Having spent this past weekend in Boston, where summer doesn’t seem to have broken yet, many folks were complaining.  Sometimes, mood is set by what is going on (or not) in our lives. Other times, the weather doesn’t help.  We can hit a wall.  Be conscious of and sensitive to others’ states. You don’t always know how someone else might really be feeling. Small kindnesses can help in big ways.  (Small kindnesses include:  a smile, a phone call, a coffee, an errand, being reliable, keeping a plan.)

THE WALL

No it’s not a place on Facebook
It’s real and raw

When the body and mind have had enough
When the going gets tough
When everything feels rough

When bed is the only place to be
Can’t move
Can’t think
Can’t anything

Some know that place better than others

Not a place that you go by choice
Or for attention

Not something that’s discussed or planned

If you’ve not been there
Harder to understand

This is an interesting process for me.  Still evolving!

Since starting to tweet (about 6 weeks ago), I haven’t been making as many blog posts. While (my) blog posts take a while to compose, the tweets are (relatively) spontaneous and instantaneous. 

Addressing or commenting on immediate issues seems to have been made easy:  maybe one of the reasons Twitter has become so popular.  Also, in the "quick-fix society" in which we live, Tweeting seems to pull ahead by attracting all types of folk—writers and bloggers or not, and the famous, as well as the not-so.  Personal and technical resources needed are limited.  And, of course, it’s free!

What do my Tweets of the last few days reveal?

A quick look at my Tweets from the last few days is pasted below (as a list). If you add groups of them together, mini-stories and/or messages emerge. Others are one-off comments or responses to what others may have said—simply ways to connect back or respond. 

1.  A caution re. vets in Toronto and options:  who to see and who to avoid.
2.  A caution re. small dog illnesses and symptoms, like blocked anal glands.
3.  Thanks to those who have retweeted what I have had to say.
4.  Thanks to those who have recommended me/what I’ve had to say.
5.  Quotes and insights re. life and happenings.
6.  Responses to celebrities.

Actual Tweets

•  Thanks for the RT re. #Vets about 1 hour ago from web in reply to @Looking4God
   
•  Thanks Jilly for the rec and interesting info! about 1 hour ago from web in reply to @JillyWisdom
   
•  Not all #vets are pet-sensitive. #Toronto now has alternatives to VEC, also available 24 hours. Rec Downtown Vet Church Street for Sundays about 1 hour ago from web
   
•  Small dogs need quick attention when something is wrong. Decline is fast. Don’t listen 2 vets you don’t trust. B safe. Go elsewhere + push about 1 hour ago from web
   
•  Rough night with Sage post surgery. Toronto VEC vet intern had told us 2 c regular vet tomorrow. Thankfully we didn’t. Went to Downtown vet! about 1 hour ago from web
   
•  Once may be a mistake. Twice, you’re not certain what’s happening. Three times is a pattern. Now you know with whom you’re dealing. Caution! about 10 hours ago from web
   
•  Sandals = Most innovative product at Woofstock sold by http://doggieq.com Don’t damage dog’s toenails and protect from hot sidewalks $15 about 11 hours ago from web
   
• @melissagrelo VEC (Vet Emergency) needs to b better represented+more dog friendly if they plan to be there. Interesting stories to tell! about 11 hours ago from web in reply to melissagrelo
   
•  The more expensive the brand the smaller the number sizes on the labels:-) about 11 hours ago from web in reply to @SherriEShepherd
   
•  Blue skies and a sunny day in Toronto—and it’s the weekend. Finally a hint of summer in the air! Seize the moment and enjoy:-) 7:20 AM Jun 13th from web
   
•  Hard work doesn’t always bring rewards externally, but feeling good inside is worth a whole lot more—knowing that your tried and never lied 7:16 AM Jun 13th from web
   
•  Growing ego may lead 2 shrinking heart. The quicker the fix, the greater the expectation—and disappointment:-) 7:08 AM Jun 13th from web in reply to @JillyWisdom
   
•  And the more you put yourself out there, the more you have to be prepared for what might come back at you:-) 7:04 AM Jun 13th from web in reply to @JillyWisdom
   
•  #Canada, shame on you for selling #asbestos to #developing countries, like #India. Thx #CBC for drawing attention to this today on the news 6:59 AM Jun 13th from web
   
•  @hashsocial Thanks for sharing:-) 6:49 AM Jun 13th from web in reply to @hashsocial
   
•  @DocSarah Thanks for sharing:-) 6:48 AM Jun 13th from web in reply to @DocSarah
   
•  #quote: Those who don’t have the courage to reply say more about themselves and their own inadequacies than they do about you and yours:-) 6:47 AM Jun 13th from web
   
• @aplusk Reading what others have to say is more important than saying what doesn’t need to be said:-) 4:42 AM Jun 13th from web in reply to @aplusk
   
• #Facebook name: Susan.R.Makin 4:37 AM Jun 13th from web

• @DocSarah and acceptance that no matter how hard you try, others may pull ahead, without trying 4:35 AM Jun 13th from web in reply to @DocSarah

The image at the top of this post is my current Twitter Wallpaper, one of my paintings, 18 x 18 in, oil on canvas.

