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It’s story time!

I’m sure most of you know where I am going with my post. It’s kind of hard not to tell a story with somebody as part of it. Especially with how she has become such a huge part of my life. As I write this post, she is spread out on the floor in front of me, sleeping after a full and fun day.

This month is part of the sandwich that includes her birth month (April) and gotcha month (July). So it’s a perfect time to tackle certain things.

This story is of her journey as much as mine with her. Her growth and her joy of living. And being treated not as a piece of property, but as my best friend as a member of a family. She’s not just something to throw aside (and I hate that some people do this with dogs), but one who has grown so much and become so important to me.

So this was a journey in May. A story of love, happiness, experiences, and adventure. Come along with this story … and to get more and more info and stories about Harper!

Anyway, onward. Here’s my five for the month. I look forward to seeing yours.

1-2. Love

Unconditional love is something I was told about when it came to dogs. And even more with golden retrievers. For the first several months, I was wondering what I missed. Did I get a broken one somehow? It took time, but I started to realize what it all meant. But Harper shows that love to many people (you can ask people who have met her and been around her). She has some favorites for sure.

But the way she is with me .. follows me around etc. She’s also crazy about her “Gram” (my mother) and to watch the two of them together is a story all in its own.

This part of the Harper story is amazing and it keeps growing and growing. I couldn’t have ever said I would feel like this about a dog — but I am so happy I do.

3. Happiness

Like most goldens, Harper likes to smile a lot. She has a lot of dog friends. She has a lot of human friends. But let me tell how this whole thing really absorbs into our story — she is a source of happiness in many ways. When I walk with her, she often carries a stuffie. It’s a remarkably cute thing. And when she does this, I always tend to look at other people. Either those driving by, or others walking etc. And 9 out of 10 times, people smile. That shows how her joy of life and such makes others around her happy.

The happiness is also sometimes when I find ways to take goofy photos of her. She’s not always the easiest to get into a photo position without her looking down or away. Or, I have to be really fast with it. But there are times when I think she realizes I really want to take a certain photo and she settles into the image, letting me take the one I want. (this was taken with the Hipstamatic X app, hence the look).

4. Experiences

I’ve used this before, but I’m going to always repeat this. If Harper is with me for 5 years or 15 (I hope at least this), she’s going to experience life. That could be travel or baseball games or hockey games or being able to go into different stores etc. It could be just hanging out back with me, or meeting new friends or trying foods that are OK for her. It might be a trip to the ice cream shop, or a pet store, or to see friends.

Harper is not just a dog, she’s my family. So if I am going somewhere, I try and involve her. A lot of times, she will just lay and watch everything and take it in.

This experience was earlier this month when I was at the Jersey Shore. This pet spot has dog ice cream and they set it up so you can have your dog sit at a table and eat it. What fun this was! An experience I hope she gets again!

5. Adventure

This kind of goes hand in hand with the experiences. Because without experiences, there’s likely no adventure. I love taking Harper with me to explore the outdoors, or see new things. I am not sure what she thinks or how she looks at things, but I know I want her to at least be on adventures with me. So many people have complimented me about her and for that I am proud. She’s an amazing dog and companion and I have a hard time not taking her with me — so most of the time, I do my best to make sure she can come with me on an amazing adventure.

There’s my five and let’s see what you came up with! If you took part in this month’s challenge, make sure to link up below.

And for those of you who participated, make sure you try and get to other people’s blogs and comment (here, too!).

Let’s continue to grow this challenge and have a strong community. Come back and check out the others who link later on, too! NOTE: We have a Facebook group for those who participate in the challenge and are interested. I’ll post any announcements there and hopefully it can be a place where things are discussed and some interaction etc. You can access it here.

** CHALLENGE CHANGE **

From this point forward, I am going to do the next theme at the bottom of each linkup. Also, the posting date will now be the first of each month, thus giving you the entire month to take the photos etc.

That means it’s a one-stop shop! Hopefully this helps out with everybody.

So, below is the linkup for April. Make sure you drop your link there.

