the "o" word

Many people in this world find the "f" word in the English language offensive. While I find it rather boorish and overused, I really do not have a problem with it.
I take offense with the "o" word.  

Before I tell you what the "o" word is, I thought that we could explore some enjoyable words that start with the letter.

Obnoxious. This word is very present tense and unmistakable.
Obsessive. Clear and active word.
Objective. This word is calm but positive.
Optimistic. A pleasant word that is straight forward.
Ornery. This can be good or bad.
Opinionated. Generally, this is a strong word but it can be annoying when it pertains to politics.
Obsolete. This can be a depressing word.

I guess you get the idea. The "o" word that I have a problem with is Ordinary. No other word screams that a person is settling for "less than" more than Ordinary. 

Here's to being ORIGINAL. 

So, when someone asks how we are -lets not settle for "FINE". 
That is another four letter "f" word. Maybe we could just be ORIGINAL and true to ourselves? 

kissing Gus

As a couple, my husband and I are pretty disciplined about our dog walking responsibilities.  We appreciate that our pets need the exercise and the variety of being outdoors getting some fresh air. To prevent boredom for all involved, we often get in the car and take them to the nearby coffee shop. The dogs can work on their social skills with other humans and dogs.  We can see our neighbors and friends and enjoy a beverage.

Our english bulldogs, Gus and his brother Zeke got to go to the coffee shop today with my husband. They loved the walk, met nice people and soaked up a little bit of sunshine. Many people came over and met the boys and a family with a little girl asked some common dog questions. While my husband talked with the parents, the little girl petted the bulldogs.  Then it happened again.  The little girl planted a wet one on Gus's nose. She grabbed his furry jowls and smooched away.My Gus kindly accepted her tender greeting. He loves children, She did not kiss his brother Zeke for some reason.   I do not understand why this keeps happening. 

None of the other dogs get kisses from kiddos-- it's just Gus. It is true that he looks like a big white teddy bear. I like to think that children just know who they can approach that closely. At a young age perhaps children can read the mannerisms of my sweet guy and know that he is all about love.

Whatever you are doing Gus-- keep it up. I think that you have it all figured out.

three dogs at my feet

I love when bulldogs snore.
The sounds of fur children at rest is heart warming and reassuring. No matter how cold it is outside- or how much snow may be in the clouds, right now we can relax and regroup. Our weary bones can rest. The busy day of chores, exercise, errands and grocery shopping is behind us.
Simple Saturday nights filled with snoring dogs, silent cell phones, and super hot water to soak in.
It is safe to say that it is- super.

fresh eyes

Perhaps the new start of the year 2015 will give me the opportunity to see things how they are, not how I want them to be? 
I ask this (as a question to myself) because I realize how emotionally buried I have been for at least the last six months. The intense Summer-- with the care of our little cardiac guy. The Fall-- filled with the grief of running out of ways to help him.
I feel shattered (still)  but realize it is time to resolve to my reality and step forward.

I work with dogs daily at a local dog daycare. I LOVE THE DOGS. 
I appreciate their honesty and authenticity. Dogs stay "present tense" and do not get caught in stories. I am "present tense" with them always- and I can focus on how best to serve them. They respond instantly.  There is no awkward silence-- like there is with humans.

Fresh eyes. New Year. Look to my dogs when I am unsure.

Happy 2015!       I sure hope it will be...