Dog Days?

August is often referred to as the 'dog days' of summer. I never did know why. In the southwest it is usually the heart of the monsoon or summer rainy season so the humidity is up and it is not quite the usual 'dry heat' but I will take a bit of stickiness to get the much needed rain, to feel my skin soak up the moisture in the air and because I know the next big  change will be the start of fall. I've always really loved fall in the southwest!

As far as the household K9s go, they don't seem to mind. I got a late start this morning and almost did not take them walking but they conned me into it. First Rojito and Belle--we go down the street about 3 blocks, usually around the big parking lot of the LDS church with a little detour across part of the lovely green grassy lawn and home. Belle loves to walk in the grass. I'm not sure why but she does. When she was younger she liked to roll in it but now getting up and down seems too hard so she stays on her feet.
Of course when we get back from that--we stayed out of the parking area and almost off the grass since people were already gathering for their Sunday services--BB and KC were rearing to go so I had to be fair and take them too--a bit farther and much faster! Duty done LOL.

A few days ago I showed a shot of a silver pendant that resembles the ancient statue found a few years ago and presumed to be a mother goddess figure from prehistoric times. I fell in love with this dainty version and had to have one but there is one of those serendipity stories behind it and it actually starts with dogs!

After I got Rico and then Belle I found and joined two yahoo groups frequented by lovers, breeders and owners of Aussies. I learned a lot and made some neat on-line friends. Among them for awhile was a lady named Devin O'Branagan (www.DevinWrites.com and www.devinobranagan.blogspot.com)  who loves Aussies and has featured one in several of her books--yes, she is also a writer, mystery/romance mostly which of course is something I enjoy. Then she disappeared for awhile after losing a dog but someone else mentioned a neat book she had written called "Show Dog Sings the Blues." It is, of course, about an Aussie or actually two, litter-mates whose lives take very different paths. One becomes a working ranch dog and the other is a show dog. The owners do let them visit occasionally and on one visit, the two who very closely resemble each other, are inadvertently switched! Both are appalled at the lives they find themselves dumped into and the story is by turns hilarious and tear-jerking. A happy ending of course! Well, I got the book and did an Amazon review and corresponded a bit with Devin. On her web site--since she also writes some YA paranormal tales, she had a section of jewelry, mostly themed on the YA books. I've not read any of them but do plan to as they sound very good. But there was also a few goddess or new age pieces, one of which was the little pendant. It is now no longer featured but if anyone wants one, I will try to track down a souce!

Now some more weird/odd stuff! It turns out the seller is in Bisbee, AZ which is where my sons live and where I met and married my late husband and lived for a few years myself! When I got a little package last summer from Bisbee I was amazed! I of course emailed the jeweler back and had we moved back to Arizona instead of here in New Mexico--the move was still up in the air at that time--I would have gone to see her by now. I still plan to whenever I make that long-delayed trip over to see family and friends.

Yet one more loop to this Celtic knot. I am also a fan/reader of J.A.Jance, especially her Joanna Brady series that is set in and around Bisbee since the heroine is the Sheriff of Cochise in that series. We also have corresponded a bit and I get her newsletter. Today she is in Bisbee signing her newest book and I am disappointed I cannot be there too. But here is the neat part--on her website there is a picture of a dog on a table of her books and --get this!--it looks enough like Rojito to be a litter mate! That dog is older and her name is Bella; she was a rescue adopted by J.A. (who now lives in Seattle area) and her hubby and she is at least part dachshund. I just shake my head while "Outer Limits" music plays in the background! Isn't life strange?!? (But I love it!!)

No Rewind on Life

I am sure some of those survived the massacre in Aurora and the families of those who did not wish there was a rewind button to go back in time and change things. Often it is just one small decision or action. I expect the young couple with the dogs feels the same. BTW, Gemily is now out of the hospital but her boyfriend's recovery will be long and slow. He was ahero and saved her, like four young men in that blood bath theater who gave their lives for others.I heard she already has a new puppy so that is good. Her family raises the Aussie Cattle Dogs so although a new one will not heal her hurt, it will help. I told my freind who has the blind one that maybe they are "healers" as well as heelers--special dogs as most are if they get any love and care at all--giving back full measure plus.

The photo is not mine; I grabbed it off the net sometime. It looks like a special angel to me--a butterfly with transparent wings, fragile and beautiful. Life is kind of like that--fragile and beautiful..And we only get to hold or enjoy it for awhile--ours and those we care for..

Anyway, I think we all need to remind ourselves in these dangerous times that we cannot ever go back, that we need to make each day count and never miss a chance to say I love you to someone or do a kind, good deed. This is in Christian, Druid and most other philosophies as well, but recent events certainly reinforce that. Like the one young woman who survived a shooting incident in Toronto only to die in Aurora, a few weeks later. We do not know what is around the bend for us or for those we care for.

I wrote a verse the other day, at that time more thinking of my own life and where I wanted to take it now but it fits the current events situation also. We all have mistakes in our lives, the first, the worst and many more but dwelling on them is futile since they cannot be erased. We need instead to learn by them and move on, never do that particular thing again. But we also need to exercise judgment and reason, too

There was a story when I was growing up where a lad called "Silly Jack" made many foolish mistakes. Each time he was chided and told what he should have done, so the next time he does that and of course the situation is not the same and his choice is as wrong as before. We are all silly jacks sometimes; while we need to build on and profit from (spiritually and mentally) the past, that has to be done witih care and thought. Both blind rebellion and blind obedience are wrong! Open those eyes!

Go in peace and harmony, friends. Pat your dogs, hug your friends and show your heart to those you love! Here's my verse.

Time and life do not rewind

The truth of that I sadly find

As I seem somehow locked in place

With youthful heart and aged face.

The weight of years I can’t deny--

Admit that it’s futile to try

But me-within has never changed

Though passing time has rearranged

The puzzle pieces of my shell.

The current guise fits me not well.

I can’t go back yet can’t move on.

Where have all the flowers gone?

Yes, it does seem I’ll never learn

And to the past my thoughts oft turn.

