dachshunds

Fitting in Snuggle Time and Meditation Makes Life All the More Sweeter.

IMG_2082 12Cassy and Lil’ G getting in a little snuggle time

Our friend, Cassy spent the day with us on the 4th. Mini golf, lunch at a local restaurant on the water, and then topped off with watching the fireworks on the boat of Cassy’s friend. In between all the fun, John and I also managed to get in a nap. Gidget also found some time to snuggle with Cassy. I love this photo of the two of them.

Yesterday we went to our small town parade. The weather was just right with a nice breeze compared to a few years in a row where it was so humid. Then John and I hopped in the car and drove about 30 minutes to a nearby restaurant on the water front for a bite of lunch.

It was a lovely weekend and I enjoyed every moment. But as I got back into my yoga practice this morning, plus my 10 minutes of meditation, I realized with even more clarity how much I enjoy the silence and slowing down.

Moving through yoga this morning felt so incredibly good. When I was done I did 10 minutes of meditation. I felt like I had fallen into a big, fluffy, soft cloud. There was a light breeze blowing through my windows, while my table top water fountain trickled in the background, along with the sounds of birds tweeting here and there.

The words divine and delicious kept floating through my mind. Normally I feel way too anxious to mediate in the mornings, especially if I just sit there without a guided meditation or music softly playing in the background. I did have a moment of angst find me, but then the mantra, “My Time” came to me. I repeated that silently if I started to feel anymore angst. It worked.

I’ve been thinking about how much time we devote to others and our lists of  to do’s. My mantra “My Time” is something I know I’ll come back to.

From the minute we get up we are doing something and giving of ourselves. I thought about how the minute I am up, I whisk Gidget to the bathroom, make the bed, feed the dogs, get my yoga clothes on, and kiss and hug John (pretty much in that order!). To sit for 10 minutes just for me – no one else and for no list, truly is divine.

This weekend I read a blog post about how to start meditating and it said, “Even if you have 23 kids and 14 jobs, you can find five minutes to meditate.” I love the point of that because we all think our lives are just too busy and we think we can’t possibly find 5-10 minutes. But we can.

I’m not 100% good at meditation everyday (yes, even for five minutes), but I just have to say that when I take the time to do it, I sure do feel 100% better. It makes me want to keep moving toward that goal of at least five minutes each day.

Meet Oscar: #24 Recipient of a Dog Wheelchair from The Frankie Wheelchair Fund

oscar 1200Get your dancing shoes on! Join me in the happy walk ‘n roll dog dance celebrating Oscar, dog #24 who gets his wheels with help from The Frankie Wheelchair Fund!

Here’s the wonderful letter sent to me, as well as, Leslie at Eddie’s Wheels who I work with in providing these quality, custom made wheelchairs:

Hello Barbara & Leslie,

I just wanted to thank you so much for helping Oscar and I with the funds for his chair. I ended up raising $150.00 from bake sales and just people wanting to help out!! With the help of the Frankie fund to fund the rest we were able to purchase his cart! I received it yesterday from Eddie’s Wheels and it was built perfectly!! It couldn’t fit any better and he immediately took to it and loved it!! You all have such great hearts and Oscar and I are so thankful for all of your help. It’s heartwarming to know there are other people out there like me who will never give up on our fur babies.  From the bottom of my heart…thank you again.

Very truly yours,
Danielle & Oscar Neher

To learn more about The Frankie Wheelchair Fund and how you can apply or contribute please visit the website National Walk ‘N Roll Dog Day. The cost of a wheelchair, depending on the size and needs of the dog runs anywhere from $350-$1,500.

To learn more about dog wheelchairs, please visit Eddie’s Wheels.

As a reminder, a portion of proceeds of the purchase of this very roomy and durable tote bag from our friends at Beangoods goes to The Frankie Wheelchair Fund. Order yours here today!

Screen_shot_2014-02-17_at_3.16.20_PMAlso from now until June 28th during their pre-sale 10% of proceeds from the sale of this T-shirt will go to The Frankie Wheelchair Fund from our friends at What’s Up Dox Dachshund Shoppe. Order yours here today!

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Strong and Beautiful Men Cuddle with a Pink Blanket

gidget in papa's armsThere are many images that make me smile. But to see Gidget so content and happy resting on John’s lap, with his strong hands tenderly holding her, wrapped snug in her pink blanket…well, that touches me to the core of my soul.

It speaks to the caring and loving man that John is. His little G who has clearly burrowed right into his heart, expanding it once again.

These are the moments you don’t think of when you fall head over heels in love as I did with John when I was only 16 years old.

The moments when you witness love on a level you never gave thought to.

The moments such as these that fill me up and make me fall in love all over again.

Yes, indeed, strong and beautiful men who will even cuddle with a pink blanket.