Annie's Antics

Snow days...Thinking days.

noreply@blogger.com (Annie) — Mon, 10 Jan 2011 20:33:00 +0000

Today has been a day of off and on snow. In fact, this morning, the ground was covered, then the snow melted and the ground is waiting to be covered again by the fine, but plentiful snowflakes falling outside.
Days like today are gray, some would call them gloomy, cold and shadowy. I like them. In fact, I like them a lot. In a pioneering type spirit, days like this make me want to give up any resistance and "think." Lord knows there's plenty to think about! I could stay close to home with my thoughts, I could extend my thoughts to others in prayer, I could think about my country or even the world at large. Will I journal these thoughts? Probably not. I think I like the idea of my thoughts falling away like the snowflakes today. I don't have any agenda...just my usual cup of coffee and an amazingly warm robe. I looked a little Tibetan and had to laugh at myself going to the mailbox. I had on fur boots, a fur hat, purple gloves and an amazing hot pink plush robe that comes down to my calves. I think any Tibetan would like that! I felt strangely proud and wondered if my attachment to the Tibetan people and their plight is because I was once a Tibetan woman from Lhasa in another life. I pray for that culture every day.
Now see? I just let my mind do all sorts of fun things...all because of a trip to the mailbox. It's EASY to let your mind comfort you, surprise you, take you places afar, or just let thoughts ramble on and on and ponder. Some of our best ideas, most comforting reassurances and relaxing times are when we allow ourselves to just "be." No plans, no attachments to the clock, keeping things that press us at bay and enjoying the time that is "now."
Whether it is snowing or not where you live, take a snow day in your mind! Enjoy all the things your heart would love to share with you.
As for me, I have a warm coffee mug/hand warmer that beckons and wonderful thoughts to be thunk.
I wish for you amazing thoughts to be thunk as well!
Till next time!
Annie

FEAR is Not Your Friend! My Thoughts on Propelling to a Happier Life

noreply@blogger.com (Annie) — Fri, 01 Oct 2010 06:41:00 +0000

I have been taking a LOT of time away from my blog, as a friend pointed out to me this evening. I decided that I would share with you that I have been on a deep, sometimes happy, sometimes very difficult journey with MYSELF.
There have been a lot of things in "life" that I just don't understand right now. The economy, too much political jabbering, negativity ALL around and it has held me captive.
Another person in my life, who has (my words) mentored me with kindness, understanding and most of all, had patience when I kept asking the same thing over and over and didn't realize it, summed it all up in an impromptu discussion on her radio show last night.
FEAR is driving so many of us in our decisions, dashing our hopes and dreams, leaving us emotionally exhausted, if not devastated and I'm not sure we even know that it's happening.
We feed ourselves trying to be "in the know" on news that is never good, we don't look closely enough at ourselves to really even know who we are. We all have God-given gifts and talents that FEAR prevents us from using. Sometimes fear takes the gifts that we ARE using and we convince ourselves of all sorts---not good enough, too overwhelmed with other issues, too this, too that--always an excuse.
My friend calls money "PAPER." She is right. We DO have to have "paper" to get by. We do have to have "paper" to even do things we enjoy when we can. But lack of paper for most of us allows fear to completely take over and we truly lose sight of ourselves and all the wonderful things we are on this earth to accomplish.
"Fear," as though it were an entity, will tell you that you can't afford this or that, you will never get out of debt, you will never find that dream job---AND YOU WON'T with that attitude! Negative, fear inducing self-talk is not your friend.
I'm thinking we should go back to basics here. Take the rubber band approach. When you find yourself thinking negatively, discipline yourself HARD, change the way you're thinking and MANIFEST GOOD, POSITIVE THOUGHTS! "Manifestation" is a big part of what I have learned from my friend in Arizona. She is patient, she has a knowing way about her that has allowed me to stumble, fall, and hit rock bottom in order that I might look UP and see that it's the thought process I have been using that will never manifest things in the way I once did. She has had FAITH in me, not "feared' for me. She has encouraged me to address "what is holding me back" and it boils down to a four letter word-FEAR. So, how much does it cost to VISUALIZE yourself in that dream job? A new home? Having the education you always wanted? Zilch! But the power in your thoughts MANIFESTS the positive,if allowed and catapults you to a place that you can see results by "thinking" your way there---SEEING yourself in better situations, believing that you ARE in the life situation that you want to be.
Banishing fear in this day and time just might be the ticket, certainly to an emotionally healthy "you" and we should all decide to banish fear and GO FOR WHAT WE WANT. As a people, I can't help believing that so many things would turn around. Do we REALLY need "government" to tell us what we are capable of? Lawyers to tell us if our dreams are legal? NO! We need healthy attitudes that will turn our lives around and we will be HAPPY! How's that for something you don't hear about so much anymore? "Happiness!" Novel! If we don't dwell on how to "fix" the negatives in our lives, accept that they are there, but do not let them dominate us, we all can be on a path with a MUCH brighter tomorrow. I believe that with all my heart...and hope you will too.
Till next time,
FEARLESS Annie

New Year, New Look, New Outlook...

noreply@blogger.com (Annie) — Thu, 07 Jan 2010 09:58:00 +0000

It's now January 7, 2010...wow. Already a week into the new year and I'm still not caught up from losing an hour last spring for daylight saving time!
Christmas has come and gone, all the ornaments and Christmas items are tucked back into the attic, waiting for another year.
All the tv commercials at bombarding us with weight loss solutions, giving up smoking, new ways to pile up our clothes...errrr..I mean exercise equipment and any number of things they can hit us with regarding resolutions. I always resolve not to make resolutions. I simply just proceed forward into the new year with a feeling of hope, chance, opportunity and what life has to throw at me. I don't feel this year that I went kicking and screaming to leave 2009. I was ready to put the that baby to bed. Now that it's truly in the rear view mirror, I couldn't be happier!
I typically use this fresh start as a time of reflection on things I do want to accomplish, and certain goals I'd really like to achieve and imagine what might be ahead. However to RESOLVE to do anything is another matter entirely. I can bet ten dollars to a doughnut that if I do, they'll never happen! Murphy's law makes sure of that.
I kind of like the element of surprise as well. For example, I had not planned on searching out a new look for my blog, but I found one that suited me, so I've spent the past couple of hours toying around with gadgets, widgets and all sorts. It has been fun to refresh the page.
If I take a look at it symbolically, refreshing the page is a good thing! There is a new perspective, a new approach and something fresh. Those things are exciting.
I can also count blessings as I am making these seemingly insignificant changes to a little bitty blog. I write because it makes me feel good. I write because I can. The past year didn't afford me the time to devote as I had the year before, so I decided that I'll be focusing on more posts this year. I'm sure I'll ponder a variety of topics and of course, there will always be humor peppered somewhere in anything I write! I have to have that.
We can look at the new year, (in fact, a whole new decade, if you can believe it) as a time for new approaches...even to old, leftover issues from the previous year. Knocking a layer of dust off of the mundane might allow a little sunshine to hit the dark places so that new thoughts and ideas can emerge. I'm preaching to myself here! I love it!
So, I've spiffed up my blog page a little, added myself some music that I hope you too will enjoy and will be looking for fun things you can do while you visit! (I had a pinball machine that ROCKED posted earlier, but it kept playing a crazy Febreez (or however you spell it) commercial that irritated me, so I deleted it. I'll find something else to play with. I like bubble pop games a lot-but I was a little bummed that the pinball had to go.
There's the way I'll look at my new year and new decade. Some things will remain the same, some will be freshened up a bit and some things will simply have to go. It's all about change, accepting what must be changed and continuing to find the things that "work." I think I'll take my own words under advisement! Now to get to my closet that I've GOT to get cleaned out! (See? There's just no time for me to be making resolutions!)
Here's wishing you ALL the very best that 2010 has to offer and I'm glad you stopped by. Come by often, bring up topics, throw caution to the wind and choose a "reduce pressure" year! I'll talk about what's on my mind...and you can too! HAPPY NEW YEAR! Make it a great one!
Till next time,
Annie

And They Knelt Down At Midnight in Honor of the Birth of the Christ Child...

noreply@blogger.com (Annie) — Thu, 24 Dec 2009 10:33:00 +0000

Here is a Christmas story of my own life that I have carried with me since I was a little girl.
I had always wanted to be a veterinarian. I LOVED animals of every kind...that part hasn't changed.
Each Christmas, I wanted SO much to go to our stables and see if our horses REALLY did kneel at midnight. I envisioned the reverence, the respect and the glory...even as a child...and while there were visions of mangers, Santa Claus and all the excitement of Christmas Eve and Christmas Day awaiting, I imagined such a sight with clarity and how I truly believed our horses would quietly kneel for a time in their stalls and honor Him...the Christ Child.
I never got to see that happen. It was always "too late to go up on the mountain where our stables were" and as an adult, I realize parents keep late hours on Christmas Eve getting for the "arrival of Santa." Sleep generally eluded me (seems those things haven't changed either) on Christmas Eve, as it does all children (and even some adult children!) but I found a story this early Christmas Eve morning that has allowed me to live "vicariously" through a story that none other than a veterinarian had posted on his blog.
I thought I'd share it with you too.
FAITH...BELIEF...HOPE...are the words that lead us to continue to believe on the things we cannot see...but know in our hearts surely can be...and are true.
Here's wishing you the very MERRIEST Christmas ever...and NEVER EVER give up the kind faith that a only a child can hold so steadfastly.
MERRY CHRISTMAS FROM MY HEART AND HOME TO YOURS!
Love,
Annie
Here is the link to "Ask Dr. Dan" and the story he tells:
http://askdrdan.com/?p=356

