Dapper Dog Bow TIes

Dapper Dog Bow Ties

Funny how things work  - I made some Custom made bow ties for my oldest

Grandson for Christmas - fun colors, fun design fabric

someone saw them... they wanted some for their dog

from there, a little mom and pop shop wants some in their store

So for something to do while watching TV

I hand sew DAPPER DOG Bow Ties.

Should be an interesting year 2014

Argo has a DOG SHOW January 4 - 5, I was not going to get his

Grand Champion on him, but I changed my mind

we will see if he gets his new title  at this show.

In September on the 28th I will be married 40 years.

and yes to the same man :)

I have found a new Church in 2013 that I love

so I am looking forward to enjoying a year of sermons,

friendships and events with God at the center

of my life, more and more

My oldest brother moved to Arizona

he is sending photos of the desert and the landscapes

that appear like a beautiful place to live

even though one thinks of the desert as just

sand... while in fact it is so much more

I think God is like that

folks who don't know God except for his name

don't know that he is not just 'sand',

but a person filled with wonder and beauty,

and HE wants to share His vision and His world

 with you

I am looking forward to the New Year

it is sometimes nice to have new beginnings, 

new start dates, new adventures to be open to

and the wonder of well I made it through

another year, lets see what the new one

brings

In all your ways acknowledge Him

and He shall direct your path

2014

LAYERS and RINGS

  LAYERS AND RINGS

Layers and Rings-layers and rings, such are things.

Nothing is ever as simple as it seems. Our lives intertwine with others, experiences stack on top of experiences. Somethings are wedged into place, while others seem like they are greased and as hard to hold on to as a pig covered in oil at a county fair. 
Onions grow in layers, and like the unpleasant chore of removing layer after layer of an onion to find the beginnings of something in our lives, we may cry, we may resist, we may hesitate, but we keep going at a pace that we feel comfortable with... because the truth, the beginning, the search hopefully brings us to why we do, why we react, why we are, what we are, and what brought us to this time and place in our lifes' journey. 
Some folks go to therapy because they don't know how to face things, or they can not go through it alone, or maybe it is an excuse not to change...oh I am going through therapy for that. 
We all have layers and rings, the rings are just going around and around, never getting off the same merry go round of life, or going around the same block, or doing the same thing over and over again expecting different results. 
Human nature likes familiar, likes it is what is it, most of us don't like the unknowns, the what ifs, the change of plans. Yet, some things have to change, some things have to happen, you must move and live and breathe and make an impact. Faith says ... What does Faith say to you? You already know what fear says, but what does FAITH say...  layers and rings might just not be the stifling containing power of your life anymore. Layers might be peeled away, and rings, they just might be broken... hummm Faith, what does FAITH say to you? What Godly impact, does God have planned?

God says I AM with you always...

Rumor - Fact or Fiction

Rumor - Fact or Fiction

We have all have probably heard folks say, Instead of spreading a rumor I wish folks would just come to me and ask me personally if 'it' is true or not.

Well I did that the other day, It did not go well. I had heard that a water cooler friend was maybe pregnant, rather than checking with others if they had heard too, I  talked to the water cooler friend.

Hi, I have heard rumors you might be a mom, congratulations, If not, then if I hear again I will tell people it is not true.

Holy moley... run for cover! When did I get put into an empty room, with a bare lightbulb hanging from the ceiling, sitting in chair with thumbtacks facing up as a seat cushion.

Who said this! Where were you!

First, who said this.. I don't know.

Where did I hear it? Does the location really matter?

All I wanted to do is Congratulate you if it was true, water cooler friend... and if not then it is just a rumor.

You are of childbearing age, you are married, and have been awhile... you are not the only woman who is on baby bump watch that is just what women do.. 

"Well!, says water cooler friend, If you do not tell me, who you heard this rumor from, or where you were when you heard it, I am not going to tell you if I am pregnant or not.

You remember the first statement I made about folks say Come to me, if You want to know if the rumor is true or not.

hummmm

Does it really matter that I may have heard the rumor in a public restroom stall, sitting next to the unknown source talking to her unknown friend, while at an obscure major big box store in the middle of Montana.

Really,  it does not  matter... it was not a mean, vile rumor...

it was a nice happy moment rumor.

