This just in on the "well, duh" newswire: Nick Lachey and Jessica Simpson have split up. Now, I'm as annoyed as anyone by the pair, but I still feel saddened whenever I hear ANYone's marriage is dissolving. Because it is sad. I remember hearing a quote from Jennifer Anniston about her under the radar (ha) divorce from Brad Pitt. She said one of the most difficult things was that their marriage was being "reduced to a Hollywood cliche." That was painful to read. No matter how spoiled these celebrities appear to us, or how quickly we think they fall in and out of love, the end of a committed marriage sucks just as much for them as it does for us.
With "The Newlyweds," it isn't hard to guess how things went awry. They practically lived and worked on opposite sides of the country 75% of the time. That is bound to wreak havoc. But we all know this: Marriage is hard. The trouble comes when you mix that "hardness" with our culture's resistance to giving it the ol' college try. If you give yourself the out of divorce, then stretch your relationship to its outer limit, what do you expect?
These divorces are no surprise to most of us, and I don't think we should care any more about their's than our own parents' just because they're celebrities. But it's all still very sad.
Embarrassing moments
Last week, after our flight out of town for Thanksgiving was canceled, Superman and I had a day to "waste" in town (we eventually made it out Thanksgiving Day, FYI). So we did a little shopping and ended up at T.J. Maxx. As I picked up a picture frame, I was reminded of a day last year when I had done the same at that exact location and dropped it on the ground. At that time, I felt my face get hot and that brief moment of "oh no!!!" You see, in my youth, I broke something made of glass on three separate occasions in the T.J. Maxx chain. Every time I was mortified by what I'd done and vowed never to handle anything delicate again while shopping! (If you've ever been a kid, you know that never sticks.) But one of the nicest things about being a grown-up is the concept of perspective. Even if I DO happen to pick up that vase and drop it, the store isn't going to ban me; there's no need to cry. Just wait for the nice teenager with a dustpan to come and clean it up. The moment is only as embarrassing as you let it be . . .
Salt water
Last night at a small group for couples, we discussed the ever-challenging issue in the book of James about "taming the tongue." One of the analogies in the third chapter, about our speech, is of a channel through which salt water and fresh water cannot both flow. And yet, in OUR day-to-day lives, we rarely make an effort to dam up the salt water from coming through in our speech.
We talked about the power of words, good and bad -- how well we remember the kindest thing anyone ever said to us, as well as the most damaging. We also talked about sarcasm, which I think may be the "nice" person's brand of meanness (masking insults with sharp comments that are funnier than saying "you're a complete idiot," but carry pretty much the same message).
When you get right down to it, I guess the best question to ask yourself before opening your big trap is, "what is the point of this comment?" If there's nothing productive that could come of it and it clearly doesn't build someone up, there is no reason to keep talking.
The salt water thing is going to stick with me for awhile. My husband and I think the phrase "saltwater speech" will be a good, UNself-righteous thing to say when keeping each other accountable with our words. I want to be a freshwater fish!
We talked about the power of words, good and bad -- how well we remember the kindest thing anyone ever said to us, as well as the most damaging. We also talked about sarcasm, which I think may be the "nice" person's brand of meanness (masking insults with sharp comments that are funnier than saying "you're a complete idiot," but carry pretty much the same message).
When you get right down to it, I guess the best question to ask yourself before opening your big trap is, "what is the point of this comment?" If there's nothing productive that could come of it and it clearly doesn't build someone up, there is no reason to keep talking.
The salt water thing is going to stick with me for awhile. My husband and I think the phrase "saltwater speech" will be a good, UNself-righteous thing to say when keeping each other accountable with our words. I want to be a freshwater fish!
Quelled inspiration
I've been a bad blogger lately, and deserve the harshest punishment for delinquent bloggers. It just feels like my writing inspiration has been a little zapped lately, and one of the reasons must be that I can't stop thinking about my parents' permanent split.
Since the summer, anger and sadness have come in sporadic waves, slowly subsiding to puddles at present. But the emotion is still raw when I tap into it.
As much as I love Thanksgiving and Christmas (and I do, as evidenced by the Christmas music already on my iTunes at work), I think this melancholy is tied to the dread of it no longer being necessary for my parents to be in the same room on a holiday. It scares me that things like this can happen to two great, God-fearing people who are also great parents.
I don't hate my mom and dad, but I can hate what happened. I love them, and it's important to recognize their humanity in all of this.
