The Perfect Heel

Evie and I have been taking walks on the beach for about a week now, and it was suddenly today that we figured out how to walk together.






To help Evie understand that I want her to walk directly at my side without pulling ahead and yanking the leash, I need to *relax* inside and not let any pressure or resistance from me travel down the leash.

I had this insight after trying to photograph her as we were walking and I was admiring her gait and her luxurious coat. Each time I took out my iphone, it interrupted the “moment” we were having and changed the dynamic to make it somehow stressful. I realized that she is very intuitive and sensitive to me and everything I am doing.

So, when I began paying attention to my own “insides” and walked with her in a relaxed way without directing her or correcting her with the leash, she fell right into step beside me, just behind my knee.

It was like learning to ride a bike. You try and fail over and over again until suddenly you are just doing it!

What an incredible accomplishment that I know will enhance our relationship as we do more and more things together.

Location:Huntington Marsh Rd,Pawleys Island,United States

Superbowl Sunday

Evie and I took a long, slow stroll on the beach this morning before the onset of rain.



When I got back a few minutes ago, I saw this photo, which makes me stop and look a little more closely, and exclaim, “Oh, the wonder and power of God!”








May you be blessed with the knowledge of the nearness of God this Super Bowl Sunday and always.

❤️ R

Location:Huntington Marsh Rd,Pawleys Island,United States

The Day in Review in Pictures

The skies were layers of blue on this cold February 2nd morning.











Evie and I took a 4 mile walk down the beach.























Bob & Karen called to see if we would like to meet up at the doggie beach. It took us a good half hour to race-walk there to meet them. About a quarter mile out I “released the hound” and she sprinted all the way to her friend Lily!

Afterward they offered Evie & me a lift home in their car, for which we were BOTH grateful!















Then Bob came by to take our girls on a “hair drying” spin around the campground,















As they took off, I sprinted for my camera and tripped in my camp...hard rubber soles don’t give-way on sharp gravel.












Ouchie!










Then it was time for a well-earned rest!











Sending our love,
Ronda & Evie

Location:Huntington Marsh Rd,Pawleys Island,United States

Thanks for writing!

Dear Friends,

It is such a j😍y to hear from you as you think of Evie & me being out here in a state park campground by the sea! I want to share a few lines with you:




You enjoy your camping trip. Be safe and take care of yourself.

Aw, poor doggy. Have a great trip. You are an amazing woman!

Cold and windy here. Hope is better down there .

Thinking of you today and praying you are safe, happy and warm. Prayers for a month of spiritual peace. Take care and keep in touch. Gods Peace.

Loving Your Blog! I can't believe a hot dinner was delivered to you! What nice people. No more slobbery visitors wearing your hat and gloves? Have a wonderful day.

May God bless you on your journey!

Hope you arrived safely and are enjoying your time away!

Enjoy your time at the beach Ronda! 😘

A week ago God spoke to my heart..[and now He is] continuing His message to me through you.

Wonderful to hear about your beach retreat week...I love picturing you there with Evie in your cozy little nest.





Friends, thank again for your wonderful wishes! The last note made me want to snap a photo of Evie & me just now, and recount a little of our day:















Come to think of it, I think I’ll recount a little later! Zzzzzzzzzz



❤️ Ronda & 🐾

Location:Huntington Marsh Rd,Pawleys Island,United States

Keeping it Simple

Let’s face it: I’ve packed too much stuff. I can’t find what I need when I need it. Like warm gloves. Like a bath towel for the shower. Like the deodorizer for my portable potty. Like other stuff too.

Still, I was able to find some of it, replace some of it, and even have a warm sunny day, a doggie playdate, a reunion with old friends and their Great Pyrenees pooches Fred & CC, and a home cooked, thoughtfully delivered hot roast supper from Karen and Bob!

All in all, another great day, with some humility from “having just too much stuff to find anything” thrown in for good measure.

And evidence, once again, that our good God does lovingly provide!!!

In Joy,
Ronda

Not Sweatin’ It

There is a mischief-maker running around out here, but I haven’t been able to spot him. The last straw was when I went to lock my car for the night, and the ignition key was no longer on my key ring. I considered locking the car door manually, but thought better of it, just in case my key was somewhere inside. Did I even bring a spare?

So, I put my pup in the camper, clicked on my flashlight, and began to make my way across the grassy field toward the bathhouse. When I got a few steps away, I noticed something glinting in the tall green grass. My key! My electronic key fob! My broken key ring! Yes, they were all scattered there. Extremely grateful for my find, I stooped down to pick up the pieces and realized that they were very wet and slobbery.

Hmmm...

Could the sneaky culprit be responsible for my missing warm hat and gloves that I sorely missed as Evie and I walked along the ocean for a short while at sunrise?

Maybe it explains the muddy lampshade and books that I had left in the front seat of my car as I was unpacking.

Gee, could it possibly account for the loss of air pressure in the rear left tire of my car?

What ever the causes of all the things that seemed a little “off” today...

Evie and I still took a walk on the beach as the sun rose in the sky...

We still drove the car with it’s warning light on to meet pup Lily and her “parents” Karen & Bob for a little reunion on Pawley’s Island’s dog-friendly beach...

Instead of heading out to a tire store afterward, we were offered help from Karen & Bob afterward as Bob used his air compressor to pump up our car tires...

We got our camp organized (as a hedge against future “visits” from our unknown guest...)















































And, last but not least Evie is conked out after a big twenty-four hours, and I am more than ready to settle in for a warm winter’s nap.

What’s that I hear?!

Zzzzzz,
Ronda & Evie

Location:Huntington Beach State Park, SC

My Mini Camino in my Camper at the Beach

When I made my reservations for a Month at the Beach in February, I was comparing calenders with the Snowbirds I met at this state park by the sea in South Carolina about this time last year.

My plan?  To take long walks on the beach with my pup Evie, spend time with like-minded friends, and dedicate my time to listening and responding to the whispers of God.

I begin this time with a heart full of gratitude...for my husband and partner in life Jim, for having his mother Barb living close to us in Apex since her move in early December, for my children who are pursuing their dreams in graduate schools, for my cherished extended family and friends (including each one of you giving your heart and minds to reading these words!)  and for the knowledge that none of us is alone here, rather we are conceived, chosen, nurtured, cared for, and delighted in by our God Who is Love.



Lord, you show me the path to life, everlasting joy in your presence!