The natural world, life, and dogs.
...the gift of living boldly, close to nature, with my dogs. Simple things, really. The following is a photo essay of thanks-giving, using shots taken over the last three days. I have so many things to be thankful for, but in the spirit of the Thanksgiving holiday I'll focus on the current season. I'm thankful… Continue reading Giving Thanks For…
A reader commenting on my earlier post about the four phrases that make for civil society noted that giving someone who has been rude a dose of their own medicine is rarely effective, that leading by example is the better course. I completely agree. In responding to her comment I was reminded of something that… Continue reading Saying I’m Sorry: A Memorable Example
This afternoon, driving by pastures I regularly walk or drive past, I observed something unexpected, and intriguing. Rounding a tight curve in the gravel road, I saw one of the yearlings in the adjacent pasture running - full speed, for quite a distance - in the same direction I was traveling. My first thought was… Continue reading Animal Sentience: Cows
"Yin and yang (or yin-yang) is a complex, relational concept in Chinese culture that has developed over thousands of years. Briefly put, the meaning of yin and yang is that the universe is governed by a cosmic duality, sets of two opposing and complementing principles or cosmic energies that can be observed in nature." [From… Continue reading Smoke and Light
Such simple words and phrases. They are grease for the skids of social interaction and civility. So why is it hard for some people to use them? Or am I just being a crank? Maybe I am. Let me vent a bit. I live next to a national forest. I take interest in what happens… Continue reading Please, Thank You, You’re Welcome and I’m Sorry
Alrighty! Today I took a nap. I got my procrasticleaning done (vacuuming dog hair off the floors, washing dog blankets, skipping the dusting because I hate dusting even more than vacuuming). I edited photos from this morning's walk with my dogs (some included here). I read some great blog posts. Now what? A long evening… Continue reading Ignore the Rules
[Note: I recently stumbled upon this piece I wrote in 2005. I was living in Washington, just before moving to Idaho, with two female malamutes. I had yet to discover the benefits of dog doors.] My beloved but scruffy 1888 upright piano. My perspective: The music flows easily tonight. I didn’t expect it to. Songs… Continue reading The Piano: Three Perspectives
I don't run every day. Usually my dogs and I run a couple of days in a row, then take a day off. Rarely I'll run three days in a row but leaving Finn home one of those days, which breaks my heart, seeing his sad eyes as Conall and I head out without him.… Continue reading Always Something to See
Euphemism (definition): a mild or indirect word or expression substituted for one considered to be too harsh or blunt when referring to something unpleasant or embarrassing. Euphemisms matter. I’m a writer. I love words and pay attention to their meaning and use. I’m also a historian. I know how words can be used to shape… Continue reading Call It What It Is
You all know I'm participating in NaNoWriMo this month - National Novel Writing Month. Stating that publicly is, in itself, a calculated risk. One I embrace, because it keeps me honest, and motivated. But taking on risk means simultaneously accepting the possibility of failure, of not reaching one's goal. I was fortunate to grow up… Continue reading Taking Calculated Risks
Wild Sensibility 