Hi Prue - I'm useless with gears on bikes too (my husband despairs) I set it somewhere in the middle and then get off and push up hills. I guess it's because I never owned a geared bike - fortunately I always used to drive manual geared cars so that's not an issue (although I love my automatic now). Glad you're feeling so well and life is opening up again for you. Sending you all the best from Western Australia :)
I'm like you, Leanne. Can manage car manual on the floor and on the column - that's how I got my licence. Yup, life is much freer, that's for sure. Thanks so much for reading and for your wishes from WA!
Gosh Prue, thats a song from the past I so remember it . I'm so pleased that you are getting your life back and returning to normal. Its been a long journey, but it eventually happened
Its been a long time sinc I rode a bike, must be about19- 20 years I think, it was just a nice height with two big wheels and a basket... Probably one step up from a three wheeler, but it suited me fine. ;)
Isn't it though! The other one I haven't heard for an age is https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=a5_QV97eYqM. Great song! One of my oldest friends is called Cecilia and between the two of us, we had our own songs at Uni. I had Dear Prudence.
And re bikes, you know how they say you never forget how to ride a bike? Have a go. My old bike sounds just like yours! I love mine.
Happy sigh. I’m house sitting two dogs for two weeks at the moment. They’ve been such dears. Auntie Beth is Top Dog and they don’t dispute that. They get lots of love and life is good. (I’ve only recently learned that the best way to handle bad behaviour is to ignore it and to never make eye contact. Good behaviour gets heaps of pats and eye contact. It’s worked a treat. Only took two days for them to get over their owners’ bad habits. Grin.)
We are so lucky to live in places where serenity is so easily found. The body truly does relax. And congratulations on getting through all the health stuff. I can’t believe you tried riding bikes so soon after surgery! Take care my dear. Sending heaps of hugs and best wishes.🤗🤗💕💕🐾🐾
Dog language is such a science, Beth and in the 12 years I've had the Terrier, the way dogs and humans interact and learn has changed so much. I've learned an awful lot that's new in the last couple of days. The Terrier is soooo happy and more confident when we walk.
We are indeed lucky to live with space all around. My friend had planned to move on to Hobart but since arriving on the coast after living in busy Brisbane, she's in seventh heaven.
I'm almost myself now, thank you for your kind wishes - I learned a lot about patience and adjustments over the last three months. Change and adaptation! ;)
To return to the water in any form...a bath, a pool, a lake, the ocean, is to take a deep cleansing breath, a sigh of relief that I have returned to my origins.
Okay, I won't ask. But I hope it's just a tiny blip on the radar screen!
The description of how your dog-whisperer friend was able to bring calm, trust, and delight in a mere half hour nearly had me in tears. I love that she has that gift, and that you and your four-legged pal are the fortunate beneficiaries. As you may recall, we were surrogate family for Basil-the-Shelty before he was allowed to return to Australia. When he arrived, our daughter related all sorts of information about how, when, and where he would need to eat, all centered around his nerves. We were thrilled to report, later, that we opted against all the recommended treatment, bringing him, instead, into our fold of cats and noise and whatnot. He did GREAT, never once refused his breakfast, or brought it back up later -- both habits we'd been told were common. Point being, the idea of rewarding the moments of calm and expecting good outcomes is one to remember. So happy for you all, and proud.
Thank you for linking to Dear Joy, Prue, in so many ways!
Your “rearranging” story was quite profound. I wish I’d had your wisdom when I was going through multiple moves in my younger life! Loved the water metaphor—and I’ll be rereading this passage.
The Terrier + the Dog Whisperer = darling! And profound in a different way. I’m so glad your little guy is healing.
And glad you are too! Your first dip in the ocean after so many months must have felt like heaven!
Your bicycle ride…I was reading with bated breath, hoping you weren’t going to come to grief! I’m happy you made it home in one piece 😊
I suppose the wisdom is retrospective though, Susan, because I admit to such anxiety in the first move. I didn't want to leave - plain and simple. It taught me such a lot and learning to deal with and control anxiety has been a lifelong interest and practice. The water metaphor is stunning, it's gone into my journal.
The first swim was a kind of 'Huh! Take that!' to the Universe. The second one, where I lay on my back letting the water rock me and staring across the sea was pure harmony and balm. Less of the show-off and more of Mindful Me.
Ah, that bike ride. OMG! I had sciatica and a sore backside for 2 days after! Explain THAT to a six year old!