Life and time do not rewind;

Now to fix that in my mind…


The other photo here could be either a sunrise or a sunset. The neat thing about that is what is a sunset on one side is a sunrise on the other. Again, life is like that! This photo came from a friend whose friend took the shot and she shared. It is in the Potomac Estuary and was a sunrise in actuality, but I only know that since I was told. 

Belle Is Better

I promised a more cheerful post so here it is. You all met Belle a few days ago, my beloved Australian Shepherd fur girl who came to me in February 2007. Thus she has been with me through many hard times, moves and changes and has been the most sweet and loving little companion anyone could want. She does not enjoy long trips now as she used to and has slowed down a lot but that is just because of the unfortunate fact that the life span of our canine friends is too much shorter than ours. In time I wil get a new travel commpanion but for now stay  mostly close to home with her.

She has given me a scare a few times with health issues. In Colorado early in the spring of 2010 she got an impaction from swallowing large chunks of the hoof chews we were giving all the dogs. A combination of anti nausea drugs to stop her vomiting and nature taking its course to expel the block, she came through that. Needless to say the chews were banned. I am sure KayCee and BeeBee could deal with them but do not want to risk Belle getting them. She does have a bad habit of gulping food and treats without much chewing. Some things do not process well that way.So anymore I am careful what she gets. The "beefy sticks" we give them, crumbled rawhide in some binding material--are always fed in small bits and she does chew them a few times. Most of the rest of her treats and kibble are small and soft.

More recently she's developed worening arthritis and hip problems. It got so bad I was worried about her falling and had to help her get up, calm her when she lost her traction in back etc. Remembering the sad situation with poor little Butch, I was freaked out. She had a bad day on July 3, then seemed better for a few days but then this past Wednesday was definitely not doing well again. I'd put her on some homeopathic stuff but it was not working fast enough. So we went to the vet, me half-sick with dread. They toook x-rays which revealed heavy calcification on the left hip and a bit of a problem on the right but probably not beyond control.. I'd noticed the right seemed almost to dislocate at times and she could not hold weight or balance. Now I think she overcompensated for pain and weakness on the left and thus overstressed the right.

Anyway a good friend who has an aging Springer Spaniel had given me a list of some meds they'd gotten for her dog. I mentioned them to my vet. He said he would not suggeset two of them since they are steroids and she already has the prednisone, which of course is a steroid and may actually contrribute to her long term bone, join and muscle problems but that Adequan might be just what we need; he'd already decided on that in fact. She got her first shot that day with three more set for the next ten days. Wednesday afternoon she was bad, weak and in pain; I gave her tramadol and she was then doped up as well--not good but by Thursday morning I could see marked improvement which continued yesterday and held today.

This morning she got the second shot. If the progress continues, we may have a handle on this for awhile. After the first four we can wait until she shows signs of distress again and she'll get a booster. This drug is used on horses, dogs and other domestic animals with cery good results so I feel we can give Belle some more "quality time" and every hour and day of that is precious! I'm grateful for a kind and caring vet, modern science and new meds, and maybe some answers to  fervent and urgent prayers I spoke over the past days. The Doggie Deity does listen and cares. S/He looks down and touches the special beloved dogsters with love and eases their distress as much as can be done; when the time comes I will be able to let Belle go as I have let Alanna, Butch, Sadie and others but for now she's better and we are both relieved.

Final post on hit and run

 

My friend Julie is still posting on the California tragedy. I am not sure how many of the links will come thru live but you can cut and paste URLs if they are not and you want to follow this story in more detail. The first article has a pictuer of the young couple and three of the dogs in a happier day. I hope to move on now to a more pleasant and cheerful subject, maybe later today.

Now a new tragedy in the theater shootings in Colorado. I am reeling, feeling like, “What the ^&%(( is the world coming to?”  GMW (DD/GM)

Julie says: “I realize there's a lot of frustration and/or anger about this (I share in the former), but it would be wonderful if this great support group would all pray prayers of thanks for the miracle that got the perpetrator arrested & locked up, plus more prayers that Gemily and Harison will recover, plus more prayers that all their hospital costs will be covered by angels with checkbooks, credit cards & that the hospital will write off at least part of the cost of their stay/treatment.

Please spend time reading all the article & accompanying information. http://www.sacbee.com/2012/07/18/4638401/2-badly-injured-4-dogs-killed.html You will not like the person that caused all this grief, any better. I'm sorry, but the arrogance of drunk drivers (or those that are high on drugs of any kind & choose to put their butts in the driver's seat of any vehicle, put it in gear & "drive" it) just is beyond me.

 Now to shed the light of day on his " ... lengthy arrest record, including at least three other DUI arrests since 2001." Apparently, suspending his license hasn't stopped him from driving: "Walden was booked into the Sacramento County Jail on two counts of felony hit-and-run, four counts of felony animal cruelty, misdemeanor driving under the influence and driving on a suspended driver’s license." If suspending his license doesn't stop him from "driving" -- and killing/maiming people & animals -- what's the next step? Get him off the streets & do NOT let him out where he can get behind the wheel of another vehicle! There's a photo here: http://blogs.sacbee.com/crime/archives/2012/07/suspect-arrested-in-carmichael-hit-and-run.html where it's mentioned that he's in jail in lieu of $135,000 bail ($13,500 stands between the public currently being safe from him, & him being a 'loose cannon' again, which he's apparently been for a long time.). "West suffered a broken leg and is listed in good condition this morning at San Juan Mercy Hosital. Long-Randall, who is credited with trying to push West out of the path of the car, lost part of a leg in the crash and is listed in critical but stable condition this morning."

