Six Years With An Angel

It was six years ago today that Sophie and I met. It had been four days since Bruzer's passing and I was a complete mess. I couldn't stop sobbing. I couldn't eat or sleep or think. A "mess" is a vast understatement. But then, on the morning of the 26th of April, I got up and decided that I would not torture myself a moment longer. After a bit of research (Humane Society) I took off for the coast.

The moment I saw her I thought, "Ohhhhh! I hope she picks me!" Because in my heart I KNOW that it is they who choose us. NOT the other way around. She was in her very large kennel with her "roommate" and a woman who was sitting on the floor giving them cookies. I didn't think I stood a chance. When given the choice between a cookie and a stranger, what would YOU choose?

I watched for a few minutes, just taking it all in. The woman finally saw me standing there and asked would I like to meet one of them. I told her yes I would but after they got their treats. She said that they'd had enough; then she said "which pup would you like to meet?"

I pointed to Sophie (who, by the way, had been named "Silver Lining". What the hell??? What kind of name is THAT for a Dog?!). She put Sophie on a leash and walked her out of the kennel, gave me a handful of treats and handed her over. We then walked to an enclosure that had artificial turf and a bench on either end. She told me to spend as much time as I liked and when I'd made up my mind, to walk her into the lobby.

Being the smart puppy she is, she'd seen me put those little treats in my pocket and knew they were for her. She didn't make one bit of fuss as we walked into the enclosure. I sat down on one of the benches and asked her to "SIT". She looked at me with a blank stare, wagging her tail, waiting for a treat. I had to giggle. Cutest face EVER!

I spent about half an hour with her and then asked if she wanted to come home with me. By that time all the cookies were gone and still she followed me from one end to the other. I asked again. She wagged her tail and walked to the gate. I had my answer.

It's about an hour's drive from that shelter to our home. She rode the whole way with one paw on my leg. I was laughing and crying simultaneously. Mostly because I just KNEW that my Bruzer had a hand in the whole affair. Also because I could feel my heart healing as we drove.

From the moment she walked through the door, she was home. I knew it. She knew it. And I like to think Bruzer knew it too. She did not erase the pain of losing him, she merely made it more bearable for me. Hers was a sketchy past. Someone had found her living on the streets of El Centro, pregnant and filthy and starving. How she ended up on the coast is a mystery. One thing is certain: she was on her way to ME.

There isn't a day that passes that I don't thank her for coming to live with me. Each morning I sing her a song that says so. And she wags her tail and gives me kisses and I know she's grateful too.

Living with an Angel is about as good as it gets.

Sophie chose Joy.
Me too. 

Highly Sensitive Beings

In light of recent events on our Mighty Blue Orb, it has become especially apparent (to me) that those of us who are {what other folks like to call} "too sensitive" may be overwhelmed with energy. Not the kind of energy that makes you want to climb Everest. Rather, the kind of energy that can crush you like a bug under a giant's foot. It feels like you cannot breathe. It feels like your brain is about to explode. It FEELS way too much. And it can be awfully tough to handle. That is, unless you realize that your ultra sensitive Self is as strong as it is sensitive.

Highly Sensitive Beings, (HSBs, from here on out), are often the brunt of jokes and abuse and misunderstandings. Often, an HSB will attempt to compensate for her/his sensitivity; they might wear a bravado that is unwarranted. Or use a big voice. Or pretend to be something they are not. These defense mechanisms are merely an attempt to protect the HSB from the often callous Humans who cannot see that the masks are merely that: MASKS. HSBs will sometimes run from the world, simply because they cannot bear the weight of their emotional "gifts". Because, as often as not, they are NOT gifts at all. They are the bane of existence to those who feel so deeply.

Given that there is so much suffering brought to our attention these days, what with a media that prefers sensationalism over truth, and nearly every Human with a "smart phone" thinking that maybe they can grab their 15 minutes of fame, inundation makes for even more weight on such sensitive souls. Not an easy cross to bear.

So...I thought today might be a good day to remind those of you who are feeling overwhelmed to take a few steps back. Step away from the news and the intrusions of a world gone mad. Turn off your gadgets. Lock the doors. Hide, if you must. And gather your Self. The one that is strong and resilient and hopeful. The one that gives you the power to be who you are. Gather that Self and treat it to a day (or five!) of pampering. Ignore the rest of the world. It's okay. You are allowed. In the name of self-preservation. Because if YOU don't, who will?

I know it's hard. I know it hurts. I know you think you may never find your Joy again. But I promise you: You WILL. It WILL get better. It WILL pass. You CAN go on. And you must. Because the WORLD NEEDS YOU. The world is better for having you in it. You are a rare and beautiful flower whose beauty can heal and nourish and scatter Joy like no other.

Yes. I'm talking to YOU.

Hold on to your Joy. It is there, in your heart. It will guide you, if only you allow it.

JUST TRUST.

I have learned...

I have learned that people are more alike than not. No matter where they're "from" or what language they speak, most folks are kind. IF you give them the chance.

I have learned that we have more in common with each other than we might think. Most folks want pretty much the same things: to love and be loved, to take care of their families, to have FUN.

I have learned that once we put aside our "labels" and cease with the judgments, harmony is not only easier to achieve, but quite readily ripples out into the world.

I have learned that when you gather 'round and break bread together, the most common sound you will hear is LAUGHTER. {UNLESS it's family. Then...there's no tellin'.}

I have learned that children know all this stuff better than "grown-ups".

I have learned that the only way to live one's life in a meaningful way is to make JOY a priority. Every. Single. Day.

I have learned that curiosity is the true "Fountain of Youth".

Keep your heart open.
Keep your arms open.
Shut the door on judgments.
Eat together more.
Laugh more.
Stay hungry for "new things".

Choose. JOY.

Can Forgiveness (REALLY) Heal?

It's tricky business: FORGIVENESS. And I've no doubt there are likely about a gazillion articles, books, blogs, podcasts, etc. ad nauseaum, on the topic. Probably because...it's tricky business.

It may be "tricky" for a lot of reasons, but in my experience, after you clear away all the Ego and Excuses and ExtraCurricularBullshit, it turns out, it really isn't so tricky after all. Because, in the end, we all find out (eventually) that forgiveness isn't about whomever it is we blame for our pain or sadness or unfortunate circumstances. The act of Forgiveness is an act of Love...for ourSELVES.

