Material Possessions - What I learned from my dogs

"It is preoccupation with possessions more than anything else that prevents us from living freely and nobly."

Bertrand Russell (British Philosopher 1872 - 1970)


The saying goes, "You can’t teach an old dog new tricks." but I have found that an old dog can give insight into matters of great importance.

When we adopted Zack from the SPCA he was already seven years old, a middle-aged dog. I have no details about his former life or what precipitated his relocation to the SPCA. I have found that dogs are sensitive on the subject of having been given-up and are generally not forthcoming with the details.  I agree, let bygones be bygones.

Zack

It was a snowy, blustering February afternoon when we adopted Zack. Arriving home, I gave him a small blanket on which to curl up. He immediately latched onto the blanket, chewed a few holes in it and began to drag it around the house wherever he went. The first time I went to move the blanket I was surprised to find Zack grab the other end and begin a serious "tug-of-war", growling and thrashing about. His grip is so strong you can lift the blanket and almost raise Zack right off the floor. This makes for great fun, I like how worked up he gets over his blanket, growling, teeth bared, eyes blazing. I can hear my inner adult saying, "Sandra, are you teasing that dog??" While my inner child says, "No, we're just playing!"



Our previous dog, Abby, loved raw-hide dog bagels. She'd sit contentedly and chew on a "bagel" until it was gone, making very short work of it indeed. (She once broke into a bag of real bakery bagels and I suppose, knowing her good fortune might be short-lived, hid all six bagels in various places around the house.) So, I bought Zack a raw-hide bagel. Very gingerly he took it from my hand and ran upstairs to his blanket, leaving the bagel untouched like a gem on a velvet cushion. I assume he isn’t the raw-hide type, yet he is possessive about the bagel, he likes it to be on his blanket at all times.

Because Zack seemed a little anxious when he was left alone, I bought him a "Kong". Kongs are great, they're heavy duty rubber cones with a hollow interior into which you can place a dog biscuit or even peanut butter and your dog will (hopefully) be so occupied with chewing and trying to dislodge the treat and he will forget that he is lonely.

Zack.  His expression says it all

The Kong has become Zack's prized possession, if anyone comes into the house, he runs to get his Kong and makes sure that it was safely hidden or he stands over it, preventing the intruder from making off with his goods.

Zack's worldly possessions

A few months later we adopted another dog, Grace, who at fourteen is definitely a senior dog. Unlike Zack, Grace doesn't drag her blanket around; she shares it freely with Zack or any other visiting dog. Grace has little interest in chew toys or toys in general. What Grace does love is affection. Oh she isn't a saint by any means; she loves to sit beside us at the dinner table and comment (whine) on how good the food smells, sometimes even laying her big paw on my lap as if to say, "Darling, what a marvelous cook you must be." But I am not swayed by her flattery; no feeding the dogs from the table.

Grace.  Not a care in the world

There is a pattern of behavior that has developed with our dogs that I think is very telling. After each walk I unleash both dogs and head to the pantry to get them a dog-treat. Grace is always at my heels and Zack? Well wouldn't you know, Zack runs upstairs to his blanket, he checks to make sure that his bagel and his Kong are both stilll safe, and then he comes back to the kitchen for his treat. He doesn't do this on occasion, he does it every time. His mind is always on his possessions, “Are they safe? I better check." If Zack had an allowance he'd spend it on an insurance policy that would cover his "stuff". Grace? I think she'd spend it on a chair at the dinner table where she could enjoy good food and the company of those whom she loves and who love her.



Don't get me wrong, we adore Zack. His quirky ways make him very loveable and very "human".   Some of us could learn a little something from Zack and Grace.  After all I don’t think it’s ever too late to teach an old dog a few new tricks.

Thank you so much for visiting My Turquoise Kettle Life.

