Thank you for all your wonderful and heart-touching comments on yesterday’s blog. You definitely reminded me of a point worth mentioning: the folks on the home-front deserve our help, encouragement and understanding also. My hat is off to everyone who ‘holds down the fort’ back home, while their soldier is serving. Having lived in Port Orchard, WA for many years, near the Naval installations at Bremerton and Bangor, I’ve known a lot of Navy wives, especially, and also extended families, of course. Debbie Korrell and Harriet Vick, this means you, among others. Military wives–and these days the term would more accurately be, ‘military spouses’–are a brave, independent lot. They routinely look after families, hold down jobs, and keep their chins up from day to day, and that’s called courage.
I’ve been learning more about gemstones, pouring over books, checking out e-bay, gluing bails (the little hooks the chain goes through) to stones like Picture Jasper and Malachite and Labradorite. Picture Jasper has a lovely, landscape look, as its name suggests, and serves to ground a person–which is why, I’m wearing Picture Jasper today. Malachite aids in achieving goals, and Labradorite, as I’ve previously mentioned, allows one easier access to their own personal magic. 
I’m amassing quite a collection, thanks to e-bay, where one can purchase just about any kind of mineral. Some of the things I’m learning seem over-obvious–once I’ve learned them, that is–for instance, that gold is the metallic symbol for the sun, and thus daytime, and silver, of course, suggests the moon. I mean, duh. Still, I felt that little thrill of discovery when I grasped the concept.
I’m reading Amy Tan’s new book, “The Valley of Amazement”, and it is WONDERFUL. I loved “The Joy Luck Club”, but a few of the novels she wrote in between have fallen through the cracks, so I might be checking those out. I was up too late again last night, listening to one of Ann Rule’s true crime books, “But I Trusted You”, and thanks to Ms. Rule, I didn’t get nearly enough sleep. The night before that, Amy Tan was the culprit.
One of the things Amy is famous for, besides brilliant writing and being a member of a band called The Rock Bottom Remainders, which includes such luminaries as Stephen King, Dave Barry, and Ridley Pearson, is her established habit of traveling everywhere with her two Yorkies, brave little dogs who perform a sort of advance reconnaissance mission by checking out hotel suites before their mistress enters. (Ms. Tan has had some scary experiences on the road and elsewhere, so she’s a bit tentative about new spaces.) That fact inspired my original dog-plan, which was to get two Yorksters of my own and take them everywhere, even though I’m not actually paranoid about hotel suites. Perfect, I thought. The little buggers would fit under the seat in front of mine on airplanes, and since I meant to start them out young, they’d be seasoned fliers in no time. I’d make sure to book rooms only where pets were allowed, and enjoy their companionship. Alas, a beagle puppy in a pet store window spoiled the whole plan! One look at Sadie O’Grady Potato Lady, and it all went out the window–including my reluctance to buy pet-store pups, lest they be from a mill. It was love, and so what if a beagle wouldn’t fit under an airplane seat? (I certainly wasn’t going to consign any pet of mine to the baggage compartment.) Six months later, Bernice, an actual Yorkie, joined the family. She didn’t travel with me, either, because she’d be scared without Sadie.
Which begs the question, “Who’s running this outfit, anyhow?”
Make it a good one, my friends. And be sure to comment–there’s another contest running this week.
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The best laid plans of mice and women. I have 3 rescued dogs all from the local Basset Hound rescue with whom I volunteer. (read that I make quilts, pot holders and other things they can auction and/or raffle for $$) Flash is a riot. He is my first purebred dog and is a hoot. He sleeps completely submerged under my covers. Roxy is half basset and has major jealousy issues. For a long, low girl she is surprisingly athletic. And Maggie (aka Maggie Maggoo – because I started calling Roxy my ‘puparoo) is a doxie ??? mix – little, spry, smart and quite feisty. Does my hubby run the show here? (more like a zoo) Do I run the show here? Nope. I am, however, she who wields the can opener and opens the treats.
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well I put the whole gold for the sun to shame then as I am allergic to it and brass and copper (turn GREEN) so everything is in Sterling or white gold – love the gems, diamonds, sapphires, opals and turquoise – yeehaw!!
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It’s always a good day when you learn something new and your blog just taught me that gold was associated with the sun; I never knew that. Science was never my specialty subject in school.
One of my high school girlfriends is a huge supporter of puppy-mill rescues and has three Yorkie’s of her own and is fostering two other dogs until they can find good homes for them.
We adopted a rescue cat from Hurricane Sandy last year from New Jersey.
Thanks for sharing your reading list. Good ideas for Thursday night library time.
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Have you seen Larimar? I made a necklace out of the Larimar beads and have purchased a couple of Larimar pendants wrapped in gold and silver wire.To me turquoise reminds me of denim and boots and larimar reminds me of lace and ruffles.It is so beautiful.It comes from the Dominican Republic and is getting pretty hard to find.If you get a chance take a look at it.I think you would like it.
Regards,
Patricia Drennen
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Yes, I love Larimar!
