Happy

We were out the door really early this morning, Garbo and I.  Starting out even before the garbage trucks had started their rounds.  Around here, those trucks come while it is still dark.  Long before most peoples alarm clocks go off.

Today was  one of these mornings that makes your heart skip a beat.  Bright. Crisp. The wind stirring in the trees.

Lucky I, awake every single morning these days by being very gently nudged by a cold nose.  Garbo has a habit of getting up on my side of the bed with her front legs, then nudges and nuzzles until she knows I am awake.  Assured, she plunks down on her own bed and waits for me to get ready.  The morning routine for me is a quick one.  Getting into a pair of jeans and a Tshirt, wrapping my hair in a knot, a fast face rinse and a dab of lotion does not take long, then off we go.  Teeth, mascara and lipstick will have to wait....

Tromping through this neighbourhood at the crack of dawn, is always and every day an amazing, refreshing and eye opening experience.  Nothing is ever quite the same.  Flowers bloom and fade, to be  replaced by new ones.  The clouds float in various directions.  The water fowl change by the ponds depending on the season.  Currently we have a Mother Mallard with little babies on one of the ponds we often pass.  Little fluff balls floating next to Mom.

A couple of weeks ago we would pass an African goose laying next to a small building by yet another pond where we walk.  Little did I know, she was sitting on a nest of eggs.  Her "husband" standing guard nearby.  It took several days for me to realize she was nesting.  At first I was sure she had been injured and was dying.  Always in the same exact position, flat to the ground with her neck stretched out.  Then as days pass I finally "got it".

There were to be no babies in that nest however.  One morning she was off the nest, apparently having abandoned her eggs for some reason, much to the delight of the ever vigilant  neighbourhood ravens.
The sun rises above the mountain range at some stage of our morning walk, depending on when we started.  It creeps up above the mountain tops with its blinding brightness.

As we walk these streets in this park like setting, meeting and greeting people, many walking their own dogs, I so often reflect on how incredibly privileged I (we) are.  Living in a place like this! Adding that I have had the privilege to live in various other  amazing places many persons might only dream of!

Me and my dog!
How TRULY lucky we are!
My heart sings!

See the "Happy" Video here.  Dance a little and feel happy!

On Mothers Day

Rather than there being one and only one day a year to honor, think about and celebrate our Mothers I much prefer to think of EVERY day as Mothers Day.  As I frown a bit upon the idea that the rest of the year Mothers are taken for granted. I  lean towards thinking of the one day event,  as a cash boon for florists, chocolatiers and jewelers.

On this special Mothers Day I thought about ALL the Mothers in my life.  Those who were Mother figures for me as I was growing up,  and there were several.  Each and every one different.  Each and everyone gave me a different perspective.  Each and every one provided me with memories, specific to our relationships.  Each and everyone providing  a different "lesson".  They are ALL still with me today,  as I evolved in their image,  or not.  Not only did I learn HOW to be,  but also how NOT to be!

Since I have been lucky enough to have lived a very long time, it goes without saying that the "how to" of Motherhood has changed.  How different  we  played  that role of parent.  From the time when children should be out of the way.. perhaps seen but never heard.. and the carpet beater was used to discipline.  Today children are in the forefront, we appreciate their contributions and their individuality.  Being a Mother however is still an exhausting and demanding business, it is  just as hard to know wether we are using the right approach or not.  Ultimately it is all about the LOVE, if you ask me.  Love conquers all...... and yes,  communication!  One of the most profound lessons growing up, was learning that communication was the ultimate key.  A lesson taught by my "Other Mother" who always had time to listen.  Talk to your children, she would say Remember to talk to YOUR children!  About EVERYTHING!

Today I am surrounded by Mothers and Mothers to be, just in my own little sphere.  My beautiful daughter, my amazing daughters in law and incredible grand daughters.  They all have and will have their own style of mothering.

Happy Mothers Day to ALL the Mothers in my life, past and present!  I LOVE you all!

Happy Mothers Day!

Getting My Butt in Gear.. and Garbo, Of Course!

A blogger friend recently talked about Blogger Abstinence as she was having technical difficulties. Can't say that I have any such excuse.  I have NO excuse!

So much has happened.  At the same time, might  I say, that not much has happened.

You know... nothing earth shattering here in our little part of the world anyway.

Thinking of the news about people and homes being literally blown  away in Arkansas, while Garbo and I walked through our (at the moment) safe neighborhood, the other morning!

The Dog Park in Morgan Hill did re-open!  We had a very happy Garbo who was tickled to no end,  able to spend time with her friends once more.  And we got a chance to chat with some of our acquaintances too.  The new pavilions are completed.  The grass is green and lush and everyone seem happy.

Then ... as we know they always do,  ... things change!  Garbo is growing up!  Noticing that there was a lot of what seemed to me needless squatting going on!  Sniffing, sniffing and more sniffing during our walks. Could she have a urinary tract infection?  Called my EXPERT advisor

Brigitte Doxtator of Oneida Acres!  Do this, she suggested and that.  Well, with closer scrutinizing.... hmmm, she is in heat!  Well, well!  Forget the Dog Park for the duration!  It is good to know it will there,  when we are able to play with both boys and girls again.  In the meantime we'll just stick with the girls! And our walks!

There was an Easter dinner here with family.  Always nice!
We had a coffee delivery from our own barista!  Always welcomed!
There was a lot of fun play time at the agility field with Gemma and Yuki... Buddie had to stay home due to... yea, you know!

My favorite Boy Cousin is having a BIG birthday and my long time most awesome friend Mona is turning 80!  Good Grief!  How can it be possible that those numbers are getting so BIG and so ROUND!
Now April is gone and May is here.... tick, tick, tick, tick!!
och visst.... "Glad såsom fågeln i morgon stunden"....