Update

Hi y'all... This will be a short and unfortunately sad post. Just a few moments ago I got off the phone with my close friend whose mother was in her last days of battling cancer. Around 10:30pm this evening, she passed away. As sad as this day has been, she is in a much, much better place now... As we get closer and closer to the holidays, I beg each of you to spend some extra time with your families this year. Life is so fragile and so uncertain. We never know how lucky we are until something is gone...

New Do!

Okay my loves... here it is! My fabulous new design by the amazing Lauren at Blue Lux! I am so excited for you all to see it I can barely stand it! A huge thank you to Lauren for all your hard work, and putting up with all of my emails into the crazy hours of the night! You totally get my vote for wonder woman of the year. :)

And now on to my fill my sappy-emotional quota for the day. As most of you know, I'm still fairly new to blogging. It all began when I saw a link on a friend's Facebook to her blog, so I clicked. After browsing around to different blogs (and almost instantly relating to so many of them), I thought I'd give it a shot. Had I not had that extra free hour that day to take the time and set it up, I probably would have just left it alone and never thought about it again. I can't tell you how thankful I am that I didn't! I can honestly say that this has been such a wonderful outlet for me and I am beyond glad that I entered into the world of blogging. You all are such a wonderful people! I've met some truly great women here that I never would have had the pleasure of knowing before without this network. Everyone has a story... from the newly married 20-something just moving into her first house, to the new mom with the world's best little "surprise," to the girl who just graduated and can't find a job. The best part is being able to share in each other's journey, because at one point or another we might just be in the same place. To know that no matter how much it feels like no one else gets it, there's someone out there who's been through it. Knowing you're not alone is much better than trying to push through all by yourself, and makes a world of difference. At the risk of sounding like a major creeper, I feel like I've gotten to know some of you as if we'd been friends for years and just happened to live far apart. I mean, come on... how cool is that?! To that end, I'd just like to say thanks to all the women who have given me such a positive blogging experience so far! You're amazing.

Lastly, I'd like to ask for your prayers... About 8 months ago one of my very close friends found out that her mother had cancer. The doctors all thought they had caught it early enough for her to recover just fine. Unfortunately, this past week they found out that her cancer had returned and had spread quicker than they ever imagined... as it was now in her spine. This morning I received a text from her saying that the doctors are only giving her a couple of days left to spend with her family, and they expect her to be called Home any day now. She (my friend) just got engaged a couple months ago and will now most likely be getting married without her mother by her side... on the most important day of her life. As I hold back the tears, I ask each of you to be reminded of how fragile our lives can be. Cherish the time you have with one another now... you never know when that time will be cut short.

I hope you all have a wonderful night! And turn up those heaters, girls! It's getting cold (ok, chilly...) even here in Florida!

Goodnight y'all!

Life is short

I've seen this posted on a couple blogs that I follow (I believe I saw it first on Lauren's Life with a Lab blog!) and wanted to share it with you all, in case you hadn't seen it. Sometimes I need a little inspiration like this! :)

Bring on the Tissues...

I found this wonderful story over on Ashley's very cute blog, "Life As I Know It," and just had to share it with you all... By the way, stop by her blog sometime! I just found her the other day and I'm already loving it! :)

Forewarning, you may want to have the Kleenex handy. This one's a tear jerker--- but oh so good! (Just so you know, the dog doesn't die! I don't want to give too much away, but sometimes I steer completely clear of stories where I already know what's going to happen to the dog... Some days I just can't handle that sort of sadness, you know?)

Here goes...

They told me the big black Lab's name was Reggie as I looked at him lying in his pen. The shelter was clean and the people really friendly. I'd only been in the area for six months, but everywhere I went in the small college town, people were welcoming and open. Everyone waves when you pass them on the street.