Sharing, Caring, Giving and Receiving...Christmas Thoughts

noreply@blogger.com (Annie) — Thu, 10 Dec 2009 05:22:00 +0000

It has been quite a while since I have posted. Life has been busy and I have neglected to take the time to organize thoughts and keep my blog as updated as I have previously. I appreciate those of you who have contacted me to say, "Where the heck are your blog posts?" I'm SO SORRY about that! With apologies out of the way, I am stunned to realize it's Christmas time again!
Seems like I was just posting about Christmas and another year has snapped by in a flash.
In ways many things have changed and in others, thankfully, things have remained the same. I've made through another year, my family is healthy and happy and life is good.
I have the best doggoned friends imaginable---just ask me!
The subject of this post came easy for me. The four words I used are ones that came to mind immediately as I sat down to type this. In using those four words on a daily basis, we are truly able to keep "the Christmas spirit" alive throughout the year. This year feels different to me in a lot of ways. Economically, I am doing things completely differently. I haven't decorated in the ways that I normally would and have even dubbed it "Christmas Lite." But, the "lite" part has NOTHING to do with having a lesser focus on Christmas. On the contrary, it has been a discovery of keeping CHRISTMAS IN FOCUS and on target and not allowing the trappings to remove the humility and love of this beautiful season. I adore the lights, the MUSIC, watching how others show their own individuality when it comes to celebrating Christmas.
So, I look back on this year and ask myself these questions: Have I shared? "Not as much as I would have liked to have been able to" comes to mind first. However, if I look closely, I've shared in different ways this year, than I have previously in my life. This year has been a year of complete change in everything I have known to be "true." I have learned that sharing of myself is important, just as much as monetarily.
My family, my friends, my animals all give me purpose...and that purpose is something I have to share. Albeit a different way of sharing, I have shared and want to share more in those areas. The second word I used was caring. Have I cared as much as I could have this year? Absolutely! I care deeply, so deeply about my life, my family and many, many blessings that I have been gifted with this year. I care so deeply about everyone in my life, situations and circumstances that I am aware of and can become involved in...be it prayer for the friend of a friend, or giving a hug to someone who clearly needs one. I have learned that "caring" is a verb. Taking actions that truly show "you care." Looking into the eyes and soul of someone when they say, "Everything is fine" when things are just not fine at all is always an opportunity to take action and CARE. The third word that came to mind is giving. This won't be too dissimilar to what I had to say about "sharing." Giving of time, love, a listening ear, learning that money isn't the only way to 'give' to another has been very important to me this year. Giving TIME is probably the most valuable gift we can give to one another. Never be "too busy" if at all possible to take the time to GIVE TIME to another. The last word I chose is "receiving." That has always been difficult for me. I'd RATHER give. This year, I have had to learn to "receive" and be able to do it without feeling "guilt." My personality has previously not allowed for receiving much. I don't know how to accept compliments graciously, I don't know how to "receive" in general! Receiving has been a word that has been elusive to me...until this year. It has been one of the most difficult, yet beautiful "gifts" I have ever been given. I'd rather be graciously handing out the OTHER three words I just discussed. That said, I am so very grateful for all the events that have occurred in the past year. It is Christmas time. I am thankfully reminded that God so loved the world that He gave his ONLY begotten son...and whosever believeth on Him shall NOT perish, but have everlasting life." That is the most true gift that any single one of us could ever "receive." To open our hearts and receive the one gift that Christmas truly is based upon should never be lost in all the beauty the season offers.
I wish you all the very MERRIEST of Christmases and more love and beauty of the season than your heart can hold. May God's richest blessings abound in your lives, may the words SHARING, CARING, GIVING AND RECEIVING never been too far from your mind and your heart in the coming year. I wish you all the peace and all the love you can ever dream of!
Till next time (and it won't be so long till next time!)
Annie

Monday, August 17, 2009- "Heather's To-Do" List-(AKA FARM SITTING FOR A DAY, BY HEATHER MAYS.)

noreply@blogger.com (Annie) — Tue, 18 Aug 2009 06:46:00 +0000

(PHOTO CREDIT-FRIEDA HUDSON)

It's difficult for all the stars to align properly, for the world to turn on her axis in such a precise manner that I can leave the farm for a while, much less for an entire day.
Even when there is "nothing in particular going on," with farm animals all that can change in one second flat. I swear I think there's a ring leader in each herd that says to the other leader of the herds and equine, "PSSSSSS! Kinda quiet around here, 10 bucks says she's resting!" And then the games begin...
In fact, it is not at all uncommon for me to think I'd love to have a rest, lay myself quietly on something comfortable, write, read a book, listen to mediations, or any of the things I love to do quietly and just "be." It's good for me...I hear. But, typically the case is I think I'll seize an opportunity to do some of those things and take a scan around to make sure every animal is where it should be and generally, out I go to put up a goat, see a sea of cows standing at water troughs that I SWEAR I just filled an hour ago, turned over water buckets for the dogs...just STUFF. So I take care of "whatever" and put my rest time on hold. In the mean time, people show up, the phone rings and before you know it, it's time to start the next regimen of chores. So, the rest time becomes a distant memory.
One example was this past Sunday afternoon. I had received two boxed CD sets of mediations and meditational music from someone very close to me! A SURPRISE FROM THE FED EX MAN! YIPPPEEE!! I had made a pass-through listen, but hadn't had time to REALLY start work on these CD sets. Sunday was the day. I pulled the blinds, found my nice soft blanket and piled across my bed. I hit play and off to mediation land I was going...ahhhh....so relaxed....so quiet...and then out of the blue as if Chicken Little had run in to tell me this time the sky was REALLY falling, out of my reverie came a thunderous, "GET UP! GET OUT HERE! ALL THE GOATS ARE LOOSE AND THEY'RE IN THE GARDEN!" Shaken, not stirred (hee hee-I like that little James Bond pun---and I digress, but...) I jumped up, ran past the lovely man's voice who was speaking to me about breathing deeply from my belly, threw on some shoes (generally crocs because I can get into them fast!) and out the door I went. So much for (ahem) "meditating." I was then meditating on where those escape artists were lining up to walk out, and exactly how I was going to hurt them when I caught them. (JOKE! Don't send PETA after me! I don't need that racket showing up here.) Anyway...finally the goats were corralled, they uniformly walked back into the cattle gate, looking at each other as if to say, "WHAT? WHO? HUH?"
Back inside I came....and back to my meditations I went. I was determined to get that accomplished! And I did!
So fast forward, I had to be out of town on Monday. WHAT TO DO???? OH NO!! This is going to be tough to work out. You see there is a fainting billy goat in my spare bathroom tub. He has a Foley Catheter because he had surgery a couple of weeks ago for, let's just call it for conversation's sake "kidney stones." It's too involved at this hour of the morning to go into the details. So, Beau the fainting goat and grand sire of all my fainting females,is currently "living' in one of the spare bathtubs, dining on watermelon, garden veggies, hay and basically whatever he wants that does not contain "silica." (OK?) He has also learned to open the shower door, turn on both hot and cold water which is interesting because goats hate to get wet and he's learned that if he makes enough racket, and there is nothing wrong, I'll come anyway.
Back to needing to be out of town...
My friend Heather Mays is either crazy or brave or a lovely combination of both. SHE VOLUNTEERED to stay at the farm while I took care of some important business. I kept asking, "Are you sure?" She could work from here (in theory), she had cleared it with her boss and "besides," she said,"I can get some things done for work that need to be done in quiet anyway." OK then, I agreed.
On the morning I was to leave, I got up at 4:30 and started my list. I had to get a LOT of things done before I could go so that Heather could work and get her own things accomplished for the day. She was going to keep Geordie, make sure he was in good stead, as he had just had chemotherapy 5 days prior to my leaving. I NEVER leave him during this period of time. But Heather had a good handle on how "things go" around here. She'd done all the chores either with or FOR me before, so it was all good. I felt mostly fine about it all. Heather was all smiles and ready for the day when she arrived.
About 40 minutes or so into the trip, I called to check in. "Things are FINE" she said. "Don't worry about a thing." Hmmm....ok. So far, so good. The next time we spoke, she said, "You jinxed me calling to see how things were going...the goats got out, but I got them all put back up." YIKES! Maybe it was a one off. We didn't talk again until I finished my business and was on the way back home. She said nothing of anything going on, just that things were fine.
Upon returning home to wags, hugs, licks, lots of jumping and then Heather moved out of the way and let Geordie, Dexter and Maybelline have their turns (I had to make myself laugh at that visual!), I see a white sheet of notebook paper on the bar.
It read, "HEATHER'S TO DO LIST-MONDAY AUGUST 17, 2009" She's so organized she makes me sick. She had little BOXES, each with a check in the box for the tasks she had accomplished and wow, it looked like a lot, especially when I saw a little arrow and the word MORE, directing me to turn the page over.
I will not take away EVEN ONE WORD from HEATHER'S TO-DO LIST, but will close in saying FARM LIVIN' IS NOT FOR THE FAINT OF HEART...DON'T EVEN MAKE THE SAD MISTAKE OF THINKING IT'S A CAKE WALK. It sounds all lovely and simple, but MURPHY'S LAW ABIDES HERE! (There's a thought for a sign coming down the driveway!!)
And here it is folks....HEATHER'S TO-DO LIST for farm sitting for me today. Thank God I had administered all medications before I left and did the repeat of said medications when I got home. PLEASE NOTE: NO ANIMALS WERE HARMED DURING THE COURSE OF THIS DAY! I'm sure it was CONSIDERED, and there were a lot of swear words, but no physical harm (that I know of! HA!) came to any animal! THANK YOU HEATHER!! WE LOVE YOU!)
AND THE LIST READS:
*GOAT HERDING
*KUBOTA DRIVING (this was done to help herd goats and I had never shown her how to drive it. Gave a quick lesson over the phone in the 2nd call.)
*Geordie-chauffering- you do NOT start the Kubota without Geordie. He MUST be in the passenger seat at all times.
* Car sing-along with Geordie. He seemed to have an affinity for a Taylor Swift song today among others.
*Make-shift FENCE REPAIR- Uh-oh. This didn't sound good. Heather dragged 2 or 3 HEAVY fence panels UP the hill to block where she thought the goats were sneaking under the fence.
*Laugh at Geordie eating whipped cream- Aww....ok this isn't so bad.
*Snuggle with Maizey- the kitten...GOOD! I LIKE THAT!! SOME REST! GOOD!
*Goat herding- AGAIN- I rolled my eyes and kind of gritted my teeth and thought, "Oh no" and especially after dragging all those heavy panels up the hill by herself...and they got out AGAIN??
*Used the phrase,"THIS HEIDI SHIT IS GETTING OLD!"- Ruh roh! I knew goat herding would not be a chosen profession at this point.
*Feed Beau-
*Corral Beau-
*Feed Beau-
*Corral Beau- current bath tub dweller that he is, Beau enjoys escape attempts. Clearly, he was trying Heather on for size. He knows her, but ALONE she was FAIR GAME!
*Remove contraband from Maizey's grasp- Maizey had an assortment of vet supplies, syringes, an empty Rx bottle that Heather wasn't sure about and other items of interest. She does this often. We found one of her rat holes in the lining of the sofa that contained a photograph of W, a hackeysack ball and things I can't remember. I wonder if my winning lotto ticket is in there?
*Clean self up. (I do this several times each day. Ya just gotta!)
*Remove W's shoes from Dexter's mouth- So, even little Dexter, Heather's puppy got in on the action! GO DEX!
(Now here is a cute little arrow and the word MORE, directing me to turn the page.)
*Crushed ice- Geordie demands this
*Crushed ice- Geordie clearly demanded more.
*Feed cats-
*Put Maizey back at her dish.
*Put Maizey back at her dish.
*Put Maizey back at her dish. (One could summize that Maizey didn't want to eat from her dish, I supposed...and by now tears are streaming because I'm totally cracking up.)
*Remove toy stuffing from Maybelline's mouth. (Are the natives getting restless?)
*Clean "goat pellets from the bathroom floor."- (I guess Beau got the shower door open again.)
*Check to see if EVIL GOATS HAVE OUTWITTED ME AGAIN!- Yep, that's what I always do! Heather was being a farm hand like a pro!! You ALWAYS check to see if goats are outwitting you because generally, they ARE!
*Understands FULLY why Anne drinks so much coffee.
(END OF NOTE!)
Well, everything turned out fine...just fine. I have laughed at this note since I got home, as I have been typing this post and will laugh at it for years to come.
In closing, another pearl of wisdom...Just TRY and make some plans when you live on a farm..."THEY" will change 'em for ya!"
Love your lives, find the humor and be happy you weren't Heather today!
THANK YOU HEATHER!! There's an extra star in your crown for this one. I owe you!
Till next time,
Annie