CHP Arrests Suspect In Hit-And-Run That Killed Dogs, Severed Man’s Leg

July 19, 2012

[Paul William Walden, 31,] said he only thought he hit one dog and that’s why he didn’t stop, the [California Highway Patrol] said. ... Officers estimated the vehicle was going 80 mph prior to the collision and never made an attempt to stop. Walden was booked into the Sacramento County Jail on two counts of felony hit-and-run, four counts of felony animal cruelty, misdemeanor driving under the influence and driving on a suspended driver’s license. Walden has a lengthy arrest record, including at least three other DUI arrests since 2001.

http://sacramento.cbslocal.com/2012/07/19/chp-arrests-suspect-in-carmichael-hit-and-run-that-killed-dogs/

Suspect arrested in hit-and-run that injured couple, killed 4 dogs?

 

Sacramento Bee (blog) - Paul William Walden, 31, of North Highlands, was arrested at 1:22 AM today after the CHP pulled him over at Bainbridge and Salazar drives ... "West suffered a broken leg and is listed in good condition this morning at San Juan Mercy Hosital. Long-Randall, who is credited with trying to push West out of the path of the car, lost part of a leg in the crash and is listed in critical but stable condition this morning."

Read more here: http://blogs.sacbee.com/crime/archives/2012/07/suspect-arrested-in-carmichael-hit-and-run.html#storylink=cpy"

Local: Arrest made in Carmichael hit and run? News10.net

Arrest Made in Hit and Run at Garfield/Engle Intersection? Patch.com

CHP Arrests Suspect In Hit-And-Run That Killed Dogs, Severed ...? CBS Local

all 54 news articles »

Update on accident story

CHP has arrested the driver in the hit and run, a repeat DUI offender. He said he did not stop because he "thought he only hit one dog." Doesn't that boil your blood as if one dog does not matter??!! So he is charged with multiple felonies. I hope he gets many years behind bars!!! But nothing can restoreo the lives of four sweet dogs nor repair the damaged bodies of two young people who did not do one thing wrong! I could tear that miserable SOB apart with my bare hands!!

We have a huge DUI problem in New Mexico and tragic stories come out daily. What I find most appalling is the people who drive drunk (they always think they are okay) with children and grand children in their car. But anyone impaired behind the wheel is a potential murderer and those who are distracted by their &%())&)** cell phones, either talking or texting, are just as bad.  I'm all for banning any use of mobile phones while driving. Yeah, I know, not a popular idea but it is a huge safety issue. Anyone caught doing it should at least have their insurance rates doubled!! I will not answer a phone if I am in traffic or on a risky road, pull over when I safely can and call back. And I tell people if I am out on a semi vacant highway that I will call back soon and hang up at once! I would just die of shame and anguish if I were to cause an accident that way!!

Tragic dog accident--help if you can!

This came from a friend who is a big ACD fan. (She's cared for two blind ACDs and is a wonderful dog lover herself. I published her "make a difference" essay a few days ago.) I am shocked and just sick about this brutal accident. Pleaes help if you can. This young couple has been horribly traumatized and lost four precious furkids in a stupid tragic and awful situation! BTW I worked near there when I was living in  north central California in the 77-83 period but not sure of these streets now as it has been a long time!  GMW

2 people hurt, 4 dogs killed in Carmichael hit, run

 

"Randall's leg was severed from the impact, West suffered a broken leg, and all four dogs, Australian cattle dogs, were killed."

 

July 18, 2012

 

By Ward Koppel wkoppel@news10.net and Paul Janes pjanes@news10.net

 

News10 KXTV ABC

 

Carmichael, California - Two people were seriously hurt, and their four dogs killed in a late-night hit and run in Carmichael.

 

According to California Highway Patrol Sgt. Troy Rivers, the incident occurred some time after 10 PM Monday as Harison Randall, 21, of Grass Valley, and Gemily West, 23, of Carmichael, were walking their dogs -- Bindie, Evie, Zury and Winry -- across Garfield Avenue at Engle Road. 

 

PHOTOS: 4 dogs killed in Carmichael hit, run http://www.news10.net/news/photo-gallery.aspx?storyid=201460

 

As they were crossing, the couple noticed a vehicle heading toward the intersection at a high rate of speed.  Thinking the car was going to turn left away from them, Randall and West continued and the car veered back towards them, said Rivers.

 

The approaching vehicle, later described as a 1986 or '87 light brown Nissan Maxima or Stanza sedan, blew through a stop sign, knocking it over before hitting Randall, West and all of their dogs, Rivers said.

 

Randall's leg was severed from the impact, West suffered a broken leg, and all four dogs, Australian cattle dogs, were killed.

 

"I looked across the street, and unfortunately there was the gentleman's leg, I vomited, then ran over to the gentlemen with a pillow," said Corrina Aggee, who saw the entire accident. "He actually looked up at me and said, 'I'm going to be okay'."

 

The car continued without stopping, fleeing the scene at a high rate of speed, said Rivers.

 

"Either the vehicle was fleeing from another crime that was committed, the driver was under the influence of alcohol or drugs or they simply panicked," CHP Officer Todd VanLindt said.

 

Investigating officers believe Randall suffered greater injuries because he tried to protect his girlfriend from the impact. 

 

"Her boyfriend is a hero. If he hadn't pushed her out of the way, my sister would be dead. She would have taken the full brunt of the impact just like her poor dogs," said Trevor West, West's brother.

 

The victims were taken to a nearby hospital for treatment.  Randall was listed in critical condition, and West was said to be in serious condition.

 

The entire area was closed  through 5:20 AM Tuesday due to cleanup and investigation efforts.  

 

Officer Todd VanLindt of the CHP said the car that hit Randall and West was a Nissan Maxima that should be missing the driver-side mirror and turn lights, and would likely have front end damage.

 

Anyone with information on the incident was urged to contact authorities at 1-866-CALL-CHP.

