someday

Who knew a picture is worth a thousand words? Actually, I think a lot of people do...guess I'm a slow learner...

I found this picture today of a new Mustang updated to look like the vehicle in the movie "Gone in 60 Seconds." I just had to post it. In the movie, Memphis (Nick Cage) has one achilles heel - a Mustang he has named Eleanor. Seems like everytime he gets in to drive it, there is a problem...they have a lot of history together.

The vehicle in the movie is amazing, but this one also caught my eye - combines the best of the old with the best of the new...

Just one more thing to add to my 'wish list.'

gone in 60 seconds

Who knew you could learn anything from movies?

The movie, "Gone in 60 Seconds" was on the other night. LOVE that movie. I only caught the last few minutes of it (so was a little bummed), but there was a quote at the end I remembered, but never sank in.

They are talking about one of the guys in the group that was wounded during the operation. As they are talking about it, one of them throws out this quote.

"If his premature demise has, in some way, enlightened the rest of you as to the grim finish below the glossy veneer of criminal life, and inspired you to change your ways, then his death carries with it an inherent nobility. And a supreme glory. We should all be so fortunate. You can say 'Poor Toby." I say: "Poor us.."

Guess this time I heard the quote it reminded me of another whose death carried with it an inherent nobility. Some one else whose life and death inspired us to change our ways and be some one we didn't used to be. It also reminded me that we can all be so fortunate if we just get on board and follow His lead. The responsibility that goes along with knowing and understanding (even if only a small amount) makes me echo his quote..."Poor us."

minnie

Who knew we'd EVER get another dog? Certainly not us...but...

Meet Minnie.



We picked her up yesterday from Last Chance Rescue. She is a beagle and is about 2 years old and is full grown at about 20 pounds (half of Trinity). J is going to take her to the vet this week so we know if there is anything we need to do for her - she currently has a slight eye cold. She is extremely shy at this point and is very mello (which was one of the selling points). So far Trinity has been good and is just watching her walk around. They have been in the yard a few times and haven't really played together, but Minnie has started following Trinity around the house (very cute).

We are learning there is a difference having a smaller dog. Some of the things we never worry about, or thought about with Trinity have started to surface. We learned this right from the start...as soon as we brought her home, we let them both check out the back yard. Minnie was sniffing around, taking care of business, and doing well...until she got a little tired. She went under the Mountaineer (which at first we thought was kind of cute), but then she laid down and wouldn't come out. Never had to worry about that with Trin because she can't even fit under the truck. So, after a little coaxing, and a brilliant idea by Taylor (to use the leash), we got her out and started the inside adventure.

We stopped by PetCo while we were out last night picked up some food bowls, a bed and a few minor other things. Minnie was very tired when she got here and spent most of the night cuddled up next to one of us. I'm sure it wasn't easy sleeping at the shelter with all of the other dogs making so much noise all the time. After Taylor went to bed, we put Minnie in her new bed and she looked so cute. As soon as she got in there, J said, "I think we need to get a bigger bed." Of course, I said, "No way, she fits like a glove."


As always, J was right and Minnie showed us she was a little too big for that one.


We actually had both of the dogs sleeping in our room on the floor last night (big night since it was the first) and things went well. Minnie slept in her bed all night and Trinity was camped in her usual spot. All in all, it has been a good first day.

We've got a 2 week trial period with Minnie because it was very hard to see how she would be without being at home. We did bring Trinity with and introduced them to each other, interacted with her as much as possible, and felt good about her, but it was still tough with all of the other people and dogs around. So far, things are going really well so we will see what the next 13 days hold for us.

This is good because there are many days when we are gone all day and this will give Trin some one to talk to while we are gone.

For the record, I want to point out the J found Minnie, although I was totally on board to get another dog, J was the one that found her, and between her and Tay, they convinced me to take a look at her.

Another adventure has started...what are we thinking?

homeless

Who knew a book could have such an impact?

I just finished the book, Under the Overpass by Mike Yankoski. Wow. In a nutshell, Mike and Sam choose to become homeless for 5 months. They decide to spend roughly a month in each of these six cities: Denver, Washington DC, Portland, San Francisco, Phoenix, and San Diego.

The book describes their experiences living on the streets and the people they met along the way. I couldn't put the book down. Just reading about what they had to do to survive - to get their daily bread, to find safe places to sleep - all just really put things in perspective. Reading about the people they met along the way, how they treated them and loved them, was also eye opening. They also came in contact with some Christians, and some churches, along the way to mixed reactions. It seems some of us are a long way from doing what we are actually called to do. In some cases, we are willing to wish them well and send them off - when all they really need is to be treated like humans, to be talked to, and have their current needs met - whether food, water, shoes, etc. There were many times in the book when they left the meeting with another Christian feeling really frustrated with the lack of help and true love they were given. That was hard to read because I started to wonder what my reaction would have been in each situation. Would I have been a help, or a hinderance to their journey?

Of course I'd love to believe I'd be the helper, doing what I could to encourage and lift them up. I'm not sure there is anything in my life currently to validate that though. It's not like I'm turning people away, or not giving what I can, but I'm definitely not going out of my way to seek people out, or going out of my way to help people when they do cross my path. These are things I've decided I need to work on, and look forward to what changes it will bring about in my life, as well as the life of those I may have the opportunity to bless.

Below are some links to web-sites with more information on the subject, including the new shelter in Ann Arbor (in case I'm not the only one feeling the need to find out more). Also, Mike (the author) has a web-site that facilitates conversation on the subject. If you click on the link to the book above, it will take you there. They have a few pictures of their trip, bios, etc.

SAMHSA National Mental Health Information Center
National Resource and Training Center on Homelessness and Mental Illness
Shelter Association of Washtenaw County