Heart to Heart

We take the beat of our heart for granted. 
That is, if we even remember to think of it at all.

Most of the time, however, we don't  think about this life force as it faithfully beats out the rhythm of our lives.

Seconds turn into minutes, minutes to hours, hours to days, days to years.
When something happens to make you focus on a heart and what it is doing, that my friends, is a serious thing.

This post is to serve as a reminder not to take anything for granted, even things which are involuntary such as the beat of a heart, the inhale and the exhale, the blink of an eye....

Always take good care of yourself and those you love.

A Poem in Tribute

I read this poem a while ago.  It reminded me of my love for elderly pets.  It spoke to me about my girl, Ursa, and I just thought it would be nice to copy here. It's  just a little tribute to a dog who kept me company for 14 years.

Good Old Dog

With your Old gray face

you sure know how

to brighten up this place.

Your pace is slowing

time is wearing thing.

You won't be here for long.

Old dog, I'll miss your grin

But before you go

There is one thing to say

Old Dog, I love you

and I'll miss you the rest of my days

And its been an honor

to walk across this land

with your faithful head

right at my hand.

Savana Frame

One Fine Dog

Here it is, Summer 2014 is in full swing. It's hurtling by with so many twists and turns. 

This will be my good old girl, Ursa's last summer with us.  She has been such a fine dog.  She is my walking pal, a sometime watch dog, and has always been here.  Fourteen years ago, we chose her from the Humane Society.  Now, she is failing and day-to-day, I need to assess her quality of life and decide when to help her move on.  It's not easy.  There is such a fine line between being selfish and doing what is right.

She has been a cheerful dog, a friendly dog, a great companion.  Ursa is a dog I have never had to worry about, she would never hurt anyone.  She owes me nothing.  I, on the other hand, owe her a dignified, peaceful end, when she tells me it is time.

Thanks, Ursa.

This post was written a little earlier in the week.  Today, July 23, 2014, she let me know that it was time to let her go.

Rest in Peace, you dear, old girl.  Thanks for being a dog I could trust with anyone and a dog that was great to let my boys grow up with. You were loved and I miss you already.

Gratitude

Today, I am filled with gratitude for the wonderful friends and family who carve time out of their very hectic schedules to take time to celebrate!


Yesterday, was the graduation party (that almost wasn't) for my oldest son. So many of our relatives made the time to come out to the "boonies" and eat tacos with us!  The weather was perfect and even the food turned out great. (whew!)


I do not know how to thank you all for being there.  It meant more than you will ever know, not just to the graduate, but to me.


I regret that I did not have the chance to sit down and spend LOTS of time with each and every person.  But, I hope they all know that just seeing each one of them filled my heart with so much happiness.


Thank you, dear friends, I know you have lots to do.  The time you gave me yesterday is high on my list of events to cherish!


Thank you, dear family.  Some of you live very far away, and yet, always "go the extra mile" to be there for important milestones.

Busy

It is good to be busy.!
But, as I remembered last evening, it's not good to be TOO busy!


You may be wondering what that means.  To me, it has come to mean that one should not fill their time with so many things that there is no time for the simple pleasures that give life its meaning!


I mean little, uncomplicated things like:


Attending a good high school baseball game.
Taking a walk.
Watching birds, including my chickens.
Riding a bike.
Looking at flowers.
Connecting with good friends.
Cooking and Baking.
Sitting in the sun, on the grass.
A short nap.
Taking pictures. (with a  camera, not a phone!)
Hanging laundry out to dry.
Reading a book.


NOTE TO SELF:  Now that the days are starting to feel like summer again, it is really time to clear the clutter in the schedule and slow down. 

Graduation season begins!

This weekend, my nephew graduated from High School.   The high school that I graduated from, to be exact.  Well, actually, it was my school in name only.  My old high school has retired and has been repurposed.  The school my nephew graduated from was a brand new building.  Same old high school colors....orange and black.  Webster High School.


I can not help but wonder how different this all would have been if my brother (his Dad) had lived to see this day.  His first and only son graduating.  I can imagine the look on my brother's face.  I can imagine his smiling blue eyes.  I know how proud he would have been.


I am proud of you nephew.  I know things aren't easy, I know I wasn't very visible as you grew.  I don't think you needed me smothering you.  You are tough, you are smart, you will be a successful adult. 


I sat in the bleachers and watched you.  I  do love you and am proud of you.  You will go far.  If you need me, you know where to find me.


Congratulations young man.
Well done.
Go get em! 

New Year... HEY, where did all the old years go?

2014
It seemed so far away when the kids were little.  It was, after all, the year of the graduating class of my then, kindergarten child.


Now its here.
2014
Where did all the time go?


All the milestones that went whizzing by. 
Was time really going that fast? 
At times, it seemed to crawl. 
When I look backwards, though, it seems to have passed with a snap of the fingers.
Wait, wait, wait for me you guys!  I am not ready yet.


I better get ready.