Posts Tagged ‘Dogs’

Some Good News

May 22, 2020
Blogger’s Note: Blog under construction – new WordPress user interface and blog redesign (be patient)

Thank You, John Krasinski

Music

Building All is Love: “Where the Wild Things Are” (soundtrack)

Not to diminish what I said in my last blog when I was venting (never mind the Prozac, I’m OK now), this post is in a much lighter vein and hopefully will be uplifting for you.

Yes, obviously I’m a John Krasinski fan – I recently finished Season 2, Episode 8 of Jack Ryan, which I thought was nicely done. Other notable projects for him were The Office, 13 Hours: The Secret Soldiers of Benghazi, and a new one, The Quiet Place, Part II, which I haven’t seen.

Hebrews 4:16

Let us then approach the throne of grace with confidence, so that we may receive mercy and find grace to help us in our time of need.

What a World We Are In!

Basically, John’s work inspired me to do this blog about trying to stay sane in a crazy world. His show, which unfortunately is ending after eight episodes, is amazing, uplifting, endearing, enlightening, and many other superlatives. I’ll provide the link at the end of this post, so you can check it out.

News bulletin: Just heard that SGN will be continuing on a different network.

Pandemic Basics

Actually, I hate the “p” word and prefer “situation”. You already know the basics, one of which is to wash your hands – remember, at least 20 seconds. The 20-second “song” that I prefer is the ABC song. If you were ever a kid, you know how it goes. I say that as a segue into my next segment, which kept me awake early this morning, trying to match the alphabet letters to a good “prompt” that might help you or help someone else deal with the situation. Trust me, I have my down days and need encouragement. Hang on, here we go:

  • A – Ask a friend or relative if they need something.
  • B – Be available, if only to listen.
  • C – Check on your neighbor to see how they’re doing (don’t forget the mask).
  • D – Don’t crush your cans before putting them in the recycle bag. :}
  • E – Exercise
  • F – Find someone to talk to when you’re down, or if they’re down, talk to them.
  • G – Go on a walk, and take the dog if you have one or your cat.
  • H – Say “hello” every chance you get, even to strangers.
  • I – Inspire someone with a compliment about their talents.
  • J – Say a prayer to Jesus (often).
  • K – Kindness always works (“. . . random acts of kindness”).
  • L – Love more, hate less.
  • M – Make an effort to smile often.
  • N – If you’re wearing your mask, just nod as you pass someone.
  • O – Only faith and determination work best.
  • P – Pay it forward when you hear good news.
  • Q – Quit frowning.
  • R – Run
  • S – Say a prayer every day.
  • T – Try on a new pair of socks.
  • U – Use your generosity to help others.
  • V – Voice your opinions, but allow feedback.
  • W – Work as much as you can, but take breaks too.
  • X – Marks the spot.
  • Y – You can rely on your faith to get you through this. Check out Hebrews, Chapter 11.
  • Z – Zippidy do dah zippidy eh, my oh my what a wonderful day!

I think it’s time to wrap up this installment, with some pictures, and the link to the SGN Episode 8. Sorry about any ads that may pop up, not mine.

Thank you again, John Krasinski and your production team for SGN!

Pictures

SGN Link

Episode 8

Physical, Mental, Emotional, and Spiritual: Part IV – Spiritual

April 23, 2020

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A Photo Taken in Texas

Welcome

The Who: Tommy’s Holiday Camp (from Tommy, the rock opera)

If you follow my blog and have been patiently waiting for “Part IV – Spiritual”, here it is. I should know better than to attempt multi-part blogs, which seem to take forever to finish. The one I did on Crystal City, inspired by a gym friend who grew up there, took four months to complete. I hope you read Crystal City, it’s an interesting example of humanity gone amuck.

Be sure to read to the end of this post.

The Creative Process Can Be Painful

Starting with a blank page, it’s a challenging process – normally, I have my draft notes (in my green notebook), other sources of information at my fingertips, including blog notes in my daily journal. Sometimes I imagine myself as Michael Keaton in “The Paper” typing away on his keyboard or in a much older classic film about writing a novel or a news story using a manual typewriter, and the writer is frustrated because he’s been sitting for an hour and has only a part of a sentence on the page and a wastebasket full of crumpled paper. Anyway, let’s get back on track.

“Spiritual” Means What?

