a trip to the park

there is something special about a trip to the park on a fall day. i took my little pooch to one of our local parks to play ball, which happens to be her absolute favorite activity in the whole world. even tops eating. NO JOKE

the weather was perfect. sunny and mild. the wind occasionally blowing. in between throwing the ball, i would watch the leaves fall from the trees in a variety of dances. some spun and twirled rapidly, desiring to reach the ground quickly. others took their time and sort of sauntered in the wind, in no hurry to reach the earth.

at one point, i sat down on a park bench. closing my eyes, i looked directly towards the sun. ever notice how difficult it is to look at the sun and not smile? even if you don't intend to, the squinting action alone seems to bring out the urge to smile. perhaps it's instinctive. perhaps it's a reminder of the connection we share with the sun and how important we intuitively know it to be for our survival.

ok, my little puppy is sitting right here next to me, giving me a look. she seems to want to be included in this piece............ she says the grass felt really good today. the mid-week rains we had gave it an extra cushiony coolness. and she says she loves running through the leaves, although she doesn't particularly like it when the ball gets lost amongst them. ok, she's also telling me i need to bring more balls in case i lose one, which she is reminding me we have done at times. she appreciates the water breaks, but says she is often not thirsty when i think she is. and yes, she can admit that she cheats a bit. she really does know how to bring the ball right to my feet. she just chooses not to. she likes to get up and running before i have the chance to throw it.

ok, now she is telling me she needs a snack............and she is having another hankering for some ball action.

oh, to be a dog!