A lot happened in my backyard today.
After a mysterious three-week hiatus, my neighbor demon dog has returned. It wasn’t a pretty reunion, as he “greeted” me with some pretty intense growling and panting from his usual hangout on his side of our mutual fence. I saw my neighbor Lady for the first time since her husband passed away recently. She looked sad. I wagged hello at her and I think she may have looked right through me. And after a startling separation from the rabbit family about a month ago, I think they’re back. (Though they are likely being much more careful about revealing themselves this time around).
So many days are quiet and uneventful around here (not that I’m complaining), but today was a feast for the emotional senses. It all happened so fast, and when it was over I found myself longing to piece the puzzle together into some sort of semblance of normalcy. Why would all of these things happen in the same 15 minutes?
I was absolutely terrified to see demon dog return. I forgot how big and scary and loud and threatening he is.
I felt completely defeated with the sincerest compassion when I saw my neighbor Lady. I wanted so badly for mom to let me off my leash so I could go give her a big ole hug and some doggie kisses to cheer her up. It broke my heart to see her that way, kind of a shell of her normal bubbly self. But there was really nothing I could do about it.
And then I felt the most overtaking sense of excitement and relief when I smelled the rabbit family’s return. Though I couldn’t see them, I have faith they are all right and back together and that brings warmth and joy to my heart.
Life is that way sometimes. We can be happily following our routine when bam! Everything happens at once. It’s different than the valleys and hills that challenge us along our journey. We can plan ahead and be prepared for those. You can’t prepare for moments like these. “What lies behind you and what lies in front of you pales in comparison to what lies inside of you,” great transcendental thinker Ralph Waldo Emerson suggested.
I didn’t see it coming, but I learned a lot in my backyard today. At any moment when we least expect it, our heart gets an unexpected workout that pulls us in 18 different directions simultaneously. But that doesn’t change the impact they can have on our lives. Highly concentrated emotional situations may even be more impactful in surprising ways. The difference is we are forced in these moments to think with our hearts rather than our minds. And, in these moments, it is what lies inside of us that matters.
Be safe around that demon dog! Woooowooooo!
He is among the only reasons I like being on my lead in the backyard. 🙂
That Emerson guy is pretty smart. It’s all about what’s inside that dictates our direction. You’ve got what it takes, W. No worries.
Love and licks,
Cupcake
C,
Indeed, I do love that Emerson guy and all he had to say. You’ve got what it takes too, dear friend!
Lots of love,
W
Whew! Days like that just make you want to take a nap! We used to have some demon dogs next door. They were silly little dachshunds. I scoffed at them. Good luck with yours.
I LOVE naps. 🙂 Its nice to empathize with someone about the demon dogs. I shall follow your lead and start scoffing from now on. 😉
Be careful with demon-doggy, Wiley. I feel sorry too for your neighbor Lady – it’s only one moment in life what can change all and we can’t prevent it, we can only accept.
I will be careful with demon doggie…he is the ONLY reason I’m happy to be on a leash in my own backyard, I’ve got to admit. You’re right about those moments that can change things forever…that’s why every moment is so precious!
I love your phrase “forced in these moments to think with our hearts … what lies inside us that counts”. So very true Wiley, thank you!:) xx
Thank YOU dear Penny for stopping by and leaving such a lovely comment. 🙂
A most definite pleasure my friend! 🙂
I wholeheartedly agree with what you are saying! It is what is inside us what matters! ♥
Exactly! Well said, friend!
It’s amazing how much we can learn in simple familiar surroundings if only we stay open to the lessons Wiley
Dear Gizmo – you are so right. Its a good thing us canines have open minds hey? 🙂
Demon dog sounds dastardly..stay safe Wiley. And yes lifes a big trip! Roll with it WOOF!
I love rolling with it! And staying away from demon dog. 🙂
Also, I love seeing you again dear one! It’s been too long! 🙂
Yeah protect yourself from DemonDog ok?? And yes I’m not here as much as I’d like my partner and I are very busy, we have an accounting business that is growing rapidly!
I’m so glad to hear business is good! Keep up the good work! And I will heed your words with Demon Dog. 🙂
🙂 ♥
Hey Wiley! You are so profound in your writing skills and it amazes me every time I read your posts. My suggestion for your neighbor who lost her husband, is to write her a small note just to let her know that “you” are there for her whenever she needs you. This way you do not seem intrusive on her sad time in her life. When she is ready, she will talk. As for your demon dog, I would keep a safe distance from him.
Dear friend! Well you are so kind with your comment skills that it brings warmth to my heart when I read what you have to say. Thank you for the compliment – it means a lot! I love your idea about the note. I’m going to ask mom to help me with it tomorrow. Thank you for being such a great pal!
Aw, just glad that I can help! I have a heart of gold and always try to assist people when they are in need. I hope the note helps.
[…] What Lies Inside (wileyschmidt.com) […]
Thanks for the pingback!
Reblogged this on Wiley's Wisdom and commented:
I’m happy to report it’s been almost as long as Carter has been in my forever home since I’ve last seen Demon Dog. Though I do wonder what happened to him…