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Your blog yesterday was so heartfelt that I shared it on my FB page. My husband went to Vietnam three times and was a pilot flying helicopters, A-4 jets…….. And each time I came home with the kids and endured some of the things you mentioned in your blog. It was a terrible, stressful time waiting in fear of bad news and just trying to get through each day. They didn’t have the conveniences back then they have now and the first time I was left with 2 babies in diapers, 15 month’s apart. I call that my year in hell. After 3 tours, and another child, things were better but he was killed 3 months before he would have retired after 20 years service. Veterans Day is a big deal to me because I know and appreciate first hand what sacrifices they and their families make for the freedoms we enjoy.
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We had 3 dogs! Our first was a springer spaniel who my husband and his Dad picked out of the litter as the best hunter of them all! We named him Corky and loved him dearly. On Thanksgiving morning hubby and dog headed out for the big hunt! When they returned I was told Corky was now my house pet for as the guns fired this brave hunter ran as expected but instead of the field straight back to the car where he waited for them!! Our second was a rescue dog named Esme’ and we loved her beyond words! She was extra special and gave us 12 years of love! Our last dog was a husky that we named Kicia and words just can’t explain this dog! She was so special and gave us such love and friendship! She left us after 16 years and to this day her spirit is still with us!!
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As one who not only owns three Yorkies ad breeds them I’ve seen them do some pretty amazing things. My daughter (16 at the time) dyed her babies hair pink, well only the spikes on top, and yes Maggie May loved it. Strutted around like a peacock. My Miss Lucy, who I’m pretty sure is more sheepdog than Yorkie, keeps my two rottweilers under control. And of course my stud, Frankie, he is so loving and kind that whenever I sell puppies I’m asked if I’ll sell him, Of course the answer is always NO!!!
Yorkies are truely one of the kindest dogs out there.
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Who’s running the outfit, indeed! LOL!!
Hugs, Linda.
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I am sure the animals are running the show. We just are there for them. ha ha !!! I love different stones. I want to go to a place called Ruby falls in Tennessee next year and sluice for gemstones. Maybe I will be lucky and find a pretty one.
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I find gems and stones interesting as well. I have two at this time. The first is fossilised wood stone which signifies problem solving and connection to the past. The second is moon stone which signifies intuition, renewal and awareness. They are both lovely stones which I have made into necklaces.
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We all know the animals run the show Linda. I think pretty much for everyone. Enjoyed the blog as usual.
Ruby
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What a thoughtful article and a reminder of what some of us takes for granted. Love the write up. sue
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Could never send mine to baggage either! They go to the spa when we travel.
Enjoy your day!
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I also am learning about gems and crystals.
The earth provides us with many amazing healing stones.
My pets definitely rule the roost. When my beloved beagle Bonnie passed back to her maker, my neighbor told my husband with my dogs death he (my husband) moved up one rung on the ladder.
Alas it was somewhat true.
I realized today is one of those fun days. I am sure there is an appropriate name for it…… 11-12-13.
I love numbers on the calendar that make for a fun sequence.
Have a great day with productive writing so you can play with your arts!
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I have never flown eith my dog before. He loves to ride in the car. Last month we drove from Texas to Minnesota then back. He loved it, especially since he got to sit on my lap most of the trip.
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I think everyone who is owned by a pet knows very well that the pet runs the show. And any peripheral family members are well aware of the fact as well. Both my kids have pets and I/we have pet sat on a number of occasions. Enjoy them Linda, I always do when we stay with them, and miss them terribly when I’m back home again without them. Love hearing about the gems. Need to get me some of them. Have a great evening!
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You know for sure, the pets run the house!!! LOL
Have a good day, Linda. Blessings.
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Our family is like yours, all the animals are like family members.
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We have more dogs than people in the house and love every one of them!
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I love both gold and silver. Didn’t know what they stood for, so thanks for the information. As always, I learn from your blogs!
Have a great week.
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I learn alot from your blog. We have a dog and she runs the household. She will be 10 Christmas day.
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I don’t have any gemstones that I’m aware of. I do have a lot of rocks and I’ve been collecting them since I was a kid, oh…about a hundred years ago. I also collected/collect bottles, as those 2 things I could pick up for free.
Every time I take my trash to the manned center/dump, I come home with a bunch of bottles. If I died and a stranger came into my shack, they’d swear I was the biggest lush that ever lived, and I don’t even drink. And, I pray I never get stopped by the law on my way home from hauling off trash.
Now, I collect a LOT of things. You name it and I prbably collect it, except for gemstones.
Thank you for remembering the ones who stay at home and keep things going while others are off keeping America free.
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Yesterday was a very emotional day with all the pieces on veterans – we need to keep them in our thoughts through out the year.
I’ve always loved beagles, but I know what you mean about pet stores and the concern of where the animals come from, but when there is a connection you have to go for it.
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The animals always run or should I say Rule the house. Lol. Have a nice day !
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Your words make me smile!