So much for the lesson of "Come to me if you want to know the truth, and I will tell you, thanks for not spreading the rumor"

Argo and Divine Connections

Argo vom Windswept
a Deutsch Drahthaar
Before we brought Argo home, months before Argo was even born, my husband and I went to a meeting to learn about this breed. Taking time with due diligence in studying the breed and to make sure this breed was what we wanted.  While at this meeting I had the opportunity to sit next to a very nice man, turns out he was a vet that worked on dogs with bad elbows and hips - mostly labs. He too, was looking into getting a Deutsch Drahthaar, for pretty much all the same reasons we were... and from a vets point of view they are a very healthy dog. Dr. Pauls specialty was microscopic surgery.
We had a nice dinner, talking and enjoying having the entertainment of others at our table. When the evening was done I said it was nice meeting and chatting with him...and I hoped I never had to see him for his vet services. I, however, had that sense of dread, as I firmly believe people meet people for a reason. So, I was hoping that meeting him was for a contact for someone else and their dog. Unfortunately it was not to be, as I got the privilege of meeting up with Dr. Paul in his surgery clinic. Bringing Argo with me. ... Argo had elbow issues that were/are of undetermined origin, and Argo needed surgery and who did I know that could do the surgery? A man I had meet less than a year before over dinner. My family vet would and could not do the surgery, I contacted other vets closer, sure they could do it, but they would slice open his leg to get at the elbow, I was not to interested in that way of taking care of the issue. Hello, Dr. Paul, this is ... we chatted and made the arrangements. Argo went in for his surgery and came out of it happy and healthy. We have seen Dr. Paul and his drahthaar at various events through out the years since.   With the fact that shortly after Argos' surgery Dr. Paul retired, he still has time for Argo out in the field and looks him over with a trained eye and lets us know he is doing fine.
I am always amazed how God puts people in our lives, sometimes even before we need them, to the folks he sends just at the moment we need the person the most. Yep,
God is GOOD, ALL the TIME.
Here is to the angels amongst us, and it could even
be YOU.

* P.S. at the time of this writing Dr.Paul has never worked on another draht with elbow issues, our Argo is his one and only... and nobody knows to this day why Argo had elbow issues, or what caused his to be...  whatever he had did not fall under any of the known Dysplayias ... Argo you are so special

Purebreds/Mutts

Purebreds/Mutts

I have owned both. Odd thing about them, both, is they both
love unconditionally.
Both kinds like to be fed and watered daily, love tummy rubs, behind the ear scratches and
other ways of showing affection. The dogs learn to sit, stay, come, and heel. Some even
learn to Shake hands and speak. We had some mutts just show up at our home
and stay... we bought home puppies from the parking lot (years ago) and they were
just the same as the others... needing food, water and such.
We have purebreds now, why? because we wanted a certain dog for a certain job, with
a viable background we could 'vet' (new term, for checking out information)
I even have a purebred that was a rescue... so we have two dogs.
There is nothing wrong with Purebred Dogs and having a traceable lineage.
and there is nothing wrong with having a mutt, with an unknown background.
Get the pup you want...for whatever reasons... you want...but
 let others have the same curtesy.
Whether the dog chooses you or you choose the dog, the end result is the same
You have a dog in your life that you love, and the dog loves You

Awake O Sleeping Giant Awake

Awake O Sleeping Giant

By Diana Wise

Awake O Sleeping Giants of the Dog World - there is a new bad law in town and it needs to be eradicated - The authors say it will not make a big impact on the whole of doggie world, then I ask, why write it, and turn it into a bill and then turn into a law? This law states if you own more than four breedable females you need to be licensed ... 4 breedable females could be... 4 female rats, or 4 female rabbits or 4 female dogs or cats or a collection of all.. so say you have 4 female Rabbits and 2 female breedable dogs that is a total of 6 breedable females in your home - you are now in violation of the law =unless you get licensed - and it does NOT matter if they are 6 months old or on their death bed - if they are intact and breedable they are breedable females -period - and it gets worse...much worse... For now the Dog World is up in arms, but all animal folks that have 4 or more breedable girls in the house are also included in this horrible law. 4-H, FFA, UKC, Transporters... this needs to be dealt with on a major scale... Rabbit folks, Rats people, guinea pigs, hamsters, mice, cats, all domestic - considered pet type animals are under the bill - Awake O Sleeping Giants of the Domesticated Household Pet World - This bill/law is bad juju and needs to dealt with - and not by -others- but by YOU and YOU with OTHERS -or as Peta says... One generation and then done - which means - They want this to be the last generation of pet owners and ownership and then their work will be done - and what is in this law and wording - is the finger flick aimed at the first domino... we must REMOVE the finger, and if not possible, we must remove the domino so the rest don't get caught up in the synergy. Is there an organization like PETA/HUSA for the masses who are FOR animals and owners and breeders - that can finacially combat these horrendous organizations and sponsor bills ...such as the one that is being offered now. I believe there are more animals lovers than Peta/HSUS folks, but we need to gather under one banner and follow one standard to perserve our lifestyle and comanionship of our pets - Yep I know we are behind in funding, marketing, PR, and media venues - but I also believe there are more of us than their are of them... Awake O Sleeping Giant Awake