Now, if you've ever read any of the nineteen bazillion "self-help" books out there, you've likely already heard this. OR if you happen to be of a certain religious pedigree. OR if you just stumbled upon this little nugget by "accident" matters not at all. What matters is that you reach that moment. That you finally get it. That you feel the excruciating hole in your heart begin to fill up again. And if you haven't yet reached that moment, perhaps I can provide a little hope for you until you do.

Let us back up for a moment (because you know that it's nearly impossible for me to write in any kind of chronological way).

A few years back, a dear and beloved friend of mine sent me a book she thought I might enjoy. The name of that book is "The Shack". It is a novel, written by a clearly "christian" man, who may or may not have had some semblance of a similar experience to the main character in the story. It is the author's rendition of what he believes is the ultimate answer to all the pain and grief and inexplicable agony we must endure until we find our way back to faith. At that moment in my Life, I wanted no part of any such story. I had (and still have) no interest in stories about "god" or "faith" or religious mumbo jumbo. To me, those stories are nothing more than stolen lore that were rewritten by a bunch of power-hungry men who wanted to control the masses. I've always believed that.

I still do.

Problem arose, though, when it occurred to me that my fascination with Mythology was nothing more than a curiosity about what makes Humans so vulnerable to such stories. I mean, just because millions of people "believe" in some god or other doesn't mean that my inquisitive mind should dismiss their versions of any given Mythology. Just because I fancy Pan or Odin or Kokopelli over the "God of Abraham" is not a good reason to visit a story by some man from Canada who may or may not have a gift to write, right? In the end, three years after she sent me the book the first time, she sent it again. This time I was ready to read it.

I will tell you that the book is beautifully crafted. The story is both excruciating and exhilarating. Between the tragedy of the main character's horrific event and the lengths to which he was willing to go to relieve the pain of his life, the other characters in the story came to life on those pages. By the time I finished, I was wanting more. And believe when I say, I was stunned by this realization.

Fast forward several years: the book has now been made into a movie. Among the cast are the brilliant Octavia Spencer (of "The Help" fame, among others) and the darling Tim McGraw (of Country Music fame). The rest of the cast were actors I'd never heard of. But I really wanted to see it just so I could see how it would compare to the book. {Also, one of the characters is portrayed by a delicious looking man named Aviv Alush. YumYumYummy man!} When it was released on DVD, I rented it and watched with a mix of trepidation and eagerness. Remember, I already knew the story and when I say "horrific", I mean horrific.

I actually had to pause the movie several times so I could gather myself and calm my heart rate down to a reasonable pulse. I called my dear friend and said, "I'm not sure I can watch it." She assured me that I'd be happy I did if I could just make it through the first part of the story. So I grabbed a box of Kleenex, poured a glass of wine, and returned to the film.

I can't even begin to tell you how much this movie affected me. In all kinds of ways. On all kinds of levels. But the one thing that stuck out, days and weeks after I'd watched it, was a particular scene in which the main character must utter the words "I forgive you". It was one of the most heart-wrenching scenes I've ever witnessed. It tore me up so bad that I had to pause (again!) and call my friend (again!) and get a little more assurance that it was "worth it". That scene sticks with me to this day. And brings us back 'round to this whole long-winded missive.

Forgiveness.

Whether of not there is a god, or a place called heaven or Love so powerful it can restore us, is of little importance. People get to choose what to believe in. What god to worship. How to live their lives. But no matter the choices we make, it is essential that we all come to understand that Forgiveness is absolutely, positively essential if we are to live with any semblance of Joy. In the end, no matter what "happens" when we leave the Planet, it is the space in between that makes or breaks a Life. Forgiveness, the most powerful form of Love I know, is the key to such a Life.

But then ... who am I to say?

sign posts

Seems to me there are lots of folks who've forgotten or simply don't notice just how much Magick abounds. Some call it "miracle". Others, "luck". And still others..."coincidence". But, no matter what you call it, it HAPPENS.

A LOT.

We get so caught up in the minutia of daily Life, we forget to pay attention. We forget just how Magickal a sunrise is. Or a bird's song. Or a pup looking at you with those eyes all full of Love. Or the touch of a child's hand. Or a stranger lending a hand. Or a butterfly alighting on your hand. Or...

I'm guessing you get the point.

Over the course of the past decade, much has happened to lead me to a rather large shift in perspective. For all the pain and suffering I imposed on myself, I can see now that much of that "suffering" was of my own doing. Because, just as JOY is a choice, so then is SUFFERING. And when we choose to look for Joy, and give suffering the boot, we open ourselves to the Magick I speak of now. The Magick that is the Source of All Life. The Magick of a Universe so vast, our puny Human minds can't come close to grasping Its magnitude. Magick that not only abounds, but is a part of each and every one of us.

Think about how Life begins.

It is nothing more than a gooey smear of fluids, combined in a warm, nutrient rich environment, where it melds together to form a fetus. And then...a Being!

If that ain't Magick, I don't know what is.

I offer this today because I think it needs remembering. I think we are in such a tumultuous moment that if we don't remember just how much Magick there is, we might have our Spirits crushed by the weight of the madness. We don't need to go there. Remember...

it's ALL about choices.

be NICE.

It really is that simple. 

Remember, ALWAYS, that YOU get to choose who can "stay" or who must "GO!"

That's about all for now.

{what more need be said?}

Cheers, Love, and a BOATLOAD of JOY to you ~~~

Invictus

In light of the Circus yesterday (in D.C.), I waited until today to give meself a minute to process. Truth be told, I did NOT participate. Not in any way. No TV. No social media. No involvement of any kind.

Why?

Because, my friends, as I've said over and over and over again: Joy is a CHOICE.

Yesterday I chose Joy.

Here's the thing: I knew that watching the inauguration would cause my stomach to heave and my heart to ache. I knew that no matter what, there wasn't a single thing I could DO to change the fact that a new president would be taking office, regardless of my opinions, preferences, emotional distress. SO, rather than participate in all that, I chose, instead, to lavish myself with all things JOYFUL.

It was an intensely stormy day here. HUGE wind and rain and cold and wildness. I love that kinda day. I began with an hour of study. Next, I spoke to a dear friend about the many blessings in our lives. Did some yoga. Had a long, hot shower. Took my darlin' Sophie to the nearest strip mall where we could walk without getting soaked. {She is not a fan of walking in the rain.} Once home, I poured a lovely glass of wine, fired up the fireplace AND the oven, and set about the happy task of making some oh-so-yummy Double Chocolate Banana Bread.

