Open Forum

Good morning one and all and welcome to Open Forum.

I haven't been writing as much as usual recently. I have been going to workshops and meetings and it's surprising how much time it takes out of my schedule.

I also have to get my taxes ready. Yuck!

I think I am going to put that off until Monday.

The whole neighbourhood is slowly finding out that I have a new dog. It's funny how the neighbours' kids seem to find out first of all. There are certain things that kids just always notice and dogs rate high on their Hot News list.

I had forgotten how friendly people are when you've got a dog. Other dog lovers flock to you like birds of a feather. But complete strangers will walk right up to you (even if they don't have a dog) just to say Hi to your canine friend. I received some amazingly warm and open smiles from people I've never met simply because of Zack's presence. I think people feel safer with people who like dogs. Maybe there's a certain kindness surrounding dog owners. Hard to say. Of course, if I were walking a Pit Bull I'm sure the reception would be completely different. My dog is cute and silly and jaunty--so he engenders smiles and giggles.

I don't know if it has ever been studied whether some animals have chi, but Zack definitely does. He exudes a tranquility and gentleness and intelligence all at once. I know that may sound silly to some of you and you may think I'm anthropomorphizing, but honestly I'm not. Anyway, there's a lot of chi in our house these days. Between Zack and me, we have a great aura going.

I wish you all a fabulous weekend. How could it not be with weather like this?!

Cheers, and see you all on Monday.