Links to Celebrate...

I try not to look at my stats for the blog - I'm doing this for me and those that read along, well, thank you and it's an added bonus - but I wanted to check to see how much traffic stopped by for JB Lynn's interview yesterday before I e-mailed her this morning. The great thing about Blogger is that they break down the stats into catagories. I love to check out which posts are getting views (it seems to change on a bi-weekly basis - one week it's a ton of hits on Photos - Digital Versus Paper, another week it's It's Cold and Squeaky. This week there seems to be a rash of readers eager to find out What's in Your Purse!!

When I am feeling all meloncholy and in the need for some digital loving, I will check my stats. I'm always surprised at which posts garner the most attention. My post about wearing purple now that I've reached 50 - Poems, Purple, Paraphrasing and Predicting - has been getting steady hits. Call the Home for Needy, Insecure Writers seems to indicate there are a bunch of us out there! And many of my Inspiration Wednesday posts get a lot of action, including Inspiration - Time and Inspiration - Solitude.

But there's alway one thing in the Blogger stats that reminds me that I am not the focus of those wandering the webs looking for something to read on coffee and lunch breaks or when the day is long and you just need a little Internet time. TAZ! Taz generates more views than any of my other posts - and I know when I do a Taz Post, the pageviews will explode. But, really, it makes perfect sense - she's so darned cute!

So, in honor of my 800th post today (I know, 800!), I give you the top 5 posts of all time:

To Do - Clean House (yep, seems there's a lot of us out there with that on our To Do list)
Rating the Heart (I always thought it was because of the image I used, but nope - still getting hits)
Happy Canada Day
Trouble from A-Z (cute puppy pictures and how we came up with a name for Taz)
The Thirty Day Clothing Challenge (I know - surprises me, too)

Thank you to those who've been with me from the start - and for those who've just wandered by and decided to stay. Thank you to everyone who reads my rambling words - whether it be one time or 800 - I appreciate it :)

Waiting - And a New Job...

Yadda, yadda, yadda, blah, blah, blah!

Well, that's quite the start to the blog, isn't it? I'm still waiting on that e-mail! I'm still waiting for all this running to produce a 5 pound drop in weight! I'm still waiting for a brilliant blogpost idea! Seems I am waiting!!

In the meantime, all I can think about is this fabulous job I discovered the other day while watching TV. I didn't know they had this kind of a job - I want this kind of a job! Puppy Handler!! Can you imagine? Days spent in the company of this:

or this:

(Yes, those are pictures of Taz as a puppy)

 

How come no one told me there's a job in this world where all you do is hang out with puppies all day? I would have signed up! The television show was talking about the Lions Foundation of Canada Guide Dogs - they raise and train puppies for use as guide dogs! While the show was on there was a lot of oohing and ahhing - there's nothing as cute as a puppy (in my opinion). After checking out the website, I also see that they have an adoption program for those dogs that 'retire' from work - what an amazing opportunity for those who want a dog, but maybe not the 'excitement' that comes with the puppy part of dog ownership!

 

Alright - stoopid Blogger is not letting me type over on the lefthand side - urgh!

I would like for my mom to get another dog - she had to put her baby down last year and  I know she misses her terribly. But I also know that a puppy would just be too much work for mom, so I'm trying to convince her to get an older dog - one already trained and finished with the chewing stage of its life! A retired service dog would be perfect!

 

But back to Puppy Handler - seriously, anyone else out there think that that's the best job in the world? If not, what do you think is the best job in the world - the job you would love to do? We had an End of the World Party (that Mayan thing that never really happened) and everyone had to come with a nametag piece of paper that listed what job they wish they could have had - I would have put Puppy Handler down had I  known, instead I went with the Downhill Skiers Leg Masseuse (you know, the person you see standing at the top of the hill with the skier just before he's about to race downhill - massaging the racer's thighs?)

 

I had to go back and see if I had written anything about the End of the World Party - seems I did a follow-up the next day - go HERE to see the results of that party ;)

 

...still waiting!

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Taz' Strange Behavior...