 

http://www.news10.net/news/article/201342/2/2-people-hurt-4-dogs-killed-in-Carmichael-hit-run

 

~~~~~

 

CHP Continues Search For Suspect Vehicle In Carmichael Hit And Run

 

July 18, 2012

 

http://sacramento.cbslocal.com/2012/07/18/chp-narrows-description-of-suspect-vehicle-in-carmichael-hit-and-run/

 

Carmichael, California - The California Highway Patrol has dozens of investigators searching for the suspect vehicle in a hit-and-run accident that killed four dogs and seriously injured a young couple Monday evening.

 

The suspect vehicle is described as a 1986 or 1987 Nissan Maxima, light brown in color.

 

The vehicle is believed to have moderate damage to the front driver’s side. It is missing the driver’s side rearview mirror and damaged left side running lights and turn signal lens.

 

The crash happened around 10 PM on Garfield Avenue as 23-year-old Gemily West and her boyfriend, 21-year-old Harison Long-Randall, were returning from the park with her four dogs.

 

Long-Randall lost a leg in the accident as he pushed West out of the direct path of vehicle. The four dogs all died. They were all Australian cattle show dogs.

 

West is expected to begin rehabilitation work in the hospital on Thursday and won’t be released for a few more days, her family said. Randall was undergoing his third surgery on Wednesday.

 

Anyone with information is asked the North Sacramento CHP at 916-338-6710 or after hours, CHP Sacramento Communications Center at 916-861-1300.

 

~~~~~

 

Donations for the Private Cremation of her dogs -- Bindie, Evie, Zury and Winry -- can be made to Gemily West at Orangevale Veterinary Hospital 6248 Main Avenue, Suite D, Orangevale CA 95662. The phone number is 916-987-2055.

 

I called & made a donation, then called some friends, & they are donating, too. Since Harison's twin sister works at the Orangevale Veterinary Hospital, it makes sense that all donations above & beyond the cremation cost would get to Harison and Gemily. Let's all send something (every dollar counts) to Gemily West / Harison Randall, c/o The Orangevale Veterinary Hospital, 6248 Main Avenue, Suite D, Orangevale CA 95662. The phone number is 916-987-2055. The very nice lady I spoke with, 2 hours ago, said that all the cremation costs had not yet been met. Let's not wait for an organization to pay these costs! Let's all chip in & show these two young folks that America still cares about our own!

