I Earned An Award!!

Have I experienced a crazy week, or what? Insane is more like it!! Honestly!! Because I have earned three awards in four days time!! Seriously.... But I am learning that insanity can be fun!! Yes, fun!! And, to think that I am a girl who has only earned one physical award in her lifetime!! One. At age twelve, during Summer camp, I participated in some obstacle course.... With a knee that had been previously dislocated!! I climbed this short wall using practically one leg, since my left knee could not bend!! Literally. I was so shocked when they called my name to accept the signed piece of paper!! And, now, Beautifully Unique has earned three awards in four days!! Wow.... I am feeling deeply loved, humbled, and grateful right now!! Even words cannot express this emotion....

I earned the One Lovely Blog Award from Alison at: http://pawfectdays.blogspot.com/ !!

                                     

Thank-you, Alison!!

Here are their rules for the One Lovely Blog Award:

1. Link back to the Blogger who gave you this award.

2. Pass the award on to 15 other lovely bloggers. Really?! 15?! Now, that is a lofty number!!

I am passing this award unto:

1. Stacey: http://thetaleoftwomaddogs.blogspot.com/ .

2.Wally the Molly: http://mollythewally.blogspot.com/ .

3. Katrin: http://asdbymyside.blogspot.com/ . 

4. Winnie: http://winniethegreyhound.blogspot.com/ .

5. Fizz: http://berntoak-bernesemountaindogs.blogspot.com/ .

6. jessej: http://bernertails.blogspot.com/ .

7. lifewithmydogs: http://lifewithmydogs.blogspot.com/ .

8. Rama's Mama: http://raisingrama.blogspot.com/#!/ .

9. Charlene and Storm: http://charleneandstorm.blogspot.com/ .

10. Kol's Notes: http://www.kolchakpuggle.com/ .

11. Team Beaglebratz: http://beagle-home.blogspot.com/ .

12. Sherri: http://taleof2rescues.blogspot.com/ .

13. Suka: http://sukajustsayin.blogspot.com/ .

14. Tweedles: http://tweedles-georgie.blogspot.com/ .

15. Remington: http://our-remington.blogspot.com/ .

I understand that a few of you have already earned this award. And that is okay!! You may either accept it twice, or ignore this award altogether!!

"You're An Inspiration"

I earned another award--the same one!!--in merely a day!! Wow.... This may sound weird, which I am, so that is okay, but I'm feeling like some celebrity right now who prepared her speech for one award alone!! One. Not two!! No. Never in my wildest dreams would I have expected two!! Never. Not that I even prepared a speech....

I would like to thank: http://bernertails.blogspot.com/ for not only passing this award onto me, but also encouraging my earning it twice!! I feel deeply humbled and grateful!! Deeply humbled and grateful. You are going to receive a little bit of "friendly payback" from me....

Now, the challenging part. Passing this award onto 15 inspiring Bloggers!! Only I am going to rebel and break their rule!! Because I do not have 15 Blogging Friends left!! But first, I am supposed to:

1. Thank the person who nominated you and link back to them in your post.

Thank-you jessej of http://bernertails.blogspot.com/ !! I feel honored that you would think of me as inspiring!!

2. Share 7 things about yourself.

1. Most of my childhood friends growing up were oddballs.... Weirder than me, even!! I wonder if any of them influenced my character....? Hmmm.

2. I am infatuated by middle-aged male celebrities. Currently, it is Robert Downey Jr.  I know, right? I am 28, he is 47!! My "Avengers" infatuation should be Chris Hemsworth with his blue eyes, blond locks, and muscular body. I know, I know!! But I love RDJ's facial wrinkles, expressive brown eyes, and silver hair....

3. I was born with a condition called Wolff Parkinson White, which caused an accelerated heart rate. It literally tried to leap out of my chest!! At age 18--ten years ago!!--this condition was surgically repaired, and I am now "cured"!!

4. I was quite the devious troublemaker as a little girl. I used to eat both home-made and store-bought Play-Doh. Plus crayons. I loved the salty taste of home-made play dough, but its store-bought competitor was not good at all!! And crayons? I do not recall what they tasted like!!    

