Tuesday evening

Perhaps a bit out of order. But it all adds up nicely.

1. A late afternoon walk just now on the fire trail with my sweet Desie who chased sticks and pinecones and played with other dogs and romped around on her own usually with a too large and cumbersome stick in her mouth and mostly stayed close by and ran ahead and came running back when I called her.

2. A late morning hike at Fort Cronkite with Shanan and Heather and Goose and Desie on Thanksgiving and the fun we had trekking up and then down the hill and all the time watching the dogs doubling back and forth and up and down ahead of us and sometimes off trail and then finding their way back to us.

3. This morning’s yoga-pilates class with my teacher Maryam and all the determination and hard work and bridges and downward facing dogs and how much fun it is after class to talk with my fellow student Jason who is a senior majoring in Landscape Architecture and who plays a game of pick up basketball before our class begins about how hard the class is but oh so good for us.

4. Too much pressure and worry this semester and especially right now because my students are struggling with their work and there are only two weeks left until their portfolios with 15-17 pages of excellent writing are due.

5. Much appreciation for my dear friend Emily for understanding when I told her I was out of sorts because I did not have a book I was in love with [in the middle of a crowd at Berkeley Bowl where she was shopping with her father-in-law on the Wednesday before Thanksgiving] and for delivering within an hour two books that she loved for me to read.

Good news about Desie:

Dr. Brooks called this morning with good news about my sweet Desie. She is good. Tests showed she is a healthy girl. However, we still do not know what is causing her concentration issues. Rather than more tests and possible treatment, Dr. Brook and I decided to wait and see. Yeah for Desie and me!

Monday morning

Thinking about things:

According to my dictionary, the consequence of serendipity is sometimes a brilliant discovery.

Neupetershain

pencil drawing with water colour

by Florian Afflerbach

This drawing greeted me just this morning. Another fortuitous gift to remind me about simple beauty. And serenity [especially for me] evoked with colour and place. The little house on the right looks quite comfortable. It looks to me like the house I have been dreaming of for me and Desie to retire in. Quite the proper size and shape for us. Though I might have to add a window or two beneath the eaves for more light. I can imagine the sun's straight beams moving across the floor to mark the hours of our days. The door is perfect as it is. Its soft blue grey shade made of the sky's reflection and stone frame will welcome our family and friends.

Friday morning in Berkeley

Thinking about things:

11 vues de la flèche de la cathédrale by Gerard Michel [not Berkeley]

It's foggy this Friday morning in Berkeley. Goose is asleep in his circle bed by my dresser. He is a good boy. Desie has just finished chewing her bone and is stretched out on her l.l.bean bed that I moved over to the center of my room so she could have a place close to me. [Her circle bed over by the brown chair is empty for the time being.] Desie is quite inconstant about chewing her bone. She seems to discover it anew every once in a while, spend an amount of time working on it, and then push it away. Chewing her bone is not a part of her quotidian endeavors as it was for my dear Isidore. He chewed regularly--perhaps to fend off his worries about things. Desie is napping now, a bit of let up after a eventful Thursday night.

To begin with, Desie was a naughty girl on our walk last evening. In the courtyard at the Clark Kerr campus, she ran off during our off leash training. She had been such a good girl up until then: running back to me on command [and with a determined look and playful gait]. But, as in the past, she became distracted and chose to disregard my call and instead, ate many many many tiny tree berries before I could get to her.

When I did get to her, I insisted on a few moments of reflection: I told Desie [who was in a sit] that she must never never eat berries because they can make her sick. She had a hard time with such principled talk. She would not look at me: a sign of submission of sorts, I know, but too, this is a stubborn girl when it comes to repentance. We walked home with Desie on leash. I was despondent. I worried that the berries could be poisonous. And, Shanan was due at our house in a little while to deliver Goose Dog for the weekend.

When we got home at around 7:00, I fed Desie her usual dinner and she waited close by [in a down] while I prepared my salad. Desie always gets carrots during this salad making time. And she did. But, uncharacteristically, she got up and walked over to me, leaned in a bit, and threw up a massive amount of stuff. On the little rug by the sink. Poor girl. When she was done, she leaned in even more for some comforting. I comforted her.

