And Now For Something Completely Different!

It's been a rough start to 2011 so far. The bloggy world has lost two of its very special gentlepugs in Stubby and Emmitt, there's been tragedy in Japan that seems to be continuing, and crazy weather has been affecting so many parts of the country. So, I thought it was time for a different post, a more uplifting post, a positive post! Now how can anyone resist the face of Blue II (yep, that's the pup above). He's the mascot of the Butler Bulldogs, who won their first game vs. Old Dominion 60-58 in the NCAA Tournament. Blue is a fan who dreams big (look at the size of that bone he has!) though he's an underdog. He enjoys life, and yet knows the value of a well timed nap. Like Blue, we can all reach for the stars, dream as big as our imagination can take us, live life to the fullest and funnest!

Keeping Those in Japan in Our Thoughts

This morning I woke up to the news of the 8.9 magnitude earthquake in Japan. From the early news stories, it became evident that the damage and loss of life from the earthquake and the tsunami was going to be pretty bad. My first thoughts were of Hawaii, as I've got a friend who lives on Maui. Thankfully, Hawaii and the U.S. mainland suffered only minor damage. But in these next few days, maybe we can remember the people of Japan, who are going through so much, and have lost so much. And maybe we can also remember the words of President Obama: "Today’s events remind us of just how fragile life can be....I’m heartbroken by this tragedy. I think when you see what’s happening in Japan you are reminded that for all our differences in culture or language or religion, that ultimately humanity is one." And whether it is in Japan, Haiti, Christchurch, or tornado alley here in the U.S., we're reminded that tragedy can happen anywhere, to anyone. So maybe you can keep those suffering through this latest disaster in your thoughts just a little bit as you go through your regular weekend routine.