Abby's been thinking...

Do these glasses make me look smart?

My goal in life is to be as good of a person my dog already thinks I am.  ~Author Unknown

This is Abby and she’s our two year old Golden Retriever. We love her to pieces and I don’t hesitate to admit that she’s a bit spoiled by everone in this family. But in this house being spoiled comes with a price tag…she has to tolerate the kids! Actually, she’s very patient and laid back and just goes with the flow. When I watch her I am amazed and bewildered that she somehow seems to fit right in as one of “the kids”!

This is our first experience as a family beginning at the puppy stage, and I never knew it could be so entertaining.  Only days after we got her she got her tongue stuck to the frozen fence...and we didn’t even have to triple-dog-dare her! And she has always been a very generous dog, eager to bring us presents that she gathers from around the house-underwear, socks, a tooth bush, pantyhose, bra, stuffed animals, bracelets, toilet paper tubes, stockings, rubber bands, boots, toys, ornaments off the X-mas tree-really anything that fits, and as much as she can fit in!

She also has quite the appetite,eating more than her fair share of logs, branches, leaves, rocks, concrete, bees, and butterflies. She has also eaten knock-out roses (2), crepe myrtles (5), a small cherry tree and Japanese maple, each down to the ground.

But this is a dog that has her priorities straight.  Abby doesn't miss out on a chance to do what she loves most. Whether it's going for a dip in the pool, playing  football with the boys, catching some Frisbee, and you can never go wrong with a good round of tug-of-war, but her most favorite would be playing with her soccer ball.





Now this is the life!

The beloved soccer ball!

I got this one!



When we take walks she pulls like crazy while on her leash, but without it you can barely walk without tripping because she stays so close. And there's a rumor going around that she has pulled the socks right off my sons feet one night while he was sleeping...I certainly wouldn't put it past her! She loves to put her paw up to have you scratch the top and  bottom, and if you’ll just pet her when you come over to visit she is putty in your hands, literally, her eyes roll back and she melts down onto her back!



Oh, and Abby loves to get good and comfy, for some reason she has taken to sleeping on the steps and has nothing against cuddling up with a good….

And just for the record, Abby is not the only goofy dog that we’ve had.  When Rob and I were young we had a Siberian husky named Jaws but goofy is not the best fit for her.  The more appropriate word would be CRAZY!  She was wild and crazy and loved to run, and run, and run, and run. Just what you would expect of a husky, right? Not me, I was totally unaware she’d be like that, I just wanted her because she was so adorable and fluffy!



That dog would bolt on any given opportunity. But we had a trick up our sleeves, at the time Rob and I both smoked, so we would take the cellophane off our packs and crumble it up. She thought it was the treat bag and would come running...she fell for it every time! 

And this dog was like Houdini, she could escape from anywhere. At one time we had a fenced yard, an electric fence, and she was also on a wire cord.  Some how she still managed to get out. Once she made it over the fence but had to hang out in the neighbors’ bushes until we realized she was there…at least the leash kept her from running away that time.

She was hit by a car 3 times- one not serious, one somewhat bad, and one pretty serious.

We got a ticket once because she would get loose and go after ducks that a couple had been raising for their grandchildren. One time she even carried a duck back to our house, and another time we had to pay vet bills for one that she injured. This was one of her favorite places to visit at the time.

She was stolen from our backyard once and we think our landlord set it up, I still haven’t figured out why they would want to do that!

And boy was that dog fast, she could catch birds and squirrels and would stand her ground to any intruding raccoons and possums. We would try to get her inside, but she'd never come 'til she knew she had things taken care of.

If you were sitting on a couch she could jump over the couch…and you, really!

