Monday Mosaic

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In April, Maya Angelou was interviewed by Oprah on her 70+ birthday.

Oprah asked her what she thought of growing older.  And, there on
television, she said it was ‘exciting.’

Regarding body changes, she said there were many,occurring every day…like her breasts. They seem to be in a race to see which will reach her waist, first.

The audience laughed so hard they cried. She is such an honest woman, with so much wisdom in her words!
“I’ve learned that no matter what happens, or how bad it seems today, life does go on, and it will be better tomorrow.

“I’ve learned that you can tell a lot about a person by the way he/she handles these three things: a rainy day, lost luggage, and tangled Christmas lights.

“I’ve learned that regardless of your relationship with your parents, you’ll miss them when they’re gone from your life.

“I’ve learned that making a ‘living’ is not the same thing as ‘making a life.’

“I’ve learned that life sometimes gives you a second chance.

“I’ve learned that you shouldn’t go through life with a catcher’s mitt on both hands; you need to be able to throw some things back.

“I’ve learned that whenever I decide something with an open heart, I usually make the right decision.

“I’ve learned that even when I have pains, I don’t have to be one.  (I REALLY like that one)

“I’ve learned that every day you should reach out and touch someone. People love a warm hug, or just a friendly pat on the back.

“I’ve learned that I still have a lot to learn.

“I’ve learned that people will forget what you said, people will forget what you did, but people will never forget how you made them feel.”

Mary at Monday Mosaic will be hosting again her weekly party, be sure and stop and say hi!

Thanks always for stopping by — I really appreciate all of you!

TTFN~~ Claudia ♥ ♥

October 5, 2009 at 1:43 am | Mosaic | 16 comments

Dog Adventures

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Tucked high in the Eastern Mountains of Utah, Soldier Hollow, home of  the cross country events during the 2002 Olympics, presented this years Sheepdog Championship and Festival.

I’m such a sucker for Dogs of any size and shape– definitely  sheep dogs are ones that tug on my heart.

The event runs over about a 1.5 mile course, where the dogs have 16 minutes to herd 5 sheep down from the top of the mountain meadow to a small pen. The Team exists of a handler (human) and a sheepdog. This year there was 7 countries represented. It was almost poetic how this morning began. There was a quiet hush over the audience as they watched as the dog brought the sheep down. Creeping up on them, stopping quickly or yipping softly to follow his commands. If the handler wanted something a bit different they would whistle – and sure enough the dog would immediately respond.

My rear end was sore from me kicking myself all morning– I had not brought a telephoto lens.

See how Cali lay quietly in the crouched position managing her group?

A little bit closer look.

That person leaning against that pole was the whistling handler. The weather was perfect… (ok, so I was whining it was too hot but) I can’t imagine how it would’ve turned out had it been a windy or blustery day. I don’t know if the dogs would’ve heard their masters.

With balanced timing and motion the team  brought the bleating sheep into the coral!  Under 16 minutes. It really was breath taking.

I asked this gentleman if I could take a shot of his beautiful dog– he was more than willing and so proud. He told me the relationship they have is so close. They work hours all for one thing– the appreciation and love the master gives his dog.  Look at the smile on this guy! Aren’t his eyes something else??

 The center photo and this particular dog is obviously not the same– but the trial for all of them was the same.

There were pups herding ducks.

And then there was the Splash Dog Event!  This was an old guy — who after watching several of the younger dogs, decided he would just watch and think on younger days when he flew like they did.

This little guy wore a Super man cape, the announcer said it really wasn’t a cape — just a “poop” bag tied to his collar.  I dunno, he looked like super man to me.

Look carefully at this wonderful guy– you see his master DIDN’T throw the toy for him, so he just sort of stopped mid way thinking– “oh no! did i forget something?” … and because the toy wasn’t tossed they let him go again!!

Now thats what I call focus!!

