It’s snowing again here in Maine. Not an unusual occurrence, certainly, but we have had enough I think [LOL].

This storm’s snow is light and fluffy, and luckily for me, easy to move (shovel!) I don’t tell anyone, but I enjoy being outside, snow falling, as I work to clear the paths and driveway. (of course the enjoyment ends when it goes below zero and the wind whips up… they can wait till spring then!) Anyway, as I was working down the driveway, I saw that the plow had left a huge mountain of snow ahead of me. Now I had just shoveled all of this out about 2 hours before, making sure that I had moved enough snow so that WHEN the plow went by, we wouldn’t get much “backlash”. Of course my neighbors didn’t, so guess where theirs went?! I stood looking at it for a few minutes. (The dogs stand in the yard, on the other side of the fence, thinking I am playing this great game and why aren’t they invited?)

I decide my plan of attack, working small sections and sliding each shovelful, up the driveway and to the side. This area works better for me as far as lifting goes, no snow banks, and I can pile it against the trees. For a while I am busy, attacking each area, standing back occasionally to see if I need to alter my plan or direction. Before I know it, there is only a small little hill of snow left and then that is quickly dispatched. It gives me a good feeling, I have accomplished something….then the wheels start to turn.

I look at the Beardies in the corner of the fenced yard, wagging their tails and wondering when they can play too. My “mountain” experience makes me think of all of the times my guys have done that Beardie thing we call “problem solving”. Mac comes to mind of course [G]. He would see his objective, wait till he thought we didn’t know what was going on, then go for it! He waited 3 months for his chance to climb onto the couch, step on a stand, go to the bookcase and start climbing that, to reach the stuffed bunnies he loved (but wasn’t supposed to have) His mind works like this and I have seen others do that too.

I love to watch a Beardie when they are thinking (yes they think, although sometimes it seems doubtful) . They get this expression on their faces, their eyes seem to drift off someplace, yet you can see the wheels turning — it’s amazing. They don’t seem fazed that the problem may be too big for them, they analyze, find the best course of action and just do it.

So I wonder, as I stand in the falling snow, pleased with my accomplishment — do I love these dogs so much because we have the same traits? Or has their ability to problem solve, rubbed off on me in the years they have been in my life? Maybe I’ll never know. Maybe their real gift to us, is that they bring out our best qualities. We are able to do things, to be better people, to be more than we thought we could be… BECAUSE they give us all of this love and laughter and trust (and sometimes frustration [g]) and it enables us to go out there into the world and do more, be more than we ever thought we could.

Thanks guys. Now let’s play……

Val

I am enjoying a few days off before I dive back into work…. Christmas was different this year, as my daughter Katie has a significant other now, and as she put it “compromises had to be
made!” [LOL] They went to his parents in the morning (after spending Christmas Eve with the Maloney side of the family- a tradition that my mother-in-law started years ago, and we all still keep), and arrived for an afternoon of gifts and turkey. Andrew didn’t want to wait till afternoon, but once he called Katie a few days earlier, he decided he could wait (he got an earful about trying to be here and there, compromises and she was doing the best she could! [G])

I got a lovely hand-painted Beardie necklace, the dogs got me fuzzy socks, a little stuffed lamb and season 1 of “Buffy”! Andrew got me season 2, so I am set for a while! I also got a beginner Yoga cd, so am excited to start that.

Pat got a hand-held Playstation system that plays games AND movies, so when we are stuck waiting all day at shows now, he will have something to do. The dogs got him a lovely green hooded sweatshirt with the BCCME logo embroidered on it.

We had a nice dinner, lots of veggie leftovers for the dogs (they love cranberry sauce too) and they had a few treats in their stocking as well.

Yesterday it was table day- all aboard! Mac and Maddie got a spritz, brush and quick massage, and Trav just had to have his turn, so he got the same. (he is much more eager to be on the table if I do the others first — jealousy works wonders [lol]) Then we went outside and
Maddie played “stick” with me.

Hope everyone had a nice day, and I send you all Peace as we go into the new year…

Val
and the kids — we love it when Mommy doesn’t work!

And it passed, that three kings, after consulting with their seers and astrologers, decided to journey to a far-off land, to follow a star. This is known. What is not known is that there was a King visiting from a land even further. A land of mountains and mist; legend and lore. A thirst for knowledge had led him this far. He insisted on accompanying the other Kings.

The journey was long and tiring. But they did not waiver in their mission. To pass the time, the visiting king told tales of his wondrous country, of great feats and the strength and honor of his
people. The other Kings told of their countries as well, but the visiting King knew his was best.

After a time, they began to see the star more clearly and a sense of anticipation started stirring among them. While rumors of a new king had been heard, they knew not what awaited them, but could sense its importance. At last, in the clear cool night, the star seemed to stop and shine over a small stable. Cattle and sheep resided peacefully together, as well as the donkey. As they approached, they could see a young couple, the wife cradling an infant in swaddling cloth. There appeared to be a glow around them and a sense of peace and wonder filled the small stable.

Tears streaming from their faces, the Kings knelt in respect and love. There was no doubt that this would be their King! The Three Kings brought gifts of Gold, Frankincense and Myrrh, all precious and rare.

The visiting King was moved and ashamed that he had brought no gift. Just then a cold nose nudged his hand. Looking down, he saw his faithful companion looking up at him with wise, worldly eyes. He nodded and disappeared for a moment. When he came back he held a small bundle. He approached the young King and offered the tiny bundle of black and white fur. Kneeling down, he gazed at the infant and said, “I offer you a gift that is priceless as well. In my land we have a wonderful creature that is guardian, companion. counselor, and friend. They are prized above all else. Treat them well and they will never leave your side.”