All of this to say, it's hard for me to focus at times, but I will keep trying. There is so much in this world to observe and attempt to record in a clever way :) And besides, Rory and Lorelai reunited last night, so all is right with the world . . .
Since the summer, anger and sadness have come in sporadic waves, slowly subsiding to puddles at present. But the emotion is still raw when I tap into it.
As much as I love Thanksgiving and Christmas (and I do, as evidenced by the Christmas music already on my iTunes at work), I think this melancholy is tied to the dread of it no longer being necessary for my parents to be in the same room on a holiday. It scares me that things like this can happen to two great, God-fearing people who are also great parents.
I don't hate my mom and dad, but I can hate what happened. I love them, and it's important to recognize their humanity in all of this.
All of this to say, it's hard for me to focus at times, but I will keep trying. There is so much in this world to observe and attempt to record in a clever way :) And besides, Rory and Lorelai reunited last night, so all is right with the world . . .
10 days
I can't believe it's been 10 days since I last posted! I must apologize to all my adoring blog followers (read: my family and two friends). Again, I have some semi-good excuses. Last week I had two partial sick days and a birthday, so things were hectic. Sorry!
The upside is that I'm one year older, so I will thus be able to bestow LOADS more wisdom on my readers ... ha! In actualily, I don't feel any older. Happier? Yes. But older? No. I love that I'm a newlywed (deeply in love) and in a career I trained for. I love that I have a great circle of friends and a strong family support system. But most of all, I'm glad my life is still in the "germinating" stage; that there are myriad adventures yet to experience and lessons to learn. Hooray for birthdays, which remind us of that!
Have a great day, ya'll, and I promise to write something more insightful soon.
The upside is that I'm one year older, so I will thus be able to bestow LOADS more wisdom on my readers ... ha! In actualily, I don't feel any older. Happier? Yes. But older? No. I love that I'm a newlywed (deeply in love) and in a career I trained for. I love that I have a great circle of friends and a strong family support system. But most of all, I'm glad my life is still in the "germinating" stage; that there are myriad adventures yet to experience and lessons to learn. Hooray for birthdays, which remind us of that!
Have a great day, ya'll, and I promise to write something more insightful soon.
Farewell
This week my big sister, my husband and I said goodbye to legends: 33-year Christian rock icon Petra. They played to an under-capacity crowd at a local college campus auditorium and it was a memorable, bittersweet night.
Our family has been listening to Petra for years. I myself have been to see them (or lead singer John Schlitt) probably four times now. We like them because 1) they're great, and 2) they've stayed true to their message and mission for more than three decades. But as strange as it was for us to say goodbye, imagine how strange it is for the veteran rockers.
It was a little odd to see only one original member (Bob Hartman, co-founder) and 20-or-so-year lead singer Schlitt with two newcomers. There was no elaborate set design, no costume changes. Just four guys singing and playing hard. My sister and I couldn't get over how the singer is finally looking his age, more like a "dad" with some meat on his bones (for years he was rail thin). You could see the performance was more taxing on him than when he was younger. But he sounded just as amazing as ever. Same with Hartman. And their new drummer and bass player were more than capable replacements.
Schlitt said one of the hardest things about a "farewell tour" is selecting which songs to sing, drawing from a catalog that spans 30 years. So as part of their song set, they included two medleys -- one of their upbeat hits and one for their ballads. The three of us took turns cheering for our favorites, "No Doubt," "The Coloring Song," "Beyond Belief," "More Power To Ya," "This Means War." And on and on they went.
It was amazing, really, and encouraging to see the passion that still hasn't begun to flicker. Any fan would agree there's nothing quite like seeing Schlitt break into a smile mid-note. And how refreshing that after all these years, Hartman is still sharing the gospel unabashedly at each concert.
Leaving the auditorium, my sister and I commented on how it didn't seem like a Christian concert if we weren't sticking around to "stalk" the band (I have pages of artist autographs collected from years of staying late after concerts). But we're older now, just like them. Things change, chapters end. The important thing is that you were there.
Our family has been listening to Petra for years. I myself have been to see them (or lead singer John Schlitt) probably four times now. We like them because 1) they're great, and 2) they've stayed true to their message and mission for more than three decades. But as strange as it was for us to say goodbye, imagine how strange it is for the veteran rockers.
It was a little odd to see only one original member (Bob Hartman, co-founder) and 20-or-so-year lead singer Schlitt with two newcomers. There was no elaborate set design, no costume changes. Just four guys singing and playing hard. My sister and I couldn't get over how the singer is finally looking his age, more like a "dad" with some meat on his bones (for years he was rail thin). You could see the performance was more taxing on him than when he was younger. But he sounded just as amazing as ever. Same with Hartman. And their new drummer and bass player were more than capable replacements.
