A Proper Engagement Ring.

Tiffany Engagement Rings. That is it. That's all that needs to be uttered about this topic. No, not me silly!

Finishing School

Often, I read or hear people utter passionately, Dogs Teach Us So Much! For some reason, I have an unusual physical reaction to that statement. I feel my face scrunch a little and my shoulders shrug.

Really? Dogs teach us? Can they teach us how to drive a fancy sports car? or how to cook boeuf Bourguignon? I wish mine could provide fashion tips.

Too cynical? too literal? Maybe. I guess the same way I feel about how insensitive it is to dress a dog in human clothing, is the way I feel about this. The attribution of a human characteristic to an animal.

As the creator of The Pet Set, I thought long and hard about what I have learned to be the essence of dog.

They enlighten us: to see them as elegant, poised, smart and even spiritual. They open our mind to the possibility that every day, every moment is new and exciting. Can you imagine how different your life would be if you embraced that concept? You probably do already. I still must be taught.

Internet Friendship, Really.

You know and I know, we wonder if there is such a thing as real friend relationships conceived on-line. I certainly have. Although, until recently, I did not. On-line friendships? How tacky, vacuous and potentially unseemly (many undignified adjectives, really.)

But then, like millions, I began a Twitter account. Also like millions, I had happy little expectations that this could become a powerful marketing tool -- one which would help to leverage my stationery business, The Pet Set. I'd become a millionaire, like Donald Trump, go on Donny Deutch's annoying show about advertising and ultimately on Oprah! My future would now be forever locked tighter than a drum because of Twitter!

After several months of colossal hilarity, time-burglary, affected and semi-adroit tweeting...I realized something. This is more than a marketing implement. Twitter is a giant block party!

There are people on Twitter! Many, many people. People from across the globe and from around the corner! I thought, YAY! Certainly the potential to expand my universe beyond the sometimes smothering existence of suburban life!

I really have met a few lovely folks...folks with whom I could see myself situated at the corner of the bar on a Friday night. (No smoking in this 'nanny country') Truly, some of the best. (do we even say 'met' on an on-line social network anymore)?

Predictably, as in real life, one unique individual came upon the scene. One with whom not only did I imagine sharing an adult beverage or swapping bbq sauce recipes, but one who would join me for Thanksgiving dinner. Chat on the phone every evening. Make fun of celebrities. Take care of each other's Chocolate Labradors. Share pickles...because we both think they are the best food in the world. We had such a great time Tweeting and just being friends.

Then one day, this person quit Twitter. Up and left. No more contact. No way to stay in touch. No Bat Signal no Bat Time. Nothing.

The odd thing was, this person did what is expected on Twitter, amassed a respectable amount of followers (code for interested, interesting, weird and lonely people). This is why I was hurt and confused. I was one of them. A Follower.

A shock to my naive soul and I am saddened. I wonder if it is real hurt or if I have such a heightened sense of self obsession that I actually thought, me? This person could desert me? Imagine this. Feelings? About an on-line friend? How could I have let this happen? I have a wall around me as high as the Tower Bridge. As they say in the movies, "It just happened". Internet friends, really.

Oh yes. Twitter is a world-wide phenomenon. But really?, it is a lot like. High School!

Anyway, I wish this person only inner peace, prosperity and the love we are all searching for. Really. (oh and dog poo) You will be missed.

The Garden State

I am here to defend New Jersey honor.

For the life of me, I have no idea who on doG's green earth thought a program like Jersey Shore was a good idea. I truly mean no disrespect to any of the cast members...but honestly in no way does this show even begin to resemble what our beaches and our state are about!

If you've traveled to New Jersey and your impression starts and stops with the Turnpike or the Garden State Parkway, I'm here to let you know that New Jersey is beautiful! It is well documented that many of our beaches are among the most stunning in the world.

Born and raised in New Jersey, I can tell you the official state nickname "Garden State" is apropos.

Having been a life-long proponent of supporting local farmers, fisherman, dairies, etc., I also wanted to highlight our bounty and let those who mistakenly view New Jersey as a 'chemical wasteland' know that you haven't lived until you've had a Jersey tomato or our legendary corn.

In every county across the state, are approximately 9,000 farms...across 270,000 acres if land..harvesting everything from escarole to our beloved tomatoes and corn.

Agri-tourism is important to our farms' economies, and if you're looking for something fun and important to do with your family this Spring...visit one of our many working farms and bring home some of our lovely tomatoes! And don't forget to visit the boardwalk in Seaside Heights.



Tomato image: Flikr.com

I Heart Dolores. Local Honor.

Today's instantaneous mass media -- so often such unseemly, chatter-journalism, is not my cup of tea and it dispirits me to no end.

So, I wanted to share a story about honor and reverence. Our local print newsman, Ed.

Each week, I look forward to reading (scouring) my Community Newspaper. Silly and possibly a bit voyeuristic, I know.

On the other hand, I see something sweet and decent and peaceful about the local weddings, parades, parties and events of our villages--which often have absolutely no connection to the the sharpness the world, outside the enclave of towns which line the Pascack Valley.

Also, I enjoy the chronicles about people who may have lived in the area throughout its history. Thank goodness for local historical societies and their beautiful photographs. And of course, the farmers who had the foresight to start print shops, for some reason.

