I went on a car ride to nowhere today. Well, it wasn’t exactly nowhere. It was to a place called Best Buy to get some kind of gadget I don’t understand. Dogs aren’t allowed inside, so I can’t say it is one of my favorite people stores (like Petco and Pet World, for example). And I didn’t get out of the car at all.
But that didn’t really matter to me. What mattered was the context of my outing to nowhere: the company I kept. It was a random car ride on what I’ve come to recognize as a weeknight and (gasp) it was dad’s idea to have me come along. This is normal for mom (who regularly brings me along on those things called errands) but not for dad.
Mom frequently brings me along as we make our way from parking lot to parking lot. Not dad. He gets anxious when I voice my excitement about wherever we’re going (usually in the context of a whine or whimper). Not tonight. Tonight he wanted me by his side. He wanted his little copilot as he occasionally calls me when mom’s not around.
To be honest, it didn’t really matter to me where we went. It never does. But tonight was special to me even though we didn’t go to the park. Or the pet store. Or to see Mary the groomer (even though I’m overdue for a trim). Tonight we didn’t go anywhere in particular as far as I’m concerned. Best Buy doesn’t count since I can’t go inside and they apparently don’t sell anything for dogs there. In spite of that, it was a pretty great ride. It occurred to me as I waited patiently in the driver’s seat while dad was in the store. Even when you’re going nowhere, you really are going somewhere if you’re with the right person.
It brought to mind the thoughts of American sideshow performer Elizabeth Green, who once suggested “sometimes the most ordinary things could be made extraordinary, simply by doing them with the right people.”
I’m blessed enough that regular car rides are a fairly routine luxury for me. It’s nice when we end up somewhere like the dog park or the groomer, but ultimately it doesn’t really matter where we end up. Even if its at that Best Buy place where they don’t even sell dog toys (what kind of store with that many gadgets doesn’t carry dog toys?). Even if I don’t get out of the car at all. It doesn’t matter where we’re going nearly as much as who we’re with along the way.
You are right, it’s the company you keep – and yours sounds awesome! I like the quote too.
Hello new friend! Welcome! My company is pretty great – I am blessed – not just with my people but with my beloved pals in the blogosphere. Please come visit me again soon!
Lots of love,
Wiley
I’ve been to Best Buy for work. No treats or squeaky toys, so you not missing any doggy fun. just a lot of be quiet and down stay.
Hugs,
Pepper
Dearest Pepper! It’s so nice to see you here! Thank you so very much for stopping by. Please visit me again soon! I love seeing your paw prints on my pages. 🙂
Lots of love,
Wiles
Sounds like you still had a pleasant drive even if it is to nowhere!
Indeed I did. Thanks for coming by the blog! Every new visit means the world to me! Please come visit again soon!
Lots of love,
Wiles
Elizabeth Green is smart! A car ride is always special. I’m hitting the road today to get my nails cut. Yay!
Love and licks,
Cupcake
Yay for car rides and manicures!!! Enjoy!!
I’m like you Wiley…I love car rides just because they’re car rides…don’t care we go as long as me and Momz go there together
True story friend. 😉
Wiles, you are a very wise pup!
Aw, thank you again dear friend, not just for your kind words, but for being you! I love when you come by to visit me – you always bring your wisdom and joy with you.
Lots of love,
Wiles
Oh Wiles, sorry I’d been missing for a bit, but I’m back! I love to hear your special pup brand of humor, love and looking at life ~ joy from the ground up! One of my favorite sayings! xo
No need to be sorry, friend! I’m just happy you’re back, complete with encouragement and wisdom.
Lots of love,
Wiles
Dearest Wyles, within seconds you had me smiling and then chuckling. The only good thing about having been absent a bit is when you get back there’s lots of Wyles to read! Oooorraaahhh!
Thank you for your words, dear friend. I took the opposite approach to reading your comments-your first is my last. And I must say I enjoyed reading your insights at least as much as you enjoyed my posts. Thank you for being you.
Lots of love,
Wyles
Reblogged this on Wiley's Wisdom and commented:
“Sometimes the most ordinary things could be made extraordinary, simply by doing them with the right people.” -Elizabeth Green
“Companionable silence.” Sometimes there’s nothing like it. People do it all the time–just sit and read or listen to music and then look at one another and smile in contentment. I bet your people do that with you, Wiles, just look at you and smile and maybe give you a gentle pat or scratch behind the ears 🙂