Schlitt said one of the hardest things about a "farewell tour" is selecting which songs to sing, drawing from a catalog that spans 30 years. So as part of their song set, they included two medleys -- one of their upbeat hits and one for their ballads. The three of us took turns cheering for our favorites, "No Doubt," "The Coloring Song," "Beyond Belief," "More Power To Ya," "This Means War." And on and on they went.
It was amazing, really, and encouraging to see the passion that still hasn't begun to flicker. Any fan would agree there's nothing quite like seeing Schlitt break into a smile mid-note. And how refreshing that after all these years, Hartman is still sharing the gospel unabashedly at each concert.
Leaving the auditorium, my sister and I commented on how it didn't seem like a Christian concert if we weren't sticking around to "stalk" the band (I have pages of artist autographs collected from years of staying late after concerts). But we're older now, just like them. Things change, chapters end. The important thing is that you were there.
Inevitable revelation
At the ripe age of almost-25, it's suddenly come to my attention that I should start wearing make-up. I've evaded the pesky cosmetics for a quarter of a century and, apparently, the jig is up.
I have a rear-view mirror of sorts on top of my computer monitor at work so I can be "oonagi" (that means constant awareness -- watch some "Friends," people!). Anyway, it's a very close-up mirror and every so often I catch my reflection. And today? Not such a stunning reflection :)
I've got bags under my eyes now and the tone of my skin is obviously uneven. As the older brother in "Back to the Future" would say (pardon my French), "when the h**l did this happen?"
I am not typically a vain person and probably shouldn't care that I look as if I need make-up these days. But I can't deny feeling the "need" spread around in our culture that if you have the means to cover any flaw, you should cover it.
Sighhhhh. Well, at least it will be an interesting battle to watch: my vanity vs. nature's reality.
I have a rear-view mirror of sorts on top of my computer monitor at work so I can be "oonagi" (that means constant awareness -- watch some "Friends," people!). Anyway, it's a very close-up mirror and every so often I catch my reflection. And today? Not such a stunning reflection :)
I've got bags under my eyes now and the tone of my skin is obviously uneven. As the older brother in "Back to the Future" would say (pardon my French), "when the h**l did this happen?"
I am not typically a vain person and probably shouldn't care that I look as if I need make-up these days. But I can't deny feeling the "need" spread around in our culture that if you have the means to cover any flaw, you should cover it.
Sighhhhh. Well, at least it will be an interesting battle to watch: my vanity vs. nature's reality.
"Positive energy"
Due to the influx of negatively oriented individuals I've been acquainted with over the years, "being positive" is now second nature to me. (Not to say I'm a bubbly person with no "down" moments; I just see the silver lining, etc.)
But lately I've begun to feel a noticeable energy drain from the positivity. I love that I'm not as pessimistic as I was when I was young. Sometimes, however, I wish I would have come about it honestly. That is, just matured into a well-adjusted adult instead of being forced into rose-colored glasses only to keep my sanity around "woe-is-me" roommates, co-workers, etc.
I now know that people who begin sentences with "I hate it when" or end them with "just my luck!" are undeniably self-centered. Not self-centered in the way of putting themselves above others (in fact, they often berate themselves and are willing to do a LOT for their friends). Self-centered in that what occupies 99% of their thoughts is THEM: "Why didn't he say 'hi' to me?" "Nobody ever remembers my name!" "...so of course my car broke down..." "My hair looks like crap, but thanks for lying" -- you get the idea.
For Christians, the problem runs even deeper than self-centeredness. It goes directly to lack of faith -- lacking faith that God made you the way you are so you have worth, that He wants good things for you and DOES bless you on a fairly consistent basis.
I have melancholy tendencies (just ask my fam). So the positive thing has been a conscious decision for me, almost like a survival tactic. And I love the results. I'm more content, less worrisome and have tapped farther into faith. It's become effortless. But when I'm face-to-face with the negativo types (as described above), I kick into over-drive, bending over backward to keep the glass half-full. And then it becomes not so effortless, which is when I feel the drain.
There's probably no real solution to this. I will keep "fighting the good fight" around those with furrowed brows ... or occasionally give in to the temporary mysery. But the truth of it is being negative zaps way more energy than choosing to be content.
