There has always been a certain air of benevolence in this getaway in the woods.  It has always felt like someone has loved someone else very deeply here.  It has the markings of good breeding and great, mindful care and thought in its color, surfaces, and lighting choices.  We inherited and added to that stage with deliberation, calm and conscientious details.  It’s not a modern, updated version of a ski lodge in Colorado – it’s more of a …well…a treehouse.  Some of the fixtures and flooring might be dated but it suits the sensibility of the nest somehow.

I have always felt, and now more so know, we are the beneficiaries/recipients as well as the benefactors/patrons of this dwelling.  With Cindi’s company and paws, our footprints on this home are paved.

Observing the contentedness of another is happiness itself.

There’s a sign I have hung here that states proudly, “Blessed are those who are pleasant to live with.”  I originally bought it years ago when I had a house full of teens, angst, worry and tension and to remind myself ‘this too shall pass’.

Later, I realized it was mainly all about MY attitude.

Slowly, I have come to recognize it is important I set my sights on being agreeable yet balance it with attaining a detached, sober view laced with love.  I work tirelessly on letting go and allowing others the respect to live their own lives and have their own thoughts.  Imagine that.  When I fumble, there are always taps on the shoulder from one of my loved ones.

I brought the plaque up to the treehouse on my first of many ‘moving in’ trips.

The energy left here and the vibrations upon entering the threshold of our wooden gate, exude holiness for me.  There is a sense of peace in a safe haven.

As I set a course for the day – feeding and watching the birds, walking along the lake with my precious Cindi,  checking out the town library, etc…- I must remember to appreciate, value and above all – make each second and interaction – sacred.

“Each friend represents a world in us, 
a world possibly not born until they arrive,
and it is only by this meeting that a new world is born.” 

Anais Nin

Cindi had her vet checkup.  Fabulous J, the dog rescuer (she’s volunteering today as a matter of fact) accompanied me.

Cindi is 12.5 lbs and approximately 5 years old.  Some sort of terrier mix.  She has great teeth, great ears, etc. She probably had 2-3 or more litters.  Her incision from getting fixed in December at the shelter is healed.

“A gem. You got yourself a gem.” said the Dr.

I agree.  She crates herself, comes to her name and knows her comfy spots by mama.

After the third trip to Petco and the eighth million question to new and old friends with dogs, I think I can safely take her up to the treehouse for an overnight slumber party.  She has a new pink warm jacket and I will be taking her beloved pink crate with comfy, soft blankies.

Today I learned that in gratitude, I make the decision to see beauty and love all around me.  I have healed an ancient wound.  I have unblocked love’s awareness.  My heart is tender, my soul is open and spirit enters.  I am the co-creator of the miracles I see around me.  

This is a celebration!

1. All new parents take tons of pictures and go on and on and on.

2. Attitude is everything.  If Cindi hadn’t had such a sunny, friendly, amiable disposition – the volunteers wouldn’t have chosen her for the Ducks show as an example of what you too can hope to find at the shelter.  If she had been frightened or angry or distant, I probably wouldn’t have chosen her.

3. Excitement and that certain electricity from the novelty is part of new relationships.

4. Volunteers are priceless.  The generosity of heart, time and effort given freely and the importance of being of service where needed is what makes volunteers true philanthropists. They do it for fun and for free and they work tirelessly.  This is true of most volunteers in all sorts of ways and in many areas of need.

5. Never underestimate the ability to love, expand and deepen your soul by caring for another sentient being.

6. Learning never ends, be open to being teachable and wait for the miracles.

7. Balance.  A little rest, a little play, a little food, a little walk, a little water, a little touching, a little adoration and attention make for a fine day.

8. Soft, cozy blankets feel best and wrapping ourselves up in them make us feel secure.

9. We can all get along.  Be cordial and polite. Respect each other’s space and personality. My cats and Cindi have a certain understanding that will allow them to live in peace with time.  They know about boundaries, have a sense of humor and want the same things.

10. It is a world of hope and abundance and that thought is our salvation.  All you need is LOVE; Love is all you are and all you give and receive.

Our first selfie.

One of my many teachers!

My undergrads go back to their university campuses today.

Back to college for them and a new curriculum for the spring semester.

My family surprised me with a thoughtful card congratulating me on my ‘new girl’.   It is timely to have an agreeable, adorable and newest member of the household introduced and to begin integrating her into the scheme of things.  Cindi gets her first real vet appointment tomorrow and hopefully all is well.

All tuckered out after a walk.  This is her bed by my feet as I write.

