Today is Work Like a Dog Day!

Today honors and recognizes the hardest working among us.

Some people skate by, doing as little as possible.  Others, do only what they have to.  Others still work like a dog.  While work is to be done, they dig in relentlessly and seldom take breaks until the job is done. 

Let's not confuse "Workaholics" with "Work like a dog".  Workaholics work all the time, even though they might not be working hard.  Those who work like a dog work hard while they are working, but they do no not work all the time.

Heaven knows Mama worked my tail off making me pose for all those dang pictures in not one book but two!  I work like a dog but I also sleep like a dog too!  It's all about balance. :)

Today is a day to show your appreciation for those who carry more than their load-those who work like a dog.

Give a smile, give a bigger tip, say "Thank you!" or Give yourself a pat on the back!

Go you!

Love,
Casey

Potatoes with Legs

Dear Readers,

I'm in the research process for book #3.  What a humbling experience! Book #3 (a children's book) is the result of working with Dr. Good, and it focuses on his Homeless Pet Clubs.  (See June 25 - The Very Good Doctor, Dr. Good)

In doing my research for all 3 books I was forced to take my blinders off.  I was forced to go where I didn't really want to go, and look closely at what I didn't want to see.  I'm the gal who changes the channel the minute I hear Sarah McLachlan start singing; I cannot bear to look at the injured and abused animals.
However, this book must be written from both my head and my heart, so I put my big girl panties on, grabbed a box of tissues and headed out to pet stores, kennels, humane societies, clinics and shelters.

Yesterday was "bunny" day, dedicated to learning all I can about these soft, fuzzy little gems. I didn't need to go far.  The Georgia House Rabbit Society is located within 2 miles of my house.  GHRS is the first and only rabbit specific shelter in the SE and only one of a handful in the country...this place is so cool!

Every bunny is welcome there and the place was hopping with dedicated volunteers caring for these helpless little ones. Jennifer spent quite a bit of time with me, passionately providing me with a much needed and appreciated  'Rabbits for Dummies" class.  In a nutshell:
Rabbits are considered exotic animals, but owning a rabbit is alot like a cat or dog in that a rabbit is a 10 year commitment. They are a very intelligent and social.  They need attention, mental stimulation, toys, exercise, environmental activity, and interaction with people, other rabbits, and other household companion animals.

Sadly, although rabbits are the 3rd most popular pet, many rabbit owners have not educated themselves to insure responsible pet ownership and care, so they give up on him.  The rabbit may end up in a shelter,where he may have only 2-3 days to get adopted before being euthanized.

This is where GHRS' mission comes into play.  Their mission is to rescue, rehabilitate and re-home abused, abandoned and neglected domestic house rabbits.  They spay and neuter, foster and find them great homes. Best of all, they educate the public on the care of domestic house rabbits.  This volunteer based, nonprofit, rabbit rescue center was formed in 1996 and has rescued over 3000 domesticated rabbits in need; all made possible by volunteers and donations.

They also board rabbits, and conduct outreach to assist humane societies and owners through publications, phone consultation, and classes.   They have a Hop Shop with toys and supplies for these cutie-pies.

They are always available to help if you find a house rabbit out in the wild.  These little ones really need your help - they can't survive out there alone.  You can easily spot a house because they look like potatoes with legs as opposed to the longer, leaner, rabbits who live on their own in the wild.

This is where is gets really good - Animal House, a reality concept show is going to give the Rabbit Center a much needed makeover, including remodel, expansion and other perks.  Talk about shining a national spotlight on the rabbits and the center's efforts toward rescue and education!

Having said all of the above, the most heartwarming thing for me, was seeing how many young teens and young adults were there donating their time, money, and effort on summer vacation.  They were cleaning cages, caring for rabbits,and interacting with them. I was fortunate to speak with one young man, and although he wants to be a professional lacrosse player not a vet, he was right there in the middle of it, knowledgeable, dedicated, and having fun. Not one kid was on the phone, complaining to go home, or wait for it... texting!

Please visit www.houserabbitga.com to learn more, and be sure to check out www.animalhouse.tv to learn when our local center will be featured.  Filming starts in October.  See you then!
PS. Jennifer is a volunteer coordinator, contact the center at 678-653-7175 to learn how you can help.

Now go give someone a hug,
Laura

Ed Christiansen, photographer, does a beautiful job of showcasing the personality of Peanut (pictured below) and others up for adoption.   See them all at  www.houserabbitga.com  Thanks Ed!

.

Doggie Selfie!

Dear Readers,
Today is June 27, Sunglasses day.
I could write about how important sunglasses are with regard to eye health, and I could educate you on UV rays and UV ratings on sunglasses and why all that stuff is important.  If you are old enough to be reading my blog you are old enough to know all this stuff already.  If not, you may want to play on Google for a little while and learn something new today.

Instead, being Friday, and for some of you it's been a long week.  So Sunday, June 29 is Camera day.  In honor of Camera day, I thought I'd share the photo below, from Baisden Live.  Hopefully it will lighten up your Friday, and get your weekend off to a laughing start.

Be kind to each other,
Laura

MePesky Miss Maxine's words of wisdom

Today I was looking for something informative to share and I came upon this:

MePesky Miss Maxine brings us today's message -

Words of Wisdom from a dog:

If you stare at someone long enough, eventually you will get what you want

Don't go out without ID

Be direct with people, let them know exactly how you feel

Be aware of when to hold your tongue and when to use it

Leave room in your schedule for a good nap

Always give people a good greeting - a cold nose in the crotch is always effective

When you do something wrong always take responsibility for it - (as soon as you're dragged out from under the bed)

If it's not wet and sloppy it's not a real kiss

We can't help it!