The Life of Pi - the movie -

The Life of Pi - the movie

I just watched the movie The Life of Pi - it was not at all what I expected. Not even close. Perhaps that was what made it so good. It is a movie one should watch several times to get a grasp of what the movie is - what it is saying - which I believe would be different things to different folks. First, the movie is told from the view point of a person from India and that is were the symbolisms of the animals must be taken into account. For others from another background they could and may mean different things. The end result is a story of giving up oneself to God (whatever god you believe in) and letting him have control of the outcome of what comes next.  It is really a good movie, one worth seeing and it is up for discussion. It is a 'thinking movie', not  for entertainment, but one that says sit and stay awhile and ponder this...

Take into account the symbolism from an Indian culture and what are the meanings of each animal.

The Orangutan: Creativity, logical thinking, family bonding, strong mother-child bond.

Zebra: Power, grace, individuality, meaning of stripes: has to do with the integration of opposites (Buddha and gravy)

Hyenas: Laughing, evil

Tiger: Triumph, power, energy, strength - also capable of destruction and violence. 

With these key reference points the story takes on a totally different meaning and point of view.

The Life of Pi - even the name, the symbol, is not just a name of a swimming pool - what does Pi stand for - pretty much infinity as it goes on and on...   in India lots of folks believe in reincarnation - life goes on and on.

Look at the movie from your belief system.. the end result is hopefully we come out the other side of our struggles, hardships, impossible situations with a stronger foundation in our God of choice,  our outlook on accomplishments amidst the storms of life, our ability to triumph because of our releasing ourself to the control to our proclaimed higher power... and when our tiger walks away, without looking back, we know he is with us, in us, and will be there for us, if needed again.

It is a good movie - and another thing, we all land on the Algae Island - at some point in our life travels, if we stay on the island or go, is our choice.    If we stay where we are in our life now - or die trying the unknown - it is all a choice - our choice, alone - 

Faith - is the substance of things hoped for, the evidence of things not seen.  It is a good movie, for the Spirit, Soul and Body.

Judged by Association

Judged by Association
All are fake?  All are Real? Not Sure?

If you think most are real, then it is possible are all. If you think most are fake, then most probably all are as well? But this collection all comes from the same source.. they are all together in the photo... since they are all hanging out together you can at least be sure they are all pieces of jewelry... and that is really about the extent of the knowledge you have from seeing this photo...

The tricks to knowing if each individual piece is real or not, you can ask the owner about each piece, you have a jewelers loop, you have a knowledge of gem stones and what to look for.. but just from this surface..in actuality you can only guess and assume as to wether they are real or fake. Other key element is...if you ask the owner will they tell you the truth? Another dilemma.

Old sayings still ring true today: Beware of the company you keep. If you lie with dogs you could wake up with fleas. A good name is the best reputation you have. There is no honor among thieves. Abstain from all appearances of evil, lest you be judged amongst them.  The list goes on, take just the word LAWYER, that one word conjures up a multitude of thoughts and opinions. 

Facebook is like an association of company we keep. We have groups, we have hobbies, we share... some are real, some are fake, we all are different pieces of jewelry and until we get to know each unique piece individual we can only judge by the association we have in common. The reminder is some pieces are flawed, chipped, scratched, real stones replaced with fakes, some are bent out of shape from wear and tear, and some pieces never get taken out of the box to be worn and admired. The most worn piece of jewelry is ones wedding ring, but some wedding rings are not on the finger to proclaim one is married, but as to keep folks away...stating you are unavailable. A few rings stay on the finger for a short period of time, and some never come off even as the casket lid is closing. Judging by association is an overview of preconceived ideas, which is fine for the most part. People need as starting point to migrate towards those of like minds, hobbies, lifestyles. Taking the steps beyond to find out if you really want to hang out with them...and how they will affect your outward and first impression to others is a call only you can

make.

