Today there was snow. Around 3 inches of it stayed on the ground after falling last night. The dogs may not all get along very well right now (thanks to Red Dog) but that didn't stop them from frapping in the snow.
In fact, they were so busy loving life, running around the field like maniacs, that they forgot that wet snow makes it more difficult to turn on a dime ... one moment they were frapping around ... the next, two of them came straight at me, turning away at the last moment, when suddenly ... one of them didn't quite turn. She slipped, she slid, she skidded across the wet, cold snow ... right into the back of my knees.
Down I went. Into the snow. In the clothes I had planned on wearing to work today. DAMNIT! ARGH! SONOFABITCH! WRAWR!
And you know what? I was so busy focusing on everything going on that I forgot to laugh. I was busy trying not to fall on top of the 32 LBS of love that just crashed into me ... busy trying to control the Red Dog who for once is NOT trying to kill the other dogs and just wants to go frapping too ... busy trying (and failing) to stay dry and warm ... busy trying to control myself and NOT kill the two dogs who were simply showing the world how much they love life.
Wait a minute. Here's where I had my epiphany.
I looked around at the four dogs who had all come over to see if I was alright, to lick my face, to whine, to try and climb into my lap, to roll upsidedown and be silly goofy clowns that make me laugh ... and I realized that I had clean clothes inside; that nothing in my knees was damaged; and the craziest thing of all??
I think my dogs were laughing at me.
For most of us, the first day of snow is a negative thing. People skulk around. They mope. They snap. They are downright cranky. But perhaps there is another way ... perhaps we could stop complaining about what we are losing and look at what we have. That's what the dogs do. Maybe we should take a page out of their lesson book and stop being so cranky.
Stop. Enjoy life. Don't get so busy that you neglect to feel and be aware of the world around because the world will pass you by without a second glance.
5 comments:
Yeah, if it weren't for my dogs, I shudder to think. My biggest laughs always come from them.
You had the S word?? I just had frost on t'windshield this morning. I heard you northen folks got dusted.
Love the word frap. Is that a verb, or a noun?
;)
Glad you were able to shake off the "arrrrghs".
Ok, I want a video!!!
Your post rings so true. If it wasn't for my brat girl, I would find it pretty hard to laugh some days! She always makes me laugh! I only wish I had two of them (at least) to make me laugh twice as hard, twice as much.
ps
I always loved the first snow of the year, and when my joints stopped working it was the only snow I loved!
Dogs are so amazing! They make us happy every single day and ask for nothing in return...except food! More people should be like their dogs!
This is a very good point. Dogs are so good at showing us how silly we are for getting irritated over the little things.
It's not snowed here yet. But hopefully when it does, and oh it will, I will be smart and remember your epiphany. Instead of grumping about it, maybe I'll dive right in with my dog.
GoLightly ...
Yeah ... snow. It all melted but it was wet. And did I mention cold? :)
FRAP "Frenetic Random Activity Period" is a verb in this context but I believe it can be used as either (then again - I never claimed that my grammar was perfect!).
giantspeckledchihuahua ...
Ha! A video would have been good. I'm super glad that I left my coffee in the house.
The first snow always seems so ... clean (for lack of a better word) and refreshing.
bichonpawz ...
Yes, you are right. We could learn a lot from them.
Kristine ...
Dive in, but don't forget to wear warm clothes. It makes it oh-so-much nicer!
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