Gratitude. Giving back. Slow mo holidays. Happy Thanksgiving week.

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

‘Tis the season of gratitude.

Sunday morning                                         Photo: (c) Barb Ayers, DogDiary.org

For the simple joys of life.

Sleeping in.

Snuggling up.

No politics. 

No agenda.

Slo mo Sundays.

Be fragile.

Be human.

Be dog-like.

Say “I love you.”

Better yet, show it.

Curl up.

Burrow under the covers.

Breath the same air.

Are we lucky to have each other, or what?

Photo: (c) Barb Ayers, DogDiary.org

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.

Fall hike in the Pacific NW. Doodle hunting for sticks!                      Photo: (c) Barb Ayers, DogDiary.org

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

Tia and Doodle - lion and lamb.          Photo: (c) Barb Ayers, DogDiary.org

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 of the causes we give to - believe in. 

Hood River Rotary service project at Hood River Middle School 2016 - cleaning up the track. That's me, Barb, on the right - the girl.         Photo: Michael McElwee

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...

Doodle's Saturday selfie                        Photo: (c) Barb Ayers, DogDiary.org

Happy holidays!

Barb Ayers and fur friends.

One Mosier moment. (Good morning from our house to yours)

The sun is arising and so must I.

Chilly breeze, chilly night.

AM swaddle, snuggled tight.

Luminous glow, fingers of light

trace the face of Syncline giant,

warming his cheeks, his bones and crevasses.

Syncline. Photo:(c) Barb Ayers, DogDiary.org

Gregarious green hills.

Timid blue sky.

Wildflower freckles on old soul lava.

River runs still but I know she is not.

Burgundy leaves - jittery teenagers

shadow dance on century-old farmhouse.

Sage green brush, blushes to lavender.

Nose wakes up.

Dogs squirm like puppies, then yawn into yoga.

Window cat hunts - catches reflections.

Tia. Photo: (c) Barb Ayers, DogDiary.org

We all breathe in sync.

This is the moment.

Quail commutes front yard, searching for meaningful work.

Eagle above, soaring for salmon.

The Columbia pulses on.

Deep.

Slow.

Silent.

Doodle’s deep river thoughts. Photo: (c) Barb Ayers, DogDiary.org