I had a wonderful Thanksgiving this year. We went to a Ahmis’s family Thanksgiving celebration. We were spoiled rotten with wonderful food, great company and no dishes when we got home! It doesn’t get much better than that!

So, how was your day?

I look up to the little bird
That glides across the sky
He sings the clearest melody
It makes me want to cry
It makes me want to sit right down
and cry cry cry
I walk along the city streets
So dark with rage and fear
And I…
I wish that I could be that bird
And fly away from here
I wish I had the wings to fly away from here

But my my I feel so low
My my where do I go ?
My my what do I know ?
My my we reap what we sow
They always said that you knew best
But this little bird’s fallen out of that nest now
I’ve got a feeling that it might have been blessed
So I’ve just got to put these wings to test

For I am just a troubled soul
Who’s weighted…
Weighted to the ground
Give me the strength to carry on
Till I can lay this burden down
Give me the strength to lay this burden down down down yeah
Give me the strength to lay it down

But my my I feel so low
My my where do I go ?
My my what do I know ?
My my we reap what we sow
They always said that you knew best
But this little bird’s fallen out of that nest now
I’ve got a feeling that it might have been blessed
So I’ve just got to put these wings to test

–Annie Lennox, Little Bird

The puppy.  I’m sitting on our big blue overstuffed couch that we inherited from Doug & Ris.  I just put Amira to bed and was going to sit down at my desk to work and write.  That’s when I heard a sad little whine at the foot of the stairs.  We have a baby gate to keep Chaya downstairs.  Her overactive teething mouth gets a hold of every last thing.  Downstairs is puppy proof.  Upstairs, not at all.

Chaya is such a social girl that being separated from each other by a flight of stairs does not work for her.  So, here I am, on the blue couch with pen and paper in hand.  Laying on my foot, so close that I can feel her heartbeat, is one very happy Great Dane puppy.

Christmas. Tuesday evening, Paul, Amira & I went to Port Gamble to get our mail.  I had told Amira there would be some Christmas lights because I had seen them wrapping the light poles the day before.  She happily pointed them out the red and green lights.  We rounded the corner and in front of the post office was a full Christmas display.  Shining bright snowmen, reindeer, nutcrackers, drums, Christmas trees and presents.  Christmas music playing from an unseen speaker - it was all too perfect.  Amira nearly exploded with delight and joy.  And, you know, I just about did too.  I’m ready for the Christmas season!

Paul & I have been talking here and there about finding what decorations we have.  After splitting homes with Mom & Dad, I think we may need to supplement our Christmas decor budget.  It sounds so good to me though.  Christmas lights, decorations, music and holiday cheer.  Yep!  You can count me in!

My mom gave me a little nudge last night while talking on IM.  She said: “I went out to your blog to see what you had written and there was nothing there!”  Oops. 

I’ve been online, just not here the last few days.  The weekend was spent working while Amira was on her Camp Casey Adventure.  The adventure was a great success, with Amira AND Nana & Papa all having a great time together.  Amira even announced to her Nana & Papa, “We have a big house.  You could come live with me!”  It’s been 10 months, but we think she still remembers when we all lived together.  I’m so glad everything went so well — it opens up the opportunity for more Amira, Nana & Papa adventures in the future.

I have been blogging over at Embracing My Health.  I’m trying to get my routine down such that I am blogging once a day at both blogs.  I’m also looking at a daily newsletter for Embracing My Health.  I’ve been astonished at the number of friends I have who don’t have access to the basic information and tools for better health and wellness.  One of my good friends went to the doctor’s office a couple of weeks ago.  They diagnosed her with pre-diabetes.  I asked what they had suggested she do… what her action plan was…  I couldn’t believe it when she said, they didn’t say anything other than reschedule another appointment in a few weeks to test you again!  Unbelievable!  I’m going to keep blogging on health, both for my own benefit and anyone else who wants to stop in and learn more.

I’m about to dive into a season of focused painting - as my commissioned work for a restaurant in Tennessee has finally come through.  It got strung out for over a month and just last night, I got the green light!  I’m excited!  You can be sure I’ll be posting photos!

