Gotcha Day

~ GOTCHA DAY ~

1 YEAR AGO TODAY, WE GOT OUR BUDDHA

Buddha is a Tibetan Terrier. However, he's not a terrier. They were given the English terrier name by European travelers because they resemble known terrier breeds. 

When I tell people that he's stubborn and pretty much does things in his own way, they say, "Oh that's the terrier in him." Actually, his Tibetan name is  Tsang Apso for the breed. Tsang (sang) from the province. Apso (app so) roughly translates shaggy or bearded dog. Bred in the Lamaist monasteries nearly 2,000 years ago to be temple dog, family companions, herding, and alert dogs from the 'Lost Valley' that became isolated as the result of an earthquake around 1300. Tsang Apso were holy dogs and given as good luck tokens that would carry peace and prosperity to their monasteries. They were never sold but only given as gifts. Blessed by the monks as well as the nomadic shepherd, these dogs have developed a remarkable tuning with humans. Often called 'little people' due to their loving nature and human expressions. They are exceptionally brave. Some may say they have a rebel spirit because of their high intelligence. 

Buddha has a strong DNA link to his original Tsang Apso nature. He's all of those qualities and more. 


Buddha has not been an easy dog like Fred (it's probably not even fair to compare the two of them), but we were amazed from the start how vastly different they were in nature and personality. 


Buddha was always moving, searching, climbing, tugging, barking and biting. His bark is worse than his bite. It's loud, ear piercing pitchy, and demanding. He didn't have an off switch. He wasn't naturally puppy affectionate. Some Tibetans don't like to be touched until they form their bond on their own terms (I learned that later). I lived for 9:30pm when I could pick up our little exhausted puppy and cuddle him for 30 minutes until he had to go outside before bedtime. Our bodies were scratched and scarred. He had food resource guarding issues like that of a starved wolf pup. 

And like all new dog owners who puppy proof their house, we had to clear off and put away everything up to 3-feet high.  I cried a lot those first few months. I was completely beside myself how to relate to, and keep up with, Buddha. Cuteness was the only thing he had going for him those first 6 months. 

But then he was neutered. Overnight he became affectionate and cuddly. He finally came to us instead of the other way around. He'd sit next to us and eventually climb up onto our laps instead of the end tables. We started to believe he actually liked us as his humans. 

                                                                    

I am his person. He thinks he's Kevin Costner and I'm Whitney Houston. I'm not gonna lie, I kinda dig the fact that he searches me out and runs to me first when I walk in the door. I'm his 'charge'. His job is to guard and stay near me. Including when I go to the bathroom. I'll often have to tell him, 'It's okay,  I'm good, or I'm right here, You can relax." 





Sometimes Buddha will forget he's on duty and will go hang with Rich. We're grateful that he's equally affectionate. 

Buddha at my feet while I wash dishes. 

As a true Tsang Apso Tibetan, he is a loyal companion. If we are in the kitchen, he sits at our feet while we cook or clean. We have to be careful to step over or around him. He's not going anywhere. We've gotten good about looking down before taking hot things off the stove. It's become endearing. 

There is NO faking or tricking Buddha. If you don't have a treat, he's not going to drop the ball or rope. He'd make a great poker player. If you have a treat, he will pull a rabbit out of his hat and recite the alphabet (in his doggy voice). Otherwise, forget it. No treat, no dropping it. It's a lot like dealing with a teenager. 

I had a song for Fred when we went walking everyday. So I made up a song for Buddha when we go to the doggy park: "We're going to go to the doggy park. We're going to go to the doggy park. We're going to go to the doggy park. We're going to go to the doggy park. We're gonna run and jump and wrestle and play, with all your furry pals today. The doggy park is where it's at, because Buddha boy love that. We're gonna go to the doggy park. We're gonna go to the doggy park." 

We sing the song so he knows he's going to the doggy park. Nothing gets his little butt shimmying out the door faster. He even lets us put his car seat harness on with no fuss. 

 We spend a lot of time at the doggy park here in town. It's a great place for Buddha to run off his high octane energy. He starts off so fluffy and ends up looking like the dog from the black lagoon. He always finds the ONLY muddy hole. EVERY. SINGLE. TIME. Which means we do a lot of baths.

