Baby It's Cold Outside!

IT'S SNOWING!!!! I can't believe it! WOW! What a suprise. It's not even Halloween and it's snowing?!! They say it's supposed to get to 26 tonight. Things are beginning to balance out a bit.... adjusting to the new work schedule. Everything is going well. I've found a place that offers swing dance and two-step lessons- I'm hoping to be able to start taking some classes soon. I guess there's not alot to write about? Maybe more next time.... Happy New Moon!

I will not die an unlived life.

I will not live in fear

of falling or catching fire.

I choose to inhabit my days,

to allow my living to open me,

to make me less afraid,

more accessible,

to loosen my heart

until it becomes a wing,

a torch, a promise.

I choose to risk my significance,

to live so that which came to me as seed

goes to the next as blossom,

and that which came to me as blossom,

goes on as fruit.

-Dawna Markova

Balancing Act

Hello to all.... it's been an insane week or so... last week the store opened and there was so much to do and it was so crazy, but things went really well and we had a record breaking opening week sales, which is great. The store is successful so far! I cut a chunk out of my thumb the night before opening day and that led to all kinds of added stress. Along with a number of other things it was a crazy and exhausting week. Grandfather Rainbow Eagle and Grandmother Mary came to town for some teachings and that was wonderful. It was great to see community, even if it was just for one day.
This week my intention is for it to be a "normal" week- not full of rushing and stress, and getting enough rest to enjoy every day.
The critters are all doing well. Charley is a little upset, I think he is still adjusting from his time away, and he doesn't seem to be liking the kitten or the new dog at all right now. I hope this changes.
Today I have the day off (yeah!!) and after going into town for a doctor's appt., I hope to spend the rest of the day in the woods, or at least outside. Maybe a nap can happen also!
Not too much more to talk about right now...... oh yesterday I was offered the position of my boss's assistant- which I think would be something like Produce Department Assistant Manager. Yeah!
Everyone take care....

Welcome to the family!

Well, we have an addition to the family. She does not have a name yet, but has been called Pretty Girl in the past. She is 10 years old and was rescued from the shelter on her day euthanization by an organization called Project Zero. Her owners turned her in to the shelter saying they couldn't take care of her anymore. She had no hair on her back, was covered in fleas and ticks, had sores and scars, broken teeth, and they think was a 'puppy mill mama' who had many litters of pups. Now she's spayed, teeth cleaned and three pulled, hair grown back in and doing very well. She has a few birth defects- one of her eyes is very small and she can't see out of it. She also has many extra toes! Besides that she's as sweet as can be. Very loving and I think happy for her new life. She and Zeppelin seem to be getting along fine, except for the territorial disputes that are going on right now. Hopefully they will be playing soon. When they first met they were almost playing and there were no fights. Now Zeppelin is having to get used to the idea of sharing 'her' space again. It's been about four years since Stella left us and we were just one dog and a few cats. I'm hoping her new name will come quickly as I need something to call her!

Bubba's Back!!

Charley is back!!! Yeah!!! Wow, what a crazy experience! 6 days of being gone. I was so sad thinking that he was gone. Then this morning he came in and woke me up- I couldn't believe it! I really thought- am I awake?! He seems to be in pretty good shape- not dirty and not cut up. He was hungry and seems a little tired like he's been stressed. Maybe he just had a good vacation! Who knows..... I'm just so happy he's back and is safe and happy. Thank you for your thoughts and prayers!

A short update.... I'm adjusting to the new schedule and system of working for a company........ kind of a shock to the system after many years of working for myself!

Sunday my friend Todd took me for a motorcycle ride- it was really fun. We had intentions of going to the Apple Festival here in town, the biggest thing all year for Erwin, but when we got there we found out it had closed down for Sunday! I keep forgetting that Sunday is a special day in these parts..... almost everything closes. So we just went for a ride, drove towards Asheville and it was a gorgeous day. He has a 73 Harley named Ashley! It was fun and relaxing.

I have a heavy heart- Charley (I call him Bubba), the white cat, has been missing since Friday night. I understand he might just be out and about and will show back up, but it just doesn't feel right and I'm worried about him. He loves to go up in the woods and also loves to come inside, so for him to be completely gone for so long is really strange. I'm really sad to think that I might not see him again- he is such a cool guy and I've really enjoyed the time I've had with him.

I'm off to build a table and mow the lawn. I hope everyone is well. I you can, pray for Charley.

Happy October

Just a short update for now.... I've started my new job at Earth Fare, and it's going really well. There are alot of nice people I've been meeting, and it's great to be working for a company that shares many of the same values that I do- a first and it's very refreshing! I'm really looking forward to what will come. I'm in charge of the floral section, which is a small area of produce. They didn't think we would have any flowers or plants for a while until we saw how sales were, but it turns out we will have roses and potted mums. So, I'm excited to have that! We've been working hard setting the entire store up, and tomorrow two of the other produce workers and I are going to the Asheville store (the original Earth Fare) to help out there and learn. They're picking me up at 4:45am! Wow.... glad I have the weekend off! I've been spending what time I can in the woods and by the creek. Last night after I got home Zeppelin, Charley, Izzy and I went for a hike partly up the mountain (it's not that big...) behind the house. There is a definite animal trail that we followed, and I'm guessing it's deer. We went farther than before but still have alot to explore! It was really fun to have the whole family out exploring together. Last night it got really cold- 39! I'm going to have to get the propane tank filled soon for heat! Luckily I had a space heater that did the job, along with 2 comforters and 3 blankets! The leaves are starting to change. It's going to be beautiful soon. It already is. It's BBQ night at the hobbit house.... we're having BBQ chicken, sweet potato and salad.... yum!! I hope everyone it well and I'll be back in touch soon! Much love-