KB & Rosie

Today's Joy: The ADS (American Driving Society) Show.
I am posting this quite late, dear Reader, only because our grueling show schedule caused a major back-up in my photo editing. And I refuse to present unfit images for your perusal. But, at last, they are done! I'm quite pleased and hope you enjoy this little peek at an amazing driving show. As you will see, we had a ball. Dressing in period attire and showing off your reinsmanship in front of a judge can be serious stuff. Fortunately, with this crowd, it's just seriously fun.


Uncle is the Ralph Lauren of our Set


Aunt & Aunt Chef show off their millinery creations

Aunt Chef's Fabulous Hat

Aunt & Poodle Await the Carriage Dog Class

Mr. Superintendent's first show!

Uncle & Julia going into the Carriage Dog Class

Mr. Superintendent & Ginger

Dreamer, Aunt Chef & Weiner await the Carriage Dog Class

Aunt & Super Charge strut their stuff!

Uncle & Fred

The Incomparable Grace driving Sarah

Aunt finishes the cross-country course.

Aunt Chef & Uncle doing what they love best.

Mr. Superintendent & Ginger finish cross-country.

Aunt Chef & Dreamer race through the last gate!

Uncle tries out a new look.

Today's Joy: A New Puppy On The Horizon.
Well, Reader, after nearly a year of being dog-less (my beloved cocker spaniel, Maia, passed away last October), a new companion may soon be entering the picture. After considering what kind of dog I would like to have next and deciding on the Wirehaired Fox Terrier, I applied to a local breeder of good standing and just received word that my puppy application has been approved! Yay! They are expecting a litter around the end of October, so I could have a new puppy to love come Christmas.

I loooove puppies at Christmas! I love puppies anyway. However, I suspect Chunk (the cat) does not love puppies. Told him this morning that he better live it up while he can. His days as a single cat are numbered. He thinks I'm bluffing.

Now comes that most daunting of challenges: picking out a name. So far I have a running list for boys and one for girls. They all seem to sound either British or French or are somehow affiliated with music, art or English literature. Oh, and a few are food-related. Here is what I am considering thus far:

Boys
Klaus
Emmett
Claude
Thomas
Rupert
Stilton

Girls
Gretel
Sylvie
Etta
Souffle

As always, your input is welcome, Reader. What do you think? Any other suggestions? Please, nothing crass or childish. The countdown begins!

Penny in my Palm.

Today's Joy: Benefitting from Benefits.

Well, Reader, tonight I write to you from a comfy armchair where I'm surrounded by myriad insurance brochures scattered about. As I'm now a full-time employee, my employer has graciously extended a variety of affordable healthcare options. Vision and Dental and PPO's, Oh My! The best part? Even the "pricier" plan with all the trimmings can be had for less than $100 a month. What a blessing!

Tomorrow I will fax in my enrollment paperwork and come Sept. 1st, I will have health insurance for the first time in....well, quite a while. Today, my two favorite phrases in the English language are: $0 co-pay and would you like to see my insurance card? I'll probably flash mine just for fun. That's right, who's got insurance now??

Can't wait to see the eye doctor and the dentist and my general practitioner. Oooo, my new insurance will cover a chiropractor too. Up to 20 visits per year! That'll work wonders for my alignment.

God Bless benefits! When you don't have them, they can seem like Willie Wonka's golden ticket. Makes me mindful of all the folks out there who will likely never be able to afford them.

Dear Lord, please work on the hearts of the lawmakers and those who run the insurance companies. Help them find a solution for our nation's healthcare crisis--one that will allow people access to this much-needed care without bankrupting families or the system. Please Lord, work in the hearts and minds of those who have the power to make a difference. Help them to lead with compassion and intelligent planning. And help us, the masses of everyday folk in this country, to recognize good ideas and strong policies and throw our support behind them. We know, Lord, that all things are possible through you, and that you have blessed us with more resources than we will ever need. Help us to utilize those resources wisely in caring for each other. Remind us that the quality of life experienced by the least of us is as revealing about our society as a list of its achievements. We seek your guidance and council. In Jesus' name, Amen.