{YUMMMMM!}

Oh yea.

Whilst the bread was baking, filling our humble abode with its fabulous aroma, we sat on the bed and watched the storm. The wind was howling so loudly it drowned out the music I had playing. Sophie was still shivering, both from being a bit damp and from her fear of storms, so I wrapped her in a blanket and cuddled her until she settled down. I had candles at the ready in case the power blew, and felt an overwhelming sense of gratitude for this place we call Home. In all, I spent the entire day in my happy, loving space, with nary a care in the world.

The Circus would go on, with or without me. And THAT, for me, is A-OK. I write these words now for a couple of reasons. First...I do believe in active participation, whatever that means to you. I believe that we ALL make a difference. I believe that in order for there to be GOOD in this world, we must do our part. There is a saying: "All that is needed for evil to prevail is for good men to do nothing." This strikes a chord for me. {I hope it does for you too.}

Secondly, there are many ways for us to participate. What matters is that we DO. Whether it is marching for the rights of HUMANS, or getting in the faces of those in office, writing to share good messages, or lighting a candle and saying a prayer. All these things matter BECAUSE of the energy required to do them. Energy is energy. Regardless of how small and insignificant it may seem, what goes OUT will come back 'round. So...

You can participate without leaving your Joy behind.
You can focus your intentions to good end.
You can make a difference, even if you are but one person (aren't we ALL?).

OR...

You can choose to ignore it all and let someone else do the work.
Just remember: There is power in numbers.
We DO have the power to change what needs changing.

It is, as always, a matter of CHOICE.

EnJOYOGA ~

At the turn of the calendar year, I made a couple of promises to meself for 2017. Not one to make "New Year's Resolutions", I prefer to envision doing some things I've not yet done. Like go to The Grand Canyon. And..YOGA.

I have a sister who happens to teach Yoga at the local YMCA, and she's been kind enough to have me over (to her home) for a lesson. It was an hour long, and it was a large challenge for me. Mostly because of the way my body is currently demanding my attention. I don't need to lose weight (don't judge me!) and I have no desire to sculpt my physique as I once did. My Gym Rat days are over. I bid them farewell a decade ago, but not without a fuss. It wasn't really a choice so much as it was about me heeding my body's message:

TIME. FOR. CHANGE.

And so, after her private class I decided I needed to find something a bit more gentle. Not that she was forcing me to do poses I couldn't. Quite the opposite. She repeatedly reminded me to "ask" and then listen to what my body would agree to. It was both beautiful and frustrating. I never forgot the feelings, though, after it was over. I felt so energized. I felt energy actually moving through me. I felt a profound sense of gratitude. I knew that I needed to do more of this. I also knew it was about finding the proper regimen for my particular set of circumstances.

So, I went to a class at our local library. It was NOT to my liking. For so many reasons. For the sake of brevity (here), suffice to say that the instructor and the energy in that room were not what I was looking for. I left the class with even more determination.

I will find the right-for-me teacher.

I had already done some major perusing on YouTube. You can find videos on anything there. And so I did. I found this woman, who goes only by "Candace", who struck a chord. She has a vast collection of videos on many types of Yoga, from the beginner to the highly-practiced. I was looking for something that would allow me to actually do the entire regimen without feeling like I'd failed. I wanted gentle movements, not ones that would pain me to try. I also knew the voice of the instructor mattered. It's a thing for me. I'm a singer by nature, so voices do matter. A LOT. When I heard Candace's voice in that first video, I knew I'd found the one.

BINGO! is what I heard.

Now, a little more than a week later, I cannot even begin to tell you how happy I am to have found her. I'm listening to her wise guidance (about pain) and her gentle way of working through the routines. I'm excited to do them. I feel fantastic! And...it's definitely changing the way I move throughout my day. In all, it's MAGICK! So, I thought I'd share her YouTube channel with you. Just in case you have the urge to do something you've never done. OR to do something a little differently. OR...just because.

Regardless of your current situation or physical circumstance, I do believe she's worth a few moments of your time. If it's not your thang, you might like to share with your own friends/loved ones if they're looking for some inspiration. Either way, I thought it worth the time to tell you.

As always, Joy is a CHOICE.
So is Yoga.

Cheers!

Yoga by Candace

Wishing You a Very ....

Merry Winter Solstice.

Happy Hanukkah.

Happy Festivus.

Happy Kwanza.

Pure Day of the Innocents.

Stellar St. Stevens Day.

Yummy National Syrup Day.

Sweet National Cotton Candy Day.

Stealthy Day of the Ninja.

Oh...and let us not forget..
Scrumptious National Cookie Day.

Did I miss any?

The list may not be all-inclusive, but it does lead me to the topic for today's meandering:

"POLITICAL CORRECTNESS"
{don't worry. I haven't lost my mind. take a breath. okay. ready?}

I am not a Christian. Although I was raised in the Catholic church, I realized the inconsistencies of that particular mythology long ago. Having spent decades researching both "religion" and "science", I've made my choices based on what feels like truth. To me. That being said, I don't believe that the man called Jesus of Nazareth was born anywhere near December 25th. There's far too much evidence to the contrary. But that's not the point.

The point is: Who cares? If people want to honor that beautiful man on December 25th, so what? What's the harm in Christians spreading their mythological cheer? Who is being harmed in the process? Is this some kind of life or death situation?

I say it's high time everybody get over the whole stupid mess of taking offense when somebody says Merry Christmas or Happy Hanukkah or Happy Kwanza (which, for the record, is also a made-up holiday. Do your homework.), or WHATEVER. When folks are wishing you ANYTHING joyful, why not just accept it for what it is (a happy greeting) and be grateful for the good cheer?

Option number two is: don't accept that good cheer and stay in your Cranky Pants snit and live in your chosen misery. Because it IS. A choice. Do you think it matters one single hoot to somebody who can't feed their kids? Or won't have any semblance of a "holiday" in that cardboard box under the bridge? Do you think that the child with no mother cares about "political correct-ness"? REALLY? Besides, what has political correctness to do with holidays anyway? I realize that the whole concept of "separation of church and state" is a joke to begin with, but when did we decide that wishing good cheer to a person is something that must have conditions? Who started this nonsense? What makes you think that YOUR holiday, whatever it be, is more important than mine? What makes you think I give a shit about your definition of holiday cheer in the first place? (for the record, I do not.)

