bloom with grace...

I stumbled across this pretty wallpaper at just the right moment in my life.  A beautiful artist named Mable created it for people like you and me.

I mentioned to her:

This is just so perfect seeing this right now…  I’ve been seeing a rose bloom through a fence lately…  It’s a spot my ol’ girl used to lay down and rest during her morning walks…  I keep meaning to take a pic & had planned to post with the saying “bloom where you are planted” but I’d never heard the addition of “bloom with grace.”  That was her name… it brings tears to my eyes.  Happy tears.  Thank you so much for this wallpaper.  It made my day. ~n

You see, yesterday was my Grace's sweet 16.  My heart never stops aching for her.  I miss her face so much, but I love knowing her beautiful spirit is always with me...  Happy birthday pretty baby.

Please check out Mable Tan and all her stunning artwork.  Plus for the month of July, she has free downloadable wallpapers… You will love them!

hi there, I'm birdie...

Better known as the grey tornado…  I prefer to spin in circles, whether it be my body or even my tail, well I'm really just winding up!  I also enjoy the occasional somersault.  It really is a well practiced technique.  It helps when I am trying to be elusive, you see.  I am a total people pleaser and overall curious girl.  I learn commands super fast, and wouldn't you know, I don't even mind going to the doggie doctor!  Especially if there is a cookie involved (and hey, I can't help it if the drool gets the best of me… those treats need to get in my belly faster, okay?).  I've come a long way in kennel training… as a matter of fact I'm pretty sure the kennel is actually called "cheerios."  What a funny name for a wire box full of blankets and beds and cuddly, snuggle babies!  Did I mention I LOVE FOOD!?  It's a really good thing they make these interesting looking puzzle bowls to help me slow down at meal times, that way I can actually taste what I'm eating.  Even my weim foster sister wanted one, because they are just so fun to eat out of, it's like a game!  Penny's also been busy showing me the ropes, and we are currently working on sharing toys and taking turns :)  Now sometimes my excitement gets the best of me… one day I accidentally knocked over Grandma.  Whoopsie.  It's a good thing she was wearing her parka and it has all that extra padding!  I mean, I was just so surprised and happy to see her standing there when I turned around- honest!  I promise I snuggled up to her later and told her I was sorry…  As a matter of fact, I'm really happiest once I calm down and can cuddle someone, using my body as a blanket.  I make an excellent space heater, and would prefer if some part of me could be in close proximity to you (and by that, I mean in your lap, that's not off limits, right?).  Otherwise, I can dig myself a tiny little spot and curl up under the blankets in my bed (but I may sneak in your bed after you fall asleep, because I know you get chilly at night sometimes).  Now- going for daily walks is super important so the boredom doesn't set back in.  On leash or off, I just love to explore, and it's even more exciting when I have a sibling to share the scents with!  And okay, I don't love the treadmill just yet, but it does help exercise my body and my mind on those super cold & icy days when it's too dangerous to wander the neighborhood or the dog park.  Also.  I'll admit, I didn't really enjoy swimming at first, but now you just try keeping me out of that water!!  Alright alright, I know, I may just be rambling at this point, but…

Hey Bird…  Yes, mama?  I'm really glad you're happy here, how would you like to be a part of our family?  Well I am, right?…  Welcome home, Birdie… welcome home.

(-Okay okay, so I may be a leeeeeeeetle behind the game on sharing this post, seeing as how we made Birdie's adoption official in December-  Wait. Is it June??…  But I still wanted to share her crazy fun, BIG personality with you all!-)

And oh how quickly the time goes by…  I still can't believe this grey girl has been a part of our family for over a year now!!  I have to admit that when we first brought her into our home as our second foster baby, I kinda wanted to bang my head against the wall.  Like a lot.  I've never met a living being that is so damn stubborn!!!  (Let's just agree she gives me a run for my money & I'm probably getting what I deserve.)  But man is she full of life and energy- and can she be oh so sweet when she's not greeting you with a face plant to your nose.  I worked so SO hard to mold her into what I thought she should be & how she should act…  But for the life of me, I just couldn't wrap my mind around how difficult my life had become when all I wanted was a playmate for Penny and to help re-home this new sweet (but crazy) girl into our lives.  And then just when I thought I'd reached my absolute boiling point, I happened along a television program one day and heard this:

My usual techniques with the dogs I looked after worked so perfectly, except with [Birdie.]

