Yep..I want to!

see more dog and puppy pictures

Wordless Wednesday~

Me thinks the Ice addiction is out of control

The flock goes rock & roll!

Great song...Great Video~


Black Light White Light - 'One Fast Move And I'm Gone'

I wonder...

I have been researching livestock. I think I must have one or two or.....

 I do love bacon?

I will have my own meat animals someday. My husband feels I can't keep them out of the house. I have been wondering if I have what it takes to raise animals for consumption. Just a random thought...
I found these beautiful Gloucestershire Old Spot Pigs at Cross My Heart Farm in Florida. 


Or perhaps Goats and Sheep...I love cheese, perhaps that would be a better route for me?

Just look at these beauties!

Thirty Days

Thirty days have past since I took the plunge in to the realm of the 'living the dream crowd'.  I most certainly thought this would be the most amazing time in my life. I have found, however, that after 35 years of working day in and day out, that it was not exactly what I had expected.  When you are in a groove, (or rut, as it was more appropriately referred) I didn't realize how much that defined me. In the last thirty days I have run through a plethora of emotions that I most certainly did not expect after quitting my job. I thought there would be more jubilation and a carefree type of change. Reality Check:  I found that staying home is a job. Since relocating here 11 years ago, I have worked non stop for the same company, performed with two dance troupes, cared for my dogs and family and tried to have some me time. Damn...I was busy. I really didn't comprehend the vast amount of time I spent commuting and working, therefore neglecting the things that mattered most. No wonder seeing my house for the first time in the daylight hours, though clean and organized to the naked eye, was somewhat of an eye opening disaster. I have perused closets, the garage, the yard et. al. and have discovered that there are little faeries wreaking havoc in those areas of my homestead! Not really, (well maybe) but I think you get my meaning. So many things I want to do, but can't seem to get that groove that flow so to speak. As a typical type A personality, I have been treating my new found freedom as a job. Bad idea. So the enjoyment that I was so looking forward to has become routine. This is exactly what I have was I was trying to avoid. (old habits)

So...time to regroup. It's fine to set goals and to challenge oneself to any number of projects, but the reality of it all is this: You don't have to do it all in one day! Time to sit back with a cup of Chai and look at my long list of goals and just take a bite out each one a little at a time. Take that me time I got so little of and relish it. 

I'm buying this book!

Why...I think it will change how people think about things!
Buy it here!

I love how this man thinks!

A lesson in...

Hittin' the books

As an individual born under the sign of Aries, it is my confirmed belief that by nature I am an facilitator of procrastination. In late 2003 I purchased a home study course called the Science and Art of Herbalism from Sage Mountain~This course was written by a wonderful botanical Goddess named Rosemary Gladstar. Rosemary has been called the pioneer of American herbalism. Someday I would love to meet her and visit the Sage Mountain Herbal Retreat and Sanctuary in Vermont.
I completed lessons one and two and then...
Splat! I  put my books away and hadn't even looked at them again until last week when I decided it was time to reconnect with my true passion in life. I am starting to feel renewed with regards to things that used to drive me.   I feel now is the time to reconnect with that part of myself. I am not going to hold myself to too high a standard at the moment, (so much going on) but, I am willing to start back at the beginning and become the student again. This is my lesson today...it's never too late

The Alchemist Cupboard

Last week I took stock of the inventory in my alchemist's cupboard.  I do believe there are plenty of magical herbs to create some beautifully delicious concoctions. Since my sabbatical commenced in early November, I have had so many projects to attend to, I didn't know quite where to start. This project touched my soul. I have been away from it for so long that I feel my intuitive alchemist's nature has been stagnate and I need to get those creative endorphins on the move again. I believe, as with any creative endeavor, intuition is key. Recipes are wonderful but a true alchemist relies on the inner cognitive workings of the brain (something that died for a time in my corporate life) to create the perfect lotion, cough syrup or bath salts. It's about all the senses. The smell, taste, texture and appearance of any infusion, decoction or a simple tea can assault the senses or make you feel magically delicious. I feel my creations on a personal level. A feeling that comes from creating something to help relieve the symptoms of a cold or and elixir to relax away the tensions of the day gives me an overall feeling of calm that I never felt in my corporate life.  I do believe it is going to be a most excellent week~