Only minutes later, after I had hosed down the rug in the driveway, Shanan and Goose arrived. And of course, lots of hugs [people] and pats [people and dogs] and running around in the yard [dogs] for a fine family reunion. Then a brief visit in the living room with talk about Shanan's trip to D.C in the morning, his job, my teaching adventures and Brandon and everyone in Evanston. As for Desie and Goose, to our surprise, lots of rolling around and growling playfully on the rug. Usually, Goose will have nothing to do with Desie. Her attempts to get him to romp with her are steadfastly ignored. [I do hope they will play together a bit over the next few days.] After Shanan left, Goose and Desie and I snuggled for a short while before we headed upstairs for bed.

[A few words for further thinking about things:

I am pleased Goose has his very own circle bed from home for sleeping in at my house. Especially since Shanan, who thinks my notions about dog beds are crazy [good crazy] and wanted not to abide by my request for him to transport Goose's bed to Berkeley for the weekend, remembered to bring his bed over last night. I think it is important that each dog have his/her own home base bed. I am very sure such accommodations provide for much needed security and a hint of dog joy.

Just yesterday afternoon, I mentioned to a dear friend how much I still miss Isidore. I think Izzy is on my mind more so than usual because my dear friends Ina and Ron put down their beloved 12 year old dog Corky on Wednesday. He was a good dog. They loved him very much. I have been talking with them about such difficult to do acts. And remembering how it was with Isidore.

And just now, Desie moved to her circle bed over by the brown chair. And Goose has gone downstairs. I think he is sitting by the window so he can watch for Shanan.]

Sunday morning

Saturday's remembrances:

Coffee and schoolhouse cookies in the kitchen sometime around noon with my son Shanan; looking over a few photos and a radio program from Shanan's KZSC 88.1 FM days; Goosedog and Desie close by chewing carrots but mostly nudging us to hurry up and take them for a walk; lovely views of the bay on our drive to Tilden by way of Claremont Avenue; a long hike--a loop from and to Gillespie Camp; sunshine and warm warm air; our dogs running ahead on the trail, up and down the embankments, around corners and then back to us when we called them; sometimes conversations about the beauty of it all: lupine and poppies and poison oak and abounding trees; shimmering vistas with layers of greens and browns and blues; Goose and Desie on leash while we stepped aside two times so horses [and their riders] could pass us on the trail; Goose barking and barking at these large creatures; up up a long and steep [and sometimes muddy] hill to a newly restored area where we rinsed our shoes [and Desie's paws] and all of us drank some water; then up a short hill to our car. Muddy dogs [with poison oak perhaps] in the back seat. Bath time for Goose and Desie at home in our yard. 1st draft towel dry by Shanan. Final draft towel dry by me.

Family is good.

Family photo: Shanan and Goose on the trail

2008

Sunday Morning

A list for thinking about things:

1.

My Dog Tulip

J.R.Ackerley

I finished reading My Dog Tulip by J.R. Ackerley [two weeks ago or so]. A gift from my sweet son Shanan. He had read an article about Ackerley in the New Yorker. This book was published in 1965 and seems to have been discovered once again. At least by Shanan and me and my students in my Salon class who read an excerpt last time.

A beautifully written book with lots of long long sentences imbued with precise words that seem to tell a tiny story of their own [of the author, at times] within their boundaries. Complicated [and simple, too] sentences about a dog named Tulip and the man who owns and loves this dog. About affection and concern, determination and compromise, knowledge and understanding.

This book has brought me great joy. And understanding about its author and myself and of course his sweet dog Tulip [and so, my dear Desie]. And how we [some of us] need to look into/research things [in Ackerley's case, how to take good care of his beloved dog] so that we can act [or as Ackerley might have put it, conduct ourselves] in a thoughtful and dignified manner. I love this book. And I admire Ackerley for writing it.

2.

Thinking about books. About how I go about choosing the [next] book I want to read. And fall in love with. How I worry in anticipation. How I read the first pages with caution and concern. How I wait and wait before I decide if I love the book or not; and whether I want to commit myself to its pages filled with words the author has entrusted with me. I am reading a new book now. I want to be in love with it.

3.

From the film My Dog Tulip

Thinking about the film version of the book: Another's interpretation of My Dog Tulip. In this case, an animated film portrayal. Actually, this film is made up of many people's interpretations. Bakhtin would be happy to see these kinds of transpirations/transpirings. [Transpire: come to be known, 19th century America]

Wednesday morning

It is a lovely morning. Lots of fierce wind and rain last night. But today, so far, [after a bit of hail at 9:00], sunshine and clouds push against each other for their places in the sky. It is not an argument or a dispute between the two. But rather a discussion--a parley of stances, intentions, vulnerabilities. And there is wind still that bears down on or nudges the duet. Like a celestial mandate offering a judicious aspect to it all. Right now there is mostly sunshine and a blue and grey sky.