Have a dog-gone good day,

Sandra

Reduce Speed in Fog - Rethinking Work

In my post of last Sunday, entitled Lake House , I wrote how I was using the week to "chart a course" for September to really try to get clear about what direction I want to go in. I guess you could say I was in a bit of a fog. I was conflicted over my heart's true desires and what I thought I should do.

The fog can be a frightening place. If you've ever run into heavy fog while driving you know how it can appear unexpectedly out of nowhere, envelope you and force you to slow down. You strain to see the lines on the road unsure of what lies ahead.

I guess you could say I was in a heavy fog...I have wanted to fully commit to living the creative life for a very long time yet also felt the societal and personal pressure to "work". By "work" I mean I show up at the specified location, perform specified task and magically the specified payment appears in my chequeing account. As opposed to my creative work which actually feels more like play, which some days makes me so excited I feel an actual buzzing in my being and which of course does not result in any magical deposit to my chequing account.

But it isn't really about the money (the numbers work).  The fog was about still trying to justify taking that freedom and fully living it, making a choice that works for me (my husband believes that what works for me automatically works for him... did I mention how much I cherish him??) and not feeling guilty because so many other people work at jobs they don't like. I'm the person who is served an amazing meal but only nibbles at the edges of the delicacy because others overseas are hungry. Yes maybe I can help the hungry, but not by starving myself!

Is there anything positive about the fog? Well, yes. Fog obscures distractions, if I can't see ahead or to the sides and I can't turn around, then maybe I need to look within again. And that's when the fog began to lift, with encouragement from my husband I am ready to let go of the security of work and grab hold of the opportunity to embrace a season to create.

Interestingly, I awoke one day last week and noticed that a fog had settled over the forest surrounding the lake house. Grabbing my camera I wondered what that might look like down at the water. I actually wept at the beauty of what I saw.  My timing was divinely orchestrated... it lasted only about 15 minutes before the sun began to break through and the fog began to dissipate. Take a look for yourself.

Approaching the lake

Cottage across the lake with the moon in the sky

Already the sun is breaking through

Is it time for you to chart a new course?  Is there a dream that you've been putting off because it seems too risky, too crazy, and too selfish? There's a line that I heard when I was a teenager and all these years later it guides me when the fog closes in...."I'd rather regret something I'd done, than something that I didn't do."

Thank you for taking time out of your busy day to visit My Turquoise Kettle Life.

May today be the day you choose to follow your heart,

Sandra

Reduce Speed in Wet Conditions - The Beauty of Rain

This post was written last week while we vacationed in the Eastern Townships.

Monday, August 15th

While hot sunny days seem to be most people's idea of perfect vacation weather, I was elated to wake to an overcast morning following a rain-soaked night.

A short walk with our dogs Zack and Grace confirmed that it would be a wonderful morning for taking photos. Outfitted in my most mosquito proof clothing (picture monk/farmer) I walked the dirt road and the forest floor soaking in the damp beauty and vivid colours.

Drizzly days beckon us to crawl back under the covers, to cancel activities, to watch the rain against the window, to pull out the Scrabble game.  When I was a little girl a rainy summer day was a craft day that might result in  a sock doll with mismatched button eyes or a miniature baby cradle made from a discarded baking powder container.

We are encouraged to "reduce speed in wet conditions", good advice for driving and life in general.  Slowing down one sees what they've been missing, giving opportunity to seize the moment, to appreciate what today is offering us.

Today's photos are the fruit of my drizzly morning: a series of fallen leaves. Some have just recently fallen while others have begun to decompose, fading into their final resting place. Whether delicate botanical bowls cupping crystal droplets or fallen soldiers in metallic coloured armour, each fallen leaf contains a reminder that when we slow down we can find beauty in unexpected places and that sometimes a rainy day is the perfect vacation weather.

 Thank you so much for taking the time to visit "My Turquoise Kettle Life".

Wishing you a "seize-the-day" day,

Sandra

The Lake House

This post was written last week while my husband and I vacationed at our favourite lake side house in the Eastern Townships.  Click the link to read about our visit last May. Retreat


Saturday, August 13, 2011

As I write this I am sitting in the center of a king sized bed in a tree-top room overlooking the forest below as it slips down to the edge of the lake. It is getting late and our two dogs are restless as they anticipate an evening walk. "Later." I whisper to them, wanting only to savour this time, this place, this solitude.

A beautiful space with an amazing view

The neighbouring cottage is out of sight but the sounds of quiet music, voices and laughter rise as a comforting reminder that I am not completely isolated. I didn't know that I would be back so soon having spent a wonderful week here just three months ago. Yet I am so completely thankful that I am.


I spent the afternoon alternately swimming and laying on the dock watching dragon flies, the clouds and the occasional paddle boat chug past.

I've been thinking, praying, painting, writing, taking stock and planning for the return of September's routine. I want to learn to really savour my days rather than allowing them to wash together in a blur. I'm wondering how to use this life, this gift, to love others without forgetting to love and care for myself, wondering how to make a small living without sacrificing real living, wondering how to be creative about time to create.



It is inevitable that summer's luxury of unstructured days will be gently folded and put away for awhile. That's okay, "For everything there is a season" and I have always loved September for its challenge to begin anew, a fresh page full of potential and promise.

While many students are choosing which courses to take, many students of life are also choosing which course to take. I cannot imagine a place that is more conducive to “charting my course" than this cottage and for that I offer up a simple prayer, "Thank you".

Thank you for visiting "My Turquoise Kettle Life".

Have a splendid day,
Sandra

The Creativity Habit

In my last post I wrote how I had purchased seven small canvases and had committed to doing one painting each day from Monday, July 25 to Sunday, July 31.  I didn't paint on Sunday or Monday but did manage to paint the last of the seven on Tuesday.

one of my daily paintings from last week

It was an interesting challenge to myself.  I often found that when I sat down in the morning I was uncertain about what to paint.  Some mornings I checked the fridge for ideas (if you check my Art Gallery page you will see what I mean) sometimes I just decided to paint whatever was nearby.  It reminded me that it is the act of painting consistently that matters.  It also gave me a new respect for artists who regularly paint a painting a day (in some cases for years!). 

I was surprised to find I was able to paint even when I felt uninspired, when I felt pressed for time, when I was tired.  Perhaps it isn't too different from other habits I have developed such as a daily time for prayer and journaling or my habit of a 6:30 a.m. gym workout which I manage five days a week regardless of whether or not I feel inspired.

So maybe it really does come down to motivation and habit.  I am motivated to achieve a result and doing it regularly reinforces the habit.  Isn't that how most people work?  We are motivated for a result (maybe a pay cheque) and we show up on the job daily regardless of whether we are inspired or not.  My dictionary defines it as "a practice that a person does often and almost without thinking."

Perhaps that bit "almost without thinking" is also key.  Honestly if I allow myself to think about it, I could come up with a reason not to go to the gym (maybe it would be good to give my wonky knee a rest) , or pray (God knows what I'm thinking after all). 

My conclusion concerning the creativity habit is that yes, I want to paint daily.  I also want to have the flexibility to practice other forms of creativity that interest me.  How do I incorporate this into my day? During the summer (when school is out) it is easy to set aside the morning for painting, writing, mosaic work and  photography but school will open again in about a month and then I will need a plan to protect my commitment to a daily creative time. 

While I don't have the answer today, it is something I will be considering over the next few weeks. One of the keys for me will be visualizing what I want my life to look like, and deciding which habits will allow me to live that life.  Secondly, I may need to eliminate and replace other habits that don't bring me the results that I desire.  If I arrive at any brilliant conclusions I will let you know!

As for today, I have been working outside on my mosaic table top and enjoying the laziness of this summer morning and the gift of creativity.

Thank you for stopping by My Turquoise Kettle Life today,

Have a beautiful day,

Sandra

Daily Painting

I enjoy scouting around on the internet seeing what other creative types are doing, what motivates them, and how they are honing their skills.  Everything I read indicates that it has less to do with exceptional creative talent or inspiration and more to do with habitual determination and a dedication to doing the work. 

