Stopping to smell the roses

by Cindy on April 18, 2010

Roses from my husband

Roses from my husband

Are you wondering where that Spring weather went?  I guess I can’t complain about our high 50’s weather this weekend when I hear other friends have weather in the 30’s!  The 30’s in April ??  Now that just doesn’t seem right.

It was a little bit of an emotional week this week with with one of the family pups in the hospital for a few days.  My Dad’s Westie was a member of our household until my Dad completely adopted him.     I brought Bentley home on Tuesday to care for him while my Dad -poor timing-happened to be in Sante Fe on business.  It was really rough to see him so sick.   He is 12 and has been blind for a couple years so he has been through it all.  There are many things still that make him happy though, and one is being out in the sunshine.  It was wonderful to see him perk up when I carried him outside to sit in the bright sun.  I think many of us are like that, being so positively effected by sunshine.

Our dog Hodgie is 14 1/2 and has been with us since the year my husband and I got married (1995).   He has such a puppy face, I sometimes forget his age.  But he’s slowing down and can’t walk very far anymore.  With Bentley being so sick, I found myself reflecting a bit more than usual about these two guys and all of the good times we’ve had through the years.  I felt so thankful that they are both still with us and really made a conscious effort  to savor the moment – those that would normally be taken for granted.  I had some “stop and smell the roses” kind of moments.    When it hit the 80’s, I decided the time was NOW to get out there with our pup, Hodgie and got for a really long walk like we used to do.  The fact that he couldn’t go too far without losing steam wasn’t going to hold us back….. he just needed to hitch a ride!  Our new arrangement worked out quite well and the 3 of us made it to a nearby playground.  I’m looking forward to more outings like this.

Two peas in a pod

Two peas in a pod

Look who landed nearby

Look who landed nearby

I’m grateful that this “wake up call”  reminded me to stop and smell the roses in life.  I hope I can remember to slow down more often and simply enjoy all that right there in front of me.

siggie2

{ 18 comments… read them below or add one }

Renate April 18, 2010 at 12:58 am

Glad you are remebering to smell the roses – although I really feel for you about the pups. Hope Bentley is doing better! Your little one looks so sweet in the stroller!
And I love the photo of the cardinal.
Wishing you a wonderful Sunday, sweet Cindy! Big hugs.

veronique April 18, 2010 at 5:24 am

Your words touched me a lot dear Cindy. Never never forget to stop and look around us, wether for beauty of life or pain to relieve.
Hope your puppies will do better. Enjoy spring dear friend.

Preserve Jewelry Studio April 18, 2010 at 7:41 am

Ditto. I do this every so often myself and it makes me feel good. In fact, I was helping a family member get through an overwhelming day recently and I told her to take five minutes to reflect on all of the happy things in her life. I made her promise. She called me back ten minutes later to report her sad thoughts were replaced with happy thoughts.

Jeanette April 18, 2010 at 10:26 am

So true, Cindy. The days are so crazy I know I am missing all the wonderful, beautiful details and moments of every day life. I keep thinking once these few things are crossed off my list, I will have some time, but then other “must do” items are added to my list.

Libby April 18, 2010 at 10:43 am

Thanks for the reminder. Sometimes we forget in the craziness or our lives to appreciate the small things.

Carolyn Mallin April 18, 2010 at 10:52 am

Hi Cindy, it’s good to see that you’re stopping to smell the roses. Life is too short not to. Sorry about the pups being sick. My heart goes out to you. But, don’t forget to reflect on the happy life they’ve had so far.
Love the picture of your little boy with Hodgie. Both so cute.

Madeline April 18, 2010 at 11:35 am

Hi, Cindy! Beautiful roses–God bless your wonderful husband. You are certainly a good pair! Frank likes to say he and I are like a lock and a key that finally found each other! I love that image! I love the picture of Nathaniel and your Hodgie–Rose is smiling at that image and I imagine she is thoroughly pleased with your beautiful family. She and the “old boy” and of course mom and Mac are not far away even though we can’t see them. Pope John Paul II used to say the dead are right here with us in spirit and are aware of all that goes on in our lives. One of the dreams about our George after he died was that he was walking among a gathering of family and friends and he said” they don’t know I’m here” so I love to imagine him “here” wherever that may be.
Will write again soon–busy week with 2 friends visiting and babysitting a 14 month old who will have hand surgery to separate the fingers on his left hand on Wednesday, April 21st. Trying to keep him healthy for the surgery! Love and prayers to you and your family!

Judy Glende April 18, 2010 at 12:12 pm

Cindy, I think we all need that reminder from time to time. Your “peas in a pod” are so darling. Have a wonderful day today!

Leslie April 18, 2010 at 9:37 pm

Our puppies are definitely part of the family. It seems like the household revolves around them sometimes and when my daughter has asked for a sister or brother to play with I always tell her she has two very furry sisters who would love to play with her. We had a Shitzu growing up that looked identical to Hodgie. Her name was Courtney and the whole family adored her. That photo really brings back lots of fond memories. 🙂

Pattie April 18, 2010 at 11:07 pm

Hello Little Mama!!!,

Oh My Gosh you three look like you are ready to take on the world!! 😉

This little quote sits in my glasses case, so I see it every morning when I get up:

Be Happy for this moment, for this moment is your life!

Pattie 😉
Mazatlan Mx.

cat kerr April 19, 2010 at 10:55 am

Thank you for the sweet reminder.Sometimes we get so caught up in crazy life,we forget to slow down and simply enjoy…your “Two peas in a Pod” …precious.Big hugs to you my friend.Cat

esther April 19, 2010 at 12:50 pm

what a good little car for the little dog!! i hope it feel better with the su and the roses!!

Lori Anderson April 19, 2010 at 4:19 pm

What a lovely post! I know what you mean about stopping and smelling the roses, and about pets. Buddy the cat is 18, diabetic, half-blind, and in renal failure, so we enjoy every single moment with him.

Jolene April 19, 2010 at 5:41 pm

Oh how cute!!! I just adopted an older 10 year old basset hound, she is the sweetest thing but I noticed her leg is slipping as we walk, vet check on Saturday..:)

Sharon P. April 19, 2010 at 9:36 pm

Oh the joys of older pups, they give us years of enjoyment and faithfulness and ask nothing in return…well, maybe a scratch behind the ears, a treat, and a cuddly quilt! Enjoy your pups!

kella April 23, 2010 at 7:28 pm

Thanks for sharing, this week coming i’m going to do just that stop and smell, and loo, and hear and just be.

Hope the pups are ok and that you get to enjoy them that little but longer.

Ann-Margaret April 26, 2010 at 10:20 am

I was so sorry to hear that Bentley had been in the hospital but know he is being well cared for by you! Tucker and I are sending him lots of “feel good” wishes this week and hoping he is doing much better. I’m thinking of you…you know how I feel about Tucker, and we have chatted lots about these sweet little guys so I know this has been a difficult time for you. Thanks for sharing the beautiful rose and sweet thoughts though…we all really do need some little reminders to look around and see all the blessings in our lives. 🙂 And, goodness, that Hodgie in the stroller…too cute!! What a beautiful red bird pic, too! 🙂

Much love,

Ann-Margaret

Valerie May 4, 2010 at 12:30 am

As ever, Cindy, a visit to your blog is like a ray of sunshine and a breath of fresh air. I sure hope your old pups are on the mend soon. I know all your boys are giving them lots of love and care.
That picture of the Cardinal is amazing! Right up my alley :o) Thanks for sharing.

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