I am at my desk with my coffee: making lists and thinking and wondering about things.

Just received this photo of Desie from my sweet son Shanan:

3

Oh my goodness, this sweet girl is silly.

She is staying in S.F. with Shanan and Goose.

And I miss her.

I think she will be back tomorrow.

Monday Morning

Thinking about things.

Saturday was such a lovely day. Blue skies and lots of warm sunshine. Visits with friends and family [and sweet sweet dogs]. A couple of naps between conversations, a nice dinner at the kitchen table with my sweet son Shanan, and a quite a bit of reminiscing about times past--most especially our many walks with Goose and then Goose and Isidore at the beach, on trails all over the bay area and in SF [and sometimes Berkeley] neighborhoods as well. [We looked at flickr photos from 2003 on. These photos just automatically render details of memories of events that need remembering.] Isidore was such a sweetie. He loved his fire trail and leaping up and down hills. He was a happy boy. It was good to spend time remembering. A very nice Saturday spent with my sweet family.

Sunday was quite lovely as well. Lots of warm sunshine and blue blue skies. Visits with dear dear friends [Nancy and Alan [and their sweet dogs] and then Joan] on the porch. And then Luporini. She brought groceries from Berkeley Bowl [mixed berry scones and 2 boxes of school house cookies for special visitors and, of course, lettuce for my salads.] Catching up with Luporini about all things. And even writing a bit. Both of us. [Picture me propped up in my bed with my laptop and Luporini tucked into my brown and white comfortable chair by my bed--wearing my socks, a sweatshirt and covered with a blanket--writing about her times past--in particular when she first worked for the phone company].

Monday is here. Day 4. My recovery is going well. Cloudy skies and wind and rain. No sitting on the porch today. But lots of opportunities for exercising and building strength. [Dr. Chang called this morning to advise: one crutch for support and frequent extension and rotation and isometric exercises for strength.] Visits with dear friends and phone chats with family in the afternoon. And beginning a new book.

Sunday again

Photos from Shanan. He is looking after Desie. Goose is helping out as well:

Here's what I think Goose and Desie have concluded about their current situation: Goose thinks it’s been long enough and he’s tired of it. But he loves Shanan and will endure as long as necessary. [thank you Goose!] Desie says she is trying to be a good girl and she knows she asks a lot of Shanan and Goose. She hope she brings some joy to the two of them!

Here is a photo of Desie Shanan took yesterday. Her usual 3 pose.

Friday Morning

I am home and very happy to be here. I came home late yesterday morning post surgery [which went very very well]. My sweet son Shanan [along with Desie and Goose in the back seat of his car to greet me with lots of kisses and wags] picked me up and brought me home. Once home, Shanan stayed and helped out/took care of me. As for me, lots of naps and tiny snacks and an unexpected visit to Dr. Chang's office to have my bandage repaired/changed. But all went well.

I am very happy.

Today I will rest and rest.

Thursday morning in Berkeley

3/5 of my Evanston Family

[click to view larger image]

1/5 of my Evanston Family

[click to view larger image]

Back home

Sitting at my desk with my coffee and lots of memories from my trip to see my Evanston family.

Images of little girls giggling; art projects; yogurt snacks [with special k, honey and berries for Jordan and apples for Skylar]; reading books [Where the sidewalks Ends and Ming Lo Moves the Mountain, to name just two, and doing math problems [ 2+0 and 4+4, for example]; ichatting with Shanan; solving dog and cat puzzles from Martha; reading a biology book with Dylan [even though he didn't want to talk to me]; "hanging out" with everyone, as they put it; snowflakes falling outside.

And more images of the ride home from the airport with Shanan and Desie and Goose [my Berkeley family] last night.
Lots of hugs and wags and catching up about Brandon and his family.

2/4 of my Berkeley Family [at Crissy Field while I was away]

[click to view larger image]

It is quiet this morning.

Sunshine abounds.
Desie is in her bed--she is a bit confused about my comings and goings and her place here with me.
She is a reserved happy girl on this morning.

Thinking about family.
And how lovely love and affection can be.