But lately I've begun to feel a noticeable energy drain from the positivity. I love that I'm not as pessimistic as I was when I was young. Sometimes, however, I wish I would have come about it honestly. That is, just matured into a well-adjusted adult instead of being forced into rose-colored glasses only to keep my sanity around "woe-is-me" roommates, co-workers, etc.
I now know that people who begin sentences with "I hate it when" or end them with "just my luck!" are undeniably self-centered. Not self-centered in the way of putting themselves above others (in fact, they often berate themselves and are willing to do a LOT for their friends). Self-centered in that what occupies 99% of their thoughts is THEM: "Why didn't he say 'hi' to me?" "Nobody ever remembers my name!" "...so of course my car broke down..." "My hair looks like crap, but thanks for lying" -- you get the idea.
For Christians, the problem runs even deeper than self-centeredness. It goes directly to lack of faith -- lacking faith that God made you the way you are so you have worth, that He wants good things for you and DOES bless you on a fairly consistent basis.
I have melancholy tendencies (just ask my fam). So the positive thing has been a conscious decision for me, almost like a survival tactic. And I love the results. I'm more content, less worrisome and have tapped farther into faith. It's become effortless. But when I'm face-to-face with the negativo types (as described above), I kick into over-drive, bending over backward to keep the glass half-full. And then it becomes not so effortless, which is when I feel the drain.
There's probably no real solution to this. I will keep "fighting the good fight" around those with furrowed brows ... or occasionally give in to the temporary mysery. But the truth of it is being negative zaps way more energy than choosing to be content.
What REALLY bugs me about Halloween
I have NOTHING against people who celebrate Halloween. My best friend did it all the way through childhood and my adorable nephew has gotten into costume each year of his young life. My family never recognized the holiday, primarily for religious reasons.
But there is one thing I truly hate about this time of year, apart from the dark history associated with it: scary movies. I hate that many cable channels, and even some network, insist on previewing the ickiest, most frightful flicks in the two weeks or so leading up to Oct. 31. They range from suspenseful to creepy to horrific. What's worse, when I'm flipping through the channels, I am blindsided with some disgusting image. OR, I stop on a show that looks semi-interesting only to be met with another sudden, distgusting image.
The worst of it, however, is that weird human response one has to see "what's going to happen." This feeling always gets me into trouble and I end up getting way more than I bargained for -- an image in my mind that's difficult to erase.
I know there's scary stuff on year-round. But in the month of October, it's a bombardment. The whole candy and cute costume thing, I get. But the need to scare the pants off people? Never.
But there is one thing I truly hate about this time of year, apart from the dark history associated with it: scary movies. I hate that many cable channels, and even some network, insist on previewing the ickiest, most frightful flicks in the two weeks or so leading up to Oct. 31. They range from suspenseful to creepy to horrific. What's worse, when I'm flipping through the channels, I am blindsided with some disgusting image. OR, I stop on a show that looks semi-interesting only to be met with another sudden, distgusting image.
The worst of it, however, is that weird human response one has to see "what's going to happen." This feeling always gets me into trouble and I end up getting way more than I bargained for -- an image in my mind that's difficult to erase.
I know there's scary stuff on year-round. But in the month of October, it's a bombardment. The whole candy and cute costume thing, I get. But the need to scare the pants off people? Never.
Numbers
Today the media front-paged a 2,000 milestone -- the number of U.S. troops killed in Iraq. This number got me thinking...
About 4,500 soldiers died on D-Day alone in 1944.
Nearly 3,000 Americans (civilian, by and large) died on Sept. 11, 2001.
And how many more citizens have been killed on our soil by foriegn terrorists since?
I honor the memory of every solider who's paid the ultimate price. But again I'm drawn to the albeit uncemented conclusion that, at least in terms of the United States of America, this Iraq thing can't be a total disaster.
About 4,500 soldiers died on D-Day alone in 1944.
Nearly 3,000 Americans (civilian, by and large) died on Sept. 11, 2001.
And how many more citizens have been killed on our soil by foriegn terrorists since?
I honor the memory of every solider who's paid the ultimate price. But again I'm drawn to the albeit uncemented conclusion that, at least in terms of the United States of America, this Iraq thing can't be a total disaster.
You know you've made it when...
...you're asked to judge a Dutch oven cook-off. It was a rough job, but someone had to do it :) I've never cooked anything in a Dutch oven, nor to my knowledge had a meal from one. But last night I got to sample more than 20 delectable dishes, from cinnamon rolls to pork crown roast to five-alarm chili.
