Reconstruction

The walk-out basement feels like a metaphor. I am reconstructing the basement while I am reconstructing me.

One difference is that while my life was deconstructed without my consent, the basement deconstruction (and reconstruction) is absolutely my choice. And so is my personal reconstruction — I control that as well.

That is always good to remember. We do not have control over things that happen to us — we only have control over what we do in the aftermath.

This is the guest bathroom countertop before it fell victim to my reconstruction project.

Note new floor!

It looks orange in the photo but it was more of a cream with an orange pattern — and formica.

This is the countertop when I was done…

It isn’t perfect — this reconstruction — and yes, it is messy at times. But just look at the difference!

Okay — yes, the handle needs to be straightened but how cute are the moose?!

It was done with a special paint that I did over a weekend in multiple colors/coats.

Who knew that was a thing?! Not me.

I am learning so much about what is possible. I cannot, however, do it all myself and so I am getting better at asking for help. My awesome plumber not only installed the sink yesterday but also did the caulk around the countertop for me. Because I asked.

People do not know what we need unless we ask.

I asked Almighty Heidi Husband’s for help and …

Let There Be Light. And gratitude — so much gratitude.

The reconstruction is very intentionally focusing on things that make me happy.

Little uplifts that serve as reminders that happiness and reasons to smile still exist. I am very intentional about this reconstruction project — both of them.

I am so grateful that others are watching and supporting me.

Thank you, Sue, for that amazing and fun photo. I think I should frame it and add it to the bathroom. Also, I want to rub those cute moose ears. Is that a thing in Alaska?!

I was pretty okay not knowing how to refinish a countertop and am not at a point where I feel grateful about being shoved into my reconstruction project(s). But here I am.

Check out the reflections in that photo. Wow.

And there I go. Into my wild and precious life. With dogs.

Celebration

We have some celebrating to do, Team Kaibab!

Sparkle’s daughters got the memo…

In AKC obedience, there is just one Novice A dog in our lifetime. That is the first dog we title in obedience — our introduction to the dog sport of obedience. A Novice A team is just starting out, learning the ins and outs of training and showing. It is not easy.

Ruthie, one of the Sparklers, is Lori’s once in a lifetime Novice A dog.

Ruthie is the BMDCA’s Top Novice A Obedience Dog for 2021!

This is a Big Deal. A Really Big Deal.

It is based on scores for each of Ruthie’s three legs earned towards her Novice A obedience title (CD). To train and show a dog in obedience is such an accomplishment — to be recognized with your Novice A Dog in this way is flipping amazing.

I am so very happy for Team Ruthie. This award is a symbol of a life well-loved and well-lived. Thank you, Lori, and CONGRATULATIONS!

After Novice A, one’s future dogs are shown in Novice B.

(drum roll, please)

Ruthie’s sister, Kiri, is the BMDCA’s Top Novice B Obedience Dog for 2021!!

Alison and Kiri

How is that for fantastic?! Congratulations to Team Kiri for their lovely and happy work in Novice B obedience — this is a well-deserved award.

Their Uncle Tristan, one of the iPups, says, “Hold my Bone Broth and watch this…”

Tristan, an outstanding overachiever from a family of overachievers, earned TWO Top Dog awards in 2021.

He is the BMDCA’s Top Open B Obedience Dog and the BMDCA’s Top Master Agility Dog!

It is so wonderful to watch legacy unfolding — thank you Alison and Lori.

WOWZA!

Photo Update

The cats continue to entertain…

Capella continues to work on darker pigment across her Rudolph nose…

And when I am exercising, everyone is a critic.

Sparkle: You call that a plank?!

Claire: That was a definite 2.5 — terrible form!

Capella: You get extra credit for walking a dog (hint, hint).

I hope your extra weekend day is FUN!