Who Doesn't Like Presents? (And Other Wisdom I Have Gained from a Dog Named Geordie).

noreply@blogger.com (Annie) — Tue, 21 Jul 2009 08:38:00 +0000

A lot of times I write about the complications that we face and endure in our "every day lives." We deal with so many things that we must deal with, we take on so many things that we are better served to "JUST SAY NO" to. We want very much to be right there for all of our family and all of our friends.
I must say I am blessed with such an amazing abundance of both.
Perspective comes from the craziest places.
As you may know, my best buddy and canine companion aka FURRY SON of 12 years, Geordie has been battling cancer for a while now. It hit my life like a freight train when the illness started to make itself known.
I was scared...well more like terrified and freaked out completely. I felt things I've never felt nor have since been able to find words for. I was also selfish. I did NOT want to DEAL with his surgery, his illness or anything related. Don't get me wrong! It was this simple: I didn't want our "LIFE" infected with this insidious disease! It was WRONG! NOT GEORDIE! Not "MY GEORDIE!" Once I realized crying was helping no one, especially Geordie, who is a FIXER, I realized I had to learn a few lessons...FAST.
The first lesson, and perhaps most difficult lesson I have learned is that it IS not a sin to ask for help. I learned to let my friend Heather HELP me when it was evident that I needed it. Sometimes, I was just clearly exhausted. I might have been doing something like sitting up in the night, just rubbing Geordie and talking to him when he was first diagnosed. I didn't want him to hurt, be scared or any of those things, yet it was completely out of my control. I don't do well with "out of control." *Note: if there is SOMEONE ELSE in need, I AM YOUR GIRL! That's the hypocrite in me! I'll do anything for anyone, but it's SO hard for me to ASK someone for help.
I am notorious for WITHDRAWING from things when I am at a loss. I tend to "go into my cave" and try to work things out in my head. So, the next lesson learned was that I had to MAKE myself TALK to others. Yes, he's just a dog, but he's MY DOG! He was given a grim diagnosis and I had no where to place it. I had to learn to at least attempt to let my family and friends be there with me and for me. A few weeks back, Marah had had enough of her mother being a cave dweller. She and Kevin drove home and (wow, she's an adult now!) she said,"Mom, I just had to come and see for myself that you're alright." That's MY daughter. She is amazing. She knew I wouldn't ask her to come and just "be with me."
I learned to pick up the phone and call my friend Flavel and talk about everything and nothing and eventually get around to "I'm scared Flav." You see, Flavel had been through cancer with a grim diagnosis with her beloved cat "M." She was always SO strong, but now I realize that maybe, just maybe, she was being a lot like me. Keeping the poker face on and feeling scared out of her wits. "M" has done AMAZINGLY well, underwent a very invasive surgery and continues to thrive and is a happy boy. I had that to look toward and focus on as well as Flavel reminding me that it was OK to feel everything I was feeling.
Another lesson? Keeping positive, even when hit with hard "medical facts" is absolutely the hardest thing I have ever done.
It's strange, when you find your life and something you love very much faced with the word "CANCER," everything changes. Seconds of the day become more precious. I found myself getting into bed, then getting right back up for one more hug and one more "I love you Geordie."
You find yourself peering into the eyes of a dog and telling him EVERY single thing that you love about him...and receiving that incredible look that only a dog can give that says, "I know."
I have learned that the future is NOW. Right now. Even as I type this at 4:53 am, I have to force myself to live very much like my Geordie, in the present.
I see clearly how dogs can be so forgiving. They don't live in yesterday. They make NO plans for tomorrow. They live in the "now." And they are HAPPY! They carry no guilt, no shame, no what-if's, no regrets. Those are human actions and emotions that we in fact, carry around with great pride sometimes. (Much to our own detriment.)
I have learned that I never KNEW I had so many friends! Of course, I "knew" I had a lot of friends that I have been so blessed with. They are the ones who have "served time" with Annie learning how I think I can do EVERYTHING myself and I would rather have a root canal than to say the words "I need help." Fortunately, I have very bright and observant friends who know me well enough to just say, "Get out of the way of yourself! I'm helping you." Those measures of "help" have come in SO many ways. Emails, phone calls, cards in the mail, gifts for Geordie, and the "HEY! Just checking on you" contacts that remind me not to go inward and to ALLOW my friends to love me. Then there is the ever popular "SHOWING UP" as our amazing neighbor Kim does... knowing full well if he called and asked he'd be met with, "Oh no! Don't go to any trouble! I'm FIIIIIINE!" Yeah right. I must be a pain a pill won't reach at times!
You see, Geordie DEPENDS on me, as do all of my other animals. He never has to wonder if I am going to feed him, if I am going to be able to determine "which bark" means he wants crushed ice or that he needs to go outside. He depends on me to observe
his behavior and help him when he needs it. It's funny. He NEVER minds asking me for help when he needs it.
How does that correlate here? How many times have my friends OBSERVED me and knew there was a need and as a HUMAN, I smiled and said, "I'm fine" knowing full well I wasn't fine and there was nothing FINE even remotely close to how I might have been feeling.
I am sorry for that, but again, I'm learning these things.
It has taken the serious illness of my beloved Geordie to teach me how to be a better person and friend. I've often said it "takes a friend to be a friend." I have friends like Martha Myers who are BUILT WITH TENACITY! She knows my ways and she's one who will shake me up when needed from time to time REMINDING ME that I'm not alone in this. Her gentle reminders are sometimes more like HORNS BLASTING to say, "HEY! I'm right here. Don't forget that! LET ME HELP YOU!" And I begrudgingly take my proverbial medicine from her and we laugh.
Today, when Heather and I returned from the North Carolina State University Veterinary Teaching Hospital, I was a zombie. Heather was completely wiped out as well. It had been a LONG and uncertain day. She had said she thought she'd need a cup of coffee to boost her home. I set about making our coffee. When I finished, I looked out the back door and there was our Heather...purple feed bucket in hand, feeding the goats, donkeys, dogs, etc. She was filling water troughs, and you know, she had the biggest smile on her face. She was doing MY CHORES and smiling about it.
Being "ANNIE,"I opened the door and yelled,"HEY! What are you doing? I CAN GET THAT!" (Because I can do everything in the world and then some in 30 minutes flat!) She ignored me and kept smiling and feeding. I think her only comment was "I've got it."
These are called "Blessings." They comfort. They give you a moment's reprieve when you LEAST expect it...and perhaps most importantly, it gives another human being the opportunity to be there for someone they love and care about.
I think of the times I was busy and Geordie walked up and nudged my hand and was met with "Just a minute boy, I'm busy." Geordie is persistent. He ALWAYS nudges again and again until I stop (sometimes with frustration) and ALLOW HIM TO LOVE ME. You see, those nudges are not intrusions at all! My Geordie came to say in his way "Thanks, I love you, I'm thinking of you, I appreciate you" or whatever else made HIM stop what he was doing to come find me and give me that familiar nudge.
Do I stop what I'm doing now for him? You bet I do. As I said earlier, hearing the word CANCER changes your life forever. I relish and welcome those blessed nudges now and EVERYTHING stops while Geordie says what he needs to to me with his eyes, his snuggles and his heart and his nose.
Seconds in this life are precious. Many times we do not get the second chance to do things correctly. We have to slow down and think like a dog...live in the moment. Make our choices and decisions as though we will never have that opportunity again, as we truly may not get the opportunity to set things straight.
Geordie has taught me to say what I feel, to let others know how I feel about them, to live in THIS moment and not put off the love that I can easily share RIGHT NOW.
I have concluded that to accept the love and help of others is NOT a sign of weakness! It is TRULY a sign of strength and courage beyond measure. It is a sign of TRUST to be able to put yourself right out there and allow yourself to "be loved"...just like a dog.
I have learned that "THE PRESENT" IS A PRESENT, A GIFT! Not something to get to tomorrow, to "save until it's the right time" or any other means of procrastinating.
This moment as I type this is the present. It's my present. I thank God for the opportunity to be here, right now, with everything that is going on my life---knowing I am so completely surrounded by LOVE of friends, of family, of even perfect strangers who have reached out and said, "I CARE."
I thank each and every one of you for being with Geordie and me through this trial. Your strength and love have helped more than you could ever know.
Today is a gift. Unwrap it with reckless abandon and LIVE IT!
BE A DOG FOR A DAY! Just LIVE IT! You just might find there's a lesson or two in there for you as well.
Thanks to all of you who love me and who love Geordie.
WE LOVE YOU SO MUCH!
Till next time,
Annie...and her greatest teacher, Geordie...who also taught me that mistakes are OK too!
Since it's now 5:52am, I'm not even going to proof read this post! Talk about living on the edge! WOW! (You see, I was DOING other things while writing this...feeding the cats, making coffee and checking on my number one buddy!) You can't proof read life, ahhh...if it were only that simple!