5. My right hand ring finger is, probably a half an inch shorter than my left hand ring finger. It's deformed. This hand only has three knuckles. I can settle my chin into its gap!! This was not a birth defect.

6. I love moths. They are such fascinating creatures, with unique wing designs!!

7. Hardly anything grosses me out!!

3. Nominate 15 bloggers you admire. (Or less than that!!)

jessej: http://bernertails.blogspot.com/ .

RYKER: http://rykerrules.blogspot.com/ .

Remington: http://our-remington.blogspot.com/ .

Alison: http://pawfectdays.blogspot.com/ .

Team Beaglebratz: http://beagle-home.blogspot.com/ .

Bert: http://fourleggedviews.blogspot.com/ .

River: http://riverthebeagle.blogspot.com/ .

Sasha: http://chicamom85-sassysasha.blogspot.com/ .

Beagle Diary: http://beaglesnz.blogspot.com/ .

I Earned An Award!!

First off, I would like to express something. Immensely incredible. When I began this Blog, Beautifully Unique, hardly anybody even knew it existed. Hardly anybody. Just a few friends/family, that was all. And it did not even start out being called Beautifully Unique!! No. This Blog was originally called Endless Possibilities, until I took the notion to make changes!! And, for less than one year, I wrote. Without any Cyber Friends. Sans Blogville. Without this beautiful place online where I now feel loved and accepted. For who I am. As weird. Somewhat crazy. Learning disabled. Passionate about mutts. For less than one year, I watched my writing slowly evolve into what it is today. Alone. All while longing to be discovered. Longing for Blogging Friends. Because I pour my heart and soul into this writing. My heart and soul. It is work, which I take immense pleasure in!! And I wanted people to read my work!! Now they do. Now they do!! Amazing.... This award is called "Very Inspiring Blogger Award". Wow.... Which causes me to wonder: How am I an inspiration? Is it the intense love I have for Rose? How I've willingly accepted her being my Beautifully Unique "Mystery Dog"? Is that it, I wonder? Or, does my learning to accept myself, and honestly expressing certain feelings on this Blog, make me an inspiration? Hmmm.... Am I creating too big a deal out of this?

Anyway. Enough with that. I would like to thank: http://raisingrama.blogspot.com/#!/ for passing along this award to me!! I feel deeply humbled, and grateful!!

Now, the hard part. Passing this award onto 15 inspiring Bloggers!! Really?! 15?! Now, that is a lofty number!! But first, I am supposed to:

1. Thank the person who nominated you and link back to them in your post.

Thank-you Rama's Mama of http://raisingrama.blogspot.com/#!/ !! Thank-you!! I feel honored that you would think of me as inspiring!!

2. Share 7 things about yourself.

1. I have an insanely curious brain. Like a cat. I always have!! I actually became interested in "how a baby was made" at way too young an age!!

2. I hum. Frequently. It is sort of a concentration mechanism for me, because I have Attention Deficit Disorder. I hum so that my brain can "get in the zone", like some Major League Baseball pitcher!!

3. I was diagnosed with a disorder called Bell's Palsy at age nine. It leaves half of your face temporarily paralyzed. I can do a left-side cockeyed smirk as resulted!! My Mom also suffered from Bell's Palsy, although it is not contagious, around the same time!!     

4. I am fascinated by grief. I have no idea why!!

5. I used to act. In church drama. I was casted as the main character at age seven or eight!! Bethany was her name. Then, later, as a teenager, I voluntarily played an old man. I love that character!! I truly made him my own.

6. As an infant, I suffered from a birth defect called Craniosynostosis. This neurological disorder, which typically only affects boys, caused me to be born without any soft spot. So, there we have it. I was born different, weird, and somewhat crazy!! I came out of my mother that way!!

7. I write more frequently than I read. 

That was a difficult task!! Alright. Now, onto the more challenging one:

3. Nominate 15 bloggers you admire.

Stacey: http://thetaleoftwomaddogs.blogspot.com/ .

