Man's Best Friend

(^my dog, Sam Wise Gamgee, rightfully named after Frodo's best friend in Lord of the Rings)

You always hear people say "dogs are man's best friend." You never fully realize how true that statement is until you experience the joy of having a dog. A lot of people don't believe that pets and owners can have a true 'relationship'. According to studies made by British author and biologist, Rupert Sheldrake, there is a telepathic type relationship that occurs between a pet and it's owner (he focused his study on dogs in particular). 

"The highlight of his study is the anticipatory behavior that indicates dogs know when their owners are about to return home, often by 10 to 30 minutes.  This telepathy occurs because of the close bond, an emotional connection, even an emotional need, that binds the sender and receiver. And I would conclude that the role of sender or receiver fluctuates back and forth between owner and animal: a telepathic receiver one time, a telepathic sender the next.   "

http://www.todancewithangels.com/is_your_pet_smarter.html

There have been remarkable stories about dogs who have saved their owners life. But there are also little stories you hear about someone who was sad and their dog was simply there for them. It's pretty amazing to see all the studies that have been conducted on the relationship between humans and their dogs. It's amazing to think that when you're really having a tough time or you're in danger you have your best friend with you to protect you. Treat your dogs right because someday it may save your life! Dogs are amazing animals, don't underestimate them. They have a special intuition when it comes to the people they love.

much love,

Katie.

Why Winter is Great

I love winter! I think it is the best season of the year, closely followed by fall. Let me just highlight some of the wonderful things about winter!

snow days spent doing fun things with great friends!

cute winter clothes!

barren trees (which I think are beautiful!)

SNOW!!!!

Ice Skating!

and last but not least...

building a snowman!!! :)

How can you not love winter?!

much love,

Katie.

Music is good for the soul

You know what the best thing is about music? The fact there is a song for every situation you find yourself in. It's kind of amazing really. You can find music about anything. I have heard a song about reading with a pickle. That's how diverse it is. Lately I've been hooked on a British band, Take That. They are AMAZING. One of the things that is a trait I like in singers is their background story. You know, how they got into the business, why they got into it. Take That has an amazing story. They have come so far, and they really put their all into their music. It's really amazing. Not only do they put on these amazingly entertaining concerts for their fans but they write all of their music. They put all their emotions into these beautiful songs and the end result is sweet music. Check them out for yourself!

much love,

Katie.

^one of the coolest music videos ever!

Loving Life

As humans our emotions are pretty crazy. We have good days, we have bad days. That's just the way it is. But lately, life has been good! Do you ever have that feeling where you are just content with life? It's a good feeling. It's like you look around and you just think, "Wow. What a beautiful world." Every little thing seems amazing to you. The way snow feels as it gently floats down from the sky, leaving cold spots on your face. The bright green grass and the feel of the wind as it whips your hair around. When you're with your friends you just think to yourself, "I am so lucky to have good friends." Sometimes you find yourself laughing a little louder than you used to. It's a wonderful feeling, loving life, and the only person who can make that happen, is you. You need to take time to realize that the little things in life really are the greatest joys. You shouldn't be dependent on anyone to make you happy, it's all up to you. So why sit around being miserable and mopey when you can be out there having the time of your life?!

Love,

Katie.

The Most Wonderful Time of the Year

It's here again!! Christmas is just around the corner. There is an almost tangible change in the atmosphere as December rolls around. Black Friday kicked off the holiday shopping season and now stores are packed pretty much everyday as people rush to find good deals for their loved ones! The radio stations are playing 24/7 Christmas music now and kids are beginning the countdown for the night Santa comes! Family is coming into town from far away and Christmas trees are being put up and decorated. I think one of the best things about Christmas is that when you walk down the street at night it's not very dark because everyone has their lights up!  One of my favorite things to do at this time of year is drive around to see all of the crazy lights and decorations people put up! It's ridiculous how much effort some people put into it, but it makes for a good show! There's nothing like coming home to the smell of pine needles and warm cookies. I am ready for the holiday craziness! Merry Christmas everyone! :) 

Much love,

Katie

Decisions, Decisions, Decisions.

Sometimes making decisions can be lonely. Being lonely sucks. But I think that maybe sometimes it's worth it. Sometimes people scoff at your for making decisions because they can't see how it will change your life in anyway. But every single little decision you make is important. Every time you make a choice, big or small, a little piece of you falls into place. People aren't always going to understand your decisions, but that shouldn't stop you from making them. Never lose sight of who you really are to gain a little acceptance. Your true friends will accept whatever you choose. You'll never really be alone, and in the long run, maybe being lonely for a few days won't look so bad. This poem is a good one, and it can help you through tough times, I know it helps me!