Chaya is growing fast.  When we brought her home, she was smaller than Tova.  And while she doesn’t weigh more than him yet, she’s now looking him in the eye.  She’s been good for me, as I’ve been getting out for walks at least once, if not twice a day with her and Tova.  They are a lot of fun and their playtime creates so much happy in me.    Another bit of happy was a cute winter fleece sweater than a friend of mine via Etsy sent me for Chaya.  She loves it!  I’ll get a picture of her in it soon.  It’s big on her, but that’s perfect as she’ll have the full winter to grow into it.

Tova is happy with his new packmate.  They play, tussle, argue, and run together.  It warms my heart to see the two of them together.
Freeni had another stroke.  It’s been so hard watching his body deteriorate.  He can no longer jump up onto the bathroom counter.  It frustrates him to no end.  He’s still fairly quick albeit it tipsy and wobbly.  This afternoon though, I saw him dragging his backend, he’s back legs apparently not willing and able to move.  He’s still with us mentally and doesn’t seem unhappy.  He purrs contentedly while being held, holds his own against the dogs and is engaged.  After his stroke, I cried.  I hate knowing that our sweet boy of almost 14 years isn’t going to be with us always.  As long as he’s happy and comfortable, I’m happy to have him with us each and every day.

Last for this update, Natalie shared the joyous news that there is a new Wallace & Gromit in the works.

I can’t wait — my only complaint is that it will only be 30 minutes long.  I want a full-feature length movie, dangit!    Oh well, any goodness from Nick Park and Aardman is more than welcome… short or long!

I spent this morning packing bedding, clothes, coloring and reading books, and snacks for Amira.  She’s going with her Nana & Papa to Camp Casey on Whidbey Island.  She’s ecstatic about her impending “Camp Casey Adventure!” This afternoon, we’ll board the ferry and drop her off with Nana & Papa.

Would you believe this will be the first time I’ve been away from her more than say, a half day, since she was born?

This photo was on the way to Camp Casey last year.  She was a day shy of her 3rd birthday.

It’s probably long overdue for Amira to have her first adventure without her mama. I didn’t intentionally keep her from going anywhere on her own (or us going somewhere on our own without her) - it’s just how it worked out over the past years.

She’s excited, and I’m excited for her.  And, I’m feeling, officially, the end of that always-in-your-arms or at-your-side era.  I don’t feel stressed about it, or overly sad or distraught.  But I wouldn’t be honest to imply I don’t feel a tinge of melancholy in the midst of my joy and delight at seeing her grow and creating connections and relationships to the world that are 100% her own.

Hood Canal, near Salisbury Park

The cloud cover is moving in now, but this morning was beautiful. It was blue skies, impressively dramatic clouds lit up by the morning sun with a chill in the air (but not too chilly). I took the dogs out for a quick romp to burn a bit of their morning energy. It was made perfect when Ahmis grabbed her wellies and her mug of hot tea and joined me. I can’t imagine a better way to start a morning.

Actually, that wasn’t the start. The start was at 5:45am when my alarm went off. I willingly set my alarm for that time, if you can imagine that? I scheduled a 6am phone call with my friend Dana in New York.  9am her time… quite reasonable. 6am my time… not quite as reasonable (at least for me). I was realizing how far I’ve come in 4 years though. Amira got me up for the first 3 - 3 1/2 years of her life around 5:30am. She sleeps in, most days, until 7am now. Slice of heaven!

Anyway, I scheduled the phone call with Dana. She’s a great friend who is willing to coach me. I’m going to work with her over the next 30 days to create that dream job I mentioned. Stay tuned. We had a great conversation.

Paul’s still working nights. In fact, Amira is tucking her daddy into bed as I type. She is guiding him through his “nighttime” prayers. They are so sweet together.

Okay, I’m almost out of morning and I’ve got some things to wrap up before then!

Oh, before I go… the sun’s back out!!  Ahhhh!

