mingusandthebitch

New Arrival...With Lots of Toys

2019-01-25T09:34:00.001-08:00

Mingus and Chase,

Watch for Buster’s elevator. He’s arriving from Bonita Springs, Florida. Auntie Stephanie had to put him on the elevator cause he was too sick for Earth; the usual toxic build up. He’s as sweet as he looks and he doesn’t hog the couch. Just sayin. He has lots of toys so find a nice stash spot for him. He’ going to be missing Stephanie terribly so please take care of him.

Missing you goofy bundles of love still.

Kisses and kisses and love and hugs,

Christine

Mingus Guarding Grace, The Time Continuum Is Haywire

2017-04-02T09:48:00.001-07:00

Thanks for guarding Gracie while she snoozes, Mingus. I'm sure she feels your protective energy even though you are just a representation of yourself now.

Gracie acts so tough but she's really just scared. She had a hard life before she came here. I can tell by all the things which make her nervous like the sound of big trucks, children and other dogs. So far we can't do everything together like you and I and Chase could but she's mellowed a lot and has lots of human friends now. Maybe you can work on getting her to be chill with other dogs? Please and thank you.

Prince Arrived By Elevator

2016-04-22T19:22:00.001-07:00

Darling Mingus and Chase,

You are in for a treat! Mega brilliant artist/musician, Prince, just arrived by elevator! (He was afraid of the dark side of the elevator too Mingus.). Join his posse darlings.

Chase, I had an interesting dream about you this week wherein you declared that you wanted to leave our family. I asked you to take 48 hours to reflect on this decision and you agreed. We had a terrific, normal 48 playing and being grateful for the beauty of our environment and the simplicity and joy in our hearts. When the 48 hours were up you told me you decided to stay with us because you realized that we worship the same God (of abundance, love and grace). You put your blue super dog cape and crown back on and went back to observing the wonderful world. Kisses🙏🏻

mingusandthebitch: Gracie, the biker chick

2015-03-03T17:35:00.001-08:00

mingusandthebitch: Gracie, the biker chick

Gracie, the biker chick

2015-03-03T17:29:00.000-08:00

Hi Mingus,

Long time no blog I know! I spent 2014 recovering from brain surgery. What's your excuse? Right, you can't type. Really, no one there can type? Cool! Do you communicate by thought, like you and I do?

So, guess what? I adopted a biker chick of a dog that got left at uncle Dal's farm and that was too nasty for anyone but me to live with. We changed her name from KC to GRACIE, sort of like we gave Chase his puppy name back after that family had called him Arthur for 2 years. Turns out Gracie isn't evil, just a biker chick from the country. She acts tough but she's a big love bug. You would have her trained for city life in no time. I'm a stupid human so it is taking me a little longer (to stop her policing EVERYTHING!).

Yes I realize she isn't a pure bred. What a snob you have become! She doesn't eat poo either, so there.

Chelsea's Gone Dancing With Mingus Forever

2013-09-26T14:08:00.000-07:00

Chelsea is back by my side!!! Did you hear me? Chelsea is back by my side. The Bitch rang Chase and I up yesterday to tell us to meet Chelsea's 11 o'clock elevator this morning. I WAS SO EXCITED!!!!!!!!!!!! BUT IT WAS SUCH SHORT NOTICE TO PREPARE A PARTY!!! Luckily Chase and I learned how to put a great party together during the years we lived with The Bitch on Earth so we sprang into action and worked all night and found all of her old buddies. Chase even had time to spend worrying over which hat he should wear to meeting her elevator this morning. Anyway, I have to get back to the party--I'm just having a rest cause she's crazy for dancing and I'm outta shape since I arrived here 5 years before she did and I didn't realize that when she showed up she'd want to dance ALL NIGHT!!!! Good thing I ordered extra smoked salmon and liver pate cause she arrived RAVENOUS too. She said she'd given up on her body and feeding it a couple of days ago on Earth. Just wanted you all to know back on Earth that we love you still (and feel sorry for you) and will be ready to meet your elevators when they arrive (Jeez, could you try for a little more notice though if you want your arrival catered!!!)

LOOOOVVVVE
Mingus, Chase and CHELSEA!!! (I'm so in love again. I'd forgotton how much I love Chelsea!!! I'm feeling all kinda goofy inside. Soon I'll be acting more like Chase if I don't regain my composure! Looks like we're Tangoing next! Bye.............)