 

~~~~~

 

 

Gemily West, Room 5522
c/o Mercy San Juan Medical Center
6501 Coyle Avenue
Carmichael, CA 95608
916-537-5000

 

Going to the Dogs

The other day you met Belle. She has been with me for five and a half years now. Of course she is very special to me. We have been through a lot together--rehoming Rico, moving from Arizona to New Mexico, to Colorado, to another house in Colorado and finally back to New Mexico again. Because she has the auto-immune disorder Discoid Lupus (akin to he systemic form of Lupus which both people and animals can have) she has been on Prednisone the entire time I have had her  I gradually weaned her down to a very low dos of 2.5 mg a day--which is half of the smallest tablet they make it in, at least that I have been able to find. But it has side effects. One is a gradual weakening of bone, joints and muscle. While steroids are often used to help arthritis and similar issues, the long-term use is damaging. I am not sure the medical reasons for this. Anyway lately she has been having worse arthritis problems, especially in her hips. The last two weeks she gets wobbly and weak, sometimes cannot keep her back legs under her. Recalling Butch's problem, that is scary to me too but I try to be calm and steady her, get her to lie down and "sleep it off." I ordered some homeopathic medication which is herbs and trace minerals suspended in ionized water and it is helping some but not enough or too slow so today we went to the vet.

I saw the x-rays and she has calcium buildup and weakened sockets but she got her first of four shots in ten days of the drug Adequan. I did read up about it on line and it is supposed to be a near miracle treatment for dogs, horses and even cats with such problems. I am hopeful. The rest of her quality of life is pretty good but I know she would be very unlikely to survive surgery--if it would even help, so my main hopes are pinned on this treatment. Say a little prayer to the doggie deity with me!

Rojito continues to thrive. He is feisty, sassy and also very loving. He likes to dig, and not always in appropriate places but we are training him. He's very bold, running out to chase the pigeons who are nearly as big as he is and helping the Blues run the rabbits off.

The other two dogs in the household are Beebee and Kaycee, both rescues from the Humane Society in Colorado Springs. My brother is partial to Queensland Heelers or Australian Cattle Dogs (ACD)--quite a separate breed from the Australian Shepherds. They come in red or blue, normally with the merle coat or mixture of red and white or gray/black and white hair giving a tweedy or mottled effect, a trait they share with many of the Aussie Sheps. We think Kaycee is purebred as he shows no trace of anything else. He is about four now, growing out of the obnoxious puppy stage but still a rascal. He answers to "You S**T Bird!" about as well as his name LOL. Beebee (her name is actually Blue Belle but that was confusing as I already had Belle when Charlie got her to replace Cokie, his old mama mostly-Heeler a few years ago so it's BB--Beebee) She is at least half Heeler we think but the rest is a mystery. At times I think Corgi, another herding breed but I'm not sure. I don't have real good pix of them but will see what I can come up with. That's BB on the left and KC  on the right when he was still a kind of lanky pup--he has the usual ACD solid blocky build now. The white head spot is an ACD trait. Anyway that is the canine members of the Morgan-Walton household.

To explain that, my maiden name is Morgan as of course is my brother's last name; my married name is Walton and I still use it for many purposes but sometimes hyphenate it as Morgan-Walton. I answer to a lot of names and few of them are my formal legal one! I'll save that story for later!

Trusting yourself and building self-confidence

First I want to share an article from a talented lady whose material I have followed for some time.I'd  love to meet her and sit in on a workshop someday. This piece is about confidence and trusting yourself. I know a lot of us have problems with this. I do, dating back to some events and trauma in my youth. I've been re-reading a few of my Gwynn Morgan books and realized how many times I have heroines who have problems with their father. Once again, no coincidence as art does imitate life. Mostly I have these issues resolved in the plot and maybe that is one way I deal with resolving them for myself, But here is the article, which offers a bunch of excellent discussions. You might want to check out Ann's links too! No, I am not getting a commission but I just thought some readers might benefit.

Bloom where you are planted--even if you are a climbing rose that partners with an aged bonsai like mesquite!! This pair grew at my old home in Arizona and aroused curiosity from some passers-by!

DO YOU TRUST YOURSELF? 7 TIPS TO BUILD CONFIDENCE

BY ANN O'BRIEN Getting intuitive guidance is one thing, but acting on it is quite another. Many of you have confided in me that you hear voices, have dreams that come true, or have hunches that you do not always follow. How do you build the confidence to follow your hunches? And, more importantly, how do you know when you should? Here are my top tips: 1).If you hear a voice, see a vision, or feel something unusual, always ask first, "Where is this coming from?" When we pick up the phone and hear a voice we don't know, we ask who it is, so why not ask when the voice is in our own heads!? Be open to the answer, which may be: your higher self, a guide, someone else's desire or a subconscious/ emotional part of you that needs a voice. Once you know where your hunch is coming from it's easier to decide what to do about it. 2).Consciously ask for guidance when you are feeling neutral or good, not when you are anxious. I know, that's the opposite of what most of us do, which is why I mention it. The reason for this is because our guidance will change based on the energy we put out. So, when you are feeling off, the best things you can do are things that make you feel good, balanced and calm. Then ask for guidance. This is why I focus on healing along with answering your questions in private sessions, and why I teach meditation and not only 'how to do a reading' in my classes. 3). Choose your questions wisely. Your answers are only as good as the questions you ask, so consider what you really want before letting your hungry mind take control. What do you think will get you a better result, asking "How can I make (MR. OR MISS X) love me and give me what I want?" or "How can I realize a great relationship with a wonderful partner, where we really love one another and feel fulfilled?"  4). Write your insights down. This will help them feel more real to you, and help you to follow them where appropriate. I recently re-read a bunch of old journals and came across many notes from my personal readings and meditations. Some were 10 or more years old, yet they all still rang true! It was validating to see. 5). Tell someone. Choose someone who supports you and, for now, keep quiet around those who doubt this stuff is real. Just like writing, telling someone helps  your experiences feel more real and more credible. From there, your insights will grow and you'll trust yourself more. 6). Clear out the voices that tell you "you can't see," "you can't know", or "you're just making things up." Most of us have heard or felt something like this-- maybe when we were kids and had an "imaginary friend", or maybe we got programmed by teachers or church, or maybe someone in our lives was a little uncomfortable with us seeing the parts of them they were ashamed about? Imagine a bubble in front of you with a magnet in it, and let those voices, programs and others' fears just fly out of you into the bubble. Then, in your mind's eye, send it off as far as you can see and watch it dissolve in a burst of light. 7). Practice and train. Recently one of my students told me he'd like to read with the clarity I have. Which inspired me to reflect on how I've achieved this. Besides my decades of daily meditation & self-inquiry, a huge factor which surprises people is WHO I am reading. This is why I say, don't practice sharing on people who doubt you. It's OK to choose people that want what you have to offer and are as committed to themselves as you are to your learning. In my case, I have read thousands of people and have taken over 10 years of classes and training, and all of this simply adds up. My nephew loves to sing in the bathtub, but if he took some music classes, I bet he'd become a great musician in time. I have always loved to cook, but when I've cooked with professionals I've learned some tasty, time-saving tricks that I never would have figured out and still use.  If you'd like to learn more secrets to trusting your intuition, check out the videos here and let us know what you think, or come to one of the workshops above and we'll practice together! ______________________________________________ WANT TO USE THIS ARTICLE IN YOUR E-ZINE OR ON YOUR WEBSITE? You can, as long as you do not alter the article in anyway and include a credit that reads by Ann O'Brien, FloweringSol.com, leading you to personal growth through intuitive readings, education and more!

