wag your tail, it's wednesday

wag your tail, it's wednesday

wag your tail it's wednesday

christmas is on the way

the "kids" are coming home

and i can't wait to play

Are your decorations up? Don't worry...

Wendie Pett has a company called Visibly Fit. Here's a quote I liked from a recent email.

"I failed miserably at getting all my Christmas decorations up this year. It's so bad that I didn't even put ornaments on the tree...only lights and a cross for the topper! When I asked my son about putting on ornaments he said, "Mom, Christmas isn't about a tree...it's about Jesus and his birthday!" He is absolutely correct! Technically, there is still time to put ornaments on the tree, but I've decided to keep them off to make a statement. It's just another reminder to us about the true reason for the season. The stress, pressure, and busyness can be a distraction from this precious day. I have made a conscious choice to make the most of this season by spending more time with loved ones instead of fretting over all the details that truly don't matter. How will you make the most of your time? What really matters most to you....Decorations? Baking? Shopping? Or RELATIONSHIPS?" Wendie Pett http://www.wendiepett.com

wag your tail, it's wednesday (poor stella)

there's a blizzard outside,

it's snowing and blowing,

the snowplows and blowers,

are going, and going.

oh please may i stay,

inside where it's warm,

i might blow away,

in such a bad storm!

fifth biggest snowfall in MN history - Dec. 11, 2010

a reflection

my heart is the manger

where Jesus will lay

deep in my soul

far beyond christmas day

my life is the monstrance

where Christ is exposed

for others to recognize

the one who arose

my mission is clear

i'm not here to shine

i'm here to reflect

a love that's divine

wag your tail, it's wednesday

Snow, snow

come out in the snow

i want to know

if you like snow

do you like it

yes or no?

from the book by Philip D Eastman

p.s.Stella's answer is :

no, no

i don't like snow

it's much too cold

when i have to go

it's snowing and snowing

the wind's blowing and blowing

and i am delighted

there's no where i'm going

mary of the snow

a crown of snow upon her head

a blanket round her feet

the sun upon her shoulders

as morning she does greet

she stands outside my window

to call my heart to prayer

she leads me to her son

though sorrows she does bare

her strength is known to many

her image we adore

not for her outer beauty

but for the son she bore

oh blessed mother mary

teach me to love like you

to give my heart completely

and live a faith that's true

sharing

this picture makes me smile

i hope you're smiling too

sometimes a picture lifts me up

when i am feeling blue

some pictures make me thankful

for all that i hold dear

and though they make me happy

they can also draw a tear

i like to share my pictures

in hopes they touch a heart

and connect me to the human race

because that's what i call art

my Laura

wag your tail, it's wednesday

flowers for friday

These flowers are from the Conservatory in Volunteer Park, Seattle.

A Soldier's View

Here is a short essay written by my son Daniel, who spent a year in Baghdad during his tour as an Army soldier. I could not be prouder of him! click here

pride is on the inside

Neil B. Downey

1Lt Timothy J. Connors

Daniel and Tom

Pride Is On The Inside

(feel free to substitute female pronouns when appropriate)

would i recognize

a veteran

if i saw him

even if

he were in ordinary clothes

would i recognize

his sacrifice and service

no, these are not the things

that are exposed

each person who has served,

to guard our freedom

who served because

he thought that it was right

no matter where you served,

i humbly thank you

because i sleep securely

through the night

to those

who're left with nightmares,

rage,

and flashbacks

or question some things

they were called to do

do you know

my heart breaks daily

for your struggles

and i 'll do anything,

to help you make it through

do you recognize

my pride,

when you pass by me

can you see

the depth of gratitude

i feel

do you know

my loved ones served

and still are serving

no, these are things

not outwardly revealed

waggin' wednesday

Well, the Halloween cards of dogs in costumes did not get made this year but if they had, this is what you would have seen straight from The Garden Of Eden and you know who ate the apple.

rub-a-dub-bug

there's a box elder beetle in my bathroom

he's marching 'round the rim of the tub

each time when i see him

i think i should free him

or maybe just give him a scrub

waggin' wednesday

We are dog people, but last week we were kitten smitten. When we visited Dan & Tiffany they still had two kittens from a litter of 5. Now they have gone together to a new home but we were happy to play with them before they left.

skipping Halloween

i skipped Halloween this year

i didn't carve a pumpkin

i didn't send out cards from dogs

and that is saying somethin'

i really didn't decorate

i didn't buy the treats

i didn't hand the candy out

i stayed right in my seat

some folks will be surprised

at the reason why -

i was tired of being perfect

so i let it pass me by

But ask the animals, and they will teach you,

or the birds of the air, and they will tell you;

or speak to the earth, and it will teach you,

or let the fish of the sea inform you.

Which of all these does not know

that the hand of the Lord has done this?

In his hand is the life of every living thing

and the breath, of every human being.

