small comforts are where it's at

Ever so slowly this week life will start to head towards 'normal' once again. It's amazing how those little four-legged beings can have such a huge presence, isn't it? We miss Luka. A lot. And we miss Mow, too. We've never not had a dog - it feels very different around here.

Amidst all of that, though, lots of small comforts abound:

::Flowers. Everywhere right now - outside and in. (And a belated Happy Solstice to you, by the way).

::Remembering. Planting, playing, and climbing the trees in our new 'Dog Garden" in the woods; writing a Blurb book about sweet Lu for the littles; and reading and talking lots with the kids about their (and our) sadness. There's lots of great books out there for kids on grieving, some of which we have. But truth be told, we always find comfort, truth, clarity, and gentleness in dear Mr. Rogers. Because that man was amazing.

::Thrifting. Of course. This little paint-by-number piece is my new favorite studio art. I find the freaky eyes oddly cute.

::Blogreading. Sometimes staring at the screen for hours on end is a very welcome break, indeed. And really, there's so much goodness going on out there. And how about Miss Lydia? Oh gosh, just beautiful. This is one of those times when the downside of 'blog friends' (um, that pesky continent between us - sorry Midwesterners) is seriously bumming me out. Oh, how I would love to pop into the Karol house with some food and hugs, ears for the birth story (I love a good birth story), and a kiss for that soft baby head. Congratulations Amy, Pete, Sadie, and Delia, And Welcome, sweet Lydia - you picked the right family, girl!

::More Thrifting. I've had my eye out for one of these for a while. It's the exact model I used as a child (my father's), but it's in perfect condition, with a case, the instructions and warranty (expired in '67. dang.). I am thrilled to have one of these to play with (and so is Ezra).

::Sewing. Yes, there's been some of that. Lots of that.

::Dancing. There's always dancing on the sun porch. The guaranteed-to-lift-your-spirits kind of dancing. Good stuff, that dancing.

Comments

[lia]

ooooh, i love the dancing!! :)

[Eren]

Amanda, glad to hear your hearts are slowly beginning to heal. And it is amazing how those animal spirits take up so much of our own lives. My boys still draw our dog Mazzy Star into our family crayon drawings like she is still a member of our family when she died the year before their first birthday. Amazing...and comforting. Blessings to you this week.

[amy]

Your family really has got it! You seem to have the keys to a fabulous life- I find a lot of comfort in reading about yr family as it reminds me of things in my own. I like to know there are more things in common between others- life is good and full and sweet. have a lovely day !

[heather]

how beautiful, i'm all teary here, words escape me, your family is truly inspiring amanda. a garden, a book, unlimited space to share and feel, mr. rogers? it's all so preicious. revealing the beauty, always.

[erin]

Amanda, I have been thinking of you and your family all weekend. I am happy to hear that you are finding comfort all around you. I love the dancing shot - looks like loads of fun!

[earthchick]

Sounds like you are grieving, coping, and healing in all the right ways.

And I agree about the dancing. When dh and I were cleaning house yesterday, we turned on The Sound of Music soundtrack for the boys, and Tiny Dancer did the most amazing dancing all around the living room. It was a thrill to watch - really made my afternoon.

Belated Happy Solstice to you, too!

[Julia]

been thinking of you and yours- glad to hear things are slowly moving forward. there's no easy way to deal with this, but at least you can do so together and in the midst of a beautiful summer- a season full of hope, renewal, growth, and sunshine!

[Plumtickled]

I'm in awe of the example of strength that you are teaching your children. Memories and respect for lost ones, even our animals, is an amazing lesson of life. It's nice to see them dancing!

I absolutely love the painting..... it sorta kinda resembles you! Funny.

[hannah]

wouldn't it be great if it was as easy to get together with our blog friends in life as it is to read about their lives? ah. that would be great. i am planning a trip to pdx in september, wanna come with? you know we love dancing in our house!

[Heather]

Sounds like all the ingredients for good healthy healing! My four year old still talks about our dog although it's been more than a year ago since our Kogi passed away. It's so nice because the "processing" just doesn't end and isn't that a beautiful thing? It is an amazing time that we're raising our kids in and I am in awe of all the incredible families that I encounter (pets always included.)

[Wendy]

I absolutely love reading your blog. It comforts me to know that there are people like you, raising kids like yours, out in the world.

Reading about your puppy made me think so much about when our kitty died of old age almost a year ago. My hubby took off two days of work and the two of us just sat by her for 24 hours. We just sat, and talked to her and cried. We spent most of it outside, because that's where she loved it, but we brought her onto our bed eventually. When she finally did die, I got up to open the window (the room felt like it needed to be opened up somehow) and a little bird immediately flew away from where it had been perching right there by the window. I swear it was waiting to help her soul find its way.

Namaste.

