Thursday, September 24, 2009

Winner of La Mappa di Italia Pillow -





Nancy Offerman of Live-Laugh-Love (or Vivere-Ridere-Amore) won La Mappa di Italia pillow. Nancy is represented here by her yellow Lab, Logan.

Disclaimer (I swear): The fact Nancy has a yellow Lab or any Lab at all did in no way effect my ability to apply sound judgment regarding the winner. Nancy researched and provided several great map websites and shared Grace. I case you don't believe me, here it is -

My husband's uncle recently lost his wife of 52 years. He stays with us for a couple of days each month when going to visit his children (we do the airport trip) and the visits are great for all of us! This week I made him his favorite dinners, and he came carrying red and white wine! Good food, company, conversation! Grace given, grace received!
Love the pillow with your pup wrapped around it!
~Nancy

Grace given, Gracie received...


Lab Rescue - Introducing Kenyon
I introduced the newest member of Assisi Farms fourteen days ago as "No Name Lab". He came to us on a Friday and by the end of Saturday he did not respond to the name I was told he came with, Kenyon. On Sunday, however, he did. Look at the difference in the photographs from the first few days and this evening. My responsibility is to evaluate him and assist in the regaining of confidence and manners. Tonight was the first time I allowed him off-leash at Coronado's Dog Beach. He has become attached to Scout, my youngest black Lab, but she remains ambivalent about him given her mood which is her way. As I watched them play together on the beach this evening I was overcome with the evidence of Grace Given and Grace Received. Although he remains close to me and looks to see where I am, I saw in him the beauty that defines his soul long before vicious dog attacks and irresponsible previous owners. As he ran into the Pacific Ocean and played with Scout and other dogs with no fear his scars were still physically noticeable but in those moments, only to me. As he played I experienced joy and was moved accordingly. Never forget the healing power of the giving of your time or the kindness of a gesture well timed nor of allowing in the experience of being present in the moment.

Grace given and grace received.
Amen to that.


3 comments:

  1. How lovely. Congrats to Nancy who is one lucky lady.. winning one of your gorgeous pillows and owning a lab!

    It is lovely to hear how well Kenyon is doing and I could feel that joy imagining him jumping throught the waves.. Maybe we all need a good swim in the ocean with good friends!!
    Have a lovely weekend. x Julie

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  2. Kenyon is a GREAT dog. The proof is in the fact that he is able to be loving and affectionate and, despite, or is spite of, the horrible things done to him, he can forgive and be happy.

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  3. I am speechless at your beautiful post! Thank you so much and I am so honored to be the recipient of one of your lovely pillows! When I read the Better Homes article, I never dreamed I would "connect" with you in this way! I can't wait for the package!
    The story on Kenyon is beautiful and you are such an inspiration! I can just picture them running on the beach...
    Logan and I, both thank you!
    ~Nancy

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