A Single Woman and Her Dog: The Adventures of Sue & Sadie- Episode 147

It was a pretty chill weekend, no grand adventures on my part except for trying to whittle down an ever expanding ‘to do’ list and resisting the backache it gave me every time I tried to lift it up.

However, in Sadie’s eyes, it was a very good weekend, because it included a trip to the dog park. Doggie nirvana. Smells galore, dogs to run with and so, so many balls to chase.

It occurred to me as I watched her happily settle down to rest after chasing 65 and a half balls, that the joyful look on her face, that doggie smile, was probably exactly the same way she was feeling on the inside.  Kind of a ‘what you see is what you get’ situation.

And that made me think about the faces I show. How often does it truly reflect what I am feeling inside? I’m aware there is sometimes a gap. Sometimes I am spot on, and that feels great. And then there are the times I appear confident, calm and collected, and feel sad or scared or a hot mess on the inside.

Just how big is that gap?

I see this in others too.

I’ve seen my grandkids minimize a consequence when with careful inquiry, it actually made a deeper impact on them than they showed.

I’ve seen this with many friends, co-workers and neighbors.

Recently a dear friend trusted me enough to be vulnerable and share how something I did made him feel. It caught me by surprise because I had no idea it impacted him that way. I interpreted his response to a conversation we had at face value, no big deal... when in fact, it was a pretty big deal.

I’m so glad we were able to talk about it. It takes courage to share how we really feel.

We don’t often know the struggles someone has or the deep wounds they carry. Those signs might be invisible or easily glossed over.

We accept what we see because maybe we are really busy conforming and contorting our own face we choose to show. We miss stuff that way. Big stuff.

Veneers don’t often serve us, do they?

It opened my eyes  more to thinking about who I really am and considering just how big that gap is on the inside... that reflects to the outside.

 It’s an inner challenge to shrink it. To be more in touch with the authentic me, the mostly happy, go lucky woman who has ups and downs just like everyone else.  When I present that authentic self...well, magic happens.

I want to live my life from that place more often.

I bet I’m not alone.

What would it be like if we could connect on that level, heart to heart? Knowing on this adventure called life, we have all sustained bumps and bruises. Appreciating how priceless it is when you have special people in your life that can walk with you through them, good, bad or indifferent. No judging. Just accepting.

Sadie has no pretenses. I pretty much know all the time how she is doing. And with a heart to heart connection. No words are needed. She’s just being who she is. Looking for treats, chasing balls and curled up next to me on a chilly fall night. Looking at me with concern if she senses something is not quite right. Offering her presence and just being love and truth.

I want to be more like her.

Closing with a quote from my favorite sweatshirt...Live a great story, friends. Until next time.

S & S

A Single Woman and Her Dog: The Adventures of Sue & Sadie- Episode 146.

So, this is actually our first official team adventure. The other 145 sprinkled throughout the year are best left for private introspection, and adventure might not be the best descriptor for a boat load of change. And I really like the numbers 146. I’ll explain that another time.

Today, Sadie and I were in search of aspen trees showing off their pretty yellow and red colors. It’s a narrow window, but a guaranteed 5 star show.  In all truth, Sadie was in search of a ball to chase, as usual, but she’s a good sport and even better company. We stopped first for hot pumpkin coffee for me and a hot dog for her.  We headed west on Highway 285 to Staunton State Park. Kenosha Pass was the original destination, but having heard so many reports of long lines of cars and traffic, we came up with plan B.

Seeing the highway sign that said “Watch out for wildlife and falling rocks” made me very happy.  There was a time in my life where fear of driving this type of road would have prevented me from going. Now, I love the twists and turns and endless views! It feels good to not have that fear any longer.

Staunton State Park did not disappoint. There were small groves of beautiful aspens, some peak, some still approaching and a few past peak. Gorgeous. The crimson leaves twinkled in the soft breeze and danced in the reflection of the sunlight, coming alive only as aspens can. The trail was easy, albeit a bit crowded. However, it was great practice for us, and it certainly felt safe. The park volunteers were fun, and guided us to a nice trail. Sadie had plenty of opportunities to sniff and post her own strategically placed ‘What’s up pup’ messages. We enjoyed the fresh air, blue skies and a few hours connected to the great outdoors.  

A few rookie mistakes. I forgot my pack back and hiking boots! Easy to remedy this- they will be put in my winter bin in the Subaru for easy access.

Hopefully, we will have many adventures to share. As a single woman, I’ve decided to embrace and see all I can. It’s great to do this with family or friends, but everyone is busy and there’s no time like the present to create a great day. 

The boatload of change this year has inspired me to think outside the box and go for it. Realizing on the other side of sadness is joy.  On the other side of fear is courage. On the other side of regret is possibility. I’m spending much more time on the right side of that continuum, and that feels great.

And even in those moments when I do miss what was with a fierceness that produces a hot torrent of tears, I realize it’s not how far you fall, but the courage it takes to climb back up. To know that all we experience and all those we cherish, even those we may never see again, contributed to the tapestry of this grand life....each thread woven in cosmic perfection, forming a net that will always, always catch you, if you can surrender and trust.

We hope you’ll join us as we recount the fun we will have. I can’t promise every adventure will have Sadie included, as she will likely be the main star here, but I’m guessing most of them will.

Live a great story, friends. Until next time.

S & S