For the last year, we've had a few hiccups with Buddha with his strong alert guard dog nature. He isn't happy with people coming to the house. Out in public he was lurching at cars, bikes, and people that walked by. It was a danger to himself and us. We called in a local dog trainer, Rick Bailey from LoveDogs, who works with reactive dogs. He is able to see that Buddha isn't being aggressive; he's just making all the decisions. We haven't solved all the problems yet. Buddha still reacts and incessantly barks when people come over. But there are small improvements. We are enjoying going to the farmers markets. Buddha is curious and calm. Rick helped Buddha to be more social out in public. This is a huge progress. 

Buddha is pretty predictable at 14months old. He is predominately verbal. However, often he will sit like a statue and stare at you to read his mind. There are three choices: Feed me. Take me out to poop. Play with me. We run through the list to try to figure out what he's asking. We get up to do his bidding. He will run or herd you in one of three directions: Food bowl, Back door, or Toy basket. 

Our life has been forever changed by this 20-lbs of 'in the moment' Tibetan singularity (depending on what he wants or needs). We each serve the other in ways that are time consuming and sacrificing. He does his job. We do ours. We're still figuring it all out. Rich and I both confess that we wish our life with Buddha was easier. But we wouldn't trade our furry little monk-dog teacher for the world. 

Florida...It Never Gets Old

Still can't believe we moved to Florida. 

A Year and a half in Florida. Mornings facing east.

I'm Buddha, this is my neighborhood.

Everyday, this view changes. 

This never gets old. 

 

The river rose in the 2004 hurricane. Hope it doesn't happen again. 

Walks around the hood. 

A Hooky-hoo.  ;-) 

Exotic flowers everywhere. 

My new favorite picture. Morning at the ocean

PSA: The More You Know

Omg, I've got to stop watching environmental and health Netflix Documentaries. They are turning me into a freak; I sound like an alarmist, tree-hugging hippy-freak. Actually, I keep my mouth shut more often then I should; I know people don’t want to hear it; A look comes over their face and message is received loud and clear, “Don’t tell me how bad my bacon or diet soda is, thank you very much!” 

I watched my first food health and environment documentary, “Food Inc.”, in 2008 (pre-Netflixs) with my sister-in-law, Patti. We went to the theater and had moments where we gasped out loud because of the information that was presented about humane and inhumane farming. Patti committed herself to only eating humanely treated animals. Then I watched “An Inconvenient Truth” about the environment. It was an alarm documentary that was disregarded as only a fire drill. 

I’ve since watched these informative documentaries multiple times:

·       Earthlings

·       Cowspiracy

·       What the Health

·       Forks Over Knives

·       Before The Flood 

·       Food Matters

·       Hungry For Change

 ·     The Plastic Ocean

All these documentaries have a few things in common: they bring to light what’s been done in darkness to our oceans, in slaughterhouses, and on Capitol Hill--that involve profits for big corporations in exchange for big donations.

These truth-telling documentaries are about saving our health, our water, our food supply, and our environment that are all in perilous and imminent danger. The planet will survive, some species will survive, but it’s unlikely that humans in the next century will, if we don’t heed the warnings in these documentaries.

I’ve always been curious and intuitively aligned with the right way to eat or live in unity with biology and nature. However, I suck at pulling it off. I was addicted to cheese, like others are addicted to smoking or heroin. I’ve always admired those who are early adopters to recycling or whole food plant-based eating. It took my 10-year old neighbor to guilt me into recycling while in my forties (although, he had no idea he was doing that). It’s interesting how we can go blindly through life and miss daily opportunities to collaborate with our environment and each other on a higher conscious level. Humans are the only species that doesn’t live consistently in harmony with nature.

I’m a work in progress. But I'm teachable. I’m learning slowly how to do better in my own personal eco-world. I need these documentaries to help intellectually undo decades of conditioning and emotional attachments to food. I see the greater good; I suppose we all do. “The spirit is willing but the flesh is weak.” I’d like to have meaningful conversations with like-minded people who are also searching for harmony in their body, in their world, and in their life. It’s hard to be challenged to do better: stop using plastic (to save our oceans); stop eating meat (for too many reasons to list); to care about all species and not just ourselves; to be good stewards of the earth. It’s even harder when our own government throws away decades of EPA legislation and reneges on funding (because military money spent on the MOABs are more important).

