January 26, 2011

"I would thank you from the bottom of my heart, but for you my heart has no bottom."

--Author Unknown

This week's Wednesday Wisdom is a big "Thank You" to everyone who took time to answer our survey questions about the emails you receive from us.  We learned that you prefer to hear from us on Wednesdays, in the mornings, and that you like the personal stories and articles we send more than the announcements about sales or industry news.

Well, all right then!  We can do that!

In 2011, we will continue our Wednesday Wisdom mailings and include a brief add-on so you can stay well-informed about new resources or ClayPaws® tips.  We will discontinue our monthly newsletter as most of you felt it just took too long to read and absorb. 

We agree!

And the blogging will go on, as usual, with more connection to our Facebook page, where you can join on-going discussions and post photos of your own ClayPaws® prints and beloved pets.

In the spirit of our theme for 2011, we have no regrets about how we've stayed in touch with you so far.  But, we want to make sure that you can stay excited about being in touch in the future!
 
We're looking forward to a deepening relationship in the coming year.  The topics we focus on aren't easy ones...but they are important.  Thank you again for being a loyal reader and supporter of both our social media efforts and our company!

Laurel and Tammy

 

January 19, 2011

 "The word prosperity comes from the Latin root word which literally translates to 'according to hope' or 'to go forward hopefully.'  Thus, it is not so much a condition in life as it is an attitude toward life."

-Eric Butterworth, Spiritual Economics 

A friend of mine was at my home the other day for lunch.  As usual, my dogs Bear and Beau were hanging around the kitchen, hoping one of us would drop something they could lunge at and devour before we could yell "no!"

As Bear inched slowly toward the pot of soup I'd left simmering on the stove, my friend smiled and said, "He's prospering with such charm and character!"

Huh?

I asked her to repeat what she'd said. I didn't understand her choice of words.  Did she mean 'prospecting' or 'proceeding'?

"Prospering," she repeated.  "It means going forward hopefully."

I'd never heard that definition.  To me, prosperity is always about money and STUFF.  And, how could a dog have anything to do with prosperity?  Most of them don't own anything and, as Jerry Seinfeld says, they can't have their own money because they don't have any pockets in their coats to carry it in. 

My friend is "into metaphysics" and told me she knows many people who are, in fact, 'prospering' this year.  I think I'll join them.

May you also "go forward hopefully" in 2011 and enjoy an abundant year!

 

January 12, 2011

Ji
We didn't use words---this great dog and I.
Our souls blended into each other
like two hues in a watercolor;
our edges blurred.
He was perfect.
I am left with my love
running into an empty space.
                           ---Susan Hertel

Do you divide people you know into "cats" and "dogs?"

I mean, do you think of their physical looks and their personalities as being more "cat-like" or "dog-like?" I've done this all my life and it's proved to be fun and useful for me.

The cat people in my life usually have delicate features and a solitary nature.  The dog people are usually athletic, have more angular physical features, and are generally happy, warm and welcoming by nature.  I like both kinds of people, but I'm probably more drawn to "dogs."   I find that my own "cat" personality is based on shyness and "dogs" make me feel safer and more comfortable in the world.

My Uncle Don was a "dog" in the best possible sense of the word.  His body was big-boned and round, his face was jowly, and his mouth and eyes smiled easily. He had a booming voice and welcoming arms.  When my family would visit, he never failed to greet me at his front door with love and excitement.  I always, always knew he was glad to see me.

His Minnesota home felt like a second home to me.  There, in that house with my Uncle Don presiding over the relatives, I felt like there was another place in the world where I truly belonged.  He added me to the blend he called family and made me feel that I was not only his niece, but his own flesh and blood.  In my Uncle Don's home, there were no family boundaries. Like the opening poem says, all of there were like "two hues in a watercolor, our edges blurred." 

Uncle Don died Christmas Eve.  He was 91 and had recently been diagnosed with congestive heart failure.  Just a few months before, he had driven himself to his home town 30 miles away to attend his last high school reunion.  He was the only man left from his class.

His death wasn't unexpected or tragic.  He lived a full, happy life and was "ready" for whatever comes next. But, I will miss that "great dog" and feel that, for the moment, I am "left with my love
 running into an empty space."

 

January 5, 2011

"The word glee has its roots in Old English where it meant the enjoyment and merriment that went along with entertainment.  An entertainer was a "gleuman" or someone who brought about jubilant delight or joy.  The word glee sounds like an infectious smile..."
                 ---Edward Viljoen and Chris Michaels, Practice the Presence

 

According to this definition, my dog Bear is definitely a "gleuman."

Well, so is my husband, but that's a different story.

Bear is a 120-pound Chesapeake Bay retriever who thinks he's a Cockapoo.  He can't understand why he can't be a lap dog like our other dog Beau who is, in fact, a Cockapoo.

I've been home a lot during the day the past few weeks during the holidays and I've spent a lot of time with Bear (mostly shoving him off my lap!)  I have to tell you that I feel completely entertained.  In fact, I may never have the urge to go to a movie or concert again. I'm finding it's more delightful to stay home and watch my dog.

There are the usual antics to observe...the way Bear stands on his hind legs, front feet on the window sill, barking at squirrels that are outdoors in the yard.  Then, the way he quickly shifts gears to chase the "indoor squirrels" (cats) back into the master bedroom and under the bed where they belong!  I enjoy this display of Bear's ever-vigilant house patrol.

I also like listening to the loud slurping sound Bear makes as his huge tongue laps up water from his water bowl. And, I especially love the deep, drawn-out belch that usually follows.

Bear is what my husband calls a "guy's guy."  I think this means that he's messy, clumsy, and usually smelly.  Oh, and he likes to ride in the car.  And burp. That's definitely a "guy thing."

My guy Bear is full of glee and brings much merriment to my day just by being himself.  Who is the animal "gleuman" in your life?