Actually, I’d like to take a minute or two to thank everybody!
I won’t start naming Countries or individual names because you know I mean you, and all because you stopped in to visit and share such kind and encouraging words this past week, since Andy joined our family.
The thing is you will never know how much of a difference your words have made to both myself and Emma!
And of course to Andy…as you can see he’s under so much pressure!
I don’t know what we’d do without those frequent “dog-naps!”
Emma has just started an Instagram account and she would love you to visit her and Andy @reallyhandyandy where she will document and share their journey towards improved mental health and where she hopes to fulfill her dream and goal of paving the way towards the availability of Psychiatric Service Dogs in Ireland.
Hi... failte (Irish for welcome! and pronounced fall-thhha).
I'm a newbie to blogging, here just over a year, but what a great year it has been!
I've turned the corner to 50 recently and two things become more relevant...time and experiences!
Material possessions are less important! Using time wisely and truly experiencing each day holds a new significance for me!
If you wish..., a little of the back story...
I''m blessed to be married to a kind and loving man for 28 years, we have two children now 19 and 21.
As I approached 40 and searching for something more, whilst holding down my then part-time legal secretarial work, I trained as a voluntary adult literacy tutor, with the hope of helping adults improve their literacy skills and have a second, and better experience of learning!
However, little did I think that wanting to help others improve their lives would see my own life improve beyond measure also!
You see for years I found it difficult to know what to do as I watched our two children suffer at the hands of bullies. Their struggle began to change when I returned to education! Through education I slowly gained valuable knowledge, I grew in confidence and self-esteme and it had a ripple effect!
By 2014, aged 47 I had completed a Higher Certificate in Literacy Development and a B.A. in Adult Education. I love my work as an adult educator, particularly when adults trust me enough to let down their defences and 'let me in'. Then I can help them by getting to know what makes them 'tic' and what 'lights their fire!'.
As an added bonus along the way I've realised that I also have a love of writing and that writing is cathartic (providing psychological relief through written expression of built up emotions), both for my students and myself. This blog enables me to pursue that new-found interest and I've really enjoying reading your blogs, sharing comments, getting to know so many people and gaining new perspectives. I also like to share any little 'gems' of learning I've gathered along the way!
Thanks for sharing your stories and for helping me realise that it is all possible...and that together we write a truly better story!
Much love,
Marie x
Don’t you just love seeing where everyone is reading your blog from? The world is a much smaller place now that we have the internet to connect us. One of the things I enjoy most about blogging is that it gives me a chance to make friends all over the world.
….And may I just say, Andy is absolutely adorable!
It is amazing Terri, to realise what we say can be seen, heard & most importantly our words can be felt by people far and wide! Blogging has to be the greatest benefit of the internet, opening up a world of friendships and learning! And as a grandparent, lol, I am a bit biased…yes Andy is adorable!! Xx
Yes, it makes a differenc, your story approaching 1st anniversary of your collaboration is a wonderful example! I know Emma will be delighted to hear of your interest Darren.
It’s fun to see our blogs grow from all over the world, isn’t it? 🙂
Andy is gorgeous! I have an emotional support dog named Leilani. We also have two cats that I just love. Sometimes our house feels like a zoo of love.
It sure is awesome to make links to friends all over the world! Thank you for sharing your story, it is great for Emma to hear how it makes a difference to your life!
Andy is adorable. Emma’s passion and plan to encourage others in receiving a service animal is wonderful. When my dad was diagnosed with Parkinsons, his two indoor cats (and the two he cared for in his garage) were very important to his adjustment. My mom told me they were imperitive in getting him up and moving. He’s since lost the two in the garage, but the two indoor cats follow him (at his pace) around the house. They climb in his recliner and lay across his legs (he sleeps in a recliner instead of a bed because it’s difficult to get out of it). It’s okay, at least he sleeps and the cats keep him company and keep him warm. I look forward to following Emma’s Instagram!
Thank you Brenda, Andy is adorable for sure and a live wire! Your story is so wonderful! I’m delighted to hear how your dad’s cats improve his quality of life. It must be reassuring for your mum too. I truly hope as Emma journeys towards helping others that it will also reflect improved health for her.
Stumbled on your blog. Dave is totally cute! I’m hoping to rescue a dog next year once I have bought my new home in the summer. I love seeing where people who read/like/comment on my blog are from.
