Yesterday was one of those days; those days that ensure I won't be a dog horder in the near future. Rainy weather and long working hours have left me making excuses not to walk Darwin as much as I should. When you have a young herding dog and you decide to skimp on walks and training you might as well batten down the hatches and prepare for the storm because you are about to see what 25 lbs of super smart and endlessly energetic has in store for you.
Being cute is a survival mechanism
It was a rough day but today is already better, we've left our minor setbacks behind us and braved the downpours for a a nice long and positive walk. A little perspective (and a good nap) is usually all I need to get past a particularly bad day. I mean really, look at this lot.
Cute, non? Cute, oui!
In the same way, our other stresses in life can seem overwhelming. With one of us out of work for nearly a year now and the economy showing few signs of life, it's easy to get caught up in the uncertainty and doubt and fear. We could let the setbacks and rejections cripple us but we try to keep perspective. We have our bad days and sleepless nights but we try to remember that we have so much even if it feels like we are teetering on the edge. When I heard a friend and her son had lost their partner and father, respectively, my heart just broke. It's one of those moments where the only thing I can think to do is hug everyone in the house and tell them how important they are to me. The dogs mostly just wag and hope for a cookie. That's good enough for me.
I know that nothing can ever bring back this wonderful man my friend and her son lost and no small gesture can change that pain left behind, but perhaps it was as therapeutic for me as anything, to make them each a small gift with empathy for their terrible situation. I guess, on some level, I feel like the time I spent on each was time I was reminded to value the people I do have in my life; forget my petty concerns and endeavor to be as honest and caring as I can while time still allows me to do so.
Handspun Grafton Batt crocheted side to side. Trimmed in knitted handspun optim
And maybe, if you'll indulge me a bit longer, you can find someone you love, human, dog, cat or other, and let them know you love them for no reason at all except that you do, even if they drive you up the walls sometimes or always leave a mess. Chances are, they overlook a few of your shortcomings as well and love you equally.
Monster crocheted with DK weigh merino, with knit socks and scarf worked in sock yarn
Your heartfelt post really says it all. Thank you for sharing. My condolences to your friend and her son. I hugged my sweetheart, my dog and I even managed to find and hug my little beastie of a cat. I love them all so much! It is so easy to get caught up in the stresses of everyday life and forget how quickly our lives can change forever.
P.S. The pictures of your loved ones are great, as always. Darwin really is a cutie!
Unutterably cute, all of them. I'd be hard pressed to pick the cutest. And look how clean they'll be after all that snow - solid mud and rain again here.
And a thoughtful post on your friends' loss.
I'm sorry for your loss. My heart goes out to you and the family.
One of our knitting circle passed away yesterday and I feel the same way. I am so blessed in so many ways to be surrounded by all these amazing people...some I've never even met. All of them bless my life and I am thankful that I've been lucky to know them...even if for a short while.
*big hug to you and yours*
Well said and well crafted as usual.
Peace~
Dawn
I'm a huge worrier. I'm worried about my husband's job, about various things I'm dealing with, etc. It's good to remember to cherish what we have.
I love you for reminding us of that. :)
We've had a very similar set of experiences here: a young dog who hasn't gotten enough exercise (and who we have accidentally trained to search for food all over the house), and a dear friend gone very unexpectedly. My response has been the same: Hug all of them and everyone else I can get my hands on and try to be as positive and as present as I can. Your gifts are lovely (the monster is terrific) and I'm sure they were comforting. Thanks for the post.
My condolences to your friend and her son.
It is really hard to keep things in perspective sometimes, and it's sad that it can take something so overwhelming to remind us how good we've got it.
I gave my second youngest a big hug. She's got learning disabilities and can really get on my nerves sometimes, but I wouldn't trade her for anyone. And she really likes your dogs.:-)
its touching how you look at one person one day and say how could i have ever loved them… and then… the next you can have the guts to say to that same person i still love you. got this particular discussion to e-mail for those directly involved!
Having just lost my aunt to cancer two weeks ago, I completely understand the perspective gained. I think I could tell my boyfriend, family, friends and pets that I love them five times a day, every day for the rest of my life and I still couldn't convey the gratitude I feel for having them in my life.
That shawl/capelet (not sure what you consider it) is absolutely gorgeous and the monster is so cute and guaranteed to make the recipient smile in spite of his pain. My heart goes out to them and you.
Darwin and the rest of the gang are so painfully cute! They make me want to run right out to the nearest rescue and get a dog to add to my family.
2010 was a bad year for a lot of people, and not just because of the stock market. I hope this year will be better for everyone!
I know our mutual friend and her kiddo will love your gifts! You're right, they are as much therapy for you as they are for them. You are so very thoughtful, Marnie.