• First… A Change Is Gonna Come (thanks Marci!)
  

  http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=cUrsMGf2Cqk

• Next,  Mother Earth News article “How to Raise Chickens in Your Back Yard” reminds me of the always lovely and inspiring Natalie!
• Not sure what I think of this ruling, but I’m pretty certain that I’m not happy about it.
• This made me giggle:
  

  http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hPzNl6NKAG0

• I still love this!
  

  http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=sdUUx5FdySs

• And I enjoyed this interview of the artist.
• Worried for and inspired by the amazing rangers who dedicate their lives in the midst of violent and war-filled circumstances to protecting the Mountain Gorillas of Virunga.  Read through their blog posts… you won’t be untouched.  Read as many as you can.  Read this one on how Obama’s win has impacted the rangers.  Read this about what types of challenges and adversities they deal with regularly.
• Wondering why I never heard of a snood before!
• Inspired and humbled by William Kamkwamba, a young man who built a windmill.  Short and very sweet.

There’s more, much more, but that should keep you busy for at least a little while. 

Chaya and Tova are having a great time together.  Chaya puts on her brave face.

And then high tails it!

Ambushes!

Ambushes again!

And then throws up the white flag!

All the key elements of a playtime well done!…

I’ve been sporadic with my writing for a variety of reasons.  Bits of what has been happening:

• I’m looking for the perfect part-time, flexible and telecommuting job, oh did I mention I’d like it to pay well?  I’m not asking for much, I know…
• Puppy training takes time and attention, but Chaya is doing well.  I’m a proud puppy-mama.
• Amira is wonderful and ready/interested in some school time (hence part of the reason I’m looking for work)
• I’m eating a lot of raw food and liking it!
• I’m feeling like it’s something like 25% fall and 75% winter around here.
• I’m happy Ahmis is back after 2 weeks away.  She was missed!
• I missed Natalie while she was given a mandatory internet vacation… so glad she’s back.  (You know I check you every day, nearly twice a day, right Natalie?) 
• I love the work that Jody, Amy and friends are doing for Water for Christmas for the charity: water organization!
• Had a wonderful Sunday filled with friends, dogs and kids.  We had running around full-tilt 2 German Shepherd, 1 Samoyed, 1 Great Dane puppy and a Boxer/Lab mix puppy.  From all reports, they were all wiped out today from their wild exploits yesterday.
• Been enjoying painting more again… prepping for the commissioned work coming my way.
• Feeling anxious at bedtime feeling like I *still* haven’t gotten enough done in the day.
• Wishing for a little more cushioning on our bed (it’s a little too firm… gets ouchie on the ribs by morning)
• Excited for the upcoming holiday season.
• Looking forward to lunch with my Mom & Dad tomorrow
• Hoping to create and discover miracles
• Tired

And with that, I’m going to bed.  Hey, at least I posted *something*, right?    Love to you all.

8×8x1.5, titled Nature’s echo, available on Etsy once it dries. 

The weather is non-stop, drench-you-in-less-than-15-seconds” rain today.  The wind is whipping the leaves from the trees and blowing the cattails about like ribbon.  You know it’s stormy and wet when even Chaya doesn’t want to go out into the weather.  As for me, the dark skies make me feel like taking a nap.  The sound of rain on the metal roof is lulling.  It doesn’t help that I didn’t get enough sleep, but still.  Amira is asleep and this is always a prime time to get a nap in myself.  I resisted the urge though.  I painted instead.

I’m tempted to write more, but I’d better wash out my brushes first.

I wish I could join her!

(photo: REUTERS/Jason Reed)

I know you didn’t do this just to win an election, and I know you didn’t do it for me. You did it because you understand the enormity of the task that lies ahead. For even as we celebrate tonight, we know the challenges that tomorrow will bring are the greatest of our lifetime.

…

The road ahead will be long. Our climb will be steep. We may not get there in one year, or even one term, but America — I have never been more hopeful than I am tonight that we will get there. I promise you: We as a people will get there.

…

There will be setbacks and false starts. There are many who won’t agree with every decision or policy I make as president, and we know that government can’t solve every problem. But I will always be honest with you about the challenges we face. I will listen to you, especially when we disagree. And, above all, I will ask you join in the work of remaking this nation the only way it’s been done in America for 221 years — block by block, brick by brick, callused hand by callused hand.

…

So let us summon a new spirit of patriotism; of service and responsibility where each of us resolves to pitch in and work harder and look after not only ourselves, but each other.

…

America, we have come so far. We have seen so much. But there is so much more to do.

…

This is our chance to answer that call. This is our moment. This is our time.

– President Elect Barack Obama