It’s raining outside. It’s probably washed all of the lingering snow away before the temperatures fall and turn icier than icy tomorrow.
The dishwasher is running, and Sophie Stella sighs because it seems the kitchen has been put away for the evening, which means no more food and play’s probably ended so it’s time to drift off.
Today, which only exists in my mind because I haven’t gone to sleep and it’s actually tomorrow, has been the first time that I’ve felt completely together since the year started. I managed to get a few things done with scheduling on my blog. I completed two reviews for upcoming book tours. I felt…good. I felt…feel like things are finally looking up.
I’ve considered making some plans for the new year. I know that most of you have done your resolutions or made plans or something of that ilk by now. Because I was feeling less than stellar, I haven’t even considered it. I am thinking that perhaps I’ll chime in for the Chinese New Year.
Chinese New Year starts on February 5. It’s the Year of the Pig. Did you know that there are taboos for the Chinese New Year? (You can see them here.)
I think my blog needs to be revamped. I’d love to make some steadfast plan for my writing and, after this bout of bronchitis, I’m thinking I’d love to make a “get healthy” plan.
While I’ve been doing some writing, I’ve been knitting quite a bit. Here are a few things I’ve been working on:
The wrap on the right side is called Nightshift and it has been a big thing on the knitting community site, Ravelry, for a while and I’ve avoided knitting it because I generally avoid the “big things” because they’re usually disappointing. Big movies–I always find they’re hyped and I’m disappointed because if you don’t see it before you’re aware of the hype, the movie can never live up to the hype. But the Nightshift pattern was tantalizing to me. I love the mosaic. However, I used a self-striping yarn which made the knitting even more delicious because I didn’t know what was coming next. Much like reading a really good book.
On the dog front. Scout is probably no fonder of Sophie Stella than he was when I brought her home, which is disappointing to me. I had visions of them playing. Nope. Sophie Stella is also becoming the dog she truly is: meaning that she no longer feels like she needs to be careful. If you think only humans in early relationships do a job of pretending, I’m here to tell you that I believe dogs do too. They want stability so they pretend and try to fit in. When they start getting comfortable, you see the dog that is there.
Sophie Stella wants to protect. She grumbles more at people and dogs than she did in the first few weeks, which I’ll have to handle. And all of the issues she had with not eating in previous homes…I’ve seen none of that. This is the most food oriented dog at least for the food that I’m offering. But I’ve seen her become reactive in situations, normal situations, which makes me think that she must have suffered some abuse and that makes me sad because I never know if we’ll move beyond those things. I know what it’s been like with Scout.
Anyway. I feel like I’m back. Mostly. Thanks for all of your support and words of encouragement. I know that I still need to reach out to a lot of you. I hope that the new year is becoming what you hope it will be. And, if it hasn’t yet, there’s always tomorrow.
Hopefully you’re in a place where you can enjoy the total lunar eclipse. I’m hoping for some clearing of clouds.
In the meantime, take care. Goodnight. Sweet dreams.
I know what you mean about dogs…………. I’m a soft touch, and they all know it. Even dogs owned by other people! Maggie has learned to share me, but I get the ‘eye’ if I make too much fuss, especially young pups.
Years ago I introduced a new pup, a collie, to my GSD and he tried to rule the roost. She sat on him. but then she house trained him and brought him up as her own. Not bad for a dog that didn’t like other dogs (we conned her when she was coming out of heat). When she died, he was inconsolable, so I ended up getting another GSD. She was five, a nervous wreck and had been abandoned tethered to the gates of a GSD stud farm. Naturally the collie tried to rule the roost. She sat on his head.
She never barked at anyone and I took her with me when I left the relationship. We were a twosome then, and she was protective, chosing only to bark at Hubby.
Some dogs get possessive so quickly. I think collies and other herding breeds have it built in.
I had Kiz for five years, yet Hubby was the only person she ever barked at, but that was only when we first started going out. Sadly I lost her to mammary cancer the year before we got married.
Sorry. They are never with us long enough.
She was five when I got her, so I like to think I gave her five good years.
It sounds like you’re just going through the motions. What’s really going on?
unfortunately dogs are like people (and horses and cats and…). Just because you’re in the same home doesn’t mean you always like who’s there. But it hasn’t been all that long, really.
Good news for the Chinese new year (thanks for that)–no cleaning. Yay!
And finally, thanks for mentioning the lunar eclipse and blood moon. I’m charging my battery right now–let’s see what my camera can do–assuming our overcast skies clear up.
accumulations, trying to find balance, trying to feel healthy again. 🙂
Also wishing you good health for the Chinese New Year, Sascha. Thanks for sharing where you’re at: sometimes it’s strange to be here in the current burning Australian heat, and read a very natural and enjoyable post like yours which is suffused with winter. I know very little about pets, or knitting, or knitted pets, but I must say I love the colour harmonies in your nightshift.
Thanks, Steve. Yes, with the temps dropping, ice and snow, it’s hard to imagine the reverse…although dreaming of summer in dark days. (Which isn’t even fair because it’s sunny and bright here, but cold…and going to be colder.)
You did not mention, pets knitting….
My pleasure, Sascha. I’ve noticed cold tends to seep in, but heat hits you full on, over 100F here yesterday.
It wasn’t that I forgot, once I had an alpaca that knitted very fine jumpers from its own fleece. Because they have two toes and not hoofs, they can manage knitting needles quite well.
I’m glad you’re back and feeling normal.
Dogs don’t like going from an only dog to one of the dogs. Charlie still doesn’t like that she doesn’t get all the attention. It’s been three years, and the other two are her babies.
Thank you!
Well, Scout up until July 2015 had never been an only dog. I had 3 others when he came. He was from a hoarding/abuse situation so he was constantly surrounded by dogs. I thought I was doing a favor. Maybe it should have come sooner or maybe he’s still trying to figure Sophie Stella out. Maybe I was wrong and I should have just let him have a single dog household. Although, he has perked up in small ways, which is good because I thought he was depressed. Time will tell. (You didn’t expect *this* novel, did you? haha
So you’re a canine savior. That’s really cool. You can’t second guess or third or fourth… You did a good thing for Sophie Stella. Scout will come around. I’ve never been able to do that. Their lives are so short, I always need to get dogs as young as possible to maximize our moments. I’m glad I’m not the only one who writes novel comments.
The unfortunate thing is that even young dogs can die early. And, not unfortunately, old dogs can live a long time…well not compared to people. And then there’s the love you get in such a short amount of time and the impact they make. 🙂
Those are good points, and I commend you on the your ability to provide homes for dogs who need it. My roommate breeds, so two of the three dogs who live here were born here. I hope there’s no need for a new one for a long time.
I have had to bite my tongue so that I wouldn’t make a comment on your roommate breeding (hehe)…I didn’t know if it came with the dogs. This must mean I need to write a humorous piece. 🙂
Embrace the silliness and write with it.
and suddenly I’m seized with paralysis.
Dang it! See, you shouldn’t have bragged about it. I just seized the silliness on my blog.
lol I’m glad one of us did!
You still can. Embrace the silliness within and coddle it till it emerges brilliantly.