I find myself backyard sitting
as the sun comes up
happily in my pajamas
stick chewing dog
at my feet
we were also out at 5:00a.m.
when the sky was still full dark
and the crescent moon
smiled a crooked grin
the birds are serenading us
singing the song of spring
while the daffodils bloom
swaying to the birdsong
and the gentlest of breeze
mmmmmmm, Saturday
so glad you’re here

dogs
cats
sleep
who needs it?
this is what
my animals think
last night at least
feline yowled
from bathroom
canine woofed
before 4 a.m.
I passed my youngest son
in the hallway
at 3-something
and said
you can have my spot
in bed
he said why?
I replied
couch
resting now
dog’s been out
twice
and fed
I’ll be napping later
or grrrrrrring
sleep
who needs it?
yeowwwww
woof
what time is it?
you don’t want to know

reality check

The reality of life in my house is that the dog has goo poo. Again. And the mad as hell about having a dog in HER house cat has decided to pee wherever she wants. I. Don’t. Need. This. Animal. Drama. I. Have. Enough. People. Drama. Did I also mention my 6th grade son had a HUGE president’s report due tomorrow AND my sister and her three children are visiting for a week that will go by way too fast?! Thank you for listening. I just had to say that aloud. TMI Grossness and all.

standing in the kitchen
sunshine on my face
listening to the sounds of quiet
hum of the fridge
tick of the clock
tap of my fingers on the keys
motors filter in
from outside
children at school
husband at work
4am dog taking a morning nap
upstairs cat is just that
out of sight and earshot
time to think
space to do
in quiet if I so choose
it must be Monday morning
thank goodness

Dear Olive,
I am so sorry I let you down.
It’s that dog, you see.
We’d just come in from a walk.
I’d refilled my coffee cup and was attempting to eat my breakfast.
Standing in the kitchen of course.
Per usual.
When I realized he was no longer in sight.
And I couldn’t hear him chomping on ice cubes.
Damn.
That’s trouble.
Next thing he comes ‘round the bend from the dining room.
His favorite naughty noodle place.
Well, one of them.
And there you go.
Plop.
A little gnawed at one corner.
Your cover nearly ripped asunder.
My sincerest apologies.
You deserve so much better.
Like a spot on a higher shelf.
Higher than The Dog Zone.
I will see to it.
Right after I gently and gingerly see to your wounds.
I’ll be as unobtrusive as possible.
Clear tape it is.
You are a fine piece of literature.
Pulitzer Prize Winner, and all.
Doggone that dog.
He knows he’s in the dog house.
a.k.a. on leash inside and tethered to mommy stuck in the kitchen.
That’ll show him.
Please forgive me, Olive.
I remember you.
You’re a complex woman with a hard shell and a big heart.
I found you a fascinating character study.
(Hoping flattery might get me somewhere…)
Sincerely,
Janean

Sun’s up here!
The day has now officially begun!
It’s a beaut too.
Always.
My one complaint about my cool new phone with the built in camera is it’s not sophisticated enough to see the nuance of color I can see.
It’s bands of deep orange, alternating with lavender.
Oooooo, marvelous!
I’m standing on the deck in my leopard and rose print pajamas (as garish a combination as it sounds like here, a loving gift from my doting aunt).
The dog was thrilled to go out without asking, and is happily chewing on a stick at my feet.
Time to get cleaned up and then wake my family in twenty minutes time.
I have a breakfast date with my mother.
Smiling at the thought.
Happy Thursday!
Mine is already A Good One.

It’s still full dark out this morning.
Up since 4:30am with The Early Dog.
Amazingly I woke up feeling mostly awake.
Even at THAT hour.
Coffee is helping open my eyes the rest of the way.
So when that pup was quiet and not underfoot I went lookin’ for him…
Ah, there he is, lying in the still dark living room, near the base of the gated stairs, waiting for the rest of the family to wake up.
But what’s he chewing on?
Oh, that’d be the alabaster candlestick my husband brought back from a USMC trip to Albania more than a few years ago.
Summer of ‘95, I think.
It’s not too much worse for wear.
It’s one of a pair.
I’m not sure where the mate is…or the candle…but I’m trying not to worry about that, and remembering they were empty last time I saw them.
I did mention the sun hasn’t yet risen to announce morning’s here?
Never a dull moment, even before 6:00am.

woof

I have a dog named Blue.
He’s named for his black fur that looks blue like a raven in the sunlight.
As an artist, I think of the primary color.
Secretly, I think he does too.
He’s a romantic, this dog.
Moonlit walks.
Starry nights.
Sunrise serenades.
How I love him.
This morning I heard, “Woof”, and joined him at the sliding doors to head outside.
Again.
This time though, instead of the lingering dark of night, the sky was awash in shades of lavender and hot pink, blended just so.
Oh, such wonderful colors.
Faded to steely winter sky color now.
But for moment, I stood in the brisk February morning, and savored the sunrise.
Thanks to my dog named Blue.
Woof