Mr. Flynn, a WWII Infantry veteran, a journalist and resident of this area for nearly a century, has submitted his column After Thoughts (his observances of his life in New Jersey) to the paper every week without fail. No excuses. That is one of the hallmarks of The Greatest Generation...great fortitude of obligation. (Some seem to like to grill London Broil a lot too).

Recently, Mr. Flynn'e wife Dolores, passed away. This is a sad time for Ed, but it will surely be a lonely and reflective time as well. It's been reverently documented that Mrs. Flynn had been a superb domestic engineer and cornerstone, not only of their home, but possibly their neighborhood as well. :-)

In all the years I've been following Mr. Flynn's column, his references to his wife, his children, his parents and their lives here in New Jersey, have been charming; funny at times; often acerbic but always with much grace and respect and high esteem.

I know many U.S. WWII men (and a couple of London WWII taxi drivers). The words emotional or tender do not come to mind. But I do know that Ed loved Dolores...he was very grateful for their lives together. Mr. Flynn honored Mrs. Flynn in the greatest way he knew how.

My Deepest Sympathies, Mr. Flynn.

Spectacular Endeavour

There are not many things in my life that I love and appreciate more than the excitement and beauty of our space program. Images: Endeavour's final trip to the International Space station. http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=M_M4mxgCwXk http://www.nasa.gov/mission_pages/shuttle/main/index.html

Kind regards.

I've been thinking about the word 'respect' of late. We hear it tossed about quite frequently. Respect your elders, always respect women, and the mother of all fell good expressions: respect yourself,

I've wondered if respect to some, means love? The two words are probably entangled, to some degree.

I believe there is another way to consider what respect could mean: esteem. Not exactly admiration, but honor. To honor someone; not for what they have, or things they may have given, but at your own core, you have the ability to really see someone for who that person is with the esteem he or she deserves.

One of my silly pleasures is to read (scour) the local Community news.

Wedding Belles Blues

I think this would be a Kim, you've just got to lighten-up learning moment:

The eldest daughter of a dear family friend is getting married this Spring! This girl, is the sweetest, most charming and beautiful woman-child, as I refer to her, I have ever known.

Here's my rant for the day:

#1 Travel: The wedding and all the hoopla around it is in south Florida. (What? leave ravishingly beautiful New Jersey for Naples, Florida)?!

#2 Work: Whenever I am forced (classier: invited) to leave The Pet Set for a fabulous trip to the corner of Palm Trees, cocktails and The Naples Ritz Carlton, I freak out a bit. Ack...clients, artwork, accounting!

#3 Chester: Geez he's only 4 months old and I'll probably have to leave him with a neighborhood guy, who upon meeting Chester, offered to cut his nails. Once again, Ack! Maybe I'll ship him to England to visit with his friends at Labradors WorldWide, where I hear they eat a lot of cake.

#4 Wardrobe: Good doG! What do people wear in Florida? It's not like I can pack my suburban dog mom trashy clothes. Looks like a trip to Saks will be eminent.

#5 Fire. For my entire life, I've been irrationally frightened that if I leave my home for too long, it will burn down...and not while I'm at Stop and Shop picking out eggplant. No, this time, while I'm in Florida!

That's the official 'working' list...did I mention hair, shoes, mani/pedi, jewlery, gift for the bride and groom, gift for the parents, clothes for casual meals, clothes for fishing trips. Don't even MAKE me say bathing suit!

What does work? No Passport and customs to deal with -- just freaking Newark Airport. Oh right it's now Liberty freaking International Airport. Jet Blue is cute.

Wishing my little bride and groom a fabulous wedding and a long, fulfilling life together.

How can she do this to me?

Cheers!

[photo: Andrew Morrell Photography via: Flickr.com

Who Am I?

Many of us ask ourselves: who am I? am I a virtuous person? what is my purpose in life?

Recently, my beloved Trotter, a stunning Chocolate Labrador, lost his life to canine cancer. Aside from September 11, 2001--I'd never experienced such utter heartbreak.

I didn't think I was ready or worthy of another dog. Eventually, I became convinced that Chester should come home with me.

Chester is also a Chocolate Labrador. He's very beautiful & good-natured; but I don't know who he is inside yet. Who is he? What of his soul?

One of the reasons I founded The Pet Set is my belief that dogs have souls. I wanted to celebrate that aspect, in addition to a dog's grace and dignity.

Trotter had a magnificent soul. He was inspirational, empathetic and strong. That was who he was to me.

As Chester grows, I see external changes, of course. I'm hoping to understand what's inside soon...just as he is trying to understand me.

Dogs study our reflection...Perhaps the person he views is someone he will come to respect. I hope my soul will cherish him always.

Welcome!

There is a memorable Don Draper line from the award-winning television show, Mad Men who is counseling the character, Pete--as his father had died in a plane crash: "...There's work and then there's life..."

Center Lane observes both concepts; however the overall intent will be to talk about what happens in life's middle lane. Where I believe, everything else exists.

Some think the middle is boring. Perhaps, -- but I suspect in my scenario, it can allow an individual to pursue his or her purest self, without being tarnished by "work or life".

Here, I would like to share ideas that inform me and capture my imagination: politics, profound world events, human adventure...and of course, trivial things such as 'why is the supermarket jam-packed at the onset of a snow storm' or 'why do we care about what celebrities think'?

I am a serious person, intense to some. I'm informed I should "just go with it". doG, I hate that expression.

I'm hoping that my eventual followers and readers will share their thoughts, contribute, have some fun and let me know when I should "just go with it".