It's about where you are right now

Yoga journal~
I have set a goal for myself this month. Thirty days of yoga to, let's say, jump start my practice to where I was 5 months ago. At first I thought this would be as easy as breathing. Reality check...
One of my favorite quotes by Baron Baptiste:
"The Prize is in the Process". I am finding I must reaffirm this mantra daily. Last night, after a grueling Bikram class, I found myself being judgemental regarding my lack of balancing prowess. Balancing and breathing are my most difficult challenges to say the very least. I experienced a wee bit of anger and resentment towards my own body and it's lack of cooperation. After returning home I thought a hot shower and some deep breathing would calm my agitated state. That was somewhat helpful, but I couldn't seem to totally release my resentment. However, today is a new day. I feel better about my practice after a 30 min hip sequence created by my favorite Yogini, Molly. For this reason, I am shouting the mantra, "The Prize is in the Process"! I am pretty certain there will be more days like yesterday, but I am learning to let go and deal with them accordingly. Last night I asked my Bikram instructor if he thought I was ready for an Ashtanga class I registered for on Friday. He said to me "It's about where you are right now". Right now, I feel I'm here.
So mote it be~

A behemoth of a project, The yard.

Today is the day to begin the transformation. The project that will transform this into something sustainable and productive. This will not be an easy task. That large tree in the corner has rooted through the underside of my herb box, and is growing sprouts underneath the deck, therefore sucking the life force out of anything I have ever planted there. The planter or herb box as I call it will need to be dismantled and the smaller raised beds will be created. I don't really have a garden design at present but I do see beautiful productive garden in my future! This will be a back breaking endeavor that I am hopeful it will yield food for my family and the satisfaction of living out of my own back yard. I am certain there will be challenges but I am willing and able to take them on and start living my new life as a newbie urban homesteader. So much reading, studying and just breathing...stay tuned.

The unruly tree
and...the dead gas powered lawn mower

My herb box..soon to be dismantled and rebuilt

And...Cut. That's a wrap. The End

My path of the unknown

I am writing a new book. It began yesterday at 5:15 pm. The book is entitled 'My Life, A Leap of Faith'. I am hoping it will be everything I envision it to be. You see, on my 10th wedding anniversary I made a decision to leave my corporate job to pursue some long time dreams! I must confess, it was a strange and surreal feeling to walk out that door yesterday. There were tears? I wasn't expecting that. I thought I could walk out of there laughing and singing "I'm outta here suckas!". Despite the euphoria of leaving a place that literally sucked the life force out of me everyday, I did have some pretty wonderful people come in to my life. I will miss some of them and some I will gladly forget.

Today, November 2, 2011, is a very cold and snowy day here in my town so my plan to watch the sunrise with Mimosa in hand congratulating myself for making a leap of faith has been derailed by mother nature. So, I will settle for a hot grilled cheese sandwich and a cup of tea. I'm certain I will have plenty of time for the whole "Oh my Goddess...I don't have a job" thing to sink in.

Since purging myself of the corporate kryptonite that has plagued me for almost 11 years, prioritizing the many projects and goals I have set for myself is a little overwhelming. I don't have any idea how to begin. I did, however, promised the spousal unit that I would not tear apart the whole house on my first day off. He knows me all to well. So to begin, today will be a day of Corgi snuggling, hot tea, good books, a little gaming, and perhaps a hot bath!
I am looking forward to living a little and changing a lot~The path may be unknown, but I am certain of the end game.
Until next time~

Dr. Reed seems to know just how I feel today!

Me thinks I'll be watching out for this all winter!

It's only a week?

Really? It will seem like a life time. I just dropped my pups off at the The Shylo Country Club for Dogs. It is a wonderful place. There are doggie hammocks, 12 play yards, and of course, a pool! Their accommodations could rival ours to say the least. I am pretty certain they will be in excellent hands. I have never been away from them for more than a day. I ask myself why I cried like a baby leaving them... Answer...you love them and will miss them, I admit it. One whole week with out a bark, a kiss, a cuddle or a "momma I'm hungry" look. Can I handle this? Look at these faces!

