A favorite thought....

“I am one of the searchers. There are, I believe, millions of us. We are not unhappy, but neither are we really content. We continue to explore life, hoping to uncover its ultimate secret. We continue to explore ourselves, hoping to understand. We like to walk along the beach, we are drawn by the ocean, taken by its power, its unceasing motion, its mystery and unspeakable beauty. We like forests and mountains, deserts and hidden rivers, and the lonely cities as well. Our sadness is as much a part of our lives as is our laughter. To share our sadness with one we love is perhaps as great a joy as we can know - unless it be to share our laughter. 
We searchers are ambitious only for life itself, for everything beautiful it can provide. Most of all we love and want to be loved. We want to live in a relationship that will not impede our wandering, nor prevent our search, nor lock us in prison walls; that will take us for what little we have to give. We do not want to prove ourselves to another or compete for love.

For wanderers, dreamers, and lovers, for lonely men and women who dare to ask of life everything good and beautiful. It is for those who are too gentle to live among wolves.” 
― James Kavanaugh, "There Are Men Too Gentle to Live Among Wolves"

Valentine Baby

Last year I observed Valentine's Day with a wonderful tribute to my awesome nieces and nephews.  I am happier now that I am a great aunt again, this time to Brooke Elizabeth, who appeared on the scene this October.  I was thinking about some of the commonalities in my extended family.  One, we love each other. Two, we have amazing children (and grandchildren.) Three, we are decent human beings, pay our taxes and go to church.  But, as I gave those thoughts a Valentines' Day twist, I thought about the insane, crazy love we have for our dogs.  They truly are family too.  Now that Kate and Molly are semi-gone, Winston fills a large part of my life.  He is truly a "people person" to those he cares about.  If he doesn't like you, you're not getting within fifty feet of us.  He's no pushover.   He loves to be with David and me, and would love to be our lap dog if we didn't have new furniture.  He keeps our feet warm at night and our hearts warm all the time.  Recently, as Maggie (our 13 year old border collie) has begun to age, he has become her special companion-guiding her through the yard and reminding her that it is time to come in.  He even lets her get on the bed at night.  It was a lucky day when he chose us as his people!  I don't know that I will ever rescue another dog.  I think as I get older, I may have to have a dog tailor-made for me.  Smaller, no-shed,  friendlier, something suitable for our "golden years"....you get the drift.  I will always be grateful for the many gifts Win brings to me.  It was my lucky day when I rescued him.  So, this Valentines' Day, kiss your spouse, hug your kids, and give your dog an extra walk.  And, if you're looking for a fur-ever friend, think about rescuing a dog.  The shelters and their residents would love you forever.