I think it's important to add my little aside here:
I do realize that this, my blog, is called "JOY IS A CHOICE". I also realize that this post is fairly lacking in both. However, there comes a time in a person's day when one must decide to speak up. Even if it means a rant that's left of center. Maybe it's better to offer it up and let folks decide. While it isn't my usual cheery missive, it doesn't mean it has no value.
Just sayin'.

Well then...back to topic:

I am more than tired of wimpy-assed people getting all worked up about the words they think "we" ought to use to spread good cheer. I believe that if those same folks would spend that same energy on stuff that actually matters (like that motherless child or the folks without food/shelter), we might all then come to what the spirit of the season is about in the first place.

It is meant to replenish the stores of "Peace on Earth and Good Will Toward Men".
{and if you even think that crap about my using the term "men", I'll throw my eggnog in your face.}

And...on that note...I'd say it's time I wrap this up.

Should we happen to cross paths and I happen to wish you a Happy Winter Solstice or a Merry Christmas or a Marvelous Monday, I suggest you be grateful for the well-wishes and carry on. It might just be the last time anyone offers you GOOD.

Ever think about THAT?

{a special thanks to the darlin' Andy Murray for sharing this glorious photo. Love and hugs to you and yours!}

The Joy Jar

A few years back, I read something somewhere (...don't ask me where. Does it really matter?) about a thing called a Joy Jar; its purpose being to jot down those little moments of Joy when they happen, fold up the note, and drop it into the jar. Then, after a time, (a month, a year, tomorrow...when you're having a super-shitty day), you pop open the jar and read your notes.

Needless to say (but you know I'm going to say it anyway), when you read back those moments of Joy, it brings you right back to the moment...AND the JOY...and your whole perspective changes. Pretty cool, huh?

WHAT A GREAT IDEA!!!

So, I found what I thought might be a proper Joy Jar, pulled out my favorite linen paper, and began looking for things to jot down so I could fill it up. What I didn't know at that moment was how much it would change my day. And when I say "day", I mean all the days that ensued.

You see, when you set out on a new quest, if you're anything at all like me, you get a bit obsessed. As in: you think about it.

All.
The.
Time.

That is to say, if you happen to have an "obsessive personality". (I do.) So it makes sense that I would (think about it all the time). The psychological professionals (of which I am...or was...) call this character trait "Obsessive/Compulsive Disorder", or OCD.

I call it TENACITY.

{At the risk of getting side-tracked here, I'm going to offer up my perspective on this whole OCD thang. I promise I'll get back to the Joy Jar. HONEST!}

First of all, is it just me or has the world gone mad with labeling shit that needn't be labeled? My best guess is that the ginormous pharmaceutical companies are behind all this labeling. Because, let's be honest here, if they label it as a "disease/disorder", more folks are likely to buy the drugs they think they need to overcome said disease/disorder. I have three words for you: Shaking Leg Syndrome.

ARE YOU FUCKING KIDDING ME????

It's not a "syndrome". It's a symptom of someone who may or may not have anxiety of the highest order. OR they have some energy that needs expending. OR they don't like sitting down for long periods of time. OR....(oh, there are so many...) What it is NOT is a DISEASE/DISORDER. Just something the puny human might like to take some time to address. As in: what are you so freakin' worried about???? You do NOT need drugs. You need to calm the fuck down and pay attention.

Okay. Rant over.

Back to the Joy Jar.

So, I found a proper jar and immediately wrote a little note to remember the finding of the idea and the excitement I felt in this new ritual. {I'm big on rituals.} Dropped my pretty little note into my pretty big jar and found a spot where I wouldn't forget to continue adding to it. Once finished with that task, I went about my day.

Wouldn't you know it, by day's end I had another note to add to my jar. And then...

The next morning, after the usual love fest with my SophieDawg (another of my greatest Joys), I remembered the Joy Jar. I said aloud, "today I shall look for moments that bring me Joy...and put a new note in that jar."

And so I did.

And the next day.
And the next.
And, while it hasn't been every day, it has been more days than not.

{Some days are tricky.}

I wake up in the morning, I snuggle with my puppy and thank the stars for a new day to LOOK FOR moments of Joy to add to my jar. And at the end of each year (or...on those super-shitty days), I pour the contents of the jar onto my bed and relive those moments that I might otherwise have forgotten.

AND...

Yes. It has changed my Life. It has helped me to begin each new day with a sense of adventure and HOPE for what this day might bring. It has helped me to remember that when I look, I find. Whatever I look for. It has helped me to stay afloat on those super-shitty days when I forget that there is far more good than not. Most of all, it has brought me those same joys, over and over and over.

And I can tell you, without question:

Joys NEVER get old.

All Else Is Clutter

I saw something today that got me to thinking about the term "reality". Thought now might be a terrific time to muse on the matter, in case someone needs a nudge.

It has become annoyingly apparent that there are people on this planet who would rather stare down at their phones than be part of the world around them. Just recently I did a little experiment (and you know how I love my experiments!). Whilst I was running errands, I started counting the number of people walking on the various streets I traveled. Of those, I counted how many were actually watching where they walked compared to those who were staring at their phones as they walked. I did this several times over the course of two weeks.

{As to why I would do such an experiment, the simple answer is: because I'm curious like that.}

The numbers were startling. More than EIGHTY PERCENT of the people I saw were completely unaware of their surroundings. They were so engrossed in their gadgets they were walking into signs and falling of curbs. It was shocking to me that none of them were hit by cars. I kid you NOT.

Then, today, I saw this comment from a darling woman who wondered aloud why it is that it's "socially acceptable" for people to wear a Virtual Reality headset or chase Pokeman all over town, yet unacceptable for someone to wave a magic wand and talk to faeries. She seemed a bit disturbed by this inequity; I felt her angst the moment I read the words.

It got me to thinking about all this "technology vs. spirituality" stuff. My immediate response to the woman was to offer some gentle words to remind her that "reality" is a personal thing.

Kinda like religion.

Ask anyone who believes in a god, and they'll give you a thousand reasons why theirs is the only god. They may even be able to quote their holy book, chapter and verse. But ask them why they believe it, and most couldn't tell you.

Flip side: ask anyone who swears by their technology and most will tell you, "it makes life easier or better or more efficient". As with religious zealots, they can give you reasons that may seem logical, but they couldn't tell you how or why it's improved their lives.

