Construction

Have no fear. My blog is doing some goofy things. But I am on top of it and it will be fixed shortly!
If you notice that some entries are missing, well... I noticed that too.
I'm working on it, folks!
Calm yourselves!

No, but really. Probably I'm the only one who noticed things were missing. But all should be back to normal by this evening.
Bear with me.

And happy Thursday my friends!!

Feet & Fat

I would like to immediately state that I have no fetishes with feet or anything like that. In fact, most feet are kind of gross to me.

But my dog... Well he has the best feet. And every time he naps, I swear he tangles his legs like he does just so that I will shower him with some photographic attention.

And I happily oblige.



I should probably trim his toe fur again.

Eww... That sounds kind of icky.



And I need to trim his nails. Again.



Jake has a chair that belongs just to him. Sometimes we borrow it when we have company over. Humans need a place to sit, too. But in the meantime, it's Jake's chair. And the advantage to that is that Jake has to wrap himself around himself just to sleep on it.

Jake's not a small dog



But that usually means that he's in a very photogenic position.

And just like his momma, he has to sleep with his feet hanging off the bed.

This... I don't know what to do with this.




Not even joking, this cat gets like 10 kibbles, twice a day. How can 20 kitty kibbles make him like this?

I mean, I know how I got like that. Momma gets more than 20 kibbles every day. But Sylvester....

I think he has another food source that he's not telling us about.

At Last

I had my camera handy when I saw something I wanted to shoot. Finally.

I woke up and let dogs outside to do their thing. And while I was standing out there, I took in the fog and the light from the sunrise and the way it bounced through the trees.

And I knew I needed my camera.

These make my front yard appear to be my own personal oasis.



For the past few months, dozens of construction workers have been 'working' in our front yard, ripping up the road in front of our home and causing quite a mess. Not to mention the noise that took the place of our usually peaceful neighborhood. Jackhammers and handfuls of gigantic Mack trucks milling about. The smell of diesel and asphault overcoming what used to be the smell of sweet grass and country.

But yesterday, the road was finally laid. The trucks departed. The cones were removed.

And this morning, for the first time in months...

...it was peaceful at last.

Small Town

As you know, I live in a tiny little agricultural town in Minnesota. I live here because this is where Red lived when I met him.

Honestly, I had never heard of this town prior to meeting Red. In high school, friends and I would drive through here in the middle of the night when we were out cruising around and doing nothing. Yeah, I was one of those people who got enjoyment out of driving aimlessly around back country roads, with nowhere in particular to go.

But I didn't hardly remember the name of it.

I wasn't real lively about the initial idea of moving here. But the more time I spent there, the more I knew that it was for me.

I love that I know the names of all of my neighbors. And their dog's names.
I love that all of my neighbors have dogs.
I love that with a three minute walk in one direction, I can be standing on the edge of wide open country spaces. I need wide open country spaces.
I love that when somebody in the neighborhood has a backyard bonfire, that it's just expected that the neighbors will drop by and have a beer.
I love that when I walk into our gas station, I'm greeted by name.
I love that when I check out at that gas station, if Red isn't with me, they ask me if he's fishing.
I love that they know that Red is always fishing.
I love the fact that if I walk into the bar/pool hall/diner, that the bartender pops open a Bud Light for me.

The other day, I went to the bank. I go through the drive through. There are 3 stalls in the drive through. I love that even though there are 3 stalls available to use, that 5 cars lined up behind me to use the window stall, and left the other 2 open.. Because they just wanted to have a face to face conversation with the lovely teller who is always there on Fridays.

Because that's just the way it is in a small town.

Twilight

I have put off viewing the movie 'Twilight' for almost a year now. And not for any reason other than I just didn't think I would be into it.

Growing up, I did have a vast interest in vampires and unicorns and werewolves... It was fascinating stuff to me. I loved the movie 'Buffy the Vampire Slayer', and was hooked on the cable tv show following it. In my heart, I'm a romantic and I love the bad boy and the good girl and the stories where the bad boy needs to protect the good girl for whatever reason. They are usually very thrilling stories.

**note: I was not one of those weirdos who thought that stuff actually existed. It's like Santa Clause. The its the thought of the good and the exciting that keeps it alive. But I understood that they were only spun tales**

But then older I got, the more I realized how 'unaccepted' that particular interest was. So I let it go.

When I met Red, I discovered that he was reading an Anne Rice series. I've never read her stuff, but I knew it was based on vampires and werewolves and the like. His sister seemed to have the same interest in wizards and dragons.