[Kim]

Dancing is a great way to heal the soul, so are new babies.
I love your blog, it is a breath of fresh air that I need every morning.
Thanks for writing :)

[Jennifer]

I'm glad there has been time for some quiet reflection for you guys- that is a wonderful tribute to your friend. And taking the time to remember him together will help to cement him into your children's brains for all time- with lots of happy memories. (((hugs)))

[tricia]

your blog always makes me so happy.

[Katey]

is that a rolla-bola in the dancing photo?

Fun fun fun!

Well deserved fun.

[QueenMum]

Hey we have that exact typewriter! I found my at a Yard Sale, *new* in case with paper and everything. It's taken a beating since then -- such a lovely thing to bang on.

[Grace]

oh, *such* a lovely post. so much goodness at your house!

[Grace]

oh, *such* a lovely post. so much goodness at your house!

[SOULEMAMA]

Katey - yes, it is! We call it a VewDu Board, which I think is just the brand name.
http://www.vew-do.ch/
We *love* that thing - we had it before kids, but now they love it too. And man, they're soooo much better on it than bigger people!

[bellablue]

Addy is totally wanting to get in on that action! LOL! And, Dude, the eyes on that painting still scare me.

[Beth]

(how much do I love that someone called their dog Mazzy Star!?!)

Look at those kids grooving along! Adelaide looks like she's about to really break it down.

I see photos on your pin board in the studio - are they family pictures or are you a wierdo like me who likes to collect pictures of strangers from flea markets?

Beth

[Stephanie]

Love to see the little ones dancing! And I'm so very sorry for your doggy loss - they're family members themselves, I know.

[camerashymomma]

oh my word, that turquoise typewriter is a beauty! i'm on the search for a turquiose wall phone for my kitchen! :)

so, life moves forward in small spurts. slowly. slowly.
a dog garden sounds just about perfect.

[Ragged Around The Edges]

The loss of a pet really shakes a family to its core and reading the Mr. Roger's book, even as an adult, somehow always makes me feel more peaceful. . . and makes me ponder it in a whole new perspective.

I am so sorry to hear about your loss. . . I know how hard it can hit.

[Annalisa]

So sorry to read about your dog friend. I am a new-ish reader of your blog and love it. I'm in the OTHER Portland with a kiddo and many similar interests so it is really fun to check in and read your blog every day. Can I ask what paint brand/color you used in your studio? It makes me smile every time I see a picture.

[jean]

that board would be waaaay too tricky for me. Instant trip to the ER. I tried a pogo stick recently. It was quite humiliating. Once bounce up and landed on my arse.

[Jen]

Long time reader, first time comment leaver...
I'm so sorry for the loss of your dog. I'm happy that you have dance parties to relieve the sadness, though - I'm a firm believer in the power of a good ol' dance party!

[Wanett]

That looks a little like my first typewriter my grandparents bought me.My kids dance all day too and it is such an incredible mood lifter. It's nice to see them totally free of worry and responsibility. Just kids. I wish all children could have a life like that.

[Amber]

I'm glad to hear things are moving forward and though you feel the loss you cherish your world, too.

[Bex]

Looks like the spring is gradually returning to your steps. Just checking in to see how you are all doing... (Isn't it funny how we can do that with people we haven't met face to face. I 'spose it's like having an old fashioned 'Pen Pal').

[mrspilkington]

mister rogers really was amazing. did you read that eulogy/esquire article by tom junod?
reading this reminded me of a quote from that piece, paraphrased as "i'm going to do something really little today". glad you have lots of little joys to share with each other.

[Shannon]

First time reader, won't be the last. Love your blog, evident heart and soul!

When you have time, check out _Dog Heaven_ by Cynthia Rylant. It's an amazing book on what a doggie's personal heaven might be. It's a picture book for kids and your local library should have copies. It's one that has helped heal many a heart of my patrons.

Good karma and warm thoughts, Shannon

[Tamar]

The loss of a pet, a house quiet for lack of dogs - I understand this pain so well, but haven't known quite what to say. As you said, what words could there possibly be? So I suppose all I can say is that I feel that wordlessness too, and that you are in my thoughts. I'm so glad to hear you and your family are finding the small comforts. And making a book - what a great idea. I'll keep sending those thoughts...

[colleen]

have you read the book "dog heaven" by cynthia rylant? my husband and i sat down together and read it after our sweet teddy died. we cried and cried and felt strangly at peace. i still feel him coming into the backyard occasionally and our daughter still includes him in her homemade birthday/fathers/mothers day cards.

[Ren]

I have a sweet, sweet book titled "It Must Hurt a Lot" about a little boy that loses his dog. Each page has a small blurb about what he learned as he traveled the journey of grieving.
I used to read it to children when I volunteered as a facilitator for a family grief support program. It's truly a beautiful book for children.

I'm sorry for your loss. You all inspire me greatly, thank you for putting your words out for the world to read.:)