Photo Blogging Challenge (April 2023): You do you

I went back and forth with how I wanted to do this theme.

In the end, with the timing of it and the post, it seemed like a pretty obvious choice. But, I’m going to try and go a little deeper with said subject.

Harper turned two on April 29. I can’t believe where the time has gone with her. It seems like yesterday I was driving an hour and a half to pick her up. I brought her home in a laundry basket and she slept most of the way home.

This journey hasn’t been all cake and candy. There have been a lot of frustrating times and events. But overall, she has been one of the best things that ever happened to me.

In July, it will have been two years since I owned her. Well, you could say since she’s owned me.

My life is basically a few things — work, Harper, and anything else I can fit in. I’m a new homeowner and I’m working on some things with that, including working on a patio so I can then have a nice pavilion. Under that will be some furniture, my Blackstone griddle and, I hope, something along the lines of a Solo Stove fire pit. This, of course, will make it easier and nicer to hang outside with Harper, no matter if she is running around or just lounging.

The goal, too, is to have a place where it’s relaxing to be. Then I can read some, or blog some … all while Harper has the ability to roam around. I don’t like her outside alone, so this will be the best of both worlds.

I’ve started working on a lot of other plans for blogging. I feel like I’m starting to want to write more again. Harper will be a heavy subject, but there’s so many other things going on in my world that I want to kind of expand on. I’m even working on a very big series of stories for my milestone birthday in September. Maybe the August writing challenge will come back. Maybe the January one as well.,

There’s something about working to find that inner peace and happiness.

But at the center of it all is Harper, that’s for sure. So, I’ll do me. She does her. You all do you. Then the world will be a much better place.

Anyway, enough of my rambling. Here’s my five for the month. I look forward to seeing yours.

1. Best friend

My goal with getting a dog was having a best friend. I wanted a companion who would be with me through many adventures. I got caught up into trying dog sports and they didn’t click with me (we do try to dock dive still!) and now it’s basically about bonding and having her with me as much as possible. I once swore that even if I got a dog, I wouldn’t go to bark in the park games. I do that now. I also never used to take selfies. I do that way more often now… always with Harper though!

2. Experiences

As Harper has grown, my goals for her continually change. One, though, stays the same: experiences. While I can’t put myself into other people’s shoes as to why they have dogs etc., as I noted above, I wanted one who I could explore life with. Experiences are important to me to have with Harper. That includes travel, or baseball games, or parks etc. Or heck, a Pucks for Paws game where she got to watch a hockey game! She did well at the game being around other dogs and people and all the noise. I hope we can do this again next year. It really was a lot of fun!

3. Harper’s world

Being the center of Harper’s world is pretty cool. Sometimes it’s the little things. Other things bigger things. But either way, she’s fully part of my world, as I am hers. She often gets cranky or won’t stay still when I take photos (which I guess I can understand …), but sometimes, I get some images that just make me smile. This one is one I think I eventually may turn into a canvas print. I really love it. Her beautiful look… her ball … and just no care in the world. I wish I could climb into her head and get her thoughts.

4. Happiness

The happiness that Harper has brought me isn’t measurable. Well, it is to a point. Over the past nearly two years that I’ve had Harper, I’ve laughed more, I smile more, and life is less stressful. That doesn’t mean that I have no stress — I do. But, it’s a lot different when coming home and know she’s going to be stoked to see me. Her happy faces can make anybody smile! She brings so much joy into my life. And many around town know who she is and share in some happiness when they see her.

5. The future

Nobody knows what the future will bring. I do hope that Harper is part of mine for many years to come. She’s already had so many experiences with me and there are a lot more to come! Be it games or trips or whatever else — I know she will be part of what I do the majority of time. And I know I will try and capture this journey every step of the way! (I’m going to work on doing more videos, too. But that is all part of my plan once I get my outdoor space done, too!)

BONUS!

I had to do a bonus! Being my post was all about Harper, I didn’t have a spot for this one. But, I wanted to include it. During the month, I had to pick up Cameron from school for my brother and sister-in-law. After that we went to his little league practice, and then we went and grabbed dinner. This was at dinner. He’s growing fast and it was nice to hang with him this day.

There’s my five and let’s see what you came up with! If you took part in this month’s challenge, make sure to link up below.

And for those of you who participated, make sure you try and get to other people’s blogs and comment (here, too!).

Let’s continue to grow this challenge and have a strong community. Come back and check out the others who link later on, too! NOTE: We have a Facebook group for those who participate in the challenge and are interested. I’ll post any announcements there and hopefully it can be a place where things are discussed and some interaction etc. You can access it here.

** CHALLENGE CHANGE **

From this point forward, I am going to do the next theme at the bottom of each linkup. Also, the posting date will now be the first of each month, thus giving you the entire month to take the photos etc.

That means it’s a one-stop shop! Hopefully this helps out with everybody.

So, below is the linkup for April. Make sure you drop your link there.

OK, so it’s time to keep on moving! I know this month can be crazy, so … May’s theme is … