...nature's small gifts...

Young boy fishing with his dog: Palm Beach County, Florida
Today I was driving behind a truck. One of those extended cab pick up things. As I followed behind I could make out the outline of a dog sitting in the middle of its backseat. It seemed to be one of those big, short-haired, floppy eared dogs that you see hanging around with guys with extended cab pick ups.



As we were driving along I was watching the back of this dog's head and just pondering the relationship between man and dog. The loyalty, the trust, the give and take of dominance between man and his companion whom we lifted up out of nature to suit our needs. Were we selfish to force our domination of one of nature's creations? What benefits does the dog receive from this relationship?



As I looked and pondered, something else came into view in the truck ahead. I saw something white on the dog's head. I looked again and saw a tiny white hand, a quarter the size of the dog's head. I couldn't see the hand's owner, they were too small to be seen over the car seat. But, I could see the white hand stroking the big, soft head over and over. And the dog turned and put it's head down into the seat, I'm sure to offer a big wet kiss to the owner of the little hand.



I've seen many beautiful places around the world. Sights that seemed almost too spectacular to belong in our mortal realm. But, the more I see, the more I appreciate the small and subtle blessings in nature that surround us every day. Like a kid and a dog.

...my cup overfloweth...

So many things to be thankful for.  Family, food, fun together.  The ease and comfort of being among those who know and accept you whatever the outcome of your Thanksgiving experiments.  While those away from us were missed, we were together in our hearts...and through our stomachs!  

Hope you had a Happy Thanksgiving.

Go ahead and say your thanks to someone (out loud) today.  Only good can come from an attitude of gratitude.  Make it a habit. 

Psalm 30:12

...gratitude...

...digital photography...

My camera broke...which isn't really a great thing.  But, it got me thinking about digital photography and how great that is.  You can take as many pictures as you want.  When you have cute kids and dogs that is a blessing.  And really, it is great to have 100 pictures of the same sunset.  Until I can figure out how to take pictures of the new things I see that keep me happy, here is a link to some pictures of places I've visited in 2009.

http://picasaweb.google.com/trimarie1

...Halloween...

I love Halloween in our neighborhood.  It is so Americana.  Halloween in our neighborhood makes you think that, despite how they say we're going to "He-- in a handbasket", around here everything is a-okay.  Kids were running around the streets, mostly followed by adults joining right in with the fun.  We had lots of trick-or-treaters and the neighbors got a chance to come out and visit and chat. 

It makes me feel sad for the anti-Halloweeners.  They are so focused on the "pagan" aspects of Halloween that they miss what is really a happy and joyful time.  Halloween is about kids...being one and pretending to be one.  I love it.

Here's what greeted our trick or treaters!  She seemed very confused, but loved all the visitors!