Tuesday, December 17, 2019

together tuesdays #3


please enjoy the most touching rendition of this christmas song I've ever heard, while you read my words:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=g4fvMgNfN0I&list=RDQMs5mxXeUdfG0&index=5

So I mentioned connections between people you don't know, and connections between budding friends. This week I want to talk about connections between species...

For several dogs now, my husband will ask periodically
"what does he/she want?"
Invariably, the dog in question turns to me, looks deeply into my eyes and tries to tell me.

Most of the time my labradaughter Chelsea wanted to eat. She was a refrigerator retriever. Don't get me wrong, she liked to play too, but mostly she was hungry and enjoyed food.
Chelsea came to live with me about two years before I met my would be husband. She and I had a bond formed by us being a family of two, and by a mutual love of food and playtime. I loved her so much, and often sacrificed my own play time to spend time with her after work.

One time after we moved to Maryland,. we took a little neighborhood walk to look at Christmas lights. Chelsea was not one to lag behind but on this walk she was behind us. We lingered at one display, and when I turned to see what she was doing, Chelsea was patiently waiting to move on, but had a big complete burger in her mouth. Who knows how she managed to find a whole hamburger but she cracked me up with the bun-smile.

Cole-buddy was our first spoo (standard poodle) and he and I were bonded tightly too. He was not a snuggler like Milo is, but he wanted to know where I was at all times. We had a strong mental bond, and I felt I understood him very well. He used telepathy to send messages to me. Clearly.

Oh how I loved and still love them both. I know I will see them both in Heaven, as spirit to spirit it wouldn't be right without them. I don't know why humans think they are the only spirits that are important.
Milo's special friend, the ring toy
Milo is more chatty. He likes to bark, but his bark is often the same whether he's chasing off a dangerous mailman or welcoming a friend in to play. He communicates with touch more often.
baby Milo

He looks deeply into my eyes, more than any other dog I've known. He reads my mood better too. If he senses I am mad at him, he turns tail and heads for his kennel. If I laugh, he wags his tail happily and jumps around. He is at once a dog who circles around before lying down, and human in his ability to sense what another human needs.

Maybe because he doesn't spend time searching for the right words, he can communicate through touch easier? He likes to touch, he leans, he plops down on feet, he stands guard of me while I type. Ever patient, he's content to stand by me, with my arm draped over him. When he's had enough loving, he gently licks a hand to say he's going to go do something else now.

I have liked friend's dogs and cats over the years, but now and then there is a special bond with one. A Maryland neighbor had an eskimo named Tazzi who "roooooo-ed" every time she saw me, according to her pawrents, only me. How I loved her! She dug out of her fence and dug into ours many a time.

When Cole buddy left us for Heaven, as I walked for miles alone and mourning, orange cats took up with me. I wrote a story, I never tire reading, about them called Litter of extroverts (here) They would join me for long walks, meow loudly at me from down the street, run up and pet me. They sent a strong message of connection and that I was lovable.

I am a bit intimidated by horses, but feel a strong affinity for them. We used to walk in a neighborhood with stables, and I'd stand and watch them for a while each time. I don't know if we had a connection, but from my side, I tried to send my love to them.

Is that the answer, sending love to another? It is non verbal but when I've felt it, it's been strong and unmistakable. I suspect many humans are reluctant to put that out there for some reason.

I've met people who put out such strong messages of non verbal love that I've been drawn to them, wanting to just be around them. Haven't you? Oh I am aware that it's not just toward me, that they were just secure and kind enough to put it out there to all, still... I felt it. I felt special for the time I was in their presence.

Why do we hide that part of our natures? what do we fear in showing true love, the kind that connects us but doesn't expect anything in return? My dogs have all had that ability.

