Our last dog, who died just before Christmas, made many friends among the street people in our urban neighborhood. This post reminded me of him. Petting a dog will not get anyone a safe place to live or a path to steady work, and yet it can be the best moment of someone’s day. Our new dog, while perky and gregarious, does not attract people in need as Casey did, and as Luna does with you. Some dogs are guardians of broken hearts.
I believe they are - and Rona, I'm so sorry to hear your hound went on ahead recently!! It really is the hardest thing. And no - the creatures can't fix the problems, but I think they strengthen us a bit so we can.
I guess I don’t need to tell you that “sitting on a bench with our faces turned toward the whole great cosmic flood of strangers and whatever comes next” is a pretty damn fine, damn important thing to do right about now.
To both feeling and assessing and to the creatures of the world, far wiser than us, that ease our burdens with their paws and eyes and velvet ears.
The velvet EARS!!!!! And I guess I don't need to tell you how lucky I feel that one day you were headed my way in that flood, or what a joy it is to be working with you as we head into what's next!
Tired ... yes, very tired from the relentless assault from the New Reality on all that's decent and good and hopeful. Tired of seeing our friends alienated and our enemies embraced. Tired of darkness extinguishing light. Tired of having to switch from "engage" to "disengage" periodically just to retain a grip on sanity, but very fortunate not to be among the legions of those terrified of hearing a knock on the door ... so far, anyway.
It feels like you have the right idea: start moving and keep moving, because a moving target is harder to hit. You're ahead of your time ... which means you're right on time.
This reminded me of Tom Rosenthal's podcast interviewing "strangers on a bench" it's devine. I admire the kindness you give out in your travels, so many yearn to be seen, feel loved. Adding Luna to your side sure doubled lessons in humanity. What a jewel. 💞
What a beautiful message, and thank you for reminding me - I have that podcast cued up and ready to revisit on this evening's walk. I so appreciate you!
Mark! How wonderful to meet you - and welcome to the Going Solo adventure! I am beyond thrilled to have connected with Dr. Blackie - I have such admiration for her and the valuable work she does. It’s an honor to share this space with her, and with you!
That little orange striped hoodie ❤️ — the way Luna guarded with that person is fascinating and intriguing. I’m glad you sat, let Luna dispense tail-wagging joy, and were simply present for people. It seems we are often simultaneously at both ends of the spectrum —- the end where things can be so simple and the end where they aren’t. Thank you for waving. — (Awesome photo, btw.)
What an awesome doggie Luna is. Animals have a way of equalizing all. Guess it's their super power ): How lucky you two found each other. Makes me happy.
What healers the two of you are together! And it can't be just me who continues to marvel at how you found each other. I don't exactly believe in destiny, because how the hell does that work when the outcome is terrible? But I do believe in two beings coming together, against odds, because they somehow know, intuitively, they'll be better as a team. And anyway, maybe that man has seen you before.
Thank you, Marya, for acknowledging how exhausting it is to maintain both sanity and hope when the world has gone all Lord of the Flies, and for continuing to wave.
Who knows in what world he might have seen us - we’d never been to that town in this world before, but I agree, there was a sense of familiarity and every reason to celebrate that. Here’s to maintaining sanity and hope, Elizabeth - and Lordy, your latest piece! It knocked my socks off. Thank you!!
Marya, gosh. It's always affirming to learn when something connects. It means even more coming from those who are so skilled at the craft of writing. Thank you.
I love that Luna was holding court for all in need of some dulce perro therapy. Sounds like she is happy sharing her soulful side (and her innate wisdom...NO MEN IN THE SCAMP!) If I saw that little nugget in her orange coat, I'd definitely stop for a kiss and an ear massage. Keep spreading that joy, ladies. 💗
She is SUCH A NUGGET!!! I would so love for her to visit you - she brings healing, and for now, at least, sends it from afar. Big hugs to you, Eileen!!
I always feel better after I read what you've written. Whew. Someone is out there getting it, not missing a beat.
You know as well as I do how much it means to hear this from another writer. Thank you, Kara. Huge hugs to you.
Our last dog, who died just before Christmas, made many friends among the street people in our urban neighborhood. This post reminded me of him. Petting a dog will not get anyone a safe place to live or a path to steady work, and yet it can be the best moment of someone’s day. Our new dog, while perky and gregarious, does not attract people in need as Casey did, and as Luna does with you. Some dogs are guardians of broken hearts.
I believe they are - and Rona, I'm so sorry to hear your hound went on ahead recently!! It really is the hardest thing. And no - the creatures can't fix the problems, but I think they strengthen us a bit so we can.
I prefer “went on ahead” to “crossed the rainbow bridge.” And yes.
I guess I don’t need to tell you that “sitting on a bench with our faces turned toward the whole great cosmic flood of strangers and whatever comes next” is a pretty damn fine, damn important thing to do right about now.