Because you make [Birdie] personal.

Well it IS personal.

Mmmmmm it is and it's not.  If you make it personal, then you make it about you.  That's when it's not good.  And that says that we need to work on something personal.

So [Birdie's] an example of me having the dog I need and not the dog I want… 

… God is good.

A few days passed and it was like a lightbulb had suddenly clicked on…  Then this happened.  If that wasn't enough of an ah hah moment for me, well here's another one.  I'm a sucker for whatever random chick flick happens to be on the screen at the moment, and it just so happens Hope Floats was the lucky winner this day.  Now let me start by saying that Birdie's previous owner made mention she was named after this movie…  So during this particular scene, the tears started flowing again- because of course I heard the words as if my Birdie was saying them directly to me:

...and l used to see myself in [your] eyes.

And it was like [you] saw me.

And l was audacious, Mama.  I was.

And then, l don't know, things just started to change.

The harder l tried to be what [you] wanted me to be...

...the less I saw myself in [your] eyes.

Just one day, I looked and I was gone.

It was heartbreaking.  That's when it really hit home.  Stop trying to change what's around you and instead focus on how you can make yourself a better person.  And it may take time, but the rest will fall into place, my friends.  And don't forget to listen, you just never know when a little birdie may be whispering in your ear… 

52 in 2016: January

I don't seem to be amazing at finishing these little projects, but a certain someone twisted my arm.  So… I am attempting once again to accomplish a 52 week project.  (I mean, at least last time, we did actually make it over half-way…)  This time, there is a small group of us encouraging one another.  The categories have been pre-selected and focus on improvement in three areas:  portrait, landscape, & artistic.  Let's just say I wanted to quit before I started, because week one was self-portrait.  Seriously!?  But I managed to translate the idea in my head onto the screen of my camera, so I guess it wasn't a bust…  One month done.

week 1 - portrait: self-portrait

week 2 - landscape: traditional

week 3 - artistic: red

week 4 - portrait: headshot

mornings with grace

dear grace,

It's hard to believe it's been an entire year since I've run my fingertips over the lines of your sweet face, pressed your spotted pink nose to mine, or witnessed your goofy little grin when we walked through the door.  I remember wishing often that our time together on this earth would never end…  During one such moment, your Auntie explained it to me- why this couldn't be.  She said she came across something a little boy once said:

“People are born so that they learn how to live a good life – like loving everybody all the time and being nice, right?” The four year old continued, “Well, dogs already know how to do that, so they don’t have to stay as long.”

These words have stayed with me… from then, until now.  Thinking back, I remember how the skies seemed to transform on the eve of the last day we shared together.  From the bleak, cold greys of winter, to beautiful sun-filled days that yearned to warm my soul…  Of course, this year was no different.  -On this morning, the 13th of January, exactly one year later, I arose from my bed just as the sun's light began to peak over the horizon.  I tip-toed through our kitchen and cracked open the back door.  The dawn's crisp air greeted me as I took a step out onto the porch.  The clouds were like rolling waves, saying their hellos, the countless colors of your spirit washing over me…  And as I stood with my bare feet pressed to the cold concrete, my face continued to linger on the heavens.  I closed my eyes and inhaled the richness of the quiet surrounding me.  Then my lips parted with a wisp of fog that accompanies warm breath on a cold day, and what followed was the whisper of your eternal name… 

cabin life

One of my favorite highlights from 2015… our first family vacation with our sweet (and crazy) girls!  We were lucky enough to stay in a friend's cabin near Taos, New Mexico this past fall- just as the autumn colors were starting to emerge, and boy was it breathtaking!  The grey girls did lots of nose-to-the-ground exploring, and really enjoyed walking the golf course each day as the guys hit a few balls.  Let's just say we could get used to life in the mountains!

swimming lessons...

