The Pragmatic Perspective

If you didn't know, I'm sure it is now apparent that I am a dog lover. Large dogs are especially dear to my heart. Here is my own sweet Mandy, half Labrador Retriever and half Rottweiler. We always say she doesn't know about the latter half, since she's kind of a "rainbows and butterflies, oh boy" sort of dog. That is what she gives to us-perspective on the good in life and perpetual hope for more to come. She is 8 years old and I hope to have her dopey dog face around for a while longer.

Zoe is so happy when she gets to spend extra time with Jesse during the daytime. He worked into the night last night; as a result,his day was a late start. She bounced out of bed and danced around like the freak that she is to have daddy here on a weekday morning! She told me to get a picture of her with him, so this it it, kiddo!

Christ be with me, Christ be within me, Christ behind me, Christ before me, Christ beside me, Christ to win me, Christ to comfort me, Christ above me, Christ in quiet, Christ in danger Christ in hearts of all that love me Christ in mouth of friend and stranger.

Yes, we are a little Irish here. Jesse mostly. Zoe decided she needed to dive headfirst into her solid wood bed frame. She has a split eyebrow to prove it. She's very into the festivities anyway. Happiness to all you who celebrate!

I give you Shakespeare The quality of mercy is not strain'd, It droppeth as the gentle rain from heaven Upon the place beneath: it is twice bless'd; It blesseth him that gives and him that takes; 'Tis mightiest in the mightiest; it becomes The throned monarch better than his crown; His scepter shows the force of temporal power, The attributes to awe and majesty, Wherein doth sit the dread and fear of kings; But mercy is above the sceptered sway, It is enthroned in the hearts of kings, And earthly power doth then show likest God's When mercy seasons justice.

Jesse made this yoga block as a birthday gift for me. I have been practicing yoga for about 6 years now. I began as an alternative to the loud, fast workouts in the YMCA Life Center. I'm not particularly light on my feet, so any type of dance was definitely out. The benefits have actually been life changing. I learned to quiet myself, breath, and move all at once. My flexibility hasn't progressed to the point where I can sit full lotus; but it has improved. My balance has been the most noticeable change; reflexes are much quicker,too. Almost as if I had taken some dance classes! I now have the ability to learn a workout dance routine in less than 1 month! The most powerful effect of yoga is the knowledge of how to focus my mind by exercising my body. I am able to "get away" when I practice yoga. Perhaps you'd like a retreat, too.

We are in a phase of oranges, browns, and dark greys. Here is the latest photo of the kitchen. You may be able to tell that the background wall is now more orange than red.

I'm so very excited for my sister, Jonae and her husband, Jordan! They just found out they are expecting their first in October. It brings back memories of the nervous anticipation. They, as we did, broke the news along with plans to relocate in the next couple months. Alaska is their destination; four times further away from Bismarck than Missoula was. Zoe (pictured above at approximately 5 months old) has been asking when she can see her cousin. It is difficult to explain to a four year old how and why 2800 miles keeps families apart. We hope that unforeseen circumstances make it possible for them to somehow meet often. I wish my dear sister a wonderful journey!

I must confess; I am a HUGE fan of the band Queen. Who else can belt out ballads about love, freedom, and body language in pristine vocal precision? Freddie's awesome, powerful voice is the quintessential male vocal ! A true tragedy that we don't have him with us to inspire that level of performance. Christian music's Whiteheart comes in a close second. Rick Florian could wail with the best of them and I've seen him do back flips while holding a high note. When I find a video........

That's what Jesse calls me, anyway. I do spend about an hour or two daily online, but I don't consider that to be extensive. However, if we are in the market for any item of value, I do research online- in the form of customer and expert reviews to find the best product for the money. When we were looking for a new lcd television, I spent some extra hours on that. Jesse has now begun to ask my opinion on electronics of interest! I tell him to check Pricegrabber.com for specs and reviews, and Amazon.com for reviews and sometimes free shipping. In my defense, we live in a small town, and it is difficult to get some items here. Considering the cost of fuel, it is much cheaper to pay a little shipping now and then, than to drive to a larger city for shopping. Finally, how else would I keep up with my friends near and far? Thanks for shopping!