Some Pig

Today my friend brought over the newest addition to her family, Jimmy Dean.
Despite her assurances the piglet would be ok around Ella, I was a tad nervous. She IS a scent dog after all--not to mention, bacon is her favorite food.

But my worries were unfounded. In fact, she seemed a bit scared of him.

Eventually Ella warmed up to Jimmy Dean. Soon he was following her around everywhere. She even kindly showed him her hidden toy stash.

This pig had NO fear. Here he is jumping on Ella.
(Thank goodness Ella behaved.)

They chased each other across the lawn quite a bit (I couldn't get a good shot. They were too fast). At the end of the day Ella was exhausted.

But JD could have gone on for hours. He even had enough stamina for one last pose.

A Bolder 2011 & I Need to Stop Acting Like My Beagle

On this New Year's Eve morning, my dog, Ella, and I are walking along this gorgeous slab of Monterey beach and I can sense that my beagle is conflicted: part of her, lured by the hypnotic crash of the aqua-white waves, wants to jump in with both paws. Yet, fear is holding her back (OK she also hates to get her paws wet.)

Which got me thinking: this year I've been afraid. Fearful to try new things and jump in with both feet. To be sure, it really has been a stressful year, full of shake ups, stresses and downers. But, I think it's time to let go of the fear.

Although I've had mixed success with New Year resolutions in the past, I will say that this year I will strive to become less hesitate. More fearless in tackling new challenges.

What do you have planned for 2011?

By the way, Ella did eventually go in.

Kind of.