The
air temperature cooled in my area this week, with lows dipping into the 40s.
Forest underbrush is turning yellow, and some tree leaves reflect summer is
waning. Even the colors of flowers are showing signs of autumn and people are
removing air conditions from house windows – a new season is nearly upon us.
As I
prepare for a new season in nature, I’m also preparing for a new season in my
life. This weekend my husband and I welcome a new addition to our family – we are
adopting another dog! More than 18
months ago, our nearly 18-year-old cocker spaniel, Cody, passed from this life
to the next, leaving a hole in our hearts and our home emptier. Our cocker/springer
mix, Mary, seems lonely as well. The time feels right, and so for the past several
months, I’ve been visiting websites for different animal rescues, looking for a
small, friendly dog that gets along with other animals. I’ve looked locally as
well, but small dogs are hard to find in our area; they get adopted very quickly.
Because of Petfinder.com, I came across a
rescue called Hearts United for Animals. They have several
small dogs – which we decided to focus on due to our ages. So, now we are
preparing our home for the new little guy with extra food and water dishes, his
own doggie bed, and sheltering our cats for the slow introduction we will do
when the new dog comes to our home.
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| The Irwins new furry friend - Stormy |
Another
new season is occurring in my life simultaneously. In addition for writing for
a magazine called WREN (Wyoming Rural
Electric News), something I’ve done for more than four years, I’m now
serving (at least temporary) as assistant editor. The job, done from home, may
become permanent – at least I hope so. I’d love to have a permanent, ½ to ¾-time
writing/editing job that I can do from home. I should know by month-end what
the publisher decides. Meantime, I’m enjoying not only the extra income, but
also the added learning experience.
As a
writer, I embrace new seasons, sometimes needing a break from one project to
let it simmer and coming back to it later, letting the characters and plot “speak
to me” once again. Sometimes I need a rest from writing period as I await new
ideas to form. And, then there are seasons when the stories come easily and the
muse flows.
Each
season, whether personally and professionally, has its purpose.
New
seasons happen to us regularly; sometimes they’re welcome (such as a new dog)
and sometimes they aren’t (like the fires in Montana and the hurricanes along
America’s coastlines). Some new seasons are challenging and some are filled
with joy. But, they all present learning opportunities, strengthening of
spirit, and occasions to help others (human or animal… or both). May whatever
season you are in – personally, professionally – bring greater awareness,
strength of spirit, and great opportunities to you and those around you!
When
you feel a new season is upon you, how do you prepare?
Gayle M. Irwin writes inspirational pet stories for children and adults. She is also a freelance writer and has stories in several editions of Chicken Soup for the Soul, including last month's release "The Dog Really Did That?" She also contributed a story to Sundown Press' 2016 anthology "Pawprints on My Heart." Learn more about Gayle's writing and speaking endeavors at www.gaylemirwin.com, where she also maintains a weekly pet blog. Sign up for her free monthly newsletter geared for pet parents when visiting her website.
