dog lessons

Wednesdays with the Wisdom of Dog: Beauty

kylie looking out

“Wednesdays with the Wisdom of Dog.” This is part of a weekly series of lessons I’ve learned from my dogs, and/or something I feel they are trying to teach us. I welcome your thoughts on any of the lessons or teachings that resonate with you.

It happens just about every time. Kylie will be gazing contently out the front door. I’ll be drawn to sit beside her.

It’s through her eyes and the whisper of Spirit that calls to me to capture what my eyes can’t always see in my busy day-to-day flurry.

The beauty of seasons that ebb and flow. I stop to be still and in the rhythm of Dogs meditative heartbeat.

Winter with snowflakes that fall ever so gently covering the earth in a quiet hush. Trees so stark with their bare branches extending to the sky. Faithful to the sun knowing that their friends, the leaves, will soon become one with their branches once again.

Spring with Goldfinches flitting from branch to branch. A Robin, ear to the ground, listening and waiting for her next meal. The wind gently blowing through the tiny leaves on the birch tree—nature’s own wind chime. Tiny blades of grass kissed with the dew of the morning. Rain that washes away the old and brings in the new. A rainbow that presents itself as a reminder of hope and all the good in the world.

Summer with hummingbirds zooming in and out, landing but for a brief power sip of nectar from the feeder hanging above. Fresh new spurts of growth emerging from the flower bed next to the garage. Lightning that streaks across the sky in an orchestrated concert with Mother Nature as the conductor. Butterflies floating on the waves of summer breezes.

Fall with the leaves turning brilliant orange, yellow and red. Leaves ever so slowly gliding down from the branches, dancing across the front yard as if to the beat of their own drum.Squirrels hustling from tree to tree gathering their winter feast.

Almost nightly a star twinkling in the sky that catches my eye if I sit in the moment long enough. The moon that casts a warm glow over the earth, into my heart, and down to my toes.

Dog reminds us there is beauty everywhere. We don’t have to look far. It is right here, right now, straight ahead, all around, and within.

What has your animal friend taught you about appreciating beauty?

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Reflections. Starting Fresh. Bring on 2013.

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I love decorating for the holiday. But I must say, I also love putting it all away and starting fresh.

I did just that in my writing cottage today. Christmas decorations are now down and packed away. I also sorted through paperwork from 2012 and organized files, piles, etc.  I always find it amazing when we do this, how it opens the path for new things to find us. I’m excited to see what 2013 will bring in terms of creativity and where my new book will lead me.

As I went through old files I came across a file I had tucked away of stories, photos, etc. that had been done about Frankie.  I had a scrapbook started for her when we began our work together over six years ago, but some of it had piled up for “someday” to be added to her book of memories. Today was that someday. Through a few tears and smiles I placed the last of the photos and stories in her scrapbook. I’ll forever cherish the time and work I did with her. I will count it among some of the happiest times of my life. A blessing I will always be so grateful for.

Frankie is not gone, but forever preserved in my memory and in my heart. And from the journey her and I shared, it is time to move forward on the path that God has in store for me. I don’t like living in the past, and as much as I miss Frankie, I am eager and excited to move into 2013.

Not only does this feel like a new year for me, but it really does feel like a whole new beginning– almost as if the last six years were wrapped up in one as I begin a whole new adventure and period in my life. I don’t know yet what it all holds, but I remind myself to relax, be open, live in the moment… and enjoy the ride.  The perfect lessons that Frankie taught me, as well as Kylie and Joie continue to.