Everyone says Weimaraners are natural born swimmers… Yeah, False.  Grace was not so amazing at it, especially considering her first time in the water was jumping from our boat- all because she was just that excited to be with her dad…  And our little Penny baby seems to be following right along in her older sister's footsteps.  You see, the first time she finally ventured out into the water, she froze like a deer in headlights… sweet girl.  She was neck deep in water and wouldn't budge an inch!  Now Birdie (totally fearless & yes… maybe a bit of a natural born swimmer) went straight out to Penny, not once, but twice- trying to coax her back to shore…  And that pretty girl absolutely refused to move a muscle- until mama came out to her rescue.  So… insert swimming lessons here.  And success!!  Our friend's pool + a lifevest, and she started paddling!!  Here's Birdie on the left and Penny on the right (sans lifejacket).  Good girls.

We also took a day trip to Lake Murray.  A little more practice & a lot more fun for everyone!

Of course they found the absolute perfect stick… which meant it had to come home with us.

Moral of the story, just because a dog has webbed feet, doesn't mean they will be amazing swimmers.  Sometimes they need a little extra help from mom and dad.

dog days of summer

Summer's coming to an end, and before I can post any of my "favorite time of year," autumn loveliness… I need to get caught up on this summer's happenings.  (Because I like to remember my life in some sort of seasonal order, and… I'm just a weirdo like that.)  But I kinda have a perfect reason for being a bit behind on my postings.  You see, I have been busy-busy-busy!!  (Lots of fun moments, but also some I want to pull my hair out and cry moments…)  I'm sure a few of you are aware that we've added four more paws to our home recently…  We've been fostering another furbaby for the last few months, which has been quite an adjustment for this girl!  I mean, it goes without saying that two one & a half year olds sure do have a ton of energy, right?  Understatement.  So say hello to our newest addition, Birdie (aka bulldozer, wrecking ball, & Tasmanian devil).  And take a peek at what these pretty little grey girls have been up to this summer!

the girls on their first (REALLY LONG) walk together

playing patty cake and hanging out in the yard

working on our manners so we can be proper patio pups!

visits with crazy aunt Frieda & a few summer storms

dog parks & lake days!! Oklahoma is HOT & we are practicing our swimming… 

And in case you wondered… Penny's the one on the left, in every single one of the two of them… RANDOM, I know.

vanilla chai jax weekend

Well this post may be a bit behind schedule, but the title is pretty self explanatory… toes in the sand, South Jax Beach, & drinking vanilla chai lattes all day, right?  Uh huh- sounds like perfection.  Okay great, where do I sign up?  -Well that's exactly what a few of my college besties planned and made happen.  Now I won't bore you with all the girlie chit-chat and bracelet making that happened during our stay.  (Shopping?? Check out Rosie True!!)  Instead I'll just share a few pics of our weekend getaway that will be sure to make you jealous & will have you planning your next beach vacation in no time!  Ps. You MUST go to Lillie's Coffee Bar… TRUST ME.  You'll thank me later!!

adopting chicken little

dear grace,

Did you know, you're going to be a big sister?  She was pretty shy and nervous when we welcomed her into our home… but I just know you've been showing her the ropes.  I'm sure you're aware that she is super respectful of your bed… try not to growl at her too much, okay?  She just really wants to be a good little sister.  She didn't stand a chance of having just one name, of course.  "Chicken Little" is the obvious fallback, but she's really coming out of her shell.  Beeper came next, (it's the sound we never stop hearing…) as she runs throughout the house sharing all your squeaky little toys.  (I mean… they. are. everywhere.)  And of course there's Motorbutt… for obvious reasons.  But mostly we call her Penny.  Penny Jane (and Penny Jones, because we can't have a Gracie Jones and not a Penny Jones… hahah).  Which leads to PJ for short.  Yes.  Lots of cute little nicknames, as you are more than familiar with…  And I'm sure you've witnessed her shiny penny syndrome, yes?  Oh hi, please rub my belly… squirrel!!!!!  But we also know you have been looking out for us, so when I found this poem, it really just confirmed that we'd been right in calling her Penny all along… 

"I found a penny today just laying on the ground.  But it's not just a penny, this little coin I've found.  'Found' pennies come from Heaven, that's what my Grandpa told me.  He said angels toss them down.  Oh, how I loved that story.  He said when an angel misses you, they toss a penny down.  Sometimes just to cheer you up, make a smile out of your frown.  So don't pass by that penny when you're feeling blue.  It may be a penny from Heaven that an angel tossed to you."  -C. Mashburn