OK, so it’s time to keep on moving! I know this month can be crazy, so … June’s theme is … Where will you go? Five photos and some words… can you weave a story? We’ll look forward to it! Remember to come back on (hopefully) July 1 to link up and check out the theme for that month!

Photo Blogging Challenge: May 2023 results

Feel free to leave a comment, or

I went back and forth with how I wanted to do this theme.

In the end, with the timing of it and the post, it seemed like a pretty obvious choice. But, I’m going to try and go a little deeper with said subject.

Harper turned two on April 29. I can’t believe where the time has gone with her. It seems like yesterday I was driving an hour and a half to pick her up. I brought her home in a laundry basket and she slept most of the way home.

This journey hasn’t been all cake and candy. There have been a lot of frustrating times and events. But overall, she has been one of the best things that ever happened to me.

In July, it will have been two years since I owned her. Well, you could say since she’s owned me.

My life is basically a few things — work, Harper, and anything else I can fit in. I’m a new homeowner and I’m working on some things with that, including working on a patio so I can then have a nice pavilion. Under that will be some furniture, my Blackstone griddle and, I hope, something along the lines of a Solo Stove fire pit. This, of course, will make it easier and nicer to hang outside with Harper, no matter if she is running around or just lounging.

The goal, too, is to have a place where it’s relaxing to be. Then I can read some, or blog some … all while Harper has the ability to roam around. I don’t like her outside alone, so this will be the best of both worlds.

I’ve started working on a lot of other plans for blogging. I feel like I’m starting to want to write more again. Harper will be a heavy subject, but there’s so many other things going on in my world that I want to kind of expand on. I’m even working on a very big series of stories for my milestone birthday in September. Maybe the August writing challenge will come back. Maybe the January one as well.,

There’s something about working to find that inner peace and happiness.

But at the center of it all is Harper, that’s for sure. So, I’ll do me. She does her. You all do you. Then the world will be a much better place.

Anyway, enough of my rambling. Here’s my five for the month. I look forward to seeing yours.

1. Best friend

My goal with getting a dog was having a best friend. I wanted a companion who would be with me through many adventures. I got caught up into trying dog sports and they didn’t click with me (we do try to dock dive still!) and now it’s basically about bonding and having her with me as much as possible. I once swore that even if I got a dog, I wouldn’t go to bark in the park games. I do that now. I also never used to take selfies. I do that way more often now… always with Harper though!

2. Experiences

As Harper has grown, my goals for her continually change. One, though, stays the same: experiences. While I can’t put myself into other people’s shoes as to why they have dogs etc., as I noted above, I wanted one who I could explore life with. Experiences are important to me to have with Harper. That includes travel, or baseball games, or parks etc. Or heck, a Pucks for Paws game where she got to watch a hockey game! She did well at the game being around other dogs and people and all the noise. I hope we can do this again next year. It really was a lot of fun!

3. Harper’s world

Being the center of Harper’s world is pretty cool. Sometimes it’s the little things. Other things bigger things. But either way, she’s fully part of my world, as I am hers. She often gets cranky or won’t stay still when I take photos (which I guess I can understand …), but sometimes, I get some images that just make me smile. This one is one I think I eventually may turn into a canvas print. I really love it. Her beautiful look… her ball … and just no care in the world. I wish I could climb into her head and get her thoughts.

4. Happiness

The happiness that Harper has brought me isn’t measurable. Well, it is to a point. Over the past nearly two years that I’ve had Harper, I’ve laughed more, I smile more, and life is less stressful. That doesn’t mean that I have no stress — I do. But, it’s a lot different when coming home and know she’s going to be stoked to see me. Her happy faces can make anybody smile! She brings so much joy into my life. And many around town know who she is and share in some happiness when they see her.

5. The future

Nobody knows what the future will bring. I do hope that Harper is part of mine for many years to come. She’s already had so many experiences with me and there are a lot more to come! Be it games or trips or whatever else — I know she will be part of what I do the majority of time. And I know I will try and capture this journey every step of the way! (I’m going to work on doing more videos, too. But that is all part of my plan once I get my outdoor space done, too!)

