How do you know that it is the wrong time of year to stop and smell the roses? (A rhyming answer to a winter riddle)
When the rose isn’t a rose
and you get thistles up your nose
and in your toes.
I’ll be back,
Jack
Living with humans allows me a window into their world. And I am ok with a lot of their interesting but peculiar habits and customs. I often join in occasionally, no questions asked. But even I have to draw the line at what I feel is beneath my dignity.
Wearing a Santa hat is one of those times. They wanted me to be Santa Jack. I know humans think it is cuteness glorified and I hate to put a damper on the festivities, but I am not Santa in any variation, nor do I strive to be. Being likened to Santa is a lot of pressure. Imagine having to find the perfect gift for everyone. That is so not me.
Plus, I really only have one gift to give. A special Jack hug and maybe a few doggie kisses.
Toodles,
Jack
PS. My human caught me off guard and did manage is snap off this one photo right before I tugged the Santa hat off. Yep, it is about what I expected.
Doggie Santa
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One day in early November, when winter teased with its first snowfall, my human and I spent the afternoon exploring new woodlands.
I remember the warmth of the sun, even as I stepped on patches of snow. I remember sniffing the ground where the deer had passed through the night before and listening to the geese fly over, leaving before winter took hold.
I remember wondering if my verticle was high enough to reach to the top of the fallen log.
I remember just going for it and leaped. I landed high off the ground, bark beneath my paws.
But mostly, I remember the excitement of exploring. everything was clearer, sharper because it was new. I stopped and took a moment to really see the new forest. For how many times had I looked but not really seen past the immediate, the superficial; to the possibilities that lie beyond.
And this is what I hope for you in 2020.
Adventure.
New experiences.
New, deeper perspective.
The courage to take risks.
A life lived.
From our house to yours, happy holidays.
Jack
Kindness can be as simple as providing a shoulder to rest a weary head.
I bring this up because, in case it slipped your notice, November 13th is World Kindness Day.
Did you know showing kindness was an important predictor of your happiness?
Now imagine if kindness was the new cool. Just think how happy the world would be.
And what if today was the most celebrated day of the year?
Happy World Kindness Day!
Be well, do good deeds and keep in touch,
Jack
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Photo courtesy of The Doggie Den
When I hear the phrase, ‘Sorry Jack, you have to stay home,’ I throw some serious shade in return, which translated from dog speak to the human language means:
‘I don’t think you understand the enormity of your decision or thought through all the consequences, therefore, I am giving you one more chance to change your mind and take me with you. Go ahead. Give serious thought to what the next few hours will be like without me to brighten your day.
I will wait right here.’
Carpe Diem,
Jack
Solve for x.
x = me + my human x activities and objects that bring happiness + comfort/hours in the day.
x = home.
I call this my happiness quotient. The more I am at home chillaxing with my human and my toys the happier I am.
Often for me, there is a little distinction between the idea of home and my feelings when I am home. It almost seems as if who I am and where I am become one. Can I separate myself from home, the foundation of my being?
What is your ‘x’?
Peace,
Jack
Back in those days, we were inseparable, me and Bucko. We hung out at The Doggie Den with all the other dogs, but we were besties.
Bucko, he said I rocked the bandana.
But I don’t know.
For the most part, I wore my attitude and don’t bother with accessories.
However, when I did, I considered myself somewhat fashion-forward and I thought I’d look good in something more on-trend. Maybe something with an Urban Outfitters’ or Zara vibe; cuz I saw myself as less Country and more Indy.
What do y’all think? Should I have told Bucko that his fashion sense was a bit pedestrian and could be more à la mode? Or should I have said thank you for the compliment and embraced the bandana craze?
Drop me a line and share your fashion advice.
Who-what-wear,
Jack
Photo courtesy of The Doggie Den
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I love to go outside and kiss the sun and have the sun kiss me back.
I love to hug the crisp air and wrap it around me like a cool breeze on a winter day.
I love to sing to the trees and hear their naked branches join in the chorus.
Joy,
Jack
Have you ever wondered what it would be like to see your double? Surprisingly, I spent an inordinate amount of time wondering if this phenomenon would ever happen to me.
Then I saw it. The picture of Albert Einstein. I don’t know if it is my imagination or my ego, but I said to myself, ‘Self, you bare a strange but uncanny likeness to the human who developed the theory of relativity.
Do you see the likeness? Not that I would expect you to mistake us for each other should you pass us on the street, but you must agree with my assessment there is more semblance between the two of us then both of us having an interesting hair day.
For a more accurate comparison, I have arraigned the pictures in juxtaposition.
And, best of all, while he may not be considered a true philosopher, like me, he definitely influenced the philosophy of science.
Oh, I love the idea of being Einstein-esque, for I too walk in wonder and holy curiosity, yearn for knowledge, and relish the clarity of reflection. Most of all I found that we both embrace the radical notion that ‘all you need is love’. This discovery is perfection at its finest.
I would teach peace rather than war. I would inculcate love rather than hate. ~ Albert Einstein
Peace and love,
Jack
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