Always Look on the Bright Side of Life

Seriously? 

I thought "to be as clean as the driven snow" was just an expression!

It's not like I try to get my belly muddy while we are out walking!

Well, the year keeps March-ing on...

but we know Spring Break 

will be here before you know it.

So, for those of you who wrote me back about diets, 

"How's it going for you?"

It's not going very well for me.

I am still eating a lot of garbage lately - literally. 

(Notice I did not touch the bagged lettuce, 

which could be part of the problem, or not!)

I've been feeling a little bloated and sick to my stomach.

Which could have to do with the fact that I have been having some issues (with tissues)...

and have been way too busy spinning about.

Can you relate?

(I have even heard a lot of you have been sick!)

Things really have been very taxing lately 

and it's been hard to have quality down time.

(Just look at all my wrinkles!)

So Dad and I had a face to face, eye to eye discussion 

about how to lighten our load.

 And we decided it's all in how you look at things.

You can either snuggle through the struggle.

 Or you can make a fuss.

(Which doesn't change anything anyway.)

PAWS and think about it. 

Are you choosing to look on the sunny side of life, 

or into the cold darkness of difficulties?

Brighten up!

There is light up ahead!

~ Magnus Pym

Chilling Consequences

The only time Mom likes to say, "Bad Dog," 

is when she is telling someone about this 

yummy mustard from Northern Michigan.

I got in trouble today.

Have you ever just wanted to run away?

Have some time to yourself?

Make a quick get away?

Take a daring adventure?

Well I did!

 There's this patch of brambly woods beside our house and sometimes, 

when the human in charge of me is not watching, 

I dash into this haven of deer droppings.

I have to admit, it's more comfortable in milder weather.

(19 degrees is chilly for this short haired pup.)

I like the way the scrub trees and bushes are all tangled 

and humans can't follow me!

I was really far away from home!

On a path less traveled. 

I wish I could say it all worked out for the best

but after a two hour Time Out in my crate 

I think I would rather take a shower than be in trouble.

And you can see how much I like bathing...

Have you ever made a choice that seemed exciting 

but then had some chilling consequences 

or created some regrets?

Take a moment to PAWS and remember a bad choice 

and then be grateful you learned a new trick!

~ Magnus Pym

MISS-chief

I went to the vet's awhile back and was put on a diet.

I am hungry!

So I watch the floor very carefully when food is being prepared 

and sometimes I am rewarded with 

fallen sprinkles of cheese, crumbs and tasty morsels.

But if the cabinet door is left open I hit the jackpot and binge!

During the holiday break I was able to play hide and go seek

and pull me up with my human brother.

But now he is not appearing at the top of the basement steps 

at his usual 2 p.m. wake up time anymore. 

I miss him!

Plus, I have cabin fever.

It's been cold and wet out so Mom hasn't taken me for many walks.

So I have been rolling around a lot...

Still, I don't want to bite off more than I can handle

because that can be overwhelming too.

And I have gotten some great naps during my winter hibernation.

I have had time to ponder and notice things.

Like this heart embedded in the tree outside our front window.

I had never seen it before.

Pretty amazing, huh?

What have you had time to discover lately?

Have you gotten into any mischief?

Do you miss having your family all around you?

Are you hungry like me?

PAWS and reflect on how you spend your day

and treasure the up and down times!

~ Magnus Pym

All I Want for Christmas

All I want for Christmas is for 

Mom's book 

(click on link above)

to bring comfort and joy to others.

(And to feel better after eating some wooden ornaments.)

Merry Christmas to you all!

PAWS and think of a holiday treat and what brings you comfort and joy.

~ Magnus Pym

Good (Enough) Housekeeping Cover Shot

Were Thanksgiving preparations "ruff" for you this year?

(We hosted both sets of grandparents/in-laws for the holiday!)

Our extra efforts were rewarded though as 

I was featured on the cover of 

Good (Enough) Housekeeping magazine!

It was because of my tiny white hairs being sprinkled throughout our home

(and my mom's ability to zip around with a hand held vacuum 

15 minutes before each set of guests arrived)

that I got selected for the magazine's cover! 

(The mud I bring in on my paws probably helped too.)

Without the need for me to be cleaned up after 

this kind of honor would have never been bestowed upon our family.

We are so grateful.

Let us know what you are thankful for this year!

Fondly, 

Magnus Pym

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International Fame

Dear Readers,

Here is a photo of PAWS Moments with Magnus Pym being shared with some men in India! My mom led a blogging seminar while on her mission trip and used MY blog as inspiration! How very cool!

Here's a photo of a group photo being organized at a Women's Sunday School Teachers' Conference where Mom gave a presentation about creative writing. She sat in one of the plastic chairs for the picture but she said she hated that the two dogs had to be asked to move so her Team could sit down.

As you can see by their expressions these pooches were not used to all the hullabaloo.

I think the brown one is saying, "Go ahead, make my day."

I wish I could have been there to negotiate.

Mom brought me home a gift. It's a wind up riskshaw type taxi cab toy. 

It is fun to chase, but I want to eat it.

Mom gave me a bath the day she got home and we've gone on some walks since she got back, but mostly she's been spending time writing thank you notes. She says she's really grateful for all the support her friends and family gave her about her decision to answer God's call and go on the short term mission trip to India. 

I am grateful Mom is back. I am going to lick her face the next time it gets near my tongue.

Are you missing a loved one who lives far from you or is away from home? 

PAWS for a moment and be thankful you have loved ones to miss while you are apart.

~ Magnus Pym

(Mom says she's emailing you all links to her India photo journal.)