Celebrating Four-Legged Joy on Joy List Monday

Five years ago today we brought home our two sweet boys from the rescue kennel.

greyhounds, retired racing greyhounds, Anne Butera, My Giant Strawberry

A lot has happened in those five years. They've gotten us through some very bad times, always giving us so much joy.

greyhounds, retired racing greyhounds, Anne Butera, My Giant Strawberry

Every day they make me laugh.

greyhounds, retired racing greyhounds, Anne Butera, My Giant Strawberry

They're gentle and affectionate.

greyhounds, retired racing greyhounds, Anne Butera, My Giant Strawberry

Every day I am grateful that they are part of my life.

Retired racing greyhounds are wonderful animals. I've never known such sweet dogs. If you'd like to learn more about them look for the rescue group in your area. The rescue groups work so hard to give these dogs a second chance at life. They'll match you with the right dog (or dogs) based on your situation.

Joy List Monday: 

a weekly ritual
a reminder to stop and pay attention to the little beauties and graces that make life magical and to set aside time for gratitude each day

winter flowers, houseplants, christmas cactus, Anne Butera, My Giant Strawberry

The rest of my list today:

  • a day out with my mom
  • the first snow
  • the first clementines of the season
  • a cozy, festive Sunday lunch with my parents
  • working in my studio reprinting calendars
  • incense and scented candles
  • Christmas cactus flowers
  • flower stalks forming on my orchid plants
  • sweet customer feedback in my Etsy shop
  • project inspirations and plans
studio, Anne Butera, Calendars, Art Prints, My Giant Strawberry

What's on your list today?

Comments

  1. I can't believe that you have had your boys for five years! They are really photogenic and handsome dogs! A great joy list today Anne. Mine is having a plan for the future, Christmas decorations giving the home a cozy glow, a family problem reaching a resolution, new books to read, contentment. I hope you have a lovely rest of December Anne. I look forward to seeing all your projects and plans come to fruition next year. :-)

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    1. I know! In some ways it seems like we just brought them home yesterday and yet it also seems as if they've always been with us.

      I'm so glad you have such good things on your joy list, Simone! wishing you a lovely rest of December, too. Have a great blog break and a wonderful holiday!

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  2. Like Simone, I'm amazed that you've had the boys for 5 years. Such a lucky match for all of you!
    xo

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  3. Hello Anne,
    I enjoyed the story about your boys. Thank you!
    Have a great week,
    Carla

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    1. Thank you, Carla! They're the sweetest boys. Love seeing glimpses of your cats on Instagram, too. Animal friends make the world a better place!

      Hope your week is great, too!

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  4. Your greyhounds are beautiful, Anne. So elegant. I see your joy list is filled with simple pleasures. They're the best. I love that photo of you in your studio. Cute slippers! ;-)

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    1. Thank you, Nancy! Simple pleasures are the best. The slippers are a necessity in this chilly weather and most days I wear a funny combination of other layers to stay warm, too. Don't think I'll photograph one of those outfits, though. ;)

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  5. Your dogs are beautiful Anne! I love your joy list mondays :)

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  6. Your doggies look so cute, relaxed & happy :-) I need to stop and consciously choose joy because its the time of year I do my best headless chicken impression! Life has been sooo busy physically, mentally, emotionally & practically. Part of the result is having been out of touch with lovely friends like you online & around me. My biggest joy is always my children but I'm also filled with joy every time I get to work on my novel. I'm editing & creating 2nd draft & excited by it. I'd like to have more time & energy for it than I have at the moment but like I posted on my Creatively Well Facebook page recently - it makes my heart sing! Hope you're ok hun. Hugs xx

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    1. Thank you, Kat! They're pretty mellow dogs. :)

      I hope you are finding peace and joy in your busyness. I'm so glad to hear that you've been working on your novel. Don't be too hard on yourself. Winter is always a time of less energy for me and I need to remember to honor that. Constantly pushing ourselves isn't healthy.

      Sending hugs!

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    2. You're very right. I did my last jewellery party of the season yesterday & apart from a lot of orders to do for Christmas needing to be done, I'm trying to pace my days a little slower now because I know all this headless chicken behaviour affects my health.
      Sending more Hugs back xx

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  7. Anne,
    They are the sweetest. I'm so glad you have them in your life. What a lovely pic of you working away in your beautiful studio. It's a great joy list too. Yesterday I jotted down, dusting of snow, a cardinal sighting, hearing my daughter singing Christmas carols in the shower, vanilla tea, an unexpected gift certificate, a stranger giving me a generous coupon in the grocery store.

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    1. They really are (though I guess I'm biased!).

      What a lovely list of joys. So much to be grateful for each and every day.

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