‘Tis the season to take stock of all that we have - all that we are.

‘Tis the season of gratitude.

For the simple joys of life.

Sleeping in. Snuggling up.

No politics. No Type A. No agenda.

Slo mo Sunday mornings.

Be fragile. Be human. Say “I love you.”

Better yet, show it. That’s what dogs do.

Curl up. Burrow under the covers.

Breath the same air.

Are we lucky to have each other, or what?

In Oregon, we are thankful for the majesty of nature around us. Grounding us.

Sharing forest secrets.      

River currents. The journey.

Mountain hikes to panoramic views.

Elk, bear, eagle and quail commuting through the yard.

Though it's a big, busy, loud world out there, life begins and ends in moments like these -- quiet moments. Moments between moments.

If we slow down and stop rushing from A to B. If we listen to the quiet.

The call of the quail in the yard.

We don't all speak the same language - or live in the same neighborhood. Some of us eat meat – some of us, seed.

But wherever in the world we are, we are neighbors. Maybe even relatives - whatever our species.

We are all on this planet together.

We are here to blaze a trail – to help – to give what we can. To share. To help each other find our way. To find the meaning of life.

Sometimes we get lost - and in being lost, we find a whole new journey.

Give thanks. Give back. It's that time of year.

Whatever causes are important to you, help them.  Whatever lives you can touch – please do so.

Here are a few causes we believe in.

Snow will be closing in soon. There’s a turkey, giving his all for us.

There’s a moment- in the quiet-  when we feel completely alone – and that’s when we know how much we need each other.

It will be a long time before the renewal of spring.

There’s a guy in a red suit coming to town at some point – I think he has a list...

Happy holiday season!

Dog mom Barb Ayers