Getting Crafty: Sweet Love Notes in a Jar

Got somebody who makes your heart leap and dance and twirl about like everything’s going to be perfect forever? Instead of just telling them, use your pretty hands and selfless mind to craft something meaningful for your sweetie. Writing out short, thoughtful love notes in a self-decorated jar is a lovely, personalized gift sure to make both hearts flutter.

That’s my idea for V-Day anyway. I’m big on hand-crafting shared, cherished memories whenever I get the chance. I spent my yesterday in the craft store, Michael’s, browsing the aisles, coming up with too many ideas than my brain could handle. One idea I’ve been wanting to breathe life into for a while now was having a jar or bottle and filling it up with words of adoration. Luckily I have myself a gem of a man, so I got to work on my project for our fourth Valentine’s Day together. Read More

My Favorite Dog Breed

From athletes to farmers, the Border Collie is a favored dog breed. Originally developed to herd sheep along the border between England and Scotland, it’s an energized and remarkably intelligent workaholic. Also known to be a top dog in agility, flyball, Frisbee, obedience, and sheepdog trials, it’s a highly-trainable companion.

Bred to be on the move, Border Collies should be kept occupied with plenty of exercise. Without activities or a challenge for the mind, this working class pooch can wind up getting into trouble, as it may challenge the authority of its owner.

That said, this smart canine isn’t ideal for someone who isn’t going to keep it active. This breed isn’t recommended for apartment-life or families with small children, since it has strong herding instincts and may try rounding up kids.

With lots of love, exercise, space, and physical and mental activities, the Border Collie will be satisfied. Know that it also requires some brushing, as this breed does shed. On average, it lives 12-15 years and weighs between 25 and 45 pounds.

Things My Dogs Taught Me

Show your love. If there is someone in your life you can’t live without, show them.

Live in the moment. Take every moment as it comes. Learn to be happy in the here and the now — don’t dwell on the past or worry about the future.

Indulge. If you want a treat, go for it. Pamper yourself.

Don’t judge. Dogs don’t care what you’re wearing or what you look like. They don’t care about how much money you make or what kind of car you drive. They love you simply for who you are. An important lesson many people need to learn.

Don’t be afraid to show your emotions. Let loose and express yourself. Don’t bottle up your feelings. There are reasons for them.

Get out more often. Just about every dog gets excited when he sees his leash. There’s nothing like exploring — there are friends to meet, sights to see, things to do and learn outside of the house.

Take naps. It’s all part of the balance. Play when you’re energized, eat when you’re hungry, work when you’re required to, and rest when you’re tired.

Be true to yourself. There are reasons a yorkie isn’t a greyhound and a maltese isn’t a German shepherd. Be comfortable with who you are and what you are capable of.

There are some times when you have to bite after your bark. Defend yourself. If someone needs to learn a lesson, teach them.

Just A Cashier

A ballad I wrote a few years ago.

Sunday morning, yawning aloud

Flipping through magazines

Staring down aisle number two

Rattling coins in jeans

Wearing her nametag upside down

Hair in a sloppy bun

She pointed at the camera

Trying to have some fun

Addie was nearly seventeen

Pretty but immature

Doodling on an old receipt

When Jack came through the door

Green eyes brushed passed her round dark brown

He strutted far away

Leaning over cash register

She wondered what to say Read More

Change of Seasons

The cotton candy sky above the highway wasn’t as pretty

as your hand on my wrist, when you told me I was flawless

You’d be at the door in one of your gray shirts

Damp hair and clean shaven

I thought you only smiled at me that way

The flowers bursted and the warm air pat me on the back

when I had enough, when I was finally brave Read More

Fighting with Myself Because of You

An old poem of mine that I recently rediscovered while cleaning my room.

Maybe they’re hard to tame because

they’re invisible

I feel them living in me

On me like a bad itch

in a difficult place

I want to pick them off

like fingernails

But my brain is an

addict

and my heart thinks they’re

important

A sickness I wish I was immune to Read More