Yes, I am aware that I'm skipping right past Thanksgiving but honestly I don't see much point in that holiday (other than the four day weekend and cooking/eating with my close friends). I practice gratitude and mindfulness daily. Shouldn't we take a moment, each day, to be thankful for the people, places, and dogs who enrich our lives? Anyhow, Thanksgiving is pretty much just a potluck with friends and wine.
But Christmas? I love Christmas. The music, the decorations, the cooking and baking, the time spent with loved ones, and the whole festive spirit in general. Yes, I celebrate Christmas in an entirely secular manner... but I don't love it any less for that. This year I am excited to buy a second tree; my current tree is a silver one about two feet tall. Last year the small tree was ideal to display on a table top, out of Gatsby & Lola's reach (in theory). Aside from Lola repeatedly stealing the abalone shells I had put beneath the tree (they looked so pretty with the blue twinkle lights!) and chewing on them, the GSPs left the tree alone.
So... this year I will be getting a five or six foot tall artificial tree. I have not yet decided if I will choose a matching silver tree or a contrasting green one. This will be a serious test of the dogs willpower vs. curiosity vs. petty thievery. Will they eat the tree? Steal tinsel and/or ornaments? Poke themselves in the eye on a branch? I guess we'll find out!
Each year I buy myself an ornament to add to my collection. Who says a single lady can't start her own holiday traditions? This year, after scouring the internet for days, I found the perfect ornament for this year:
As many of you know, I lost my beloved English pointer "Lemons" to aggressive cancer (hemangiosarcoma) last month. When I saw this ornament, I knew it was the one. The profile looks so much like his and the craftsmanship is remarkable. It will be bittersweet to hang this ornament high upon the tree. I can think of no better tribute to one of the sweetest, most loving dogs I've ever met.
I had hoped he would live until the new year, but at least this way we can remember him the way he was before he really became sick: regal, stoic, gentle, warm, and so loved by everyone he met.
RIP Jack Lemon, aka "Lemons"
2002 - October 17th, 2012
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