Aside from being the type of people you'd want to have camping with you (for obvious reasons), the chefs seemed a very personable, down-home crowd you might expect. It's amazing what you can do with cast-iron and hot coals (check out some of these impressive recipes — http://papadutch.home.comcast.net/dutch-oven-recipes.htm).
The people were great, the food was delicious, and I didn't have to make my own dinner.
Aside from being the type of people you'd want to have camping with you (for obvious reasons), the chefs seemed a very personable, down-home crowd you might expect. It's amazing what you can do with cast-iron and hot coals (check out some of these impressive recipes — http://papadutch.home.comcast.net/dutch-oven-recipes.htm).
The people were great, the food was delicious, and I didn't have to make my own dinner.
Forced liberation
My cell phone died last week (moment of silence).
And while most of my energy has been channeled into frustration over how many ways the phone company is trying to fleece me (not to mention any names ... but the site of Catherine Zeta Jones makes me red in the face), the whole situation's kind of had a liberating effect on me.
The voicemail at my number instructs callers to try my husband's cell if they need to get ahold of me. I don't know if I lost some popularity, or if people don't want to bug Superman, but I don't get many calls handed over. It's been kind of nice to have something "beyond my control" preventing me from answering my phone whenever it rings, or calling someone on a whim when I think of something. I can't, and that's OK.
Of course I crave the feeling of security (waiting for hubby to come home late last night without any phone was a little unnerving), but I can be patient ... until the next time I talk to the company again!
And while most of my energy has been channeled into frustration over how many ways the phone company is trying to fleece me (not to mention any names ... but the site of Catherine Zeta Jones makes me red in the face), the whole situation's kind of had a liberating effect on me.
The voicemail at my number instructs callers to try my husband's cell if they need to get ahold of me. I don't know if I lost some popularity, or if people don't want to bug Superman, but I don't get many calls handed over. It's been kind of nice to have something "beyond my control" preventing me from answering my phone whenever it rings, or calling someone on a whim when I think of something. I can't, and that's OK.
Of course I crave the feeling of security (waiting for hubby to come home late last night without any phone was a little unnerving), but I can be patient ... until the next time I talk to the company again!
It is my unpleasant duty to inform...
Pretty much anyone who's acquainted with me knows I like all kinds of "girly stuff," a la Bath and Body Works. I'm not so into froo-froo dresses and painted nails, but I can't get enough of lotions, creams and things to make my bath time fabulous.
So the other day I wandered into the aforementioned store to see if any of their autumn home fragrance line was on sale. I was met with a barrage of Christmas decorations and products. I literally looked at my watch to check the date: Oct. 17. The saleslady come up to ask if I needed any assistance. You mean besides helping pick my jaw off the floor? I told her "no thanks, I actually came to find some more of your autumn products." "Oh, those were gone weeks ago," she replied.
I couldn't hide my surprise/disgust at the display before me. She tried to reassure me that retail is always two months ahead. Well, that's great ... "The only problem with that is that I, as a consumer, see the beautiful leaves on the ground and wonder what fun seasonal stuff I can find to make my house mimic the season." She didn't seem to have a good answer for this argument, simply repeating her original "two months" comment.
Is this really what we've come to? Kids are out still picking their Halloween costumes and I can't find a friggin' pumpkin candle?
I left the store disgusted and determined not to return ... for at least a week.
So the other day I wandered into the aforementioned store to see if any of their autumn home fragrance line was on sale. I was met with a barrage of Christmas decorations and products. I literally looked at my watch to check the date: Oct. 17. The saleslady come up to ask if I needed any assistance. You mean besides helping pick my jaw off the floor? I told her "no thanks, I actually came to find some more of your autumn products." "Oh, those were gone weeks ago," she replied.
I couldn't hide my surprise/disgust at the display before me. She tried to reassure me that retail is always two months ahead. Well, that's great ... "The only problem with that is that I, as a consumer, see the beautiful leaves on the ground and wonder what fun seasonal stuff I can find to make my house mimic the season." She didn't seem to have a good answer for this argument, simply repeating her original "two months" comment.
Is this really what we've come to? Kids are out still picking their Halloween costumes and I can't find a friggin' pumpkin candle?
I left the store disgusted and determined not to return ... for at least a week.
The comeback
It's been one week since I last posted, but I had good excuses —— the aftermath of my dog's death, my little sister visiting, my grandparents' 60th anniversary and MY first wedding anniversary. Busy week, But I'm back.