No Coincidences!!

I'm a firm believer in the theory that there is no such thing as a coincidence! Everything happens for a reason or perhaps you chose for it to happen when you were mapping out this life in between visits to earth or earth-type places in your soul's journey or?? Well, there could be a zillion mechanisms that work here but serendipity is just amazing. The Druid philosophy would explain it as fate/destiny/karma kinds of things or in a few cases, lessons you need to learn.


The other day I guested on my friend Sue Ellen Welfonder's Tartan Ink blog. Of the members of her group that I chatted with there, one lived near where I had lived in California and another lived in the same town in Florida as my cousin and her husband lived for many years. Another had passed through my town--which is not large and kind of off the beaten path--a couple of weeks ago while making a delivery to El Paso! How could that be out of all the people who read romance and follow a popular author like Sue Ellen?? Good ole serendipity, maybe... Or perhaps the ancient Lady stylized in the pendant at right --again I got this in a Celtic knot of events which I will share sometime in the future. I am sure the Celts created their knot-work designs to symbolize the way events and people and life itself twists, twines and spirals back--they saw this very clearly and felt it was part of a sacred pattern. As do I!!

I'm a big fan of Freecycle and have made some great friends through that. It is better than eBay or Craig's List etc because people can both request things they need and offer stuff they no longer have a use for and exchanges and gifting take place. I saw a request the other day for sewing patterns and fabric to which I responded.. I've sewed all my life and still have some pieces of fabric I bought when I was in college and a length or two that my grandmother probably bought--one of them as both were seamstresses. I had many patterns almost the same too and knew I could spare a few yards of material I may never use. So we chatted by email a few times and I learned she is going back to college on line and interested in writing. In fact she is working on a factual tale about her problematic experiences with the medical community. Another friend and I are planning to form a publishing venture after she retires late this year and I am just editing a book she and another woman wrote about their experiences with cosmetic surgical procedures because there isn't nearly enough data out there from the patient's point of view. So my new friend's book is right along the same track! Coincidence? I don't think so!!

That is just a few recent examples. Several friends have been led and influenced by odd factors to locate and adopt a pet--when they were really not planning to or expecting it (Doggie Deity there) and my brother and I were not 'in the market' for a new dog, much less a very small one, when Rojito wandered in and dd his best to explain that he knew this was to be his new home. Yes, he is now totally at home and the big dogs have taken to him with nary a hitch or a growl. He is such an ingratiating little critter and very loving, wagging that long, fraying rope tail and looking at you so intently with those pretty little eyes. Belle is a bit stand-offish with most dogs, still not comfy with KayCee and tolerates BeeBee who always wants to lick her face but she is already attached to the little guy and him to her. I was very amazed! So it was another case of  'meant to be'

I could go on but I won't. You get the drift. I just find it wonderful and amazing and most of these things feel like a special gift of some kind. If you look there is a minor miracle or special gift in each day--even on the most bleak and grim and dark ones, some little omen or sign that Someone Above really cares and is watching after you, that the bad times will end and there is always some good to be seen if you take off those blinders and stop moping. Yes, we will hurt and grieve and suffer because learning and progress (the real spiritual and deep inner kind) does not come easy but never give up. Stay open to the sunbeams or moonbeams or starlight when they come. To wit, if you enlarge the picture at right you can find four planets shining in this sunset moment--two are dim and hard to find!--another of those special gift-sights.Not my photo; I think it is by an Arizona astronomer but won't name as I am not sure. But a wonderful picture anyway.

More dogs and desert summer

Yesterday I was a special guest on my friend Sue Ellen Welfonder's lovely Tartan Ink blog. Since she writes Scottish historicals and Scotland-linked paranormals my work is much different but we have been deep friends for a long time and I appreciated her letting me have a day and meet some  of her fans and friends there. Sue Ellen and I are miles apart in the environments we prefer. She loves the misty gray times, the stormy darkness and shuns the sun! I, as I often say, run on solar energy! But fittingly, yesterday was about as close to a "Sue Ellen Day" as we have in the desert.


As I mentioned earlier, we're in the start of the monsoon or summer rainy season. It tends to come in waves and if a wave of hot tropical moisture bumps into a cool front coming down from the north it triggers extra rain and wetness. The humidity was about 70% yesterday morning and the sky was mostly cloudy with great gray masses so heavy they were spilling down over the rugged hills. Since it is such a novelty here and only happens a few times a season, I love it! I had to get some pictures and here are a couple of them. The close hills are about a mile east of my home and rise very abruptly from around 4,000' where the town is to 6,500 and then on up to about 8,000 for the highest peaks. The other view is down the Tularosa Valley to the mountains between here and Las Cruces and El Paso at the end of this valley. The tree is in my yard and provided us with a batch of delicious apricots this year!!

I have had some worries with my little Belle, who you met two days ago, and will talk more on that another time but I will say I have her on some homeopathic medication now --trace minerals and herbs in ionized water--and it seems to really be helping her. I am soooo relieved! And lastly, I have to share a new picture of little Rojo. He has found my recliner--naps at siesta time in my lap but also ensconces himself alone at times too. I snapped this precious picture the other day. Isn't he adorable? But I make sure Belle knows she is still my #1 girl and will be until her last breath, which pray to all Powers will be some time yet!! Love is elastic and can always stretch to accommodate one more, especially one more of the K9 persuasion :-) .

Rico and Belle

In the long running saga of canine companions that have passed through my life I am ready to talk about Belle and Rico. As you know if you've read earlier posts, Butch left me the same day as my beloved husband, so they could share the trip across the Rainbow Bridge as the great friends they were and join Butch's former owner, our dear friend John Pope who had gone before them. Jim's sweet dog Sadie existed for another three years but her spirit pretty much died with them. That is why I say existed--she wasn't really living anymore but just going through the motions. Yes, dogs do grieve!

Here on the right is Rico a couple of months after I adopted him. Another close up I really like appears next, on the left.

In January 2004 I was looking for a new dog in hopes of lifting Sadie--and to some degree myself -- out of the lonely depths of our shared grief. I've always been partial to the herding breeds so had put out the word I hoped to find an Australian Shepherd. A friend of a friend who was involved in rescue efforts in Sierra Vista, AZ heard about a stray taken in by a lady down at nearby Hereford. She raised German Shepherds and had no good place for a young male Aussie. Sadie and I went down to see him, in my car at the time, a Buick Century. Sadie was not too enchanted but not growly so we ended up taking the young dog with us. The lady and her daughter were calling him Oreo for he was black and white but I shook my head at that!

