do you know that as of today, atlas has been with me for eight years? eight years! i cannot believe it.
in some ways, it feels like he's always been here. in other ways, it feels like i've hardly had any time with him and need at least eight more years. (at least.)
i was thinking about atlas and nature the other day and i realized that they elicit similar feelings in me.
there are moments when i look at atlas and i feel so much love and gratitude and joy that i can hardly stand it. my entire body wells up with feeling. he is full of sweetness and love and joy and a zest for life and he has been one of my greatest teachers. i cannot believe how lucky i am to have him in my life.
there are moments when i am in nature (particularly in the forest or by the ocean or when i see a bluebird) and i am so overcome by love and joy and beauty and wonder that i can hardly stand it. my entire body wells up with feeling. the best way i can describe it is to say that it feels like my soul is singing. i cannot believe how beautiful the world is and how lucky i am to be living in it.
so today, i will take atlas for a run on our favorite trail in the woods, and i will offer up a prayer of thanks for this moment, this puppy, this life. i wouldn't trade him (or it) for anything.
a prayer of thanks, this moment, this puppy, this life.
perfectly said.
hug that precious boy for me!
love,
tammy j
Posted by: tammy | 09/21/2011 at 05:26 AM
i'm leaning towards weimiversary.
congratulations on 8 wonderful years!!
i love that feeling when my cup runneth o'er.
xo
Posted by: jen t | 09/21/2011 at 05:32 AM
Happy Weimiversary, Elizabeth and Atlas! Love this portrait of him. The LOVE just oozes from this image... I feel the same way about our Charlie, who turns 11 this year, but who we've had for 6 years. So he's getting to be an old man...LOL... Enjoy your day with pup--Happy Tails! ;o) ((HUGS))
Posted by: Tracy | 09/21/2011 at 06:41 AM
Happy anniversary of Atlas! I love how you write about him, because it helps me feel like the amazing amount of love I feel for Peaches the Cat is totally normal. Thank you for that.
Posted by: Darcy | 09/21/2011 at 09:01 AM
Happy Weimaversary and Weimiversary, Atlas and Elizabth!
Enjoy every moment of your day!
With Love,
Angela (and Gracie and Max)
Posted by: Angela | 09/21/2011 at 09:28 AM
Happy Weimaversary (or Weimiversary)!!
Those moments are such treasures. Wishing you many more of them!
Posted by: steph | 09/21/2011 at 09:30 AM
ok, I am now pretty convinced that it is spelled Weimiversary. at least i will know when webster-mirriam comes calling. ;)
thanks, everyone!
Posted by: elizabeth @ retinal perspectives | 09/21/2011 at 09:51 AM
This made me cry. I'm convinced that that feeling is what True Love feels like. XO
Posted by: Leanne | 09/21/2011 at 10:22 AM
Your words and photos would be wonderful on a calendar. They touch my heart!!
Posted by: Leone | 09/21/2011 at 10:46 AM
Sweet celebration of your Love for Atlas and all he has brought to you.
I can hear your hearts singing...
Posted by: Kim Mailhot | 09/21/2011 at 10:56 AM
i was just thinking about you two last night:) didn't realize it was your 'versary today though! enjoy the trail!
Posted by: Helen | 09/21/2011 at 11:16 AM
Happy weimiversary!! I hope you and Atlas have a wonderful run. Here's to many more happy years together!
Posted by: Sherron | 09/21/2011 at 12:14 PM
they are such a special part of our lives ..he is lucky to have YOU!! lovely photo
Posted by: elk | 09/21/2011 at 03:00 PM
e....
what a great idea! i would buy an atlas puppy calendar!
tammy j
Posted by: tammy | 09/21/2011 at 06:22 PM
@leone/tammy: that is a good idea! I'll consider it. i made an atlas calendar years ago as a gift for someone (with one for me, of course). i did love it. :)
Posted by: elizabeth @ retinal perspectives | 09/21/2011 at 07:54 PM
I think that's really the secret to a good lift - being grateful for the small things - for what you have here and now. I know just what you mean.
Posted by: Relyn | 09/22/2011 at 11:07 AM
Happy Anniversary to you and Atlas! I love celebrating special days with special dogs ~ such sweet moments.
Posted by: jennifer h. | 09/26/2011 at 09:43 PM
our furry baby will be 15 in january and we've had her since she was 8 weeks old....it's really amazing what these animals add to our hearts !
Posted by: beth | 09/29/2011 at 06:00 AM