Life does that . . .

It was a little chilly this morning when I took the dogs for a walk and it's been cloudy all day. Not that I mind a little bit of coolness after a hot and humid summer, but am I ready for fall? Perhaps, but definitely not ready for winter and the cold and snow that comes with it.

This month has certainly been filled with ups and downs. My dog, Shelby, has transitional cell carcinoma (which means he has bladder cancer). We're ever watchful and have decided to do palliative care rather than put him through sessions of chemo and trips to unknown places with unknown people. He seems to be doing well on the medication given to him by the vet and I'm hopeful he has many more months with us.

On Sunday we came home after being out doing errands and at supper time I noticed that part of Keeya's lower beak was missing. We're not sure what happened, but a trip to the vet was in order for pain meds. I'm amazed at how far avian care has come as they were able to fashion a makeshift beak for her until her's grows back in. Poor little thing!

My dear friend's husband lost his job (but got a new one right away). Still, my trip to Pennsylvania has been postponed indefinitely. Bummer!

On the upside, it's my 21st wedding anniversary this Thursday. We're not celebrating in a big way, but we'll be spending time together and that's what really matters. It's also my friend Carl's birthday this weekend so I've planned a birthday bash for him which I'm really looking forward to.

There are many ups and downs along life's highway, but if we can stay focused and not get derailed by the twists and turns in the road, we'll make it through, hopefully, with a smile on our faces at the end of the journey . . .

An 'Out of the Blue' Surprise . . .

You know how it is when someone does something special for you out of the blue? You know what I mean . . . your HEART fills up with gratitude and surprise to the point it's overflowing and tears fall down your face and your nose is stuffing up and so you use your shirt sleeve for a hanky just because you're frozen in your spot filled with awe and wonder at such an act of kindness. And when I say 'out of the blue' I really mean it. Brian left yesterday for a conference in San Francisco so I'm feeling a bit 'blue' . . .

My friend Sharon (who has a beautiful blog at 'Plumrose Lane') has been a great source of support, understanding, and enthusiasm in helping me build my new spiritual foundations. She's made suggestions and offered advice that has been both insightful and life changing. She's been so encouraging and even designed this blog page for me because she believes so much in what I'm doing and where I'm going.

And if that wasn't already enough, today she sent me out of the blue, this gorgeous key chain. I can't even begin to express to you how beautiful it is and how meaningful it is to me. She's captured my spiritual essence so completely in the little Goddess statue, bird, skeleton key, crystal crescent moon, amethyst, and the little charms that say 'Imagine', 'Create', and 'Believe'.

And I don't have to tell you that the pictures just don't do it justice. It sparkles and tinkles and has an energy all its own . . .

Sharon, if you were here right now I'd give you a big bear hug and leave lipstick kisses all over your face . . . you are one in a million and I can't even express to you how fortunate and grateful I am to know you . . . love and hugs . . .