Frieda is not one to share her dog bed, or much else, but Lenore climbed right in on top of her Sunday and the two of them dozed together. Maria couldn’t believe it. The Love Dog could charm a Tyrannosaurus Rex.

We are humbled here at Bedlam Farm by racking up 3,000 regular subscribers to Facebook (see the button up on the upper right), where this blog is posted every day. I appreciate the people signing up very much, and since many of them wrote that the blog sometimes inspire them, I am obliged to point out that it is the people who read my books, look at my photos, read the blog who inspire me. From the first, and despite my squirming around about privacy versus openness (I still do that), people have scolded me, encouraged me, advised me, cheered on my photograph – a major reason I stayed with it – bought my books, notecards, supported Maria in her art and work, loved and worried about my dogs and my life.

In my life, an event isn’t real until I post it. I have been open about my trials and triumphs, and I promise that I will continue to be. My life is not important, but our common struggle to give voice to our dreams and stories, overcome fear and discouragement, and celebrate the love of dogs, cats and other animals has created a sense of community.

Returning to Quaker Meeting was an important step for me today. I felt I had come home the minute I walked in the door.  No rules, trappings, requirements, judgments. Just good people gathering in silence and peace and trust. I listened to the wind howling around the Meeting House and I thought, I can’t wait to post a photo from her on the blog. You have all inspired me, and do so every day, and I am grateful.