Sometimes Chihuahua's aren't the surly, snarkey beings as reputed. Elvis is one of the exceptions, he has always been an overly friendly, "Mr. not-listening." He is a lovey, hugger and loves with his whole body. He doesn't lick but caresses you with his face. I love it. I've never had a dog that hugs or lays his head on my shoulder the way he does.

But recently he has turned his attention to Momma Jean.  He knows she is having problems and is very attuned to her emotions. When she was extremely sad last week about not being able to walk most of the time, she went to bed early and cried. Elvis was in the bed with her, loving on her, trying to absorb all the sadness and fill her up with love. Every night when we go to bed, he walks beside the walker or the wheelchair (whichever we are using that evening) and hops on her bed - in spite of the two HUGE cats sitting on the bed threatening to crush him with one paw - and patiently waits for her to get into bed. This is a task in itself, but finally she is safely cocooned in the blankets and pillows and tucked in tight - there's Elvis, hugging her face with his, wagging his little stub tail and in return getting soft little pets. We kiss her goodnight and turn out the lights. Elvis stays for a moment longer and gives his love and protection before hopping off the bed and letting the cats have their domain.

Elvis is truly an exceptional dog.

If sisters were flowers, I'd still pick you. I'd let the sun shine so you'd never be blue. I'd show the world how beautifully you grew, with bright bold colors and strength through and through.

I meditated today.  Finally.  Yep, it was great. I sat on the backyard swing, in the shade, chihuahua's on my lap, prayer beads in my hand, mantra beside me in case I forget how to say it...and it was wonderful. I haven't received my answer yet, but it may be coming. The breeze is cool (for now) and the doves are cooing. If you tune out the drone of the lawnmowers, it's very nice. Not Colorado-sitting by the rushing river and moutain view nice-but nice for West Texas.

Wanda and I are on a voyage of discovery. We are checking in with each other nightly to (1) see how many words we wrote during the day, (2) progress on our walking, (3) meditation and any insights gained during that time. We are posting a new blog to follow, Springs in the Desert. I'll try to have it up by tonight. Journey with us on our voyage of self-discovery, friendship, spirituality, life and love.  We have some interesting and profound times ahead.

Al came to live at our house today. I do not like him very much. He steals our thoughts away. He is the thief that is taking over Momma Jean's thoughts and moving them out. He makes her sad, anxious, and dependent on others. He is taking away her dignity and wonderful way with words. Today she cried because she is losing her ability to walk. It has happened rapidly and within the last few days. It has made her sad--all of us sad--and worried about her falling. She was presented with her new "transport" wheelchair, "Blue" and got to try it out when she went to the dentist. The look on her face when she saw the chair was not a happy camper. She is probably not  going to be happy about taking the chair with her tomorrow when she goes on the bus to her Alzheimer's group. I don't like Al very much.

It's been a week and a day and still the devestating images keep coming. I want to be there and help. I want to wipe their faces and provide comfort. I want to make everything better and take away the fear and nightmares, the images no child should see.

I have six adopted children and lately the desire for a baby has been stronger than ever. But now I'm a grandma, 8 grandkids and another one this spring. Do I have the stamina to do this all over again? My heart says yes but my body says, "are you crazy?" but I can't help that desir
e, longing to hold a little one. I looked seriously at the prospect of caring for a deaf child or one with disabilities. Three of my other children had/have disabilities, I can do that again.

I know this is an emotional response, but is it God sent? I will know more as time passes and the children are readied for adoption. All I can do for now is pray for them.





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Location:Pecan Ct,Longmont,United States

Tonight we watched old home movies. Not the VHS kind, the old, lug out the projector, find the 8mm reel to reel and a place on the wall to watch these silent oldies but goodies.

We watched flickering images from the 50's forward and even saw flags flying at half mast over the Texas Capitol for JFK. In these wonderful films we are eternally young, our beloved family members are still here and life was simple.