R.I.P. Gus

2013-03-15T20:17:00.000-07:00

Dear Gus,

YOU WON! You out-lived all of your buddies! Have a good victory strut as you arrive in the hereafter. Enjoy your big celebration party with Ben, Mingus and Chase--sorry we haven't figured out how to materialize in both the dead and live realms so that we could celebrate with you. We humans think we are so smart, but it is just a front for not having a clue about much when it comes to the here and the there, sweet friend. I loved knowing you while you were on Earth.

kisses,

the bitch

4 Years Ago

2012-11-19T10:49:00.000-08:00

Dear Mingus,

See how empty the beach is without you! like my heart ;(

The fourth anniversary of your death was yesterday. Your spirit perseveres here though. Atomic Mingus. Thank you for finding me 18 years ago and teaching me all there is to know about perfect love.

Kisses,
The Bitch

Benson R.I.P.

2012-05-15T21:32:00.002-07:00

BENSON

Falling Spring blossoms

transcend into the warm sand

Benson was pure love

May 15, 2012.

Dear Mingus and Chase,

Benny is on the 1:30. Meet him at the station.

love and kisses,

the bitch

3 YEARS

2011-11-19T15:18:00.000-08:00

Dear Mingus,

Yesterday was the third anniversary of your going in the elevator without me FOREVER. You'd think by now I would have stopped missing you but the truth is that there really is no replacement for quirky, loving, devoted YOU. I was thinking the other morning while looking at the portrait of you that Tom Miller painted that even in that portrait there is a "Mingus-energy" which is so reassuring ... he captured in your face the way you ALWAYS had my back as they say.

This picture is of my little friend, Ms. Rosie. (Yes, I know, she's sleeping in your bed.) You'd like her, she has telepathy beat ;-). I haven't seen her walk through walls like the Benson-poodle, but I'm sure she could if she wanted to.

So, while I know there will never be another Mingus, I'm thinking that perhaps after the 4th anniversary of your death I'll adopt a pooch who we can try to encourage to fill the big fat void you left when you took that elevator. Would that be okay?

Love and kisses,
the bitch

Auntie Deen Is There

2010-11-14T11:39:00.000-08:00

Mingus you lucky boy, Auntie Deen is in your zone now. She's probably out for a walk with Alfie, maybe you could surprise them on the trail ;-). She died while I was in Paris celebrating my birthday. I wrote this haiku for her:

Deen's Winter

My birthday, Deen dies
her betraying body still
blooming with kindness

kisses,
the bitch

copyright Christine Saulnier 2010

Earth Day ;-)

2010-04-22T10:04:00.001-07:00

Dear Mingus,

That's an image of planet Earth, where you once lived with me (if we can believe in "reality" that is, sheesh, we don't even know where memory or dreams are physically located in the brain of humans, which makes me think that memory and dreams probably reside somewhere outside of humans so they have a better chance of thriving and surviving). How's Chase? How's swimming? Wish you were still on Earth with me but not if you were in pain. Miss you, love you.

The Bitch

Mingie, You've Been Dead a Whole Year

2009-11-17T20:24:00.001-08:00

Mingus my love,
You've been gone for a full year as of tomorrow. Poopie. It's okay though because since there could never be another Mingus, I've just been coasting along with the company of other pooches who aren't TOTAL ALL-IN LOVE like you were ... sort of like the arrangement with men ;-). There are far more dogs than men amusing me at the moment.

What's going on where you are????

love and love and love and kisses,
the bitch

Your Buddy, Enzo, Is Incoming

2009-09-25T21:44:00.001-07:00

Sweet Mingus and Chase, This is a picture of you lying on Enzo and Ferd's blanket when they stayed with us several years ago. Enzo has left Earth now and is incoming to your environment. Could you go meet his elevator? Don't bug him about his childhood Christmas sweater on that cold day when he was just a pup and visited us for the first time. We've all had terrible fashion faux paws in our day. Remember your hula skirt Mingie? You take him into your pack now and love him as you always did. You guys know the way around there now and I know you'll be your usual hospitable selves. Yeah, yeah, you can take him to "the baths".... sheesh! Help him send Jode and Ferd suitable postcards from the beyond so they know he's okay, and send love to us still here cause it is hard without you sometimes..... love you...