…with a big ol SPLASH!!!  Look– there is my darling sister and BIL (brother in law) — I think my blog not only makes me more focused on life and finding beauty everywhere, but they are a big part of encouraging me. Today when we were driving up, one of their kids called and asked what they were doing, obviously they were teasing her because … Beeb said, ” ooh I know, I’m getting so adventuous… my middle name is Adventure!” and my BIL said, “yah, kinda like my middle name is Athletic!”

This little creature was part of the days recreation for the kids– but I thought he was awesome!! He is an Albino Hedge Hog– now how many of you can say you have had the pleasure of one of these critters up close and personal?

Stop by and visit Mary at Mosaic Monday — and Susan at Met Monday.  Ohhh and yes; its Wednesday already with Susan, from Southern Dreamer. Stop by there and see what other out door adventures others might be having.

Side note: “Thank you Beeb and T for being so good to me– you continue to make me feel so loved and never the 3rd wheel.”

TTFN~~ Claudia ♥ ♥

September 7, 2009 at 12:21 am | Mosaic | 39 comments

Summer Exit

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Summer was/ is the time for songs!

 Growing up I was glued to my transistor radio – I could’ve  put my parents in the poor house buying batteries I suppose. Then came purchasing my own albums,  then my own stereo, Oh! remember 8 track tapes? (my cassettes were mainly eaten up by the player– brother, the producers of those sure saw us kids coming on that one didn’t they?) Reflecting back I came up with some of my all time favorites- Just for the Summer!

Lovin Spoonfuls– Summer in the City– “Hot town, summer in the city/Back of my neck getting dirty and gritty…”

Mungo Jerry – In the Summertime — “When the weather’s fine, you got women, you got women on your mind”

The Drifters — Under the Board walk — “Under the boardwalk, down by the sea, yeah/On a blanket with my baby is where I’ll be”

The BeachBoys – California Girls –”The West Coast has the sunshine/And the girls all get so tan”

Don Henly — Boys of Summer — “your brown skin shinning in the sun…”

Alice Cooper – Schools Out for Summer — ”We’ve got no class, and we’ve got no principals!/We can’t even think of a word that rhymes!”

I had a particular beef with the Beach boys– They spoke about the East coast girls (hip clothes)  and the Southern Girls (southern accents) and the Midwest girls (knew how to make you feel alright) … I felt slighted.

I lived in Montana – so I stole the “Northern girls” (even though I suppose I knew they were referring to Alaskans) I liked the idea of  ” the way they kiss, they keep their boy friends warm at night”) Yes, even way back when,  I was a dreamer and probably delusional.

 Summer has always been FUN… fun … fun– well– till your Daddy takes the T-bird away.

Ahhh the first swimming lessons!

Summer Lovin– I adore everyone of these fantastic people!!

Do you have a favorite song of Summer??? It’s almost the end of August and I think I will be milking this for as long as I can.

Visit Susan at Met Monday  and Mary at Little House – such fun ideas and dear ones who are all so creative.

TTFN~~Claudia ♥ ♥

August 24, 2009 at 12:58 am | Mosaic | 14 comments

Time

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 Time does get away from us so very fast!  Having this blog helps me savor more days and I don’t say “where’s the time flying” as often as I used to. But it feels like only yesterday I was yearning for summer flowers and already it is AUGUST!  Below are some fun quotes about time.

“How you spend your time is more important than how you spend your money.

Money mistakes can be corrected, but time is gone forever. . .”

David Norris

 ~♥~

“Time is the coin of your life.

It is the only coin you have, and only you can determine how it will be spent.

Be careful lest you let other people spend it for you.”

Carl Sandburg

One last thought on time   probably one of my most favorites.

~ ♥ ~

“There is never enough time, unless you’re serving it.”
Malcolm Forbes

Todays Mosaic Monday is hosted by Mary at Little Red House… please stop by and see all the other Mosaics that inspire me!

TTFN~~ Claudia ♥

August 10, 2009 at 12:03 am | Mosaic | 20 comments

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