Finding the Divine in Difficult Places. Lessons about growing, learning and receiving as well as giving.

noreply@blogger.com (Annie) — Wed, 01 Jul 2009 04:09:00 +0000

(photo credit Heather Mays, Triple Dog Dare Photography)
Life appears so stressful, so complicated, so scary, uncertain...and all the things the 25 HOUR A DAY (yes, it seems that way!) news channels throw at us.
Guilty as charged. I'm a fan, I like to be informed, I like to know what is going on around me, most of which of late, I do not enjoy. I'm not liking what they're throwing at me.
That said, I have to disengage and decompress and make a solid assessment of what I DO have in life that is "GOOD!"
I am alive. That is a great start.
I have wonderful friends, ones that I see often, others that I do not see often, but are so dear to my heart regardless of the miles.
I have an AMAZING family. I couldn't be more proud of the love, support and cheering on that they continually supply me with.
You don't get the HAPPY FAMILY stories on the 25 hour a day news networks. I think part of the business plan is to keep people in such a dither that it's addictive and keeps you coming back for more...and after they "have you," you get a daily dose of depression. Since when is that good?
The most recent story I want to share is one that shows "what friendship means." We don't know how or why paths cross with people. Some click, some are acquaintances and others touch your heart in such profound ways that just WOW you.
I was having "one of those days" on Saturday. It actually started on Friday, but I'll get to that in a bit. A lot was going on personally for me. In addition to my beloved Geordie being diagnosed with cancer, there were other things just mounting up that felt completely out of control. Now, I'm one of those who will smile and it would appear that all is right in Annie's little world. I show VERY little when anything is wrong unless I WANT you to know. I don't know if that's a good thing or a character flaw, but it's "me." I think a lot of that was ingrained in me from being a performer. "The show must go on." I could have been having THE worst day ever and when I step on a stage, the lights go up and it's all smiles, sunshine, jokes and "the stage Annie" goes to work. I've learned to deftly go in and out of those positions with ease. It's part of the job.
Back to Saturday...bad day. A really sucky day. My friend Heather who has become such a deep part of my heart has figured me out. (Doggone her!) She knew I'd just go into myself and work things out on my own. So do any of you readers ever do that? *the truth inserted here* A REALLY good friend drops what she may have planned and shows up, armed with love, support, plenty of things to talk about and determined I wouldn't be alone with my thoughts. She loved me enough to show up, say, "HEY. I'm here" and whatever you need, I'm with you. WOW. Not used to a lot of that. Also, the day before, she had gone ahead and planned, because she knew I would not ask, to take the day off work and accompany me to Geordie's second chemo treatment. Extra pairs of ears are essential in understanding his progress and what is happening in his treatment. In typical fashion, Heather had that day planned too. Armed with a cooler full of drinks and CHOCOLATE and other snacks,she arrived sometime after 6am and our day together began. She kept all the waiting hours busy doing "something" to pass the time, keeping my mind off worry and the next thing you know, it's time to return to North Carolina State University Veterinary Hospital to pick up Geordie from his treatment. WE HAD A BALL! I have no words to express the gratitude that I felt for someone being SO observant, looking past my quirks and saying, "Hey friend, I love you and this is how it's going to be." I followed her lead like my goats follow me with a feed bucket!
In "times like these," when we are fed the most incredible negative energy that I think this earth has ever experienced, it is beyond refreshing to have someone who comes into your heart and says, "I'm here for you" with actions, not just words.
America needs to reach back to those places of close families, close friends, sticking out the hard times, ALLOWING people to help you when you are in need, and demanding a simple life again.
I do think this can be accomplished, but it takes WORK. My friend WORKED out of sheer love to make two difficult days actually become HAPPY DAYS for me. That is remarkable.
People are busy, their problems are "more important," they have too much on their plates and there is so much fear. Americans have become, like myself, too "inward" as well.
As friends, as neighbors, as AMERICANS, do we allow LOVE to guide us? Or do we allow fear to paralyze us into zombies that just plod along through our gift of life?
I'm a "giver." I'd give anyone anything I have. Giving to others gives ME pleasure. I am also a hypocrite. I do not "receive" very well at all. (Remember? I told you, I'm conditioned to be Little Miss Susie Sunshine and never let 'em see me sweat.)
I'm re-thinking a lot of this. I was BLESSED for two days by someone who gave of herself and her time to help ME. Had I tried to hold a stiff upper lip, I would have DENIED my friend the very pleasure of helping someone in need. The very thing that I so much enjoy doing for others. Yin and Yang. It has to go both ways.
This has been a true eye-opening lesson for me.
We must be able to allow ourselves to give AND to receive. It cannot be out of balance of course, because that just defeats the entire purpose of living from a place of "love."
At 47, I continue to grow, to learn to accept the generosity of others and I am so grateful for these life lessons that continue to come to me.
In closing, what could have been two very bad days, were WONDERFUL days as a result of one observant friend who took the time to observe me, know me and love me enough to "save me from myself."
Challenge: Look around your world, your family, your friends...reach out of the comfort zones and DO something for someone. I promise, they will appreciate it and you both with be the benefactors of something beautiful.
Thank you Heather. Thank you to ALL of my friends...and if you need me, please just holler. I'll try to be observant too. Switch off the scary stuff, or at least keep up with events in increments...but do yourself and all those around you a favor and do some good deeds for others.
There's a quote I refer to often, "Be kind to everyone you meet because you never know what battles they are fighting." Take that literally because the eyes and the smiles we "see" on others many times do not reveal the truth what is going on INSIDE a human heart.
It takes a friend to be a friend.
Till next time,
Annie

Free Solo Piano Radio

noreply@blogger.com (Annie) — Mon, 29 Jun 2009 18:40:00 +0000

Free Solo Piano Radio

Shared via AddThis

For the Love of a Dog. A story about Geordie the Border Collie.