Glad you stumbled on my blog and hope you find some posts of interest. Best of luck with the purchase of your home, it is a very exciting time! We have two rescue dogs and they have brought us so much happiness and chewed lots of furniture but that’s another story! It is an interesting part of WP to be able to see where our readers are from and it’s also helping improve my geography!
Thank you for sharing!.. going by the picture, it seems Andy and I have something in common… 🙂 🙂 use to have a little Jack Russell named Bree but she passed away a few years back…
JUST MY DOG
He is my other eyes that can see above
the clouds; my other ears that hear above the winds.
He is the part of me that can reach out into the sea.
He has told me a thousand times over that I am his reason for being:
By the way he rests against my leg; by the way he thumps his tail at my smallest smile;
By the way he shows his hurt when I leave without taking him. (I think it makes him sick with worry when he is not along to care for me.)
When I am wrong, he is delighted to forgive.
When I am angry, he clowns to make me smile.
When I am happy, he is joy unbounded.
When I am a fool, he ignores it.
When I succeed, he brags.
Without him, I am only another man. With him,
I am all-powerful.
He is loyalty itself.
He has taught me the meaning of devotion.
With him, I know a secret comfort and a private peace.
He has brought me understanding where before I was ignorant.
His head on my knee can heal my human hurts.
His presence by my side is protection against my fears of dark and unknown things.
He has promised to wait for me…whenever…wherever–in case I need him.
And I expect I will–as I always have.
He is just my dog.
Author Gene Hill…
Thank you Dutch for sharing such a lovely poem, Emma said it’s so cute, she loved it! I heard a story only last night that in native American beliefs, when we die we have to cross a bridge and the gate keepers are all dogs who judge us on how we treated dogs.
I have an emotional support dog. Along with taking anxiety medication 30 minutes before leaving the house, she really is the only thing that gets me to the grocery store.
Really well. Busy with mostly good things. I miss this place everyday, but life does indeed get in the way sometimes. lol. I am going to try to be a little more regular even if it is once a week. Hugs my friends.
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February 22, 2019 at 2:18 pm
Don’t you just love seeing where everyone is reading your blog from? The world is a much smaller place now that we have the internet to connect us. One of the things I enjoy most about blogging is that it gives me a chance to make friends all over the world.
….And may I just say, Andy is absolutely adorable!
LikeLiked by 3 people
February 22, 2019 at 2:47 pm
It is amazing Terri, to realise what we say can be seen, heard & most importantly our words can be felt by people far and wide! Blogging has to be the greatest benefit of the internet, opening up a world of friendships and learning! And as a grandparent, lol, I am a bit biased…yes Andy is adorable!! Xx
LikeLiked by 2 people
February 22, 2019 at 3:08 pm
Andy is so gorgeous!
You already know I share yours and Terri’s views on the joys and benefits of blogging.
I have very happily followed Emma and Andy on Instagram 🙂
LikeLiked by 3 people
February 22, 2019 at 3:21 pm
Yes, it makes a differenc, your story approaching 1st anniversary of your collaboration is a wonderful example! I know Emma will be delighted to hear of your interest Darren.
LikeLiked by 1 person
February 22, 2019 at 3:16 pm
It’s fun to see our blogs grow from all over the world, isn’t it? 🙂
Andy is gorgeous! I have an emotional support dog named Leilani. We also have two cats that I just love. Sometimes our house feels like a zoo of love.
LikeLiked by 3 people
February 22, 2019 at 3:26 pm
It sure is awesome to make links to friends all over the world! Thank you for sharing your story, it is great for Emma to hear how it makes a difference to your life!
LikeLiked by 1 person
February 22, 2019 at 4:47 pm
💕
LikeLike
February 22, 2019 at 5:16 pm
Andy is adorable. Emma’s passion and plan to encourage others in receiving a service animal is wonderful. When my dad was diagnosed with Parkinsons, his two indoor cats (and the two he cared for in his garage) were very important to his adjustment. My mom told me they were imperitive in getting him up and moving. He’s since lost the two in the garage, but the two indoor cats follow him (at his pace) around the house. They climb in his recliner and lay across his legs (he sleeps in a recliner instead of a bed because it’s difficult to get out of it). It’s okay, at least he sleeps and the cats keep him company and keep him warm. I look forward to following Emma’s Instagram!
