The Hidden Lives of Pets … and Their Human
It was evening, three nights ago, on the heels of a semi-demanding day. I was feeling a little ragged, needing a reset. As common remedy, I sat in meditation (that helped), did some stretching (helped some more), ate a banana (usually helps), a piece of dark chocolate (always excellent), then petted and marveled at the sleeping sanctity of the feline wonders I share this home with. That should’ve nailed it, and no small feat, as any human owned by cats would attest. The sheer privilege allowed in stroking them – anytime – most certainly in their cloud of slumber with the answers to all of life’s questions. (Or, at least any that truly matter.) The act of petting and observing these professional nappers is in itself a meditation, and, in the peculiar offing of my mood that day (any day), I was envious. Whatever are they dreaming?? – I wondered. …
Of Madness, Mirth, & Meaning
An old friend came to visit yesterday. He didn’t knock or ring in the more conventional way. It was via an obscure Facebook feed in a private writer/wit/tomfoolery group that I’m an esteemed member of. That’s his picture up there above these words. His name is Bill. He’s one of my best friends (the man, not the cat). This photo epitomizes his incredible sense of humor and the endless fun we’ve had over decades of friendship, with a shared bit of madness and mirth in our humor. I remember when the photo was taken several years ago (spoiler: the cat was photoshopped). Was originally titled: “Opening Day of Zucchini Season“, and not surprisingly went viral. Of the countless memories in our decades of friendship, it seems worth sharing a note on one particular visit. What could, years later, send us into splinters of laughter by the mere mention of This…
The Mail
“We’ve been trying to reach you about your car’s extended warranty.” dandelionwellcare@gmail.com dandelionwellcare.com
Sprung
It’s official; spring has sprung. As a few cool/coldish weeks closed out the months of winter’s formal calendar and longer hours of daylight are upon us, there has appeared the contagious bounce of spring in the air, and with it the urge to tidy and organize my humble little castle. But, first, as I share this with you, let’s talk about sequences. When my girls were little, there was a delightful book that we read countless times – If You Give A Mouse A Cookie. It tells the tale of a mouse who, in his complaint of hunger, has been given a cookie. As he nibbled away on the cookie, he grew thirsty for some milk to pair with it. But, upon drinking the milk, he got an unfortunate milk moustache which then, of course, needed washing, and upon washing his unfortunate milk moustache he saw in the mirror that…
A Shot of Happy
I’ve been scrolling thru photos on my phone recently. Like so many of us, it is a hefty bank of abundant treasures that takes most of its memory space. I sifted thru these gems – smiling, laughing, reminiscing – and saved many in my library of favorites to cull them from the pack. My reasons for favoring them vary, but in general because something there just makes me smile, plucks a string inside, or a sweet memory. I was drawn back to that file of favorites this morning and, in wanting to spread that joy a little wider this day, amid the hard rumble of the current world events – and after my rather weighty last post – I decided we need a shot (or six? eight?) of real levity and return to its focus. And so, contrary to my usual meal of words, with its seasoning of photos, today…
A Cat’s Tale
I haven’t always been a cat person. I think of it more as an animal person. A lover of all things animal. In recent years, tho, the Feline Revolution around me has wielded its mighty paw – I am surrounded and outnumbered. I’m hard pressed to think of a time I didn’t want to be in the company of animals, or most of them, anyway. My mom was born on a ranch; immersed in raw country and its wildlife, and was the same. Her influential spirit and DNA likely seeded the animal appreciation in me. She was, however, very allergic to cats. And, so, growing up in our home, we had dogs. It felt right to consider myself a dog person for that, I’m sure, but also how easy they are to relate to. Their loyalty, affection, and playful bonding is a magnetic charge to my heart. Cats had my…
I’ll Follow the Sun
~ PART ONE ~ ( the lighter side ) It is said that sunflowers begin their day facing to the East, awaiting the sun’s rise on the horizon and its first drink of light. As the day progresses, the sun and its rays travel across the sky to the West, and with it follows the bright face of the sunflower. As the sun disappears beyond the Western horizon and darkness falls, their bright faces shift back to the East, awaiting its rise again. As it always has. Sounds like romantic myth, but nay, my friend, tis verifiable truth. Following the sun. Drinking in her every drop of light, full faced, in rhythmic waltz across the vast arc of sky. However, there is a twist to this delightful truth. It is only the young whippersnappers in the sunflower tribe that follow this path. The tribal elders are not so flexible (literally),…
Gone Fishin’
This is the tale of a cat and his fishes. Sort of. It’s really just another day in the life of Urie – Adorable Rascal Extraordinaire. He never fails to impress and entertain, as is regularly chronicled in his photos. (Pause for moment of quality appreciation for today’s photo.) Ichthyology: (noun) – the branch of zoology that deals with fishes.Urie’s penchant for the study of ichthyology was evident from his earliest year of life. So, that said, let’s change gears. I want to discuss label reading. Well, that, and the resident ichthyologist. Stay with me here. A lonnng time label reader, am I. As a nutrition professional’s essential skill, it’s a staple for just about everything – foods, drinks, lotions, shampoos, soaps, cleaning products, candles, clothes, paint. My kids used to roll their eyes for potential purchases that could not land in the cart without this necessary review. It did…
The Real Masters of the House
Oh, ‘scuse me.. am I interrupting something? The Real Masters of the House are at it again. Or, still. Capturing my attention and my heart with their antics and distractions while just being .. themselves. I confess and call out my truths… I am owned. Yes, owned. By two fluffy, four-legged felines who set the bar way too high for anyone to match their ploy at the universal magna carta of cat-beings for indifference or incidental actions. Don’t be fooled. It’s all intentional. True professionals, these two. As the timekeepers for my daily responsibilities and attentions (to them, of course); the authors of order and disorder; their titanium-melting super powers of originality.. I must comply. They do not fail in their commitment to the ease of effortless expressions and its leash-tightening around my heart. Case in point, Exhibit A photo above. That’s enough in itself and really all I wanted…