noreply@blogger.com (Annie) — Wed, 13 May 2009 04:21:00 +0000

I use this picture again and again of myself and my best friend Geordie. I figure he pretties the picture up considerably.
I have always been around dogs...lots of dogs. In fact, my first pet was on the scene before I was born. He was a Border Collie called Champ. Champ lived to the ripe old age of 17. My brother and I grew up with him.
Twelve years ago, Marah and I were on the search for a dog. She wanted a basset hound and the one we chose was not available when we went to get it. My eyes kept going back to an ad for "border collie puppies" and after the basset hound fell through, I called to inquire.
The lady said she had one pup left and they were going to keep him because he was the only red pup in the litter. Disappointed, I kept searching. The phone rang back in a short while and it was the lady with the border collie pup. She and her husband ran a sheep farm. She said the pup had a great disposition, but "didn't appear to want to work with the sheep" and they couldn't keep him. "He's full blooded," she said, "and you sounded like you really wanted him. Would $50 be too much?" I couldn't believe it! I accepted her kind offer and we had to wait 3 days to meet her near Franklin, TN. She was willing to deliver the puppy. At first sight, Marah said, "Mom! He's got eyes like Jordi in Star Trek!" And it stuck. I chose the spelling of Geordie because I liked it. Border Collies originated in an area on the border of Scotland and England. The folks who live there are called "Geordies." So, clearly, the name fit.
We have had 12 beautiful years with our faithful friend. He has experienced everything with us. As a puppy, when I had band rehearsals, he would lay in the floor of this great big room filled with musicians...and SLEEP! He romped and played with Marah, he rolled and tumbled with Wayne, and snuggled with us all when we needed extra love.
Geordie made his place in our family as "one of us."
Reality came crashing down recently as we had noticed that he was slowing down some. But then the next thing you know, he'd be running like a maniac, chasing goats, playing games with them and swimming in the pond. I just figured like any of us, as we age, we have great days and not so great days.
This past Saturday, Geordie had been with me to feed part of the livestock. It was hot, so I thought we'd do it in 2 feedings. I had been aware that the heat seemed to bother him more than usual. We came in and I started laundry. When that was done, I said, "Come on buddy! Let's go finish feeding." He didn't move. He just looked at me. I slapped my leg and said, "COME ON!" Nothing at all. No attempt to move. I realized something was wrong and it was bad. He seemed paralyzed. I called our vet and told her I was on my way with him. He could not stand or walk. I lifted him and carried him to my truck and we got to the vet. He was checked over and given IV fluids. There were a lot of nondescript symptoms. She gave me medicine for his heart because there appeared to be fluid and sent us home until Monday.
On Monday, we returned and xrays were taken. Geordie's heart was very enlarged, but the most shocking thing I have ever seen was that his abdomen was nearly full of a tumor! Things looked grim. The vet took the bloodwork and said she would call asap on Tuesday. With the catheter still in his leg, we came home. Wayne and I were terrified. What if this was Geordie's last night with us EVER? We didn't sleep a wink.
The vet called Tuesday morning, May 12, and said the bloodwork was surprisingly good. She added, "I've also had two surgery cancellations and I see this as a sign that we need to operate." She added, "It has to be soon." We knew what we had to do.
Trying to be strong, I rode in the back seat of Wayne's truck with Geordie. I held his head, stroked his back and told him over and over how much he means to us all and how we loved him. He was very still and very quiet. He barely moved. It was like he knew something was up and it was big.
Once we were at the vet, we were given plenty of time to be with Geordie while the surgical area was prepped. When the doctor came out, we all went into pre-op together and I asked if we could pray. Geordie was on the table and I knelt beside him. We were all in tears and we left our Geordie in the best hands possible.
The ride home was quiet. Wayne and I were numb. When we got home, I did EVERYTHING to keep busy. I even set about housework, trying to block negative thoughts as they tried to creep in. I HAVE TO STAY POSITIVE! I HAVE TO VISUALIZE HIM GETTING THROUGH THIS! Self-chastising helped pass my time as well.
When the call came, I said, "Wayne, I don't want to answer it. It's too soon! They can't be finished."
I finally answered the phone and one of the vet techs told me he was alive, he had come through the surgery and that the tumor was extremely large. The words "BOWLING BALL" and "LARGE CANTELOPE" had been used and she attested that indeed it was a frightening sight. The doctor later explained that the tumor was "angry" and that Geordie had precious little time before it actually 'blew.' She could not be sure that he would have made it to wait for surgery even one more day. He would have died a horrible death. I am so thankful that our vet followed her instincts and sent for us when she did, or this post might have been written from another sad perspective. I am certain that those two cancellations were indeed "THE SIGN" the vet spoke of and any loose cog in the wheel would have sent this story off on another track. In God's way and in God's time...we must be vigilant and listen in order to get the answers we seek in our prayers.
We were shocked to learn that if he improved as they felt he would, we could pick him up at 5:30 Tuesday evening! The doctor felt that Geordie would improve more quickly and respond better at home.
I figured I could vacuum and nearly have a clean house by then! Nerves are an excellent catalyst to getting your house clean! So, I worked like a maniac trying to pass the time.
When we arrived, the same vet tech who had called me earlier, came out and smiled. They had a surprise! Geordie WALKED OUT TO GREET US IN THE LOBBY! Tears flowed, he was groggy, but he WALKED to us! There were still a few things to be done, but we were welcomed to watch. They were busy removing the IV catheter, checking him over good and he was weighed.
Geordie had been weighing around 70 to 75 pounds in the past few months. By Monday, after the fluid removal, he was down to 60.5 pounds.
Today, after the tumor removal, he weighed a sleek 55.5 pounds. Our Geordie had been carrying a 5 pound tumor in his abdomen and as the doctor put it, kept it well hidden for a long time. He had several check ups prior to this episode and it simply didn't show up.
The point of this post? It's for me. I love that dog beyond words. He is my best friend. I'm sure anyone who reads this and has a pet can relate. Dogs have a way of marking a place in your heart that no one or nothing else can ever touch. It's theirs...and solely theirs.
My family swears I love Geordie more than them. And if I'm being a pain in the rear, I have been known to agree on that.
Geordie and I have shared EVERYTHING. He's the best secret keeper in the world. When we laugh, he's right there to romp all over us. When we celebrate, he's right in the middle of the celebration. When we cry, he's right there, sitting quietly, assuring us that things will be ok. He is our unwaivering, constant companion.
He is at home, surgery is over and now we wait for the pathology report. But he is alive and HOME. That is what is most important as I type this post.
Another interesting bit of Geordie info is that when we got Geordie as a pup, I had no idea until I looked at his papers that we share the same birth date. May 16 is OUR DAY.
God willing, we will share this birthday coming up in just a few days.
Having Geordie with me after this ordeal is the best gift I could ever dream of. Having Geordie in general is the best gift I could ever dream of.
Our pets are truly our friends. God gave us a means to have a loyal companion without all the messes that we humans make. Dogs keep things simple. They don't demand a thing and give more love that we can ever give back. They teach us how to TRULY forgive... and just forget! They don't hold grudges and even those poor souls that have been mistreated find a way to love again. We should all be like dogs in that way.
So, this is a post for me to pour my heart out, to rejoice and to celebrate my love for one very special dog, Geordie.
I love you boy and I'm so thankful you are back home with me tonight.
(I wonder how comfortable I'm going to be sleeping on his bed beside him tonight? I wouldn't have it any other way.)
Love your pets...and always remember just how much they love you.
Till next time,
Annie

Reinventing the Wheel...Or Not. Wise Words for the Times from Thomas Edison.

noreply@blogger.com (Annie) — Sat, 09 May 2009 05:41:00 +0000

Be courageous. I have seen many depressions in business. Always America has emerged from these stronger and more prosperous. Be brave as your fathers before you. Have faith! Go forward!

~ Thomas A. Edison

I came across this quote and it struck me that there is truly no way to reinvent the wheel any more than there is anything new under the sun.
Lately, everything around us is negative. The news is bleak, if not down right depressing. Seldom do we hear of happy news, good news or anything uplifting. The news folks are right there to scare the daylights out of us warning of recessions, pandemics, political discord and changes that are making our country, if not our way of life, unrecognizable.
However, when I read the words of our forefathers, I see that none of this is new. We have a barrage of frightening information thrown at us, should we choose to be fed so-called news twenty-four hours a day.
We should try stepping away, turning off the noise, spending time doing things we love and making a point to find enjoyment, even in the midst of seemingly perilous times.
Tuning out isn't a bad thing. It doesn't mean that you don't care about what's going on in the world. It simply means that you care about yourself and your life the most.
Separating yourself from "all things worldly" on a regular basis is healthy. It's fine to keep your finger on the pulse of the times, but allowing the unrest of all that is considered newsworthy shouldn't become the basis of your existence.
Like anything, balance is the key. Stay alert, stay informed, and stay aware, but remember to LIVE in the midst of it all!
As Thomas Edison said in his quote above, "Be brave as your fathers before you. Have faith! Go forward!" Remember... all this junk we're being fed at every angle is nothing new. If those before us survived the struggles of building this great country, we'll all be just fine!
We just can't forget the most important part of the quote..."have faith." And I will close in adding my own addendum to the Edison quote..."Have faith, even among those who are faithless."
Till next time,
Annie

Coming Full Circle...

noreply@blogger.com (Annie) — Tue, 03 Mar 2009 05:30:00 +0000

I'm sure that everyone using Facebook can relate to this post...I was thinking this evening about how great it has been to reconnect with old friends via Facebook. For me, it's be such a joy.
I'm not one of those folks who fills up my friends list with names. Every single person is someone I know and care deeply about. I have re-connected with old friends that never ever left my heart, no matter how many years, how many miles and how much time had passed. So, I have to say that Facebook is a gift and a blessing for me.
Today, I had a phone call from an old friend that I have always adored. Over the years, I wondered about her, hoped she was well and happy and recalled such great memories that we shared.
When the phone rang today, a voice said, "Do you know who this is?" By the time she got to the word 'know,' I was saying, "Of course I do!" We talked just like we had never missed a beat. The years and the miles vanished and it was beautiful.
There are other friends that I've spent a lot of my younger years with that I have reconnected with on Facebook. I can see their (nearly grown now!) children, learn about their interests and catch up at my own pace and without the rush of life hurrying me along.
I don't know about all of you, but for me, it's just amazing.
The most beautiful part is that all my friends both old and new are willing to share their lives with me as well. I appreciate the time you take in doing so Friends.
In this day and time, 'friends' in the REAL sense of the word are a rare commodity. Seeing you all in this format reminds me of all that you mean to me, how much I love you all and just how truly rich my life has been and continues to be.
Thank you for being on the journey with me. I'm thrilled to be a part of each of your lives.
Till next time,
Annie

How to Make Sure Your Heart is Beating...

