Obaitori

he's here

Our little dog arrived yesterday and he is so sweet xxx He is playful as a pup can be and we are all in puppy heaven.

Just like a baby, he sleeps... The children are slightly put out by this. They thought he would play constantly. Endearingly while he sleeps they draw pictures of him and write him letters that they leave in his bed.

We are still in the process of getting to know him and naming him.

Saint Francis bless our little dog. Keep him happy and safe.

~ visitors ~

We had some visitors of the fluffly four legged kind over in the week. We were interested to see how the children - but more importantly how the cat - would get along with the canine species.

To get to the point, it all went well. The children, as children do, fussed, preened, created and wore out those little dogs until they passed out on the lounge. Yogi looked at them, slightly bemused, recognised no threat and wandered off to take a nap.

These little Pomeranians weigh no more than 3kgs. They hold the same expression on their face; happiness and are a real joy to have around.

At one point I found myself staring at this little face thinking, I wonder when I started to like smaller dogs? Strangely, I used to think that medium sized dogs were the best dogs to have. Odd. I guess that along the way I spent time with some small dogs, developed an understanding of them and started to love them.

 

dog coat

Traditional North American, Inuit dog coat/saddle ~ credit ~

This is what I would like to make for our new dog -

the one we haven't got yet ; )

ask and ye shall receive

I have a bit of a dilemma - of the 'developed' world type.

It is our intention to get Indi a dog for her birthday in July. The type of dog she wants is a small dog, a lap dog. The type of dog I want for her is a Cavoodle, a blend of King Charles Cavalier and poodle, good with children and smart enough to keep away from Yogi - our cat who does not suffer foolish dogs gladly. Dazla comes from a family who rescues animals. He has asked me not to get our dog from a breeder, who 'farms' dogs. Of course I want to and will respect his and his families wishes. But how to get the 'perfect' dog? I've turned these thoughts into a prayer;

Dear God, we ask you to send us one of your beloved creatures to be a part of our family. Please send us a dog who will strengthen, heal and love our family, friends and all s/he who comes into contact with. We will take precious care of this lovely dog. We know that you will give us the perfect dog. Lady hear our prayer.

Om shanti om.

This morning I read out a prayer in a very wonderful prayer group that is just in it's infancy called Morning Star - may it flourish. I read out this prayer because it was written by Saint Bernard. I love that these dogs were named thus as they used to travel through the mountains with wandering medics to attend the sick. In their 'barrels' on their collars they would carry healing medicines.

Source ~ Wiki

I dedicated this prayer to all the dogs of the world - your's too! - and their mother's and also to Amanda's new pup and it's mother who is due to have the puppies tomorrow by caesaren section - I know! She hurt a tendon in her leg and the kind vet said that she would need to have these pups without any strain.

Prayer to Mary

Following her, you stray not;

Invoking her, you despair not;

Thinking of her, you wander not;

Upheld by her, you fall not;

Shielded by her, you fear not;

Guided by her, you grow not weary;

Favoured by her, you reach the goal.

~ Saint Bernard ~

 

Don't worry about a thing. Cause every little thing, is gonna' be all right.

~ Bob Marley ~

dancin' in the rain

The rain is falling down, down, down, continuously.

Jerry Seinfeld has a hilarious stand up on water. He says that we are obssessed with water, we swim in it, go to lakes, lagoons, we bath in it, we listen to the weather report, we collect water, we walk around with it in small bottles, we go to 'water' bars, we are mostly made of water but when it starts to rain - a few drops on us, we freak out! - 'aaahhh I felt a drop ... !!!'

Some people walk in the rain, others just get wet but this man dances in it.

To celebrate the divinity of the water element, here is the Dancin' Man in the rain from Byron Bay, Australia. Please enjoy.