My friend is astonishing. I do hope she can build her business in Tassie because what she has taught the Terrier and I over the years has been profound. To have her here with us is very special.
What a talented individual to open clearer meaning of how pups think and react, and can be directed and come out more in command and almost proud in a sense. Our son in law a veterinarian walked me through my fear suffering from trauma by a dog on a chain once. They sure can sense our feelings in ways I never understood. See new documentary on Netflix, something like inside the Mind of Dog thought be interesting and helpful in living amongst the abundance of breeds up here.
I poured a glass pitcher of water following this read, left it a day, felt clearer and more present as I made my way. Smiled a bit too. Loved the bike ride visualization! Such delight in being surrounded by youngsters. Oh and hooray no more bandage!! What a long road in your distance. 💞
There is too much good stuff here to comment on Prue lol - you've made me think, laugh, almost cry! So just to focus on a few things, the progress of your Terrier and the possibility of a friend was so touching - especially after all that he has been through! I am going to look up your friend's business as well to learn more. Perhaps she can offer some wisdom for my own Terrier!! (And love, love, love the Lady Bracknell references ha!) Finally, so delighted you are swimming once more - you are an inspiration. Yes, yes you are!
My friend is just starting to reframe her website and she's planning on doing some teaching online, if you're serious. The Terrier is in 7th Heaven now - he adores her and he thinks her dog is a champ!
Me? An inspiration? You're very kind, but really? I look at the lives of people on Substack and I think what a little speck in the Universe am I! I'm such a recluse doing the same things week after week, I feel I'm a boring little sod. Maybe that's the next newsletter - how to be reclusive... and boring.
Maybe recluses recognise each other. Hmm, I'm off down a rabbit hole to find out. Take care, my dear Canadian friend!
I'm so happy for you: no stitches, wetsuit on, SWIM! And, of course, for the Terrier. Tears in my eyes.
Such a beautiful post. I'm very behind (for a change - LOL!) on my reading, but am spending my Sunday afternoon catching up with some of it. This post was a delight. x
Hi Prue - I'm useless with gears on bikes too (my husband despairs) I set it somewhere in the middle and then get off and push up hills. I guess it's because I never owned a geared bike - fortunately I always used to drive manual geared cars so that's not an issue (although I love my automatic now). Glad you're feeling so well and life is opening up again for you. Sending you all the best from Western Australia :)
I'm like you, Leanne. Can manage car manual on the floor and on the column - that's how I got my licence. Yup, life is much freer, that's for sure. Thanks so much for reading and for your wishes from WA!
Gosh Prue, thats a song from the past I so remember it . I'm so pleased that you are getting your life back and returning to normal. Its been a long journey, but it eventually happened
Its been a long time sinc I rode a bike, must be about19- 20 years I think, it was just a nice height with two big wheels and a basket... Probably one step up from a three wheeler, but it suited me fine. ;)
Isn't it though! The other one I haven't heard for an age is https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=a5_QV97eYqM. Great song! One of my oldest friends is called Cecilia and between the two of us, we had our own songs at Uni. I had Dear Prudence.
And re bikes, you know how they say you never forget how to ride a bike? Have a go. My old bike sounds just like yours! I love mine.
Love Cecilia too xx 😘
Happy sigh. I’m house sitting two dogs for two weeks at the moment. They’ve been such dears. Auntie Beth is Top Dog and they don’t dispute that. They get lots of love and life is good. (I’ve only recently learned that the best way to handle bad behaviour is to ignore it and to never make eye contact. Good behaviour gets heaps of pats and eye contact. It’s worked a treat. Only took two days for them to get over their owners’ bad habits. Grin.)
We are so lucky to live in places where serenity is so easily found. The body truly does relax. And congratulations on getting through all the health stuff. I can’t believe you tried riding bikes so soon after surgery! Take care my dear. Sending heaps of hugs and best wishes.🤗🤗💕💕🐾🐾
Dog language is such a science, Beth and in the 12 years I've had the Terrier, the way dogs and humans interact and learn has changed so much. I've learned an awful lot that's new in the last couple of days. The Terrier is soooo happy and more confident when we walk.
We are indeed lucky to live with space all around. My friend had planned to move on to Hobart but since arriving on the coast after living in busy Brisbane, she's in seventh heaven.
I'm almost myself now, thank you for your kind wishes - I learned a lot about patience and adjustments over the last three months. Change and adaptation! ;)
To return to the water in any form...a bath, a pool, a lake, the ocean, is to take a deep cleansing breath, a sigh of relief that I have returned to my origins.