Certain dogs are even used to soothe human spirits, and certain cats know what people need. I watched a mama monkey caretaking her toddler monkey, and she put out love that the baby didn't notice.
Do we miss love sent to us sometimes too?
How do we make better connections with those around us, animal, human, nature... do you suppose if we ask the universe to help us to recognize the love sent to us through others, that we'll heal?

now, this little video is a way that one family shared their music by caroling, it's a great message.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=XI2c9yptr4U&list=RDQMs5mxXeUdfG0&index=30

Linking to
all seasons

Monday, December 16, 2019

connections at a craft show


just to put you in the mood, and start you laughing....
I dare you not to laugh til your face hurts at these guys...
 US Navy singers 12 (?) days of Christmas

Yesterday at the craft show, two people came up with little baby girls, so sweet, and Milo sat while tiny star hands petted his head.


when we walked into the venue, I spied the one baby smile and call out to Milo, so when her Mom approached, I said, that baby is so happy. The mama smiled an adult version of the baby's smile, bent down and a little hand reached out to feel Milo's head.

Milo sat down and sent his poodle love to the baby. Then the second parent, a dad this time came over saying, "well if it's going to be a love fest..." and squatted down to let his little girl reach out too.

I almost sighed at the sweetness of the image. Both babies squealing... quiet, still Milo looking into their eyes, two parents who loved their babies, and me watching the moment.

tiny star shaped hands softly feeling Milo's hair, the connection was so real and momentary but the mental picture will linger in my mind.

Many people walked by and silently let their hands pass over Milo as we walked. Several came up and told us of their standard poodles over the years. One red haired college student bent over and scratched Milo roughly. He pushed up against her in a poodle lean, leaning into the love. Her bright red hair draped over his black back like a curtain to allow their private moment together. She smiled broadly when she left and said she knew how to scratch a dog!

As we looked at hand made items, I spied a booth sign with a flamingo on it... well you know how I am about flamingos. I commented and the artist jumped up smiling widely to find a fellow admirer. We laughed, I asked how her obsession started, "well...I've been obsessed since childhood" she said. I told her I started as a teen, and asked where she grew up... and was surprised it was nearby Arvada. I said, I caught the bug back in Florida. So way up in the mountains, was a young girl who also loved the graceful pinkness of a flamingo! She said she was so happy to meet fellow flamingo lover!

We tasted many pickles and relishes at one booth. I pass many tasting booths, but this one had piccalilly  and it brought back memories of smelling that when my mother canned it each year. We decided to buy four bottles of different relishes, pickled green beans, etc. As the maker was beautifully packaging them I mentioned the thick snow coming down outside, and concern over our drive home. She said, well if you have to pull over at least you can survive on pickles!
We laughed, and she added, "make sure to let me know if that happens!" and I thought that would be a great marketing story.
"Stranded motorists saved by pickles, story at 11!"

Of all the jewelry, paintings, dog clothes, people clothes, and gifts we saw, those pickles were the only thing we left with!

We drove up to meet my long time friend Mary and her new doodle puppy Turbo, before going to the show.
At first Milo was not sure, didn't trust Turbo since he hasn't had his neutering yet, but three snarls later as we walked together (thanks Cesar Milan for letting me know about the pack walking thing) they began to play. Turbo wasn't sure at first as Milo is twice his size, but they ran and jumped, Turbo flashed his sharp new teeth, as they played puppy games like "bump chest" and 'my teeth are bigger" and "try to get me" Milo layed down to be face to face, and at one point Turbo leapt over him.

Sometimes friends need a moment to size each other up, and sense whether the other one is trustworthy before jumping into play time. Same with humans.

Mary and I have a long history of playing together, sewing, making art, going places. It's good to know our pups will get along too.

Sunday, December 15, 2019

snowy sundays and Sunday stories

Sunday Stories
the  challenge words are from sundayswhirligig  and it's not easy to use them all in a little story but here goes!

bleak, stable, hay, lamb, frosty, worship, bliss, part, moan, milk, give, shepherd

                                       A different kind of worship

He planned his words to her, the prettiest girl in the whole county. 

her name is pretty... Ashley... ashley.... Ahhhhh-shley....

He bought her a necklace with her name on it to give her for a Christmas gift. 

