 Tiny Stories to Make You Think, Smile and Cry from Mark and Angel Hack Life

These stories reminded me how strange and wonderful life can be. “Sometimes the most random everyday encounters force us to stop and rethink the truths and perceptions we have ingrained in our minds. These encounters are educationally priceless. They spawn moments of deep thought and self-reflection that challenge the status quo and help us evolve as sensible individuals…These are simple, powerful, real life stories written by the people who lived them.”

Quote from Kate Courageous

To love yourself completely is an act of courage, (Your Courageous Life).

Amsterdam

You might not already know this about me, but I am utterly in love with Amsterdam. Eric and I went for a week 10 years ago, and haven’t been back, but someday we will, and stay for much much longer. Two design blogs put up posts this week that reminded me of that beautiful place, decor8 “Amsterdam + Highlights From My Next Book” and on sf girl by bay “Anthology in Amsterdam.”

image by ivan herman

Roxie, my friends’ new pup.

Seriously, if you don’t think she’s cute, you are broken.

Baby Bunnies

Other than Roxie, there’s almost nothing cuter than baby bunnies. Don’t believe me? Look at these.
Baby bunnies, day 3
Baby bunnies, day 14
If you are really brave, take a look at Danielle Kiemel’s whole set “Baby Rabbits Growing Up” on flickr.

Joy Jam

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What were the 3-5 things that gave you joy this week?

1. Love. I don’t know what it was about this week, but there was so much love. It was traveling the internet, being sent to my blog and to me, wholehearted love fests were happening in the comment sections of other blogs I love and in my email inbox, and on Facebook in various groups and profiles. It feels like the Universe saying “yes, this is right, you are right where you should be and doing just what you should, as you should.” There was so much love, “My Heart Can’t Contain It All.”

Picture by David Sky

2. Walking. My walks with the dogs this week have been extra special. Not because they’ve been anything out of the ordinary, but because they were absolutely ordinary, just as they always are, and I was paying extra close attention. I noticed.

3. Office plants. Yes, this one again. It just stuns me how perfectly my office climate is suited to indoor gardening, and how breathtaking the lush, glossy, full, aliveness of it can be. My amaryllis is working on three new blooms, the rest are healthy and green, and I brought a bird cage from home to add to the jungle, door flung wide open and birdless.

4. Running. I know, I can’t believe I’m saying it either. But, on Sunday, Eric and I ran with the dogs, and even though I couldn’t do the whole route, I did okay. I ran, and I remembered a few really good runs from a year ago, when I felt strong and powerful, like I could keep going forever. I miss that.

5. Three-hour nap. It was one of those, “I’ll just close my eyes and rest for a bit, and then I’ll go to work” naps that turned into a sleep marathon. Clearly, I really needed it.

For anyone having trouble being grateful today, finding the things that give you joy, I suggest reading the latest post on Metta Drum, “The Healing Power of Gratitude.”