Watching us cry must have broke your heart…  And then you saw this sweet Penny and somehow made sure she would find her way to us.  She looks a lot like you, which was really hard at first, but it only makes sense… you are sisters after all.  She never has all her feet on the ground at the same time… and I know that's just because sometimes she wants to visit with her big sister in the sky…  Not a day goes by that we don't think about you…  We just miss you to pieces, sweet girl.  We didn't think it would be possible to smile again, but it's evident you are still doing your best to make that happen.  Of course, we should have known.  -Well we finally made it official & our adoption is complete.  But can you do us a favor?  Keep an eye out for your little sister.  She's a good girl, but sometimes the naughty sneaks out…  Of course I'm guessing you have no idea what that's like, do you?  Wink wink.

-loving you always…

mommie, daddy, & penny

throw kindness around like confetti...

The last five months seem to have vanished into thin air all of a sudden.  Even after I thought the first two would never end… A time when the pieces of my broken world lay all around me, and there were days when I would just find myself wanting the earth to swallow me up whole.  I just couldn't imagine my life, without my Gracie girl in it.  I still have bad days, when -as a sweet friend would say- I just ugly cry.  But I'm finding there are still lots of big hearts, warm hugs, and kind words that somehow manage to encourage me along…  Thank you to so many for reaching out.  Kindness is truly contagious.  So the next person you see…  Look at them and smile.  Wave hello.  Their world may be falling apart & they may feel completely lost… and honestly who knows?  You may just be the unexpected little boost they need in their life.

week 16

one good deed a day

an ongoing journal of a few good deeds throughout this year

106. apr 30. give an anonymous donation to a person or family in need the organization or charity of your choice » I always find myself saying, I want to donate to that cause, or do something to help this cause, but never seem to get around to it…  So it's making my heart happy to know that this year, I am finally turning my words into action!
107. may 1. learn your local barista's name and use it » Hi Valerie at Starbucks in Moore!!
108. may 2. try something new » Another good deed for the back of the book!  (I mean, how is this one not in there already??)  I went to my first ever crawfish boil today!  It was fun in the sun with a few great friends.  And you know what?  I finally ate a crawfish.  I said I never would, (I think it's more about knowing the poor things were just alive), but my girlfriend was kind enough to peel me one so I could try it.  Pretty tasty!!
109. may 3. don't double book yourself » Remember, this doesn't just apply to work (as in booking two appointments at the same time).  For me it was about saying no.  And it was to my Grandmother no less (I know, I'm a terrible person!!).  She comes down to visit me quite often, but this time I asked her if she could push out her visit for a few days, because I really needed to buckle down and get some editing finished for a family session.  And because even though I know she doesn't need entertaining… I knew I would feel bad spending hours in front of the computer & not being able to chit-chat with her.  And without any distractions (except for the four-legged kind wanting to be in my lap) I actually finished earlier than expected!  
110. may 4. go to an independent bookstore, movie, or business » A big shout out to Blue Seven!  I seriously just love that place.
111. may 5. smile at kids or give them a silly face to distract them and give their parents a moment of reprieve » let's just say teething is no fun for anyone.
112. may 6. pay attention » I'm guessing this one is meant more for paying attention during a conversation, or something to that effect…  But I am using it for tornado season.  Sometimes, I just really become reliant on my hubby for weather updates, and to just keep me safe in general.  So when he isn't home, I find myself panicking a little bit more.  Our weather here in Oklahoma right now is seriously no joke.  So today, I kept my eyes glued to the news (which I NEVER watch), and prepped the storm shelter, and had a plan.  (Which included getting down there twice this evening!!)  Stay safe friends!

first ever crawfish boil, fresh from the pot!

