Joyful Paws

This Thing Called Life. Changes. Expecting the Best.

We have been experiencing a warmer than usual January here in Wisconsin. All this week it has been in the 40's. I'm loving every moment of it.

I am struck by people who comment on our wonderful weather and then the next statement out of their mouth is, "But we are going to pay for it." Really? What does that mean?

Instead of just enjoying the here and now of this glorious weather why do we think something bad is going to happen next? Why do we automatically go to thinking we are going to be in deep trouble for having such nice weather?  It's all going to end seems to be the impending dread. 

Things end. Life changes. Isn't that what this thing called life is all about?

I caught myself in a sad moment of endings as I looked at the above photo of Frankie. On Tuesday we visited Shepherd of the Hills Catholic School and a teacher sent me this shot of Frankie. This is right before I throw a treat for her so the kids can see her walk in her wheelchair.

But I felt this twinge of sadness start to envelope my heart. As I made the decision to semi-retire Frankie this year, I see each school visit as even more precious- not knowing when will be our last. But I stopped myself. I reminded myself to be grateful for each moment with Frankie-- enjoy the here and now- don't look forward- that will come all on its own. And when it does, I'll then move through it- but not now. These days are just too precious.

I looked at the photo again and was reminded of how my heart feels when I throw the treat for Frankie and she runs after it. The kids excitement of cheers and clapping always makes my heart swell with pride. I am reminded again of all the blessings Frankie is to my life... how far we have come together... the lives we have impacted... the joy and love she has brought to so many.

So no doom and gloom here- but living in each precious moment of each precious day... whether it is 40 degrees, or 40 degrees below zero. This is life and I plan to keep living it.

Joyful Paws Website Is Getting A New Look

I hesitated in sharing my new website design so soon... as it will be a while yet before my new site goes live... but I'm just so excited that I wanted to share. I'm pretty sure this is very close to what the design will ultimately end up to be. I still have work to do in brainstorming a tag line... but I'm well on my way and working with my marketing consultant, Mary Shafer in regards to a tag line.  Caryn Newton of Lantern Glow Design is the wonderful designer who came up with my new look based on our conversation of my vision.

With my new, first nonfiction adult book coming out late 2012/early 2013 it was time that my website be re-done to reflect a new vision for Joyful Paws going forward. While I will still have a big focus on Frankie and my work with her, I also am excited about planning for future ideas/projects.

As my new book is going through the editing process I have also not felt comfortable with the title of my book so my consultant, Mary is helping me with that too. We are very close to having a new title that seems more fitting and I'm really excited about sharing it once we have that nailed down.

Sometimes I sit here, in my little writing studio, looking out into my neighborhood, and my heart swells with pure joy. I love my life. Sure, it has it's ups and downs and doubts, but I could have never dreamed I would have written a children's book series or be on my way to publishing my first adult nonfiction book.

I remind myself daily to listen to the whispers in my heart... to follow those whispers... to live my authenticity... and look for the good all around me. There is much good to be found. And so often in the simplest of things and moments. And two sweet dogs, one loving husband, caring friends and family, and one loving and supportive mom, are my reminders of how much I have to be grateful for.

So while I welcome your thoughts on Joyful Paws new look, I also know to trust my heart and my heart feels so at home with the new look of my website. Life is good.

 

A New Coat for Frankie Courtesy of Digby

Frankie in her sassy new coat from Noodle and Friends

In a post in December I wrote about a fellow wheelchair doxie named Digby whose Mom (Emily) was inspired by Frankie's story after her Digby was diagnosed with Intervertebral Disc Disease.  Frankie gave Emily peace of mind and hope that Digby could live a quality life too, just like Frankie.

Digby was doing great in his new wheels. But then in mid January he suffered another ruptured disc. This time he was in too much pain. Emily knew in her heart she could not let Digby suffer. With a very heavy heart she put him to rest.

She wrote to me and shared the news. My heart broke for her loss and I wrote back telling her how sorry I was for the loss of sweet Digby.

A few days later she sent me another email. She had a store credit with a company that sells adorable dachshund clothing called Noodle and Friends.

She said, "I know Digby would want Frankie to have something."

She stated again how Frankie and I had inspired her. I was deeply touched that in the midst of her deep pain she would think to do this for Frankie.

I love the new coat I was able to order for Frankie. It is very well made, thick, and oh, so adorable, don't you think?  The only challenge is that it is so thick and Frankie's wheelchair is custom-made that coat and Frankie don't fit into the wheelchair. This made me realize Frankie can't ever gain weight or she will outgrow her wheels!  :)

But such a perfect coat for her on those blustery winter days to stay snuggled in, in her car seat as we make school visits or do therapy dog work.