It's garbage day here - a very exciting day for Taz as she runs ahead of you to the cupboard where the garbage can is located. I don't know why she does this, but she's been doing it since she was a puppy. I go and get a new grocery bag and she immediately jumps up from wherever she's been sleeping and runs to the bathroom (we always do the bathroom garbage first). She sticks her head in the cupboard while I tie off the full bag and then replace it with the new bag. Then, she pulls her head out and runs ahead of me to the kitchen, because that's the next garbage can we empty. Strange!!

Laundry folding holds the same excitement. No matter where she's parked herself, if she hears me lifting the laundry basket from the laundry area, she comes running - then runs ahead of me to the bedroom where she jumps on the bed, flops down and watches me fold the laundry. At least she got out of the habit of pulling the socks out of the basket before I could find the partner and fold them. When she was a puppy, she would do that, then growl at me when I went to take the sock away from her. Strange!!

If we're going out, we always tell her to "Keep house". That's her signal that she will not be coming with us - up until that time, she'll hover near the door in the hopes that when the door opens, she'll be out first, leading the way to the car. But if we say those words, "Keep house", she turns away, heads to the living room and jumps up on the couch in 'keep house' position. Every time!! Strange!!

We're trying to get Taz to chew bones to help with her very, very bad teeth. We buy a big knuckle bone from the bulk store here in town - it's all crispy and golden, having been baked to perfection. The smell is enough to make me want a big roast beef sandwich! For the first two days, Taz carts the bone from one safe place to another. She does not chew it. She just moves it. On the third day, I guess, enough of her slobber has loosened some yummy bits and she realizes, 'Hey, this is good and there's more there to gnaw off.' She spends an hour or so chewing away - enjoying it. Then, it's done. She won't look at it again, even though is still lots to chew and enjoy. We've told her that there are dogs starving in the world! We've also told her that she will be kicked out of the Dog Kingdom for such strange behavior! It doesn't work, she still won't chew the bone like a normal dog!!

Any strange behavior your pets exhibit that you'd like to share today? And, yes, that's Taz as a puppy - she used to like getting in the tub. Hmm, she outgrew that strange behavior!!

Dog Days of Summer...

That's Taz doing what Taz does best - what a life!!

I've been a bit remiss about the blog lately - company, running, summer...all getting in the way of my blog writing! And it's not going to get any better! For the next couple of weeks, morphing into a month, I will be rarely here. With summer activities, more company coming and, of course, The Day Job, I'll be absent from the blog. Then, at the end of August, I'm flying overseas with my mom (to Scotland) for a Mother/Daughter holiday that I'm so looking forward to! I may or may not stop by, depending on the computer access - I'm thinking I'm more likely to not be stopping by for the simple reason that we only have 3 weeks and we plan on cramming as much in those weeks as possible.

I will be back, though. I'll post post-vacation pictures and fill you in on the holiday at the end of September and into October. If you're wondering when, or you just don't want to have to keep checking the blog for updates, click the button over there on the right to subscribe by e-mail. You'll be notified immediately of any new posts - and there is no spam, I promise!!!

So, until I blog again - hope you're all having some serious "Dog Days of Summer".

An Experiment in Unplug-ness - oh, and Puppies...

It's National Puppy Day!!

It's also National Day of Unplugging (and from my source, this 'day' spans 2 - so March 23 & 24). Taz looks unplugged here, doesn't she? Unfortunately, I have the Day Job to contend with today, and my Day Job requires me being plugged in since I remote into my computer at the office way back there in Saskatchewan.

Thinking about 'unplugged', my mind instantly thinks 'computer', but shouldn't 'unplugged' be about every thing with a plug? I visualize my day - the computer gets turned on first thing (my link to the world), the coffee pot has started, the TV goes on to catch the morning news, toast is made (or cereal with the milk the fridge has kept cold), the phone rings - or I phone out (the other lifeline to my Day Job), even my morning run (something that should be 'unplugged') is accompanied by my Garmin which was charged over night! When I think about it, my entire day is 'plugged' in!

Could we really go 'unplugged' for two whole days?

