Walk And Chew Gum
This morning’s walk was quite an active one, much more than I like the morning walk to be. For me, it is about starting my day, with a clear head, with a positive direction.
Everything can change during this walk, depending on what has happened in the days before. As of late, you may as well throw everything I am dealing with in a blender and hit the “puree” button.
Like I said, I want my day to start off slowly, and constructively. I only got a couple of blocks from the front door, when three or four things that have been on my mind regularly, quickly jumbled around in my head for the top story to be dealt with today.
Just as I lost focus of my morning ritual, there he was, Oakley.
Though Oakley’s coat was much darker than what a golden retriever normally had, he was definitely a golden. And yes, being the sucker I am for goldens, I had to stop and pet him. This is not the first time that I have seen Oakley. It is only natural that he has a very friendly personality. I immediately got down on the ground so that my head was at the same level as his big “square head.”
Oakley lets me pet him, much the same way I used to pet Pollo, rubbing his chest under his chin, scratching and rubbing his ears, and of course reminding him just how handsome he is. As I looked up to carry on a conversation with his owner, taking my attention away from Oakley, I got a reminder that my attention was desired somewhere else.
Just as Pollo used to do to me, Oakley took his left front paw, and placed it on my right arm which had been resting on my knee, similar to shaking “paws.” I looked at Oakley and he had that huge golden grin.
Slowly my focus regained momentum, to start my day as I was intending to, one detail at a time, clear, and sharp. I lowered Oakley’s paw back to the ground, stood up, and said goodbye to both Oakley and his owner, so that I could continue on my way. Oakley was not ready to say goodbye, as he stayed in a seated position. I crossed the street and looked back. Oakley’s owner was trying to convince him it was time to move on, and Oakley was having no part of it.
Funny, Pollo had a stubbornness about him too. Oakley was not ready to go, he wanted more attention from me. Or perhaps he was just helping me, getting me to slow down my thoughts. Enjoy the day.
Thank you Oakley.
Paul's Heart 