week 15

one good deed a day

an ongoing journal of a few good deeds throughout this year

99. apr 23. learn how to change a tire so you can do it yourself or someday help out a stranger in need » okay, so this is a bit of a cheat day, because I learned how to do this a really long time ago… but good skill to know, especially if you drive a car!
100. apr 24. stop and pet a dog and say hello to the owner » I keep running into a couple on our walks that also has a pretty new rescue pup.  The were struggling with her at first, she has a bit of a protection/aggression issue, but I love seeing how much they've worked with her and just how far she's come!
101. apr 25. offer your car truck to a friend without wheels that needs to move big furniture » My only wish is that I could have lent a hand as well, but I know just having the truck helped greatly.
102. apr 26. make signs for the trash, recycling, and compost so it's clear what goes where » Calling all label maker lovers everywhere!!
103. apr 27. donate a little bit of money to aid disaster-relief work somewhere in the world » You may remember me boasting about my cousin's upcoming climb on Mt. Everest.  Well the Nepal Earthquake pretty much gave our entire family a heart attack, because it occurred during her ascension!  She is safe, thank goodness.  So this good deed seemed to peek out of the book right when help was needed.  I hope you'll consider making a donation as well.
104. apr 28. don't eat meat today » pretty excited to have discovered the sofritas at Chipotle (and loving that their menu is now GMO free).  Well let's just say everyone that tried mine, had no idea it wasn't meat!!  Bet you can't tell what it really is!
105. apr 29.  learn how to say "thank-you" in other languages so you can thank people in their native tongues » I've always appreciated when someone can't speak our language, but I can see that they are trying…  It may not be easy, but it shows respect.  Of course I do my best to return the favor when I am speaking to someone knowing that English isn't their first language.  It is so funny to see how tickled they get just to hear me say a few of their words!  -Danke, Merci, Gracias, Kheili Mamnoon!!  Any idea which language the last one is??

I bought the little one her very own pool and honestly thought that since she was still a puppy, I may regret the decision…  But it wasn't the flying leap into the water I had expected, hah!!  We're still working on getting in the pool, so for now it's just bobbing for toys!

week 14

one good deed a day

an ongoing journal of a few good deeds throughout this year

92. apr 16. say hello to a stranger » Honestly, this is so easy & you never know when such a little gesture, such as making eye contact, smiling, and saying hello could brighten someone's day.  Do it.
93. apr 17. when someone does or says something rude or offensive, assume he/she is having a bad day and respond with compassion » Today was a day when I was doing a favor for someone that I had actually never met.  There ended up being a little confusion, and I'm pretty sure a little frustration as well.  Normally, I would respond in kind as to the mood of the conversation.  However today, I kept on my happy face and apologized for any part I may have caused in said confusion.  I also focused on making small talk that was kind and personal in nature, and wished them a good weekend.  And rather than turning sour, we were laughing and telling jokes when it was all said and done!
94. apr 18. give credit wherever you can » My sister (well actually, sis-in-law… boy, do I really confuse people on this one) has played assistant for me on a few really large shoots…  I just can't even imagine trying to do one of these without her!  I swear she is the baby/child whisperer, and has a really good eye for helping me achieve the look I want!  Thank you Sarah, for being so wonderful and helpful!!
95. apr 19. don't be overly dramatic » Another one to file in the blank pages at the end of the book, entitled what else can you do?  "Chicken Little" has a neighborhood playmate she pretty much loves…  It's another Weim- we call her Crazy Aunt Frieda, hah!  They are the cutest together, but managed to get into a teensy scuffle today.  A Hurt Feelings Report was filed, and the next day they were back to chewing sticks together… and all is well again in the neighborhood.
96. apr 20. bring your coworker a coffee local veterinary office some cookies » And take your dog!  Hey, not every vet visit needs to be a stressful stick or a poke… so make this one a social visit :)
97. apr 21. treat yourself » Hello Starbucks.
98. apr 22.  give someone one piece of constructive criticism » and don't take offense when someone gives it to you…  It's one of the best ways to grow & learn how to step outside your comfort zone.

Really missing our patio time and the redbuds already!!  Storm season has arrived…