He planned the whole event, it would happen out in the barn while sitting on the hay bale. He had milk to go with the cookies. He spent a long time getting the part on his hair just right, picking the right jeans and shoes and stuff to make her think he was cute. 

Oh no! it was frosty out here, she might get cold...  but it was the only way to get away from his little brother. He moaned thinking of how hard he planned this to make sure his un-stable brother would be too busy to interfere.

His dog, a big german shepherd was looking at him funny, "what's up buddy?" he asked the dog.  Buddy seemed to answer, "you're crazy brother, she's hot and you're bleak and this is messed up" 

Awe, he's right thought Jimmy... she's almost 2" taller than I am, and in advanced math, and her parents drove a nice car not a run down truck like his did. 

He looked at the sad little hay bale with it's red placemat and snacks. He looked at the barn and his shoes, and the dog and thought, I better call and cancel it before she walks over. He felt something tickle his ear and brushed away a fly. 

Buddy stood up and wagged his tail as Jimmy bent to pick up the cookie plate, then heard

"Hi handsome" 

he turned slowly, smiling blissfully and said, "hi lambie... " 


enjoy this new "twist" on a Christmas song...
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Bys-OE_C7lQ&list=RDQMs5mxXeUdfG0&index=28


and this modern version of let it snow
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8xPvZEogTgY&list=RDQMs5mxXeUdfG0&index=28

Linking to

Saturday, December 14, 2019

sewing saturday

little gifties
Welcome to Sewing Saturday!
play this while visiting today...
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=WSUFzC6_fp8&list=RDQMs5mxXeUdfG0&start_radio=1

First... online purchase notice...from connecting threads, I got:
cotton threads, for a really terrific price on sale, two books I've wanted a long time with patterns
the NY Beauties has pattern real sized to copy, and the pin cushion... well I have a collection of cool pin cushions so this should be fun... a tiny tuffet! Thanks to Sally (at craftscaviescontras) for inspiration, who's been working on a lovely NY Beauties quilt for a while now

3 little gifties
no secret, I love a hexie! I got out the Christmas tiny pieces, and basted some hexies to turn into mug rugs like this one I made last year and have used all year long

made from scraps from last year's Christmas table runner. I still love it best. So I stitch away at night and quilt them onto felt.
Tim Holtz serrated scissors from Amazon
I need to trim the edges more evenly but wanted to get pictures done for this post.
this is more orange red than orange, but the color is off in this pic. The buttonhole edge is done with gold metallic YLI thread.
More to be made...
I designed some fabric gifts for dog loving friends, and don't want to show them all here yet but here is one....
turbo, front
turbo, back
lastly...
 there is a post-a-day thing going on, and the prompt Friday was "favorite color"
Hmmm that's hard.
It's kind of a situation of "love the one you're with"
It used to be red in high school, then yellow through college,purple, then lime green.
 Now it's coral or turquoise, or a combo like fuchia and orange, or turquoise and red,  turquoise fuchia and lime green.
I guess it's easier to say my least favorite color, beige.


Friday, December 13, 2019

paint party friday poinsettia

this is not how I planned to paint a poinsettia
but I sat down with my paints, inks, water and brushes and that's what came out this time...
We eat too much take out, but this was the top of my olive garden salad container, two little compartments that cried out to be used painting, one to keep clean, one to use for rinsing
that's it...

for now.... sewing tomorrow, more painting on fabric for next week!

Thursday, December 12, 2019

I Like Thursdays #171

at Nordstrom
Welcome to this week's list of likes! I like sparkle and the mall had a lot of it from eye shadows to birkenstocks
I love birkenstocks!
I got a couple ornaments for our tree at Macy's 65% off sale.