The time has come...

Tired? Job burn out? Need a break? Most emphatically YES!!  I am more than way past due for some time away, some time to celebrate, eat, drink, love, laugh, eat, drink...well, we all know the drill.  I believe we have found the perfect way to enjoy our 10th wedding anniversary, heading down to the Big Easy!  Rumor has it there is wonderful food, great music and some pretty amazing people~ So, would someone please pour me a Sazerac and pass the Muffuletta!

Sunday in the park

Our favorite day of the week!

Wordless Wednesday~

I choose life~

Here is a beautiful blog post from Jon Katz  Bedlam Farm Journal.   It too touched me...

In my life, I choose to commune with a donkey rather than listen to a Congressman. Strange, but it seems a very clear choice. Many people believe they know what animals are telling us – they love us, miss us, worry about us. I am not so sure. Lately, I’ve been thinking this, that dogs, cats, other animals and donkeys are showing us how to live, not telling us, not using our words. They teach by example, by the nature of their existence. They are accepting, they live in the moment. They do not harbor grudges, act cruelly for no reason, destroy their environments, hunger for money, confused bank accounts with security, argue with one another on cable TV shows. They do not know guilt or vengeance, much as we like to put these human emotions into their minds.

They are not good or bad. They do not have consciences, or aspire to be more than they are. They do not worry about the weather, or test themselves constantly to monitor their health. More than we do, they live in the now, and when I am listening to them, that is what I hear. Live today, live in the now, in the moment. Don’t look back, don’t look forward. Tell your story now. They say I give you live and death. Choose life, always, choose life.

When they ask you to be afraid, choose life. When they tell you to get more money, choose life. When they want to make you guilty or fear the future, choose life. When they want to sell you health, choose life. When they want to sell your their news, choose life. Every time. That’s what I hear.

I'm melting...what's a Corgi to do?

Don't try this at home..Only Corgi's with agility, grace and speed should attempt~

Looks difficult...but me thinks I can do it

Minimal effort...yes, only a wee bit wet

Sheesh..uncooperative toys...hate that!

legs to short...can't reach

Hmph...easy peasy! I told you mama 

The Lady Penelope, however, wasn't as thrilled with the addition to the yard. I made a futile attempt to coax her in to the beautiful cool water and she gave me THE look...

"if you think I'm getting in there...think again"

The stink eye ^_^

It energetically states on the bottom of this little oasis "NOT SUITABLE FOR HUMANS". Really? Is that like pulling off the tag on a new pillow? Will there be jail time? I think I'll risk it.

Make your own news~

I read this quote today from Jon Katz at Bedlam Farm Journal and it touched me deeply so I thought I'd share.

Their news will suck you into a big black hole. The challenge of a spiritual self exists every day. It is not how the world works. Every day, we are challenged with fear, anger, sadness and tragedy. These are parts of the continuum, just like love, hope and peace. The challenge is to find your own space, and summon the courage to live in it, even if it sets you apart from those around you. There is loss, there is gain.


Blessings and Light~

OCD...a new era

This is my life now~

They said it would happen...Now I believe!

The Dog formally known as Ed...Meet Dr. Reed!

My little man~Reed

Yes, I have done it again! My incessant need to save all living creatures had once again filled me with an overwhelming desire to adopt yet another dog. I have heard it said that 'one is too many and a thousand is not enough', however, I do believe one thousand dogs would be somewhat extreme in my suburban home. It has been exactly one month today that Reed was delivered to my home. He hails from the Wyoming Dachshund and Corgi Rescue in Wheatland WY. He just celebrated his first birthday on July 7th. It has been some time since I have had a young pup in my home. It is my understanding he was not handled much as a baby so he is a little shy and skittish. He has a strong sense of stranger danger so our first month together we have been getting to know each other and spending every waking moment together! I have to say at first Penelope wasn't too sure about this little guy, but now she mothers him and keeps him in check. He is too young to be bossy so, my Pen is still queen of the house.  There is a constant need for both of them now to see who can body check the other away from Mom. It's hilarious really. Penelope is a big Corgi/?? and she out weighs Reed by 10 lbs easy. However, Reed is polite and the more time he is here, the braver he gets when is comes to the demand for attention.