Thank you Emily and Digby for thinking of Frankie with this gift. Frankie will wear it with much pride and in honor of the dashing Digby.

Rest in peace Digby

 

 

Goddess of Light Trusts Her Heart

I love the goddess artwork of artist, Maria Wulf (wife to author Jon Katz). So imagine my surprise when my mom gave me this goddess potholder made by Maria!  I love it!

Trusting one's heart is not always easy as we ladies can tend to question ourselves... but when we turn ourselves into a goddess and listen to her wisdom of being still and listening to our heart, oh the life we can lead. 

Thank you, Mom for the sweet reminder.  My Heart Goddess is now hanging to the right of my desk, glowing in the soft light from my lamp... it warms me from the inside out and makes me smile.  I love you, Mom!

What Does 105 Years Look Like? Meet the Very Special Libby.

From left:  Christine Thill (owner of Libby's House and granddaughter to Libby), Libby, Phyllis (Libby's daughter), Jeremiah (Libby's great grandson) and Ona (Libby's great, great granddaughter)

Libby, 105 years old is a real delight to know. Frankie and I have been honored and privileged to visit with this exceptionally beautiful and spunky lady on a few occasions when visiting Libby's House, Senior Assisted Facility.

We have been going to Libby's House once a month for 3 1/2 years. This year begins visiting only every other month so Frankie can enjoy her senior years, just like Libby. I'll treasure our visits there even more now and am glad we are scheduled to go today.

We met Libby a little over a year ago when she came to live at Libby's House, named after her, by her granddaughter Christine, who owns and operates the lovely facility.

When Frankie and I were training to become a therapy dog team I heard Libby's House was looking for a therapy dog to visit. Though we were not yet officially certified I called them and let them know of my interest. They were excited to have us on board and told me to let them know when we were ready and they'd be ready for us.

I almost quit after my first training with Frankie at another facility, a nursing home. Sadly, not all nursing homes are as nice as Libby's House. The facility we trained at was, in my opinion, quite sad. Initially, I was shocked and a bit freaked out at the condition of the place and of the residents. Driving home after our first visit, I cried, and thought, I can't do this. But I'm so glad I didn't give up. While I couldn't change the circumstances of the facility, I could for a brief time make a difference in those patients lives with Frankie.

I was nervous beginning our work at Libby's House as I also didn't quite know how to be around people who had Alzheimer's which Libby's House is set up to take in. Not all patients have Alzheimer's- some have dementia- as well as other health issues. But the biggest lesson I learned, especially with Alzheimer patients is that there is someone "still in there." They may not resemble the person they used to be, but they are still there.

Often times I don't understand what they are saying as they talk, but I nod as if I do. All they want is for someone to listen. And as you can imagine, having Frankie to pet and love brings them much joy.

It's not often that one can say that they've met a 105 year old person. Meeting Libby at a young 104 was like meeting the Queen. She is remarkably sharp and has a great sense of humor. For most of her life she has not liked animals, but she adores Frankie-- even letting Frankie sit on her lap now and then. During one visit Libby was petting Frankie's back and she looked up at me and said, "Frankie is love."

It is one of the highest compliments I could have ever been paid of my work with Frankie. There is no denying Libby has left a profound mark on my heart.

Being a therapy dog team with Frankie at Libby's House is very rewarding. Writing my second children's book that I published in 2010 about Libby's House is no doubt, a path I was meant to travel. And to know Libby, who is such an inspiration, is such an incredible blessing. I can't help think being with Libby is about as close to God as one can get. She is truly remarkable.

Libby, Frankie and me

 

Saturday. Sistah-hood. Stenciling. Soak.

About two months ago I got rid of the blue in my kitchen. I really didn't know what color I wanted to paint, but my Sistah V is so good with color.  She suggested the color you will now see on my new walls. I love it!! I would have never thought of this color.

So last night she stayed overnight and this morning we began the stenciling process. WHEW- what a process! Because of the intrcacy of the stencil it took us longer than we thought. We are only half way through so another couple hours on another day will have to do for finishing. But I love how it is turning out.

My home brings me so much joy-- decorating, rearranging, time with Johnnie and the dogs, and time with my Sistah V bring so much love into these four walls.

After Sistah-hood and stenciling a good soak in the tub was in order. What a wonderfully productive day!! Thank you so much my Sistah V!!  I love you!

