I had big plans for my day.
Big blogging plans.
But my internet was out this morning.
When it finally returned I realized Blogger would not allow me to add photos to posts.
I've written the posts {two and counting}.
But I refuse to post said posts without proper imagery.
My duo is away at "grandparent camp" {something which I highly recommend} so no one requires my attention {though next year I'm considering sending the dogs too}.
I refuse to clean my house as if I have nothing better to do.
But what do I do when I have nothing better to do?
Shopping seems so trite and obvious.
Certainly I "do" more than shop {hubs, stop snickering}.
So I walked out the front door with our lab, sweet Bailey Belle, and headed for a run.
In the rain.
The temp was perfect and it was just drizzling.
At first.
But it felt good. Very good in fact.
We ran down to the bay and I spent 20 minutes throwing a piece of driftwood into the bay for Bailey Belle to retrieve. She lit up she was so positively ecstatic. She loves both swimming and retrieving and the two together . . . well, she was born and bred to swim and retrieve.
And she does so beautifully.
Effortlessly.
On our walk back {yes, I only run one direction - wimp}, I thought about how effortlessly our 9-year-old lab swims and retrieves. I reminded myself she was indeed born and bred to do just that.
Which brings me back to what I "do".
I raise my kids.
I serve my community.
I care for our family.
I care for my friends.
Sometimes I am better at each of these at different moments in time. But I realized today, walking along the water, rain dripping off my chin, that I am doing what I too was born and bred to do {though, no, I do not like the way that sounds}.
I was raised to be compassionate and empathetic {required traits for caring for tender children's psyches}. I was always told I was smart {helps with the inevitable homework and fundraising for schools and charities} and that I could do whatever I wanted to do.
And I am.
Having time for "me" in the midst of it all only clarifies how much I do honestly enjoy my own constant swim and retrieve. Yes, the days can be monotonous. Yes, I often complain about yet another load of laundry or trip to the grocery. But I realize too, that it is a blessing.
A blessing to have the time to talk with my little miss thang after a bad day at school.
A blessing to bandage up a scraped knee and wipe away the inevitable tears.
A blessing to share a leisurely lunch with a friend who is having a bad week.
A blessing to be able to share long {sometimes drunken} evenings over good food and wine with friends.
A blessing to raise money for my duo's school.
A blessing to be doing exactly what I am doing.
Now, if only I can make my swim and retrieve look as beautiful and effortless as my sweet Bailey Belle.
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And ha - take that Blogger - a post with no imagery required!