Looking at its history and literal meaning, according to Merriam-Webster, as an adjective “spiritual” means:

  • Of, relating to, consisting of, or affecting the spirit
  • Of or relating to sacred matters
  • Ecclesiastical rather than lay or temporal
  • Concerned with religious values
  • Related or joined in spirit

Historically, first used in the 14th century – source Middle English, from Anglo-French and Late Latin; Anglo-French espirital, spiritual, from Late Latin spiritue alis, from Latin, of breathing, of wind, from spiritus

I like the “breathing” connotation, as in “inspiration” or “respiration”, i.e. spiritual as in an active state.

As befits this series, how does spiritual fit into the scheme of things? I ask myself, “Am I spiritual”? I think we all are spiritual to some degree, but not necessarily in a religious sense.

OK, I’ve decided this piece won’t progress beyond the “draft” stage, something I realized many weeks ago, that “Spiritual” was going to be a real challenge. I’m going to conclude with a story or two, pictures of course and probably some music.

Inspiration

One of the stories I really liked is about a woman who overcame a serious physical ailment and moved on with her life in a very positive way. The article was in the March-April 2020 Daily Word, a Unity publication.

Odds & Ends: about Relaxing

I wanted to include a link to another article with some ideas about relaxing, especially important during the Covid-19 situation. This article was also in the March-April 2020 Daily Word, a Unity publication.

More ideas about relaxing, you might want to revisit two of my posts about mindfulness, Mindfulness, What is it, is it important? (2014) and Mindfulness (2016).

One More Quote and a Related Story

OK, this segment is a bit divergent from the main topic, but in my opinion it speaks of our need for spirituality in our lives, whether it be religious or another form.

“Great spirit, grant that I might not criticize my neighbor until I’ve walked a mile in his moccasins.” (traditional American Indian prayer)

The quote reminds me of my time in scouting when I was growing up (in my first childhood) in Texas. I belonged to a boy scout troop in my hometown. One part of our regular troop meeting, for some of us, was the Caddo Lodge. We had our own special meeting room, members of the lodge had to go through a rigorous all-night initiation, and on special occasions we would perform traditional Indian dance ceremonies. The quote above was similar to the ending prayer for our meetings. Kind of makes you think doesn’t it, at least it reminds me of my New Year’s resolution to “not be so judgemental”.

The Caddo Lodge was not a unique organization, given the existence of well-established groups like the Order of the Arrow, which is still in existence. I belonged to the OA too when I was in scouting. If you’re interested, check out the link for more background.

More Walt Whitman Quotes

Pictures

 

 

More Music

Listen to as many songs as you want.

Doobie Brothers: Listen to the Music

Canned Heat: Let’s Work Together (Let’s Sick Together)

Coldplay: God Put a Smile on Your Face (Album: A Rush of Blood to the Head)

Crosby, Still, Nash & Young: Helplessly Hoping

Eagles: Love Will Keep Us Alive (Album: Hell Freezes Over)

Chicago: Wake Up Sunshine (Album: Chicago II)

Bottom Line

For me, as a Bible-reading believer and as a person who finds his own inspiration and guidance in the word of God, I wanted to end with these verses and underscore what I’ve been saying in this blog.

Galatians 5:22-24 (NIV Bible): But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness,, and self-control. Against such things there is no law. Those who belong to Christ Jesus have crucified the sinful nature with its passions and desires. Since we live by the Spirit, let us keep in step with the Spirit. Let us not become conceited, provoking and envying each other.

Is it 2019 Yet?

December 31, 2018

Is Portland, Oregon weirder than Austin, Texas?

I watched a program on public TV the other day about Vortex I, a documentary about a 1970 event, really interesting and historic as it relates to the state of Oregon. I may have to do a follow-up blog about the Portland vs Austin question.

Thanks to Portland State University and the Oregon Historical Society for the Vortex I web write-up.

It Is Still 2018?

Yes, as I put pen to paper (actually fingers to keyboard) drafting this post, probably my last post for the year, there is only a full day left in 2018 before the big ball drops in Times Square. No, I won’t be there, but I have a runner friend who lives in Oregon but really likes New York.

The first and only time I was in New York occurred when I was a teenager. I was with my oldest sister and her husband, and it was Christmas time. We did a lot of “tourist stuff”, went to Rockefeller Center with the big tree and the ice skaters. We also went to a supper club in mid-town Manhattan where Joan Rivers was performing. She was pregnant, and I thought her jokes were pregnant. Anyway, for a boy who had grown up in small-town Texas, New York was an amazing experience – from a town of less than 8,000 to New York City, walking down 5th Avenue where people were packed in practically elbow to elbow. The subway and Greenwich Village were fun too.

