Walking with Otis

Part of my new routine with full-time job and puppy has been to take early morning walks with Otis. These walks are supposed to give us both some exercise, but with opposite results. I am supposed to feel energized for the long work day - and Otis is supposed to get tired out so that he will rest and give John some time to work undisturbed in the mornings. It doesn't always work out that way.

Otis and I getting ready for the morning walk. Should be noted that when I pull out the leash he runs and hides.

"Mom- I really don't want to walk this morning so
I am just going to sit here on the sidewalk"

or right in the middle of the street....good thing there
is not much traffic at 6:30 in the morning!

Despite his reluctance, I really enjoy sharing these morning walks with him. I love the crisp, clean air and the stillness of the streets (one we get past the freeway that is!). I started listening to praise music on my iPod as I walk and it is like a cloud of peace descends upon me as I absorb the words and melodies of truth.  It allows me to shift my perspective off of my worries and plans onto what God has in store for me that day.

We stop and smell the flowers

Our usual destination

Spring arrives along with a cold

Bumblebee placemat

Aerodynamically, the bumble bee shouldn't be able to fly, but the bumble bee doesn't know it so it goes on flying anyway.  - Mary Kay Ash

I was determined to enjoy the beautiful spring weekend even as I sniffed and sneezed and coughed into tissues. Even though it is terrible to be sick when it is warm and sunny out, I was determined to be like the bumblebee and "fly anyway." Some things that pulled me out of my pity party:

• new bumblebee placemats 
• fresh flowers from the farmer's market
• a yard full of blooming flowers
• freshly shelled peas and shrimp risotto
• old dear friends over for dinner enjoying laughs and a raucous game of hearts
• breakfast with soon-to-be graduated son

I am making an effort to intentionally focus on the beauty of my of life, in my surroundings and relationships - instead of the drab and dirty parts.

Spring shows what God can do with a drab and dirty world. - Virgil A. Kraft

Spring comes inside

Soaking in the sunshine