noreply@blogger.com (Annie) — Mon, 09 Feb 2009 05:35:00 +0000

I started my usual bedtime routine tonight and got to the part of the ritual where I make sure all the indoor residents are accounted for. W was already asleep, Geordie was on his nite-nite and Izzy was following me. No Tripod. Occasionally, we go through this and will find Poddy curled up in a ball, sleeping soundly. One other occasion, after tearing the entire house apart, I started the umpteenth wave of throwing everything out of everything and found him fast asleep in the back of my closet behind some shoe boxes. So tonight, that's the first thing I did. Then I got panicky. We had been going in and out of the house bringing in trim. Could he have slipped out and was hidden somewhere? I got the spot light, combed everything. I got on the ATV and rode all over the farm looking for him. Saw nothing but deer grazing. I stirred up all the dogs, had the cows mooing, goats up and roaming around. Me calling "TRIIIIPOD!!!" echoed through the woods. I felt sick to my stomach. Tripod only has 3 legs. He has no claws and is totally defenseless. This was bad. I fought back tears as I started to feel an even sicker feeling. I came back, went through the house again. No sign of him in any box, closet, or hiding place. I shook the food bag. I clanged dishes. Nothing. I went back outside and checked all the ditch drains, the fish house, the "Bat Cave" where we store farm equipment. Maybe he was hiding there till morning. Not a sound. I came home ready to wake up Wayne and tell him what was going on. I really didn't want to wake him, as we have a long day tomorrow. I sat down at the end of my chaise lounge and just hung my head. I was at a loss. Izzy was at my feet staring up. He knew something was terribly wrong with me. Looking down and wondering what to do next, I thought I felt something move against my leg. I saw a lump under the blanket. NO WAY! SURELY HE WOULDN'T BE ASLEEP UNDERNEATH A HEAVY BLANKET! I jerked it back and Tripod looked at me as if to say WHO TURNED ON THE LIGHTS IN MY EYES?!? I flopped onto the floor and hugged him up tightly. Izzy was slinking and purring all around him. Once again, Tripod was "found" in the most unlikely of places. I was so thankful. I'm now trying to get rid of the sick feeling, the adrenaline rush and the fear. I am grateful that my nest is together and we can all sleep well tonight. W, Geordie and most of all PODDY have no idea what Izzy and I went through tonight. Now the outside crew can go back to sleep, the cows can stop mooing, we are all safe and all is well. This is for sure-Life is NEVER, EVER boring around here! For that, I am thankful. Memories are made, even in the seemingly scariest of times. A little scare is okay when things work out just fine.
It keeps our hearts in check, says I.
Till next time,
Annie

And The Winners Are....My Favorite Super Bowl Commercials.

noreply@blogger.com (Annie) — Mon, 02 Feb 2009 07:16:00 +0000

FAVORITE NUMBER ONE:
The Pedigree Commercial! "Get A Dog"

FAVORITE NUMBER TWO:
And a close second was the Pepsi Max commercial called "I'm Good."
This was so funny because it wasn't too far from the truth!

MY RUNNER-UP WINNER:
And as a runner up, Bridgestone Tires "Mr and Mrs. Potato Head." I thought this was a cute spot. Didn't we all have a Mr. Potato Head as kids? For reasons of nostalgia, this commercial got a 'memory lane,' warm fuzzy runner-up pick!

The game was great, but I found the commercials a little lackluster this year overall, but the ones that stood out to me, really stood out. We had a great time, however, eating, talking, pulling for our team and enjoying a wonderful Super Bowl Sunday.

Another highlight of the day was THE PUPPY BOWL! It was great fun this year! It's always fun, but this year, I was quite ready for number 5. It's a couple of hourse of sheer puppy cuteness! Now, honestly, how can you go wrong with that?

Here's hoping that you had a great time watching the Super Bowl...or at least the PUPPY BOWL! It's a fun time to spend relaxing at home or with family and friends. The way I see it, ANYTIME is a great time to be with those we love!

Till next time,
Annie

Upside Down Story of Christmas-A Great Message All Year Through!

noreply@blogger.com (Annie) — Thu, 29 Jan 2009 05:08:00 +0000

A friend of mine sent a link to this video today. I watched and initially scratched my head at the message, but since I was instructed to watch all the way to the end, I did.
What a creative and interesting presentation! I knew I wanted to share it on my blog and as I hoped, good ol' You Tube had it ready and waiting!
Initially, I wished I had known about it before the Christmas Holidays so that I could have shared it during the season. But then again... it's so nice to think that we can indeed share the story, the message and in fact the meaning of Christmas the whole year through. We don't have to keep "Christmas" bound in a pretty package only during the month of December.
Enjoy...and if you feel upside down, remember God is right there waiting to turn things RIGHT SIDE UP again.
Just ask. He's always listening.
Till next time,
Annie

I Wonder If I Will Ever Learn to "Talk Right"...Is the media now trying to dictate even how we speak? You Betcha!

noreply@blogger.com (Annie) — Sat, 10 Jan 2009 05:48:00 +0000

(Or my alternate title for this post could be "Is American English Still Spoken Here?")

Only those who attended Ivy League Schools and have specific last names are "expected" to speak correctly. The rest of us, the kind and compassionate media simply takes pity, because we're just...not special! Truthfully, I can't say that I know anyone that attended an Ivy League school. If I do, I've clearly forgotten. GASP!
Not only does the media think they can control the entire United States, they now are trying to move us, kicking and screaming in my case, away from American English and our own tried and true ways of speaking it.
Here's an article I came across tonight written by Barbara Wallraff of The Atlantic monthly.
Ok, ok, ok...the title of this post is laden with humor but...let's talk about a little something that "the media" doesn't want us to.
Class warfare. They love to use it, but it's a secret!
I figured as much with regard to Sarah Palin. It travels in every little condescending circle. If you can't find any way to trash someone, attack their background...and smear the victim publicly. This is wrong and sends a terrible message, especially to women. "You should expect more" because Caroline happens to be a Kennedy? How silly. Sarah Palin, like her or not has done amazing things and she came from humble roots. Being your best and rising higher was once honored. Now, it's used by the media as a means of assault. Ridiculous? I think so. More emphasis is placed on the contestants of American Idol than in preventing the annihilation of American culture.
NEWS FLASH! We are NOT European! Wasn't there a little tea party that made quite a splash? Don't we celebrate the 4th of July for a reason? (Not simply because it's hot in July and a good date for a parade!)
Next, I'll fuss about using the British way of speaking, instead of tried and true American English. ("an historic event" versus "A historic event" and "the media IS" versus "the media ARE.")
It's getting way out of control folks. Are we perhaps getting too much input into our lives and our government from the media?
I wonder. Now, they're rewriting American English language and grammar...which I thought I had a pretty good command of until recently.
I posted the article below...and gee, I hope I did that correctly. What the heck, I'm going to live dangerously and not spell check or proof this post. WOWWY! (isn't that a word too? uhhhmmm...you know, I think it may be!)

No, Caroline, we don't know. (Barbara Wallraff)
04 Jan 2009 06:24 pm

I have no opinion -- none at all -- about whether Caroline Kennedy would make a good senator. But for someone with a law degree and now political aspirations, she's astonishingly ill-spoken.

It's not necessarily admirable in consumers of political rhetoric like me that we focus more readily on "um"s and "you know"s than on what the person is saying. But we do, and it's no surprise that we do -- English teachers and speech coaches have been making this point forever.

I never whaled on Sarah Palin for the way she talks, because there isn't much reason to suppose she could do better. She doesn't have a fancy education, and she doesn't come from a place that's world-renowned for its intellectual life. But Kennedy is a different story. She has the best education money can buy and every possible reason to know what accomplished public speaking sounds like. And she still sounds like a dope, because of those "um"s and "you know's."

(end of Wallriff post, assuming readers will not figure it out on their own. That's also a little perk the MSM gives us! They tell us how to read and comprehend too. I thought I'd try it, just this once.)

***As for "whaling on Sarah Palin" and "not expecting her to DO BETTER," I'll say one word. Stunning. What happened to colorful American language? What happened to 'local speak' that adds so much interest to different dialects? To essentially call Palin stupid because she did not attend an Ivy League school is, in itself, ignorance. To make fun of a perfectly wonderful way of speaking is ghastly. (I thought liberals didn't judge anyone and had full claim on "compassion.") Somehow, I don't see Sarah Palin as needing the compassion of the US media. (And you can bet your bottom dollar that if I were stranded somewhere, I'd want Sarah Palin on MY side...and not some media geek.)

Had Sarah Palin been "Sarah Kennedy," or had she been selected on the democratic ticket, she'd have been the most grand thing since sliced bread! Her folksy speech and mannerisms would have been lauded as "precious!"
Had she been a part of the elite "in crowd" she would have wow'd the liberal media to their trembling knees.

Class bias?

To quote a former Veep nominee...
"YOU BETCHA!"

I do not even recognize this country anymore.

CHRISTMAS EVE!!

noreply@blogger.com (Annie) — Wed, 24 Dec 2008 22:24:00 +0000

MAGIC! WONDER! SPARKLY, SHINY, JINGLING, GLITTERING!
CALM, PEACEFUL, HUMBLE, PRECIOUS, LOVING, GENEROUS, KIND!
ANXIOUS, SMILING, GLEAMING,
CHILLY, HOPEFUL, PRAYERFUL, PLAYFUL, LAUGHING!

There are SO many words that are especially fun to say at Christmas!

Here's wishing you all the joy, every happiness and incredible peace on Christmas Eve, Christmas Day and in the coming
New Year!