the bitch

Six Months of Grieving and Accepting

2009-05-18T21:19:00.001-07:00

GORGEOUS MINGUS,

Today marks six months since you left for Death .... I feel a little deserted but accepting too... you put up a good face on your pain so you could stay with me for a long time... thank you Sweetness.... there will never be another Mingus...

love you,
me

Chaselove, Happy 15th Birthday

2009-04-10T23:43:00.001-07:00

Lovely Chase,
Not sure you can celebrate a birthday once you are dead, but not being one for adhering to conventions, I will celebrate what would have been your 15th birthday. I'm remembering you in your sosoftsleeps and your peachy coat, and your snuggling beauty... thank you for sharing your later life with your half-bro, Mingus, and I.... you were one funny pooch, so sophisticated and wise

kisses,
the bitch

Happy 15th Birthday Mingusghost

2009-04-07T22:59:00.000-07:00

Sweet Mingusghost,
It's your birthday! You'd be fifteen in human years if you were still here. Do you want linguine? You had linguine slurping down to a fine art. You really were the most beautiful soul, look at you taking care of Mew, making sure she didn't overcook in front of the fire..
And, not many dogs can sit on a lawn chair at the table like you could .... you never perfected the drinking out of a glass thing though did you? Paws!

Happy Birthday Sweetlove.

Love you so... hope you're happy where you are....

kisses,
the bitch

Concrete and Chasms

2009-04-05T12:29:00.001-07:00

Look Mingie,

They finished the addition to the Convention Center and now there is a square from which to view all the luxury waterfront condos that T.B. needs to sell to pay for the vet bills you left me :-)....

There's a grass roof on the new convention centre but dogs aren't allowed to pee on it... go figure...

It would be your 15th birthday on Wednesday Sweetlove.... I'd like to stop missing you, but I keep falling into the huge chasm of your death and losing my balance ...
kisses,
The Bitch

Time Doesn't Heal... Or Heel

2009-03-17T21:33:00.001-07:00

Sweet Gorgeous Love of My Life Mingus, did you reincarnate immediately? I met an almost 4 month old boy like you at the doggie beach today... I didn't cry.... he was so fabulous.... just like you.... Chelsea was a bit jealous ... it was like wrapping you up in my arms again lovely boy full of joy Mingus...

It turns out that time doesn't heel any better than you did... it's outpacing all of us, and boy is that a crock of shit notion that the passage of time heals ... sure, age and lose your memory maybe, but heal... PHHTTT! People say the most moronic shit!

You sure knew how to knock a gal out with your love baby.... miss you always... think of you always with a big smile on my face and love in my smashed heart.

Chelsea is becoming a bit more Labrador-like-- she retrieves that red warty ball pretty good now....

love,
The Bitch

Step Lightly On My Memory Please

2009-02-12T10:15:00.000-08:00

Sweet Minguslove,

I'm walking lightly in your footsteps my sweets ... so is Chelsea. Sometimes I still catch a glimpse of you at the beach, in the rabbit thatch, on my pillow. Someone poetically, and strategically, scattered pink carnations (a funeral flower but also a Valentine flower) on one of the picnic tables in Jericho Park and there you were, larger than life in my feta cheese crumbly heart.

kisses,
T.B.

p.s. the other pic is Chelsea treading lightly on your garbage adventure trails by the beach xo

Marley and Me--The Non-Chewable Version

2009-01-11T22:28:00.001-08:00

Dear M.,

I finally got up the courage to see the film version of "Marley and Me". You couldn't have chewed the film version like you chewed up the book version. I agree that the story was a lot thinner than the dog, but sheesh, Grogan is making a fortune on it, no matter what you thought of the book or the film, or how the dog morphed into a totally different-looking dog at each aging.... box office receipts darling, box office receipts..... They could have taken him off the corn diet crappy food that was giving him bloat too, but let's not get started down that road to nowhere.... It all ends in death in any case. Expect a rash of dogs named Marley ....

kisses,
T.B.