When we lived north of Sacramento in California's central valley some friends had a feed lot, ranch and rice farm. They had Aussies and Heelers (though at the time I really did not know that Australian Shepherds and Australian Cattle Dogs, commonly known as Queensland or Blue/Red Heelers were two separate breeds. Anyway they had a red merle Aussie named Charlie Brown and a Blue Heeler named Henry. Allana, who you met here a few posts back, had a love affair with Henry though both were fixed. He was less enamored of her but they hunted together and were great rat-killers. There was a big rat problem up there around Yuba City. We liked Henry although he was a bit of a rascal!

Anyway my new dog reminded me a bit of Henry so he became Enrico, which is Spanish/Italian for Henry and soon Rico for short. He was a handsome guy, mostly black but with a ruff and collar of blue merle and white specks on his legs. Big for an Aussie, he weighed about 65 pounds when full grown. He was about twenty months old when I got him. I had him neutered at once as I do any pet that is not. He was wilful but always kind to Sadie and although she did not bond with him as she had Butch they traveled with me a lot and I think his companionship did help her. It certainly helped me!

Finally in November 2006 Sadie crossed the Rainbow Bridge to join her beloved master and canine friend and Rico and I were left alone. I really like to have two dogs so I began to look early in 2007--for another Aussie. By then I had done a lot of research on the breeds and knew Aussies were not Heelers and vice-versa. Through Arizona Aussie Rescue, I was led to a young female who had been abandoned and fostered at the opposite corner of the state in Kingman. I fell in love with her picture --on the left --and met the foster family half way at Glendale, AZ on Feb 11, 2007 to pick her up. She's blue merle with copper and a beautiful, dainty little girl. They told me her name was Belle and that fit just fine. I had got a crate and put her in it in the back of the little Focus wagon I had inherited when my baby brother passed away suddenly in September 2005. I was taking no chances with trouble on the highway while she and Rico got acquainted. He rode in the back seat and 'talked' to her a bit.

I soon saw Belle had a problem--her little muzzle was ulcerated so badly that tissue had eroded and it was crusted but bled off and on. I took her to my vet the second day and she was diagnosed with discoid lupus--probably the reason the back yard breeder who had her --according to the story I was given--had just dumped her. She would have to have meds for the rest of her life--a steroid to suppress her immune system since this is an autoimmune disorder. Something else to research but that was okay. I was committed to Belle and would give her a forever home regardless. I know a lot about that disease now and have managed to keep her in semi-remission for a long time and a low dose of the drug which does have some ugly side effects and may contribute to some problems she has now.

However trouble gradually developed in paradise. Most of the time Rico and Belle got along fine but.... They had a bad fight about two weeks after I got her. Trying to separate them I got bitten badly on my left hand by Rico--ouch. I had never had a serious bite before but that was a doozy. Put Belle in the crate, Rico in another room in the house and drove myself to the ER for stitches, my hand wrapped in a towel to soak up most of the flowing blood! I hoped that had settled things and for awhile it did. All was well for some time but then another fight and another. They became more frequent and scarier not to mention vet bills to patch up both dogs....

Looking back I know Rico was jealous and they could not decide between them who was top dog since they were about the same age. Males and females do not often fight but if they do, look out. Belle was not aggressive but once fighting she would go to the death and nearly did a time or two. After some bad scares and pretty steep vet bills, I began to keep them apart and knew I would have to do something. I determined Rico would have to go because Belle's health issue made her a harder placement and I had sworn to keep her. So after a few weeks Rico went to an older lady who lived alone on a small farm near Patagonia, Arizona. She took to him and he took to the little Jack Russel -Heeler mix she had who was not enough watch dogs to keep transients out of her yard. Rico could look and act very fierce!! I have not gone back to see him although I sometimes wish I could but from what I have learned, he has had a good life there. He was a good dog and I loved him so I  pray that is true. Belle and I have gone on alone since then.

Between the summer of 2008 and today I have moved four times and gone through a lot of changes in my life, but she has stayed at my side. I have done the best I can to keep her healthy, weaned her down to a very low dose of prednisone and now as she gets older, will do my best to make her last years or months or days as secure and comfortable as possible. More on that another time and on the other dogs in the household we now share with my brother and his fur-kids. And finally here is Belle, just the other day. She is 10 1/2 or more now but still a pretty girl and she knows momma loves her to pieces. The little pink and scarred nose is just her badge of honor and perhaps marks the reason she came into my life.

Rain in the Desert

One of my favorite seasons in the desert is the summer rainy time. I don't mind the heat and the old saying "It's a dry heat" mostly applies. Until the winds change and the moisture flows in from both coasts to the south. Within hours at times the searing dry heat changes--it may feel a bit like a sauna for a short time but the temperatures do drop and clouds, heavy, dense wet clouds roll in to shield the sun.

This is not my photo but another one snagged and probably not legally mine to use but it is so marvelous--I call it the lightning dancer. I wish I knew where it was but it looks like Arizona to me--maybe near one of the places I once lived. It personifies what I am talking about here!

I'm the first to admit that flash floods can be very dangerous and that lightning when up close and personal is too. But I still love the summer storms.Most of my life I have gloried in watching lightning flash and blaze, preferable at a distance where the thunder is just a muted grumble but even close, it is exhilarating. The sharp bite of ozone in the air seems to energize me and that first wonderful scent of wet creosote and other pungent  desert foliage when the raindrops moisten it delights my senses.

A desert thunderstorm is a veritable feast for the senses. You can hear the wind whistle and sometimes howl and the rolling rumble of the thunder, changing to crackles and booms as it gets closer. You can see the clouds, the gray veils of rain, sometimes the swirling dust kicked up by the outflow winds, the flashes and runes etched by the lightning, dazzling your sight for a few moments. You feel the sudden change in temperature as the storm draws near, the sting of wind driven raindrops and the invigorating way the earth and all drinks in the feast of water.

When I lived in the central valley of California I think I missed my summer rains as  painfully as I detested the long sunless weeks in midwinter when the dense fog lay over the area and a glimpse of sunshine was a rare treat. There the heat was not quite as strong as in the desert but it went weeks without the relief of a day or even a  few hours of rain, clouds and the respite that brings. Although I am a sunshine person and recharge my energies from that life-giving heat and light, it is possible to have too much of a good thing! We moved back to Tucson from north of Sacramento over the Labor Day weekend, and the so-called "monsoon" came late that year so we got a good taste of it. In fact that year the summer rains just about merged with the winter ones and unusual rainfalls resulted in some flooding and other problems but I still reveled in most of it.

During my sojourns in Colorado, there were summer rains too, and sometimes with tornadoes, which I did not find a bit endearing or delightful. In fact the whole phenomenon just seemed different. Coming back to the 'real' southwest last fall meant so much to me. When I came down to New Mexico in August to look at property, I managed to catch a good deal of rain in just two days. I came over the ridge between Carrizozo and Alamogordo at mid afternoon and ran smack into a fierce thunderstorm. There was construction on the stretch of highway and driving was a bit harrowing but the wet desert scent filtering into the car calmed me. Yes! This was what I had been missing.