{Keep in mind, these are general observations. They do not apply to ALL people. There is a point to be made, hence the "general observations".}

And the point is this:

Comparisons will kill ya. Comparisons will cause great distress when one is unhappy with one's current circumstance. Comparisons fuel bitterness. Bitterness will keep you from flying.

That is, if you happen to believe in flying.

In the end, the only "reality" that matters is the one you create, the one you believe, the one you choose to live.

All else is just unnecessary clutter.

It also keeps you from your Joy.

{Please remember: you DO have a choice.}

HALLELUIAH BIRTHDAY ~

Tomorrow marks the day I made my grand entrance onto the Great Blue Planet. And so, I will begin yet another voyage 'round that enormous ball of energy that fuels Life here on Earth.

For reasons unknown to me, I keep hearing this line from an old Star Trek episode where this being from another planet addressed Captain Kirk and the crew as "ugly bags of mostly water". Don't ask me why it popped into my head. I don't have a clue. But as I sat here giggling (just as I did back when I first heard it), I couldn't help wondering about the connection between being ugly bags of mostly water living on a planet that is also mostly water.
Did Gene Roddenberry know something we didn't know all those years ago?
Did he see the havoc we would wreak on the only home we have?
Was he trying to tell us something?

Whether or not it is part of the larger cosmological plan or just some freak accident, it seems it ought to deserve at least a minute. I mean, if we're made up of the same stuff that the planet we're zooming around on, wouldn't you think we'd want to take better care? Of both?

I don't know about you, but I have not a stitch of an inkling of desire to go rocketing out into space to find some other planet to destroy. I like this one just fine. I like the Trees and the Critters and, sometimes, even the Humans that inhabit this place. I'd say it's worth caring for. I'll leave the space travel to whomever it is that finds such things exciting. Gimme a big ol' chunk of land with Trees and Water and Horses and Dogs and leave me to my livin'. I'll even grow my own food. Although, truth be told, I'd rather somebody else do that work for me. But, if push comes to shove (WHERE in the world did that saying come from?!) I could grow my own food. I'm not sure about the meat thang though. I'd probably have to go vegetarian because I don't see me killin' any Critters just so I can eat. I know. What a flippin' hypocrite.

HEY! DON'T JUDGE!

Anywayyyyyz....

I'm really rambling here. Mostly because there are about nine gazillion things flyin' through my brain and I figured this might be a good way to calm that zoom down. Also, I've got my perky on. Sometimes these things happen, you know? And when my brain goes into warp drive, I can usually find a bit of calm if I sit here and type. "Sometimes" being the operative word here. I suppose I could go whip up some dinner or roll around on the floor with my Dawg. But it's been a while since I dropped ya'll a line, so I figured maybe I could double down and see what might tumble outta this here brain of mine.

So...to wrap things up before I go meandering down a road I don't care to meander, I'll leave you with this:

Birthday or not, Life is a grand and glorious adventure and I am deeply grateful to have today and all the days after this one to explore and evolve and play with the Magick that is my Life.

Oh. One more thing, just in case you forgot...
Life is about choices.
JOY is a choice.
What do YOU choose?

HALLELUIAH BIRTHDAY TO ME!

Happy, happy, PiggyFace

...just for YOU
to bring a smile
to remind you that
Joy is a
CHOICE.

Happy New Year!

{Original art by Camille Strate. Graphite and charcoal. 12.30.15. All rights reserved.}

Happy Birthday...

Today marked the day I entered the world...more than fifty years ago. Last night, while I laid in bed, I thought about what it must've been like for my mother. According to her account, she had to "fight hard" to keep me. Apparently, at the time, all the doctors could tell her was to stay on her back and keep her feet elevated. No one seemed to know why she was having trouble holding her baby in her womb. So, as she told it to me, she did just that. Laid on her back for most of the forty weeks she carried me. When she went into labor, she said, it happened very fast. At 4:30 a.m. on April 16th, my dad drove her to the hospital. I was born at 4:45 a.m.

Talk about eager.

She said I was screaming the moment my head hit air. Screaming and hungry. She said I nursed every two and a half hours. Like clockwork, she said. You could set your watch to the screams, she said. It was as if I had some insatiable hunger that she could not fill, she said.

And now....as I think about what it must have been like for her, I wonder if it was something she cherished or dreaded. Was I her bane? I have my Baby Book. There are no photos. Only a few notes she wrote shortly after my birth. I was her third child. I guess she was tired of filling up Baby Books by then. But the notes imply she was thrilled to have me. They are words of gratitude and even surprise. As if she didn't expect me to live.

How horrible would that be for a mother? To think that every time your child went to sleep, she might not wake up? GEEZ. Talk about a nightmare.

Today my mother is no longer on the planet. I cannot ask her these questions. I cannot know what it might have been like for her. I can only speculate. And hope. Hope that I was worth the trouble. Hope that I provided enough Joy to make up for the hassle of lying on her back for the entirety of her pregnancy. Hope that, when she left the planet, she was happy to have known me. As happy as I was to have known her. She was my hero. She was my anchor. She gave me Life. And, above that, Love. She encouraged me to keep reaching for the things that made me happy. And to use the hunger that's driven me my whole life, that insatiable hunger that still drives me, as fuel to feed the Creative spirit that is Me. I do my best, every single day, to live up to her esteem. To make her proud. Wherever she might be. And to remember, ALWAYS, that she was the one who taught me:

Joy is a CHOICE.

Happy Birthday to ME!

Multitasking: The Demise of Our Culture

I've said it for as long as I can remember: the only people who have any business multitasking are bartenders and waiters. Everyone else is just screwing up.

I still believe that.

Bartenders and waiters must multitask if they are to be any good at their jobs. As a bartender, you've got to be able to make several drinks at once, hear the next order coming in, acknowledge the new folks walking through the door, let them know you'll be "right with you", and then....deliver drinks, pick up empties, take more orders, fill orders for your waiters, and then....all over again. It ain't easy if you don't have the ability to focus. I know this because I was a bartender for many years. And I was a damned good one.

Waiters are pretty much in the same boat; only with slightly different tasks. But overall, it's the same deal. You've got to have a good memory, fantastic focus, and, if you want to make any kind of decent money, a terrific personality. You can't let the Cranky Pants get you down. You can't let the temperamental chefs fuck with your flow. You must must must stay calm, keep smiling, and remember every word, request, new seating, what's coming, what's done, and keep 'em all happy while you're doing all that. Again, not even close to "easy". Unless you're built for it.