I watch most of these documentaries with Rich. We have never watched them from start to finish. We pause them a dozen times in shock. Most people don’t know what’s happening (just like us before we watched). I want to shout from the rooftops that we are being ‘duped’ by the people who are meant to protect us--the medical and pharmaceutical associations, and our own government. We are not just being duped; we’re being betrayed! The government has been colluding with dozens and dozens of lobbyist who persuade the lawmakers to look the other way and write loose laws to protect their profits. The American Heart Association, the American Diabetes Association, The American Cancer Society, etc., all are sponsored in the tens of millions of dollars from big corporations (e.g., Big Agra, Big Pharma, the Beef, Poultry and Dairy Associations, etc.) that are killing people. Obviously, this is a conflict of interest.

Watch some of these documentaries and you’ll be profoundly affected. (It may take a while to overcome years of conditioning and emotional attachments to beliefs or food and lifestyle choices, but you’re changed. Forever.) 

The neglect or concern for our planet is somewhat of a reflection of the neglect or concern for our health. When we choose to be apathetic about the treatment of animals, the environment, or our health (in spite of momentary good intentions), things start to degrade and problems will arise. This has played out in my own life. Knowledge is power. I get inspired by informed doctors and scientists, and people who have changed and make changes. The good news is when we start eating healthy, within weeks or months we can get off medications: diabetes, high blood pressure, cholesterol meds. What if we all got inspired to clean up our diets (at our own pace of course), and then commit to cleaning up the planet? I always say that the ‘body wants to heal.’ I believe our planet wants that too. You know who knows this? Children. Nature is always trying to get our attention.

Just like the body, nature will put up with much abuse. But her main desire is to rejuvenate and sustain us. We can’t be naïve to think that we aren’t apart of the equation to restore balance and health to our suffering planet and our bodies. We can reverse heart disease, lower our blood pressure, our insulin levels and the risk of cancer by the choices we make, we can also choose to restore the planet. Both healings begin one person at a time, and one choice at a time…and then somehow finding the resolve to keep making those choices.

Don't Leave Politics To The Politicians

Some days I wish I never turned on the TV and watched the Jimmy Carter election returns 40 years ago.  For some strange reason, I found democracy interesting.

Had I never stayed up into the wee hours to watch those returns, it would be so much easier to go about my days and not care that we presently have the worst president in the Oval Office in the history of EVER! I wouldn’t care that our president acts like a defiant, spoiled teenager who when he doesn’t get his way, tweets his asinine stream of vindictive consciousness for the world to see. Never mind that these malevolent tweets have had economic, national security, national honor, and constitutional fall out. If political governance had not hooked me, I wouldn’t care that Trump pathologically lies. I wouldn’t care that he is Teflon. I wouldn’t care that top Republicans look away from said lies because they are in a position of power but have lost their souls. I wouldn’t care one way or the other if he denies or takes responsibility when those lies are proven to not match the facts. I wouldn’t care that millions can’t afford their health care insurance; and some can’t use it because deductibles are so high; it levels people financially. I wouldn’t care that millions will be profiled, deported or refused entry into this country because of their race or religion. I wouldn’t care that gay or transgender children will be bullied (many will die from suicide) and will have to stay in the shadows for another decade. I wouldn’t care that PBS funding for Sesame Street will be cut. I wouldn’t care that this administration has limited access of the open and Free Press to this administration on a daily basis. I wouldn't care that the President and his advisers demonize anyone who is trying to investigate truth by calling the majority of news reports “fake news”. I wouldn’t care that our president won’t allow both the Congress and the Senate Houses, and the American people, access  to see his tax returns. I wouldn't care that he's not being forthright and open about his campaign’s ties with Russia. I wouldn’t care that he has no tact or gracious diplomacy with our allies and foreign nations. He tweets his verbal warnings on social media (like I post what my dog did today). I wouldn’t have this little pit of fear in my stomach that a nuclear bomb may go off while I’m sleeping and when I wake up we’ll be going to war with North Korea (or China because we owe them bigly). I wouldn’t care about a hundred things that make me say at least once a week, “WTF is happening? ” Yes, I say that! And I no longer care if anyone is offended. This is the same kind of spontaneous swearing as when you hit your toe on the bedpost in the middle of the night. It’s primal swearing. My bullshit detector goes off at least a few times each day while watching or reading political news. It’s emotionally exhausting and disturbing. 