 

fresh joy ~ spotting whales

We watched this mother humpback whale and her calf breaching and playing around in the waves today from our deck. Six months before this the pregnant mother swam up the eastern coastline of Australia - up around Byron Bay - to the warmer waters where she gave birth. They are now on their way back down south to the cooler waters.

The photos aren't great but it was lovely watching them play about and frolic. I should have stood on our front balcony to get more of a close up, this only occured to me hours later, I still have a head cold and clearly not thinking straight.

Humpback whales are considered to be extraordinarily mystical creatures often associated with having divine powers. Whales and dolphins have been around for over 300 million years old. Humpbacks use the form of song to communicate with each other. Here is Migaloo, she is peaceful and playful. I hope I dream about her tonight.

 

 

Family health update; I took Indira to the doctor's today as she has been complaining of a sore ear - especially at night and especially when she lies down - alarm bells! Whilst we were in the waiting room I read two beauty tips; Indian women - some, not all I'm sure - grate a little ginger and mix it with some honey, eaten off a teaspoon each morning it is meant to prevent fine lines on the face. From Tibet - some women use tsampa - or barley flour and water - as an exfoliant to keep the skin fresh and radiant.

Indira seems to be fine now - she cheered right up at the sight of the doctor's lolly jar being produced. For her, some warm water, lots of love, gentle cooing "I hear you, you hear me, what we say to each other is important, you can tell me anything, I'm here/hear for you," early bedtime and some panadol.

So now I'm off to grate more ginger, squeeze the life out of some lemons, mix in some honey, hot water and a little cayenne pepper - a great head cold tonic.

I'll contemplate making tsampa. I think there is a recipe here on the blog. On second thought, after my tonic, maybe I'll just lay down instead and visualize myself being extraordinarily well, radiant and fresh and swimming with the whales in the sacred waters. Best idea I've come up with all day.

Ciao friends!

{this moment}

Inspired by Soule Mama. In her words...

 

A Friday ritual;   - a series of photos today - no words - capturing a moment from the week. A simple, special, extraordinary moment. Moments I want to pause, savor and remember. If you're inspired to do the same, leave a link to your 'moment' in the comments for all to find and see.

 

Indira with Matilda the Eclectus Parrot.

things we can learn from a dog

 

Run, romp and play daily

Never pretend to be something you're not

Allow the experience of fresh air and the wind in your face to be pure ecstasy

Eat with gusto and enthusiasm

Take naps and stretch before rising

When loved ones come home, always run to greet them

Let others know when they've invaded your territory

Be loyal

When it's in your best interest, practice obedience

If what you want lies buried, dig until you find it

When someone is having a bad day, be silent, sit close by and nuzzle gently

Avoid biting when a simple growl will do.

On hot days, drink lots of water and lie under a shady tree

Never pass up the opportunity to go for a joyride

When you're happy, dance around and wag your entire body

No matter how often you're scolded, don't buy into the guilt thing and pout....run right back and make friends

Delight in the simple joy of a long walk.

Thrive on attention and let people touch you.

 

~  Author Unknown  ~

 

Indira cried herself to sleep once again last night over this dear little dog she befriended at the farm. They were inseparable, Bindi and Indi. She came everywhere with us and lived up to all of the things you can learn from a dog.

 

 

 

{this moment}

Inspired by Soule Mama. In her words...

 

A Friday ritual;   - a series of photos today - no words - capturing a moment from the week. A simple, special, extraordinary moment. Moments I want to pause, savor and remember. If you're inspired to do the same, leave a link to your 'moment' in the comments for all to find and see.

 

Remember our giveaway for the book "The Yoga of Birth." Simply follow the link and leave a comment to win.

Have a beautiful weekend.

Much love, Katie x

{this moment}

Inspired by Soule Mama. In her words...

 

A Friday ritual;   - a series of photos today - no words - capturing a moment from the week. A simple, special, extraordinary moment. A moment I want to pause, savor and remember. If you're inspired to do the same, leave a link to your 'moment' in the comments for all to find and see.