Life lines

It seems to me that there's a thread that winds its way through life's everyday moments. It's a solid, unbreakable and yet ephemeral connection to the truly meaningful. While the day-to-day deadlines and dramas often occupy much of our time and attention, we're reminded of what is really important when we get a glimpse of, or tug on, this connective 'life line'.

I've mentioned this before and I'm still amazed at how many times I've felt this now that I'm so much closer to my original home, family and friends. It's stunning how wonderful life is and yet there's such a dichotomy between the beauty and the sorrow that comes with rich relationships and adventures. To be in touch with this core of life is to appreciate everything and take nothing for granted. And to remember this amid the chaos is the true test.

Reaching for something...

Today was a 'found' day as I was supposed to go to an all-day meeting and then begged off to try to get on top of things in my office. And while I got a lot accomplished, a portion of my time was spent listening to colleagues' feelings of unrest, uneasyness and a sense of something not quite falling into place.

My challenge in these circumstances is to lend an ear, share some shared experience or insight and then NOT take on the negative energy. Gradually I progressed from feeling quite upbeat and blessed with time, to sensing that things were not quite right. And then I remembered that over time I've realized that my nature is to absorb the moods of others and that more constructively I need to empathize, but with some detachment. Too late for today, but lesson learned once again!

So, this vague, unsettling sense that 'something' is off in the distance, just out of reach for now- not sure if that's me or someone else's intuition at play. I'll see how I feel tomorrow.

Maggy and the Naturopath

Thanks everyone for your words and thoughts of encouragement.

So far Maggy's great, except for not liking the poking and prodding of late. On Saturday we headed north of TO to Newmarket to a naturopathic veterinarian for advice and treatment if appropriate. She was fantastic and Maggy, who shakes and protests visiting any vet, was content to relax and hang out there for over two hours of investigation and discussion. She definitely seemed to pick up a very different vibe from the doctor (her name is Autumn) as well as the clinic itself.

We came away with several courses of action including switching to a completely home-prepared, antioxidant-rich diet, nutritional supplements and some tumour-fighting concoctions. We're gung ho to give it a try as long as no adverse reactions ensue - and so far so good. Of course, Maggy always enjoys tasting new things, so she's definitely game!

Maggy's not feeling well...

... actually, she seems to be feeling just fine with lots of energy, drive to get to the park, desire to find those coveted wayward tennis balls, good appetite, shining eyes.

Unfortunately, her vet has found some not so good signs that inside she's not so well. It appears that she has lung cancer that has begun to spread, which is shocking news. I know that her many friends and fans will send positive vibes her way and fyi, I'm not planning to tell her about it. That way, her wonderful, happy-go-lucky approach to life will continue on and on and on.

We'll continue to keep you posted.

Vancouver visitors

This week I'm excited that I get to see two friends from the wet coast as their business travels are bringing them to Toronto. I'm really looking forward to catching up in person versus through email, blogs and facebook entries! One of the great things about living and working in various cities is the chance to meet lots of different friends that you can connect with despite no longer living in the same place.

Thank goodness for e-communication as time and schedule differences make phone calls pretty challenging. And most especially, thank god we sometimes get to meet the old fashioned way - face-to-face!

Looking forward to seeing you Jacqueline and Mika!

Full circle moments

Yesterday I got a phone call from Vancouver regarding a potential job opportunity. As it turns out, it was one that I was interested in a few years ago at the Royal BC Museum. Though I competed for it, once on the short short list, I pulled out as it involved a move to Victoria. From time to time I've wondered if that was the 'right' decision. And though I believe it would have been wonderful to work at the Museum, I'm very happy with the experience I gained by staying where I was and with the way life has unfolded over the past year.

I'm loving working at the Library and am fortunate to have landed here. I'm close to family and have reconnected with them and with old friends on a day-to-day basis. I'm also making new friends and truly enjoying living in Toronto - yes seriously! :)

It was quite nice to get the call though and to, for a moment, consider the opportunity - no, not seriously! ;)

For now, I'm quite content to stay put (and know that Maggy would put all feet down if I even suggested yet another move!).

Everything is new again

Maggy and I encountered a puppy on our walk last night - a puggle (part pug, part beagle) who was full of life and curiosity. Everything was so very interesting and exciting to him. That can also be said for Maggy, except that with years of experience she has learned to prioritize - food first, people second, other dogs third, puppies never! Too much 'in-her-face' energy and very immature for her taste. So off we wandered, not paying attention to the puppy (well I did, she didn't).

In Maggy's defence though, she too is finding that everything is new again. Home, neighbourhood, friend to walk her at lunch time, family visitors (including that two-year old Matthew), vet, food, smells, climate, water. It's all different.

I know how she feels and yet, at least, I had a say in all this change. It does give me pause though as I realize that she and I have completely reinvented our lives over the past 9 months. Wow.