If I thought it was just me who was too sensitive, I’d ask for forgiveness and take a vacation. But it’s not just me. People I’ve respected for decades (in the press, in all branches of government, and diplomats around the world) are watching and speaking up—even respected Republicans. Millions are still protesting and trying to get this president’s attention to hear the concerns of 2/3 of the country (that didn’t vote for him) that he should also represent.  His ego deflects what WE THE PEOPLE have to say. Hundreds of thousands are showing up at town hall meetings and demanding their elected officials listen and vote accordingly (including their voter base). MOST are NOT listening or voting accordingly. Their jobs in 2018 and 2020 are at stake (on the local, state, and national level). 

I’ve showed up with signs at protests. I’ve made some calls. I’ve written letters. But now I’m giving my most precious commodity—my time! If you know me, I don’t give it away easily.

My new Florida friend, Kim Lorimier, also new to Florida, but more plugged in than me, started giving me the heads up on the Indian River County Democrats. I was thrilled to learn there are actually Democrats in our predominately Republican town and county. 

Kim knows I’m passionate about politics and has seen some of my political posts on Facebook. She invited me to the IRC Dems Communication Committee. At first I wondered what I had gotten myself into? How much of a time commitment will this be? I don’t know anything about local governance (only national). Kim is a graphic website designer. Others on the Communications Committee are writers of political policy, or were in marketing. They asked me what I did (wondering what marketable communications skill I brought to the table). All I said was I teach yoga therapy and I’m friendly. 

It’s taken me a while to learn some of the local political players and the local and state democrat vision. I don’t say much. But when it comes to social media, I found I naturally had something to say about how communications works. I’ve been on social media since 2007. I’ve run many open and closed Facebook Groups. I know how to Tweet. The Communications Committee is an older group. I realize that even though I’m 53, I’m an active and engaged social media contributor. I think this is where I can best serve my community and my political party. Kim Lorimier, the vice chair of the Communications Committee, tapped me to head up the IRC Dems Social Media Team. 

So while I have days I wish I never cared about politics, I can’t help it. It’s how I’m wired. Half of the conversations Rich and I have are about politics and social justice issues. And while many issues don’t even affect me, they affect my spiritual core values. So I will speak up and fight for what I believe is right and fair (for all, not just the rich), and now I will do so in the public arena—regardless of any criticism from naysayers. 

I realize now more than ever that it is the courage to withstand vilification because of an unbending commitment to justice that marks many of the people I admire most in history--the Founding Fathers, Abraham Lincoln, Martin Luther King & Bobby Kennedy-to name a few. I don’t pretend to be in their league, but it feels good to be publicly involved and engaged in trying to make the world a better place. 

“Each time a man stands up for an ideal, or acts to improve the lot of others, or strikes out against injustice, he sends forth a tiny ripple of hope, and crossing each other from a million different centers of energy and daring those ripples build a current which can sweep down the mightiest walls of oppression and resistance.” ~Robert F. Kennedy

Maybe the reason I care, goes all the way back to 1976 when I watched those President Jimmy Carter's election returns? I've followed his career as a politician, a man of faith, a diplomat, and humanitarian. I wish I had half his energy for goodwill. For now, I'll contribute by bringing social media awareness and excitement to the Democratic going-ons in my Florida county. If anything matters to us politically, no matter the party, we just need to be that tiny ripple. (Unless you're for Trump.) 😉

She's Here

Dear Annika Rose, 

Welcome to the world and to our family. We've been anxiously awaiting your arrival. You were loved even before you arrived February 23rd (on your actual due date). You weighed 7-lbs 9-1/2oz. We all rejoice and thank God that you are healthy and here. 

You're mom and dad have waited a long time to prepare for your arrival; they're going to be awesome parents. You'll probably grow up kicking a soccer ball while singing Broadway tunes. We know that you'll be raised in a home where you'll be taught that God loves you and wants you to enjoy this remarkable experience called life. 

You're our 6th Grandchild and just as precious as the other five. We look forward to seeing who you're going to grow up to be (you're unique personality, talents, interests, and the wonderful path you're life takes). 

When you grow older and learn to watch television, you're going to hear about a magical kingdom called Disney World. You need to make sure you let your mom and dad know that this is a place you must see regularly with your Oma and Opa. This magic place is right in our backyard (about 1-1/2 hours away). And we also live near the ocean, in a place where it's summer all year round, called Florida. We can build sandcastles and look for seashells. Until you're ready to come meet Mickey, Snow White, and Prince Charming, we will look forward to coming to see you in Colorado and holding you in our arms, playing peekaboo, dancing in tutus and singing. 

We love you Little Blessing. We will pray for you your whole life and be up in your balcony cheering you on.