I can't wait to get these made for Christmas. I have a warm glow in my heart tonight and plan on dreaming about my childhood.



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I just added the app to write to my blog when I'm away from the computer. This is kinda nice!

Tomorrow is our daughters birthday. Jessica will be 23. I have no idea what to do for her bd. Thursday Kat and I will be driving back to Texas to pick up little Alex. We have worked so hard to get Christmas stuff up so he will be suprised.


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Baby Gray Reed. Alex eating bear mountain apples

Our first really cold night is here and I dug out the flannel monkey jammies and matching monkey house shoes...which by the way, are useless when running down the road chasing a wayward chihuahua whose initials are ELVIS...We are supposed to be down to freezing for the next three nights! It is wonderful to have cold weather again but it is very WINDY outside and I had to secure the trash cans and take down the wind chimes. The ancient cottonwood by our house sounds awesome when the wind blows like it is doing tonight.

So deadlines are looming...some I've set for myself, some set by others, and some set by nature. I guess we always have to face deadlines of some sort. The weather is forcing me to gather the remaining veggies and bring them inside. I guess I'll leave the pumpkin outside. Alex and I planted a garden when he was here in the spring. The giant pumpkin vine grew alongside the house and bloomed it's little heart out. It produced one pumpkin that looks like a lopsided, deflated ball, and one about the size of a tennis ball. This is our first adventure with pumpkins and our Charlie Brown pumpkin is trying to turn orange. I guess it's okay to have frost on the pumpkins! Let's see, the garden total is: 2 cucumbers, two squash, one acorn squash, a handful of beans and peas...the tomatoes want to stay green. The onions grew a little but not much. I think I would have done better shopping at the farmer's market. The herb garden, lettuce and spinach were fabulous!

It is Wednesday and by Friday I need to have an illustration done for the word, "Infinite." The page is still blank. (but so is my mind!) The studio project is moving much slower than anticipated. But I did find a new use for the Hoosier Cabinet and will post pictures of the studio later.

Alexander Graham Cracker is slowly getting outlined and his little character is coming to life in my mind, getting the image on the page is another matter. While drawing tonight I had a chihuahua on my neck (back of the couch), one beside me crunching his dog bone treats and the others whining to go outside. It's like having 4 two year olds. When I got ready to ink the drawing, they attacked me and I ruined the drawing. Ugh! That's what I get for not drawing at the desk.

My mind is turning to babies lately and we have a new great nephew. His name is Danridge Gray Koenig Reed. He was born very early and weighed about 2.5 lbs. He will have to grow into his name! Mandy and Gray are doing fine. Thank God.

I'm glad I'm snug in the house with monkey jammies, chihuahuas, artwork and soft jazz playing to the background of a very windy night. I'm thankful for our newest family member and the changing seasons.

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http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zIxILQaZwUI

If this doesn't scare you into making the right choice, nothing will. I want to keep our America free and founded on the Christian base that our forefathers intended. Do you want our grandchildren to grow up with socialist/communist values??

I am anxiously awaiting the begining of the NaNoWriMo (National Novel Writer's Month) begining Nov. 1st. I acutally think I am more excited about this than the turnout of the election. (Not really, but it is at least a little more interesting at this point in time) OK, I'll admit, I am a Republican, voting for McCain/Pailin - love Pailin and hope they can pull it out. I am afraid of Obama and think he is a socialist. (let's see if I get feedback on this!)

I have been anxiously reviewing the story outlines of current and back story of Chihuahua Capers, making sure all the elements are in place for Sat. night's first marathon writing session. I might be a zombi at work on Sunday morning. I think I'll be coveting those day's off during the week when I work weekends, first to get extra sleep and second to add to the word count on the novel. The offical word count for the month will be 50,000 words...ugh, I hope I make it!

Since I don't work tomorrow until 4:00, I shall spend the day getting the studio (art and office) set up, story boards on the walls and outlines and notes organized for Sat. writing. Wish me luck, it's gonna be a great time!

I'll report on my progress.

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