A Great Dog Living His Almost-Best, Yet Best, Life

This is our cockapoo dog, Finnegan. He is almost ten years old, and he is a wonderful companion.

As he looked out at the new surroundings on our last vacation, I wonder what he thought. Probably along the lines of….”What is that? Is that a creature? I want to go down there and get it. If this wood just wasn’t in the way. Is it time for treats? Where is Mom and Dad? What was that?” Or maybe he was just content and happy. I love to think about what he thinks.

He loves to run free off-leash, but on vacation and in strange places, it’s not safe for him to do that. So that’s why I say ‘almost-best.’ Yet, that leash and those deck railings provide him safety. Which gives him his ‘best life,’ full of pets, rubs, treats, reliable dog food and water, walks, ball playing, car rides, and comfy beds to sleep on practically all day and night.

Note to self: the things I see as restrictions can sometimes be working for my good. Hmmm…much to ponder now. Which I like.

Love, Lisa

The Dichotomy of a Soft Heart and a Tough Skin

Artists, writers, musicians, dancers, or anyone in a creative field need soft hearts. They need to be able to see the beauty, the heartbreak, the story of the world with sensitivity. They need to completely feel it all. Let it soak in, and then let it out in some sort of expression.

Then these same souls have to submit their work to others for either acceptance or rejection. Is it good enough? Is it interesting to others? Will it sell? It requires nerves of steel and a tough skin when the inevitable rejections come along.

The line between that soft heart and tough skin is a tricky one to find and maintain. All I know is that I must keep trying, because creating things is what keeps me going, it is what defines me as a person that God made. So, I’m shrugging it off, laughing, and writing. It’s all part of it.

So, paint well, sing loudly, write away, dance your heart out. It is a beautiful thing.

Blessings, Lisa

P.S. Sarcastic or humorous comments welcome, as humor always helps. 😉

The Solo Seabird

This is the somewhat true story of an older seagull that resides somewhere in the vicinity of Pemaquid, Maine.

He had always been active. He loved to fly, to fish, to dive, to compete with the young gulls for the choice bits of food. But time passed, and he realized that he didn’t feel the need any more to overachieve. His wings and feet were a little cranky, and he felt happy just walking up and down Pemaquid Beach on a quiet day. He occasionally flew and got his food, but mostly, he walked and looked and was.

And he was happy.

The younger seabirds shook their heads and thought, “We will never be old and boring like that.”

But he wasn’t boring; he was just happy with his beach.

I watched this bird for a long time as I sat on Pemaquid Beach a few weeks ago. And as I watched him walk along the shoreline, I hoped sincerely that he wasn’t injured. I couldn’t see anything untoward. Mostly, he just seemed content and happy.

Enjoy your day; enjoy your beach.

Blessings, Lisa

Outside Observer

Lovely County Sligo sheep

I have no idea what it would be like to be a sheep. To live in a field 24/7. To eat grass all day. To be rained and blown upon by the wind. To walk around on very small legs with a very fluffy body.

As I looked upon them, I felt I could think what they were thinking. But I know I cannot. It is outside of my understanding.

So much of life, of God, of eternity, is past my understanding. For now, I am the outside observer, doing my best to understand, but really, it is past me. But one day, I will understand. For “…we will be like Him, for we shall see Him as He is.” (1John 3:2b)

I will be on the inside track. With Jesus and those who have gone before. Amazing thought. Knowing me, I will go up to a sheep and say, “Hey, tell me all about how it is to be you.” 😉 And hopefully, I can find a lovely bird somewhere who will let me fly along with him and see how that feels as well.

And so goes my thoughts on a Saturday morning….

Have a blessed weekend! Love, Lisa

Writing in Time

County Donegal, Ireland, captured in 2015, Ed Lyons

Time is what we have

A gift of space, laughter, breath

Seeing, hearing, sensing, feeling

So many emotions rolling through like waves

Write it all, the good, the bad

The confusing, the maddening

The beautiful, the touching

The laugh out loud and weep all night

Writing in time to capture the wonder of life

c2023 Lisa Lyons