She also had this grass phobia and would stand on the edge of the driveway and just hang over when she needed to go to the bathroom, she even choose to go right on the driveway sometimes.  And she would lay on that driveway whether it was a blasting 100 degrees or pouring down rain outside. She especially loved to stay out during the winter, she would curl up in a ball and we would enjoy measuring the snow that would build-up on her. She never wanted to come in, we even left the doors open to the garage, but she never bothered. This one time it was raining so hard, and of course she was laying in the middle of the driveway, so I opened the door and yelled out “what are you doing stupid”, and no lie, my husband comes walking out of the garage looking guilty...he thought he was busted for sneaking cigarettes!  He had quit for about a year I think!

Jaws was pretty old by the time we had the kids, but they sure loved her.  Putting her down was one of the saddest experiences in my life. As an adult it was the first time I had experienced death. I don’t know what I expected, but I remember sitting there thinking, oh my god, just a second ago she was alive, and now she's gone...just like that.  We drove away only having our memories of her.

Our pets play such an important role in our lives.  We love and value them as "part of the family".  We celebrate their birthdays, give them presents during the holidays, let them out to play with their buddies, take them for a spin in the car, and we even find places where we can vacation with them.  Heck, there are a lot of people who would choose their pet over any human!

We love to tell our pet stories, I love to tell my pet stories!   And I have no doubt that for ever story that I have just told, you could match with some great "tails" about your pets!  My intention was to make a short, cute little post about how great our pets are and why I believe dogs have the deal figured out, but once I got started, I just couldn't stop!  So here it is, simply put: 

• Dogs love us no matter what, and don't hold grudges.
• They take advantage of any opportunity to spend time with the family.
• Dogs know the imortantance of spending time out doors.
• They love to play and have fun...and also know how to enterain themselves.
• Dogs want to be friends with everyone!
• They accept us no matter our faults and imperfections.



We still have a ways to go if we want to catch up to them, but I know they will continue to teach us even when we go astray!

P.S.  Unfortunately I didn't have any pictures of Jaws readily available to post, back in the day we had to use camera's with film!









Kicking "busy" to the curb

“Hey Julie, do you want to meet for lunch?
I’d really love to, but work is so busy. I just can’t get away right now.”

“Hey Mom, can you come outside and play with us? 
Not right now, I’m busy. I’ve got all this stuff I have to get done.”

“I hope the family can make it to the party this weekend. 
I’m so sorry, the kids have games and there are projects around the house that need attention. We’re just too busy right now, but let’s schedule something when things slow down”

Does any of this sound familiar to you? Is there something in your life that dominates the majority or your time?

Over the past couple of years I have been trying to take the “busy” out of my schedule. At first, I really didn’t think it was possible, believing that everything I did was necessary. But what I found was that being busy is a choice, and a lot of what I was busy with really didn’t serve me.

I think it is important for us to recognize the reasons that we are busy if we really want to slow down and start getting to what’s most important, to become responsible for the quality of our life (another choice). The reality is that a good portion of what we do is necessary, it enables us to be available and to provide for our families, but on the other hand, a lot of what we do is just  “time-fillers” and nonsense.

When we are so busy, it’s a clear sign that we are out of balance. So, just what is it that keeps us so busy? This list may provide some insights or even a new perspective on busy, you may even find that keeping busy may be something more than just work, family, and the normal run-arounds.

Our jobs demand a lot from us. It seems with the drop in the economy employers are making cuts, downsizing, and merging positions together. Our already demanding jobs seem to be getting increasingly…more demanding. Creating balance in this situation may take some creative strategizing. Is it possible to delegate some of your work load or could you go in an hour earlier so you can get home an hour earlier? Perhaps it’s time to update your resume and put some feelers out. And you never know, after investigating what’s available, you may find that right where you are isn’t so bad after all!