I know a few people who are going through personal issues.  Because I am their friend I try my best to help by offering support.  Although I try to be a good listener, I'm one of those people who when faced with a problem try to solve it.  I'm one of those people who give unsolicited advice in an effort to make it all better, or to nip it in the bud before it gets worse, or even as a preventative measure.  Please know that when people like me offer this unsolicited help it's because we really care about you, and honestly, we can't help but try to help!  Help is always given with the best of intentions, we mean well, we really do!

Oftentimes the help I offer is a suggestion of gratitude. There are a bazillion quotes on gratitude.  The one I chose for today is this:

As I stated, there are a bazillion quotes I could have chosen, but this one works well for today because it not only pertains to Gratitude, but I believe it crosses the line into other areas and aspects in our lives.  Hopefully someone really needed to see this today, and it helped them.  Maybe someone will file it away for future use.

Maybe not...but in any case, I just couldn't help but write this blog today.  As I said, I'm one of THOSE people!

There you have it,

Hug someone for me,

Laura

Kevin Costner & Jeopardy

Not long ago I was in Nashville, and a small crowd had gathered outside the back door of the Ryman.  They told me Kevin Costner was there with his band.  I could hear singing, and honestly, was thinking, "Geez, I hope he doesn't quit his daytime job!"

Anywho, when KC exited the theater I was able to get him to pose with me.  I never did get a photo with him even though he was patient during what felt like 10 minutes while my friend tried to get the camera to work.

Now, you may or may not think he is a good actor, but you must admit, he's had a pretty long acting career, and he has made a several blockbusters to offset a flop or two.
I happen to like him, and I like the fact that he keeps a low profile.  I don't know much about him because he isn't part of my entertainment while I'm line at the supermarket. Yes, I have no shame, my inquiring mind wants to know!

Anywho, while standing arm in arm with him, I believe I blurted out, "I love your movies!" It is by grace, and by grace alone that he didn't say something like, "Thank you, which is your favorite?"  In the comfort of my living room I can rattle off at least 10 of his movies in less than 10 seconds.  Standing with him, I couldn't name one of his movies if my life depended on it.  Unfortunately, this is how my brain works.

Oftentimes, I find myself on the computer at 6:30 pm and I turn on Jeopardy "America's Favorite Quiz Show" while I work.  This is my attempt to better myself, but instead of learning something I find myself focusing on how in awe I am of these people.  How do they retain all that information, and better yet, how are they able to access the stored information so quickly?  I am amazed  with the speed in which their brains work under pressure!  I am so proud of myself when I actually get an answer correct, especially when I beat the contestants.  But of course it is usually something like, "she was married and divorced from Prince Charles, she was known as the People's Princess, and if still alive she would be grandmum to baby George" as opposed to a question more in line with "William Sullivan retired from the Foreign Service in 1979, he was the last U.S. Ambassador to this country."

So tonight I am once again working and watching Jeopardy.  BTW, did you know in the 1950's the general public was getting  tired of game shows, making accusations about cheating against producers.  Popularity of game shows was waning and Merv Griffin was losing money.  While brainstorming with his wife on a plane, she suggested he provide the answers and have the contestants provide the questions.  The rest is history...

Thanks for listening! Be kind to each other, 

Laura

PS. Princess Diana and Iran

What goes around comes around

Being on this earth for 1/2 a century, (YIKES!) I've learned everything in life is cyclical.  We've all heard forms of this quote, "If you don't like the weather, wait a few minutes, it'll change." Although many people apply it to the area they live in, this quote has been credited to Mark Twain in reference to New England.

Eggs - Growing up they were good for me, then they told me no, the yolks are high in cholesterol and can lead to heart attack or stroke.  New research shows that eating whole eggs increases HDL - the heart-protective "good" cholesterol. Plus there are several nutrients specific to the egg yolk that help promote overall health.  Just Google - Heath Benefits of Eggs to learn more.

Potatoes - The potato is a starchy tuberous crop.  The word "potato" may refer to the plant itself or the edible tuber.  The name "spud" for a small potato comes from the digging of soil prior to the planting of potatoes.   They are filling, moderate in calories, and non-fattening.  They are nutrient-dense, their fiber keeps you regular and helps lower cholesterol.  Phytochemicals in potatoes appear to help lower blood pressure.  Potatoes which were once taboo are now considered a super food for weight loss!

The stock market goes up and down, the value of my house dropped and is now coming back around, and the Earth tilts toward the sun, then away from the sun. It is now is starting to tilt back toward the sun again, meaning summer was gone but it is now coming back - YIPPEE! (well, I think so anyway!)
We put away our summer clothes and  donned our cold weather clothes and now we pack them back up and bring out our summer clothes until it is time to bring out the cold weather clothes again.

This winter I was working at a job that was literally sucking the life out of me.  I quit exercising, I ate way too many onion rings and donuts, I felt crappy, couldn't sleep, had no energy, couldn't focus, lost all motivation to do better, and I didn't even care.  However, my beach trip, just weeks away is all the incentive I needed!

Trust me, once you find your motivation and force yourself to make the first step everything else will come around too.  Once you start exercising, you will eat better as to not undo your efforts.  When you eat better, you feel better. When you feel better your attitude is uplifted.  With a good outlook everything in your life is better and when you are happier you sleep better.  When you sleep better you have more energy to exercise, and the circle continues.  I promise!  PS. Don't forget, even if you are trying to lose weight you can still enjoy your eggs and potatoes!

There you have it,
Go give someone a hug.