And I have to say it feels good to proclaim, "I've been married for more than a year." And I've got a good man to boot! Our first year of marriage was definitelyy full of peaks and valleys, but we're stronger and it's nice to feel more comfortable every day.
Anyway ... so my random musing today is America's two-faced opinion of success. It always struck me funny that self-proclaimed "hard-core" music fans would abandon one of their favorite bands when it made the big time, labeling the members "sell-outs." Why? Because more people like them now so they're famous? Isn't that what anyone who does a good job at their art wants and, in some cases, deserves? Curious. And Capitalism teaches us to reach for the stars, expand your franchise and make more $$$. But then we the consumers all look at one another saying, "oh, I don't want to support a chain when I buy that DVD ... let's go to Uncle's Jim's Video Shack down the street because it's local."
I realize there are reasons for the opinions listed above. I just find it curious that WE would want to be the ones rocking out in front of thousands of fans or opening up coffee shops in a neighboring state; just don't call US sell-outs or chains when we do.
And I have to say it feels good to proclaim, "I've been married for more than a year." And I've got a good man to boot! Our first year of marriage was definitelyy full of peaks and valleys, but we're stronger and it's nice to feel more comfortable every day.
Anyway ... so my random musing today is America's two-faced opinion of success. It always struck me funny that self-proclaimed "hard-core" music fans would abandon one of their favorite bands when it made the big time, labeling the members "sell-outs." Why? Because more people like them now so they're famous? Isn't that what anyone who does a good job at their art wants and, in some cases, deserves? Curious. And Capitalism teaches us to reach for the stars, expand your franchise and make more $$$. But then we the consumers all look at one another saying, "oh, I don't want to support a chain when I buy that DVD ... let's go to Uncle's Jim's Video Shack down the street because it's local."
I realize there are reasons for the opinions listed above. I just find it curious that WE would want to be the ones rocking out in front of thousands of fans or opening up coffee shops in a neighboring state; just don't call US sell-outs or chains when we do.
In memoriam
Yesterday was a sad day for the fam. Our beloved dog of 15 years, Ariel, finally passed.
It was harder than I thought it would be to say goodbye. We had her put down around 6 p.m. because she could no longer stand and wouldn't accept water. Afterward, my mom, my big sis, my brother and I took her out to a friend's farm and buried her. Before we did, we looked at her one last time, curled up and peaceful. I've always thought one of the eeriest and most frustrating parts about death (in man or beast) is that they all look like they're sleeping, like we should be able to rouse them.
But it's OK because it was Ariel's time. She was 150 years old, after all :) And what a great dog she was. You should check out girlfriday's blog (see right link) for a lovely "eulogy" of sorts. I don't think I can say anything better than what she or ihearttexas already did.
Girlfriday is right to assume that in C.S. Lewis' land of Narnia, Ariel certainly would have been a talking beast. She had amazing, knowing eyes that seemed as emotional and expressive as some humans I've encountered. Ariel was smart, friendly and always loyal. Whether spending my "recess" time with her as a homeschooled youngster, or just arriving on breaks from college, Ariel's face was a must-see in our corner of the world.
Losing a dog is nothing like losing a family member or friend, and I won't claim otherwise. But for those who say, "it's just a dog," I have one thought to share: You didn't know Ariel.
Enjoy heaven, our little lioness of God! We miss you already.
It was harder than I thought it would be to say goodbye. We had her put down around 6 p.m. because she could no longer stand and wouldn't accept water. Afterward, my mom, my big sis, my brother and I took her out to a friend's farm and buried her. Before we did, we looked at her one last time, curled up and peaceful. I've always thought one of the eeriest and most frustrating parts about death (in man or beast) is that they all look like they're sleeping, like we should be able to rouse them.
But it's OK because it was Ariel's time. She was 150 years old, after all :) And what a great dog she was. You should check out girlfriday's blog (see right link) for a lovely "eulogy" of sorts. I don't think I can say anything better than what she or ihearttexas already did.
Girlfriday is right to assume that in C.S. Lewis' land of Narnia, Ariel certainly would have been a talking beast. She had amazing, knowing eyes that seemed as emotional and expressive as some humans I've encountered. Ariel was smart, friendly and always loyal. Whether spending my "recess" time with her as a homeschooled youngster, or just arriving on breaks from college, Ariel's face was a must-see in our corner of the world.
Losing a dog is nothing like losing a family member or friend, and I won't claim otherwise. But for those who say, "it's just a dog," I have one thought to share: You didn't know Ariel.
Enjoy heaven, our little lioness of God! We miss you already.
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