Anyone who knows me knows that I've spent my life surrounded by people. I was always a quick phone call away from something to do with someone else. In fact, too many times I put this ahead of what was more important. Until recently I didn't know what it meant to be alone. It has taken quite a bit of time and  tears to come to terms with these changes in my life but without them I wouldn't be doing this.

Now I realize the importance of a little solitude. It helps you find yourself. It forces you to think about your life and the direction you're heading. It allows you to decide what it is that is truly important to you. You and your thoughts...that is the definition of solitude.


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Adventures of "The List"...

#48 Volunteer at an animal shelter...
On Tuesday I visited Pets Without Parents, a local shelter running strictly on the generosity of others. I've always liked animals but never really got all ga ga over them like others I know.  This item was put on my list because of those darn sad commercials with the Sarah McLaughlin song and because I no longer have a pet of my own (miss you Oscar!).

I started off my morning with the most glamorous of all tasks...cleaning cages! I cleaned several kitten cages and ended with a puppy cage, which was pretty gross for a first-timer! :)

Then the fun part...I took River for a walk...or rather he took me for a walk!

He is sweet little mutt who constantly tries to put things in his mouth. On our adventure he tried to eat my camera, and actually jumped into my trunk whenI went to put it away. :) He also picked up two different gloves, an empty cigarette pack, a few sticks, plastic flowers from someone's yard (I put them back, I promise), and a water bottle. He was a wild man but very lovable.

He loves to give kisses!

It was EXTREMELY difficult to take a picture because he did not want to stay still. Who can blame him though since he spends so much time in a small cage?

As I left the shelter, I told all the animals to look pretty and behave because today just might be their day to go home. If you're thinking about adding a pet to your family, please consider adopting a rescue! Also, shelters like these rely on fundraisers, donations, and volunteers to survive. There are a variety of ways to help out without actually going to the shelter. Consider it!


Even though I can cross this item off my list, I'm not through volunteering for this wonderful organization. I didn't write my list just to simply check things off. My list was written to help me do a little good on God's great earth. Pets Without Parents needs help and if I have a little time to spare, why not?! Besides, too much downtime just makes me hungry, and that's not good for my waistline!

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On my way home from PWP I stopped in Sew to Speak and signed up for my Intro to Sewing class...no turning back now! It's time to get Hope moving! :)


Now it's time for a run...

Heidi