With love from my house to yours!
God bless and keep you all,
Annie

Christmas Eve Eve, Celebrating CHRISTMAS, Magic Moments and Memories! Christmas Time is Here!

noreply@blogger.com (Annie) — Tue, 23 Dec 2008 14:30:00 +0000

Yes, that's right. The title of this post is "Christmas Eve Eve."
The day before the day before Christmas.
Around here, it's a very important day. A lot gets done on this day, Christmas is within reach and the build of excitement begins around our house.
Cookies, appetizers, treats and yummy concoctions abound! Russian tea cookies courtesy of Peepaw, Marah's now famous Magic Cookie bars (she's made since she was a wee little thing!), our own recipe sausage balls, home made egg nog, chess bars, and other tasty delights are about to envelop our home. These are the fragrances of love, warmth and celebration. Everything is usually in full swing by now, but Marah has to work through Christmas Eve, so I'll start without her this year.
It's Christmastime! The most exciting time of the year. The weather is even cooperating...it was in the teens last night.
Now, if we could just get the moisture in the air to cooperate with the temperatures, we'd be in business for a white Christmas! I know my friends up north are probably excited to a point, but I don't want any danger at all for them, no loss of power and for them to be able to enjoy a beautiful white Christmas without any hassle whatsoever! Most importantly, we wish those who are inundated with snow safe travels! (Shout out to Pam! I'm still drooling over the CAKE!!!)
Even as adults, there's a little pitter patter that starts in our hearts with the days leading up to Christmas. It's unavoidable! All the sights, sounds, music, friends dropping by...all of these are warm and welcome happenings at Christmastime. It's such fun to see children with an extra glimmer in their eyes. The anticipation is contagious!
Memories of Christmases past abound and it all makes for "the most wonderful time of the year!"
I have to say that I noticed retailers were not as happy to take my Christmas dollar this year. For the economy to be in such a wreck, it was like any other shopping day in June. That is so sad. During Christmastime, I'm used to being wished a MERRY CHRISTMAS, seeing employees in Santa hats, little pins that say "Jesus is the Reason for the Season," etc. but this year....nothing. I guess the politically correct crowd and their assault on Christmas think they have scored a big point...for what reason? I don't get it.
Now explain to me again, THEY destroy such a wonderful and beautiful celebration and WE lose national tradition that is steeped in love and beauty? And remind me, what gets accomplished in this? More divisiveness? That's just exactly what America needs.
America needs MORE CHRISTMAS! As for me and my house, WE WILL CELEBRATE AND HONOR THE BIRTHDAY OF JESUS CHRIST! No "HAPPY HOLIDAY/SEASON'S GREETINGS" stuff here! It's CHRISTMAS! And we will not give up this beautiful season of love and light.
I wish all my non-Christian friends wonderful celebrations of their faith, should they be occurring this time of year. I always do. I am in hopes that all Americans who are not Christian will not impede, but embrace this beautiful season, beautiful story and sacred time of year in the Christian faith.
As I look at our tree, listen to the chilly wind blowing the chimes outside and think of all the wonderful aromas that will be coming from our kitchen shortly, I want to wish you ALL a VERY, MERRY CHRISTMAS!!!!
Here's wishing you safe travels, magical moments, lovely sights and sounds for your Christmas celebrations! May this one bring all the memories your heart can hold!
Till next time.....MEEEEEEEEEEEEEERRY CHRISTMAS!
Annie

I'm Still Perkl-ing! Aren't You?

noreply@blogger.com (Annie) — Tue, 16 Dec 2008 06:12:00 +0000

About a year ago, I got a Perkl-Light Portable Energy Spa. By December 14, I was so impressed, I wrote a post about it. A year and 2 days later (I just looked it up!) I'm writing about it again! Yes, it's "that" good!
I had researched, read, studied..gotten the DVD, read some more and then knew I had to get one.
I have had a year now to "bond" with my "Perky" as I call it and being someone of a lot of words, I can summarize this amazing machine in two words: "It works."
As an energy practitioner, I wondered exactly how this energy would work. After receiving my unit, I decided not to "think it to death" and allow it to do what it was made to do. It is still amazing to me just how many areas this little tiny machine covers.
I have used it to allow calm energy into my home if I was having guests, for peaceful sleep, for pain...you name it, I have experimented with it.
It has been a year of dramatic life changes for me. More changes than seemed to be "do-able" at the time, but here I am a year later and all is well...and the daily (almost constant) use of my Perkl-Light has been a major part of all the things that come with
'transition.' I have relied on it like a silent partner.
If I had a cold, I put it on the respiratory settings. If I worked too hard and over did it, many times I have used the manual settings and allowed my body to show me what I needed. The "blink" method seems to work well for me, but honestly, I don't believe there is a "right" or "wrong" way to use it. Because we are response natured beings, I went completely with "feelings."
Intent is such a tremendous part of energy work and I have found the Perkl-Light to compliment my own intentions so simply and beautifully.
One "benefit" that I have been most impressed with is David Thomas. His story alone is worth sending for the DVD to hear! Add to that the fact that David is deeply committed to the benefits that the Perkl-Light offers. Getting to know him and seeing for myself how HE feels about this amazing machine is a tremendous PERK (PUN INTENDED!).
Initially, I had a lot of questions. I wondered if I was "doing it right," if I was working the machine to get the most benefit, etc. David always gave me thoughtful suggestions and whatever hand holding I needed. Looking back a year later, I'm sure I was an aggravation at times. If I was, he never let it show. It was as though I was his sole focus. (Sorry Dave!) I learned quickly that you didn't need to question it to death and I began to just play with different settings and there were those I used "generally" and others that I used "as needed."
There's something about us humans that I haven't figured out. We will extend ourselves to everyone "except ourselves." We take care of someone else in a nanosecond and our own health and energy levels are left to suffer as a result. We do not treat ourselves to things that might enable us to be more effective. We don't recharge our own batteries.
That said, having the Perkl-Light is probably one of THE best gifts I have ever given myself. As a result, I've learned a lot about how I "work" what my own needs are, what my patterns are behavior are, etc. For example, I now allow myself to realize that giving myself support is a GOOD thing! Certainly not a sign of any weakness! I now have an opportunity to take care of "self" and a wonderful vehicle to do that.
I move the unit from room to room in my house. If I travel, the Perkl-Light goes with me. It has become a fundamental part of my daily ritual and this happened quickly. I even keep it in the car on trips!
The soft waves of colored light in themselves are comforting and settling.
I have had emails from folks who were investigating the Perkl-Light. I have responded to each one saying, "You simply have to try it to see the benefits of using this extraordinary machine."
I am happy to be a part of the Perkl-Light family! I'm delighted that I finally stopped all the researching and allowed myself the many benefits of using the Perkl-Light.
I'm sure the benefits have gone far beyond "me." I have pets that live inside. The benefits extend to them as well, which pleases me because I'm able to do something good for them as well.
This is the season of love, caring and giving. Who better to "give" those things to? As individuals, when we are aligned, we are so much more effective in all areas of life. What might have seemed to be a big deal a year ago, I can say "today" may not be a big deal at all IF I am taking care of "me."
I still feel that I am learning and experimenting and that's another great point to make. "WE" are always changing physically, emotionally and structurally. I'm not sure there are any limits to what you I can do with the Perkl-Light...only the limitations and boundaries that I put on it...certainly not from the energy that is available any time I need it.
The big question is this: "Would I invest for this again?" Absolutely!
These are times of uncertainty, unrest and there's an overall feeling of anxiety that WE have allowed ourselves to buy into.
To "buy" means to take in, to invest in, to 'bring home.' You've bought into the stuff on tv that makes you anxious, stressed, tensed up and tight muscled. Perhaps it's time to look in a new direction.
I'm so glad that I have a device that is wonderful to help me keep things in a proper perspective.
I didn't know just how important this little hand sized machine would become. Looking back, I had no idea just what good things were in store.
Happy Anniversary David! You've "officially" put up with me for a year (but don't forget, readers, that I drug my feet before I got my own Perkl-Light!
I highly recommend this product. I know I'll keep it as an ever present companion in my daily activities.
If you're reading this and you want to know more, get in touch with David! ( www.perkl-light.com) He will tell you how HE uses his grand invention. He will NOT "sell" you on something. You'll never feel stressed, like you're getting sales pitch or anything like that. He doesn't have to do it! (plus he's such a nice guy, he wouldn't do that anyway!)
I'd love for everyone to experience the amazing things that I have with my Perkl-Light. I'm very certain that this is THE best gift I've ever given me. And it doesn't get much better than that!
Oscar Wilde said, "“To love oneself is the beginning of a life-long romance” and who couldn't use that???"
Last year's post about the Perkl-Light was titled "Do You Perkl?"
I'll ask again a year later...WELL? Do you?
I do!

FUN AND FREE THINGS TO DO, TO SHARE AND TO ENJOY DURING THE CHRISTMAS SEASON!

noreply@blogger.com (Annie) — Thu, 11 Dec 2008 22:00:00 +0000

I received the video below from a friend of mine and totally cracked up! It made me think of all the fun little neat things we can do for each other that would certainly bring smiles to our faces. If you turn on the TV, you will be filled up with nothing but NEGATIVITY...when this time of year, we should be considering the NATIVITY and all the joy and magic of the Christmas Season.
Times don't have to be "so" difficult, even with the economic distress we're being force fed, day and night. You can surf the web for many, many FREE things to do, games to play, (GOOGLE "PENGUIN TOSS" AND GIVE IT A TRY! Another friend sent that free game to my family and now it's one of our favorite Christmas pastimes!) fun cards and videos...the list goes on and on. All of them are simple, stress free and are sure to brighten the receiver's day!
Making someone smile can cost nothing and the effort you make to do it is worth volumes. So, I want to thank my friend Gayle for this fun video and I guess I'll go scour the net to "pay it forward" to others!
Here's hoping that you and yours are enjoying this wonderful, magical Christmas Season!
Till Next Time,
Annie

Tis the Season for FUN! TRY "ELF YOURSELF" FOR A LAUGH!

noreply@blogger.com (Annie) — Thu, 04 Dec 2008 00:25:00 +0000

Ok, ok, ok...so this is totally outrageous! And we did it last year too...My buddy Martha sent it to me and I loved it. This year's "ELF YOURSELF" has different "dances" and I had fun trying several out! I've posted a "country" dance and then we just had to bust a move with a happenin' little DISCO tune! Too funny!
It's CHRISTMAS TIME!! YAY! Enjoy this Christmas Season..it's here and gone before you know it.

Send your own ElfYourself eCards

HAPPY THANKSGIVING EVERYONE! OVER THE RIVER AND THROUGH THE WOOD

noreply@blogger.com (Annie) — Wed, 26 Nov 2008 03:36:00 +0000

I sang this song throughout my childhood during the season of Thanksgiving. It brings back so many wonderful memories of
Thanksgiving's past.
Here's wishing you and yours a wonderful Thanksgiving Holiday.
Take the time to remember your special holidays with family and friends.
And most of all, take the time to BE THANKFUL!

The first video brings back great memories from my childhood...and this song is a mainstay in my adult Thanksgiving celebrations. Written and performed by my friend George Winston, I hope you will also enjoy this selection. It is titled simply, "Thanksgiving."