Suka: http://sukajustsayin.blogspot.com/ .

Nola: http://dachshundnola.blogspot.com/ .

Maxmom: http://africanwhitechild.blogspot.com/ .

Tweedles: http://tweedles-georgie.blogspot.com/ .

The Rescues: http://taleof2rescues.blogspot.com/ .

Downunder Daisy: http://scotsmad.blogspot.com/ .

Eva: http://sheltiebeauties.blogspot.com/ .

Two Doodles and a Dane: http://smilewithyourtail.blogspot.com/ .

Lorenza: http://eldiariodelorenza.blogspot.com/ . 

Finn: http://finnhoward.blogspot.com/ .

lifewithmydogs: http://lifewithmydogs.blogspot.com/ .

Dip-Dip and the Bridge: http://2chihuahuagirls.blogspot.com/ .

Puddles: http://wethreedoxies.blogspot.com/ .

Life With Desmond: http://www.lifewithdesmond.com/ .

  

The "Mystery Dog"

Blogging Friends.... If you have not already figured this out, I am a shameless advocate of mixed breed canines and mutt adoption on my Blog!! I'm unapologetic, really!! Why? Because I share my existence with a certain Beautifully Unique "Mystery Dog", named Rose!! And I love and celebrate her every second of the day!! Plus, based upon personal observation, seemingly nobody owns mutts!! But that is just what I have seen.... So, twice monthly, I will be expressing my feelings regarding anything mixed breed!! But do not desert me, dear Friends, because of this one Blog post. Please. There will be plenty of stories to come!!

Sorry about the delay. I had a plan for this Blog post to be "published" yesterday. I had a plan. Eat this quick lunch. Start "work" early. And be finished before 6:30 PM, because we were going to watch our Blu-ray version of "Sherlock Holmes: A Game of Shadows"!! But, apparently, this was not my plan at all!! Nope!! Because the day's events slunk out of control, like some limp yo-yo strung to my right hand middle finger. I never could figure out that children's toy!! Anyway. Here is my Blog post now!!  

I may suffer from short-term memory loss, but some experiences, some positive occurrences, do remain locked within my psyche forever. Forever. As though they were planted there, like a bunch of white and yellow "friendly" looking daisies. For some experiences, some positive occurrences, just leave lasting impacts on my heart. Lasting impacts. Nearly two years ago, I was still reeling from the passing of my beautiful "blond"-furred German Shepherd/Golden Retriever cross, Shadow. Still grieving. If memory serves me right, during the time, Shadow had only been gone about fourteen days. Two weeks. We were attending this large family birthday party/barbecue for my second cousin. The destination was a local park. My second cousin's grandparents brought along their beautiful, long-haired canine. I do not recall its gender, unfortunately. Or the name, either. However, this canine was, like Rose is, a "Mystery Dog"!! An unknown. So I will call "him" "Mystery Dog" throughout this story!! Okay? Suddenly, in Mystery Dog's presence, I found myself strongly pining for another canine. Strongly pining. This had been quite the lonesome Summer for me thus far.... It was my first in over ten years sans a dog!! And, to make matters worse, we celebrated several birthdays that season at local parks!! Based upon observation, seemingly everybody, in my entire small world owned canines!! Everybody, except me. This was a heartbreaking reality. Just heartbreaking. So, while family and friends celebrated my second cousin's first birthday, I was constantly by Mystery Dog's side!! As though if I left the canine, I'd have come emotionally unraveled. I did not want that.... Because other than one good, long, from-the-gut cry, I was walking about like some brave Marine soldier. Strong. Composed. And possessing whatever courage I could muster. Yet, I was reeling. And I literally could not stop stroking Mystery Dog's fur!! I swiftly munched down a cheeseburger just so that nobody would worry about my wellbeing. That was all I ate. Plus some cake!! Yum.... Then, I walked back toward Mystery Dog!! My actions were made crystal-clear to all who noticed. Crystal-clear. I was grieving. I do not know who at the birthday party even noticed this.... I was like a brave Marine soldier, strong, and composed. On the outside. Within me, however, I was broken. On the drive home, I stared out our minivan's window, a stone-faced expression written across my features. Mentally, I was miles and miles away. Miles and miles away. But, on a positive side, this mutt, the first "Mystery Dog" that I ever remember meeting, changed something within me. Instantly. Something that will remain locked within my psyche forever. Forever. Mystery Dog encouraged my profound passion toward mutts!! Shadow planted the bunch of white and yellow "friendly" looking daisies that shall remain a lasting impact on my life. A lasting impact. But Mystery Dog watered and cultivated them!! For that, I am eternally grateful. Eternally grateful. Because, if I had gone the purebred route, which was seriously considered, I'd never have adopted Rose!! Never. Rose is my "heart dog". We share something together, something special that many human beings lack. I have a friend who is so much like me, it is terrifying!! This strikes both awe and amusement within my soul!! Plus, it has caused me to ponder if somehow Rose was sent to me so that I am a misfit no longer!! For despite our creational differences, my being human and she canine, we are the same!! Heedless of two feet versus four paws. Despite a fair skin tone versus black and fawn colored fur with snow-white paws. Heedless of fingernails versus dewclaws. We both have Attention Deficit Disorder. Neither one of us are verbally quiet. I am a mutt. I'm Scottish/German/"Irish-at-heart". Rose is a mutt!! Beagle/German Shepherd cross, I think!! I am a mystery. We were told several years ago that I have "developmental delays", or learning disabilities, if you will. Rose is my Beautifully Unique "Mystery Dog"!! Plus, we are both weird and somewhat crazy!! It takes one to know one....       

