Dear Anita

Sorry it has been so busy with the new cat. Everyone is getting on okay. The first couple of days were particularly intense because my son and the dog have never lived with a cat before. It was a lot of no leave the cat alone, please give him some space. The message has started to sink in thankfully. Then I got him neutered, because he started marking his territory. It’s been a lot for him bless.
He’s started to recover now, coming out of his shell and stopping hiding. He’s a long haired cat and has some matting that I’m slowly working on.

I’m so glad that Bogart is getting along well with the pulling. It sounds like he’s come a long way in a short amount of time. I think he’s eager to please you. It just shows what a special bond you have. 🤍

You’re right, so that projection made you a target. 🎯 That’s not very fair, to be abused relentlessly because of things outside of your control. 🤍

My bio mum was very angry about our father leaving and blamed us for it. Being a boy, he might have been a target of projection too? Perhaps he reminded her of our father?

That is good that for her that your sister was less damaged by the abuse. Not so good for you though, who felt the weight of it so heavily. 🤍

I felt guilty too for leaving my brother with my mother. But he was old enough to choose. We both did our best trying to protect them. At some point you have to choose yourself. I think you did the right thing. You have been through so much in your life. You deserve to actually live it for yourself and be happy. 🙏 🤍

Oh wow mountain lions and coyotes! Such a wild area. We just have foxes, rabbits and squirrels. 🦊 🐇 🐿️

Sorry to hear that your friends weren’t at the taproom and you were feeling lonely. Unfortunately, I didn’t see that message until just now. I’ve been working on this message for you for a couple of days. That’s how busy it has been. 🤍

I think it’s great how you’re reclaiming your childhood now as an adult. It’s true, you never really got to have one. 🤍

Your mother was wrong about you wasn’t she? You’re perfectly you and a great person! 😊

Amazing what happens when you have room to breathe and aren’t around all of that toxicity. 🤍

Dear Anita

Hmm mixed feelings. Anxiety and excitement are on the same pathway. I’m feeling a bit overstimulated. Not in a bad way.

The cat arrived and he seems to be settling in well. He is just about the chillest friendliest cat I’ve ever met. The breeder did a great job choosing him for us. I’m honestly blown away. It’s not an easy thing for a cat to adjust to a toddler and a young dog. He seems to be taking it in his stride. Doesn’t have a bad bone in his body. It’s been ages since I’ve had a male cat. 🤍

Oh I didn’t mean to suggest that your sister was spared. I wasn’t spared either. I just mean, they have limited energy, so go harder on one than the other. What you both went through is horrible. 🤍

I saw in the news today, an extreme case of child abuse in the UK. It made me cry. People say a lot that these things don’t happen anymore. Clearly, they do. I wish that these things were gone from the world for good.

The pulling in the snow makes sense! He must have been very excited. It sounds like he’s doing a much better job outside of that though.

Bless! I’m glad that Bogart was okay. Some of the noises that hunting dogs can make are crazy. I think it would give anyone a fright. When my girl first howled. I was like what the 🤬 is that? She sounds no joke like a moose. It is impossible to describe. I didn’t realise it was her at first until she did it again.

My old husky boy was like that with rabbits. All common sense just exited his body with rabbits around. 👻 You’re doing the right thing by avoiding them. I’m sure you will get to know all of the areas rabbits hide out. I don’t know if this is helpful to you at all. But hunting instincts are less in the daytime. Purely, because wild creatures tend to come out at sundown. I tend to try and walk before sundown for that reason. 🤍

I understand why you let him off. It is murder walking a pulling dog on lead in the snow and ice. I hope your next walk is calmer. 🤍

You did a good job taking care of yourself and Bogart. As always, excellent instincts dog Mom! 🤍

Hi Tommy

It is that time of year again for Americans, isn’t it? Good luck! I hope you get a good refund. 🙏 🩵

It’s a good thing you got those trees sorted out. The area I live has a lot of trees and they are constantly falling over in mild storms (not even rough ones like you yanks get). You cannot be too careful.