Yes! Exactly! You think just like me!
Okay, I won't ask. But I hope it's just a tiny blip on the radar screen!
The description of how your dog-whisperer friend was able to bring calm, trust, and delight in a mere half hour nearly had me in tears. I love that she has that gift, and that you and your four-legged pal are the fortunate beneficiaries. As you may recall, we were surrogate family for Basil-the-Shelty before he was allowed to return to Australia. When he arrived, our daughter related all sorts of information about how, when, and where he would need to eat, all centered around his nerves. We were thrilled to report, later, that we opted against all the recommended treatment, bringing him, instead, into our fold of cats and noise and whatnot. He did GREAT, never once refused his breakfast, or brought it back up later -- both habits we'd been told were common. Point being, the idea of rewarding the moments of calm and expecting good outcomes is one to remember. So happy for you all, and proud.
Thank you for linking to Dear Joy, Prue, in so many ways!
Delighted to read your life is back. Enjoy the moments.
With enormous thanks to my friends on Substack, Alice.
Your “rearranging” story was quite profound. I wish I’d had your wisdom when I was going through multiple moves in my younger life! Loved the water metaphor—and I’ll be rereading this passage.
The Terrier + the Dog Whisperer = darling! And profound in a different way. I’m so glad your little guy is healing.
And glad you are too! Your first dip in the ocean after so many months must have felt like heaven!
Your bicycle ride…I was reading with bated breath, hoping you weren’t going to come to grief! I’m happy you made it home in one piece 😊
I suppose the wisdom is retrospective though, Susan, because I admit to such anxiety in the first move. I didn't want to leave - plain and simple. It taught me such a lot and learning to deal with and control anxiety has been a lifelong interest and practice. The water metaphor is stunning, it's gone into my journal.
The first swim was a kind of 'Huh! Take that!' to the Universe. The second one, where I lay on my back letting the water rock me and staring across the sea was pure harmony and balm. Less of the show-off and more of Mindful Me.
Ah, that bike ride. OMG! I had sciatica and a sore backside for 2 days after! Explain THAT to a six year old!
Dog whisperers are amazing. So glad you're back in the water again! Ah. . . . a bit of normalcy! Hooray. ☺️
My friend is astonishing. I do hope she can build her business in Tassie because what she has taught the Terrier and I over the years has been profound. To have her here with us is very special.
What a talented individual to open clearer meaning of how pups think and react, and can be directed and come out more in command and almost proud in a sense. Our son in law a veterinarian walked me through my fear suffering from trauma by a dog on a chain once. They sure can sense our feelings in ways I never understood. See new documentary on Netflix, something like inside the Mind of Dog thought be interesting and helpful in living amongst the abundance of breeds up here.
I poured a glass pitcher of water following this read, left it a day, felt clearer and more present as I made my way. Smiled a bit too. Loved the bike ride visualization! Such delight in being surrounded by youngsters. Oh and hooray no more bandage!! What a long road in your distance. 💞
I love the way you approach life, CJ!
And have eyed off the show on Netflix. Will watch.
Thanks so much for reading and commenting.
There is too much good stuff here to comment on Prue lol - you've made me think, laugh, almost cry! So just to focus on a few things, the progress of your Terrier and the possibility of a friend was so touching - especially after all that he has been through! I am going to look up your friend's business as well to learn more. Perhaps she can offer some wisdom for my own Terrier!! (And love, love, love the Lady Bracknell references ha!) Finally, so delighted you are swimming once more - you are an inspiration. Yes, yes you are!
Thank you, so much Sue.
My friend is just starting to reframe her website and she's planning on doing some teaching online, if you're serious. The Terrier is in 7th Heaven now - he adores her and he thinks her dog is a champ!
Me? An inspiration? You're very kind, but really? I look at the lives of people on Substack and I think what a little speck in the Universe am I! I'm such a recluse doing the same things week after week, I feel I'm a boring little sod. Maybe that's the next newsletter - how to be reclusive... and boring.
Maybe recluses recognise each other. Hmm, I'm off down a rabbit hole to find out. Take care, my dear Canadian friend!
'Copious re-shaping'! YES!
I'm so happy for you: no stitches, wetsuit on, SWIM! And, of course, for the Terrier. Tears in my eyes.
Such a beautiful post. I'm very behind (for a change - LOL!) on my reading, but am spending my Sunday afternoon catching up with some of it. This post was a delight. x
I'm behind as well, Rebecca. So don't panic! XXXX