Yesterday I bought myself seven 8" x 10" canvases.  My goal is to paint everyday this week.  I began today by rooting around in the fridge for some inspiration.  I set up a small still life of half a lemon and half a lime. 

I have included a photo of today's result, but I will also begin to post photos of these daily paintings on the "Art Gallery" page of this blog.

Lemon & Lime
8x10 Acrylic on Canvas

Can you find a daily pocket of time to practice your craft?  If  summer affords you a little more flexibility in your schedule, why not "pencil yourself in" for something creative?  You'll be impressed what 30 minutes here and there can result in. 

Thank you for visiting My Turquoise Kettle Life.
Have a creative day!

Sandra

Cheap & Cheery House Reno

There are two things that could make me fall in love with a house, cedar shakes and the colour yellow. I will often see a house and say to my husband, "Oh, look how nice that house is." His normal response is, "Of course you like it, its yellow." or "Does it have anything to do with the cedar shakes?"

He has me all figured out! But it does beg the question, if I really love yellow houses, then why have I been living in a beige house for nearly twenty years?

So this week I painted my house yellow!! Our home is mostly brick (tan coloured), but the front where our verandah is, has vertical wood siding and for the past two decades it’s been painted various shades of beige. Now it is the cheeriest yellow and I LOVE it! The colour is Martha Stewart "Cornbread". It is perfect.

Not only did I paint all the wood yellow, I repainted all of the white trim (windows and verandah), painted a new number plaque, repainted my mailbox, removed the old (red) shutters and instead added a decorative wood trim along the bottom of the windows, installed a new light over the door way (actually my husband did that installation), installed a new thermometer (I dropped and broke the old while removing it) I spray painted my old aluminum storm doors white, and repainted my front door white. In addition I recovered all of the cushions on the wicker furniture to co-ordinate with the new house colour.

I love the look! And I love the cost, a mere $100! Here's how I did it.

4 litres of white paint                    $32

4 litres of yellow paint                  $32
minus mail-in rebate on 2nd can $32
wood trim for windows                $18
light fixture                                   $18
replacement thermometer              $ 6
spray paint for aluminum doors    $26

Total cost before taxes $100.

 I reupholstered with fabric that I had on hand.

 Here are some photos:

number plaque in progress

While I was working on the mail box I did a lot of potential sketches. I was scavenging through my art supply drawers looking for an eraser and found some small plastic farm animals. I sat them on the mailbox and they made me smile. Oh that is just too silly. I put them away. But I found myself going back to the farm animal idea; maybe it is just silly enough.

There's already plenty of boring and predictable in the world, so why not do something silly if it makes you smile? I don't suggest doing something big and silly that might anger the neighbours and bring down the value of all the homes on your street. But having a little fun with your mail box won't bother anyone and it might give the letter carrier a daily smile too.

mailbox with plastic farm animals

What I love about the work I did this week is that I was able to give our home a fresh new look without changing my doors or windows or tearing off the old (perfectly good) siding and replacing it. A lot of people in my neighbourhood have traded in wooden front doors and their screen door for new steel doors. Don't they miss their screen doors? There's something so wonderful and summery about having the wooden door open and the screen door letting in the breeze and the sounds and when people come to the door they don't feel they need to ring the bell, they can just call out, "Hello!".

We tend to do that don't we? I mean, we tend to think we ought to upgrade, even when the "improvement" means we have to sacrifice some of the things we love in order to have the new item.

Those marketing and advertising types are so clever!

For now at least, I may have outsmarted them. You see, I think that if the home renovation advertising executives come knocking on my (screen) door, they will take one look at those farm animals on the mailbox and assume, "These people are not buying what we're selling." .....  And they'd be correct!

Thank you for taking the time to visit My Turquoise Kettle Life today.

Have cheap and cheery day,

Sandra