We think our souls are soothed. We feel good most of the time. Even stressful events and hiccups in our day don’t affect us like they once did, but sometimes, in our busy day-to-day, we see a reflection that reminds us there’s no such thing as healed, only mending. Mabel’s still settling in at home…. View more
When I lived in Chicago and trained dogs, I sat in traffic four hours a day and tried finding peace by listening to podcasts. I can’t recall the speaker’s name, but they said, “Instead of being annoyed, be amused.“ I never mastered glee in gridlock. If I did, I might still live in Chicago, but… View more
I’m back from vacation, a birthday celebration in Belize with my two best friends and their partners, one of whom we just met while on holiday. As much as I relished the warm weather, I treasured the togetherness the most. Long lingering breakfasts, discussions about what to do that day with no one having any strong… View more
To say my sweet dog is thriving is an understatement. Aside from some self-soothing paw licking and the occasional nelly belly, Mabel’s health is amazing after eight infections, viruses, and parasites. Her eyes glow, her fur is thicker and softer, and her confidence blossoms daily. Mabel’s now grabbing anything I accidentally drop: dirty socks and a brussel… View more
I turn 50 today. I can’t believe it. Though the creaks in my left shoulder remind me, my body’s half a century old. And my knees know how old they are, especially my right knee cap. It’s still healing from Crash-Master-Mabel running into me six weeks ago. Other than that, I feel lighter, freer, and full… View more
This time of year, many of us feel compelled to give more. We’re glad we have cash when we pull up to a stoplight and see a person holding a sign in the bitter cold. Or we realize we and our employees are overflowing with quality control test treats so that we can donate the extra pouches to… View more
One of my all-time favorite Christmas gifts is a foot-tall snow-white sparkly ceramic squirrel from my nephew Isaac. When my brother Chris asked Isaac why he picked that present for me, Isaac said, “It’s fancy and Aunt Brandi’s fancy.” I chuckle whenever I look at the decoration because I’ve never considered myself elegant or formal. Still,… View more
Everywhere we look, we’re told to be merry, bright, sparkly, celebratory, and cheery. Our hearts don’t know we’re supposed to be festive when they’re feeling fragile. I miss Gavin so much. Mabel shares Gavin’s snuggly and sensitive proclivities and Finn’s never-ending energy and needs for fun, fun, fun. Ten years apart, my boys left this world… View more
It’s the time of year when songs, movies, sales ads, and deals inundate us with hope of magic and miracles. We’re to believe that a prince on a horse will make everything perfect or a mythical being disguised as one of us will ring a bell and all our dreams come true. However, this season… View more
I like to think I’m a thankful person. When walking Mabel, I often silently list things I’m grateful for in that moment. Or, as I enjoy my coffee every morning and watch my sweet girl snore easily, trustingly against my leg, I’m beholden to her and all the joy, laughter, and absolute shenanigans she’s brought to… View more