LikeLiked by 1 person
February 22, 2019 at 6:10 pm
Thank you Brenda, Andy is adorable for sure and a live wire! Your story is so wonderful! I’m delighted to hear how your dad’s cats improve his quality of life. It must be reassuring for your mum too. I truly hope as Emma journeys towards helping others that it will also reflect improved health for her.
LikeLiked by 1 person
February 23, 2019 at 6:19 am
That certainly would be a wonderful outcome! =)
LikeLiked by 1 person
February 23, 2019 at 12:37 am
Stumbled on your blog. Dave is totally cute! I’m hoping to rescue a dog next year once I have bought my new home in the summer. I love seeing where people who read/like/comment on my blog are from.
LikeLiked by 1 person
February 23, 2019 at 6:47 am
Glad you stumbled on my blog and hope you find some posts of interest. Best of luck with the purchase of your home, it is a very exciting time! We have two rescue dogs and they have brought us so much happiness and chewed lots of furniture but that’s another story! It is an interesting part of WP to be able to see where our readers are from and it’s also helping improve my geography!
LikeLike
February 23, 2019 at 1:43 pm
Thank you for sharing!.. going by the picture, it seems Andy and I have something in common… 🙂 🙂 use to have a little Jack Russell named Bree but she passed away a few years back…
JUST MY DOG
He is my other eyes that can see above
the clouds; my other ears that hear above the winds.
He is the part of me that can reach out into the sea.
He has told me a thousand times over that I am his reason for being:
By the way he rests against my leg; by the way he thumps his tail at my smallest smile;
By the way he shows his hurt when I leave without taking him. (I think it makes him sick with worry when he is not along to care for me.)
When I am wrong, he is delighted to forgive.
When I am angry, he clowns to make me smile.
When I am happy, he is joy unbounded.
When I am a fool, he ignores it.
When I succeed, he brags.
Without him, I am only another man. With him,
I am all-powerful.
He is loyalty itself.
He has taught me the meaning of devotion.
With him, I know a secret comfort and a private peace.
He has brought me understanding where before I was ignorant.
His head on my knee can heal my human hurts.
His presence by my side is protection against my fears of dark and unknown things.
He has promised to wait for me…whenever…wherever–in case I need him.
And I expect I will–as I always have.
He is just my dog.
Author Gene Hill…
LikeLiked by 1 person
February 23, 2019 at 2:30 pm
Thank you Dutch for sharing such a lovely poem, Emma said it’s so cute, she loved it! I heard a story only last night that in native American beliefs, when we die we have to cross a bridge and the gate keepers are all dogs who judge us on how we treated dogs.
LikeLike
February 23, 2019 at 9:46 pm
I have an emotional support dog. Along with taking anxiety medication 30 minutes before leaving the house, she really is the only thing that gets me to the grocery store.
LikeLiked by 1 person
February 23, 2019 at 11:28 pm
I’m delighted to hear your story Jen and how supportive/essential your support dog is to the quality of your life. Le grà, Marie xx
LikeLiked by 1 person
February 25, 2019 at 7:38 pm
What does ” la gra” mean?
LikeLiked by 1 person
February 25, 2019 at 10:13 pm
Hi Jen, thanks for asking, it is Irish for “with love” “le grà” xx
LikeLiked by 1 person
February 25, 2019 at 10:15 pm
Irish… La gra. I like that. It doesn’t sound like other languages (in my head). I think I will have Google read some Irish to me. LoL.
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February 26, 2019 at 10:21 pm
Le grà…sounds lay graa. Try youtube. Xx
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February 24, 2019 at 8:52 pm
Hello back. Wow you just continue to blossom.
LikeLiked by 1 person
February 24, 2019 at 9:12 pm
OMG, it’s been so long… too long Donna, how have you been?
LikeLiked by 1 person
February 24, 2019 at 9:50 pm
Really well. Busy with mostly good things. I miss this place everyday, but life does indeed get in the way sometimes. lol. I am going to try to be a little more regular even if it is once a week. Hugs my friends.
LikeLiked by 1 person
February 24, 2019 at 9:54 pm
I’m so glad to hear that Donna. I’ll be waiting for you! Xx
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March 2, 2019 at 6:53 pm
Andy is adorable!!! Enjoy every special moment!
LikeLiked by 1 person
March 2, 2019 at 10:21 pm
Thanks Janie he is but he is also proving to be a very dominant character and quite a challenge!
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March 2, 2019 at 10:34 pm
LOL! As all puppies are! 🙂
LikeLiked by 1 person