As for all the rest, near as I can tell, if you're trying to do more than one thing at a time, you are more than likely doing every one of those tasks half-assed. People like to think they can multitask well, but mostly...they aren't even close to good at it. And there's a very good reason for this:

Your brain just isn't wired for focusing on more than one thing at a time.

Period.

How bartenders and waiters can do what they do, especially if they're really good at it, defies physiology. It really does. I'm not going to cite all the hundreds of proofs there on the matter, (you can look it up yerself if'n you don't believe me; and don't bother with the critique of those spellings. It's all on purpose.), but you can believe that I've done my homework on the subject. Why?, you ask? (okay.. maybe you didn't ask; I'm going to tell you anyway.) Because I really dislike when I read someone's "opinion" on a matter, and then find out that it was just that: an opinion. I prefer to read stuff that is based on facts, regardless of how fleeting said facts may be. In any case, I'm saying that I've done my homework on this particular subject and the proof is in the pudding:

Your brain just isn't wired for multitasking.

So then...why does everyone continually insist on it? Why do so many employers insist on it? Why, for Pete's sake, do we continue to argue that it can be done when the vast majority of us have experienced the downside of anyone's attempts?

For instance: call any one of a million large companies to get assistance and you will most likely be met with an automated response that will ask where you want to go, who you want to speak with, what your issue is, who you are, where you live, what your account number is, etc., etc.., etc....and then...put you on hold. Then, you get to wait for anywhere from five to forty-five minutes (ever tried calling the DMV???) listening to the most awful Muzak on the planet. All the while you're on hold, there are various other recordings that do their best to direct you to their website, or sell you something, or tell you (for the eightieth time) that "someone will be with you shortly", or, my personal favorite....simply disconnect the call.

AAARRRRRRGGGGGGGGGGGGGHHHHHHH!!!

If and when you finally get a "real person", the first thing they do is ask you all the same shit you were asked by the RoboVoice at the beginning of the call. And then....they put you on hold. Again. By the time they get back to you, if you haven't thrown the phone out the window by then, you've forgotten what the hell you were calling for. Why? Because while you waited you cleaned out your closets, washed the kitchen floor, bathed the dog, watered your plants, and wrote the first five chapters of your next book. How the hell should I know why I called? Didn't I tell you that already?

Admittedly, that may not be the best analogy. I got a little carried away. As I am prone to do when I am passionate about something. But this also proves my point: whilst I was ranting, I got lost in the rant and allowed my train of thought to go where it wanted. Akin to trying to do more than one thing at once. I was trying to make a point, then tell you a story to prove the point, then...I got distracted by the story.

{I have not been a bartender OR a waiter for more than a decade. Those skills are long lost. Thank the gods!}

Anyway, the proof is all around us. Customer Service in the majority of businesses is a joke. The "quality" of goods/products we buy these days is of the poorest quality. The education system in the U.S. is the worst in history. Our kids are leaving high school and can't read, let alone build a sentence properly. They can't do simple math. Or figure out logic problems. Our teachers are being blamed but the real reason for this sad state of affairs is that they've got too many kids and not enough tools. They, too, are being demanded to multitask at a rate that would flat out kill the weakest humans. There are countless examples of this deadly social phenomenon. And if we don't do something about it soon, we're going to lose the ability to do anything well...including think. You see, it turns out that multitasking actually takes on toll on the intellect.

Gee.

Go figure.

Short of continuing this rant, I must find a way to come 'round to the Joy part. Because, after all, that is the primary reason for this Blog (remember?!) And were I to leave it to rest now, you'd be left in the lurch. Where the hell is she going? What happened to Joy is a CHOICE?!

So here it is:

We would be wise to understand that multitasking is taking its toll on our culture and our brains. We would be wise to embrace SINGLEtasking, if we are to find the quality in our lives that is so sorely missing. We can enjoy and even embrace the technology that allows us to do more than one thing at once, but that same technology would serve us even better if we were to use it with focus. Instead of opening ten tabs at a time, how about just one? How about close FaceBook and Twitter and Instagram and eBay while you're looking for the information you need to be an informed buyer before you lay down thousands of dollars on that dandy new car you've been wanting? Or maybe get off the Internet entirely while you open your Word software and write a letter to your sweet old Auntie. Perhaps you could even brave an entire day without getting online. {Take a breath here, Darlin'. It's just a suggestion. No need to panic.} Really though...when was the last time you spent an entire day OFF the Internet? Or your Smartphone? Or your Tablet? How do you suppose your Life might benefit from actually being HERE for a day, instead of flitting about Cyberspace every freakin' waking minute?

The Joy you get to choose here is using technology without having it run your Life. Spend some time outside. In the sunshine. With the trees and the birds and the wind blowing through your hair. Take a walk. Sit on the beach and watch the waves roll in. Stroll down the shore and pick up some shells. You know. Stuff we used to do before we had our heads buried in a screen, taking "Selfies" and telling the world every flippin' detail of our lives. Remember that?

Therein lies the Joyful Choice {should you choose to....}

Amen.

Up and down, round and round...

When all else fails, watch the puppy. Watch him as he races around the yard like a crazy person, dashing up and down the hills, stopping only long enough to throw himself on the grass to roll over and over and over again. Then, he gets up and takes off like somebody lit a firecracker under his butt. Up and down, round and round, a party all by himself.

If that doesn't cure ya, nothing will.

P.S. In the words of the Great Bruzer: LIGHTEN UP, MAMA!

Ain't that the truth?

It's NOT a Secret!

I remember when the movie "The Secret" was first released. My dear sister-friend called to tell me about this "amazing movie that just shook my whole world". She was beside herself with excitement. (ever wondered how you can be "beside yourself"? that one always cracks me up.) She went on for nearly an hour about this movie and then said, "Don't buy it. I'm sending it to you TODAY."

So I waited. With great anticipation. And on the day it arrived I cleared my calendar, turned off the phones, and sat down with a bowl of popcorn to watch the movie that she'd said would "likely change your life".

Now, some years later, I can still recall the thrill I had while watching. Not all the folks who participated had an impact on me. In fact, there was only one who really made the hair on my neck stand upright. It was Esther (Hicks) whose voice reached me. There was something about what she was relaying that really struck a chord in me. And, at the very end, when she said, "Welcome to Planet Earth....", I had tears rolling down my face and a smile wide enough to span the Grand Canyon.