We don’t know how to say NO. Are you afraid of hurting someone’s feelings? Do you over volunteer yourself? Are there so many things that excite you, and you take them on all at once. I once read “say no to the good, so you can say yes to the great”. Wow, what a powerful statement. And let’s not forget, when we say yes when we real want to say no, it is a sure way to set ourselves up for burn-out, to become angry and resentful, and could lead to us avoiding friends or family because of it. We may even blame them, when all along it was out inability to say no that got us there in the first place

Is it an excuse? Is there something you really don’t want to do, but you don’t have the courage to say no, so you claim “I’m busy”. At the time it may appear that being busy is an easy way out…but only until the offer presents itself again! Be honest, communicate what you need. Maybe it’s more important to stay home on Sunday to spend time with your family…who wouldn’t respect that!

We are avoiding something.Things aren’t going so good at home, so you work extra hours just to stay away longer. There is something you are hiding from your family or friends so you stay busy so they won’t find out what it is. You may think others aren’t aware…but most often they know that something’s up.

The truth is, at times I can be quite the master of busy, so this list could go on forever if I’d let it! But what I’ve realized is the more I practice and the more I remind myself of my commitment to slow down, the more I have time to do what’s most important to me. My husband has even said that he is jealous of my ability to “do nothing” sometimes…there may have been some underlying message in there, but I chose not to pick up on it!!

What can we do to start making changes?

First start by being honest with yourself, make a list of all your daily activities, and then question why you do them. Again, some are absolutely necessary, but what are the ones that aren’t? This would be a great time to do some journaling and reflect on what changes you would like to make.

And then replace busy for balance.

You could start by looking at 3 or 4 of the most important areas in your life and determine how much of your time you are currently devoting to each. Then start tweaking. If an area has been neglected- schedule something in. But the key here is not just adding into your already busy schedule, but to also find area’s where you need to make some cuts. Nothing is set in stone. You can always try something new if it’s not working out the way you planned.

And just remember how easy it is to fall back into old, comfortable habits, even when they're not what we want. This will take commitment, it may even feel like you are making sacrifices.  And your old ways may be tempting because they are the easier choice at first, but be patient with yourself and do the best you can. I promise, if this is important, you will be greatly rewarded!

Who needs our attention right now, but may feel as if we have turned our backs on them because we are too busy? How many great opportunities have gone unnoticed because we didn’t have the time to slow down and take notice?

In the end, would you rather be remembered for all the tasks you have completed, or the quality of life you lived and the relationships that you’ve developed?

Setting the Record Straight

I’d like to set the record straight before we get too committed in this deal.

Not every blog I write will prove to be an inspirational masterpiece overflowing with words of the utmost importance. Could it be expected that every post would be filled with sentence after sentence of imaginative ideas and reflective insights that will inevitably result in a profound impact, possibly altering the course of life as you know it from this day forward…or at least until you get up from your computer! My ego would love to believe this is not true, but reality does tell a different tale!

These are the reasons I write. First, for me.  To prioritize and stay focused on what’s most important in my life, to help bring clarity to the thoughts that circle around in my head, and to work through some of the challenges I face in my days. Second, I write because I’m suppose to, and I know this is true because I enjoy it! And third, I write because I want to make a difference in this world and this is one of the ways that I can do it.

And why I am telling you this? Well, because I am really, really, really stepping out of my comfort zone by sharing with others that I write this blog.  It would stand to reason that if I am taking the time to write this, that I would hope to have people actually reading it!  Although that makes total sense, that's not the way it was working for me.  I was too chicken to tell people for fear of what they might think.

So this is what I want you to know for today, and tomorrow, and the next day:

1. I am taking myself off the hook. Sheeww, I feel better already! There is nothing I need to do other than be myself.

2. You can take yourself off the hook. Sometimes my posts won’t resonate, and that’s ok! We are all the same, but yet so incomparably and sometimes so complicatedly different. I just really appreciate that you’re supporting me and continue to check back in (or you could do it the easy way by subscribing…please!)

3. YOU are the only person who has your answers. Beware of trying to make someone’s answers fit for your own. Beware when someone is trying to convince you that they have your answers. We may have our own ideas, we may have our own insights, and we may indeed be a trusted resource, but we don’t hold your answers! Trust yourself, the answers are always there. They may not always be obvious at first, they may not be the ones you want, and sometimes they may be very difficult to make, but they are always within you.