For those who don't know, I finally joined Twitter in January. I constantly balked at Facebook, rarely signing on because of the time suck - and that was my worry about Twitter. Over the last two weeks, since embarking on my "Embrace Failure" campaign, I have not opened up my Tweetdeck - because I get caught up in the 'instant-anity' (two days in a row making up new words - Woot). Don't get me wrong, I love the free-flowing information (I'm following a lot of literary agents and love getting tidbits of information on the biz) - but I don't love the time suck.

Because I am easily sucked in - you just have to look at my obsession with DWTS or The Biggest Loser. But the discussion of watching other people's lives is for another post.

Unplugged? Two Days? Hmmm - I'm officially moving National Day(s) of Unplugging to March 24th and 25th (this weekend). No, I'm not giving up coffee or unplugging my fridge - but I will 'unplug' the computer (no Weekend Words this week) and will not watch TV (The Husband will be happy, he'll be able to watch The Golf Channel all weekend) and I'll run sans watch. I'll report back on Monday!

Who's with me? Is your life ruled by the plugged-in appliances? How do you plan on celebrating National Puppy Day (besides looking at awesomely cute pictures of Taz as a puppy)?

*will send out my weekend queries today*

Weekend Words - Sunday Edition Part 7...

The prompt: Your dog or cat, fed up with this writing life that's possessed you, decides to help by sending his/her own query letter to an agent for YOUR book (this can be an actual manuscript you've finished or are working on, or something totally made up)!

Dear Agent,

Yes, Janet’s told me many times that query letters should not be addressed so anonymously, but she’s also told me many times to stop licking myself and, well, let’s just say I don’t listen very well.

Please consider representing my person. I know first hand how hard she’s worked on this story, to the exclusion of other, more important things like taking me for walks, making sure my water dish is full or just having two hands free to give me some loving. I can’t tell you how often I almost lost an eye because of the pen in her hand! I believe it’s a good story, although I haven’t read it. And before you dismiss my plea due to that fact, rest assured I have heard bits and pieces over and over again as she spoke aloud the words when trying to get them just right. There have been times when she’s remembered to take me for a run and the entire time is spent plotting her stories. Sure, people who see us think she’s talking to me, her loveable and adorable pet, but in reality, she’s working.

I know that having her story published would make her very happy. And when she’s happy, she’s more likely to dip into the treat bucket. Being rejected for something she loves to do seems rather cruel, like tying a dog to a three foot chain for its entire life when it was meant to be free and run and sniff and dig and chase squirrels. Breaking the chain that binds her to menial, logical labor would let loose her imagination. She would soar on her wings of creativity.

So, in conclusion, rep my person already. Trust me, you will not regret having Janet as a client (I’ve already prayed to the dog gods that in my next incarnation I will return as her next faithful companion). Thank you.

Taz

Instant Mashed Potatoes, Sprinklers, and More...

Did you know that the sprinkler is a Canadian Invention? These are pictures of Taz, who loves to play in the sprinkler. I believe in another dog life, she was a Spaniel or Portuguese Water Dog - she can not stay out of the water! (you can click on the picture to make it bigger if you want to see Taz in action)

Of course, we're also known for more important inventions like the pacemaker, insulin, the electric oven, the snowblower, the paint roller, basketball, green garbage bags, instant mashed potatoes and the Bloody Caesar!

I don't think I could ever invent anything. I never think, as I'm doing something like, say, peeling and boiling and mashing potatoes, 'There must be an easier way. What if there were instant mashed potatoes?'. See my brain just doesn't work that way. Now, as I'm preparing mashed potatoes (which I love and really would like some for breakfast, but that's just too weird), my brain is usually thinking, 'I should make mashed potatoes more often...I should check to see how many potatoes I have, I think they were on sale this week...where did I put that flyer...I'll add them to my grocery list, just in case...hmmm, I never did buy red wine vinegar...ooh, I should have a glass of wine while I'm waiting for these potatoes to boil...Would you like some cheese with that whine? *aside - yes, I make stupid jokes in my head all the time and, yes, I usually laugh out loud when I do*...Damn, I hate it when the potatoes boil over!'

