Oodles of Poodles

I am surrounded by poodle energy. Actually, there are only two but it feels like lots. They are happy, fun-loving, smart, active and kind.

One is Grace, the little cream colored one, six months old and, like most puppies, she exudes enough joi de vive for six settled dogs. She's into everything but knows "no".

The other is Rosie, black and hugely pregnant, ready to deliver any day, and while she's moving slower there's lots of action happening inside. I can watch the babies as they move and kick.

Poodles are known for their fun-loving, clever, game-playing antics and mine have even involved the cats in their play. There's never a dull moment. Or they are asleep; and growing. They are both doing a lot of growing.

Rosie is teaching Grace the house rules. No. 1: Rosie is in charge! When I want to teach Grace something, I ask Rosie to do it first so Grace can copy and learn quickly.

Both love people and other animals, exercise and life in general. These days Grace is the comedian and Rosie is the grande dame but it wasn't so long ago that Rosie would join into any action. She still can't resist a thrown tennis ball.

Changes

Changes are happening in my life; I need only to go with the flow. The decisions are made, things will progress now as they will. I may enter and exit the river of change as need be, time and deisre prompt. I feel privilaged to be attuned to life force; my livelihood depends on my attention. In practical terms this means . . .

I made a choice this year to stay home in Virginia for April and May instead of traveling to Texas to work a festival for my income as I've done for the last 15 years. I am learning to lighten my footprint. I've been driving not at all, raising a big garden and looking forward to the birth of puppies. I wake every day happy to be here in beautiful SW VA. I've been enjoying flowers in my garden that I've never seen bloom before. I feel privilaged to live this lifestyle and while I don'thave a lot of money I often feel that I live in luxury.

While re-evaluating my career choices, it's scary to let go of fairly predictable past decisions for less proven oppertunities, I'm so content to stay home it's hard to convince myself of the importance of literally stepping out of my comfort zone. My needs are satisfied and my wants are diminishing. Life is too short, or too long, to not follow my bliss.