Today is National Dog Walker Appreciation Day. Whether it’s a paid serviceperson or a volunteer for a rescue facility, walking dogs is an important activity with benefits for the dog, the owner and the walker. Quality attention time, exercise and bodily relief are just the beginning. See https://nationaltoday.com/national-dog-walker-appreciation-day/
First celebrated in 2016, this holiday was organized by Wag!, the platform that connects pet parents with local dog walkers. See https://wagwalking.com/
I am very grateful to be a volunteer dog walker for:
I walk 4 – 5 dogs singly every Wednesday morning and the human-animal bond (HAB) grows exponentially each week. Yesterday, I walked Wayne, Piper, Minion and The Supreme. We give each other such joy along with the time for staff to refresh their apartments while we’re out. I strongly recommend this activity for the nearest rescue facility in your neighborhood. It will do a world of good for all involved. 🙂
Today’s haiku: National Dog Walker Appreciation Day
Born September 7, 1860, Anna Mary Robertson Moses, aka Grandma Moses, is “an artist who remains an inspiration to people starting careers late in life. Despite her advanced age, she defied the odds and set out to become one of the most celebrated artists of her time.” (See https://nationaltoday.com/grandma-moses-day/)
She began painting full-time at age 77 and continued until her death at age 101. Grandma Moses’ first paintings sold for as little as $3 dollars in a drug store, but her work went on to sell for over $1 million dollars for a single painting. (See https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Grandma_Moses)
As 68-year-old poet, Henry Wadsworth Longfellow, proclaimed in Morituri Salutamus: Poem for the Fiftieth Anniversary of the Class of 1825 in Bowdoin College
“too easily we are inclined to imagine that God created this world for a purpose. We are so caught up in purpose that we would feel more comfortable if God shared our preoccupation with work. But God plays.”
My father was a carpenter who became a Skilled Trades Supervisor for a major US utility. He retired early to golf, fish and construct wood picture frames for fun.
My first father-in-law was a Welding Foreman for a global office furniture manufacturer who turned down a promotion to Production Superintendent to ensure he had time for the freshwater fishing and the golf that he loved.
My second father-in-law was a Production and Inventory Control Manager who went on to become CEO of the same global office furniture manufacturer. He retired and was recalled for a year before living another 25 years, many on the golf course and doing some occasional fishing.
So, what do these three men tell me; what can I learn from my “forefathers?” Is my life a journey from blue to white collar work and are my “golden years” to be spent enjoying fishing and golf?
My father told his four sons to retire earlier than he did at age 59 because retirement was the best time of life. My father died at age 77 and had only one regret that I know of which was agreeing to elective heart surgery to replace a pacemaker. He died one week after the surgery and told his sons at his hospital bedside what a mistake it was to agree to that final surgery.
My first father-in-law told me to get a couple of hobbies early in life to ensure I had a way to escape home life whenever I needed. He advised specifically joining him in fishing and golf, which I did for many years. He died at age 64 of medical complications from diabetes.
My second father-in-law advised world travel which was another hobby he had. Otherwise, he didn’t say that much to me as he was very active in his own pursuits and demonstrated his values more than spoke of them. He died at age 93 and unfortunately his last three years were using a walker and napping a lot. He had beaten colon cancer, multiple melanomas (from so much fishing and golf?), and finally the debilitation brought on from a stroke.
I gave up golf many years ago and haven’t fished in years. My full-time work life began as a spot welder and progressed to a Human Resources Director before moving on to my career as a Human Capital Consultant for the last 24 years. So, some similarities to my forefathers but some possible differences in my final life chapter.
I’m now focused on joining the Order of Interbeing as a Zen Christian practitioner and my goal this year is to begin an Animal Chaplaincy program, write a fourth book of poetry and become a Dharma Mentor in the next year or so.
Not sure how much longer I might live but want to live my “golden years” doing what I love. How about you?
Big dogs, little dogs, all dogs poop; ideally, outdoors, somewhere you can easily collect and dispose of it. Somedays aren’t ideal.
This morning, Zorro, our 7-pound Chihuahua, ate his breakfast and, before I could take him outdoors, he deposited his little pile of poop on one of our Oriental carpets. Fortunately, he returned to me and guided me to the location so I would know where it was. So, I would not step in it accidentally. So, I would collect it and clean the carpet. So, there would be no sign of his “accident” for anyone, especially Mom, to see, or smell, or step in it.
Fortunately, Zorro much prefers to poop outdoors. He doesn’t like poop in his living space, and he knows neither do I.
Not to anthropomorphize but, tangentially, my Zen Mindfulness teacher, Thich Nhat Hanh, has a short poem about “using the toilet” which goes like this:
Today is the first month of my animal chaplaincy program. I have acquired my textbooks, re-arranged my office and calendar, and am eager to attend the first class.
I will be journaling this 10-month program that leads to graduation in June ’23. Don’t hesitate to ask questions or offer commentary as your spirit moves.
I will be celebrating this new moon at a meditation retreat center that includes monastic and lay people sharing observations on the state of our four-fold sangha practice. Previous retreats with this group have generated surprises and new insights. We shall see what this day brings.
On August 17, 1979, Monty Python’s Life of Brian premiered in US theatres. This controversial film was initially banned in many countries but went on to be ranked as one of, if not #1 of the greatest comedies of all time. See https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Monty_Python’s_Life_of_Brian
Considered both a religious farce and political satire, the film ends with Brian’s crucifixion and the group song “Always Look on the Bright Side of Life.” One verse has been touted as the fundamental view of the film, which is:
For life is quite absurd And death’s the final word You must always face the curtain with a bow. Forget about your sin – give the audience a grin Enjoy it, it’s your last chance anyhow.
Hmmm, are religion and humor compatible?
Here is today’s haiku: Greatest Comedy of All Time
Breathing in I smile
breathing out I smile as well
grateful for my life
I would love to hear your comments on this film, on this topic, on your reaction to this post. _/\_
Me standing outside the Beat Poetry HQ in San Francisco two weeks ago
One of today’s national holidays is Love Your Bookshop Day. I have many favorite bookshops; especially those that have displayed my books of poetry on their shelves and/or their websites. See logos at the bottom of this post.
Life Matters 