OK, you get my point - the brain never thinks about invention, but, I assure you, it is busy! Then when someone does come out with, say, the paint roller, I think 'Why didn't I think of that?' That's the great thing about inventions - they seem so revolutionary, but so simple and logical at the same time!

As of right now, the best invention ever has to be the instant coffee maker (1946 Italian named Achilles Gaggia) - must pour me another cup this morning!

As of right now, People of Blogland, name your "Best Invention Ever"! And have a great weekend - I'll be doing laundry...thank goodness for the Canadian invention of the washing machine :)

My Favorite Time of Day...

I am not a morning person - we all know that - but, suprisingly, my favorite part of the day is around 5:30. This is when Taz gets up to go outside (darn early morning sun - she will wake up later and later as the days get shorter and shorter). The Husband, being a morning person, gets up to let her out. Then crawls back into bed. I snuggle toward him and Taz comes to my side of the bed and gets up - laying parallel to us.

Yes, my favorite time of the day is when all three of us are in bed spooning. TMI?

There's such a calmness about it. Peaceful. The tranquility of love, the slowness of breath, as we all drift off to sleep for another hour before the everyday reality of work and chores and committment begins.

What's your favorite time of the day, People of Blogland?

Inspiration - Pets...

Not only is it "Be Kind to Animals" Week, but it's also "National Pet Week" - no better time to have some inspirational quotes related to our furry friends (and a fabulous joke at the end).

We can judge the heart of a man by his treatment of animals. ~ Immanual Kant

An animal's eyes have the power to speak a great language. ~ Martin Buber

Did you ever walk into a room and forget why you walked in? I think that is how dogs spend their lives. ~ Sue Murphy

Animals are such agreeable friends - they ask no questions, they pass no criticisms. ~ George Elliot

Dogs have owners, cats have staff. ~ Anonymous

...which leads us to this (thanks to my friend Mary for forwarding this to me, I love it):

What Pets Write in Their Diaries:

Excerpt from the Dog ~

8:00 am – Dog food! My favorite thing!
9:30 am - A car ride! My favorite thing!
9:40 am - A walk in the park! My favorite thing!
10:30 am - Got rubbed and petted! My favorite thing!
12:00 pm - Lunch! My favorite thing!
1:00 pm - Played in the yard! My favorite thing!
3:00 pm - Chased the cat! My favorite thing!
5:00 pm - Milk Bones! My favorite thing!
7:00 pm - Got to play ball! My favorite thing!
8:00 pm - Wow! Watched TV with the people! My favorite thing!
11:00 pm - Allowed to sleep on the bed! My favorite thing!

Now, from the Cat ~

Day 983 of my captivity...
My captors continue to taunt me with bizarre little dangling objects.
They dine lavishly on fresh meat while the other inmates and I are fed canned hash or some sort of dry nuggets. Although I make my contempt for the rations perfectly clear, I nevertheless must eat something in order to keep up my strength.
The only thing that keeps me going is my dream of escape. In an attempt to disgust them, I once again vomited on the carpet.
Today I decapitated a mouse and dropped its headless body at their feet. I had hoped this would strike fear into their hearts, since it clearly demonstrates what I am capable of; however, they merely made condescending comments about what a 'good little hunter' I am. Bastards!
There was some sort of assembly of their accomplices tonight. I was placed in solitary confinement for the duration of the event, although I could hear their noises and smell their food. I overheard that my confinement was due to the power of 'allergies.' I must learn what this means and figure out how to use it to my advantage.
Today I was almost successful in an attempt to assassinate one of my tormentors by weaving back and forth around his feet as he was walking. I must try this again tomorrow -- but at the top of the stairs.
I am convinced that the other prisoners here are flunkies and snitches. The dog receives special privileges. He is regularly released -- and seems to be more than willing to return. He is obviously retarded.
The bird has got to be an informant. I observe him communicating with the guards regularly. I am certain that he reports my every move. My captors have arranged protective custody for him in an elevated cell, so he is safe, for now…

And, yes, that's a picture of Taz as a puppy in the bathtub - how cute is she? Don't forget to give your pet an extra hug or two today!