A "Love Note"

Blogging Friends.... I have caught some head cold germ. Sigh.... Who catches these illnesses this time of year?! I love head colds, even though they cause me to feel woozy. As if I could perform a face plant, just by bending over. And head colds literally feel like there is some pounding drum within my scull. Some pounding drum. Yep. my heart and my brain are one together right now, and they're working hard against me!! But, still, I love head colds!! Why? As a girl who has suffered from asthma, I would take feeling like "the walking dead" over some nasty chest cold!! I'd much rather deal with that, over coughing and gasping for oxygen!!

"Staycations". Anybody, who lacks money, embarks on them. From camping in deep, pine-scented woods, to driving toward your beach for one day. Anybody, who does not lack an adventurous personality, needs a "staycation". For relaxation. Time away. A sense of recuperation. "Staycation". I love that made-up "word"!! Seriously. Which is rather uncharacteristic of me, liking some expression that's most likely not even in the dictionary!! But, what can I say? As a homebody who relishes nothing more than being at Rose's side, that "word" produces pleasure and excitement within my heart!! Every time. It never fails!! During a "staycation", in the end of our day, I can return to my little girl!! But.... When you cannot bring your canine along, even on "staycation", what is a loving, responsible owner to do? Board her? There are respectable kennels all throughout our area. Hire a house-sitter? People are paid for being responsible, trust-worthy caretakers of your dog. But really. How does a  loving, responsible owner place their dog, their baby, in somebody else's care, when you know that you're the best person for her? You know that you're the best person for her.... Some boarding kennel will, literally, cause Rose to become insane, even though she is already crazy!! I do not want that. I do not need that. See, Rose adamantly enjoys her freedom, and may transform into some frantic, abandoned, destructive beast under those circumstances!! I shudder at the thought. Shudder. Hiring some complete stranger to enter and stay in our house, under our roof, creates feelings of unease for everybody around here!! But that is just us. So, instead, on our Wednesday beach trip, we took a different route!! One that best suited our needs concerning Rose. We "hired" my Grammy and Grampa to watch her!! Twain people who I know personally!! They watched me evolve from a little girl into an adult!! And they are responsible!! Score!! I typed out some detailed instructions, and strongly told them: "You can't lose her. Don't lose Rose!!" For, being part Beagle, she will dart after something.... Anything. Cat, squirrel, some ghost.... In swift velocity!! Shudder!! Nonetheless, halfway there, I sat in our minivan, twiddling my thumbs. Worrying, worrying, worrying!! I mentally ran over my brief instructions for Grammy and Grampa. I wondered if Rose will be alright. I prayed for her. Hoped with all my heart that she will be fine sans me. On our drive back home, I pulled out a souvenir. This simple postcard. I found my red pen. I was going to write Rose a "love note" on that postcard!! Because we were driving, my handwriting was a bit sloppy in some areas where the road had bumps. There is also one misspelling, plus a few errors, as writing in pen is never forgivng!! Never.