      Discretion shall perserve you, understanding shall keep you.  Proverbs 2:11

Dog Show Follies

Dog Show Follies

Yes, I agree what I know about dog shows would fit in a thimble, but..

when I had a dog to show I enjoyed the adventure. Studies say that most dog show people stay in the show life for 5 to 7 years. They get a Show Dog, buy the stuff, learn to show, get a Championship on their pooch and go back home. A few ribbons, a piece of gilded paper and a photograph to commemorate the accomplishment. Owner, handler, Proud Dog moment. What makes folks stay showing, basically is getting another dog or breeding a litter and keeping a pup to try once again to repeat the experience. But AKC is wondering what is keeping folks away - in droves - first the economy - that is a given, but then again if folks really want to spend money on something they enjoy, they will find a way. I just have another thought and it has nothing to do with money in fact it costs nothing to bring folks into the dog show world and to keep them showing. I think, it is just being nice. Being nice to the newbies, being nice to your competitors, being nice to your apprentices, being nice to spectators. Let us look at the newbies first: treat them like babies first learning to walk.. encourage them, tell them what they are doing right, teach them what to look for in other handlers that will strengthen their skills... don't stand on the side lines just outside the ring fence and tell your friend next to you, OUT LOUD on purpose, just how awful the newbie is doing and how the dog is so not show worthy, of course you talk just loud enough for newbie hear. Thereby, crushing perhaps newbies confidence and in fact bullying the newbie with your words. The hurtful words that come from your mouth - may affect more harm than you'll ever know. Take your knowledge, and share with newbie... one day you may need newbie to bring in same said dog into the ring so you can get your final major point! Unless you have a kennel full of dogs that you can load the ring with and get your majors that way. Next your competitors, you want them!! You really do. They keep you on your toes, they may be breeding some very fine animals that you want a pup from. Be a friendly competion competitor ,  this is not a sport where if one dies, you win. Actually this is a sport where folks show the best they got and show how they and their breeding program is actually (hopefully) improving the overall qualities of the dog. Might as well be nice, you see each other every weekend anyway. Now onto the Pros and the apprentices, don't treat them like sweat shop workers, and belittle and berate them. They are under you to learn, teach!, and yes you can be nice about it. You want to raise up and train these young folks under YOUR care to learn the skills nessacary to be competitive in the Pro Show Circuit ... how they behave and conduct themselves is a reflection of YOU. Some day you will be showing against them, win or lose in a sportsmanship like manner. The youngsters you mentor today, become the driving force of the sport of dog showing tomorrow. ALL showers of dogs, invest in the newbies of today. Some will continue on into dog show greatness, and some will take home their final ribbon and enjoy the time they had. If treated with respect, mentored with kindness, encouraged with excitement and found friendships along the way, they will pass on the love they experienced to others and the thrill of the show ring they speak of, will attract others. Lastly, if you think your behavior is not being watched, you are wrong, some spectators are there to watch whom they may want to buy a pup from, they may be looking for someone to handle a dog, some folks may just be there,  just to observe human behavior, show them you best!  People look for a refuge in the storms of life, I believe the dog show world can be one place it can be found.  I was one of the lucky one, as I did find this bit of reprieve from a taxing world. Some day, I shall return, with a new dog, buy new dog show stuff, take conformation show classes, win a big ribbon, receive a gilded piece of parchment paper, add another Champion Show Dog photo to the album and have another fine pup to curl up on the couch next to me.    <3

Different Ways to get to the Finish Line

Different Ways to the
Finish Line

We all run on the same track - planet earth - but we all have different life paths on our way to the finish line. We come out of the starting gate of life the same... but the way we travel is unique. Some of us ride the standard horse - school - games - jobs - family - hobbies - all normal, pretty typical. Then we find someone doing things a bit different, and we watch and wonder... how on God's Green Earth? Be it the artist, the activist, the one SO Passionate about something they are totally consumed with the goal, the guy down the block who loves model trains, to the mechanic that can fix anything. We all have a skill set, we all have a destiny to fulfill, we all will somehow get to the the Finish Line of our  life... and we all will not ride the same beast of burden to get us there, in fact some of us may just crawl. Don't forget to smile while you are on the track, stay out of the trainwrecks that may happen, if you can, help someone in need if it is within your power to do so, share a laugh, shed a tear, enjoy all the blessings God bestows upon you and cross your finish line knowing you have run your race well.

Light the Sky

Light the Sky

The sky was ablaze with the power only the energy that lighting can create. With the world in turmoil, and the rumors of war, threats of attacks, and just the destruction of nations within themselves. We must wonder, ponder, question... is this the beginning or World War Three, is the end of the world and the biblical signs of the return of Christ...  I thought these things last night as the sky was alight... yes I was waiting for the Trumpet to Sound, yes I was... however it didn't happen and another day dawned with possiblities and uncertainites. The one good thing about sitting outside in the coolness of the late night, watching Gods Light Show, it brought me once again closer to the power and majesty of God and reminded me that He is still in control.  A comforting feeling in such uncertain times. Yeah God!!!!   I am still waiting for the Trumpet to Sound any day or night, but I shall also continue to live with the knowledge that he cares for his own and is still waiting for more to get thier name of the pages of the Book of Life.