About 24 hours ago – our sweet little Cindi coaxed her way into my arms.   I didn’t even know how to hold a dog.  She is teaching me.  Everyone said “Just like a baby.” Oh, I can do that, eyes closed but it’s been a while.  Is this my empty nest ‘baby’? You betcha!This picture above was once they released her to me after payment and paperwork, just like a real baby at the hospital and me wondering, “How could they let me go home with this child/pet when I don’t know the first thing about it?”

Some people learn a new language or how to play an instrument to ward off old age symptoms and keep their brains active.  I guess I needed to nurture and learn how to care for a sentient being that I was once afraid of.  New lessons, new rules and new comprehension.  I never understood ‘pack’ mentality.  I care to learn now and I am eager to express my alpha female self.  I required a dog who would train me, that’s all.  She is heaven sent, for sure.  Enjoying her brand new backyard!

I just rescued and adopted a female 14 pound Chihuahua mix from OC shelter. Pics to come.

My friend J the dog rescuer was working at the OC Animal Shelter tent at one of our duck games out door events.  I am not a dog person.  “Who is that?’  I asked.  “Oh, that’s Cindy, I’m assigned to her today, she’s a wonderful dog but she’s old, they usually don’t get adopted out- but look at her, she is friendly to everyone and so happy!”  Yes, she is.

I thought about her but how do you bring an old dog into a cat lover’s paradise?  I really liked that dog, Cindy for some reason I told my husband.  I was drawn to her and had absolutely no idea why.  Was it the cute pink sweater?

Then, a few days later, J sent me an email.  It was a flyer for Cindy and a description from the shelter.  I was attracted and curious which was weird because I don’t like dogs, I am afraid of them.  I also had two previous, disastrous experiences with puppies.  I cannot be trained.

I mentioned the email to my husband and for some reason couldn’t stop daydreaming about her.  There was no way I or anyone also needed the disruption of a new critter and especially not a dog with my track record.

Then, unexpectedly, as I was getting out of my car to get a park license at Irvine Regional Park, my phone rang.  It was my husband asking if I really did want that dog I kept talking about.  Mind you, I had never even touched or gotten near her.  The thought to invite her in to our home had to be scratched.

But  – After that phone call and being assured it would be ok, I began to fantasize having a loving companion by my side, to run up to the mountains with, to walk around the town with, to be by my side and cuddle with, to go on short errands maybe even, to walk around the park with, to nurture and love on.

I had to be practical too.  I looked up on line how to introduce an old dog to a three cat household. I listened to advice from all my dog owner friends.  I called the shelter to get more information and I made a date with J, the dog rescuer/angel/volunteer to visit Cindy and meet her for really the first time at the kennel.

You take a number and wait.  Then you go to the actual cage and see your pet.  They take the stray dog out and put you in a pen with her.  She loved J.  J interpreted every thing Cindy did for me.  The woman who was assigned to us was generous with praise for Cindy.  She thought it would be a perfect ‘first dog ever’ situation. She wagged her tail the entire time, rolled over a few times and came three times to her name.  Smitten.  They walked the dog to the cat cages.  Cindy could have cared less but was enthused with other dogs and us.  I called my husband.  “Bring her home, it will be exciting, anything to make you happy”.

After the paperwork where I changed her spelling to Cindi with an I not a Y, she sat on my Iap on the way to Petco. J was amazing.  She got me and Cindi everything we needed to get started and showed me how to praise and train her to do her thing, how and when to feed and crate her and gave me countless tips.  So did my chihuahua owning friend.  Then she bathed her for me and I rinsed and dried her in the kitchen sink.  Neither one of us had eaten in hours and didn’t care because we were so excited with the new arrival.  My girls love her.  My husband has yet to meet her.

I sit here in my son’s old room, blogging about a new adventure and a new commitment. She is by my feet, next to me in her brand new pink bed, with her brand new blingy pink collar and leash, just exhausted and hopefully counting her lucky stars!  Wish me luck!!!

I am counting mine.

It’s my coping skills of the past that sometimes become my character flaws in the present.

Good Living:  What I put on my plate, in my mind – What I put before me to listen to and to watch – What I put in my soul and in my heart – How I view and treat my health, people and circumstances – all this is a serious affair.  It matters.  My life, its quality and productivity depends on this thought and its intention.

Balance – That is my goal and that is where my Serenity lies.  To be in equilibrium within and without.

My world derives from my perception but unfolds, proceeds and opens up with my attitude.  I would be wise to choose my disposition well.

“Does thou love life?  Then do not squander time, for that  is the stuff life is made of.” – Benjamin Franklin – June 1746