Sunday, April 18, 2010

let's go for a hike


Spring has sprung here in the Valley. We have enjoyed some beautiful weather that warranted long hikes.

I hike or walk with the dogs every day, but these hikes were unlike those in the past few months. Instead of bombing through the woods in order to get home, back inside our cozy house, we strolled. I took the time to notice the beauty around me, and to watch the dogs enjoying their time in their element.







One of my favorite sights on our hikes is that of my dogs leaping and bounding off the trail, into the woods. They weave in and out of the trees with such stealth...I marvel at their coordination and grace.
We are so fortunate to live where we do. There are multiple trail systems right out of our backyard so access to a hike is easy. And while a quick walk down the street is lovely in its own way, the option to hike is our family's preference.

It is my time to meditate, to decompress. We don't have to jump out of the way when a car comes by and doesn't slow. The ground is soft and forgiving under our feet and paws. It is quiet, and we are surrounded by the sounds of the earth.



This week I am off from teaching. I can't wait to get up in the morning knowing that we can hike at any point during the day. Knowing that I don't have to wait until 3:45 to heighten my senses and quiet my thoughts.
Should you and your doggers wanto to join us at some point, drop me a line. We'll be here.














Monday, April 12, 2010

ZOWIE! Life has been incredibly busy here at our humble home. It is a good, fulfilling crazy though. Ok, to remain realistic, there is also a touch of exhaustion. But good exhaustion. Swear.

Since being accepted to Twist I have been sewing like a crazy person.

What is Twist you ask?


Weeeeelllll, Twist is a super groovy, hip craft/art fair in Northampton. Lucas and I have gone in the past as a Friday night activity. I had him at the phrase "You'll like it. There's beer on tap."


We have a Twist tradition, you see. It goes a little something like this: Drive to Northampton. Park in the Murder Lot. Head up the creepy stairs and cross the street to the Arts Council building. Go in. Pay admission. Head straight for the beer table. Then it is off to see our friend Sarah and her incredible artwork. (You can check her out at sarahearn.blogspot.com. She's amazing.) After a visit with Sarah, we putt around, checking out the wares of all of the talented peeps. We pick up a little something here and there, feeling super good about the cool schtuff we've acquired. Then it's off to Mama Iguana's for 'ritas and 'ritos. Our idea of a great night out.


This spring it will be another great night out, but in a slightly different way, for I will be on the other side of the table. And while I am SUPERDEEDUPER excited about it, I am a tinge sad about breaking our special tradition. I suppose Luke will just have to drink his beer with me behind the table.

So for now I am just about living at my sewing machine. (After my daily walk or hike with the doggers, of course.) I've made 60 collars thus far and I am feeling pretty durn good about it. I am really pleased with the way they are turning out. They are bold, bright, hip, and unique. (Just like I like it!!) I have even created a line in honor of upcoming PRIDE week. I am especially excited about this. I hope some of my collars end up on cool dogs in the Pride parade in Northampton!




I've named this budding collection "Ulle's Cool Collar Collection" after my beloved late Uncle Ulle. He gave my brothers, cousin and I the greatest gift- to grow up in a family where homosexuality was not something to be accepted, it just was. It was nothing out of the ordinary, nothing to make waves about. Our uncle was our amazing man. Who happened to be gay.
Uncle Super Ridiculous Maximus (as we called him) rocked all sorts of beautiful clothing. Our particular favorite was a bright purple sequened shirt that he wore each Christmas. I actually have one of his button-down shirts, a slightly more toned-down black with pink and purple polka dots. I know he would LOVE the collars I have made for Pride. They are bright, beautiful, and colorful, just like he was. As I make each collar, I will think of him and the joy he brought to our lives. I can't wait to put one on Tucker, who Uncle Ulle really loved. And though Tuckie might not know what it means, I will.



And you can come see them at Twist. :)

Friday, April 9, 2010

Come Play With Us

Life doesn't get much better than this for a spritely Boston Terrier.

Each Saturday, Sherman and I head to the doggie-meet-up in Turners Falls. It is a special time for the two of us as we walk up and down the field, mingling with the other dogs and humans.

Sherman loves these times. When we pull into the parking lot, Sherm is clammoring to go. He is like a typical teenager, asking me to drop him off at the mall entrance and letting me know that he'll meet up with me discreetly later. Once he's out of the car he's off like a rocket. Business first- sniff sniff here, sniff sniff there, potty time. Now it's time to PLAY.


Sherm has made some great friends at doggie play group. He really loves Max the lumbering English Bulldog and I pug I have yet to identify by name. They run, chase, and sniff hineys. They tug on sticks, splash in the Connecticut, and race after tennis balls together. It amazes me that there are few to no "doguments" (as I like to call them). There are a few scuffles here and there, but the humans who tend to go understand normal dog behavior and are pretty calm about it all. I love that.



On any given Saturday, especially when the weather agrees you may find upwards of 30 dogs romping around, eyes squinted, mouth hanging open. Tongue out, pant-pant-pant. The result of a happy, happy day.


It is one of the most beautiful scenes I've seen.


Perhaps we'll see you there some Saturday, and you and I can chat while Sherm and your pooch pretend they don't know us. :)