To both feeling and assessing and to the creatures of the world, far wiser than us, that ease our burdens with their paws and eyes and velvet ears.
The velvet EARS!!!!! And I guess I don't need to tell you how lucky I feel that one day you were headed my way in that flood, or what a joy it is to be working with you as we head into what's next!
“Happy to see you as well, I said. We'd never seen each other.” ♥️ beautiful.
Thank you, lovely!!
Dogs are the best medicine.
oh, it's so true!!
Dear Luna Moonbat. You are loved from afar. Such a huge heart she has, and clearly the courage of a lion!
You are so good for the world, you two, showing up for the world that wanders by.
Dear Tey - I will gladly sit on your lap and guard you too, just in case. Love - Luna Moonbat (and her mom) xoxox
Oh yes please! I would love that
Nice.
Tired ... yes, very tired from the relentless assault from the New Reality on all that's decent and good and hopeful. Tired of seeing our friends alienated and our enemies embraced. Tired of darkness extinguishing light. Tired of having to switch from "engage" to "disengage" periodically just to retain a grip on sanity, but very fortunate not to be among the legions of those terrified of hearing a knock on the door ... so far, anyway.
It feels like you have the right idea: start moving and keep moving, because a moving target is harder to hit. You're ahead of your time ... which means you're right on time.
Safe travels.
Well said, all of the above - and my timeliness is frankly a pain in the ass sometimes. Weekend of the 2nd - messaging you.
No worries -- it'll all work out.
Wonderful. ❤️
Thank you, Tamra!! So wonderful to have you here!!
This reminded me of Tom Rosenthal's podcast interviewing "strangers on a bench" it's devine. I admire the kindness you give out in your travels, so many yearn to be seen, feel loved. Adding Luna to your side sure doubled lessons in humanity. What a jewel. 💞
What a beautiful message, and thank you for reminding me - I have that podcast cued up and ready to revisit on this evening's walk. I so appreciate you!
Like a journal entry...
Like a real postcard...
Like a warm hug from a friend...
That's what I felt reading this. It brought tears, and peace, and a little sigh as I settle in for the night, the warmth of my cats tucked around me.
Thank you for waving and waving and welcoming us in for a little pat on the head, and a lick of the hand. 🙏🏻💙💚🦋
Michelle, what a beautiful note - and I am so glad it felt like the warm hug it was intended to be. xo
The hoodie on Luna is just way too cute - no wonder she's spreading joy to everyone she meets 😊
I really feel a dog should have a favorite hoodie 🤣
Hi Marya (and Luna)! I’ve found your ‘stack via Dr Sharon Blackie. This is beautiful. Heartbreaking, breathtaking. Sad, joyous and real. Thank you.
Mark! How wonderful to meet you - and welcome to the Going Solo adventure! I am beyond thrilled to have connected with Dr. Blackie - I have such admiration for her and the valuable work she does. It’s an honor to share this space with her, and with you!
That little orange striped hoodie ❤️ — the way Luna guarded with that person is fascinating and intriguing. I’m glad you sat, let Luna dispense tail-wagging joy, and were simply present for people. It seems we are often simultaneously at both ends of the spectrum —- the end where things can be so simple and the end where they aren’t. Thank you for waving. — (Awesome photo, btw.)
She is a such a wise, strange dog - and she really adores that hoodie. Thank you, Amy!
What an awesome doggie Luna is. Animals have a way of equalizing all. Guess it's their super power ): How lucky you two found each other. Makes me happy.
We are lucky!! And it makes me happy too. Thank you, Jeanine!!
What healers the two of you are together! And it can't be just me who continues to marvel at how you found each other. I don't exactly believe in destiny, because how the hell does that work when the outcome is terrible? But I do believe in two beings coming together, against odds, because they somehow know, intuitively, they'll be better as a team. And anyway, maybe that man has seen you before.
Thank you, Marya, for acknowledging how exhausting it is to maintain both sanity and hope when the world has gone all Lord of the Flies, and for continuing to wave.
Who knows in what world he might have seen us - we’d never been to that town in this world before, but I agree, there was a sense of familiarity and every reason to celebrate that. Here’s to maintaining sanity and hope, Elizabeth - and Lordy, your latest piece! It knocked my socks off. Thank you!!
Marya, gosh. It's always affirming to learn when something connects. It means even more coming from those who are so skilled at the craft of writing. Thank you.
I love that Luna was holding court for all in need of some dulce perro therapy. Sounds like she is happy sharing her soulful side (and her innate wisdom...NO MEN IN THE SCAMP!) If I saw that little nugget in her orange coat, I'd definitely stop for a kiss and an ear massage. Keep spreading that joy, ladies. 💗
She is SUCH A NUGGET!!! I would so love for her to visit you - she brings healing, and for now, at least, sends it from afar. Big hugs to you, Eileen!!