Here it is:

Rose Elizabeth----

My prayer for you is engraved on an angel dog tag. Its words are a sweet sentiment. They express: "Watch over my best friend while we are apart." It is proudly being worn on a delicate chain around my neck. As our prayer. My wish to you. I like that. Every time my fingers touched this unique necklace, I thought about you, longed for you, wished you were by my side. I bought a bakery-made orange-colored yogart-covered treat and wrote your name in the sand.... Love Mama

June 13th 2012

Upon my return, Rose was hyperactive and excitable as to be expected. My mutt's mighty vocal chords let out that "happy sound" of hers, the "Beagle" bay. I smiled. I was excited to see her, as well!! Ecstatic, really!! I stepped foot into Grammy and Grampa's beautiful, wooden stained-glass front door. I immediately found Rose's red leash. I linked it to her collar. Then, we stepped outside!! I was planning a spur-of-the-moment walk around Grammy and Grampa's small cul-de-sac. To help Rose unwind. She had Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder at the moment!! However, I decided to actually leave Grammy and Grampa's cul-de-sac. Go on an adventure!! For reasons beyond my comprehension, I thought that we could simply walk around the block, like in our old city neighborhood. Wrong!! Rose and I turned the corner, and found ourselves in an entirely new cul-de-sac!! Oops. Oh well, we were on an adventure together!! So I kept walking, Rose's wet black nostrils sniffing everything. She left several "pee-mails", too, of course!! Then, we simply turned around!! I knew how to find our way back!! I am a "landmark person", and one of my grandparents' neighbors has this colossal, silver-colored anchor for their mailbox!! It is unmistakable!! Once I saw the anchor, I just knew that we had returned!! All was well now. Rose had settled down considerably. And we were together again....             

          

Farewell, Shadow Sunshine

Blogging Friends.... My day at our beach was lovely!! Just lovely. The weather was unusually warm and sunny!! My nose become a little pink, even!! Imagine that!! Usually, we deal with overcast skies and seemingly freezing cold weather at our beach!! My right calf is also very sore--still!!--triggered from an old injury back in November, but it will subside!! The tight, itchy sensation always does!! No worries....

Two years ago, my heart shattered, like when some clear glass falls, the force of gravity taking it down sans any warning. Nobody can predict this dangerous sharp mess. No one can foresee it. Down, down, down the glass crashes, with great velocity. Only, in my case, I did see this heartbreak coming. I did see it coming.... There was a warning, and, my emotions had been long prepared for this, as best as humanly possible. For three long months. My beautiful "blond"-furred German Shepherd/Golden Retriever cross, Shadow, had been revealing unmistakable signs of old age. First stiff joints. Then white hairs across her face. And, finally, falling. Yes, falling. My weak, thin arms learned to catch her heavy body. And she was always very, very resilient!! But, two years ago last night, at 9:30 PM, Shadow fell, in front of our garage door, not far from where these words are being typed. I was feeding her, getting some chewy pizza-flavored treats, when she collapsed. "Dog down" were the words which exited my lips. Shadow could not stand up. I watched, my heart breaking, as she tried to, sans success. Shadow was a fighter, but the odds were stacked against her. Stacked against her. Resilience was proven impossible after that last collapse. I sat by my dog's side, stroking her "blond" fur nearly all night long. I only got two hours sleep. Shadow was euthanized around 2:30 PM, on June 15th 2010. I composed this poem one week later.

