Let me start by introducing Avery, my newly adopted canine companion. Technically I'm still fostering her, but I have no intention of sending her anywhere else to live. She's a 3 year old Jack Russell/Beagle mix. Slowly coming out of her shell, she loves playing with other dogs, running around the backyard and warming herself by the wood stove. We've had a session with a wonderful trainer and I'm doing my best to give her a good life, which includes learning good manners. It's a lesson in patience for me...not only patience towards Avery but towards myself. As in my human parenting experience, I tend to be self critical of my doggy parenting as well! But that's MY issue to overcome (which is another great advantage to this process!).
We've taken a couple long walks down to the river lately, Avery and I. Yet another season for me to experience here in Virginia. I like that it's been cooler, that the skeletal frames on so many trees are showing, that there are lots of crunchy leaves through which to shuffle. The river seems so much more blue now. Maybe it's because everything else is a dull buff or brown, but the water is strikingly colorful to my eyes.
No other news at the moment. The homestead is decorated for the holidays, but not much else is happening. It's a quiet time for me. This has its pros and its cons. Depression continues to be something with which I work. Hence...not much artwork from me yet...not much energy for inspiration and motivation. Then again, I consider December an introspective month and always have. I've little to no social obligations this year, the pros of which are that I can relax (the cons, well, that was what made the holidays special for me and to not have that same outlet for giving is unsettling and melancholy). All that being said, I'm making the effort to notice I have choices regarding my perspective on the situation and to choose wisely and constructively.