Shortly thereafter, a different friend sent me a recording of one of the Hicks' workshops. She did not know I'd seen "The Secret", nor did she know that I was more than curious about what the Hicks' were doing. She'd been given the recording by her sister and thought it might be something I'd enjoy.

She was right.

I remember thinking, "WOW! How cool is this?! Right outta the blue..."

But, of course, I knew it wasn't outta the blue. I knew it was because I'd been thinking about it so much that I "brought it into my experience" without even a hint of effort. That's how it works. No trying. No working. No struggling. Just focused thought...with a whole lotta emotion...and PRESTO! Whatever it is, it just shows up!

As I continued listening and reading and researching (and having a ball the whole while), I heard something that really got my attention. That was: "Do not be surprised if you find this a bit of a lonely road. There are not yet many others who understand these Laws. But do not despair. The path you are now walking is going to lead you to the Life you came here to live."

They were right. There are not many who follow these teachings; that is to say, not many compared to the numbers who follow other teachings. More often than not, when I speak of these wonders, I am met with great resistance and a whole bunch of "what in the world are you talking about???". Folks just don't realize that we're really talking about the same things. Mostly, it's a matter of semantics. They use different words and practice different rites. But in all, it's pretty much the same thing.

With one major difference.

Those who believe in a particular "religious" tenet have this very strong belief that "God" is a separate entity. They usually give this god a gender (mostly "He") and believe that "He" has total control of their lives. Their only job is to "obey"...and then, one day, they'll get to join "Him" in some heaven way up in the sky.

I suppose that has always been my biggest aversion to religious tenets. I guess I was just born with a very strong sense of Self. Or maybe I just never much cared for the idea that my Life was in someone else's hands. Or maybe I just didn't (and still don't!) like the idea of having to wait til this Life is over to enjoy the fruits of my "obedience". I used to argue that if this God was so All-Knowing and All-Powerful, why would "he" be so vengeful and jealous and indifferent? It just never made any sense to me. Even when I was a kid.

I don't argue about it any more. I don't even talk about it unless asked. I simply immerse myself in the Knowing that none of it really matters. The ONLY thing that matters is that I live in Joy every single day. That's it. Joy. Not fear. Not worry. Not doubt. Just JOY. Because, in the end, the only thing we're taking with us when we check out is the Energy we came with. We started out as Joy. We'll leave the same way. And "wherever" it is we go from here remains to be seen. In the interim, there is no point in arguing about it. Because, as I have learned, the more you argue, the more the other person just digs in. The quintessential Tug-of-War. Nobody wins. And, really, it just does not matter.

The most beautiful thing about having Knowledge is using it...to better our lives, to make each day worth living, to spread the Joy wherever we go. And regardless of what those beliefs are, you can be sure of one thing:

It is YOUR Life to live. Nobody gets to tell you HOW. It's all your doing.

Doncha just love knowing that?

it's all !S-D-R-A-W-K-C-A-B

{Confused? (the word is written backwards...get it?) Lemme tell ya...I had to really focus to do that without first writing it down. Good brain exercise. Try it. Quite a fun challenge.}

Moving on...

Let's just say that maybe things aren't exactly as you'd like them to be at the moment. Let's say it's about your cash flow. Or that person in your life. (or the lack thereof). Maybe it's about your job. (or the lack thereof). Or the way your body looks or how your kids are acting or that pain-in-the-butt neighbor who insists on cranking up the chainsaw at 7 a.m. every Sunday morning. Whatever "it" is, you think it's the reason you're not happy.

So then you say to yourself, "As soon as I get that handled, I'll be happy. Just gotta get that handled."

And you push and shove, push and shove, push and shove, trying to get it handled.

To no avail.

The more you push and shove, the bigger it gets. The more it pushes and shoves back. The more you try. The bigger it gets. Back and forth. On and on. Until you think you're never going to get to "happy".

But what if we've got it backwards? Bear with me now...

What if...we were to get happy first? What if, every time that annoying 'whatever' popped up, we were to say to ourselves, "STOP! JUST STOP! I'll think about that later. Right now I'm going to think about something that already makes me happy."

What if?

I'm posing this (for the millionth time) because I've been practicing a LOT lately. And I can assure you...it does take practice. It's not something we're trained to do. Mostly we've been trained to attack our "problems" head on and work it out. Did you see that word? WORK. Isn't work something that requires great effort? Isn't work something that most of us are averse to? Isn't work what we must do in order to get to play? How many times have you said, "THANK GOD IT'S FRIDAY!" The majority spend their whole lives waiting for Friday to get here. And Mondays get the bad rap. You know what I'm talking about, yes?

Practicing your mental train (of thought) takes a little time. But not as long as you might think. If you were to plant that seed of "STOP!" in your brain right now, and then listen for it...listen and feel your way to another train of thought...you'd be amazed at how much things change. I am NOT kidding. It goes something like this:

{Scenario #1}

The Bonehead that's always pissing you off walks into the room and begins his usual asinine behavior. Maybe he goes over to the microwave and puts his stinkin' sandwich directly on the platter (instead of being sanitary and considerate to the others, and placing it on a paper napkin or some such). He always puts cheese in those stinkin' sandwiches, which, of course, melts onto the platter. He never, ever cleans up after himself. Leaves the melted cheese on the platter and gets busy on his stinkin' sandwich. You've asked the Bonehead to stop doing this at least a hundred times. He continues to ignore you and everyone else, and puts his stinkin' sandwich on the platter. You can feel your blood pressure rising. You want to go over and slap the crap outta him. Instead, you allow yourself to seethe while the microwave heats his stinkin' sandwich. You're thinking you could just as easily heat that stinkin' sandwich with your hot thoughts right now. Seething hot thoughts.
It takes you an hour and a half to forget about it and get back to whatever you were doing. But next time you see the Bonehead, it all comes rushing back.

Round and round and round you go.

{Scenario #2}

Here comes the Bonehead. He's got another stinkin' sandwich; meatballs and mozzarella cheese. You just know that stinkin' sandwich is going to make the biggest mess ever. But instead of going all bonkers on yourself, you say "STOP!"...and then you turn your attention to the beautiful dinner you had with your best friend last night. Or the way your dog goes crazy when he sees you coming. Or how that really nice lady at the grocery store packed your groceries without crushing your bread. You remember that time you went to the coast for the weekend and spent days relaxing with nary a care in the world. You touch the necklace around your neck; the one you got from your mom when you graduated. You close your eyes for just a few seconds and take yourself elsewhere; you take yourself to some 'happy' place where there aren't any Boneheads.