week 13

one good deed a day

an ongoing journal of a few good deeds throughout this year

85. apr 9. If you're thinking about donating money, ask a friend to contribute and increase the impact » skip your latte today (or just buy Heartland Weimaraner Rescue one too!!)  All donations will help- by providing heartworm prevention or helping pay for treatment for a weim in our foster care.  April is Heartworm Prevention Month.  Help save a life.  Giving $10 will supply one dog with prevention for an entire month!  And if you'd like to donate more, that would be wonderful as well!  We've had 4 weims come in this first quarter alone testing heartworm positive.  Their treatment can cost upwards of $800-$1000 dollars each.  Any amount helps!!  Please help spread the word by sharing this post (links below).  We really appreciate you for your support in helping these loving dogs!  Please Donate!
86. apr 10. wave hello at a four-way stop, yielding to the other person » easy peasy.
87. apr 11. accept a new friend's invitation an old friend's constant begging to come visit her » Hehehee… okay, in all fairness, this is a pretty accurate description… So after her latest plea: "please come see me!!"  We have decided to plan a girls trip and make it happen!  Sandy beaches here we come!
88. apr 12. set high expectations » This one was actually for myself… today is the Redbud Classic, and I'm participating in the 5K once again.  I really wanted to beat my previous records and push myself to run a little faster this year.  My GPS showed just below a 9 minute pace, which I was pretty excited about!  Definitely better than past runs… And when my race results were emailed to me, I finish 8th out of 93 in my division (although it shows my official pace to be 9:06).  My finish time was 28:16, and I'm quite certain this is the fastest I've run it to date!
89. apr 13. do a little dance and be silly » Take me bowling… it will happen.
90. apr 14. watch the movie that your significant other wants to watch » And yes.  It was pretty terrible, haha.  Not to mention we forgot to return it, so now we are paying double for said movie!
91. apr 15.  return a long-overdue phone call » which of course leads to a fun game of phone tag!

my "giftcard" design for our local Rescue helping spread the word on heartworm prevention

planting trees & patio time...

 

"Chicken Little" loves to help…  She frequents the local Home Depot with us quite often, as did our Gracie girl.  Since springtime is starting to make an appearance, we've decided to plant a few trees!  Here's our very first redbud (the Oklahoma State tree).  I'm pretty excited about seeing it outside my window… they are just the prettiest part of our landscape here every year, ranging from blooms of pink to purple!  Thank goodness we staked them before our first tornado of the season rolled through… and they survived the first major storm without incident.  The patio is getting a little color too, and is becoming our favorite hangout place.  The pup is sure to stick her nose in everything, checking out every new flower and herb we plant.  And after a long day of playing, chasing, & running in the sun, she settles down on the concrete to cool off for a quick nap before it starts all over again.  Hope wherever you call home, you've been able to enjoy a bit of the outdoors finally with family & friends!

week 12

one good deed a day

an ongoing journal of a few good deeds throughout this year

78. apr 2. say good morning to your coworkers everyone along your morning walk/route » Make eye contact and say hello!  Last lap?  Wish them a good day!
79. apr 3. ask a friend who seems down to go for a walk » or to come hang out and chat, or join you for a cup of coffee out.  Sometimes just telling them you are there for them may be exactly what they need to hear.
80. apr 4. find ways to help others avoid embarrassment » It's as simple as politely telling someone they have something in their teeth.
81. apr 5. sign up for a run or walk that supports a special cause » Every year I look forward to the Redbud Classic and it's almost that time again!  This year's beneficiary is the Boys & Girls Clubs of Oklahoma County.
82. apr 6. encourage somebody » I'm currently helping a friend with her blog, and while proofreading, I discovered a sweet comment in her post-  You encourage me to do better every day.  So sweet.  Really needed to hear this today.  It made me smile.
83. apr 7. look into the eyes of the person you are talking with » I sometimes catch my eyes wandering, but I find there is so much more sincerity in good eye contact, so I am working on this.
84. apr 8.  make someone laugh » or better yet, make a lot of people laugh!!  This was easily accomplished by sharing a few pics of a funny moment in our household with a few friends.

"chicken little" showing off her cat-like skills… 

week 11

one good deed a day

an ongoing journal of a few good deeds throughout this year

71. mar 26. befriend someone new » We are lucky that our days have been filled with doggie playdates for the new foster pup.  It's really cute watching her play and interact with other dogs, not to mention it is also great for keeping her socialized!  There is a family I met on my many walks with Grace that also has a weim.  Our girls just love to run and play… we often end up hanging out for hours, not realizing where the time has gone.  Their friendship has been a wonderful find!
72. mar 27. leave a nice comment on your friend's blog, facebook wall, or twitter feed » My cousin is climbing Everest.  You heard me.  Mt. EVEREST.  It will be a two month journey, you can follow here.  I am so proud of her drive, determination, and overall dedication.  Her goal is to raise awareness, to empower Nepali girls, and to put a stop to human trafficking.  Please, if this is near & dear to your heart, considering donating.
73. mar 28. find two days this year when you can donate your time » Okay folks, this one will make your heart happy.  First find something you are passionate about and then go help!  For me… well I love animals (I'm guessing no one knew this, yes? wink wink).  While volunteering with Heartland Weimaraner Rescue, I am able to do exactly what I enjoy (helping weimies, anything graphic or computer related, designing stuff, and the list goes on…).  So figure out what your skills are & find a group… I promise it won't actually feel like work & sharing the load helps everybody!
74. mar 29. add a few plants to your bedroom back patio » Making my time out in the sun with my family just a little more pretty!  (And chances are, the plants will live much longer out there than in my house… haha.)

