It's Meeeeee - The first 50 years!

It seems only fitting that as my 50th birthday arrives, I take some time to reflect on how I spent time in the first half of my life. (Nothing wrong with being an optimist!)

This not a eulogy though... I have no plans to give you the run down on who I'm related to, the towns I've lived in, where I went to school and what my life achievements have been.

What makes me happy is the visual story. Color, shape, patterns, contrast and reflections. Images that depict how I have experienced my world, those that trigger memories, record events and the souls that have touched my life. 

This slideshow captures some of the many moments that have made me smile and to this day, bring a feeling of gratitude, remind me of my good fortune and privilege. 

Come... Meet the people, view the places and of course animals, that have molded Dallice the little girl, into 50 year old me. 

*Note :  Owing to my extraordinary life so far and my inability to edit like a normal person, this is NOT a short video. Use the bathroom and grab a snack before we start. Heck feel free to multi-task... it's not like there will be a quiz at the end!

I have ambitious plans of living the next 5 decades in much the same way - sans the youthful glow and forgiving body of course. (Actually I'm beautifully ok with my crows feet, grey hair and dancing tricep skin. I've earned them honestly... except the jiggly arms, which I truly thought I could put off longer.)

Life is grand!

Companion animals. Emotional support felines...

 I love that Wrigley has transformed himself into my companion. Never too far away, always listening and ready to offer his opinion. Even when that opinion is given with a whiney voice at 5:30 am, I appreciate him.

I know what you're thinking... So what about Rusty? Well, Rusty is Wrigley's companion animal! They have a fun time together playing with toys, chasing each other around the back yard and now (miracles!) even just hanging out, sharing space. I'd even venture to say they have each other's backs. 

Oh the Drama!

This little guy never ceases to entertain. Whether he is sneaking up on his brother, stealing hair ties from inside the nightstand or tearing across the yard after a falling leaf, it's safe to say he gives it 100%! 

Check it out:

This is his "I want to go outside and the dog door is locked" voice. Uh-huh, we have to turn the TV up to block the howling drama because this can go on for 15 minutes! (Complete with standing on back legs and scratching at the door, I will have you know.)

Eventually our Rusty, with the Scottish mutton-shops, tuckers himself out and wants to be comforted to sleep. Somewhere in the deep recesses of his mind, his enthusiasm continues.  REM sleep is the perfect place to continue his dramatic journey.

Thinking about getting yourself a 9 month old kitten? I recommend it!

Oh boys... It's way too early for shenanigans

Wrigley wakes close to 6 am, but it takes until 6:30am to wake his brother up and get him in the mood to play.

Mark and I are awake by 6:45 am. We wake to the sounds of heavy footsteps, screeching kitten protests and tiny feet poking delicate places on our bodies as they transit the bed. 

It still makes me smile.  A bleary-eyed smile. Hiding thoughts of how long it might take to train one of them to make me a coffee in the morning...

5 Months as Brothers

 It's hard to put into words the relationship these guys have.  It started with fear and animosity. Moved to a teacher-student dynamic. And now what we have is a kinship based on play, joy and companionship.

It's a tight little arrangement, whereby they are never far apart. Whether biting on the other's neck or napping peacefully, Rusty and Wrigley choose each others company over anyone else's... always.  Inside or outside, night or day.