I was super excited to see a silver elephant. When we viewed this house, we put in a bid right away and I left the owners a note:
"We'll take it, choose us, leave the elephant"
We tagged this 'elephant house" as they had an enormous pottery painted elephant from India, in the dining room
While there and at Nordstrom, I saw a few cool displays. How about this one of felt?? Cool right?
I liked the gold ball inside a clear ball display
we left with three of the silvery fronds for the top of our tree!
I saw this pretty whole cloth quilt... wowie! expensive...
what was this? thermos with poodles, and with flamingos? Is there another "me" out there designing kitchen items?
Crate and Barrel had some egg plates
while standing on line at Khols, I spied a pick-me-up.
I just loved this little table top tree at crate and barrel. Another couple stood admiring it with us. Tiny little delicate ball ornaments. Ahhhh living in a crate and barrel house...

I love the books I've picked up at the library, just need to actually read them.

I like modern swing bands on youtube! This might not have been the best band, but the tap dancing was awesome. And anyone who asks the question what to do with a big fat butt... well you've got my attention

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=pDl9SDd1FJY&list=PLyUKaKIB05bRZnk6sQKplsjjPefWSwiWG&index=11

I like poinsettias and plan to paint some for tomorrow's post. I've been sewing gifties for dog friends, so maybe those on Saturday. I wrote another post on Tuesday about connections.

Milo's Moment
 I like unpacking the boxes the mailman brings to the crib. First I bark him off, then when mama brings in the box, I graciously help her open it and pull out the papers!

I also like my new rabbit treats. Thanks dad!

please visit these fine folk keeping lists of likes too! (let me know if you did a list too)
https://whataboutrheema.blogspot.com/
http://littlepenguinquilts 
http://homesewnbyus
https://canadianneedlenana.blogspot.com/
 musingof a menopausal melon
http://3poodlesandanana.blogspot.com  
https://knittingquilter.blogspot.com/     
http://www.piecefulthoughts.com
spiralj2
https://julierosequilts.blogspot.com/  

not posting this week 
https://scrapatches.blogspot.com/    

 
maryinpeoriahandmade.blogspot.com 
https://www.justletmequilt.com

LINKING TO: 

Tuesday, December 10, 2019

Together Tuesdays

Last week I talked about connections with strangers, this week I am sharing connections that grow between friends.

 I met Rose when I risked joining yet another group.

I had to give up sewing groups each time I moved, and so I tried one here. That one did not work out... too many of the women were rude and rejecting. I worried that would be the way it was here so it felt like  a risk to meet another group.
Anytime you meet someone it comes with a slight risk.

Three connections to chat about this week:

Rose and I were drawn to each other from the start, I'm sure you know that feeling.
Some back story...
My new group is small, about 8 women, but there was one person who threatened to break up the group before it got going.
That's the way human groups are, it takes one personality to sour the entire group. Polite people give up in the face of a difficult person who knows it all, and talks over others.

 The leader asked another member if she was willing to talk to the rude person about the problems.
The person decided to drop out. Because a tactful person took this role, the others in the group were then able to have meaningful experiences together, as the remaining women are respectful, kind, and encouraging.

What a life lesson to me.
Everyone deserves respect, but not everyone can work in every group.
We all would have missed out on a very nice group if we had let one particular person run over us.
And it was handled with kindness and respect for the offending person too.

Back to Rose. A gentle soul, a creative person who expresses herself in gentle works. She is trained as a fine artist, and her paintings find their way into her fiber work. She likes deconstructed representational quilts, with birds and human figures.
The images are blurred slightly, blending in soft color, abstract enough to lead your eye to telling the story yourself. Her intent is to quietly show that we may fray around our edges but we are still recognizable. She believes in the dignity of living creatures and nature.
I trust her.

to have a real friend, there must be trust. Trust that they come from a place of grace toward me and others. We may joke and do... humor is a big part of my life, but not at the expense of others.
There is plenty to joke about without hurting someone else, that's not really humor anyway. Making someone the butt of a joke is aggressive even if you call it joking.  It stops real connection. None of my real friends do that to each other.

Rose and I have begun doing things together outside the group, which allows us to risk being open and real with our feelings, building a friendship, a soft place to be. Our talk is about our real lives and experiences, and with her it's easy.

Last week,  we toured an art exhibit, where we could discuss each piece and our reactions to it.
Hearing another person's opinions is expansive to me, I learn and grow from it. I feel people can harden inside thinking their opinions are the only valid ones.