But something was still missing as I attempted to settle in to my new life here, and I thought a dog couldn't hurt. Give me someone to talk to. And I had just seen Reggie's advertisement on the local news. The shelter said they had received numerous calls right after, but they said the people who had come down to see him just didn't look like "Lab people," whatever that meant. They must've thought I did.

But at first, I thought the shelter had misjudged me in giving me Reggie and his things, which consisted of a dog pad, bag of toys almost all of which were brand new tennis balls, his dishes, and a sealed letter from his previous owner. See, Reggie and I didn't really hit it off when we got home. We struggled for two weeks (which is how long the shelter told me to give him to adjust to his new home). Maybe it was the fact that I was trying to adjust, too. Maybe we were too much alike. For some reason, his stuff (except for the tennis balls - he wouldn't go anywhere without two stuffed in his mouth) got tossed in with all of my other unpacked boxes. I guess I didn't really think he'd need all his old stuff, that I'd get him new things once he settled in. but it became pretty clear pretty soon that he wasn't going to.

I tried the normal commands the shelter told me he knew, ones like "sit" and "stay" and "come" and "heel," and he'd follow them - when he felt like it. He never really seemed to listen when I called his name - sure, he'd look in my direction after the fourth of fifth time I said it, but then he'd just go back to doing whatever. When I'd ask again, you could almost see him sigh and then grudgingly obey.

This just wasn't going to work. He chewed a couple shoes and some unpacked boxes. I was a little too stern with him and he resented it, I could tell. The friction got so bad that I couldn't wait for the two weeks to be up, and when it was, I was in full-on search mode for my cellphone amid all of my unpacked stuff. I remembered leaving it on the stack of boxes for the guest room, but I also mumbled, rather cynically, that the "darn dog probably hid it on me." Finally I found it, but before I could punch up the shelter's number, I also found his pad and other toys from the shelter. I tossed the pad in Reggies direction and he snuffed it and wagged, some of the most enthusiasm I'd seen since bringing him home. But then I called, "Hey, Reggie, you like that? Come here and I'll give you a treat." Instead, he sort of glanced in my direction - maybe "glared" is more accurate - and then gave a discontented sigh and flopped down with his back to me.

Well, that's not going to do it either, I thought. And I punched the shelter phone number. But I hung up when I saw the sealed envelope. I had completely forgotten about that, too. "Okay, Reggie," I said out loud, "let's see if your previous owner has any advice."

____________ _________ _________ _________

To Whoever Gets My Dog:

Well, I can't say that I'm happy you're reading this, a letter I told the shelter could only be opened by Reggie's new owner. I'm not even happy writing it. If you're reading this, it means I just got back from my last car ride with my Lab after dropping him off at the shelter. He knew something was different. I have packed up his pad and toys before and set them by the back door before a trip, but this time... it's like he knew something was wrong. And something is wrong... which is why I have to go to try to make it right.

So let me tell you about my Lab in the hopes that it will help you bond with him and he with you. First, he loves tennis balls. The more the merrier. Sometimes I think he's part squirrel, the way he hordes them. He usually always has two in his mouth, and he tries to get a third in there. Hasn't done it yet. Doesn't matter where you throw them, he'll bound after it, so be careful - really don't do it by any roads. I made that mistake once, and it almost cost him dearly.

Next, commands. Maybe the shelter staff already told you, but I'll go over them again: Reggie knows the obvious ones -"sit," "stay," "come", "heel." He knows hand signals: "back" to turn around and go back when you put your hand straight up; and "over" if you put your hand out right or left. "Shake" for shaking water off, and "paw" for a high-five. He does "down" when he feels like lying down - I bet you could work on that with him some more. He knows "ball" and "food" and "bone" and "treat" like nobody's business. I trained Reggie with small food treats. Nothing opens his ears like little pieces of hot dog.

Feeding schedule: twice a day, once about seven in the morning, and again at six in the evening. Regular store-bought stuff; the shelter has the brand.