4. It's important to have healthy outlets. Not only is it is a nasty trap to keep everything bottled up inside ourselves, but the stress, anxiety, and depression that accompany could prove to be potentially dangerous to your health and well-being. Get outside and take a walk-enjoy the scenery, breathe the fresh air, soak up some sunshine-it’s free and it’s the best! Keep a journal close by so you can jot down thoughts, feelings, or great idea’s you may have throughout the day. You could throw football with your kids or play some corn-hole with your neighbors. Take advantage of the opportunity to experiment and try something new!

5. We all possess the ability to make a difference in this world. What do you love, where does your passion lie, how can you start using your gifts to impact others? Just take one step and see where it leads, if you like it-take another, if you don’t-take it off your list and move on to the next.

6. Step out of your comfort zone…Yikes! It does take courage, it does involve risk, and it will most likely feel uncomfortable. But you know how it works, once you do something a few times it gets easier! Practice with someone that you trust and then start branching out.  And don't overlook being proud of yourelf and celebrating the steps you’ve taken.  All too often we skip over this because we don't want to look too full-of ouselves.  You're smart, you know the difference between the two!

That’s the jist of why I’m here, what about you?

Forget about calling it Politics

Have you ever been told not to talk politics? Do you know someone who keeps their political views and opinions to themselves because those are “private” matters? Do you ever argue with someone simply because they are for the opposing party?
When I think of politics it can feel overwhelming, even at times just a little too big to grasp. It’s confusing and can be very frustrating, leaving me with the feeling that it is out of my hands.

Well, I have an idea.

What if we were to stop calling it politics?

What if we were to take away that bigness of the word politics, and make it simple? What if we saw it as…

The ideas and opinions that we generate, the decisions that we make, and then the course of action we choose to take.

This feels more real to me, sounds a little more like “Life”.

So what has us sometimes unwilling to share our thoughts and ideas regarding what we believe to be important in life? I’ve jotted down some idea’s, you might have some others you can mentally add to this list.

We feel hopeless. It feels too big, so why even bother? What difference can one person ever make?

We avoid conflict. Maybe for some politics and arguing go hand and hand and the energy it takes to fight, just isn’t worth it.

We are Closed-off. Do we open ourselves to hearing what others have to say, or do we dismiss their views because they don’t align with ours? Maybe we are a little too stubborn, tightly holding our beliefs with no desire to “loosen-up” and expand our minds to the possibilities that are out there.

Fear. Maybe we are afraid that we might be criticized and judged for our opinions, or fear we might offend someone. Or maybe you’re like me, I am afraid to give my opinion sometimes because what if in return I am asked a question that I might not be able to answer intelligently?

With all that being said, wouldn’t It stand to reason that in a country of over 310,000,000 people, there are going to be a few out there who disagree with you? Absolutely there are! So why are we so invested in judging, criticizing, and arguing with each other, when we would all be better served respecting and honoring the unique individuals that we are. And we could even take it a step further by not only allowing others to have their voice, but also having a genuine interest in what they are saying!

So this inspired me to write a new bill, one that gives us the ability to reclaim personal responsibility for ourselves.

The Bill of Birth-Rights

by:  Julie Hogan

Free will. I was born with a brain. I alone am responsible for the thoughts I have, the choices that I make, and the actions that I take.

Freedom of Speech. I was born with a voice. I am the only one responsible for the words that come out of my mouth. How do others hear me? Are my words filled with poison, or are they full of acceptance, hope, and the encouragement that we all so desperately need?

The Freedom to Love. I was born with a heart. Do I offer kindness and compassion to those around me? Do I take in to regards how my decisions affect others, not just what’s good for me? Do I lend a helping hand when it’s needed, choosing not to judge the reason why it is needed?