By sharing our opinions and reactions, and by accepting that opinions differ from ours, we grow. We may decide why we will continue to see things our way, or we might change slightly to include an idea we had not considered before.

Because we decided to trust each other, we learn about ourselves too. Our friendship is growing.

2. A second connection was with a library representative. In an annoying fashion, my password ceased working out of the blue. I called a representative hoping to correct the issue.

We did that dance of info, where I say that this happened 'out of the blue',  the rep says it couldn't have and doesn't make sense, then I say well it did happen, and she says, "well, ma'am..." and I say, "but it happened... how did it happen, did someone breach the database? She said, "there's nothing sinister that could have happened. I say, well it happened, and I can't request books now. (take a breath) A few moments go by

Then in a flash of insight, she asked, "did you request an inter-library loan this week"
me: "why yes I did. It went through, then I got notice it didn't go through, to ask for a librarian's help so I did and she made it work"

Rep: "ahhhhhh she must have used your phone for your password,  like most people do"
me: " but she didn't ask and I don't use those digits. Did she change my password?"
Rep: "yes"
Me: "can you change it back to the one I had?"
Rep: "sure" "just a minute"
So she changed it back. Mind you, the first one changed it without asking me, wasting a lot of time  sorting this out, and the second one "ma'am-d" me which sets me off, but... it finally was sorted out and I thanked her for finding the answer so I could relax and actually go back to using the system.
Nothing to do but just move on, she won't train the first person not to do that again, this could likely happen to me or others again, it was annoying and time consuming but... it's cleared up.
Next time, could we skip the patronizing, "ma'am..." -with-sigh at my bothering-her part?

Let me just say, I could easily have lost what little patience I have left, but I didn't this time.
I didn't respond to the patronizing tone, or the dismissive words, I slogged through repeating my words that were ignored the first time.

Some connections are not fun, but are productive.
I left the encounter with a grateful thank-you, hoping the next encounter she had would go easier on the people she helped. We have the choice with each connection, to make it smoother or rougher. We can react and say we're justified, and we are, or we can choose to leave content rather than prove we were right.  Just like in marriages.

number three this week happened on a neighborhood walk. I passed a woman who asked if I had a phone with me. I had met and chatted with her on a prior walk, just once but it was a pleasant exchange. Because we had met, she shared she locked herself out  of the house. The dog and two cats were watching her from the back door. When she went out, the door brace fell across the back slider and she was stuck.
Because we had met, she felt comfortable with me. I did not have my phone, as I do not want distractions when on a walk, from the peace. I asked what she would do, willing to have her walk home with me to call her husband to come with a key. She laughed and said she'd go next door and ask that neighbor to call.
It's good to know people in your neighborhood.

Milo just reminded me to tell you about seeing his friend Gunner. Gunner is about 8 months old, and a great dane. Last time Milo saw/played with him Gunner was Milo's size, and two nights ago, we saw gunner, now at 108 lbs he's twice Milo's size and Milo was shocked.
Gunner: " Hey buddy, it's still me!"
Milo: "are you sure? I mean you smell like you but sheesh! what happened to you, dog?"
Gunner: "I don't know.... I trip over my own legs!. But I'd still like to play sometime... have your peeps call my peeps!"
Milo: "er, maybe you should learn to control those long legs first? And maybe get the big boy surgery? I don't always trust boys who haven't had their surgery"
Gunner: "what are you talking about?"
Milo: "never mind" "bark at you later"

I wrote a bonus post on connection stories on Monday Here
If you write a post about a connection you made, good or bad, with anyone of your choice, let me know to include a link.

as always...
there is a moment in the day when you make a choice to connect with another person, or walk by.

I say, make more moments ones of connection than of isolation. They might last only a moment, but wouldn't you rather walk away smiling than not?

If you have a story of a momentary connection with others, I'd love to hear about it. Write a little post and I'll link to your blog. I'm planning on doing this each Tuesday. "Reach out and Touch-Tuesdays.

Linking to