My Dog Buddy...Lost But Never Forgotten

It is amazing how our little four legged friends can bring us such love and comfort. They are our protectors, secret keepers, comforters and best friends. They help us to be brave when we are scared, smile when we think there is nothing left to smile about, and help to bring out the very best in us. Sometimes dogs briefly touch our lives, leaving much too soon, while others become a long chapter in the story of our lives. I was lucky enough to have my life touched for 12 great years by my Brittany Spaniel Buddy. While most dogs spend the majority of their lives in one place with trips to the dog park and occasional car rides, Buddy was an adventurer. He loved to travel, and was rarely ever left behind. He frolicked in the lakes and rivers in New Hampshire, ran in the open desert canyons of Arizona, chased birds in the fields and played in the creeks in Ohio, ran and swam at the beaches of New England and rolled in the grass of Boston Common. For almost 12 years he was faithfully by my side, sharing in all of my adventures, sorrows and triumphs. He was always happy and forever curious...like a cat, he had 9 lives! On June 7th 2011 while I was flying home from Aruba, Buddy ran into the woods and was never seen again. Despite my best efforts, he was never found. Losing a pet is hard, especially when they have been your faithful companion for so long. I guess I was spared the agony of having to put him to sleep, or to find him passed away on my living room floor. I don't know his reasons for leaving, maybe he was sick and I didn't know, maybe he thought I wasn't coming back, maybe he went to find me and got lost....whatever the case he is no longer by my side and I miss him terribly. As sad as it is, it is almost fitting that he is out there somewhere...whether it is here on earth or running in the fields of heaven. My only prayer is that wherever he is, that he is happy and knows that he will always be a part of me. He was my first dog and taught me so much about myself and the world in general. Buddy...wherever you are...you are in my heart and I love and miss you everyday. XOXO ~OnElOvE~

Healing After Tragedy

In the wake of the Aurora Colorado movie theater shooting I wanted to dedicate this post on my blog to not only these victims...but those who have lost their lives to violence all throughout the world. As horrific as this tragedy is we need to keep in mind that this is happening not only in our own back yards but in countries all over the globe. Let's not think in terms of our nationalities but in as humans of this earth that we all must share. Too many people lose their lives everyday for no fault of their own and we should take a moment to remember them. It is frightening to think that there are those who believe that taking another persons life will in someway help their cause. Life is so fragile and it is important that we remember that, and encourage others to do the same. Our humanity is what makes us human, makes us different...our compassion and empathy for others is strong, which is such a positive thing. When something like a murder happens, whether it be a homicide, massacre, genocide, etc., it makes us pause and remember how fragile we really are. But something else that makes us human is our ability to gain strength from those moments that bring us to our knees. Yes, we could go on through life scared of becoming the victim of a senseless crime, but to live in fear is just not an option. We need to keep in mind that we are no more vulnerable today than we were yesterday or will be tomorrow. As long as there are those out there who do not value human life, we are all at risk of being caught at the wrong place at the wrong time. Grieve for those who have lost their lives too soon, and carry their memory and light on by facing the world with a new found appreciation for all the little things that make life memorable. Let moments like these bring into light what is important in your life...hug your loved ones a little tighter, reach out to those who you have wanted to reconnect with, mend broken fences and take time to notice the rainbows after the rain storm.