During that dreadful, dreadful night when you fell;
Nobody could predict death, no one could tell;
But it was such a hard collapse;
Did your hips quit on you, perhaps?
Trying hard to get up, this proved a losing fight;
So I stayed by your side nearly all through the night;
For ten years you've been faithful toward me;
This was my time to show loyalty!!
Farewell, Shadow Sunshine, farewell....
You've left lots of stories to tell!!
Wherever I go;
You will be missed so. 

It has been a positive two years, though. Because I have Rose!! For I adopted her less than three months after Shadow's passing. Practically right away!! Rose brings so much love, smiles and laughter into my life!! She is a reason why I awake each day!!  

"A Terrible Privilege"

Blogging Friends.... I'm due for a story, this I know. However, I am on "staycation" this week!! Those are the best kind of "holidays" for a simple, homebody girl like me!! We're planning on spending tomorrow at our beach, so if your comments take longer than usual being "published", that is why....

Inspiration. It can occur during the most unlikely of moments sometimes. Correct? And, inspiration can also be conceived from the most unlikely of people. Or the most unlikely of movie characters. This happened to me. Because last month, when I was sitting in a local movie theater watching "The Avengers", popcorn's buttery aroma filling its room, my inspiration came from Tony Stark!! That's right. Tony Stark!! Yeah, I am feeling a bit shocked about that myself!! Tony Stark?! As a writer, part of the "job" is describing locations, people, or our five senses, even. It's at least 50% observance. And I have a few select words to describe Tony Stark, not all of them positive. Yet, somehow, he is so likable!! How does Robert Downey Jr. do that? Good acting? Charm? Both? So, there I was, sitting in my theater chair, when this scene took its turn on the screen:

Tony Stark: You know, I've got a cluster of shrapnel, trying every second to crawl its way into my heart.
[Stark points at the mini-arc reactor in his chest]
Tony Stark: This stops it. This little circle of light. It's part of me now, not just armor. It's a... terrible privilege.
Bruce Banner: But you can control it.
Tony Stark: Because I learned how.
Bruce Banner: It's different.
[Banner tries to read the computer screen, but Stark slides the data aside with his finger so the two can see face-to-face]
Tony Stark: Hey, I've read all about your accident. That much gamma exposure should have killed you.
Bruce Banner: So you're saying that the Hulk... the other guy... saved my life? That's nice. It's a nice sentiment. Save it for... what?
Tony Stark: I guess we'll find out.
[Banner and Stark get back to work at their respective computers]
Bruce Banner: You might not like that.
Tony Stark: You just might.

