Doggie

Mark and I recently spent 5 magical (completely unplugged) weeks on Nevis, West Indies. Doggie lived on the property we rented. She was a happy dog with a big heart, and she accompanied us on all walks, runs, and swims. On Thursday I learned that Doggie (5 years old) died. She was poisoned by a man who thought dogs were hurting his animals (ugh--Doggie couldn't hurt anything bigger than a fly). What heartbreaking news. I knew Doggie only 5 weeks, yet I mourn her. While on Nevis I wrote a short tribute to Doggie. I share it today in honor of her death (and her life!).

Doggie

I remember a dharma talk where the teacher reads a list of qualities the audience thought belonged to an enlightened person, but the punch line is this creature is simply a dog. While on Nevis, Doggie has been our role model. She's perfected the nap (in the coolest spot). She's up for any adventure, no expectations attached. She loves to be rubbed, yet when we tell her we're done, she lays down--no rumination about all the ways we don't love her. She's always happy to see us--sometimes with a full-butt tail wag. She sings to Mark's music. She playfully chases animals, but never hurts them. What a wondrous life! Every day anew. Every day enjoyed in the moment. Doggie is our role model.

Dandelions

Yesterday I put some new perennials in the ground. It feels so good to dig in the dirt! I noticed all the dandelions in my backyard. Dandelions and violets--a sea of yellow and purple. Yet dandelions are often reviled; they're seen as insidious weeds that ruin the prestige of a well-manicured lawn. Even those who don't pride themselves on lawn upkeep might embarrassedly mention their dandelions. I am someone who often (overly) concerns herself with what others think. (For example, I have embarrassedly mentioned my dandelions.) But really, these little flowers are quite beautiful--a burst of yellow color in the midst of deep green grass. It's all a matter of how you look at them. So I'm proud of my dandelions! And I have no plans to get rid of them.

 

New Experiences with Photography

For most of my life, I've documented events with a camera. I use "document" purposefully--I took pictures solely to remember (and, yes, celebrate) people and events. Recently, I had an aha! moment about photography (thanks partially to Expressive Photography). My camera is actually a creative tool with which I can view the world in new and different ways, capture emotion and beauty (both large and small), and simply experiment. Taking pictures in this new way gets me to notice more. I look for hidden beauty, new angles, and different types of light; I'm more mindful. And that's a lovely thing.