#353 AdoptShawn

6 years ago today I was rescued by a 1.5 lb Chihuahua. I found him after volunteering at the SPCA in Montreal. It was instant Love.

I say *I* was rescued because to be honest, he healed my  heart. I was in a relationship that a few months later would dissolve after revealing itself to have been nothing but one lie after another, but this little guy (Santiago-de-Montréal) showed me that I could be loved, unconditionally, purely, so deeply; and that it was within my being to send that love back.

We often look for things in life to fill voids, food, drink, drugs, material things. These just leave more holes.

I decided that day I wanted to give something a better chance at life, give him a life beyond the crowded create he had spent the first 18 months of his life in, horribly mistreated in a puppy mill. What I didn’t know then was that in taking him into my life, he would do more for me than I could ever do for him.

Love for the small things. Love for the 4-legged things. Love for the sake of Love.

Now, years later I still have this little nugget of furry love in my life, and he helped me find another deep and true and lasting love with my Partner Marcel…  and months after I met Marcel he was rescued by a dog as well; Peanut.

We’re not your typical definition of a Family, but I’ll tell you this, you’ll be hard pressed to find another family as full of love (and a crowded bed), as ours.

If you ever think about getting a cat or dog, or other pet, please consider having your soul saved too; adopt, don’t shop.

The reward of that one small act, will impact you in ways your heart and soul could never dream be real.

#166 Father's Day.

It's tough being far away from your family on special days. Tougher still when you have a brother that is an hour away from your parents and he doesn't give a rat's ass; has no communication with his parents.

I just got off the phone with my folks. Had a nice talk with Dad. They had a good day. They went out for Brunch and a movie (from gift cards we sent).

He sounded great. Better than he has in the last couple of talks. His voice was cheery and upbeat, upbeat until he mentions not hearing from my brother, or his daughters. Personally, I've had no communication with him myself in over 5 years. After seeing how he treated our Parents a few days after our Grandmother passed. 

It's so hard hear Mom and Dad's voices go so happiness and jot, to dejection and sadness with each phone call. Their pain has dulled a little over the years, but can you ever get over the total rejection of a child? If my parent's are any example, the answer is no.

I have no respect or fond memories of my brother, it should not be hard to surmise that all in all, he's a dick.  The only positive thing I can say about him, is that he too a picture of Dad and me that I love.

I can remember the day that it was taken. In August 1977, we were on vacation on PEI, and had gone to Rainbow Valley (in Cavendish) and while on a row boat in the duck pond. My brother took Dad's camera and he took this shot.

Love you Dad.

... and I suppose thanks to my brother, for doing at lease one redeeming action in his life.

#131 Mother's Day

Today is Monther's Day, and as a proud Momma's Boy I am only to proud to say, I Love my Mom!

While we've maybe not always seen eye to eye, I can say that she's not just my Mother, but she's also a good friend.

We share many things...

-Love of Gardening

-Love of Crafting

-Love of Baking and Cooking

-Love of Family

-We're not to shy to voice an Opinion

and of course...

-Our amazing blue eyes.

Love you Mom, I your boy.

#124 Baked Goods AppreciaShawn

Marcel baked me some Blackberry Muffins on Friday, so today I am baking him some Lemon Blondies.

As they say, one (baked)good turn, deserves another. 

#073 Lyra

100 years ago today, my Grandmother was born. 

Lyra Grace (Scott) Newbury.

I've spoken about her before, about spending time with her at her house during my summer vacations as a child. She and I are as much Family as Friends. We are birds of a feather, (crows if you asked) It is in part she who started my life long love of Crows. It was she who taught me the Counting Crows poem:

One crow sorrow,

Two crows joy,

Three crows a girl,

Four crows a boy,

Five crows silver,

Six crows gold,

Seven crows a secret never to be told.

From the moment I memorized that poem not a day has gone by that I do not repeat it in my head when I see crows. I will continue repeating it until I repeat a line for each crow I see. And while I repeat the poem, I think of her. 

She passed in May of 2008, and not a day goes by where I don't think of her. I miss her terribly.

In July of 2009 I got a memorial tattoo for her. Some might find it rude or disrespectful, because it's a crow. But to me it's the highest honour.

She sits eternally on my arm, protecting me and watching my back.

Happy Birthday Nanny.

I Love you.

#045 Love RevelaShawns

Love means never having to say you're sorry...

...for making mistakes.

...forgetting things.

...saying stupid things without thinking.

...for farting in bed.

...for not always saying 'I love you'.

...for forgetting to call when you're going to be late.

...for not being the perfect mate all the time.

Love means...

...being with the Man that makes you smile, feel safe, happy and needed.

...sharing your home with the two most special and adorable dogs in the world.

... it's sharing the same dreams, from the small to the grandiose.

...not being able to imagine a day without Him.

I have Love and I have it with Marcel.