Category: life

Greetings Earthlings

Given his druthers, Pettigrew greets all mammals he meets. For some, this is a warm welcome, for others (think mail carriers, cats, people on skateboards, the list is long) his greeting is decidedly unfriendly. And then there’s the group in between, the ones for whom he reserves judgment. There are days when I am happy … Continue reading Greetings Earthlings →

The Art of Gifting

Does Pettigrew need a winter coat? Would he enjoy one? Growing up, I don’t recall ever seeing a dog with a coat. Now they are everywhere. It makes me self-conscious when we’re out for a walk. Am I adequately providing for his needs? Am I exposing myself as a neglectful caregiver? He is a short-haired … Continue reading The Art of Gifting →

In My Own Voice # 17: The Most Wonderful Time of the Year

If only this could go on forever. Perfect Weather. I wake, cuddled on the sofa, with the hum from the basement signaling warmth is on its way. Savoring the heat, I hear the click, click, click and then whoosh as the burners light in the kitchen. The high-pitch whistle of the teakettle. I know this … Continue reading In My Own Voice # 17: The Most Wonderful Time of the Year →

Cancel Culture

Chester cancelled Pettigrew. I know that’s harsh to say; but, unfortunately, it’s true. And, like so many of these types of situations, it all started with a simple misunderstanding. When we used to run into each other on our jaunts about town, the two dogs would happily greet each other. Tails wagging vigorously. Busy circling … Continue reading Cancel Culture →

Choosing Life, Choosing Joy

When I was younger, I didn’t understand the proactive role we must play to find joy. Joy and happiness seemed like magic. Wonderful things could happen over which I didn’t have control. In elementary school I was stunned when my new sneakers didn’t propel me safely to first base. I remember looking at them in … Continue reading Choosing Life, Choosing Joy →

Separating the Wheat from the Chaff

Conferences are notorious for being a lot of noise with a little bit of helpful information mixed in. I’ve always held that if you glean one or two useful nuggets, you’ve done well. Yet there are some areas of my life where I find myself more prone to believing that there is a right way … Continue reading Separating the Wheat from the Chaff →

In My Parents’ Attic

My sister started it, and now my mother has embraced it too, the push to clear my parents’ attic of all the flotsam and jetsam stashed there. As a pack rat by nature, I approach this enterprise with caution and only when prodded. Several months ago I duly spent hours opening boxes and revisiting elements … Continue reading In My Parents’ Attic →

Oh, the Places You’ll Go! -or- How I Found Myself at a Big 10 Football Game

Dr. Seuss’ Oh, the Places You’ll Go! addresses the challenges in transitioning from one life stage to another. For better or worse, the book has become a somewhat clichéd gift to graduating students, with some critics arguing that it is creating false expectations that greatness awaits us all and that the path to success lies … Continue reading Oh, the Places You’ll Go! -or- How I Found Myself at a Big 10 Football Game →

Can’t Nothing Hold Me Down

Pettigrew epitomizes the can do attitude. As an elder statesman, well into his double digits, Pettigrew is slowing down. But for the things that matter most, he finds a way. As a pup, Pettigrew was all grace as he leapt on top of walls, cleared logs that had fallen across the trail, and bounded onto … Continue reading Can’t Nothing Hold Me Down →