The Log-Rabbit-Alien Adventure...

Another morning post - hey there, Good Morning :)

I blame the late night TV Reality Shows. By the time I drag my sorry butt off the couch after watching other people dancing, losing weight, or singing, I'm too tired to even think about a blog. And prior to that - the in-between hours after dinner and before the couch parking - I just stare at the computer, my head empty of ideas.

Well, good thing I waited until this morning to write this post. I can tell you about the log-rabbit-alien I saw last night!

The dog goes out right before bed for one final pee and because it was raining, I stuck her out the front so she could stay under the eaves and relatively dry. I'm very wary at night with critters and deer hanging around, so I try to have a good look around after I turn on the outside lights and before I open the door. Last night - all clear. Then Taz gets out there and her nose goes up and the sniffing begins. No peeing, just sniffing.

I'm on alert! I step out, squinting into the darkness that is our little corner of the world (no street lights, up from the road, surrounded by trees). Nothing! I urge her to hurry and do another scan - there, halfway down the lawn is something. Very light in color, almost round. It's not moving.

After I drag Taz back into the house, I close the door and stare as hard as I can to determine if it's a living thing. It still hasn't moved and I wonder if it's one of the logs The Husband sawed off the tree he took down in front. It could be - but it's too close? The darkness plays havoc with my depth perception.

But it moved! I'm sure it did. Maybe it's a rabbit (yes, the rabbit scene of Monty Python's Holy Grail is playing in my head right now). There seems to be a glow where it's eyes would be. Time for the binoculars...

I'm 15 minutes into this venture - 15 minutes past my bedtime. I go get the binoculars.

Let's just say I am not, nor have I ever been, the best binocular user. With glasses, I can never get the eye pieces right - and no matter how hard I turn that dial, I never seem to get anything into focus. Last night, no different. I fiddled with the stupid things, turned the knobs, tried without the glasses - and still that light colored object would not come into focus. And for sure the thing was glowing - red and green specks of light! It had to be an alien.

Landed here, thinking it was safe to begin the task of collecting information on humans living in Nova Scotia. Because, really, if it had been a rabbit, it would have moved. It would have tried to hop away when Taz got out there - or at least when I was yelling at Taz to hurry up. Ah, peaceful bedtime routines!

I was tired. The binoculars weren't working. The log-rabbit-alien wasn't moving. I either had to go to bed or put on the rubber boots and go down the driveway to see what the thing was. My logical left brain finally kicked in and said "You're an idiot - go to bed!"

I went to bed. This morning, the thing is still out there. It's Taz's plastic happy face ball. Yep!

Sometimes it doesn't pay to have an over-active imagination.

Happy Tuesday, People of Blogland. Beware the log-rabbit-aliens!!!

The Bite of Rejection...

Yes, over my self-proclaimed break from the Internet I recieved a rejection for the full I submitted. Not exactly what I wanted (not even close), but at least it came after Christmas because that would make a lousy Christmas gift/memory!

Surprisingly, it didn't hurt as much as I expected. Oh, sure, I wallowed for an hour or so. And for a brief moment, before I opened the e-mail, I let myself get all excited - expectations soared. But the sting didn't last. To be honest, there was even some relief in the rejection. To explain why would take forever and perhaps delve too deeply into a personal angst I'm not ready to share. Needless to say, I've realized that I am not ready for publication - at least with Lady Bells.

I saw on a blog over the weekend - everyone's talking resolutions, goals - a writer's goal to accumulate 100 rejections. What a great idea! Hey, writing reality equals rejection; so why not put a positive spin on the whole process. And if, by chance, you land an agent or a book contract that's just icing on the cake. Another blogging friend talked about the fact that we are unpublished - so sending off submissions and getting rejected really doesn't change a damn thing. We're still unpublished. Bottom line on both - stop putting so much emphasis on submitting and rejections!

On a personal note - poor Taz spent yesterday at the vet getting her teeth cleaned. Yikes, they were a mess (silly dog doesn't like to chew things - good for my couch and shoes, not so good for her teeth). She was put under and I picked her up around 2, still very groggy and pitiful looking. She laid on the couch for the rest of the day and looked at me with those accusing eyes. Rejection's got nothing on my dog laying the guilt trip on me!