Was 2018 a Good Year for You?

For me, now winding down 2018. I can say that it has been a good year, possibly a great year, but I’m ready to move on to new challenges. When you get “older and wiser”, you tend to get philosophical (and more forgetful) about life. Hopefully, no matter what your age, if you look back and reflect on 2018, you will smile and say that it has been a hoot or an adventure or whatever, and you will look forward to 2019. There are two quotes, a Nelson Demille quote at the top of that page and a Hunter S. Thompson quote at the bottom in my Favorite Quotes post. In my opinion, those two quotes say it all.

What is the Meaning of Life?

If you are at all interested in the meaning of life or the purpose of life I’m suggesting that you read another Reader’s Digest article, to start you off on the right foot for 2019.

The excellent article, Maintain Your Purpose in Life, was written by David G. Allan.

If you’re old enough, you may remember that screensaver from many years ago, a weird red and green cartoon character, mouth open and tongue hanging out (captioned the “meaning of life”) that flitted around the computer screen daring you to click it with your mouse, and of course it always evaded you. Regardless of the implication suggested by the screensaver creator that it isn’t possible to figure it out, read Allan’s article and give it some thought, about your own purpose in life. For him it’s a yearly exercise, and he says that his answer changes over time. Don’t overthink it – the year he got engaged, Allan’s answer to the question was “Love”.

He also points out that this isn’t a theoretical exercise, you should turn your answer into action. If your answer is “love”, then you should love more.

Bottom line, there is no right answer, only what’s right for you at any given time. He talks about how studies have shown that people who have a specific purpose in life and can articulate it, live longer. He suggests that if you take the time to think about it and answer the question, it will in effect add meaning to your life.

Allan quotes some of the answers from famous people.

  • “Only a life lived for others is a life worthwhile.” (Albert Einstein)
  • “The sole meaning of life is to serve humanity.” (Leo Tolstoy)
  • “There is only the meaning we each give to our life, an individual meaning, an individual plot, like an individual novel, a book for each person.” (Anais Nin)

What’s Ahead – Foreshadowing my Blog for 2019

Stuff about good people and what they do. If you read my November blog, I included a link to Reader’s Digest stories. Every November Reader’s Digest publishes their America’s Nicest Places issue. A  couple of other interesting links for you:

Imprimis articles (of course)

Vietnam, my experiences and my observations about the war.

More about “Is Portland, Oregon weirder than Austin, Texas?”

Mindfulness, a continuation of my blog topic. A subject that keeps popping up in the media.

The Big Leap, a book by Gay Hendricks – I included the link in a November post, just boring “self-improvement” stuff. Kind of like meditation, it may require some effort on your part to realize the positive results.

Music and Pictures

Vivaldi, The Four Seasons (Winter)

Vivaldi, The Four Seasons (Spring)

Vivaldi, The Four Seasons (Summer)

Vivaldi, The Four Seasons (Autumn)

Some Parting Shots

I’ve mentioned my Daily Word readings – just a couple of recent ones to pass along that I thought were noteworthy.

December 29, 2018, “Love: It is my nature to extend love.”

“I recognize that forgiveness is easier than condemnation because forgiveness reflects the truth of who I am. God is perfect love and therefore so am I.”

A companion Bible verse, Ephesians 4:26: “Be angry but do not sin; do not let the sun go down on your anger.”

December 30, 2018: “Power: I am a spiritual being, bestowed with great power.”

“I align my thoughts with my highest good, envisioning health, abundance, love, and success.”

If you have been reading The Big Leap, the last sentence should remind you of Hendrick’s “universal success mantra” that he discusses in the book.

That’s it for 2018, see you next year.

 

 

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The Dog Days of Summer

August 17, 2018

Running and Close Encounters with Dogs

Running obviously is a physical activity, but along with the endorphin effect it often provides serendipitous experiences. I’ve mentioned my dog encounters before.

On one very warm and sunny day in Portland, running along the Willamette River, my friend and I needed a pit stop so we stopped at a park that had restrooms. I should mention that we often stop during a run to commune with our four-legged friends, the friendly ones at least. It was at the park we met Possum, whose owner was giving him a drink. He was a cool dog with an unusual coat. The owner told us he was a Catahoula. Doing some research later, I discovered that he was a Louisiana Catahoula Leopard Dog, which apparently became the state dog of Louisiana in 1979. The owner said that he was a Katrina orphan that they rescued and brought to Portland when they moved here. I thought it was an interesting story.