BONUS!

I had to do a bonus! Being my post was all about Harper, I didn’t have a spot for this one. But, I wanted to include it. During the month, I had to pick up Cameron from school for my brother and sister-in-law. After that we went to his little league practice, and then we went and grabbed dinner. This was at dinner. He’s growing fast and it was nice to hang with him this day.

There’s my five and let’s see what you came up with! If you took part in this month’s challenge, make sure to link up below.

And for those of you who participated, make sure you try and get to other people’s blogs and comment (here, too!).

Let’s continue to grow this challenge and have a strong community. Come back and check out the others who link later on, too! NOTE: We have a Facebook group for those who participate in the challenge and are interested. I’ll post any announcements there and hopefully it can be a place where things are discussed and some interaction etc. You can access it here.

** CHALLENGE CHANGE **

From this point forward, I am going to do the next theme at the bottom of each linkup. Also, the posting date will now be the first of each month, thus giving you the entire month to take the photos etc.

That means it’s a one-stop shop! Hopefully this helps out with everybody.

So, below is the linkup for April. Make sure you drop your link there.

OK, so it’s time to keep on moving! I know this month can be crazy, so … May’s theme is … Tell a story! Five photos and some words… can you weave a story? We’ll look forward to it! Remember to come back on (hopefully) June 1 to link up and check out the theme for that month!

Photo Blogging Challenge: April 2023 results

Feel free to leave a comment, or e-mail P.J. at hoohaablog@gmail.com. Also, please “Like” A ‘lil HooHaa on Facebook!

Ten years.

That’s how long this challenge has been going on. Some days it’s better than others. We have speed bumps or late posts (ha!) and sometimes have had more people participate than others. But it’s been a whopping 10 years.

Seems almost fitting that this one is late.

The past several months have been high-stress ones. Thankfully, last Wednesday, the biggest part of that ended. But at that point, my thought process of what day it was went out the window. Then when the weekend got here, I wasn’t think about days at all.

So, here it is.

Ten isn’t the easiest of themes. I took a lot of photos this month, and I am sure most of you can figure out what my subject was most of the time.

So to say this month has been a stretch … well that’s the beauty of interpretation!

I know at times this challenge gets slow and such and for that, I apologize. The theme for this month should be easier … hopefully!

Here are my five for the month! Let’s see what you all have!

1-3. 10 inches (of snow)

So my area always tends to get a good snow storm in March. This year was no different. In the village, we got about 10 inches of snow. Hills/mountains and back roads got upward of 18 inches or more. And when there’s a lot of snow, well … and some snow days happened …. dogs must play! and icicles must be chewed on!

4. March 10

I was lucky I snapped this photo on March 10 — or I might not have been able to use it this month! This is the local college. Sometimes we walk around part of it and this was a great photo opp as Harper took it in.

5. 10 seconds

That’s about how long, give or take, I get to take a posed photo of Harper!

There’s my five and let’s see what you came up with! If you took part in this month’s challenge, make sure to link up below.

And for those of you who participated, make sure you try and get to other people’s blogs and comment (here, too!).

Let’s continue to grow this challenge and have a strong community. Come back and check out the others who link later on, too! NOTE: We have a Facebook group for those who participate in the challenge and are interested. I’ll post any announcements there and hopefully it can be a place where things are discussed and some interaction etc. You can access it here.

** CHALLENGE CHANGE **

From this point forward, I am going to do the next theme at the bottom of each linkup. Also, the posting date will now be the first of each month, thus giving you the entire month to take the photos etc.

That means it’s a one-stop shop! Hopefully this helps out with everybody.

So, below is the linkup for September. Make sure you drop your link there.

OK, so it’s time to keep on moving! I know this month can be crazy, so … April’s theme is … You do you! Remember to come back on (hopefully) May 1 to link up and check out the theme for that month!