One Month Since You Died, Mingus

2008-12-18T00:16:00.001-08:00

Gorgeous Mingus,

It's flaky here. I'm thinking about how you frolicked in the snow, and how you licked my face when I laid down to make angels in the snow after a big snow fall, and how we went cross country skiing together and you would run up and down the slope making sure I was okay.... remember our trips to Banff?

Can you still remember when you are dead?

Okay, you are haunting me. I'm sorry I said you weren't. I just don't really want to be haunted, like a house that isn't habitable or saleable because it gets locked in an historical event and garners a reputation completely attached to something other people can't cope with... like death....

It's Christmas again--yet it isn't without you.... you know the drill....

Thanks for haunting me; I miss you so.

kisses,
The Bitch

What's It All About?

2008-12-04T11:58:00.001-08:00

Dear Mingus,

Are you having an identity crisis like I'm having an identity crisis?

Sometimes I look at your blog to see if I can figure out who I am without you.

I'm being a human. I'm hanging with humans. They talk, remember? A lot. Some bark. They have lots of opinions and say "I" a lot. The ones I'm around are nice ... They "diagnose" like all the others but if you call them on it they mellow out ... or not.... I'm one of them, remember?

Have you figured out this time continuum thing? What's the essence of where and what you are when you're alive, and then when you are dead? Besides all the MATERIAL BALLAST that humans devise to anchor themselves in "life" and attempt to make a dint in the erosive nature of time, what's the gist of the whole thing?

That thing that supports "the human enterprise"--the economy--is broken here. So far it is still free to go for walks though. Can you join me for one my sweet heart-breaker?

Your truelove,
Christine

Bad Acting- I Can Still Fake A Smile

2008-11-24T13:29:00.001-08:00

Sweet Minguslove and Chasearoo,

Look, it took a few days but I can still fake a smile! Okay, so my teeth are a bit clenched, but, hey, that's my business face. It paid your bills for long enough! Let's hope it can pay mine!

More tributes and condolences for your "passing" (and they ain't meaning gas this time!), Mingus. Dr. Sue who moved to Arbutus West Animal Clinic, Dr. Tonya and everyone at Mosquito Creek Vet, and Dr, Michael and the staff at Vancouver Animal Wellness sent lovely cards that made me cry more, and Jenny and Harold sent their condolences, and Auntie Virginia will miss picnicing with ya, and Donna commiserated with me, and your ex-Dad of course who balled his eyes out on the phone with me right after you died, and Uncle Kaye was so kind and you might meet up with his truelove--Maxine-- and of course, Auntie Joy has been checking in on me twice/day along with Auntie Lousia who checks in on me five time or more a day, and Melanie naturally, and Patricia at the office ... so you see, we did manage to build a net of great humans during our years together my puppylove .... I think I could make a biz of this professional mourning thing.... managing the grief and the condolences is actually more time-consuming than the last several months of nursing you my lovely.

Hope you're digging holes in the sand bigger than the hole in my heart pumpkins.

kisses,
The Bitch

p.s. I forgot, my favorite new platitude, and it is utilized incessantly, is "time heals". WTF! Time erodes--not heals! Anyone with an ounce of consciousness knows this. I know, just smile and go deaf! kisses

p.p.s. I still don't know where tears come from. Somewhere in the solar plexus.... miss you!

Mingus and Chase As Urned Carbon Deposits

2008-11-22T14:48:00.001-08:00

Dear Sweet Mingus and Chase,

You're side by each again, but in a very dusty version of yourselves. It's a little/a lot macabre, but I'm getting into it. I put you above some of this year's canning. Okay? I'm sorry Ming, they didn't have any black urns so you're in a pearly ivory one like Chasearoo, but I can't find a black lab on roller skates for the top of your urn yet. I will. The orchid spray is from David upstairs. He left a beautiful bunch of them at our door on Tuesday.

Chelsea is hanging out with me today. She came with me to pick up your ashes. Very weird. We took you to the dog park but left you in the car. Very weird.

Do I have to serve liver birthday cake at your wake? I don't think the humans will like it. Chelsea is the only pooch left. You outlived all your buddies Mingie.

I miss everything about you.

Kisses,
The Bitch

p.s. I posted some of our friends kind sentiments on your death day page: http://mingusandthebitch.blogspot.com/2008/11/hey-i-didnt-take-elevator.html

copyright 2008 Christine Saulnier, Mingusandthebitch