Watching this scene of "The Avengers" in that darkened movie theater, Tony Stark reached through its colossal-sized screen, and, with his muscular arms, he grabbed me!! Captured my attention. Tony Stark held on tight, and, thus far, his grip has not loosened!! Why did Tony Stark grab me, figuratively speaking, during that scene in "The Avengers"? Because.... Watching it, I realized that, personality-wise, I am just like Bruce Banner. I'm different. Weird. A little bit crazy. Learning disabled. And I do not want any of it!! No. I wish to be normal, whatever "normal" is. Like Bruce Banner. He did not want his powers!! See, no child behaviorist or psychologist ever "diagnosed" my Attention Deficit Disorder and short-term memory loss. We were told along the way that I have "developmental delays". "Developmental delays"?! What on Earth does that mean? Like Rose, I am a "mystery", too!! That's what it means!! Not knowing has been both a positive, plus a negative. For over one decade now, I have struggled mightily--and privately--with accepting myself, which has recently lead to solving the mystery that is me. Because, come on. Every mystery needs solving!! I have somehow always known that I'm different. I was constantly made fun of and called mean names by neighborhood, or church kids as a girl. Stories which feature misfits touch my heartstrings. Rudolph the Red Nosed Reindeer is practically a kindred spirit to me!! But, until I "graduated" from Home School over ten years ago, I was blissfully ignorant about my learning disabilities. Blissfully ignorant. Nothing--not even seeing a psychologist at age 12 for state testing--weighed me down. My mind contained ever-changing ambitions. When I "graduated" from Home School at age 18, all of that was aborted. Suddenly, my learning disabilities became burdens. Limitations. Curses. And, for over a decade, they've stood as powerful obstacles against happiness. I have felt small and insignificant, like a single speck of sand. But during the past two years, God has whispered into my ears that there is nothing wrong with being different. Nothing wrong. Since 2010, as I have been figuring myself out, I've bounced back and forth like some pressurized air-filled tennis ball against a racket. From acceptance to plain stubbornness. I cannot be at peace with my learning disabilities. I won't!! My short-term memory loss causes me to feel middle-aged and stupid. I feel like Dory the blue fish character from Disney/Pixar's "Finding Nemo". And I am 28-years old!! Why would I want that? Plus I have zero control over my short-term memory loss!! Zero control. Like Rose's baying. It is instinctive, from the Beagle within her DNA. She cannot control this eardrum-piercing "happy sound"!! Yet Rose never wallows in self-pity!! And neither does Tony Stark!! Tony Stark has readily accepted himself for who he is. Readily accepted himself. Tony Stark is comfortable with who he has become.... Iron Man and all. Seriously. I'm exhausted by allowing my feelings and emotions to be bounced around. I'm tired of this bumpy roller coaster ride that I am on. I want off, I want off, I want off!! I desire to return. Pull back time. To where I am a young girl blissfully ignorant that I'm different. But I cannot. The emotional damage is done. Going back seems impossible now. I will never again see that young girl. Never again. I want to be like Tony Stark.... "You know, I've got a cluster of shrapnel, trying every second to crawl its way into my heart. This stops it. This little circle of light. It's part of me now, not just armor. It's a... terrible privilege." Wow....I am in a positive, happy place right now, contemplating these lines. Analyzing them. Heedless of never being able to go back!! I am feeling gratitude. Especially for Blogville!! This is a rare location, online of all places, where I feel loved and accepted. For who I am!! Yes, I'm weird and a little bit crazy!! Is that negative? No. Because in Blogville, I don't feel like a misfit, for I'm not alone anymore!! I'm not alone anymore. And for that, I am grateful. So very grateful.

I Earned An Award!!

First off, I would like to express something. Immensely incredible. For a girl who seldom ever won anything during her entire life, to think that Beautifully Unique has now earned twain awards in less than one month, this is both gratifying and amazing!! Wow.... I feel so humbled and grateful right now!!

Thank-you, http://lifewithmydogs.blogspot.com/ for this award!! I truly appreciate it!!

To accept this award, apparently I am supposed to answer their questions. Here goes:

1. My favorite number: Five. I have no idea why!!

2. My favorite non-alcoholic drink: Sprite. I am a Coca-Cola girl!!

3. Do I prefer Facebook or Twitter: Neither. I do not have a Facebook or Twitter account!!

4. My passion(s): Rose. I love my crazy "hound"!! Writing. I cannot even go a day without typing, or scribbling down thoughts!! Mutts. I celebrate and advocate for mixed breeds!!

5. My favorite pattern: This is a hard question!! I guess I'd have to say paisley!!

6. My favorite day of the week: Wednesday. Because it is in the middle of our week, I guess!!

7. My favorite flower(s): Daisies and roses!!

So now, for the difficult part. Choosing which Bloggers to pass along this award!!

Stacey from: http://thetaleoftwomaddogs.blogspot.com/ .

Stacey was my first faithful, and true Blogging Friend. Ever!! She owns twain Beautifully Unique girls, both mutts, named Jess and Molly. Adorable dogs, those two!! Jess is Molly's mother, as Stacey adopted her, unknowingly, while pregnant.

Rama's Mama from: http://raisingrama.blogspot.com/#!/ .

Rama is a Cane Corso, which happens to be an usual dog breed. I never heard of it until discovering this Blog!! I like rare breeds!! Her "Mama" became my first Blogging Friend after I was featured on Coffee With A Canine!! Which I appreciated more than words can express!! Rama's "Mama" has worked on training this special Cane Corso, and the two recently graduated from Obedience Class!!