Photo Blogging Challenge: March 2023 results

Feel free to leave a comment, or e-mail P.J. at hoohaablog@gmail.com. Also, please “Like” A ‘lil HooHaa on Facebook!

OK, you all know what my post is likely to be filled with, right?

February is the month of love. You know, Valentine’s Day, Cupid, candy, and everything in between. It’s an interesting holiday as … shouldn’t you show people you care every day? Instead of picking one day to purchase flowers and all with jacked up prices?

The greatest of Hallmark holidays!

I’ve never been much for the holidays that seem to be directly aimed at consumer spending. While Christmas and such as developed into that, it does also have a much bigger meaning. Valentine’s Day seems fully aimed at consumer spending.

Alas, it’s always going to be there.

My valentine, of course, was Harper. And she is the perfect valentine. If you have some treats and such, she’s all about everything you are. The amount of love she shows, though, is unmatched. She’s a cuddle pal walking pal, and everything else all wrapped into one.

Growing up, I was always a cat person. I actually had thought about adding a cat, but have backed off a bit as I wasn’t fully sure. And if I can’t be 100 percent in to make sure the cat is good for Harper, then it’s hard to get one. I’d want them both to have good experiences from it. Maybe in the future,

But this dog … she has showed me how amazing it is to love an animal. I cared very deeply about the cats in my life, but they were like many cats — came to you when they wanted attention and stayed away when not. Harper always wants to be near or around me. Even when I want to take her in the car, which is sometimes a chore!

Let’s see all the love you had in February!

Here are my five for the month! Let’s see what you all have!

1. Harper loves … baseball

I always said if I had a dog, I wouldn’t go to Bark in the Park. Yeah… that worked out well. Now I love spending time at games with Harper. And she loves it, too! She’s gotten foul balls and even had a ball thrown up from the bullpen for her at a game! It’s enjoyable! This is at the field of a local summer college league team.

2. Harper loves … her friends!

And she has a lot of them! Several will come over to play. I’ve also just gone to a dog park for the first time. She also meets dogs while out walking etc. It’s always nice when the other dog is friendly.

3. Harper loves … to sniff the wind

Dogs live heavily through their noses, so when we get some good winds, Harper will often sit, stick her head in the air and sniff away. It’s always makes me wonder what she smells and if it’s a great smell!

4. Harper loves … carrying her toys!

This is a similar photo to last month, but … Harper loves carrying toys when we walk. Usually she gets it after she goes potty. She looks to me for it, too. This one was taken on Valentine’s Day.

5. Harper loves … life!

Treats, walks, cuddles, sticks, balls, the Chuckit Cube, running and playing with friends, snow, water, and everything else, Harper loves life. And she brings so much joy to me (and, at times, others). I got lucky with this dog and I look forward to a long life of adventures and laughs!

BONUS!

I couldn’t resist adding one more. Harper and her friend Amy booping noses (I think Amy was trying to share Harper’s stick!)

There’s my five and let’s see what you came up with! If you took part in this month’s challenge, make sure to link up below.

And for those of you who participated, make sure you try and get to other people’s blogs and comment (here, too!).

Let’s continue to grow this challenge and have a strong community. Come back and check out the others who link later on, too! NOTE: We have a Facebook group for those who participate in the challenge and are interested. I’ll post any announcements there and hopefully it can be a place where things are discussed and some interaction etc. You can access it here.

** CHALLENGE CHANGE **

From this point forward, I am going to do the next theme at the bottom of each linkup. Also, the posting date will now be the first of each month, thus giving you the entire month to take the photos etc.

That means it’s a one-stop shop! Hopefully this helps out with everybody.

So, below is the linkup for September. Make sure you drop your link there.

OK, so it’s time to keep on moving! I know this month can be crazy, so … March’s theme is … Ten! Remember to come back on (hopefully) April 1 to link up and check out the theme for that month!

Photo Blogging Challenge: February 2023 results

Feel free to leave a comment, or e-mail P.J. at hoohaablog@gmail.com. Also, please “Like” A ‘lil HooHaa on Facebook!