So, People of Blogland, I'd appreciate your hugs - but really, I'm OK. I didn't even have to pull out my Rejection Kit! Has there been any rejections in your life that haven't hurt as much as you thought they would? Anyone out there with a dog who's had her teeth cleaned? How's the first couple of days of January going?

Mom's Visit...

I promised you pictures of my mom's visit - I took so many, I'm going to have to do this in three batches (so either stay tuned or be warned).

The first batch of pictures were mostly taken on the first Saturday she was here. We all jumped in the car (including Taz) and headed southwest along the coast - destination Liverpool. What fabulous day! It could have been a little warmer, but we didn't get wet and we managed to walk on a couple of beaches along the way. Of course, most of the journey follows the coast and the scenery is breathtaking! We ended up at the lighthouse in Liverpool (built in 1855 - and the sight of deMonts' and Champlain's landing in 1604) and picniced on chicken salad sandwiches, veggies and dip and hot tea from the thermos!

This is my mom with Lunenburg Harbor in the background. We ventured there on Friday (before the picnic/beach day). It's such a great picture (hint to family members reading this - fab if you could print off a copy for mom :)

First stop and our longest walk - Risser's Beach. We had to have hot tea and a muffin when we got back to the car - it was a chilly walk, but well worth it with the sound of the waves and the tang of salt air.

Mom, me and Taz (don't look too closely, I have a bag of poop in my hand - thanks, Taz).

The Husband, Mom and Taz on the later part of the walk that winds its way back through the woods.

Picnic time - yeah, she doesn't like getting her picture taken. I could have used the other one, Mom - then you'd have something to complain about ;)

Taz enjoyed the picnic, too!

And you all know that you can click on the pictures to make them bigger - and I apologize ahead of time for any formatting difficulty (so much easier to apologize than learn how to do it properly - I'm lazy).

Any picnic fans out there in Blogland? I love to picnic, but always forget to do it. I have the equipment, hmm, must be that lazy streak ;)

Attention Pet Owners...

My good friend Jane sent this to me over the weekend and I just loved it! Then, over on B.E.'s blog, she was talking about rescuing a cat who had been mistreated - she's now taken the cat in after having it to the vet for a check-up and healing (you're a good woman, B.E.) - I knew I had to post this.

I know a lot of my friends who visit here are pet companions, and all of you have embraced Taz, so I know you're animal lovers. I've very rarely been without a dog in my entire life - a couple of years while going to university, and when I taught in the Arctic. Other that that, there's been a dog in my house (Trixie, Mickey, Buffy, Murphy, Bridie, M.C. and Taz) not to mention the dogs my older brother has had (and I spent a lot of time at my older brother's house in my teenage years - he's 9 years older than I am), and the cat I talked my Mom and Dad into (I love cats), and the budgie bird. I had a salamander for a brief time when my name was drawn to take the thing home for summer keeping - I had to take him back as I didn't have permission and my mom drew the line at reptiles. And I've had fish - although nice, I'd rather have something furry or feathery!

If I could, I'd have a couple of dogs and a couple of cats roaming around the house. But The Husband isn't as big of an animal lover as I am, so we have Taz. BTW, that's Taz as a puppy - too cute.

Anyway - The Pet's Ten Commandments (I couldn't find anything on line for original source, but whoever wrote this - thank you):

1. My life is likely to last 10-15 years. Any separation from you is likely to be painful.

2. Give me time to understand what you want of me

3. Place your trust in me. It is crucial for my well-being.

4. Don't be angry with me for long and don't lock me up as punishment. You have your work, your friends, your entertainment, but I have only you.

5. Talk to me. Even if I don't understand your words, I do understand your voice when speaking to me.

6. Be aware that however you treat me, I will never forget it.

7. Before you hit me, before you strike me, remember that I could hurt you, and yet, I choose not to bite you.

8. Before you scold me for being lazy or uncooperative, ask yourself if something might be bothering me. Perhaps I'm not getting the right food, I have been in the sun too long, or my heart might be getting old or weak.

