Understanding

But every now and then, Toula restrains herself. These moments are few and far between, and they fascinate me. It speaks to the energy exchange between dogs and humans, I learned. When dogs sense care and calm are needed, they invariably fall in line.

On Being Handy

No Assembly Required: three little words I long to hear. Call me many things, but handy does not come to mind. Artsy, quirky, eclectic (eccentric?), and kind of out there–I have many signature traits. But building a cabinet or tiling the bathroom or fixing a fixture that needs a little this or that has never…

Japanese Cowboys

Wyoming is the least populated state in the nation. Cows, steers, road construction and legendary wind are the main signs of life.   People, however, they usually come from elsewhere, just temporarily, for a brief glimpse at the last frontier. With more cattle than full-time residents, Wyoming beef is legendary. Even the road signs tout…

Valentine’s Day Revisited – A Hearts, Flowers and Cards Committee for Change

Sunday, February 13, 2011 – It was finally a decent temperature today or as my friend put it, “It’s about 70 degrees warmer than last week. Let’s go skiing.” I’ve been sick all week and today seemed like a good day to try and participate in the outside world.  The three of us boarded the…