Not nearly enough work this week, and a couple of rough days at the animal shelter. Thinking with some trepidation about jumping back into the dark, piranha-infested waters of the art industry, though I'm still a bit gun shy of it.
But I think I am officially OK with bulldogs now. Mostly because of this little guy. At least Romney (a Bull Terrier) can tell a good person when he sees 'em.
As a lot of folks know, I've been volunteering at the local animal shelter with my wife for a while now. It's been very frustrating working with some of the animals, only to find that people won't even look at them because of their "in-kennel" lack of sparkle.
If you're up for meeting some cool cats and dogs (who may not be around for long), hop on over. If not, that's OK too.
I know we can't save every animal that comes through the doors of the shelter. But even if we can't, we can have a place to remember them fondly. That's really all I'd ask for myself out of life. And maybe we can find homes for a few of them along the way.
For those who have known me a long time, you might have met my parrot, Sam. Although he had a respectable run of things (23 is actually quite venerable for a cockatiel), old age finally won out today.
I really don't know how old he was - I was walking to the library one day, and he flew over and landed on my shoulder... and just wouldn't leave. So he was at least 23, probably 25 or more. And right up until the last couple of hours, he still looked remarkably young. Even though I know we all go at one time or another, I'm going to miss him.
We all want to help out our friends when they're in a tight spot. I'm absolutely no different. But when things start getting really dire is NOT the time to play "Big ol' damn hero."
When it's a matter of life-or-death, please, please don't make plans and schemes for someone else without talking it through with them very thoroughly. Odds are very good they've been frantically making plans themselves (it being their life and all), and it's slim odds that your plans and theirs will mesh together without some serious work and advance planning. In fact, you might wind up making things ten times worse, despite the best of intentions and motives.
Yes, there's more to this. No, who, what and where are not important at this point. What is important is that we all look at ourselves in relation to our friends, and try to cultivate a little more thoughtfulness and a little less hubris.
That said, my lesson for today is well-learned, too. It doesn't matter how out-of-kilter things get, I will never complain or let it show again. Assuming there actually is an again after this.
News flash: Wi-fi does not imply high-speed internet, apparently. I've become spoiled, perhaps, but when LiveJournal posts time out and no online audio or video will play... I feel like I've back-tracked to the 2800baud days.
runiclaw , 
amused
thoughtful
melancholy