…to say thanks for the prayers for Max.

This morning he didn't just use all of his legs on our walk, but even trotted a little and played with Belle, pouncing and prancing and twirling so she couldn't bite his ankles (her favorite move.)

I believe in the power of prayer and I know those you offered made a huge difference. Max's days are numbered, I realize that. There will come a morning, sooner than I'd like, when he's worse, rather than better, and the day after even worse than before.

But I'm grateful today wasn't that day. I'm sure Max and Belle are grateful, too, so thank you from all of us.

My reflective mood continues, which I guess is a good thing since we're now in Advent. Tonight I'm going to Vespers for the first time – it sounds reflective so I'm looking forward to it, except for the smell of burning incense, which I'm sure will be hanging heavy in the air. (Funny how I burned incense all the time as a teenager but now I don't care for it!)

This past week many bloggers posted about gratitude. A video posted by Gail at Louisiana Belle reminded me to watch for the wonders of each day, to remember each one is a gift to live like it was your first and your last. That way you cover all your bases. (Click here to hop over to Gail's to see it. It's almost 10 minutes long and features some beautiful time-lapsed photography, but if you don't have that much time, start it at minute 5:20.)

I can't remember if I've posted here about the photography business that has dropped into my lap out of the blue, but I finally shared some of the photos from my first shoot, as well as lessons I've learned, on my photography blog HERE. I got lucky – great models and perfect weather. (Thank you Candace, Cornell and God!)

The photo below seems to be the hands down favorite. 

Candace Woolridge - watermarked-0203 (Medium)
Now I'm off to Vespers… (I just love the way that sounds!)

Hope you have a wonderful evening!

 

 

 

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12 responses to “Just popping in…”

  1. Hilary Avatar

    I’m so glad to hear that Max is feeling better today. May he continue to improve.

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  2. Barbara Shallue Avatar

    Thanks, Hilary. I'm sure the bad days will start outnumbering the good ones sooner or later, but today, I'm grateful for today.

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  3. Wolf Pascoe Avatar

    Loved the video about the wonders of the day. Here’s to more beautifuler things!

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  4. Barbara Shallue Avatar

    …and for the eyes and wisdom to behold them!

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  5. Jill Avatar
    Jill

    So sorry to hear Max hadn’t been feeling well. I know the scare it must have given you. Glad to hear he has improved and back enjoying his romps with Belle!

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  6. Bella Casa Avatar

    Ah …that’s awesome that Max was feeling playful. I agree, Barbara, prayers do work. I’m so excited about your photography business …getting paid to do what you love is such a treat. Can’t beat that …a gifted writer and photographer all in one!

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  7. Barbara Shallue Avatar

    Thanks, Jan. I just hope I can somehow make enough doing what I love that I can stop doing the things I don't love! But even if I don't, at least I get compensated a little and that's my excuse to keep doing them! ๐Ÿ™‚

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  8. Barbara Shallue Avatar

    It is such a relief he's better – he even ran this morning. He limped a bit more afterwards and had to sit and rest on our way back, but his joy was palpable! 

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  9. Suldog Avatar

    Hope you enjoyed Vespers. Personally, I’ve always loved the closeness of a sacred space filled with the aromas of incense, old wood, good people, etc., and have found my peace more often than not in such places.

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  10. Gail Avatar

    I love the incense we burn at church! But I know many others don’t like it so they’re the ones that go to low mass. Vespers does have sort of an old-fashioned ring to it, doesn’t it? I don’t know if the Anglican church does vespers but I’m going to look into it!
    Thank you for sharing the video that I was blessed enough to stumble upon. I still watch it from time to time because the man’s narration is so soothing. Glad you enjoyed it, too. ๐Ÿ™‚
    So happy that Max is okay. I have 2 senior dogs myself and one that is not doing well (Sparky). I called his name the other day and he was still as a mouse, scaring me to death. He was okay, thankfully. Bring out a bag of chips or other food and he turns into an energetic little booger. lol The day he stops being excited by food will not bode well for us…

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  11. Barbara Shallue Avatar

    I guess there are time I do enjoy the incense – I think I became paranoid about it because of my asthmatic kids! Turns out there wasn't any at Vespers, though. Now I kind of wish there had been! lol

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  12. Barbara Shallue Avatar

    It's funny… once I got there and saw there wasn't going to be any incense, I was actually disappointed! But I still had the old wood, good people and prayer. It was a wonderful, peaceful experience.

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