POST STATEMENT: My pal Martha just reminded me to do my now infamous "Thanksgiving wish"....BOGGLE!!! BOGGLE!!! EVERYONE! (big grin!) See? Just when I try to be a little mature about things, my dear friends remind me that, alas, I am not!
HAPPY THANKSGIVING! GOBBLE! GOBBLE! BOGGLE! BOGGLE! AND PASS THE PUMPKIN PIE!!! YAY!!!!!!!

Come Thou Fount of Every Blessing..."Today's" Version of Robert Robinson.

noreply@blogger.com (Annie) — Thu, 20 Nov 2008 00:37:00 +0000

The story of this song is wonderful and touching. Written in 1757, the video portrayal is very interesting. It moves the writer of the song, Robert Robinson, into the present, as Robinson might be today as he seeks to find joy in his life again. He observes as others sing and find joy in a song that the unhappy observer had written.
I have loved this song for ages and found this production certainly worthy of sharing.
Presented by Sufjan Stevens, the beauty in this rendition lies in the simplicity of it...the lyrics are allowed to soar.
In this season of Thanksgiving, I hope the meaning of this hymn will offer a deep and personal meaning for you and that you will find the joy and peace that God so much wants us all to have...and share with others.
Till Next time,
Annie

Goodbye Our Dear Friend Grady.

noreply@blogger.com (Annie) — Mon, 03 Nov 2008 19:43:00 +0000

Wayne and I are deeply saddened.
We lost our dear friend Grady on Sunday morning around 10am.
He fought hard and we will miss him terribly. I am having trouble believing he is
really gone. Grady was the trooper, the leader and the official spokes person for
the rest of our goats.
We loved our friend so much.
The comfort in this is that I know in my heart that he knew that...or he wouldn't have known he could come to us at any time, as he did on Halloween night.
We have the gift of wonderful memories of "Grady's Antics" and we will cherish them always.
Grady, you made us laugh, smile and love you. You showed us that even goats can love, express, reason and make decisions.
We will always miss you and love you, our good friend Grady.
Thank you for all the many memories, the love, the entertainment, the laughter and joy you brought to us.
In his honor, we have posted a video of Grady, those he loved and those who loved him so very much.
Rest easily our friend...till we meet again.

LOVE KNOWS NO BOUNDS....

noreply@blogger.com (Annie) — Sat, 01 Nov 2008 18:58:00 +0000

"If you have men who will exclude any of God's creatures from the shelter of compassion and pity, you will have men who will deal likewise with their fellow men." - St. Francis of Assisi , Roman Catholic friar, founder of the Franciscans Order

I am a hobby farmer. I love animals. The running joke is that I love them more than most people. I wouldn't go so far as to say "most people," but I do love animals more than those who are mean, those who lie, those who steal, those who don't mind harming people or even hurting their feelings...and that's about the extent of "those anyone doesn't like." Animals are God's gift for us to look at and see, if not how we SHOULD be, then we can see how we COULD be if we lived our lives more like them.
If you are a regular reader of my blog, I talk a lot about my animals. The "antics" part of Annie's Antics often times has a lot to do with funny stories or experiences with my animals. I have a range of them. I have eight goats: Ben, Buster, Grady, Milo, Sophie, Dice, Beau and May. I have two donkeys: Cinnamon a mammoth sorrel jenny and Muffin, her daughter. I have two cats: Tripod (and yes, he only had 3 legs) and Izzy, a hurricane rescue cat we saved during Hurricane Isabel several years ago. We have a lot of dogs! Geordie is the elder statesman of the lot. He is eleven and a half and is a red border collie. Then there's the other red border collies: Darcy, Chris (who's real name is CHRISTMAS EVERY DAY!), Dixie (a rescue from an abusive home) and the son of Dixie and Chris, ROLY, who was named "Roly Poly" as a nickname when he was a new born pup! Changing breeds, we have LUCY, THE WONDER BEAGLE! She too is a rescue. Someone put her out as about a 4 week old puppy on a very busy road in Pamlico county. After watching her run up to cars looking for "anyone" for a few days, we asked around, no one knew where she came from, so she came to live with us.
Now, we have obtained TWO MORE DOGS. I tried get them to go away, but they made it clear they were not going to leave. So, we have Maybelline and Inky added to the menagerie. That's a grand total of EIGHT DOGS! Whew. But I love each and every one of them SO much. They all have totally different personalities and they're so much fun.
These animals enrich and touch my life in so many ways that I couldn't even begin to describe "how." Each one of them has their own space in my heart. Each one has a role that only he or she can fill. Their personalities lift me up, make me laugh and carry me through day after day, even when times are difficult. Of late, I have seen more than I ever dreamed possible in terms of behaviors coming from human beings that animals are not capable of demonstrating. Perhaps predator animals are capable of harm to another animal, but it is within their cycle of life. It is certainly not planned malice. Human predators are another story entirely. That behavior is "chosen" and unacceptable.
I've spent the past several days with my friend Grady the Goat. He has been ill. Very ill. I have stayed awake nights and days to have nurse him constantly since I discovered his belly was distended early on Tuesday morning. There is a condition that goats and other ruminants get called "bloat." It occurs within the complicated physiology of a goat and you can research that yourself. It happens quickly and it can lead to a horrible death if not treated. Then there are the after effects that can occur from bloat that has been treated...and that's where we are now. Grady is in a very vulnerable, weak, "touch and go" place and we're fighting hard together.
Grady is my friend. He has made me laugh, he has entertained me for hours on end, he has made me as mad as a wet hen when he gets into mischief, and he is the "leader" of the other goats. Goats are herding animals. They stick together and make a fascinating community. I have learned so much about "community" from observing them.
I have had to accept losing some of my friends too. I have lost Lupin and Henry, two of my goats. I still miss them today. I am committed to helping Grady. At the time of this writing, he is not doing well at all. I have spent time telling him what he means to me, how happy he makes me and remembering funny stories of all sorts. Grady and I have always seemed to get into all sorts of things together. He listens and doesn't seem irritated by the sound of a voice who loves him.
He has spent the last several nights in the bathroom because the temperature has dipped so low. I wanted to keep his body temperature warm and consistent. He was in terrible shape on Thursday night. I had been in with him and once he was going to sleep, I thought I'd lay down for a few minutes. I heard a tinging of his bell hit the floor and thought he had passed. I jumped and ran to the bathroom only to find Grady standing at the toilet drinking water! I laughed at him and he just looked at me like I was nuts. He seemed to be improving. I felt well enough on Friday, Halloween afternoon, about leaving him to go out to dinner and when we got back he had moved to another spot. I felt encouraged by that and decided he had gone to the goat shed with the rest of the goats. Wayne and I were happy to see he had moved around.
As I was getting things together to check on him and give him his medications, I kept hearing a bell tingling. (Grady and Dice are the only two goats that still have their bells. The others have lost theirs and I haven't replaced them.) I kept hearing this "ting, ting, ting," going on as I changed into my work clothes. I went to the door and was astonished to see, coming up the front steps, GRADY! I guess he thought I had forgotten to come and get him, so he came to me! He, in fact, was our ONLY "trick-or-treater!" I was completely stunned and over the moon! I was yelling for Wayne to come quick, adding, "You'll never believe this!" And he couldn't! I opened the front door and in walks Grady. He never paused. Walking into the room, he turned left to go down the hallway, then he took a right, going straight into the bathroom and stood there. We howled with laughter. "That's Grady." He has always been very decisive in what he wants to do. He seems to have reason and is able to make decisions. HE WANTED TO COME INTO THE HOUSE, SO HE CAME TO US. He knew exactly where to find us. Even weak, sick and certainly not himself, he wanted comfort and he knew exactly where to find it.
As people, are we that willing to let our friends and family know our needs? I doubt it over all. First of all, no one wants to be a bother. Second of all, WE don't take the time we should to study the behaviors of those around us and OBSERVE that they might be in need and reach out. We are too self-serving, too absorbed in our own worlds and we do not look beyond that. Consider how much LOVE you miss in not giving of yourself and reaching out to others in need. It's not easy. People think you are weird. In fact, I have even been called "WEIRD" for completely dedicating myself to another human being who was gravely ill and NEEDED love, support, attention and affection.
I'll be weird from now on if that's what "love" is...and happily so.
Part of my love for animals is their acceptance of whatever comes their way. They accept love, they accept our failures as humans, they simply "live and love." A CARDINAL RULE of keeping livestock and maintaining healthy happy animals is that you MUST take the time to OBSERVE THEM and to KNOW THEM. If not, you won't know when they have a need. How much observing do we REALLY even do in our marriages, our families and our other relationships?
That's a HUGE question and a hard one to answer honestly, isn't it?
I don't know what will happen with Grady. I know I will keep doing what I know to do and I will keep telling him I love him and I will do all I can to help him.
I encourage you to take a good close look at how you respond to others. Do you observe them? I mean REALLY observe them, notice their nuances so when anything IS out of whack, you can pick up on it and offer help, or an ear or friendship or comfort.
Understand that we are ALL creatures of God. He loves us one and all. For me it is hard to differentiate loving my neighbor, whether it's a canine or a bovine or a feline or a human being. "Love is love." You cannot turn your heart away from those in need and feel very good about yourself.
I thank God for all I learn every day from my animals. I hope with all my heart that Grady makes it. I have so much more I want to see him get into. Even in his illness, he is teaching me about observing, love, gratitude, patience and even acceptance. I will let you know how things turn out with my friend Grady. He's SUCH a character. I'm not ready to let him go.
The bigger meaning in all of this, however, is to LOVE.
Just love. Then no matter what happens in life, I think you're much more prepared to deal with difficult things when they do come your way when your heart is free to love.
...I'm now going to check on my friend Grady and tell him again that he is loved. No time to proof read! You can correct my errors as an exercise in "observing." (grin!)

Till next time,
Annie