I love the variety of projects you have planned. Such talent! 😊

You have some inspirational views. These things are easier said than done. I’m glad to hear that you’re doing your best trying to take things in your stride. 🩵

I understand what you mean regarding the broken thing. I’m not there yet, but trying my best.

The inner librarian in me cringes at the idea of burning books. 🔥 📚 🫣

I find that books are interesting, but it’s only really after you’ve had the experience that you can truly understand the meaning of it. In that way, it’s kind of redundant. I do enjoy the wonder though. Some might hold too tightly to words. I love that books shine a light onto the writer’s inner world. 🩵

Dear Anita

That is stressful worrying about a small country such as Israel being eliminated. I honestly don’t think that will happen though. It would not be allowed by the rest of the world because of the holocaust. Not to mention, it is an ally of the US. It seems like the death count in Israel is low at the moment. Small mercies. 🤍

There is currently a regime change happening in Iran. The US and Israel will continue to assassinate Iran’s leaders until someone favourable is in power. Perhaps things will change?

I think I lost a reply to you because I can’t find it saved anywhere. I have been busy with spring cleaning, looking after my son and preparing for the cat which is arriving tomorrow. How are you doing? 🤍

I think I remember some of the reply. I said Dear 👂 Anita. Because that was the best I could come up with emoji-wise. 😊

And I encouraged you not to worry about the tech stuff and just focus on doing what makes you feel most comfortable. 🤍

That’s a good idea, I hope it helps. And Bogart may catch on and start doing that by himself when he notices your anxiety is worse. Dogs are very smart and kind that way.

Bless your soul. 🙏 That is a heavy burden to carry not being allowed to grow up.

I also wondered, if the reason why there may have been a difference between how you and your sister were treat, is because your mother many have been making an example of you? With multiple children, it is sadly common for abusive parent to single out one for extra punishment. It would be a lot of effort to punish all children equally. 🤍

My brother was the example and she beat him much more than she beat me. I think it’s a really difficult position for a child to be in. 🤍

Yes, I agree. 🤍

Hi Peter

I understand what you mean. 😊 I share your beliefs. 🩵

It is not always easy, but I have faith in you. You are strong, kind and resourceful. No matter what happens, it will carry you through. 🙏

Dear Anita

Haha that is funny! Please continue to use the ale emoji when the mood strikes you. 😂

It is the truth, I’m not flattering! I notice things. That you always enquire when someone is unwell. It is the little things show that you care. 🤍

When a message is longer, on my phone I tend to write in a notes app then copy and paste it when I’m done. I don’t know if that would make things any easier? It means I can look at the website without losing my place and don’t have to keep scrolling up or down.

AI actually recommended the techniques to me recently and they seem very approachable. I thought of you, but I didn’t want to be too forward.

Some of the techniques include: getting your dog to sit on you, either part way or fully for deep pressure. Another is putting your hand on their side and trying to synchronize your breathing with theirs. Another is focusing on petting their fur mindfully. I hope you like at least one of the techniques and find something that works for you. 🤍

I’m so sorry, she really did go out of her way to kill your autonomy. It almost seems like she wanted you to stay like a baby for as long as possible? That must have been so hard to see your sister being treat differently to you. It’s not very fair. 🤍

I imagine Bogart would sniff forever if you let him. 😂

I like the conversational style, it feels like we are getting to know each other. 🤍

Please don’t be too hard on yourself. Some people seemed to like being analysed. Everyone is different. 🤍

I’m so sorry, I can’t imagine how difficult it must have been to be raised in a country with such hatred coming from neighbouring countries. 🤍

Hi Peter

It does not feel right, for certain countries to be used as battlegrounds by richer countries. So we can be comfortable, while other people suffer. 🩵

To witness suffering and be blind to it would be a crime. Caring, witnessing, disapproving, your own version of praying. Being thankful for what we do have. It is enough. If only the people suffering were as lucky as us who get to feel bummed by hearing and reading about it. 🩵

You are a beautiful and gentle soul Peter. Don’t lose yourself in it. You still have a life to live. 🩵

I like your interpretation of the prayer by the way! 🙏

I forgot to say Bogart rolling in god knows what made me smile. It brought back memories of my old girl. The stinkier she was, the better as far as she was concerned. 😂