Anyways. Long story short, we finally saw Twilight over the weekend. I'm hooked. I wish I would have read the books first. But I'll read them eventually. I ended up watching the movie a total of three times this weekend. And I'd watch it again. I am already anticipating the next movie, New Moon. I fell in love with the characters and the music especially. It's my favorite kind of story and features romance and thrills at their best.

I promise not to turn my blog black or post vampire pictures though. Nor will I fantasize over Robert Pattinson. Some people take that stuff too far. I just liked the movie. I would recommend it if you haven't seen it!

Disc Doggin

I am not completely sure why, but for some rediculous reason, I have never been able to remember to bring my camera when I go to a disc doggin event. Never. Not once. If I ever post photos of dogs catching discs, they are very likely taken by someone who remembers to bring their camera.

This past weekend we went to another disc doggin event. Frankie and I competed in Novice Freestyle for the very first time. I thought I was going to have a panic attack or something prior to stepping onto the field. I don't like doing things in front of people. Much less doing things in the middle of an abandoned field surrounded by a hundred or more people, with each of those people staring at me, expecting me to put on a good show. Yikes.

For an entire week leading up to this freestyle routine, I would break down at some point every day and literally freak out about it. I was nervous. I was scared. I was absolutely and completely terrified. I even tried conjuring up an excuse so that we wouldnt have to go. But when I was able to reasonably think about it, it didn't make sense for us to skip it and then go to Colorado and have our first freestyle routine ever in front of a thousand people. If I cant do it in front of 100 people, what makes me think I can handle 1000? And maybe it wont be 1000. But its a major event. Bigger than any I have been to.

We first took the field to do MNDDC's Catch 22. That was no problem. I have done distance and accuracy once before, and did Catch 22 at a fun match. So despite the cranky wind that kept taking my discs, I was no longer nervous about that. I no longer feel embarassed if we do poorly. We aren't out there to win. We're there to have some fun together. Disc has brought Frankie and I closer than anything else in the past.

It was when I was on deck to take the freestyle field that I started panicking.

When we practiced our stuff in our backyard, and even on the field during playdates, I was nervous and shakey and everything was just really bad. I couldn't seem to put everything together smoothly. And my mind would go blank. So what was interesting to me was how once we were out there, I heard my song start and immediately everything just came to me. The next throw or trick would just line itself up in my head and my body would follow suit. It felt good. Frankie was right on rarely missed a disc.

Looking back on it now, I honestly don't remember what we even did out there. I'll chock that up to the nerves that were still unconsciously flowing. And really, I forgot a couple of the throws that had intended to do. But for our first time, I am really happy with the result.

Never mind the nasty, flaming heartburn that set in less than 2 minutes after we stepped off the field. I think that had been building all day and once I finally relaxed enough, it flooded my body. Yowza.

We leave for Colorado in two and a half weeks for the Colorado Canine Challenge. It will be the second time that we have competed in freestyle, and our 3rd time in a throwing event. But I am soooo excited! Great people and fabulous dogs will make it a week to remember.

Oh, and I promise to bring the camera. DK won't let us leave unless I have it.

Savannah

Red and I picked up a new foster dog last night.

Now to back up a bit, we had decided to take some rescue time off to try and figure out what direction we wanted to head next. I didn't see myself fostering again so soon. But isn't that always the case?

Well, last weekend I drove a rescue transport for 3 frightened Border Collies. They were gorgeous dogs, but previously mistreated and untrusting. When we arrived at our destination point and met the next drive who would take them on the next leg of the journey, there was another dog being added. A little Silky Terrier named Olivia and I got to snuggle her for a few brief minutes.

Those of you who know me personally... You know that I've never been much of a small dog person. Or so I thought. But after fostering so many dozens and dozens of out of control large dogs, it was nice to occasionally have a small dog who was easier to manage, even if they were harder to train.

And what many of you don't know is that it was a Puppy Mill Rescue ad that lead me to the rescue website that began my 'rescue career' in the first place. Puppy mills have always angered me for obvious reasons, but I never got involved on a personal level.

Then I met Olivia. And as I spoke with Heidi, the gal who had brought her to meet the transport so she could go onto her new forever home, I got a brief insight back into that horrible world of puppy mills. We had no foster dogs at that moment. Nor were any on deck to arrive. Heidi had dogs that needed a place after coming from the puppy mills.

I gave it a lot of thought before committing. I talked to Red in depth about what we would be taking on and why it would be different than what we were used to. We agreed that we could make it work and that it would be worth it. Living with me, Red has learned a lot about puppy mills and since the big tough man has a soft spot for the little dogs, it was a good compromise.

And so last night, Savannah entered our lives.



