Pumpkins, Puppies, and BOO(K)S!

I’m a pretty experienced dog mama, but I’ve learned a lot over the last few months helping my sister with her puppy. My sister works from home full-time and has two kids, so raising a feral wild animal in her home is about the last thing she has time for. Thankfully, I’m not just an auntie to her kids. I’m seeing little Lewis (who has no joke tripled in size over the last 6 weeks! He’s gonna be a big one!) just about every other day or so, and as I’m watching him (helping, I hope!) him navigate the intense days of puppyhood, I can’t help but think about my own life struggles.

1. Life is hard no matter what stage you’re in.

The older I get, the more I wonder when things will get “easy.” Heck, forget easy. I’d take *easier* for a while. Watching Lewis struggle through learning basic commands, learning to settle himself, and learning to be part of his new family I know that just because he’s a bitey, feral maniac today doesn’t mean that tomorrow he won’t remember to lick first, pause, and think before he nibbles a hole in my sleeve. Every day I see growth and change in the little guy. And while it’s never entirely easy, I have the patience to wait it out. To show up and stay consistent. More than anything, I know to stay positive. Because I’m building a relationship with this little guy. It may never be *easy,* but I do know that it gets easier. And every day along the way is filled with love, laughs, and licks that make the journey worth it.

Lewis may struggle, but if I keep a bird’s eye view and stay calm and patient, none of it feels too hard. Challenging, sure, but like I said, the love and laughs make it worth it.

2. The possibilities truly are endless.

This is something I struggle with big-time. I was raised with a lot of no’s, a lot of negativity. A lot of anxieties and fears due to the issues my family had. We all have things that make us limit ourselves, ways we stay small so we can stay safe. My dog, Molly, is amazing, but she’s highly anxious and fears new things. It’s been a slow journey to help her overcome her fears, and that’s taught me to be kinder to myself. But Lewis is a VERY different dog. He doesn’t react with fear, but is curious, stubborn, and oh-so clever.

We recently tried teaching him (at only 12 weeks old) to run through a tunnel to fetch a toy. Molly, my shepherd, would be terrified of the challenge. She is afraid of strange new objects, especially large ones (which makes walking her through the city to trash day a tragic-comedic experience). But Lewis, after investigating, trying, and failing, nailed the puppy tunnel. He loves it!

When I sit at my desk and think about my life or my books, my career and my plans, sometimes it’s TOO easy to think about what won’t happen. What I can’t do. What I fear.

I’ve been actively working on seeing possibilities. When I hang out with my nieces, I absolutely believe they are capable of ANYTHING. Everything! Why won’t I believe that for myself?

Putting myself in the Lewis mindset means seeing myself in the same gentle light. I may have Molly tendencies—fear, anxieties, worries—but there is a lot of Lewis still in me. Curiosity, courage, and consistency—that’s how I plan to change my mindset and embrace bigger and better possibilities.

Adding some SPOOKY decor to my shelves!

I love decorating for the seasons, so I added a little color to my bookshelves as we get into spooky season! It’s still sunny and warm here in Los Angeles, but who says we can’t have pumpkins!!!

This month I’m leading a book club and the book we’re reading is a classic!! I’ve never read Persuasion by Jane Austen, but I’ve read plenty of retellings and have watched North & South, which I believe is a Persuasion retelling as well. With all the fantasy and contemporary romance I read, this will be a definite change of pace. But I’m excited!

What books are on your fall TBR?

Thanks so much for reading, friends! Stay healthy, safe, and when the going gets tough, think of little Lewis. No matter where you’re at in life, I believe our best days are still ahead. And we can have lots of laughs and love while we’re in the now.