I love the late winter. I like to reflect on my past year and appreciate how much has changed for the better. Then I envision my future and build my plans for making them a reality. Bold, brave and above all else, very pleasurable.
Star dreaming
Christmas Day, 2021
The Sun scatters tiny diamonds,
Casting them wherever She turns her gaze,
Bright lightdrops glitter on the leaves of deep green salal,
Dangle and drip from branches of fir.
And with her long lit fingers, She caresses the snowy ground
where the future sleeps.
It’s a good day to be
Alive to see and feel and sense and touch
And love those that I do, with my whole heart.
Nosework in the Snow
Sami loves to play Nosework games.
Here he is locating and freezing on two outdoor hides. https://youtu.be/narR1a6jx5w
It’s Samson’s Birthday!
Me: It’s Sami’s 18 months old birthday! A whole year and a half! It’s his day to sniff and play and enjoy whatever he likes!
Husband: So many birthdays… didn’t we just celebrate 17 months a month ago?
Me: They don’t live as long as us.
Husband: Then at least seven birthdays a year are required.
Me: Thank you dear. 😉
Bravado
In time,
I will conquer it all.
Just now, let me conquer your heart.
I am learning
The ways of the world,
Let me grow,
Slowly.
Susan Salo Spider and Ladder grid
Sami and I hadn’t worked with the spider (an apparatus invented by Susan Salo to help the dog build a natural, healthy jump style) nor the ladder grid for months, but he performed beautifully. He loaded his rear, stepped into the optimum take off point, sprang from two rear feet, and arced nicely over the jump.
Recallers games built in all the foundational skills of ‘it’s your choice’, sit, focus forward, release, and drive to something.
Sweet Sixteen (months, that is…)
It’s a rainy October day, but we took birthday pictures anyway.
Samson@8 months
I set up the grooming table in the snow. There were enough outdoor distractions to keep him occupied, while I took pictures.
Best Day Ever 