I usually use these cuties as a perimeter border around my front planter bed.

75. mar 30. choose a glass of water instead of another coffee » not always easy… I know.
76. mar 31. take your dad parents out for lunch » beautiful day for a patio visit, and lakeside too! The hubby's family often take turns visiting this time of year during their travels, and we are lucky to live about halfway along their routes!
77. apr 1. start a composting program at your building, school, or home » Really happy we finally started composting last year, and that my hubby is completely on board.  We just used our first batch of our own compost this past weekend when planting this year's garden!  It will be really gratifying knowing that this year's harvest will have been fertilized from last year's "waste."  But you shouldn't compost everything… Here's a guide we found useful: what you can and cannot compost.

week 10

one good deed a day

an ongoing journal of a few good deeds throughout this year

Okay… for those of you keeping track, you caught me.  There may just be a two week gap in my numbers, but really… who's counting?  Fostering "chicken little" has kept us busy, busy.  She is only 14 months old, so her energy is go-go-go!!  Well let's just say, she makes me run (and walk) quite a bit faster…  Now even though I may have a small time gap in my good deeds, doesn't mean I didn't still practice doing them.  I said hi to strangers, opened doors for others, waved at people in traffic (while trying to set aside road rage… yes, it can be a struggle), donated my time, shopped local, played outside, practiced patience… well, you get the idea.  Alrighty then, here we go- more suggestions from my journal: One Good Deed a Day!

64. mar 19. swap life stories with someone you don't know very well » When we laid Grace to rest, there was one person in particular that left me a voice message… It was so kind, and heartfelt, and from someone I've actually never even met.  Somehow she just knew all the right things to say.  It made me cry.  The sincerity in her voice… well it's just really heartwarming when you don't feel so alone, and someone takes the time to provide comfort when you really need it.  I decided to call her today and tell her just how much her words meant to me that day…  We laughed and we cried and we talked for hours sharing stories.  We discovered a lot of similarities in our lives, and we both agreed that there is a special kindredness in our spirits, that somehow drew us to each other.
65. mar 20. when you are inspired to say something nice, say it. » We went to my Dad's to celebrate Norouz, which is the Persian New Year, along with his birthday.  His wife, and my dear friend, went all out.  Everything looked beautiful!  She made a variety of yummie treats from scratch, which she spent all day making, for her first time ever!  It was really wonderful to have the family together, and I am so grateful she has come into our lives.
66. mar 21. recycle » I'm really jealous that we STILL do not have curbside recycling yet… but we will continue to do our part, sort it all out, and take it to the next town over.  You should too.

67. mar 22. plant a seed tree » (or two!!)  Super excited to say we planted our first Redbud, the Oklahoma state tree!  Along with a pretty peach tree, we look forward to seeing a few blooms and some green leaves waving hello in the wind outside our windows!
68. mar 23. thank someone for something you usually take for granted » We are incredibly lucky to have so much family nearby (and handy too!)…  Over the weekend, our sprinkler system decided to EXPLODE.  Seriously what a gross mess.  Family came to the rescue, helping us get the situation under control, allowing my hubby to focus on finding a solution.  Family also made us dinner after taking advantage of their showers.  We often expect family to just step up in our time of need, but it's really important to take the time & actually thank them for getting us out of crisis mode or lending a helping hand.  
69. mar 24. bless your interruptions as an opportunity to take a deep breath and smile » the girls (and more recently, their brothers too) come to play with "chicken little" quite often.  It is never planned, and at random times throughout the day… but their visits never cease to bring a huge smile to my face.
70. mar 25. establish an emergency plan with your family or friends » It's tornado season people.  Stay safe and more importantly, have a plan (that includes your furry loved ones)!!