There is no pillow so soft as a clear conscience. ~French Proverb

Today's Joy: Clearing the Air & Honoring Someone Else.
Made a phone call tonite, Reader, to say a few things that needed to be said. Took ownership of a few of my mistakes and offered forgiveness for someone else's. Not exactly what I thought I'd be doing tonight when I woke up this morning. But God works in wonderfully unpredictable ways and you can't ever tell when he's gonna drop something heavy enough on your heart that you just know those words need to be delivered now. Following His direction means taking a risk and stepping out in what you believe. Still, I'm glad I listened and said my piece.

I know God will use this experience in the lives around me as well as my own to teach lessons that will prepare us for what's to come. He has already blessed me so incredibly! I can't imagine what He has in store next and can't wait to find out!

When He puts a directive like that on your heart, Reader, take that leap. Do what you know deep down is the right thing--that which will work healing in another's life as well as your own. In honoring them, you are honoring God too.

Soaking my Phalaenopsis Orchids this morning.

I soak them in water for 15 minutes 1-2 times weekly.

Be sure to drain the excess water before returning an orchid to its pot.

Today's Joy: Moisture, Fertilizer & The Proper Amount of Light.

This summer I'm enjoying being a caretaker, Reader. With gorgeous Phalaenopsis orchids like these blooming all over the house, I count the days carefully to make sure they are watered at the right time, fertilized when it will be most beneficial and receive the correct amount of bright, indirect sunlight. The results are happy orchids, everywhere you look. Nearly all are growing new leaves & aerial roots while putting forth gorgeous blossoms, some as big as my palm.

Such delightful plants, orchids. I never tire of seeing them when I come downstairs for coffee in the morning, or when visitors can't help commenting on their unique look and show-stopping flower stalks. They definitely make everyday life feel a little more interesting and exotic. And who couldn't use that?

Friendship multiplies the good of life and divides the evil. ~ Baltasar Gracian

Today's Joy: Oodles of Laughter.
Spent a wonderful night communing with my women's church group, Reader. Seemed like all we did was laugh. A lot. Over stupid, unremarkable things I cannot even recall now. But the laughter was contagious and we all just kept laughing until our faces were red, our breath wheezy and our stomachs hurt from laughing too much. What a blessing God has a sense of humor! And how clever of Him to make an activity so enjoyable that actually helps tighten your abs at the same time. Genius!

Runner Ducklings

Today's Joy: New Life & Renewal.

These adorable Runner ducklings were born Friday, Reader! I got out to see them today and scooped them up for this fun shot in a flower pot. Soooo cute ! They were quacking the whole time.

After an amazing church service this morning (more on this tomorrow), I decided to spend my first day off in two weeks doing something fun. I grabbed my camera and went out to our family farm to shoot the ducklings and anything else that caught my eye. It turned into a sort of farm retrospective. Will have more of those shots for you in the next few days. I love it when creativity expands the way we see the world around us. Was fascinated to view the farm, where I spent my later childhood years riding horses, through the lens of my camera--and through the lens of an adult perspective. Those places and things we hold dear acquire new, subtle layers of meaning on top of our youthful perceptions. Our notions of home become so much richer.

Those 10 acres mean even more now as I appreciate all the time and effort invested there. The farm is a living, growing testament to the life my family has cultivated here. God has been so generous to us. Even in times of tragedy and sorrow, the familiar rhythm of life here has formed the backdrop of how we live. It is simultaneously a comforting reminder of family traditions and an evolving vehicle through which we move forward. How blessed are those who have such a place to turn to, watching life renew itself each season.

Where in your life do you find renewal, Reader? What keeps you mindful of what's important while you are out meeting new challenges?