Your breathing stays normal. Your blood pressure is right where you like it to be. Your body temperature remains at a steady 98.6. You have effectively taken yourself to another place and/or time where everything is as right as rain. Big, happy sighs ensue.

Feel the difference?

Whether it's about the Bonehead at work, the noisy neighbor, those size 7 jeans you want to get back into, or the person you'd like to have come into your life...FIRST you get happy. THEN all that other stuff comes flowing in like you were born with a magic wand and the power to make anything happen with the wave of a hand.

What if?

{REMEMBER: Joy is a CHOICE.}

warm winds and other delights

We're all about choosing the Joys, yes? So...today I thought it'd be fun to find the Joy in WIND. (huh?) Well...it seems...

Lots of folks don't much care for wind. Makes 'em crabby. I recall when I lived in Taos (New Mexico) whenever the winds kicked up, people would get downright ugly. Even the nicest of them would show all the symptoms of PMS (and yes....men too). It was quite the puzzle to me. I found the winds quite exhilarating. Even when I had to deliver balloon bouquets (that's a WHOLE 'nother story). It didn't really bother me. I just took along some extras because there was no getting around the fact that some of them were going to either get loose and fly away or burst from the pressure. I'm talking about winds that could literally have tables and chairs flyin' by your windows like in the Wizard of Oz. Crazy winds.

And then there are the Santa Ana winds. Anyone who has ever lived in Southern California knows all about 'em. They usually arrive around this time of year; blowing westward from off the dessert. Hot, strong winds that can frazzle your skin and your hair and your lips and your nerves in a New York minute (which, as we all know, is much faster than a regular minute). You can shut every window in the house and still find a very thick layer of dust on everything in the house by nightfall (which is when the wind dies down). Water in the indoor fountains evaporates lickety-split. House plants scream for watering. Even the dogs seem to drink more (smart little critters). Let's not forget the static electricity. If you walk across the carpet and then touch anything metal, you can actually SEE the sparks. Hurts like hell. Poor critters get zapped every time you touch them. No question, the Santa Anas can be quite pesky.

Unless you're doing laundry.

I kid you not; I can hang an entire load of laundry at 9:00 a.m. and it'll be dry by 9:30. Those winds are so much more efficient than even the best clothes dryers. No electricity or gas needed. Just a clothes line and some clothespins. The wind is so strong, it even "irons" the wrinkles out. I've washed thick wool blankets and hung them out, gone to check 15 minutes later...and they're completely dry! Very handy indeed.

Another terrific benefit of the Santa Ana is that it cleans the air. {Okay. I know it also carries pollen and really, I feel for you. It doesn't look like much fun for folks with allergies. But hey! We're here to talk about the JOYS, remember?) If there is any sign of smog (which, if you've never seen it, looks like a brown layer of filth hovering over everything. Quite disgusting.), the Santa Ana will blow that crap outta here in no time. Blows it right out over the ocean where it gets 'filtered' by the salt water air. Pretty clever.

If you're in the mood for some big-time fun, kite flying is INCREDIBLE during the Santa Ana. But you'd better have one sturdy kite. Because this wind will rip it to shreds if it's not. All the same...it's pretty fun to go out to the big field up the road and let that puppy soar. Sometimes even the Red Tail Hawks will come to investigate and fly around up there with it. Talk about a sensational experience!

But soon... the winds pass. They move out to sea or wherever it is that Wind goes, and don't reappear until next season. When they're gone, they leave a splendid array of new seedlings. Flowers and various other flora are carried with the winds, as if some giant hand moved across the land and dropped them in its wake.

The wind may be a nuisance, but it serves a beautiful purpose. It cleans the air and drops new seeds and dries your clothes.

How can ya not like that?

another wonderful...(or 5)

{So many wonderful things to be grateful for! As I've said before, I just love getting notes from my readers. Makes me all warm and tingly. And so today, when I read those little notes, there was a link to another blog. Had to go right over and have a look. It is adorable! The name of the blog is BellaMiaPug; it is written by the darling Sheila, a little pug who lives in the (San Francisco) Bay area. Cute. Cute. Cute. Lots of pictures and sweet reminders of just how much the critters love being with us. And you KNOW how much I love the critters. Just wanted to share that with you before I get on with today's meanderings.}

So here we are with another brandy new day. The sun is shining here in Southern California, and the winds are kickin' up pretty good. Unlike much of the country, we have no snow. As much as I love the snow, I'm thinking that I'd be pretty uncomfortable if I had to deal with so much of it. I have many friends and much family in the Midwest and on the East Coast, so I say little prayers for them, to keep them safe and warm. Snow is fun, but sometimes it can be a drag. Especially if you have to shovel the stuff! Anywayz...I'm feeling deep gratitude for living where I do; sunshine and warmth suit me just fine right now. So for all of you who are living in those snow-blasted places, please know there's a little Italiana over on the West Coast who's sending you warm hugs and sunshine. HANG IN THERE!

All this news of yet another monster storm also got me to thinkin' about just how lucky we are. I don't mean just Southern Californians. I mean ALL OF US who have the luxury of electricity, computers, internet, hot water, indoor plumbing, machines to wash our clothes, dry our clothes, (although we don't use our dryer much. no need. we've got sunshine and warm winds...and a clothesline!), machines to keep our food cold, gadgets to entertain ourselves, vehicles to get us from here to there, and..well...all the wonderful conveniences that are the "norm" for us. Every time I think about these things, I get that huge swell of gratitude in my belly. Because there are LOTS of folks on this planet who don't have such things. I think we take them for granted all too often. And when we must go without, because a storm knocked out the power or snapped a gas line, suddenly we are acutely aware of just how much we've got it made. Perhaps it might be even more wonderful if we remembered this before things go awry, eh? So let us take a moment now...and say a big THANK YOU! We are blessed, my dear friends. Truly blessed.

One more "wonderful" I'd like to leave you with before I get on with my day (and you with yours):

No matter where you are in your life, or how much "more" you'd like to have, always remember that somewhere on this beautiful planet there is someone who loves you deeply. If you are loved, by even just one person, you are even more blessed. The gadgets and conveniences make life more pleasant. The LOVE makes life worth living. Got it? Good.

That's it for today. I'm itchin' to get outside and walk with The Bruzer. We have much to enjoy. Hoping you do too! Have yo'self a WONDERFUL WEDNESDAY!

P.S. and remember: Joy is a CHOICE!