Sistah V begins the stenciling

Sistah B (that's me!) taking a turn

A peek at our stenciling artwork!

Sistah F is not a whole lot of help. She's lucky she's cute!

The Wisdom of Life Through the View of Ruth Stout's Garden

Grab yourself a cup of tea or coffee, settle in, and listen to the wisdom of Ruth Stout and her garden. This is one of the most delightful things I've seen a long time.

Speaks to the simplicity of life and how we've come to make this thing called life seem so complicated. Determination and faith is all one needs.... and wait until you hear about Ruth's gardening outfit she wore in her younger years when she gardened. Oh Ruth, you sassy, fun girl!

When I grow up I've decided I want to be just like Ruth.

 

Lunch with a Soldier

I had lunch with my brother Keith today, who will be deployed for Kuwait in February. He won't be officially in Kuwait right away, but stationed in Mississippi for six weeks before he leaves for the 24 + hour flight to Kuwait.

Now I realize it is hard to tell in this picture, but I am the older one. <GRIN>  We are nine years apart.  It's so surreal when you realize someone is leaving for overseas and all the memories that come flooding back- flashes of images of him as a little boy have played like a slideshow in my mind the past few days. Remembering also he Christmas he got slippers and he was so excited he yelled, "Lippers!"

For as weepy as I felt last night and this morning, I didn't cry hugging him goodbye.  Maybe in part because I will see him yet at the official send off ceremony Feb. 4th- but also because I saw my brother, before me, ready for this journey. Sure of wanting to be in the National Guards- sure of wanting to be a soldier- sure of what feels right to him. That has not always been the case, so to see him confident in what he wants is a wonderful thing to see.

Though his mission has changed and it is not quite as "exciting" as he hoped it would be- I am still in awe of him leaving behind the comfort of all he knows to be in a new country- a place of unknown. 

When he was nine and I was eighteen we seemed worlds apart...but now with him almost 40 and I almost 49 the space seems closer together. So though we will be worlds apart... our hearts will always be connected.

God Speed little brother. God Speed. I love you.

Anticipation of Lunch with A Soldier

My brother Keith

What is it, I wonder, that has me so weepy?  I was weepy last night and again, I am this morning. It feels like a bittersweet weepy.

Today I am having lunch with a soldier. In anticipation of today I couldn't get this out of my mind last night, so I sat and wrote this:

Unexpected

Baby boy, 6/22/1972

Nick named Ke Ke

Cute as a bug

Adored by two sister's

Unexpected boy of his own

Troubled

Searching

Married

A little girl of his own

Divorced

Troubled

Searching

New Wife

New Family

Searching

39 years old

A dream

Boot camp

National Guard

Pending deployment

Determined

Proud

Honorable

Courageous

Committed

Brave

My Brother, A Soldier

Departure, February

Kuwait

Standing Tall

My heart weeps while swells all at the same time with pride

Be safe... and know you are loved...

***************************************************

This is a time line in my mind of how I see how my brother Keith's life has unfolded to date.

My brother and I are nine years apart. Because of the age difference, I've never really felt all that involved in his life. But I feel we are so much alike. I see his cute little face clearly in my mind as a little boy- and oh, how my sister and I adored that little guy. 

My little brother who we adoringly called Ke Ke when he was little

Today I'm having lunch with him before he heads overseas to Kuwait. Yes, the war is officially over, but yet this is a risk. A risk that I think, is why my heart feels so weepy.

But I also know this has been a dream of his... to be in the National Guards. At the age of 38 he went after that dream- went through boot camp with the young ones- and I imagine learned a lot about himself in the process.

How many of us can say we went after our dream-- dared to risk it all-- to live from our heart?  That is why I am so proud. It's not always an easy thing to do. It takes courage, no matter what your dream.

So my heart weeps with utter joy and pride, but also a bit of apprehension for the mission ahead of him.

 

 

My Favorite Sounds of Today.

Church bells ringing...

Children playing outside during recess...

Birds chirping...

Click, clack, click, clack, click, clack of Kylie's paws...

Day two of a short walk with Kylie after her knee surgery. Time together deepening our bond and opening my heart to all the simple pleasures of life that make my soul sing.

How complicated we can make life, I think, as all the sweet sounds surrounded me. How I yearn for even more simplicity and more favorite sounds, and less of the hectic, fast-paced world.

And oh, one last favorite sound...

Kylie snoring contently as I ate my lunch.

Oh, how sweet life is.