Miss Things

 

Funny, how we do not miss things until we no longer have them.
~ Dr. Angela Kowitz Orobko

I told my sister this when I learned that her microwave oven stopped working, yesterday; and, she wanted to warm her coffee this morning. She had to use the stove-top. Then I started thinking this is not only true of those convenient appliances in our lives, but also with people in our lives. How often do we stop and truly appreciate the loved ones in our lives?

My life would be different without my husband, my family, my friends and my fur-baby (puppy-dog, Sasha). I try not to become complacent and take for granted that they will always be in my life. I am grateful for the reminders such as not having use of my car and computer, both of which I had to do without for a few days this past week. These temporary hassles serve to jostle my memory of what and who is important in my life. Yes, I missed not having my computer and car as these are important to my livelihood; but, I would miss my loved ones even more.

Surviving tragic events in our lives such as hurricanes, fires and tornadoes serve as eye-opening reminder of exactly what truly is important in our lives. Things can be replaced. People cannot. Let us count our blessings and appreciate the loved ones in our lives. And, let me take this moment to let you know how much I appreciate you for reading my blog. You are wonderful and I am deeply grateful!

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Treats

Treat everyone you meet like you want to be treated. After all, the word treat is a very positive one. Who doesn’t like getting a “treat”? Even our pets love treats! My puppy-dog Sasha responds with body wiggles (not just tail wags) to the word, “treat!”

Delight in treating others with love and respect. I receive such a positive charge when I get a smile out of others by expressing a compliment or simply smiling at them. You never know what kind of day they have already experienced, and this may just be the perk they needed to get through the rest of it.

Today, a gentleman held open a door for me. I always feel special whenever I am treated with respect. I looked him in the eyes, smiled and said, “thank-you.” And, he said, “you’re welcome.” It was such a positive experience. It made the rest of my day a bit more pleasant. Treat others (not just tweet…chuckle) and spread around the positive; and, notice how much positive is around you and is returned. Such positive treatment between people creates a loving community.

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Lessons from Puppy Dogs

I heard this story a few years ago and I felt compelled to share it here. Once when some adults were discussing and wondering why dogs have shorter lives than people, a six-year old boy, who had been listening quietly, piped up, ”I know why.” Startled, they all turned to him. What came out of his mouth next stunned them.

He said,‘ People are born so that they can learn how to live a good life — like loving everybody all the time and being nice, right?”  The young boy continued,‘ Well, dogs already know how to do that, so they don’t have to stay as long.”  They had never heard a more compelling explanation and it had made a lasting impression on them.

People take years to learn to: Live simply. Love generously. Care deeply. Speak kindly.

We can learn from how dogs live their lives. My puppy dog, Sasha, has taught me some very significant lessons such as:

• When loved ones come home, always run to greet them. (Sasha does a great job of not only wagging her tail, but her whole body!)
• Never pass up the opportunity to go for a joyride. (I can whisper the word, “car-ride” and Sasha will here me from the other end of the house.)
• Allow the experience of fresh air and the wind in your face to be pure Ecstasy. (You can see it on Sasha’s face.)
• Take naps. (Sasha never misses an opportunity to nap.)
• Stretch before rising. (I love the way Sasha stretches her body.)
• Run, romp, and play daily. (I think Sasha is part bunny rabbit at times and part deer at other times the way she hops along and runs around in the yard.)
• Thrive on attention and let people touch you. (Sasha is a glutton for attention; and, if she doesn’t get it right away, she will nuzzle you until you pet her.)
• Avoid biting when a simple growl will do. (Sasha is a great pretender especially when she has a toy in her mouth and you tug with her.)
• On warm days, stop to lie on your back on the grass. (Sasha is adorable the way she lies on her back and rolls in the grass.)
• On hot days, drink lots of water and lie under a shady tree. (Sasha can go through a couple of gallons of water; she especially loves it with ice cubes floating in it.)
• When you’re happy, dance around and wag your entire body. (Oh, yes she does!)
• Delight in the simple joy of a long walk. (She prances.)
• Be loyal. (She is my shadow.)
• Never pretend to be something you’re not. (How can she be anyone but Sasha!)
• If what you want lies buried, dig until you find it. (Sasha never gives up until she gets it!)
• When someone is having a bad day, be silent, sit close by, and nuzzle them gently. (She is totally empathetic.)

ENJOY EVERY MOMENT OF EVERY DAY!

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Nature Notices

It was a mild April day when my husband and I decided to take our puppy-dog Sasha for a car ride to the nature trail behind the local library for an extended walk. The temperature could not have been any more ideal. It was not too hot and not too humid. There were hardly any clouds in the sky and just the right amount of breeze.

As we walked with Sasha, we noticed an empty, discarded pack of cigarettes on the side of the trail. We could have left it there and take on the attitude that it belonged to someone else; or, the recreation department will pick it up later.

No, we decided to take ownership of the garbage and be good stewards of our little part our Mother Earth. We picked up the trash. A few more yards away, we picked up a discarded soda bottle.  Funny thing is that with a little effort on the part of those who left the garbage, there was a trash can 100 or so feet away that they could have utilized.

Overall, the trail was mostly litter-free, which made our adventure quite pleasant.  And, for our effort, my husband and I were rewarded by nature. As we continued down the trail an elusive cardinal peeked through the branches teasing us with its presence. It was like it was playing hide and seek with us. It’s beautiful red plumage was quite a sight to see in contrast to the spring greens of the trees and shrubbery.

Further down the trail, 2 squirrels were chasing each other in a playful game of tag or so it seemed.  The scampering of their feet created such a hubbub in the understory of the woods the trail cut through.  It was a delight to see them acting so carefree without a worry in the world.

Then a mallard duck made a brief appearance when a cacophony of 4 young boys on their bikes came rushing past us like a scene from “Stand By Me.” I wondered where they were rushing off to see (maybe a dead body like in the movie).  The boys voices carried through the trail; so at that point we did not see as many creatures except for a variety of butterflies and other flying insects.

Today it felt like Mother Nature noticed us taking care of her and in return she gave us a gift of seeing the best of Mother Nature.