ZEN AND THE ART OF DOIN' IT DOGGY STYLE

Watching my dog, Violet, today in an encounter with a beach ball, I vowed to myself to try to be—to live, to think, to write—more like my dog (not that my dog writes, mind you). What I mean to say is that she, as well as my cats, are like children in their sense of wonder. Only they never grow up and lose their wonder. They are forever children in awe of everything. The world is a constant sorce of fascination to them. It is often scary and confusing too, but then, so it is to me, more often than not. I’m not saying I wish to be a simpleton, though I might be happier if I was. Actually, I almost assuredly would be happier. But if I could just try to concentrate a little less on what is scary and confusing, and a little more on what is wondrous, beautiful, funny, and amazing, I might be a happier person, and who knows, maybe even a better writer. Not that I want to be warm and fuzzy, but then there’s little chance of that. You won’t catch me reading Chicken Soup for the Soul any time soon. I’m naturally negative, but I go online or, in a moment of weakness and boredom, turn on the TV, and everyone is bitching about something. Just who does that Britney Spears think she is, or some shit I couldn’t care less about, but the negative energy abounds. And it’s definitely contagious. I’m as snarky as the next gal, and even snarkier than the one after that, which is why I have to make a real effort to enjoy myself. Always look on the bright side of life, as my boys say. Keep on whistling.

What would we do without these furry little jesters? (Pets, that is, not Monty Python.) Or are they really wise men—er, women—that is, animals. People without pets genuinely concern me. I wouldn’t want to turn my back on someone like that for too long. So yes, you will definitely catch me pissing and moaning in my blog or anywhere else I’m allowed, but I’m trying to be a bit more, let’s say, less negative. You’re sure as hell not going to hear me touting the power of positive thinking, or any crap like that. But most people could stand to be more like their dog or cat, unless it bites. Or poops on the floor.

Just read more Shel Silverstein and like he said:

Put something silly in the world
That ain’t been there before.

I couldn’t have said it better myself. (Maybe that’s why he’s the one with all the books.)