Now we are here to stay and we've been getting a taste of the seasonal change since the first couple of days of July. I'm listening now to grumbling thunder and bursts of rain blowing on the outflow wind from a storm coming off the mountains north and east of town. It tells me I am back in my spirit's home more clearly than almost any other signal. To again quote from Raymond Carlson, the late and venerable editor of Arizona Highways magazine, "water in a thirsty land" is truly a rare and holy gift from above. I am so thankful to experience it once again.

And ah, my brother just handed me a belated birthday gift, one that I think is brand new off the presses. I'm a long term Santa Fe railroad fan and this is book five in McMillan Publications wonderful series of pictorials on the dear old Santa Fe, Canyon Lands and Super Chiefs. So I have to stop this and settle in a comfy chair to feast my eyes on memories and one of my passions! I am sure I will have more to say on that another time. I know I also owe my readers here the story of Rico and Belle, the next canines to come into my life. Belle is still with me; Rico is not. I will let you meet them soon.

This essay was written by a dear friend who is a wonderful and sincere person, a fellow dog lover, and has some very strong but positive things to say. Her essays pack a punch and most of the time I agree! Wanted to share this one as a belated Independence Day comment. It really does matter what we choose, both the big and the smaller decisions. If it feels a little 'harder' it is probably right!  

 

 

Choices

 

 

 

 

July 6, 2012

 

 

 

By Julie Kay Smithson, west-central Ohio propertyrights@earthlink.net

 

 

 

http://propertyrightsresearch.blogspot.com/2012/07/choices.html

 

 

 

Firefighter or arsonist

 

It's much more difficult, at first blush, to be a firefighter. After all, these poor souls lug heavy survival packs, work in the front lines of heat that melts plastic and cooks lungs, and fight fires -- even when their own homes, left behind to fight for those homes and businesses of others, burn to the ground. Not so hard to be an arsonist? All that's needed is the siren sound of a fire crackling, the mesmerizing attraction of returning to the fire and watching others put their lives in danger -- or even lose their lives. How easy is that? This is an addiction with no cure. It is something that steals the soul from what appears to be a person. If there's a choice, pick firefighter!

 

 

Volunteer or looter

 

As this is being written, we are in the middle day of the three hottest days of this historic heat wave. Yesterday's record high broke the old record set in 1911. Today and tomorrow will break records. The weather outside is dangerous for me -- I've had four heat strokes in my almost sixty years of life -- so my efforts must needs protect self from illness or worse. However, there is still much that can be done for others! A few phone calls to check on friends ...

 

 

Bring relief or undermine hope

 

Virtually all of us have more in our pantries than we need. Even one can of soup, box of pasta, jar of peanut butter, or jug of water, can mean the difference between a place I've never been -- being hungry or thirsty, with no way to find food or drink -- and hope restored to someone in need of having his/her/their soul healed. What a choice: to be able to make a difference on the positive side by donating something -- your time, extra food, even writing a check to help!

 

 

Real patriot or armchair politician

 

Each morning, each of us awakens. We have a day spread out before us that we can make beautiful with our commitment to making our country stronger with one or more simple actions. Call someone and check on his or her health and well-being. Take a friend without transportation, to an appointment, or buy them a meal. While doing things for others, consider how much our founding fathers -- and their faithful wives -- did for others when they forged this still-great Christian Nation of America: for all of us that followed! Christian or not, it is imperative that all those living in America, respect the Christian Nation that America was founded as and still is, in spite of the actions of some to derail our heritage. Each step we take can be a way to thank God or shun Him -- a choice that's most clear, because not thanking Him, not honoring Him, is shunning Him. Being a real patriot is defending our heritage with our lives -- every day of our lives!

 

 

Copyright 2012, PropertyRightsResearch. May be shared only if in its entirety, with no changes made or information removed.

 

 

http://propertyrightsresearch.blogspot.com/2012/07/choices.html

 

 

Websites: http://www.propertyrightsresearch.orghttp://propertyrightsresearch.blogspot.comhttp://wigglesblueheeler.blogspot.com& http://tips2ussavethem.blogspot.comAlso: http://ourcommunitynewspaper.com

Someof my favorite pieces about dogs

I've been meaning to share these for awhile. Yuo may have seen most or all of them but I can re-read them a number of times and still feel touched, maybe tear up a bit. Each pece is special! Get your tissue box!

From the dog's point of view. This is so precious!!

 I rescued a human today.

 Her eyes met mine as she walked down the corridor peering  apprehensively into the kennels. I felt her need instantly and knew  I had to help her. I wagged my tail, not too exuberantly, so she  wouldn't be afraid.

As she stopped at my kennel I blocked her view  from a little accident I had in the back of my cage. I didn't want  her to know that I hadn't been walked today. Sometimes the shelter  keepers get too busy and I didn't want her to think poorly of them.

As she read my kennel card I hoped that she wouldn't feel sad about  my past. I only have the future to look forward to and want to make  a difference in someone's life. She got down on her knees and made
little kissy sounds at me. I shoved my shoulder and side of my head  up against the bars to comfort her.

Gentle fingertips caressed my neck; she was desperate for companionship. A tear fell down her cheek and I raised my paw to assure her that all would be well.  Soon my kennel door opened and her smile was so bright that I instantly jumped into her arms. I would promise to keep her safe. I  would promise to always be by her side. I would promise to do everything I could to see that radiant smile and sparkle in her eyes. I was so fortunate that she came down my corridor. So many more are out there who haven't walked the corridors. So many more to be saved. At least I could save one.

I rescued a human today.

And this one expresses my views totally. I *know* in the depths of my soul this is how it is and will be!! But I will have a whole pack and my herd of horses too...

Rainbow Bridge

Just this side of heaven is a place called Rainbow Bridge.

When an animal dies that has been especially close to someone here, that pet goes to Rainbow Bridge.
There are meadows and hills for all of our special friends so they can run and play together.
There is plenty of food, water and sunshine, and our friends are warm and comfortable.

All the animals who had been ill and old are restored to health and vigor; those who were hurt or maimed are made whole and strong again, just as we remember them in our dreams of days and times gone by.
The animals are happy and content, except for one small thing; they each miss someone very special to them, who had to be left behind.

They all run and play together, but the day comes when one suddenly stops and looks into the distance. His bright eyes are intent; His eager body quivers. Suddenly he begins to run from the group, flying over the green grass, his legs carrying him faster and faster.

You have been spotted, and when you and your special friend finally meet, you cling together in joyous reunion, never to be parted again. The happy kisses rain upon your face; your hands again caress the beloved head, and you look once more into the trusting eyes of your pet, so long gone from your life but never absent from your heart.

Then you cross Rainbow Bridge together....

Author unknown...

And this one is really special too. There is no "just a" of any creature that is made by the Divinity who made and cherishs us all! And don't ever say it's 'just a dog' to me! Those are fighting words!!