Gotcha ya day June 18, 2011

Off to our first play date!

I have to confess, I have not been spending training time with my little man. He can 'sit' and 'kennel up'. That's it so far. Mom, really needs to be home more to truly give him the training time he needs. I have made a pledge to practice at least 10 minutes per day and  I have discovered the power of cheese! It seems to be a huge motivator for both of my children. I am sure as my time frees up I'll be able to write a bit more and be able to tell more interesting stories of my new life as a Corgi Mom...
Until then~

The Meet..

I'm home!

Penelope's first week home~

Pretty Miss PG!

It has been a week since I brought home my little bundle of joy! I must admit the first few days were quite and adjustment for her. She..I mean 'we' had a tumultuous time with territory marking the first couple of days, however as the week progressed she has made amazing progress! She is super smart, scary smart in a way.

Penelope has had several firsts this week. First walk, first night in the crate, and first visit to the groomer, first encounter with a baby German Short Hair pointer! (he jumped on her, she didn't like it!) The first walk last a week ago was like watching her experience an entire new world. She stopped for everything. I am not certain how many times she has, if ever, been on a leash but she seems to know what to do.
I have learned there will be no power walking with Penelope. My legs are somewhat longer than hers, but she keeps up and sometimes tires easily.  She is so puppy like, I forget she is a senior citizen.
After her trip to the Groomer yesterday she was exhausted and slept a great deal when it was over. The Groomer called me after 3 hours and simply said "I think she is done with me." She looked so different that I asked, is that My dog? I can even see her feet!!

Penelope Before

Penelope After!

I have never taken a dog to a groomer before, I usually take care of my own. But, this baby girl was in need of professional help. I personally think she lost 5 pounds of hair! She is certainly going to be high maintenance indeed. I wasn't too sure about the bows and scarf...made me feel like some hoity- toity socialite with a pampered pooch! I have to confess, she does look amazing, bows and all. The pink bows didn't last long...I think we both have the same aversion to the color.

My two P's~Pen and Paul

She even posed for a picture with Dad. I think she growing on him. Until next time~

The Dog formally known as Pansy...Penelope's story.

As everyone is aware I lost my beloved Border Collie three weeks ago. Honestly, the thought of an addition to my family was, in my mind, somewhere off in the distant future. I had no idea after having a household that was a dog free zone would be so difficult. I have not had canine free household for over 25 years. It seemed oddly surreal to have less dog hair, pockets empty of dog treats and no dog dishes to be cleaned. I realize there was a ginormous hole in my life. I knew when Fly left it would be a huge adjustment, grieving for her was a daily occurrence and still is.

One day a friend from work emailed me a picture of two Corgi pups that had been posted on a the Pet Finder web site by way of Intermountain Humane Society. I have to say, it was love at first sight. You see, my friend Jacquie has three Corgi's of her own and thinks she can save them all and someday, I believe she will. Until that day the thought of adoption right this moment was out of the question. I thought it was too soon since the death of my long time friend. A few days later after numerous lunch time discussions about dogs, I went back to my desk and filled out the adoption application. I really don't know what I was going to do if it was approved. I had been through this process before and it took weeks to get a response. I heard back the next day! I hadn't even told my husband what I had done. I thought..."I have plenty of time". Surprise! Next thing I now we are headed to a charity event that is showcasing dogs available for adoption at a local PetSmart. Shelters from all over the area had dogs to show off. The rest as they say is history.

Everyone, meet Penelope. She is an almost 8 year old Pembroke Welsh Corgi. 

~Penelope~

The dog formally known as Pansy is now called Miss Penelope G (Garcia, you may know why I named her this! If not, it's my secret) is a rescue dog! She came from a hoarding situation and a household of over thirty-five dogs. It is my understanding most if not all were Corgis. She is big by breed standard (not that I care about that shit). She is mostly hair at this point and is considered a "fluffy". I am by no means an expert on the breed. She has been in our home for a little over 24 hours and is adjusting quite well. We have had our first bath..(smelly, dirty ruppy!), our first Vet visit and our first walk, our first night in alone in her kennel, (remember where she comes from, I think she loved it) and her first meal she didn't have to share. She also has some serious grooming issues (her butt looks like the face of an Ewok!) and some potty training issue, but we are going to take this one day at a time. She seems to be adjusting well in her new home. I feel blessed that she has entered my life and I firmly believe she crossed my path for a reason! We needed each other. 