One night I dreamed a dream.I was walking along the beach with my Lord. Across the dark sky flashed scenes from my life. For each scene, I noticed two sets of footprints in the sand, one belonging to me and one to my Lord.When the last scene of my life shot before me I looked back at the footprints in the sand. There was only one set of footprints. I realized that this was at the lowest and saddest times of my life. This always bothered me and I questioned the Lord about my dilemma."Lord, You told me when I decided to follow You, You would walk and talk with me all the way. But I'm aware that during the most troublesome times of my life there is only one set of footprints. I just don't understand why, when I need You most, You leave me."He whispered, "My precious child, I love you and will never leave you, never, ever, during your trials and testings. When you saw only one set of footprints, It was then that I carried you."

much love,

Katie.

Ready for Christmas

Today I got the new Michael Buble CD! It just so happens that it is a Christmas CD!
I cannot even begin to express how excited I am. I've already started listening to it. He did a very good job! Christmas has already started for me! I know Halloween hasn't even started yet, but I just couldn't wait any longer. I am so ready for cold weather. I can't wait for the snow to start falling! :) Nothing makes me happier than getting bundled up to go play in the cold snow. And then drinking hot chocolate with all my friends! Christmas brings people together and a lot of people seem happier around Christmas. We are beginning the season of boots and gloves. The season of non stop Christmas music and the time to come together and have fun! :) I am counting down the says until Christmas...as of right now there is 61 days until Christmas. :)

much love,

Katie.

Running is a Religion

Ever since I have started running, I CAN'T STOP! It's like an addiction. Once you start, you can't stop. Which is weird considering how terrible it is. I mean you are willingly putting yourself through about thirty minutes (maybe more or less depending on the person) of pain. I mean honestly running is painful. So painful. Your legs are always sore the next day, your legs hurt while you do it, you can't breathe. So why can't I stop?? Well, I did a bit of research to find out the benefits that come from running. Here is the link (http://www.motleyhealth.com/fitness/health-benefits-of-jogging-and-running) I'll just sum it up though. Basically running reduces stress, anxiety, it helps you sleep better, it can counteract depression, it helps you lose weight, in increases your cardiovascular health, etc. Doesn't this make you want to run? Look at all the great things that come out of it. Plus you can just sort of take that time to think. Which sounds dumb, you can think no matter what. But when you're running it just puts everything into perspective. Plus, you get to enjoy nature! :) It's so lovely to just sort of be one with it. I highly recommend running, especially if you are in school or working for long hours. It's a great way to release all that pent up energy. If you don't run, you should. Nothing bad can come from it. :)

Much love,

Katie.

Fall is here!

Fall is FINALLY here! :) The air is crisp and cool, the leaves are turning orange, red, and yellow. You walk outside and you can smell the fresh, clean air and feel the wind whipping your hair around your face. After it rains you can smell the freshly wet earth. You can leave all your windows open in your house, it is just a great time. 

There is bonfires, 

Halloween, 

Friday night football games, 

jumping in leaf piles, 

being able to go jogging with a jacket on, 

and CANDY CORN! 

 What a lovely time! 

much love,

Katie.

Rain

What is it about rain? I just LOVE rain. :)  That is one thing I will definitely miss about Kentucky when I leave here. We have the best summer storms. I love the way after it rains/storms that you can see the mist rising off the road. And it smells so fresh and new after it rains. I love the smell of wet earth, it's like a new beginning. When it storms I love to just sit and watch the lightning streak across the black sky. I love to listen to the rain pitter-pattering on the roof and watch as it changes from a light rain to a downpour. You know the SAD (seasonal affective disorder)? I am pretty sure I have the opposite of that. Don't get me wrong, I like sunny days, but I just LOVE rainy days. I go out and run in the rain, or I dance. And after that, I just grab a book and curl up with a blanket. Or I watch a movie. There is just something cozy about rainy days. Not to mention, you get to wear RAINBOOTS!!!! It's pretty much the only time you can wear them. I love rain boots. You get to go splash in the puddles and you can use an umbrella. The coolest umbrellas are the clear ones. You can stay dry..and still enjoy the beauty of a rainy day. Rain is romantic. Think about it, the cutest scene in the history of movies is the kiss scene in The Notebook. Rain is amazing. Everyone should love rain! Just enjoy the earth's natural water falling from the skies. It makes your hair soft. :)

much love,

Katie.