Alison from: http://pawfectdays.blogspot.com/ .

Alison owns Zoe, this Beautifully Unique--and comical!!--Black Labrador Retriever mix. Zoe was, sadly, found wandering around by herself near a highway at just five weeks old. However, she is now one loved, spoiled little girl!!

Lynne, Dinah, Bridget, and Elliot from: http://2chihuahuagirls.blogspot.com/ .

Lynne is a very faithful Blogging Friend of mine, whose comments and humor always makes me laugh!! Every time!! Her three Chihuahuas, Dinah, Bridget, and Elliot exchange turns "writing" their Blog.

Everyone who's earned this award will now have to answer their questions and pass it on!! Enjoy!!

  

   

A Reputation

Blogging Friends.... If you have not already figured this out, I am a shameless advocate of mixed breed canines and mutt adoption on my Blog!! I'm unapologetic, really!! Why? Because I share my existence with a certain Beautifully Unique "Mystery Dog", named Rose!! And I love and celebrate her every second of the day!! Plus, based upon personal observation, seemingly nobody owns mongrels!! But that is just what I have seen.... So, twice monthly, I will be expressing my feelings regarding anything mixed breed!! But do not desert me, dear Friends, because of this one Blog post. Please. There will be plenty of stories to come!!

 

A reputation. Everybody has one. Some are self-created. Such as the way that Taylor Swift will, sans any doubts, write this popular song about an ex-boyfriend who broke her heart. Others, are resulted, unintentionally, from life's happenings. They're accidental, and seldom wanted. Either way, everyone possesses a reputation. Or more than one. Some are negative. Others positive. Some are wedged in between. Mine? In the privacy of our home, I have many. Which only close loved ones know about!! In Blogville? It is this colossal passion--which touches my deepest emotions--toward mutts!! Plus an unexpected appreciation for "Mystery Dogs"!! An unexpected appreciation. Which, started nearly two years ago, after I adopted Rose!! Had I foretold the future, I'd never have predicted that some "Mystery Dog" would wrap herself so tightly around my heart!! Some "Mystery Dog" named Rose!! I wanted to know the "breed" of every mutt that we rescue. Adopting Rose changed this perspective. Drastically. Now, I would own a "Mystery Dog" mutt again. And again. And again. And again. And again. With genuine pleasure!! Why am I so vehement toward mutts? Because. They are one-of-a-kind!! Completely irreplaceable in every way imaginable!! Mutts are Beautifully Unique, which is a phrase that I dreamt up!! On my own. What, exactly does that mean: "Beautifully Unique"? For me personally? Beautifully Unique is a phrase which has immense significance to me!! Immense significance. Because Rose is Beautifully Unique in every way, shape and form!! Never truly having her "breed" determined defines Rose. She is a Beagle/German Shepherd, based on people's guesses alone!! I asked around and searched dog breed books. The verdict was Beagle/German Shepherd!! Beagle/German Shepherd. If this is true, that my mutt has both a medium-sized and large-sized canine within her DNA, then, presumably, Rose was random-bred!! That's right. Random-bred. So, my reputation in Blogville is an amazing love toward mutts and "Mystery Dogs"!! I'm cool with that. Because I have earned this reputation. I worked for it. I advocated on behalf of mutts. Tirelessly. Slowly creating this reputation, board by board like a group of construction workers building houses. It was sluggishly-paced. Like some gooey, slimy worm. Then, this reputation sort of "took flight"!! In a more rapid velocity, like some young boy's remote-controlled airplane. Up, up, up, higher and higher, above the city's power lines it soars. Like freedom. So long as the young boy keeps operating his airplane, there are minimal chances of it coming crashing down!! Around this same time, my writing became "known", as well!! Blogville is a rare place where I feel loved and accepted. For who I am. Yes, I'm weird and a little bit crazy!! Is that negative? In Blogville, I don't feel like a misfit, because I'm not alone anymore!! And for that, I am grateful. So very grateful.