An excerpt from one of last year's Valentines

which seems appropriate to put right here.

Desiree

Sunday Desie

Desie is a sweetie. Just so you know.

Sunday September 25th 2010

Still Life with Onions

Paul Cézanne (1895)

A lovely day in San Francisco with my sweet son Shanan and Goose Dog and Desie to celebrate Shanan's birthday:

1. 8:30 arrival at Shanan's [albeit a bit late due to car key problems that have been resolved by retiring old key with [more definitive] new key]
2. coffee [and luna bar for me]; carrots for Goose and Desie
3. 9:30 vist to the deYoung to see Van Gogh, Gauguin, Cézanne, and Beyond: Post-Impressionist Masterpieces from the Musée d’Orsay
4. visit to the Museum Store for cards and postcards and magnets [during which time Shanan showed great patience and understanding]
5. [very sweet] sweets at the deYoung Cafe: chocolate croissant & lemon bar [along with a few sips of coffee]
6. lovely walk [and running around] at the Presidio with Goose and Desie
7. back at Shanan's for traditional angel food cake [that had not been frosted] with dollops of whipped cream and two strawberries on top and a small scoop of Haagen Dazs vanilla ice cream on the side [more carrots for Goose and Desie]
8. brushing Desie's and Goose's teeth with dog flavored toothpaste
9. 1:15 [about] time to go home for me and Desie
10. farewell hugs for all

Upon arrival home:

1. lots of college writing papers to read on a Sunday afternoon in Berkeley
2. a nice talk on the phone with my sweet son Brandon
3. walk with my sweet dog Desie in the late late afternoon

Friday

A list:

1. Desie is feeling better.
2. She is such a sweet girl.
3. We are going to be home most of today cleaning up and doing a bit of reading of logs for CW.
4. My sweet son Brandon is coming tonight.
5. He will stay with my sweet son Shanan in S.F.
6. Tomorrow, Brandon and Shanan are going to to the Cal game: Cal vs UCD.
7. [Just so you know, Brandon went to UCD for undergrad and Berkeley for grad school]
8. I am going to the game with my dear friend Liz: she has season tickets in honor of her husband Herb.
9. Goose will stay with Desie during the game.
10. After the game, Brandon and Shanan and I will have dinner at La Mediterranee.
11. Brandon will stay with me overnight.
12. And then, I will take him to the airport for an early morning flight back to Evanston.

All of this is going to be so wonderful!

Wednesday morning

Just so you know, Desie and I were up quite a bit last night. She seems to have cystitis and so I will be taking her to the vet this morning. Then we will get some odor remover for the areas she soiled last night and again this morning. And then I will prepare for my class.

Sunday morning

Desie has been with me for one week now. We are "two sturdy girls", as a dear friend put it, who have found each other. Desie and I are in love.

Desie is a sweet sweet girl who adores her fleece toys [she likes to make them squeak] and our yard [where, at times, she just runs around and around with abandon]. She loves loves to fetch: In the yard, she chases her tennis ball and romps with her very large stick that bumps into everything with her ardent retrieverness. In the house, she runs after her toys with [seemingly unspoken but agreed upon] dutiful respect for the furniture. When she greets me upon my return home, she wags and wags and makes circles around me. Just so you know, her nose has a bit of brown on it. And, she follows me around from room to room just as I hoped she would.

Desie is gentle and thoughtful about things. She watches me and everything I do. She is learning our routines and what is expected of her ["sit" and "wait" at the door before we go out] and what not to do ["down" when she jumps up on me]. She backs up when she wants more space between whatever it is that needs more time for understanding and her: for example, when she meets certain people she does not know and, as she did last evening, when she saw me pick up my laundry basket [apparently all of sudden] so that I could carry it upstairs. Right now she is asleep in her upstairs bed by the window. She has been sighing, perhaps to let me know she is close by or maybe to show her contentment with her new life with me. Maybe both. We are, indeed, two sturdy and cautious and thoughtful girls.

Saturday morning visit with Desie

Shanan and Goose and I visited Desie yesterday. Everyone got along very well.

Thinking about things

I wonder if Desie will like carrots like Isidore did. And like Goose does. Will she chew them daintily like she did the dog biscuit I gave her on Saturday? [The same way Goose eats his carrots?]

For the record, my sweet Isidore ate his beloved carrots every night [while I made my salad] with both appreciation and rapidity. Isidore was a good chewer.