Job 12:7-10

your story

in the story of your life,

which role do you play,

are you the protagonist,

the one who saves the day,

or are you the victim,

who doesn't have control,

who cries about injustice,

and no one can console.

in each of our life's stories,

we are the ones who choose,

which character we will portray,

by what we say and do.

no one can make us into,

something we are not,

unless we choose to follow,

someone else's plot.

autumn colors

oh autumn, how i've missed you,

how glad I am you're here,

even though you can be cloudy,

that does not spoil my cheer.

your chill awakes my senses,

your fragrance stirs my soul,

oh how i praise your colors,

cast in the starring role.

waken slowly,

with the sunrise,

let it warm you,

as you rise,

let it wash,

across your body,

slowly open up,

your eyes,

hear the birds,

awaken with you,

beckon to you,

with their cries,

open up your heart,

with gladness,

for this day is,

God's surprise,

oh, how much,

he wants to bless you,

give away,

his strength to you,

even when,

the day seems heavy,

he fills your life,

with grace anew,

do not fear,

or dread the morning,

God is truly,

there for you,

father, mother,

savior, spirit

with the sunrise,

wakens you,

soggy

dodging earthworms on the street,

lest they squish beneath my feet,

how much do you want to bet,

that my morning's paper's wet,

soggy paper, soggy shoes,

i don't need to know the news,

if it's wet i do not mind,

the jumble can be done online.

flowering fridays

marvelously colored, malachite,

on a flower pink and bright,

captured quickly in the light,

knowing you will soon take flight,

waggin' wednesday

what a stormy summer,

lots of wind and rain,

it drenches all the rooftops,

then rushes down the drain.

the clouds are acting crazy,

they make the strangest shapes,

the sky turns dark and scary,

and blackens the landscapes.

the thunder booms, there's lightning,

sometimes the sirens wail,

i'm happy to report though,

we haven't had much hail.

one thing that's good about it,

i've often heard 'round here,

mother nature's taken over,

the watering this year.

sorrows

do not waste your sorrows,

a wise one once did say,

they are there to call you,

to your authentic way.

listen to their voices,

feel the pain they bring,

heal the wounds uncovered,

so your soul may sing.

if they're left unanswered,

they bubble to the top,

if you do not heed them,

life become's a boiling pot.

do not fear your sorrows,

though pain they surely bear,

you don't go there alone, my friend,

God holds you while you're there.

i'll say it ...

i hate summer,

the weather is a bummer,

when it's hot and muggy,

it really drives me buggy,

and here's another thing,

sunscreen can really sting,

don't get it in your eye,

cuz you will surely cry!

maui memories

gentle sunrises,

walks on the beach,

sand 'neath our toes,

for your hand i reach.

sailing together,

diving down deep,

discovering wonders,

these memories i'll keep.

flowers and birds,

not seen before,

captured in photos,

as we explored.

seafood, pineapple,

and coconut cake,

of hawaii's best foods,

we did heartily partake.

recaptured youth,

on the end of a board,

riding the waves,

while age we ignored.

reconnecting our hearts,

smiling and laughing,

sharing our love,

and completely relaxing.

this trip was a gift,

we wished would not end,

if you invite me to maui,

i'll say yes once again.

and when the sun sets,

on the warmth of the beach,

with sand 'neath our toes,

for your hand i'll reach.

flowering fridays

summer's here

Photo Blend Overlay from Cottage Arts

sprinklers,

and farmer's markets,

lawnmowers,

and green grass carpets,

singing birds,

and buzzing bees,

lots of shade,

from leafy trees,

fireworks,

and fireflies,

watermelon,

ice cream pies,

summer's here,

loud and clear,

put on your flip flops,

grab your gear.

head to the beach,

for the summer scene,

don't forget,

to wear sunscreen.

sit on your porch,

and eat a peach,

it's summer's bliss,

within your reach.

fireflies

if stella hadn't disappeared,

around the house last night,

i would have missed the fireflies,

twinkling so bright.

i could have gotten mad at her,

and just gone back inside,

instead i followed curiously,

and was happily surprised.

when things are out of our control,

just smile and let them go,

though something might seem negative,

we never really know.

sometimes when things go wrong,

other things go right,

and bring you happy gifts,

like fireflies at night.

beauty true

photo overlay from Cottage Arts

outer beauty fades,

while inner beauty grows,

it's not enhanced by makeup,

or covered up by clothes.

it's not recognized in passing,

it's not seen from afar,

you will only truly see it,

by knowing someone's heart.

to see another's beauty,

you must know her soul,

that's where you will discover,

her beauty true, doth grow.

flowering fridays

Overlay from Cottage Arts

wag your tail, it's wednesday

The Furminator - First brushing. Troy's on the left, Stella's on the right. Second brushing I got that much more out of Troy and about half out of Stella.

art inspres

i would

if you had a blog, i would read it each day,

if you had a website, in my favorites you'd stay,

if you wrote a column, or published a book,

i'd tell all my friends, where to take a look.

if you were on facebook, i'd be your friend,

if you sold things online, my money i'd spend,

for all of these things, connect me to you,

you're a part of my heart, and i love what you do.