Ending Marijuana Prohibition Once And For All

I strongly believe in ending marijuana prohibition. I'll ask you to take the stereotypical image of a lazy teenager, smoking pot and eating cookies out of your head for this piece. There are many professionals out there who enjoy smoking marijuana, who can not be as outspoken on the subject as they would like to be for fear of persecution. I like to think that I represent these individuals, who may not be able to take a public stance but can certainly privately vote in elections without the fear of disapproving eyes. There is a movement taking place to end marijuana prohibition, and I firmly believe that my generation will see this happen. The move to decriminalize marijuana is one that crosses all races, genders, religions, socioeconomic status and cultures. For those who cast a disapproving eye, you should keep in mind that a similar movement happened in the early 1900's that allows you to have a glass of wine with your dinner. Alcohol prohibition not only occurred in the US but also in other parts of the world such as Finland, Russia, Norway, Hungary, Australia, Mexico, Europe, the UK and parts of Canada and Denmark all throughout the late 1800's and early 1900's. What most of these places experienced during this time of prohibition was a sharp increase in crime, thus eventually leading the the end of alcohol prohibition. As I see it now, history is merely repeating itself but in a different form. As there are supporters of ending marijuana prohibition there are also those who are against it. I personally feel as if most of these individuals are not only fearful and skeptical of the unknown, but have also been misinformed and misguided as to the benefits of marijuana. Legalization would not only bring change to individuals but to society as a whole. Individuals would no longer be arrested, and have their criminal record permanently scarred  all over being caught with a joint or two. This can really do severe damage to someone's career, family and life as a whole. Alcohol causes many problems in society including traffic accidents, violence, domestic problems among other crimes, yet it is legal. Marijuana does not have such extreme effects on those who use it, and it rarely leads to any problems other than legal issues for possession and/or use. The medical benefits of THC have really come into the spotlight in the past few years, which has allowed some states to approve medicinal marijuana use and open dispensaries for patients to pick up their prescriptions.  It has been scientifically proven that marijuana helps patients of a variety of ailments and illnesses. It can help ease the symptoms of Multiple Sclerosis, arthritis, asthma, glaucoma, among countless other illnesses, and has also been found to destroy cancer cells in the body. Many patients find marijuana a welcome relief from traditional narcotic pain medication which can become extremely addictive and can cause damage to your body with long term use. It seems quite asinine that a plant that can do so much to benefit people is illegal, and this mindset is quickly catching on. We would be naive to believe that the "war on drugs" has been effective in preventing drug use and abuse in society. The government is wasting time and money arresting everyday people and treating them as criminals because they choose to smoke marijuana either recreationally or medicinally. Ending marijuana prohibition would not only give our jails and judicial system some relief, but would cause a decrease in crime, and add to the countries revenue. So I am still puzzled as to why there are those out there who believe that decriminalizing and legalizing marijuana is a bad idea. The government could earn more in legalizing, controlling and taxing the marijuana industry, then they are paying out to stop it. Taking it even one step further....I also wonder why industrial hemp has not been legalized to farm in the US? Hemp has so many uses and can make products like soap, makeup, lotion, plastic, paper, paints, clothing, concrete, and even food, among countless other uses. The hemp plant can be regrown much quicker than a tree and not only helps to save our planets resources, but also cuts down on the amount of pollution on land, air and sea. The marijuana plant has so many uses it is amazing that it is still illegal. The ending marijuana prohibition movement is gaining momentum and many states will have bills on the ballot this upcoming election year pertaining to the current marijuana laws and changing them. I encourage all those who vote to pay special attention at the ballots this year, and keep in mind that your vote is private and for your eyes only. If everyone comes together we can help end this ridiculous ban on marijuana. Wake up world...open your eyes...embrace change...and remember that it is up to YOU to make things happen. ~OnElOvE~

Believe In Yourself

Sometimes in the course of our life we have to make decisions that are hard. Life is not black and white and there are no right and wrong decisions. Each mistake that we make is knowledge that we gain, each misplaced step is wisdom that can only come through failure. Others will not always agree with your decisions, or give you the kind of support you desire but as long as you are following your heart, you will prevail. When others see you empowered and making good choices it can be easy for them to discourage you, but not because you will fail, but because they do not want to see you succeed. Run from these people and don't listen to their words...you know what you are capable of, and the strength that is inside you. Block out negativity and keep focused on what feels right in your heart. Even if the road looks rocky ahead, hold your head high, secure your footing and keep pushing forward. You efforts will be rewarded as long as you stay true to yourself. Self doubt will creep into your mind at times but don't allow it to take over. Remind yourself that you are powerful, because you have the power of choice and the power to carve your own path. Believe in the power of yourself and your possibilities will be infinite. ~OnElOvE~

Keep The Faith

Sometimes it is okay to pray for an angel come down and help lift you back up. We sometimes find ourselves in a dark hour...where what we long for and how to get there are so far apart that it seems that bringing them together would be impossible. When shadows have cast over us and the light is barely visible...reach out your hands and ask for help. It does not matter what your religion...just put your cry for help out there into the universe, for there is a possibility that an angel will hear your call. Sometimes the way off of the dark and stormy path is harder than navigating the path itself, but it is important to keep the faith, keep believing that eventually someone will help you onto the brighter path...where your feet can feel more secure and your mind more stable. Where there is light...there is hope...the sun always rises...so therefore there is always hope.

Which Path To Choose

Sometimes in life we make bad decisions, and for some of us our lives are almost entirely made up of a series of bad decisions. One bad decision leads into another one, and what we think  is the right thing to do is actually the wrong thing. It can be confusing. Now you may find yourself at your next crossroads in life...each path completely foreign that lies before you. Life doesn’t come with a road map and we carve our own paths. There are times that we happen to look up and realize that we are lost. We are no longer on that comfortable path that we once treaded so effortlessly, for it has turned into thick brush and loose gravel...much harder to navigate. Now you look around you, and you are free to flow in any direction you’d like. Look to the sky for your hopes, dreams and aspirations, but there is no golden staircase leading the way. To get there one must choose the right path, and thus the question remains...which way to go?

The Light Within You Child

I cry out to those children everywhere,
Don’t let go of hope and get lost in despair,
Look inside your soul for there is a light that makes you unique,
Reach down deep...and allow it to shine free.
I know life can be hard and dark some days,
Quietly watching your youth slip away,
Facing realities that you shouldn’t be child,
Let go of the burden and just be young for a while.
A loss of innocence by no choice of your own,
You never asked to be born into a broken down home,
But it is what it is and you step up to survive,
Doing whatever you can just to stay alive.
Some don’t understand for they’ll never be in your shoes,
Keep fighting child and refuse to lose,
Life has many paths and it is yours to decide,
Whether to follow in suit or step out from the stride.
Use the light within you to lead your way,
To help you to seek refuge in your darkest day,
Your experiences although painful will help you to grow wise,
Don’t let life beat you up and keep your dreams alive.
~OnElOvE~
~Lesley Ouellette