My Parents' Daughter

Even though I don't spend much time around my family members who live in California, I became keenly aware on this trip of how much we are alike. It caught my attention as I recognized familial similarities in speech, vocal inflection, even stature and posture at times. I am perplexed by this because of the minimal exposure to each other as adults and at the same time thrilled that there are such lineage traits.

I watched my sisters playfully interact with each other and saw a semi-replica of myself and how I interact in my friendships.

Not fully alike. Not completely the same.

But, the same.

So I kept watching.

I looked to my parents. Where are we alike? And, I took note.

My Mom

Coffee lover. Tree hugger. Music lover. Humorous. Humanitarian.
Loves my Dad.

My Dad

Animal lover. Political observer. Technology appreciator. Sentimental. Fixer.
Loves my mom.

And, I've come to the conclusion ...

I am happily and proudly my parents' daughter!

Friendin' Along The Way

Watching Copernicus and his buddy Dell navigate the arduous trails of Devil's Punchbowl , I considered their ways of friendship.

Friend Rule #1:

Find a great adventure together and go for it.

Friend Rule #2:

Run like crazy...and grab a rest stop when needed.

Friend Rule #3:

Allow friends to head out on new adventures.

Friend Rule #4:

Don't be afraid to go solo for awhile.

Leavin'...on a Jet Plane

Join me and Copernicus on our way to California...

It begins in the Dulles airport as we make our way to check in.

Daddy....wait up for me.

Readying myself to put Copernicus in his crate.

Daddy says goodbye to puppy.

Puppy as baggage headed for the cargo spot on the plane

Ahhh...California!

My cross-crountry travellin' puppy waits well as friend navigates LA traffic to the airport. Hurry up, girl!

We're here!! We're here!!

Let the fun begin!!

....and not only am I in friend heaven but schnauzer brother heaven too!

In my attempt to prepare for our upcoming trip to California, I asked Angi and Dell, aka the big brother, to help coach us through understanding all things crate-airline related.

With dimensions in hand, I took off to the pet store to get the brand-spanking new crate that's appropriate for air travel. I set it up in the kitchen and snoopy baby mini runs over ...

...sniff, sniff...

and proceeds to back up quickly with deft, dance-style moves.

uh-uh. nope. no way.

i don't care what you're thinking about...I'm NOT in!

...wait...

I hear Daddy coming home from work.

SAVE ME, DADDY, PLEAASSSEE!!

Mr. Smart Guy gives Cappie lots of lovin' and then begins to negotiate terms of getting near the new crate.

Ok, Daddy....maybe.

Hold the treat there and I might stand close to the crate.

But, that's it!!

No way! I am not going in!

Then Mr. Smart Guy says, "Let's take the top off and see if he'll just check it out. Maybe he doesn't like how closed in it is."

MMpphh...why are you guys so intent on wanting me to see this thing?

Pretty interesting....but I'm not getting in it. No way! uh-uh.

We quickly come to the decision that our approach is not working. We take the crate upstairs and set it side-by-side his normal crate. And, amidst Copernicus' verbal disapproval....put him in the crate.

I'm not happy!!

I don't care about the treat that's right next to me.

WHAT is happening??

...and, now you wanna take pictures of this injustice??

I hurried. I tried to make it painless as possible for him. But, he's spoiled and pouted for the rest of the evening.

After the initial shock of the smaller, more enclosed atmosphere, Cappie did spend more time in the airline crate without further incident.

He's ready to fly.

Am I?

License Plates

Drivin' down the road I spotted a great license plate and I just gotta share it with you:

Hap PGrl

(in case you don't get it....it's happy girl)

Rain

It's a rainy morning.

Not the hard, pounding kind of rain but the softer, more gentler kind. The kind of rain that invites me to relax and enjoy and not rush the day along. The kind of rain that lures me to rest from the hectic pace of life I often find myself in.

It's an easy morning.

Easy to become content with a slower pace and allow the rain to act as my guide for the day.

Loving Clumsily

I initiated two extremely difficult conversations yesterday and I walked away with two surprisingly good outcomes. And, I want to share with you what was on my mind before putting myself into communication with others...

"Every day I put love on the line. There is nothing I am less good at then love. I am far better in competition than in love. I am far better at responding to my instincts and ambitions to get ahead and make my mark than I am at figuring out how to love another. I am schooled and trained in acquisitve skills, in getting my own way. And, yet I decide, everyday, to set aside what I can do best and attempt what I do very clumsily - open myself to the frustrations and failures of loving, daring to believe that failing in love is better than succeeding in pride."

- A Long Obedience in the Same Direction by Eugene Peterson