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We have 3 dogs of our own and l of our daughters who gets to go home Thanksgiving. The old dog -11 0r 12 is half Begal and half yellow lab. She is a wonderful old dog. Sneaks on the couch when she thinks we are not in the house. Then there are the two that really rule the roost, my little poodle and Bob’s Jack Russel. They are bosom buddies and always go with us. River is our guest and she is a Walker Hound with a halacious howl. Then there are the 2 cats, our old cat Trouble and our holy terror Tazzy that I raised from 5 days old when her mama got run over. They keep life interesting . Thanks for your writing about those of us who were left at home. Bob did come home and in good shape. God is so good. Blessings to you.
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I have a rescue dog also. He was so needy and always wanted to be touched and petted! With lots of loving care, he is now very secure in the family and has grown into a wonderful part of the family!! As with yours, my animals come first and they definitely rule the household! Glad you found a new interest to keep you busy! Enjoy them as much as i enjoy reading about your day! If only mine was that interesting!!!!!!!!
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Loved your blog. I so agree about those at home waiting. Sometimes they slip between the cracks. They deserve medals for holding down the fort. Paying the bills, running the kids all over and back, sitting the example, and being so very, very lonely and afraid. Thank you for your words to these sometimes forgotten people. Have a good night and enjoy a good read.
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Surprises can happen anytime when we least expect it, just like getting a beagle when you wanted a Yorkie puppy. At least your pets have company among each other.
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Sadie O’grady!!!! Love it!!!!
I still cannot grasp how you find the time to
Connect to your own creativity when you’re busy
With everyone else’s audio’s and /or writings!!
You are fantastic Linda!!!! Xox
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Please keep us informed on how the beagle puppy does, my son wants a beagle when i finish school and we get a house, and I think that they are adorable, but the neighbor has one where we live and that poor thing sounds like its being castrated every time it barks (which is quite often), which makes me hesitant. I am quite the dog lover too, as I grew up with German Shepherds. Thank you Linda!
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I don’t have a beagle puppy, unfortunately. I was talking about days of yore, when I met my late canine sweetheart, Sadie.
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Made my first piece of jewelry (a bracelet) at my church’s Mom’s group yesterday. And now a new hobby begins! Planning to make myself a couple of necklaces and then jewelry for all the granddaughters for Christmas.
Just finished Springwater Seasons. Ahhh. Loved it so much! Am starting Springwater Christmas today!
So sad this morning to hear that my granddog Roxie, a sweet Boston Terrier, had to be put down last evening. She was only 5 yrs. old, and evidently got into some kind of toxin. SHE even got excited when Grammie came to visit! I will miss her and feel so sad for my son, daughter-in-law, and 2 granddaughters.
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My sincerest condolences–it’s heartbreaking to lose a pet, especially one so young.
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I love Beagles, they are so cute & such characters! We had one when I was a kid…and rightly so, as I believe all kids should have a dog :). Can’t wait for your new book, I’ve read all of the others over and over! I have a few that are all-time favs & I live re-reading them. You’re the best
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Are you going to go back to the Virgin River series. Love them
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lol, Sadie O’Grady Potato Lady the Beagle
I just love that!
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I so totally understand what you mean by saying who’s running this outfit anyway? We have to dogs and two house cats and 5 outside cats and we long ago decided they do because our life and time lines all revolve around them and we love it.
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You asked the question, “Who’s running this outfit?” concerning your precious dogs. Around our outfit, there is no doubt that our dogs hold that position! Our border collie, Penny, has full charge of outdoor areas and keeps tabs on our three horses, a job she takes very seriously! Also, she feels it’s her duty to herd the cat, Thomas, who loves the attention from her. (Most of the time, anyway!) Then inside, we have our miniature schnauzer, Sierra, who absolutely runs the place! Our home and family wouldn’t be complete without all of our furry friends.
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Linda, I have been trying to get some information regarding your books. I have an elderly aunt ( 97) who asked for some of your large print books for Christmas. I wanted to buy her a few of the western type books and was wondering what might be a few good ones to get her that aren’t too dicey, romance wise. Hopefully I will hear back. thanks
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okay, thanks. i guess i will just give her a few. She mentioned your books. I guess it’s possible she has tried some already.
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BOY HAVE I MISSED ALL OF YOU! IM FINDING MYSELF BUSIER AND BUSIER EVERDAY. JUST KNOW LINDA THAT I AM A FAITHFUL BLOG READER IT BRIGHTENS MY DAY!! THANKS TO ALL OUR VETERANS AND THOSE WHO SERVE EVERYDAY. THE MILITARY WILL ALWAYS HAVE A SPECIAL PLACE IN MY HEART AS IVE HAD MANY FAMILY MEMEBERS TO SERVE BUT ONE STANDS OUT AND THAT IS MY COUISIN BJ WHO SELFISHLY TOOK HIS LIFE 2 YEARS AGO FROM DEALING WITH THE PAIN OF SERVING IN AFGAHNISTAN 2 TERMS. IM SO THANKFUL TO ALL THE PEOPLE WHO DONATE AND REALLY SUPPORT OUR TROOPS. I MYSELF AM VERY THANKFUL THAT THE SUCICIDE RATE HAS GONE DOWN THIS PAST YEAR WITHIN THE MILITARY. MORE HELP WITH THEARPY IS BEING PROVIDED THROUGH PEOPLE LIKE YOU!!! THANKS LINDA FOR ALL THAT YOU DO