You got this. Keep going.

The 100 Day Exhibition is taking place as I write.

Putting together my entry over these last few weeks has been hugely time-consuming.  Every evening after work has been taken up with printing the images I’ve used and super-imposing the captions and quotes.  

Piecing it all together was a bit of a last minute scramble and, 
whilst not completely happy with the end result, 
the sense of accomplishment is huge.  

This is something I WILL participate in again.

It’s been a hugely emotional roller-coaster ride.  

On the way home from setting up on Saturday, 

I couldn’t halt the flood of tears that coursed down my face.

Even in her death the hound has bought SO much joy to my world.

Without realising it though my sub-conscious has been quietly 

processing the requirements for my next rambling companion.  

I hadn’t registered all this sub-limal activity that’s been taking place 

until Y and I were deworming some puppies a few weekends ago. 

It’s a litter of pups that Y is involved in the rehoming of.

They were so cute and SO cuddly!

Tripped us up at every turn and sat on our feet whenever we stood still.

But I didn’t want to take one home.

It did spark a thought process though.

And an awareness of what my sub-conscious has been processing.

I know that I want a puppy, not an older dog.

I don’t want another Labrador,

even though they’re one of my favourite breeds.

I want a boy this time.

For no other reason than that my girl was a legend.

A bum-waggling angel in a furry 4-legged body.

Beyond compare.

This next dog will be as unique as she was.

The sub-conscious is a funny old thing.

As Y and I chatted about this next dog it all came jumbling out - so effortlessly.

The type of dog.  Wether it would be a puppy or an older dog.  Even it’s gender.

I couldn’t recall having consciously MADE these decisions but, in my sub-conscious, I obviously had.  Our minds are so productive when left to their own devices. 

Knowing all this though and putting it into action are two very different things.

Whilst I know I’ve come a long way in the 5 months since her death,

 I also know I’m not ready to action the acquisition of a new pup yet.

The loss of my girl still weighs too heavily on my heart.

Sometimes the strength within you is not a big fiery flame for all to see,

 it is just a tiny spark that whispers ever so softly: 

“You got this.  Keep going.” 

~ The Idealist