~Stay tuned for more adventures of Penelope G! I have a feeling they will be endless~

Already Queen of the house

A bittersweet goodbye to my best friend

Fly October 1997

As you go through your life, such as it is, many times the decisions you must make in life rip your heart out leaving a feeling that you may never recover. Today is that day for me. It is time to say good bye to the love of my life. 

In October 1997 my canine child pounced in to my world. I don't know why I went to that rural shelter in Indiana that day, at the time I didn't think I was fit to take care of anything, even myself at the time. I saw this beautiful face amongst her brothers and sisters and she picked me to be her mom. When I took her home, I had this sinking feeling of "oh my Goddess, what have I done". If you don't know much about the Border Collie breed, lets just say...being a herding breed, she was highly intelligent, very athletic, and had an intuitive quality that goes way beyond instinct. High maintenance would be an understatement.

  Basically, she gate-crashed my party. Little did I know, she was the catalyst in my own healing process. We saved each other.

During our more than 13 years together she has brought so much unconditional love, even when I couldn't be with her all day. She always acted like I'd only been gone for a few minutes and I was her only reason for living. I didn't have a whole lot of that from humans at the time, I was living alone in a farmhouse on 100 acres of land that produced feed corn. This was a haven for me as well as the perfect playground for a young puppy.  Much to my chagrin, the recently transplanted city girl had no idea what dangers lurk in corn fields! Many nights she would come home with the sweet scent of 'odeur de mouffette'. this child has see more tomato juice baths than I can count. Not to mention snakes, mice, rats, and all sorts of playthings that she would bring home and injuries that required emergency medical care. At the age of 2 she was struck down by a young man speeding down our peaceful country road. (he left her there). Being the tough cookie she was she crawled to the side of the road and waited until I found her. She recovered from her injuries, severe road rash and a battered hind quarter. Our all too familiar vet, put her leg back together with pins and needles, stitched and bandaged her belly, and sent her home where I hand fed her home made dog food and scrambled eggs. To this day she will not eat eggs...however, still eats off my fork! Not the best habit to give your dog, but, it worked for us. 

Throughout our years together, we developed a relationship that I have could have possibly imagine. we ate, slept, napped and played together every single day for almost 14 years. She was always there to protect me and our home. One rarely has this luxury in their lifetime and I am truly blessed to have experienced it. She stole my heart

Yard Guard 

In September of 2000 I was getting ready to get married and move to Colorado. Fly~girl gave me permission to marry him by not eating him when he came to the door! She wasn't fond of men, however, my husband, I swear, is the dog whisperer. He stole her heart, just as he did mine. She always knew what was best for me and again she was right as usual! 

 Keep in mind my child was not well socialized and had no manners. We did have other canines, and felines for her to play with, however, she was a one woman dog! 

My brood...Fly, Gracie (died 2002) & Harley Jean (died unknown)

Needless to say, they all made couch warmers most excellent! None of my children really had any manners, they were country farm dogs, the "I don't need no stinking leash" dogs. So moving Fly was a culture shock for her. She had her own back yard, but as leashes are required in Colorado if you want to leave it, well....let's just say, bring on the challenge. After a few months she caved and learned to love her leash and her new home. The new husband had rules about dogs. No dogs in the kitchen nor on the bed. Well...Fly came first and she and I always shared sleeping quarters, therefore, we won that battle. The spousal unit even bought her a bed, which she proceeded to pee on just to say..."I don't think so, move over!"

I could go on forever with my stories of our life together, but today was about saying good-bye so I will conclude this with this decree...

My protector

With and ache in my heart and tears in my eyes, it's time to say good-bye and thank you for always being there for me and sharing every ounce of love you had. 

 You will always be part of my soul as you take that huge piece of my heart with you

You will be missed

I love you

RIP my Angel
July 1997-April 8th, 2011

Me & my Girl 1997