Savannah is a young Lhaso/Cockapoo mix. That would make her half Lhasa apso, one quarter Cocker Spanial and one quarter Miniature Poodle. I don't know how accurate this is. But I can see at least the Lhasa and the Cocker in her.

Savannah came from a puppy mill. She was always either pregnant or nursing babies. And about the time when her babies were taken from her, she would go into heat again and forced to breed. Again. She lived in a wire cage that was 2ft x 2ft. She had never felt grass or a kind human touch until a week ago. Her rear legs have zero muscle tone. Just enough to allow her to stand and walk, because she spent most of her life laying down in her own filth. The teeth that she has left are in just decent enough shape that she can carefully chew hard kibble. If we reach out to touch her, she ducks away in fear. If we pick her up to hold her, she stiffens up and refuses to relax until she is released.

Savannah is a victim. She didn't deserve to be treated the way she was. But this wonderful rescue saved her from a mill that was through with her and would have otherwise thrown her away.

Lessons of Life

This is a forwarded email sent to me by my dear friend Hohni this morning.
It's special to me because this is what I've been trying to do with my life lately. Slow down and make sure to see what is to be seen.
I highlighted my favorites.
Enjoy
Em~

1. Life isn't fair, but it's still good.
2. When in doubt, just take the next small step.
3. Life is too short to waste time hating anyone.
4. Your job won't take care of you when you are sick. Your friends and parents will. Stay in touch.
5. Pay off your credit cards every month.
6. You don't have to win every argument. Agree to disagree.
7. Cry with someone. It's more healing than crying alone.
8. It's OK to get angry with God. He can take it.
9. Save for retirement starting with your first paycheck.
10. When it comes to chocolate, resistance is futile.
11. Make peace with your past so it won't screw up the present.
12. It's OK to let your children see you cry.
13. Don't compare your life to others. You have no idea what their journey is all about.
14. If a relationship has to be a secret, you shouldn't be in it.
15. Everything can change in the blink of an eye. But don't worry; God never blinks.
16. Take a deep breath. It calms the mind.
17. Get rid of anything that isn't useful, beautiful or joyful.
18. Whatever doesn't kill you really does make you stronger.
19. It's never too late to have a happy childhood. But the second one is up to you and no one else.
20. When it comes to going after what you love in life, don't take no for an answer.
21. Burn the candles, use the nice sheets, wear the fancy lingerie. Don't save it for a special occasion. Today is special.
22. Over prepare, then go with the flow.
23. Be eccentric now. Don't wait for old age to wear purple.
24. The most important sex organ is the brain.
25. No one is in charge of your happiness but you.
26. Frame every so-called disaster with these words 'In five years, will this matter?'
27. Always choose life.
28. Forgive everyone for everything.
29. What other people think of you is none of your business.
30. Time heals almost everything. Give time time.
31. However good or bad a situation is, it will change.
32. Don't take yourself so seriously. No one else does.
33. Believe in miracles.
34. God loves you because of who God is, not because of anything you did or didn't do.
35. Don't audit life. Show up and make the most of it now.
36. Growing old beats the alternative -- dying young.
37. Your children get only one childhood.
38. All that truly matters in the end is that you loved.
39. Get outside every day. Miracles are waiting everywhere.
40. If we all threw our problems in a pile and saw everyone else's, we'd grab ours back.
41. Envy is a waste of time. You already have all you need.
42. The best is yet to come.
43. No matter how you feel, get up, dress up and show up.
44. Yield.
45. Life isn't tied with a bow, but it's still a gift."

The Value of a Good Book

And not just a good book. But a really really good book.

A good book can be defined in many different ways by many different people. It doesn't have to be a book, either. To some, it can be as simple as a daily magazine. For others, it needs to be a super complex read that makes their mind work.

My dad instilled in me a deep love of reading. When we were young, he would sit up with my little sister and I and he would read us a story every night before we went to sleep. Soon we moved onto us reading bits and pieces. And eventually, I started reading on my own. Every night before I went to bed, I would stay up too long past my bed time, completely immersed in whatever book I was reading. I think back then I was addicted to the 'Thouroughbred' series. And it never ended because Mrs. Campbell just kept on writing them. Well over 50 books to the one series if my memory serves.