9. Please take care of me when I grow old. You too, will grow old.

10 On the ultimate difficult journey, go with me please. Never say you can't bear to watch. Don't make me face this alone. Everything is easier for me if you are there, because I love you so.

~Take a moment today to thank God for your pets. Enjoy and take good care of them. Life would be a much duller, less joyful experience without God's critters.

~We do not have to wait for Heaven, to be surrounded by hope, love, and joyfulness. It is here on earth and has four legs!

Oh, see, I still well up when I read this!

Do you have a pet, People of Blogland? I'd love to hear about them and how much they enrich your life - feel free to use the comment section to introduce us to your four-legged friend (or two, if you have a bird, or fins if you have a fish). I'm going to give Taz a belly rub :)

Chillaxin' - Taz Style...

With the hot summer sun and high humidity, energy levels have plummeted. And so has the enthusiasm to get anything other than the necessities (read Day Job) accomplished. I love the heat - growing up on the prairies, summer's were usualy hot, hot, hot. But not wet! I had no idea the humity would make one so lethargic.

The inside house temperature is similar to the outside temperature - and if I'm going to sit anywhere and sip a cold one while reading, then I'm going to sit outside. Taz, of course, comes out with me - she might miss something if she stayed indoors. And it's no ordinary patch of grass she pulls up! No, Taz has her standards and they include lawn chairs.

This was my chair, until I got up to go inside for just a minute! Whatever you do, if you visit - call dibs on your lawn chair :)

The Canada Chair is her favorite - much roomier and the arms are perfectly positioned for her head (as seen in the first picture)!

So, tell me People of Blogland, how do you stay cool in the midst of a heatwave? How's the weather where you are - would you like some heat and humidity? How many of you have actually used the word "Chillaxin'"? I never thought I would and here it is - on a blogpost title! Sick (ooh, there's another one :)

Taz Moments...

Taz - Trouble from A to Z - has The Best Life ever. This was her the other day, lounging about on her couch. Of course, she had just finished chasing her rope around the coffee table (video to be posted as soon as I figure out how to get it from my camera onto this blog).

This is another picture of her 'resting' while we spent a grueling day packing up the U-Haul to move across Canada. It was imperative that we did not pack her chair until the very last moment.

I would like to know where to sign up to come back as a pampered pooch. Someone to prepare all my meals, make sure I have plenty of water, dry my feet when I've been out in the rain, give me stuffed toys just because I like them, and allow me to lounge around all day if that's what I wish to do.

No Day Job.

No bills to pay.

No worries about having a bad hair day; the jeans getting too tight; that mark on my forehead that looks an awful lot like a zit, which can't really be because I turned 40 something, not teen something!

I think I'm going to try to find some time today to take a Taz Moment. Come on, People of Blogland, join me in a Taz Moment sometime today. Find a comfy couch or chair, put your feet up, and relax. Don't think about the bills, or the aging taking your body from "Woo, I feel great" to "I missed the memo telling me everything was going south, including my boobs". Enjoy doing exactly nothing. Then, when you're done, enjoy the next activity with the enthusiasm of Taz playing in the sprinkler ~

Don't forget, for a the 'big picture' just click the image :)

Trouble from A to Z...

Hey, I'm over blogging on The Prairies today - about my experience at Surrey International Writer's Conference, more specifically, my pitch and blue pencil sessions.

And since my brain is way too busy with that blog, my problems from yesterday (although Karyn had some great suggestions in the comment section), and actual work (data base creator - what was I thinking?), I thought I would introduce you to Taz. Yep, Trouble from A to Z - she fits her name perfectly. A four year old German Shepherd who believes she is a person. As I type this, she's snuggled (can a 70 pound German Shepherd snuggle?) into the pillows on the bed. Adorable.

You got to love puppy pictures. I have a ton.

How can you not love that?

Smiling for the camera.

In our camper, making herself right at home.

She loves the water!

And sticks - even when they're still attached to the tree!

So, People of Blogland, do you have any pets? Share away - I love animals. (Click on the picture to see a bigger version :)