He's up on his shots. Call the clinic on 9th Street and update his info with yours; they'll make sure to send you reminders for when he's due. Be forewarned: Reggie hates the vet. Good luck getting him in the car - I don't know how he knows when it's time to go to the vet, but he knows.

Finally, give him some time. I've never been married, so it's only been Reggie and me for his whole life. He's gone everywhere with me, so please include him on your daily car rides if you can. He sits well in the backseat, and he doesn't bark or complain. He just loves to be around people, and me most especially. Which means that this transition is going to be hard, with him going to live with someone new.

And that's why I need to share one more bit of info with you....

His name's not Reggie.

I don't know what made me do it, but when I dropped him off at the shelter I told them his name was Reggie. He's a smart dog, he'll get used to it and will respond to it, of that I have no doubt. But I just couldn't bear to give them his real name. For me to do seemed so final that handing him over to the shelter was as good as me admitting that I'd never see him again. And if I end up coming back, getting him, and tearing up this letter, it means everything's fine. But if someone else is reading it, well... well it means that his new owner should know his real name. It'll help you bond with him. Who knows, maybe you'll even notice a change in his demeanor if he's been giving you problems.

His real name is Tank. Because that is what I drive.

Again, if you're reading this and you're from the area, maybe my name has been on the news. I told the shelter that they couldn't make "Reggie" available for adoption until they received word from my company commander.

See, my parents are gone, I have no siblings, no one I could've left Tank with... and it was my only real request of the Army upon my deployment to Iraq, that they make one phone call the shelter... "in the event"... to tell them that Tank could be put up for adoption. Luckily, my colonel is a dog guy, too, and he knew where my platoon was headed. He said he'd do it personally. And if you're reading this, then he made good on his word.

Well, this letter is getting to downright depressing, even though, frankly I'm just writing it for my dog. I couldn't imagine if I was writing it for a wife and kids and family. but still, Tank has been my family for the last six years, almost as long as the Army has been my family.

And now I hope and pray that you make him part of your family and that he will adjust and come to love you the same way he loved me. That unconditional love from a dog is what I took with me to Iraq as an inspiration to do something selfless, to protect innocent people from those who would do terrible things... and to keep those terrible people from coming over here. If I had to give up Tank in order to do it, I am glad to have done so. He was my example of service and of love. I hope I honored him by my service to my country and comrades.

All right, that's enough. I deploy this evening and have to drop this letter off at the shelter. I don't think I'll say another good-bye to Tank, though. I cried too much the first time. Maybe I'll peek in on him and see if he finally got that third tennis ball in his mouth.

Good luck with Tank. Give him a good home, and give him an extra kiss goodnight - every night - from me.

Thank you,
Paul Mallory

____________ _________ _________ _______

I folded the letter and slipped it back in the envelope. Sure I had heard of Paul Mallory, everyone in town knew him, even new people like me. Local kid, killed in Iraq a few months ago and posthumously awarded the Silver Star when he gave his life to save three buddies. Flags had been at half-mast for days. I leaned forward in my chair and rested my elbows on my knees, staring at the dog.

"Hey, Tank," I said quietly. The dog's head whipped up, his ears cocked and his eyes bright. "C'mere boy." He was instantly on his feet, his nails clicking on the hardwood floor. He sat in front of me, his head tilted, searching for the name he hadn't heard in months. "Tank," I whispered. His tail swished. I kept whispering his name, over and over, and each time, his ears lowered his eyes softened, and his posture relaxed as a wave of contentment just seemed to flood him. I stroked his ears, rubbed his shoulders, buried my face into his scruff and hugged him.

"It's me now, Tank, just you and me. Your old pal gave you to me." Tank reached up and licked my cheek. "So whatdaya say we play some ball? His ears perked again. "Yeah? Ball? You like that? Ball?" Tank tore from my hands and disappeared in the next room.

And when he came back, he had three tennis balls in his mouth.

And here's why I've been gone for so long...

