Loyalty

Dogs are known for being loyal.

For staying true to their loved ones.

Families often cheer for the same team, generation after generation.

So does rooting for the rival team make you the enemy, or a free thinker?

If your favorite player is traded to another team, 

where does your devotion go?

And when and why does supporting one person or idea mean you have chosen a side?

(I won't even start a political conversation.)

Can't you be both kin to the South AND the North; the East AND the West?

Can't you wear blue AND pink?

Can't you be both "a dog person" AND "a cat person"?

These are sticky issues 

that you can

get caught up in.

How can you be for one thing, 

and yet support the other?

Which flags can be flown?

Which signs can be posted?

Whose jersey can you wear?

Which colors can be worn?

(Being conflicted over such wrestling issues fits me to the T!)

Does a non-compete apply when the real issue is 

for one's level of success to match their job? 

Don't we sometimes deserve a little reward?

Why would fundraising for more than one charity ever cause conflict?

How on earth could worshipping at more than one church be seen as a sin?

When you have followed a leader and the journey was enjoyable,

are you willing to be seen as abandoning them by choosing to endorse another?

Can you still root for someone who has betrayed your trust?

Can you accept a change to what's become familiar,

to listen to a new voice, within an old tune?

Can you change treats and still be happy, happy, happy?

"Bee" sure to choose carefully.

Making a choice may mean walking away from something you love.

But it may also mean discovering something new to love.

New choices may mean loneliness.

Or they may mean revival, rejuvenation, and renewal.

PAWS and think about where you hold your devotions

and whether they match up to your beliefs and desires.

Are you being true to your school?

~ Magnus Pym

The Apple Doesn't Fall Far from the Tree

Mom "returned to her roots" moving back to the community where she grew up. 

(Mind you the only original thing remaining on her childhood home turf is a fire hydrant.

Which is handy for me - but kinda sad for her.)

She also told me she used to play in a treehouse in the backyard of the home next door.

But it's not there anymore either...

 Mom says even when you don't like something you just need to:

How do you think William Tell's son dealt with the stress 

when his father used an arrow to shoot an apple off of his head? 

Sometimes you have to pack up and venture off to new frontiers.

Far way from everyone and everything you've ever known.

Don't be afraid!

Thankfully, most of the time my loved ones only have to leave for a brief time 

and keeping in touch through technology helps me deal with the separation.

(For example, if people you love are away 

at a rock concert you can watch for them on the live feed.)

Here's a photo of me smiling when my brother picked me up 

and then one of me feeling down once I realized he was saying goodbye to go back to college.

When you are missed by someone...

and the only way your path will cross again 

is if you make the effort to go see them, 

I say,

get in the car 

or hop on a plane 

and VISIT THEM!

That way you can:

take a stroll at a Farmers' Market, 

howl at a Sunday concert on the green,

lick a cone at an ice cream parlor, 

sniff for deals at the local thrift store 

or a wag your tail at a coffee shop.

 

 Or,
go on a boat ride,
dog paddle on a river, in a pool, in a hot tub, or on a lake,

be amused at a theme park,

hike in the outdoors,

dine al fresco,

or run around and chase a ball.

 Just don't miss the opportunity to be with the ones you love, 

because you never know when it will be the last time you see them!

And that's sure to tug at your heart strings!

So, PAWS for a moment and figure out who you need 

to spend time with and then go hang out with them!

~ Magnus Pym

Heated Moments - Cool Choices

 July can become so hot that just trying to take a walk can become overwhelming.

Sometimes I need a cold, wet towel to cool off.

 Or a nap in the shade.

The IKEA couch is also comfortable for resting. 

(I just don't understand why I can't sleep with Mom and Dad.)

Sometimes I stick a foot in my mouth.

Or feel trashy because of my choices.

Sometimes I am not invited to the party and it makes me sad.

 

 I don't understand why these things happen...

 and I just want to hide under the sheets.

But then there are the times 

when I am able to seize the day and go
where I know I will be welcome and appreciated.

"Canoe" understand what I am saying?

Do you have a place where you feel like a treasured "Top Dog"?

Where you can stretch yourself physically, mentally, emotionally and spiritually?

Where you can drink in joy?

I "Scooby doo be do!"

So, even when things get heated 

just keep

WALKING

your talk

and things are sure to COOL off.

Don't forget to PAWS and lap up some water,

and if possible - eat all the cake you can!!!

~ Magnus Pym