I See You
My brother Matt always greets Gavin by saying softly, “I see you,” as he pets him. And, every time I watch Gavin’s subsequent nuzzling and oozing, my heart feels lighter and my soul warmer. That’s what we all want. To be seen and loved for exactly who we are, right? It’s even one of Oprah Winfrey’s… View more
Everything’s Gravy
I mentioned in my last post that I found an AMAZING human to help us in the kitchen. It turns out that I lucked into two wonderful new additions to my team. I’m still unsure how I got so lucky. I know so many people are struggling to find employees at all. And, I somehow managed to… View more
Case of the Woo Hoos
My sweet boy loves lounging, especially in the wintertime, preferably under the covers. Even when someone he knows and loves walks into the room, he lazily slithers off the sofa or bed then stops to stretch before wiggle-walking towards them. If snuggling were an Olympic sport, Gavin would win a gold medal. But, when all of Gavin’s favorite… View more
Bird’s-Eye-View
Last week, kerfuffles and complications seemed the theme. I could have handled the gushing water in my basement. Or, bounced back from barricading from and fervently sterilizing the kitchen after the maintenance guy with the raging cough my landlord sent to fix the leak left my apartment. I would have moved on after saving and subsequently cleaning… View more
My Grinchy Heart
This past Friday was my soulmate-dog-in-heaven’s birthday, my Finn, and I felt his vibrant presence all day. Gavin bounced and bopped through our walk, despite not seeing one person for him to greet. I soared through my morning order picking and packing routine with a rhythm I rarely find. And, I did a silent happy dance… View more
Lessons in Backsliding
Around the holidays, Gavin was struggling on walks again. He needs his routine, but he hates cold weather and dislikes all the new dogs who tend to walk through our park when people are on vacation. And, well, winter means fewer people to greet and pet Gavin and for him to follow while we make our way… View more
We Small Businesses
It’s been five months since we moved into our own kitchen. And, every time I unlock the door, I’m unbelievably grateful that it’s as sparkly clean as we left it. I don’t miss spending rent money to clean up other peoples’ messes nor the time wasted carrying everything we needed for the day from our… View more
Reflections
As we wrap up another wild, woolly, and weird year, I’d like to offer some reflections inspired by the miraculous beings called dogs, of course. 1. Treasure and frequently thank someone specials who let you lean on them when you’re sad and who gladly sit by your side when you celebrate your successes, even small ones. 2…. View more
Home Is Where The Dog Is
I like to think that I’m organized, plan well, and can be nimble when things don’t go according to my projections. The latter, only on my best days. Yet, somehow, this time of year, I find myself in a constant state of hurriedness and just-push-through-the-exhaustion. Why do everyday errands somehow take eight times longer during… View more