The freedom to get out there and make a difference in this world. I was born with a body. We are meant to be present in this world, we are meant to get out and serve. For most organizations that are serving others in need, having a body there is just as imperative as the donations they receive. Also, do I nourish my body with the food, exercise, and rest that are necessary to keep me energized? Am I doing what it takes to stay healthy so I can enjoy life for as long as possible and continue showing-up?

Imagine how different our world will be once we all claim responsibility for our birth rights (which is really my way of saying blessings…I just wanted to make sure I was being politically correct!)



The Morning Moon

A beautiful day was waiting on me, all I had to do was walk out the door.

Julie Hogan

My son likes to watch Arthur (a kids cartoon) while he eats his breakfast.  On this morning it so happened they were writing poems, I thought it sounded fun, so I decided I would write one as well.  I sat down and
jotted a few lines, but then needed to continue with the morning routine.

As we walked out the front door I was instantly awe-struck by the sky...

the color, the clouds, the moon, and how the bare trees made the scene appear even more mysterious.  I ran back inside to get my camera, not letting today be another one of those days..."if I just had my camera, what a great shot that would be".

I took some really beautiful pictures, and decided to finish the poem that I started.  I have to admit that it feels a little corny, not having much memory of writing anything other than "roses are red" poems.  But oh well, here's my first attempt at something new!

Today, today

I simply must choose,

Love, respect, forgiveness and joy
Anything else, I thoughtfully refuse.

Today is the day

Tomorrow is much too late,

For gratitude and kindness

Remembering, I am responsible for what I create.

Today, today

Will I open my heart,

To the miracles and blessings

Which have been there from the start?

Today is the perfect day

On tomorrow, I won’t take that chance,

Now is the time to offer my gifts

For this world, I’m meant to enhance!

Another Kind of Hoarding

Some think it's holding on that makes one strong; sometimes it's letting go.

-- Sylvia Robinson








Have you ever known someone who saves all their stuff because they “might need it someday”? Maybe it’s an innocent case of holding on to clothing in the hopes of one day fitting again. Or the person who smoothes out every piece of used wrapping paper, refolds every sheet of tissue paper, and holds on to every gift bag so it can be reused someday (guilty!). Then there are the severe cases, a self-destructive way of living where the person becomes incapable of letting go of anything, even throwing out the trash would be a devastating loss. It is a disorder that is very confusing and difficult to understand.

What I am here to talk about today is another type of hoarding. This one doesn’t have its own reality show (yet), but it’s equally confusing and just as difficult to understand why we do it.

The good news is you don’t need a doctor to make a diagnosis, and actually, this is one of those times it’s safe to go ahead and self-diagnose.

What I am referring to is Internal Hoarding. It is the hoarding of our natural gifts and talents, hoarding our specialized knowledge and insights.  It is holding on to ideas or information that could assist others. Are we hiding our inner most dreams and stashing-away our hopes and desires.  Or is it that we are holding on to a false self-image or belief, never bothering to question its truth?

Maybe you’re in a position at work were you could take someone under your wing and help grow their success, but feel too threatened to do it? Are you a closet artist, the kind that keeps all your art work behind closed doors, fearing what others may think? Do you quietly sit back keeping your opinions to yourself, only to feel disappointed that you didn’t have the courage to have your voice? Have you always had a strong feeling of what you should be doing, but continue to ignore it?

Sometimes our grasp is so tightly wrapped around what is ours...believing that it is only meant for us.

What keeps us from sharing what’s ours?

What If I were to help someone else, they might beat me out of an opportunity or look better than me. What if someone was to criticize my artwork, I would take it so personal, after all the work is a part of me. My dreams are just too far-fetched, there’s no way it’ll ever happen to me. I don’t think I’m as smart as everyone else, so I keep my opinions and ideas to myself.

What are you holding onto right now that could really help someone out? It’s time to share our dreams with someone who will encourage and assist us on our journey, or expose that side of ourselves that just might surprise others?

"Someday" is today!  There's no better time to start cleaning the piles!