Okay, let me start out by saying that I feel absolutely terrible for leaving you all for so long... honestly. By no means was the following announcement (...anticipation!!!) intended to take me nearly as long as it did (I'll elaborate in a bit). Regardless, it's 99.9% complete, and I just couldn't wait ANY longer to share my news with you all! I think keeping this whole thing under wraps has been hands down the hardest part (especially since it took me so long!) about this whole process. So here goes... drum roll please!!! "Jewelry by Margaret" is fully up and running and open for business! (Insert huge smile!) For the past 2 months, I have spent countless hours making jewelry, photographing pieces, and getting all the details/descriptions up online. To be honest, I didn't even realize an entire 2 months had gone by. As I was getting the final pieces together last week, Robert asked me "When was the last time you updated your blog? I haven't seen you do anything but jewelry lately." Soo yes, I sort of got a bit addicted. And I'm really sorry... But hey, the hard part is all behind me!

So here it is! I would LOVE to hear feedback from all of you! If you're interested in some of my pieces, but would rather have a different color or stone, please just let me know! I absolutely love doing custom pieces and creating something that fits your style perfectly. Although I'm just getting things rolling, I hope to start doing bridal party pieces, and become a (very small) part of someone's big day! I could go on and on, but please do stop by my shop and take a look! I promise not to leave you all for so long this time... :)

Below is just a quick preview of my pieces. Please click this link to go to the full shop. Thanks!!!

First things first...

Hmm... where to start?! Well, as you can tell, this is my very first post! I'm very new to the whole process and more than welcome any comments/hints/tips, etc.!

I can't lie... I started this blog as a result of clicking on a friend's blog linked on Facebook for what I thought would be a quick read, then as my daily routine commanded, I would check my email, add a couple more pictures to FB, then clean the kitchen (exciting, right?! I know...). About 4 hours later I had literally 27 different tabs opened in my browser of different blogs I just couldn't stop reading. I don't know how I went so long without this...

A little more about me: I grew up in Florida and have been here my entire life. I'm a huge animal lover and have a special place in my heart for labs (...okay, and anything pink too!). I think CCI (Canine Companions for Independence) is an amazing organization, and if you're unfamiliar with them you should most definitely Google it. I love the beach, decorating anything, running (even though, as I mentioned in my 'about me' it's sort of a love/hate thing), teaching, and generally enjoying life. I guess you could say I'm in a transition phase of my life and I'm constantly trying to figure everything out (but who isn't?!). I like to say that I live life with no regrets, only lessons learned. If I could have a second "me", I'd be a wedding planner and/or interior designer. I could honestly sit in a pile of wedding and decorating magazines all day and be completely happy. I believe there's no problem in the world that can't be solved with a great group of friends, a glass of wine, and maybe even a good run. I try very hard to maintain a "glass is half full" perspective on life, and some days I'm more successful than others. Life is good... and I'm very excited for the journey it holds.

For future reference, here's a list of people who will most likely frequent this blog... just so you're familiar!

RK- My other half of 7 years. We've been through it all... ups, downs, and all the in-between. More often than not he knows me better than I know myself. He is truly my best friend in life and I honestly don't know what I'd do without him.

Charley- My 1-year-old yellow lab. He's the best four legged friend a girl could ever ask for. He has a personality 10 times bigger than himself and is the biggest "gentle giant" you'll ever meet. He was diagnosed with severe elbow and hip dysplasia (CHD) at only 8 weeks old. He has gone through the first of two necessary surgeries to help with the pain (and hopefully eliminate any future problems) and is doing great with his rehab!

LA- My best girlfriend since we were 10! Unfortunately, we had to leave each other during college but make it a point to stay close no matter what. No matter how long we go without talking, we always seem to pick right back up where we left off.

Okay, well I think that's good for now... I've got to get some sleep! I'll update more tomorrow. Goodnight ya'll! :)