Hello friends! I have been a bit on my own this week since my hooman has been out of town. This meant my adventure was a lone expedition that led me down rather a dark path. Before I knew it – I was in the land of wishful thinking! With my hooman absent from distraction, I was able to focus my attention on all the things I was missing out on. I kept up this train of thought and soon found myself at the bottom of the ravine.
As I sniffed around the familiar landscape, I wandered out onto a log to think about why I was feeling this way. My log meditation was not helpful since my view was the other side of the creek – the neighbors property. I am not allowed to explore that side of the creek, and I always thought it looked a bit more interesting than my side. This reinforced my “missing out” feelings. I began to believe others may have it just a little bit better than me. Perhaps the grass is greener over there…
As an icy breeze ruffled my coat I was reminded that I have to accept these freezing temps for at least another month. Here in Michigan we don’t even “think spring” until mid-April. Since it is still February – I have a long wait before the seasons begin to change. Yet another reminder that my life is “ruffer” than most. Unlike my buddy out in Arizona (whos name is also Jack). He gets to live in the sunshine surrounded by red rock mountains. Instead of hiking “down” to the creek, Arizona Jack gets to hike “up” to the mountain peeks.
Since I was literally freezing, I hopped off the log and continued through the woods thinking about Arizona Jack and what he is up to today. My imagination had him climbing up the red rocks with the heat of the sun warming his coat. That’s when I came upon the creek rapids…frozen in splendor. I was awed by the crystal icicles that dripped like jewels off the logs. Leaves were encrusted in white frost that took my breath away. All I could do was stare at the frozen phenomenon of ice and snow and the current that somehow was still moving through the glacial water.
As I marveled at the endurance of the creek pushing through the ice, I was inspired to push on as well. My thinking began to shift as I watched the water flow. I get to see this secret creek silently flowing through the winter woodland. The snow from last week still remained which created a quiet that reinforced the secretive feeling of how special I was to get to witness this spectacular sight.
Since I knew my hooman would be returning from her trip soon, I decided to make my way back to the house. The bitter wind made my eyes water as I climbed back up the hill. Wishful thoughts of Arizona Jack and the desert heat began to creep back in again. Then I realized if I lived in Arizona, I would have never shared that icy secret with the creek. I would have missed out. So perhaps the grass is not always greener on the other side – just different. Perhaps we all have wondrous things going on in our lives and we just have to recognize how amazing it is in our own backyard.
So friends, as we move into the very last week of February – let’s remember to appreciate what we have and try not to wander down the path of wishful thinking. Sure it may seem like others have things a bit better – but try not to be envious. Open your eyes to what is great about your world and focus your thoughts there. Share what you have with others and invite them to share in your life too – that way we can have the best of both worlds. As for me, I am going to bark out to Arizona Jack and tell him all about my icy discovery. I can’t wait to hear all about his canine adventures – mountain style.
Bark at you next week!
Your friend,
P.S. If you have pictures of your canine exploring and would like to be a part of my weekly adventures – send them to me at barkingwithjack@gmail.com.
Jack Jack Canine Explorer 