week 9

one good deed a day

an ongoing journal of a few good deeds throughout this year

57. feb 26. tell your dentist you appreciate him » Yes… I'm pretty sure I am the only weirdo that loves going to the dentist, but I do love me some clean teeth!!
58. feb 27. foster a kitten or puppy » teeny, tiny, baby steps…  but it's pretty impossible to look at her & not love her sweet, mischievous little face.
59. feb 28. strike up a conversation with the person working the cash register » We learned today that our cashier is a retired Marine, served in Vietnam, and moved here from Boulder, Colorado.  All because I made the comment that most people look at us like we are crazy when we say we will bag our own groceries- to which he responded, it's pretty common in Colorado…
60. mar 1. wake up thirty minutes earlier and get some exercise » and on a Sunday too, yeah buddy!
61. mar 2. clean up someone else's mess » Persian food is an all day cooking event that tends to get every pot, dish, & spoon in the house dirty (or maybe that's just because my hubby is the one making it…).  And although I may complain a lot about the aftermath of the kitchen once he is finished- ummmmm yeah…. not today people!!
62. mar 3. get some fresh air » lots of weird weather in Oklahoma, gotta get out there & enjoy it while you can!
63. mar 4. start a list of books you'd like to read for fun » lots of Dean Koontz in there lately…  Also recently picked up a book called Mosquitoland, by David Arnold (I'm not gonna lie, I kinda bought it because I love the cover, obviously… ).  Any other suggestions for me??

chicken little

I've recently been offering help to a local Weimaraner Rescue.  When I filled out the volunteer form, I mentioned that we wouldn't be able to foster just yet, thinking it was a bit too soon, but I really wanted to help out in other ways… fundraising, transporting, etc.  They immediately responded, asking if I could design a tee for their upcoming St. Patty's Day Parade.  The next thing I know, emails are coming back to back to back- needing transports and fosters for several different dogs… (because now I'm on the volunteer list, you see).  The email requesting help with transporting a pup had already been filled by the time it reached my eyes, however there were still a few dogs needing foster homes…  I left one of the emails in my inbox, but didn't respond to it right away, thinking someone else will scoop her right up.  But as the day went on, for some reason, my thoughts often wandered back to her.  I eventually asked where she was located and if anyone had stepped up to help her yet, to which came the reply, she's in OKC and no.  

This, of course, stirred my becomingly familiar, all too often, anxiety to the surface again… causing my heart to hammer in my chest once more.  I realized sadness was slowly becoming my new way of life.  And knowing I've always had a passion for animals, could I make the decision to pick up the shattered pieces of my heart and offer my help?

We decided to reply yes.  To try.  Fostering would consist of four weeks.  Get to know her.  Welcome her into our home.  Yes, another weim.  My emotions were all over the place.  We hadn't even seen another weim in person…  Her picture was mostly of her face, so I knew she was the same color as Grace, but not too many other details.  On the drive over to meet her, the first song we heard after Gracie's passing began to hum over the radio.  (We hear it pretty much every single car ride we take, no matter the hour or day.)  Well that started the tears again…  After meeting her & bringing her home, well… there were just so many bittersweet moments.

The first few days proved a little bit scary and overwhelming for her, and we started to lovingly call her "chicken little."  She's just such a shy, sweet, timid little thing.  But of course she really thinks her name is "good girl."  With each day that passes, she comes out of her shell a little more.  I have no doubt Grace is whispering in her sweet gigantic ear… okay now, so listen up real good, here's how you get them wrapped around your big furry paw.

Our crazy Oklahoma- windy, freezing, sleeting, snowy, icy, winter- weather doesn't seem to bother her in the least bit.  She actually loves to take curious little bites out of the snow.  She literally prances around the yard, checking everything out…  And the next thing you know she is frozen to her spot- pointing, always pointing…  It's really funny to see- she doesn't seem to know whether to point with the front leg or the back one… but she always has to have one off the ground (with her face full of snow, of course).  Oh and you can bet she is pretty darn cute (I mean, let's be serious- it may be safe to say, she knows this).

We are discovering more and more about her sweet, playful personality each passing day she spends with us.  But more importantly, what I'm discovering about myself- is that a life without paw prints in it, is a life lived less full.