With that, he set the little pup down and stood back with the three Kings. The pup slowly walked up to the New King and gazed at him sleeping. He gently gave the babe a kiss and curled up next to the manger.

Some will dispute how long the Bearded Collie has been around.

Others will just smile knowingly and nod.

Val Maloney

Finally am done with Christmas orders and can take a few days off. I am baking molasses snaps for Christmas baskets (and have my dough for the best-ever sugar cookies waiting in the fridge) and Christmas music is playing on the radio.

Earlier, I went out to shovel the stairs and a path to the gate. The dogs were out enjoying the snow. Mac was in his corner, watching the neighbors clear the driveways; Maddie was leaping and bouncing in the snow, trying to get Traveler to play, and Traveler had no clue as usual, and kept diving his face into the snow and laughing when he came back up [LOLl] (that’s the only way I can describe it).

You would think that Maddie would run outside and then rush back in, considering she has no hair! We finished clipping her down, as her operation messed up the rear and the cone messed up the front. She looks a bit like a small deer with that fawn color [g]. She loves the cold though, burying herself in the snow, running and leaping about with a smile on her face. She hates hot weather, and just waits for those first cold days of the year….

Well back to baking before I burn something. The dogs always hope for that, as they get to help “clean up”. I miss Mira especially now- she was my helper in the kitchen and loved it when it was baking day. She made sure that the floor was kept clean, and always volunteered to taste test. Hope she is baking anytime she wants now…

Merry Christmas,

Val

I have a client that takes some of my jewelry to Europe to some of the shows(along with statues, etc) . She will be doing Crufts again this year, but recently did the World Dog Show in Finland. They had an entry of 8765 dogs!!!! It was held over 2 days in a building with only 2 large halls. I can’t even imagine the noise (g).

She did well though , so guess it paid off for her.

Val

Hope everyone had fun yesterday! I have a few pictures that I will get to Karen so she can put them up for us.

The dogs all seemed to have fun, and see, I CAN fit a “Bunch O Beardies” in my house [lol].

The dogs had a good rest last night, and have been having fun in the snow today. We actually went to the mall shopping this morning. I loved it- hardly anyone there!

Val
Pat, Traveler, Mac and Maddie

OK, I know it is officially winter…I had to yell at Maddie for eating frozen poo! What is the attraction with that?!

We spend how much time? …pondering the ingredients in dog food. Which is best, which has the most nutrients, is it organic, all natural…etc. What we really need is a new dog food for picky eaters.

New from Canine Plus!! Just what your dog wants!! Flavored with sticks, used tissues, dirt, and frozen poo!! A must for those dogs that need something extra. Designed BY dogs FOR dogs! But wait! Don’t forget the new flavors…Grass and cat litter! All with extra socks for fiber.

Think it would sell?

Val

and Maddie, doing her bit for the environment…Mac and Traveler (pass the sticks please)

I have been working all week with a client who is getting ready to
move on. She has been having regular Reiki and communication sessions
for about 2 years. Millie is an elder, and we thought she may decide
to leave last winter, but she hung in there. (she loves her Reiki)
But the last few sessions I did , I could feel her leaving. She was
“not there” part of the time, but still content to be in this world.
Her body is finally letting all of us know it is time.

Millie is fine. She contacted me 2 weeks ago , and I told her to let
her Mom know her wishes. (we have been talking about this for
months-her Mom and I ) Sure enough, the next week her Mom let me know
that they would let Millie go on the 9th. She , of course, was
concerned about Millie, was she ok with leaving, etc.
Millie assures her that she is fine with leaving, and is grateful for
the journey they have been on (Millie was rescued from the streets of
NYC- they think she is mostly Elkhound) I have been able to relay
messages, let her Mom know what Millie wants, and give them both peace of mind.
I will be able to surround Millie with Light and healing as she
leaves, making her journey pleasant and easy.

It may sound strange, but this is my favorite part of what I do.
Perhaps having been through it so many times myself, and needing the
same information , has made me more sensitive to the issue. Whatever
the reason, I love it.
Grieving is a natural process, and must be done. But the knowledge
that we have done all that we could, that our loved one understands
and is , in some cases, looking forward to the next part of the
journey, can help to ease, and give comfort.
Millie led a wonderful , long life…”Salute” !

Blessings,

Val

Maddie is healing nicely from her surgery. She still has to wear the cone, but gets to take it off a little while each day. (she would NOT eat with it on) Once she starts lapping too much , on it goes again. I hear her in the middle of the night , whining to herself. I know she is frustrated, as I am sure her stitches are starting to itch, and with the hair growing back, she would love a good time of lapping and scratching. She is also on restrictive movement for another week….right. We had to hide the frisbees, but keeping a Beardie from jumping is like trying to keep it from breathing!

Everyone stay warm and dry tomorrow and batten down the hatches!

Val

I know there is SOMETHING I am supposed to remember today…..let’s see…what could it be?

I KNOW!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

IT IS TRAVELER’S BIRTHDAY!

The little man is 3 years old today!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! Wow, I am so excited. That can only mean that his brain will be arriving soon

Happy Birthday to all his siblings, and a huge “snuzzle’ to my Little Buddy.

Thanks to Larry and Angela for sending him our way and to Lesley for all her help and her shoulder when I needed it.

Val and Pat