 

It’s never too late to get married! Lev and Sage, art studio assistants and editors-in-chief of the DocSusan sites, helped set an example, Sunday June 7, 2009. They participated in a special high-tea happening at the Méridien King Edward Hotel to herald Woofstock, while helping raise funds for canine cancer research, via the Ontario Veterinary College’s Pet Trust. In the evening, following the cermeony, the happy couple’s TV news interviews appeared on City and Global. Also, additional video footage and photos, of them and the event, were posted by the Toronto Sun, the Torontoist, and the Globe and Mail.

 

Once the party was over, mother of both bride and groom (DocSusan), and bride (Lev) and groom (Sage) took a moment to relax. This photo, from a friend’s iphone, was the most relaxed of the day!

 

For more about Lev and Sage, and their wedding details,  please check out earlier blog posts.  These include:

• Exchanging Vows, With Poetry At Woofstock Wedding—Today. Lev and Sage Are the Happy Bride and Groom (June 7, 2009)
• Woofstock’s Weddings for Dogs—Today! (June 7, 2009)
• Wedding Announcement! A Later in Life Marriage for Older Woman, Younger Man, and It’s Dog-Friendly (May 28, 2009)
• 12 Years-Old Today—Lev Makin, Editor-in-Chief, DocSusan’s Blog. From Puppy to Pensioner! (February 5, 2009)
• Winter Fashion and Practicality for Dogs (February 7, 09)
• Paraphimosis: Little Penis, Big Swelling and Extrusion from the Prepuce—Sage’s Health Saga Continues (February 4, 2009)
• Dog-Shots by Lev and Sage Makin: Some of the Best Poses of 2008 (February 2, 2009)
• “The Sneeze”: Lev Makin (Blog Editor in Chief) Post Oral Surgery—Older Dog, Longer Recovery and Greater Concern (January 14, 2009)
• Sew Nice! Homemade as Tonic and Treasure (January 9, 2009)
• Lessons from 2008: Canine Confidence and Coincidence Cure (January 1, 2009)
• Home for the Holidays! Sick Puppy Alert: When Two Dogs are Better than One. (December 25, 2008)
• Homemade Dog Food: Synchronicity, Health, Quality (November 22, 2008)
• 48-Hours of Caring for Sick and Elderly. Sage Makin, Little Wonder-Dog’s Recovery in Images (November 10, 2008)
• One to One at Apple: Customer Satisfaction and Doggies Included (July 26, 2008)
• Older Dogs’ Health Watch (July 10, 2008)
• Favorite Dog Toy is a Duck (June 8, 2008)
• Artists Need Moral Support—and Caninekind Offers the Best (May 5, 2008)
• Artwork Approval: Animalkind like Animal Magic! (April 15, 2008)
• Every Art Studio Needs a Watch-Dog (April 10, 2008)
• Veterinary Emergencies (April 2, 2008)
• Sunbathing DOGS (March 12, 2008)
• “Happy Birthday!” Editor-in-Chief and Studio Assistant, Lev (February 5, 2008)
• Always a Puppy, Never a Dog (August 23, 2007)
• ART STUDIO Assistants and Poodle Pals (April 1, 2007)
• DOG-Sitter Caution (January 21, 2007)
• PUPPY (Baby) Pictures (December 22, 2006)
• CAPE COD in Fall/Winter (November 6, 2006)

 
LEV to SAGE

Dearest Sage,

Fell for you at first sight
Though we did start with a little fight

Very soon the boss you knew I’d be
Ever since, complete harmony

Younger man, older woman

You let me win, think I’m cool
Toy boys rule!

All those emotions of mine you let ride
Always by my side

A shadow and a live spark
Great for a snuggle or run in the park

A flirt and attention seeker
But, no humans around, my best company-keeper

Even if there’s a difference in attitude and age
Who cares at this stage

You’re still my dog-love, I cherish you Sage!

SAGE to LEV

Dearest Lev,

I’m a tiny man
But, never without a plan

You’re a woman with special ways
Not for everyone, just perfect for me

To keep you happy
My ideas are very snappy

Your bark is worse than your bite
Even when we fight

Humans like me, dogs too
I make up for what you cannot do

Personable and bold, seldom shy
I’m your kind of a guy

As we age, more shared adventures we know
Through most things, together we comfort each other, and grow

The vet’s or the groomer’s, we’re side by side
No secrets to hide

Lev, you’re a spectacular bride!

