ALL CREATURES GREAT AND SMALL

Those of you who know me well, know that while I admire animals from a distance, I'm not a huge fan of cohabiting with them, etc.  But this week I decided to "turn over a new leaf."  I've petted and loved these two dogs all week.  And it wasn't terrible.  I felt bad for them as I was the only human they had for a week, so I gave myself pep talks and spent a lot of time loving on them.  (I did a lot of hand washing and showering afterward.)  Honestly, I enjoyed doting on Bear better than my own dog because his calm demeanor is more my type.  (Don't tell anyone because I have a reputation to keep - but I ALMOST enjoyed having these cute dogs around.)

Bear

Karmel

I also have enjoyed discovering all sorts of critters with Amy on our walks.  This week we've seen the following:

This baby salamander was so cute.

I laid my ring down next to him for some size reference.

This funny toad was pretty lazy and let us just take pictures of him.

I can't believe I was brave enough to take this picture.  I got pretty close but also used my zoom feature.  The little baby spiders on it's back really creeped me out!

I've also read two books the past week....

I bought Zandra and Tamu's book, Diary of Two Mad Black Mormons, because I really enjoyed listening to them speak at Time Out for Women.  These women are so funny. And witty. There is truth and love throughout the book.  BUT - I couldn't relate to much of it.  The culture didn't translate to me.  I'm glad I read it.  But I'm not sure I loved it.  It was OK.

I also read Matt Walsh's debut book The Unholy Trinity: Blocking the Left's Assault on Life, Marriage, and Gender.  Matt Walsh is a gifted writer who is conservative and Christian.  I've been reading his blog posts for about 3 years and love his well thought out arguments and have agreed with most of what he writes.  He walks the walk and talks the talk - which is amazing.  I enjoyed his book.  I'm sure there are probably a LOT of people who won't like him or his book - but when you're brave enough to speak the truth, you are bound to have enemies....