The Dog’s Happiness
I think I’ve found the key to happiness. All I have to do is ask, did the dog have a good day? If the answer is yes, life is moving in the right direction.
Think about it. What Evangeline loves more than anything is going for a walk. The walk takes me outside in the fresh air (does that sound like your mom–“go get some fresh air!”?) and I’m exercising, good for the heart and soul.
No, I misstated that. What she actually loves best is when my husband and I take her for a walk together. We each take her out separately at different times in the day. But together? That sends her into paroxysm of joy. I’m not kidding. I keep thinking I’ll take a video of it, how she runs in circles then jumps on me then on Tom then runs in circles some more. She is absolutely delighted. And her delight means I’m walking and talking and catching up with my husband’s life while seeing the neighborhood and getting some exercise.
Second on her list of “And it was good” activities is sleeping upstairs on the bed while I write. Long time ago I saw one of those “writers at work” picture books that showed famous writers writing. One of the writers was lounging on the bed. I thought, well, I never. Now, I am that writer. It started during my hip convalescence, and it has extended into modern times. Why? Because it gives the dog great joy (cough, cough). Seriously, she races me upstairs to see who can get to the bed the fastest. Then she lays out her full length and glances over her shoulder at me, like, shall we begin? If I ever actually sell the novel I’m working on, I may have to dedicate it to the dog.
So. Writing. Exercising. Spending time outside. Catching up with my husband.
I’m telling you, it’s the perfect yardstick. 🙂
Joanne Corey
Giving a new spin on “It’s a dog’s life.” Glad you are having great days on a regular basis! It’s a blessing to have your days progress in such a fruitful way.
Ellen Morris Prewitt
“New spin on a dog’s life”—that’s so funny. And, yes, it’s nice to have a spate of easy, productive days. Hope you are having the same.
Joanne Corey
I love that you are having easy,productive days! Me…not so much. I wonder if it would help if I got a dog? Probably not, given allergies and not needing another being in my life which needs care and attention…
Ellen Morris Prewitt
I think you’re right about it making it more complicated–I can’t tell you how often I have to plan my days around the dog’s need to go out!
Joanne Corey
Not to mention trying to co-ordinate travel plans. Oops, I guess I did mention it. 😉
Ellen Morris Prewitt
🙂
D. Wallace Peach
My dogs love it when I write in bed too. So funny. They would love me to go on walks with them and the hubby. You’ve inspired me 🙂
Ellen Morris Prewitt
I”m glad it inspired! Her joy does make me feel guilty. I watch her pop around in happiness and think, just look at this–with such little effort, you could be creating this joy all the time. So I”m trying to be more intentional about it myself.
D. Wallace Peach
Lovely perspective, Ellen. <3