When I was in 8th grade I remember I had detention. Again. I loved to read, but I hated doing homework. Nor do I enjoy reading things that I have no interest in. My eyes read but my mind doesn't process the information. It's useless to me. But in 8th grade, I was stuck after school in this detention room. My homework was done. Sleeping wasn't an option. I had no book with me to pass the time. Detention was never a punishment for me because I would spend the time reading my books. Detention mearly provided me a quiet place to do so. (Parents: This is the reason that detention never phased me, or taught me any lessons. Just so we're clear)

I distinctly remember that I didn't have a book with me because I was 'between reads', meaning I had just finished my most recent book over lunch and hadn't started another. I glanced over and spotted a small bookshelf with a handful of novels. I picked through them, thinking I could find one that would suit me for the remaining hour, and found an extremely thick novel and on the scarred cover was a beautiful illustration of a field with horses in the distance, and a little cottage on a hill, and 3 woman with their arms around each other, looking in to the vast skyscape. They had me with the horses of course. It was titled "Montana Sky".
And so began my passion for Nora Roberts and her writing.

A co-worker of mine walked up to me today. She had seen the 965 page book that was sticking out of my purse and said "Are you reading that thing voluntarily?" I responded to her "This is the 3rd time I've read it!"

Throughout my whole life I have turned to reading as a source of comfort and calm. Usually it's Nora Roberts, but there are many other great authors I enjoy as well. I do become a little miffed when I finish a book and have to start over with a new one, which will introduce new characters and new places. With the speed at which I read, I don't like having to keep 'moving around'. So I started sticking with trilogies. NR's trilogies often have 3 or more people who are connected, and each book will tell each individual's tale, yet it keeps the people and the places together, so it's more like reading one really long story, just focusing on different people.

As I've grown older, I've begun to recognize how stress and anxieties affect me. I have some above average anxiety issues and I realize this now. People deal with anxiety in different ways. Drugs. Food. Alcohol. Work. Promiscuity. Anger. Depression.

I choose to read. It allows me to escape into another world where I don't have to worry about anything but flipping the page. Where for just that period of time, I don't really feel my own pain because I can revel in the joys and trials of the charactars in my book. And when I come up again, I am calmer and more reasonable. I can analyze things in a slower fashion and come back with a better result for me.

It's not about learning new things, at least not for me. It's not about reading as many books as I can, proven by the fact that most of the books I own I have read 3+ times. And because I have already read many of them, when the mood strikes to start another book, I can choose based on my moods. If I'm feeling broody, for instance, I can pick up one of her Irish pieces and know just where it will take me.

There is great value in a good book.
It's benefits are not to be underestimated.

Independance Day

Happy July the Fourth my friends!

Who Knows

I'm kind of a blogger loser lately.

It's not that I don't have anything to write about. In fact, I have much to write about.

But then when I want to sit down to do it, I feel like I have too much else to do to write.

But then I go and watch Monster Quest or some such nonsense like that.

So really, I'm not too busy. I'm just lazy. Right? Who knows.

Last night was the first time that I've worked out in almost a week. Like really, seriously put my nose to the grinder and dug into the Arc Trainer. It felt good. And I'm going again tonight just to prove something.

I don't know what it is exactly that I'm trying to prove yet. But when I find out, I'll let ya know. Who knows.

This weekend is already our Independance Day festivities. You will recall last years events. Hopefully I'm not as hungover this year. But looking back on last years posting, I can't believe that year has already flown by. What have I accomplished in the past year? Anything? Who knows.

What do you call this upcoming holiday? Mind if I ask? I have noticed myself getting unnecessarily irritated by people calling it 'The 4th of July' rather then what it is, Independance Day. I mean, we don't call Christmas 'The 25th of December' do we? Anybody? But then you'll notice that I called last years posting '4th of July recap'. Whats up with that?

But why am I even bothered by such a thing? Who knows.

I was finally able to shampoo our carpets on Monday. I had the day off. Feels good to have a clean carpet again. We have no foster dogs currently. Life has been easy with just my own animals. I almost forgot what that kind of peace was like. It's also mildly, okay really, boring. Cj was telling me that in order to completely stop rescue, I have to go through the withdrawls, just like any addiction, to get it out of my system. Will it work? Who knows.

Frankie and I entered our first real disc dog competition last weekend. She got first place in the novice division of Distance and Accuracy, which is me tossing and her catching. I was greatly proud of her and now I'm stoked for the next comp. It helped my nerves as well. I was shaking every time I threw that disc.
The second day of the comp, we entered the open division and choked. It was my fault though. I wasn't paying attention to the changing wind and once the disc left my hand, it got caught and veered off the field. But we did our best and had a blast anyways! Would we have done better if I had payed more attention? Who knows.

But really, all in all, life is pretty good right now. We are having fun and enjoying life as it comes. My stressors seem to be taking days off, which helps immensley. Maybe that's why I'm so lazy these days. Who knows.

But who cares? When life is good, let it be.