love of obedience
January 23, 2013
Obedience ©2013 Gary Garbett
Over the past several weeks, I’ve spent a good amount of time working with our latest family addition. Without detailing the lists of new things that he’s learning, it seems the best word to describe them all would be respect. Happiness, pride, dedication, and love each follow that “R” word pretty darn closely. Although he’s not quite mastered all of his new skills yet, he’s one happy boy who gets so excited with himself and absolutely loves doing the right thing. He also has a fond appreciation for peanut butter dog biscuits.
I think these past few weeks have been obedience training for myself as well. Perhaps I walk on two legs instead of four, but aside from those peanut butter treats, my list of things that make me the happiest aren’t much different than Zero’s. Good Boy.
sum of the day
January 12, 2013
My tendency has always been to load up my two-day weekend checklist far beyond any possibility of achievement. For whatever the reason, this weekend has been different.
Saturday offered a perfect day for relaxing. After more than seven hours of listening to vinyl records and playing with my buddies, the hour hand began to cast a shadow on the afternoon. The cold damp day affirmed my decision to still be in my flannel pjs as a second pot of coffee began brewing. Though denim was eventually exchanged for flannel, our day of comfort was well maintained into the evening.
We’re in the early hours of Sunday morning and there are plenty of naps taking place all around me. Faded blue jeans and a secondhand t-shirt have committed themselves to my day’s fashion statement. A stack of selected vinyl await their turn to spin goodness at 33 and a 1/3rd and my coffee cup has once again promised to stay full all day. I’m not too sure what else I could ask for, so I won’t. It’s good to be with friends.
Perhaps removing expectations can sometimes deliver the greater return.
Do Ya?
January 6, 2013
Walking the Dog ©2013 Gary Garbett
Life is chock full of uncertainties, ponders, and Google searches.
Today, while Zero and I were on our quickened pace and heading towards the end of our four mile hike, a kind middle aged stranger approached us. His warm smile delivered his pondering thought.
“Have you ever heard that phrase “Walking the Dog”? I’ve heard it on several sports casts and I never really understood. So a little while ago when I saw you walking your dog, I thought maybe you’d know. Do ya have any idea?”
I thought about it for a second, knowing I’d heard it countless times, but realized I didn’t have a really solid answer. I replied with having control or ownership of a competitor or situation. I didn’t bother to explain that it was also an Aerosmith song from the group’s first album. Thanks to Google I discovered that it was originally written and recorded by Rufus Thomas on Stax Records in 1963, reaching number 10 on the charts of December of that year. Rufus’ song has also been released by at least fourteen other artists or groups including The Rolling Stones, Johnny Rivers, The Everly Brothers, and Ratt.
Zero and I are still learning. How about you?
day of busy
January 4, 2013
Day of Busy ©2013 Gary Garbett
Some would call a visit to the vet, a four mile hike, a warm bath, a lazy nap in a soft bed next to the fireplace, a car ride in the sunshine, and enjoying a cookie in the shape of a bone a day of busy. We just call it today.
Looking forward is often the best way to avoid looking backwards.
returned goodness
January 3, 2013
Westward ©2013 Gary Garbett
I’m not usually one that reads too terribly much into patterns or numbers. Common human nature though seems to look for signs, especially when turning over a New Year. Yesterday was a prime example. I found two like new Polaroid cameras at two different thrift stores on day two of this New Year. It was clearly a sign, so I was left with no other option than to add them to my collection.
Today, I adopted a new member into our family. It just so happened that the two of us met several months ago while I was hanging my art exhibit. Little did I know on that hot summer day in August that he and I would be taking a car ride together on January 3. As I write this, he and our other two dogs (that makes three on day three of January) are sitting in my office together, getting acquainted, and chatting about our new family.
New Years always have a tendency to offer us fresh beginnings. Both are incredibly healthy and provide a way to look forward while at the same time allowing us the opportunity to recharge from our pasts. On January 1, the idea of adding a few more cameras or another love to our family by the end of the week was the furthest thing from my mind. Things just happen some times. Out of the blue. I’ve always believed in the idea of making good of those things around you. In return, they’ll find a genuine way to return that goodness back to you.
best i can
January 4, 2012
best i can ©2012 Gary Garbett
Relaxation has never come easy for me. I’ve always been one of those “I must always be doing something” sorts of people. I love working for the university. It forces me to take time off when the campus is closed. This year with the way the holidays fell on the calendar and my adding four additional vacation days, I ended up with a good spell of two and a half weeks away from the office.
Of course I had all of these lists of chores and tasks that I knew I’d accomplish during the time off. As usual though, things, projects, and days change. I did accomplish quite a bit and after working through the holiday and family commitments, I was able to make some healthy time for me in the studio. It may not have been the most artistically productive time, but it was great spending several days in the space that’s become more and more difficult for me to find time for. I still have a few more days to bask in this down time thing. As difficult as it is for me to do, I’m finally in relaxation mode and to my surprise I’m actually enjoying the idea.
Today was day fourteen of vacation. I walked two miles, ate tacos for lunch, read liner notes, conditioned my hair, and got a zit. I’m doing the best I can and with only four more days to get it right, I promise to do my best… whatever it is, including getting better with this whole relaxing concept.
still on holiday
December 29, 2011
holiday breakfast ©2011 Gary Garbett
I’m a lucky guy who has some of the greatest pets known to man, at least to this man. Ask another man and I’m sure there’d a be debate.
Still on holiday vacation, I decided to treat the critters and I to fried ham and eggs for breakfast this morning. Everyone was more than pleased. Let me reemphasize. Make that far more than pleased.
I do remember the days however when Pita wasn’t quite the greatest pet, nor did she sit patiently for ham and eggs. Instead, she disobeyed nearly every single command that fell from my lips and dined on a beautiful antique oak armchair.
That favorite antique chair is no longer with us. Pita is. She loves ham and eggs and me. I’m a lucky guy.
a calming storm
December 28, 2011
a calming storm ©2011 Gary Garbett
Yesterday, the morning was filled with plenty of rain, a coffee pot of endless cups, a collection of Bogart films, mental down time, and a nap.
A shade of blue and sunshine surprised the afternoon. It opened a window for the pups and I to take a walk to the mail box. We watched our reflections in the puddles.
whole life learner
December 6, 2011
the relax ©2011 Gary Garbett
I’ve learned quite a bit about myself through the eyes of our pets.
We have two cats and two dogs at our home. They manage to keep everything under control and rarely ask for a whole lot. They’re actually pretty quiet unless it’s dinnertime, or the doorbell rings, or when they step into showoff mode to prove who loves me the most. I can’t recall them ever asking for money, a new sofa, or for a tropical vacation cruise.
Everyone’s pretty content just hanging out. Occasionally the pups and I take field trips to the dump, and on really special mornings we hit a drive thru breakfast place with the truck windows all the way down so the aroma of egg biscuits can easily fill the cab. Each one of our gang loves the warmth of the sunshine, but at the very, very top of their list, spending time together is probably their most favorite thing in life.
I think I’m finally becoming a better learner about this whole life thing.
pita is my sunshine
November 26, 2011
morning warmth ©2011 Gary Garbett
Pita loves the morning sunlight. It warms her. I’m not so sure she gets it, but she does the exact same thing for me.
Once again my morning was filled with plenty to be thankful for. Pita, Fleetwood Mac’s Penguin and Souther Hillman Furay’s Trouble in Paradise on vinyl, warm socks, and sunshine are just a few that started my day even before I poured my second cup of coffee.
Pita and I just may have to take a ride in the truck, with the windows down, and drive in the direction of the sun. Bring on the day.
