Jen woke early. Well, Scottie woke early, which in turn had Ten getting up with him. At first, she took him out to the backyard, where he meandered around to and down the side alley by the bedrooms. I thought he might have heard something, an animal perhaps, but whatever the reasoning was escaped us both. Jen figured she would get up and work on her schoolwork, feed the dogs early, and have that wonderful pre-dawn quiet time. I got up later and consciously tried any "tiny habits" again. It was and always should be ultra-simple, yet once I fall out of the habit, it's an effort to revive it, which I did and will continue to do. Once up, I was informed that Scottie had thrown up, and there was some blood in T. There was a bit, but nothing like the experience about two years ago. He seemed and seems fine now, so I am not overly concerned. I got time against meditation and particularly enjoyed the "Minimize Negative Thinking" message of today's daily calm. It falls in line with a focus I am trying to incorporate. I started writing to leverage making more notes, and today, too. I am trying every inspirational moment at my disposal. I think the more I write, the more I will amass to work with and assemble a draft. Or two. Inspiration seems to be coming more often, but perhaps it's really that I am more actively open to and seeking it. Tommy sold the Porsche today. It's the first car he's sold, and I have sensed him feeling sad. I get that, but I am glad his next vehicle, a Tesla, will be far safer. More muscle but more brains and safety management on board, too. Lauren called to chat, which was great. I used facetimeto let her enjoy throwing a ball with Lucky. I leave for Jikoji in the am, and I expect to be highly focused on writing, further reduction of "To Do" items (deleting, not completing), and I hope to at least sort out some further feelings about making changes that help me care even less about pleasing others at my own expense. Tonight, Jen and I went to Niles Canyon to meet Valerie for dinner because we had tickets for a silent movie down the street! I have done reasonably well today with my effort to be as present and mindful as possible, including being appreciative, if not reverent, about the history and unique experience of seeing a stent more accompanied by a live piano player. I even won their lottery and got a bumper sticker. I called and talked to Tommy after he got his car. He's enjoying it already. He went to Lauren's work and surprised her. He sounded like he was surprised at how much he missed her. I acknowledged the sentiment. We are all connected but going our ways, and it is bittersweet. It's been a good, focused, inspirational day. The AM program at Ji koji was canceled due to weather and access issues, but I am ok to go as planned after 2 pm, which will allow me time to see Tommy's car, and the three of us can have breakfast. I'm so grateful to be aware of all I have to be thankful for. In a somewhat awkward way, even though it's been my mindset from well before Linda, her death remains the most significant force when living more conscious of my limited time.