For more about Lev and Sage, please check out earlier blog posts.  These include:

• Wedding Announcement! A Later in Life Marriage for Older Woman, Younger Man, and It’s Dog-Friendly (May 28, 2009)
• 12 Years-Old Today—Lev Makin, Editor-in-Chief, DocSusan’s Blog. From Puppy to Pensioner! (February 5, 2009)
• Winter Fashion and Practicality for Dogs (February 7, 09)
• Paraphimosis: Little Penis, Big Swelling and Extrusion from the Prepuce—Sage’s Health Saga Continues (February 4, 2009)
• Dog-Shots by Lev and Sage Makin: Some of the Best Poses of 2008 (February 2, 2009)
• “The Sneeze”: Lev Makin (Blog Editor in Chief) Post Oral Surgery—Older Dog, Longer Recovery and Greater Concern (January 14, 2009)
• Sew Nice! Homemade as Tonic and Treasure (January 9, 2009)
• Lessons from 2008: Canine Confidence and Coincidence Cure (January 1, 2009)
• Home for the Holidays! Sick Puppy Alert: When Two Dogs are Better than One. (December 25, 2008)
• Homemade Dog Food: Synchronicity, Health, Quality (November 22, 2008)
• 48-Hours of Caring for Sick and Elderly. Sage Makin, Little Wonder-Dog’s Recovery in Images (November 10, 2008)
• One to One at Apple: Customer Satisfaction and Doggies Included (July 26, 2008)
• Older Dogs’ Health Watch (July 10, 2008)
• Favorite Dog Toy is a Duck (June 8, 2008)
• Artists Need Moral Support—and Caninekind Offers the Best (May 5, 2008)
• Artwork Approval: Animalkind like Animal Magic! (April 15, 2008)
• Every Art Studio Needs a Watch-Dog (April 10, 2008)
• Veterinary Emergencies (April 2, 2008)
• Sunbathing DOGS (March 12, 2008)
• “Happy Birthday!” Editor-in-Chief and Studio Assistant, Lev (February 5, 2008)
• Always a Puppy, Never a Dog (August 23, 2007)
• ART STUDIO Assistants and Poodle Pals (April 1, 2007)
• DOG-Sitter Caution (January 21, 2007)
• PUPPY (Baby) Pictures (December 22, 2006)
• CAPE COD in Fall/Winter (November 6, 2006)

 

Lev’s and Sage’s big day is finally here. Yes, they are getting married after 9.5 years of cohabitation!  And, here they are—the happy couple at their "dress rehearsal" on a sunnier day earlier this week.  Of course, it’s raining today—but they’ll have a great time anyway.

For more about Lev and Sage, please check out earlier blog posts.  These include:

• Wedding Announcement! A Later in Life Marriage for Older Woman, Younger Man, and It’s Dog-Friendly (May 28, 2009)
• 12 Years-Old Today—Lev Makin, Editor-in-Chief, DocSusan’s Blog. From Puppy to Pensioner! (February 5, 2009)
• Winter Fashion and Practicality for Dogs (February 7, 09)
• Paraphimosis: Little Penis, Big Swelling and Extrusion from the Prepuce—Sage’s Health Saga Continues (February 4, 2009)
• Dog-Shots by Lev and Sage Makin: Some of the Best Poses of 2008 (February 2, 2009)
• “The Sneeze”: Lev Makin (Blog Editor in Chief) Post Oral Surgery—Older Dog, Longer Recovery and Greater Concern (January 14, 2009)
• Sew Nice! Homemade as Tonic and Treasure (January 9, 2009)
• Lessons from 2008: Canine Confidence and Coincidence Cure (January 1, 2009)
• Home for the Holidays! Sick Puppy Alert: When Two Dogs are Better than One. (December 25, 2008)
• Homemade Dog Food: Synchronicity, Health, Quality (November 22, 2008)
• 48-Hours of Caring for Sick and Elderly. Sage Makin, Little Wonder-Dog’s Recovery in Images (November 10, 2008)
• One to One at Apple: Customer Satisfaction and Doggies Included (July 26, 2008)
• Older Dogs’ Health Watch (July 10, 2008)
• Favorite Dog Toy is a Duck (June 8, 2008)
• Artists Need Moral Support—and Caninekind Offers the Best (May 5, 2008)
• Artwork Approval: Animalkind like Animal Magic! (April 15, 2008)
• Every Art Studio Needs a Watch-Dog (April 10, 2008)
• Veterinary Emergencies (April 2, 2008)
• Sunbathing DOGS (March 12, 2008)
• “Happy Birthday!” Editor-in-Chief and Studio Assistant, Lev (February 5, 2008)
• Always a Puppy, Never a Dog (August 23, 2007)
• ART STUDIO Assistants and Poodle Pals (April 1, 2007)
• DOG-Sitter Caution (January 21, 2007)
• PUPPY (Baby) Pictures (December 22, 2006)
• CAPE COD in Fall/Winter (November 6, 2006)