We have had multiple transitions going on in our household this month ~ the very well documented arrival of Tilda, the arrival of two family members who are staying with us as they go through their own transition to Santa Monica from Boulder, the return to my home studio, and the change in venue of my home studio. My easel, painting supplies, and panels are all in a different room now, which is technically a guest bedroom. But the room has a lot more light than my "official" home studio and isn't used that often, so I decided it was time to see how it feels to work in a different part of my home, where there is no computer and I can leave whatever mess I make intact when I finish for the day.
Although I am excited about this change, and I feel giddy anytime I step into that room and see my easel next to a big expanse of windows, my time in there will be minimal for a while. The focus these days is on Tilda, my book, and my website, and in between those projects I still have to manage the usual array of household tasks. It sounds more hectic than it really is, and everyday I feel a little more settled than the day before with Tilda. She is teaching me so much ~ about patience, rest, laughter, and being totally present. In those instances when I want to hand her off to the first person that comes knocking at my door, imagining days far in the future when she won't have razor sharp puppy teeth, I stop and remind myself that she won't be this little for very long.
She still is so small. As fast as she's growing, and as big as her paws are (!) she is still so small.
Tilda is pulling me closer to the earth, to the day-to-day details of my life. I decided this past weekend that I would stay off the internet, thinking it would be a challenge. Instead it turned out to be the loveliest of gifts, for instead of perusing blogs and Twitter, I finished the book I was reading and played with Tilda, and soaked up a quiet weekend with my family. Already I'm having a hard time imagining what our life was like before she joined us.
“Nothing is secure but life, transition, the energizing spirit.” ~Ralph Waldo Emerson
i could never be without a dog in my life.
Posted by: Diane | September 01, 2010 at 08:59 AM
Aw, what a face! And you're right, she won't be a puppy for long. So glad you're enjoying your time w/ her, despite the training challenges! I've been walking away from the computer more and more - so many challenges of my own, with lots of travel and of course moving to another country - and it does make a difference, I think...just to be still and think, w/o distraction. xo
Posted by: Tara Bradford | September 01, 2010 at 05:33 AM
Sending big hugs and pats from the Jeff and Katie and the Timber Springs Farm dogs..Jane, Brady and Sundae. Hooray Tilda.... enjoy every minute Swirly girl they grow sooo fast....Brady and Jane just turned 16! Tilda...we love chocolate dogs xxoxoxox Miss you madly Swirly girl xoxox Katie
Posted by: Katie Camarro | August 31, 2010 at 06:10 PM
Take pleasure in the Puppy Breathe. You will grow to miss it.
Posted by: Ericaogrady | August 31, 2010 at 06:00 PM
that tilda is just precious...i enjoy hearing that you are enjoying her! ;)
Posted by: donna!ee | August 31, 2010 at 01:24 PM
happy to know i'm not the only faced with this time of transition. just sent my little one off on a new journey of her own...kindergarten...and now little brother and i are discovering a new world together with a feeling of loss and lonliness coupled with the anticipation of a new day. here's to change :)
Posted by: melissa | August 31, 2010 at 01:01 PM
I do so love that little one!
Posted by: Lisa | August 31, 2010 at 11:35 AM
beautiful. and i love imagining you in that room. the one with blue where i felt so safe.
love you and look forward to seeing you soon by a lake.
Posted by: doorways traveler | August 31, 2010 at 08:59 AM
funny. we both have transitions on our blogs :) we are in the same place miles and world apart. I love that. and yes, this time is so special and fleeting, when they're little. even though at times the moments feel a bit like forever. hugs to you and your tiny furry ball of love.
Posted by: mindy | August 31, 2010 at 08:30 AM