Weekly Photo Challenge: Silhouette

I'm not ashamed to say that my dog Ritz is not a normal dog. His guardian breed instincts, combined with the fact that he grew up in a house full of cats, often result in odd behaviors. This is a perfect example of how he will do pretty much anything he has to, to be able to see out a window. We refer to him as "the neighborhood watchman" when he is in this position. You can rest assured that no solicitors make it to our door undetected.

Weekly Photo Challenge: Big

I usually like to choose photos that are meaningful to me or have an interesting story. This one is neither but it's fun! This is a picture of me with a giant stuffed moose in Cost-Co last winter. At the time I had a co-worker who loves moose so I knew I had to share this find with her. I had my boyfriend take the photo, much to his embarrassment, in the middle of the store, and my co-worker said she squealed with delight at the sight of me with this big guy.

Weekly Photo Challenge: Happy

       When I saw this week's topic, this photo came to mind immediately. It was taken a couple of summers ago on an awesome summer day when I had brought home a blue plastic swimming pool for Ritz and we were splashing around in it. I've always thought that if dogs truly can show emotion, this is a perfect example of a smiling happy face. 

A Little Bit Of Relief

   
     Earlier this week we received our first snow of the season and I'm pretty sure I heard the entire state of Montana breathe a collective sigh of relief. It's not that I'm in a hurry for winter to get here, but we've had a particularly hot dry summer that resulted in a dangerously long fire season. While the sudden drop in temperature takes a while to get used to, it's nice to have a change of scenery and wardrobe. It's time for jeans and hooded sweatshirts, almost time for hats and gloves. It feels good after several months of wearing out the same few pairs of shorts and t-shirts. I really enjoy this brief time of year when there is snow on the mountains but not yet here in the valley. The white mountains look stunning contrasted against the sky and dried grasses. In just a matter of weeks it will all be white and stay that way for what will feel like forever and then we'll be anxious to see the grass again in the spring. I enjoy living in Montana more than I ever thought I would. While the weather can be harsh, there is always a change to look forward to.  The mountains may stay the same but they always look different to me, some days hidden by the clouds or snow capped & bright in the sun. I never get tired of looking at them.
     

Weekly Photo Challenge: Mine

About three months ago I joined a roller derby team. I was looking to enrich my life, round it out a bit. I needed something in my life that wasn't my job or my home. It's something that has been on my bucket list for as long as I can remember but I never thought I had it in me and didn't know how to go about getting started. This past spring, the universe starting sending me little messages and I decided I was going for it. So I talked to a couple girls who are on the team, checked out a practice and then signed up. In just a short time, roller derby has pushed me and challenged me more than anything else ever has. I've never been an athlete, never played a team sport. But I do now. It's been a bit slow going. I've watched some team mates breeze past me to pass the skills tests and move on to advanced levels but I'm still chugging along, and I know I'll get there when the time is right for me. I have an entire new group of friends, a new skill set and a new wardrobe. It's all mine alone and has already made me a stronger person in so many ways.