One More Dog Story

On another run, by myself this time, I met Bruno the Pit Bull. I always ask if a dog is friendly and if it’s OK to approach the animal. Two ladies were walking Bruno, and they said it was OK. Big, but only six-months old he was a beautiful animal. We were talking about the undeserved reputations that Pit Bulls have, as being vicious. Bruno was very friendly. Not everyone agrees on the breed’s inherent personality, but here’s a bit of information. Personally, I’ve met a lot of very friendly pit bulls and some not so friendly other dog breeds.

Blog of the Week: December 10, 2017

December 11, 2017
Pink Floyd: On the Run

What’s the Scoop?

Regarding this particular literary exercise . . . you’re reading a rehash of my week, hopefully interesting in that you may able to relate. We live lives of “quiet desperation” someone once said. Did I learn anything last week and am I now wiser for having learned new things, always a good question. I do a daily journal, bits and pieces of which may appear in this series of blogs – I’ll leave out the really mundane stuff, grocery lists, etc. Of course, sometimes the mundane stuff provides its own drama in our daily lives such as signing up for medical insurance after going through the myriad of available options and trying to make the right decision. Thank heavens for my own stress relief in the form of gym workouts and running, which for me is meditation. For example, in my Daily Word booklet that I read, last Monday’s word was “Meditation: I experience oneness through the art of meditation.” The accompanying Bible verse was from Psalm 49:3, “My mouth will speak words of wisdom; the utterance of my heart will give understanding.” Tuesday’s reading was about “world peace”, Wednesday was about “letting go – to open the way to new and bountiful good.” Not easy for some of us to accomplish. Thursday was “Pray for Others” in a vision of wholeness for people you may not know. Friday was “Forgive: I appreciate my innate capacity to forgive.” Obviously, another challenge for many of us. Saturday was “Prosperity: My life is filled with an overflowing measure of God’s goodness.” For me, starting the day with a positive affirmation is a real boost.

Saturday’s Run

What a nice run, it was chilly and hilly, but dry. The Portland area has been enjoying a dry spell. I bundled up and took off on one of my familiar routes, a paved trail near where I live. I wanted to run about seven miles. I didn’t run fast, party because of the hills, but the run felt good, no major aches or pains. I had a few “dog encounters.” There were many people out with their animals. I always try to stop and pet the friendly ones. Two big German Shepherds were out enjoying the sun. The owner told me their names were Nola and Harley. Toward the end of the run, the sun was going down, the wind was kicking up, and the temperature was dropping. I was at the top of a big hill looking down at the valley. I noticed a little kid in a green jacket. As I ran down the hill I rounded a turn and he and his mom, pushing a stroller, and their dog were coming up the hill. I said hi and headed for home.

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Eulogy for Boomer

January 8, 2016

Goodbye old pal, we’ll miss you, big time!

Blogger’s postscript: Just wanted to add some important details that I left out yesterday.

Boomer started out as a southern California dog, roaming the streets of Sun City and eventually becoming the property of my mother-in-law, Eileen. She brought him along when she moved up to live with us in Oregon. Boomer was her pal and companion for years until she died. Then he lived with us after her passing, and he became our pal and companion.

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Boomer wearing his snow jacket.

Circle of Life (from the Lion King soundtrack)

Seeing that big, open-mouthed grin with that wonderful tongue with black spots (were you part chow?) was always a joy.

Your response to my touch when I scratched your back side, moving that leg back and forth. It made me feel good too.

  • Scientists say that dogs (not sure about cats) are beneficial to humans because there is a chemical response that actually lowers the blood pressure and relaxes both the animal and the human when they interact. Pretty cool, eh!

Boomer, I hope you reconnect with your old friend Eileen, and I hope you and Morty (our other dog that died in 2013) meet up and have a great time running around together.

A couple more pictures – the tongue with the spots and his “summer” buzz cut.

Quote: I learned the roots of any relationship (from working with dogs) – honesty, integrity, loyalty. It’s hard to find a human to give you all three. But every dog, that’s all they know. Humans are the only species that follows unstable pack leaders. Animals don’t . . . why would they? (Cesar Millan, dog whisperer, in Men’s Journal)

Morty at Home

March 25, 2013

Morty at Home

Morty at Home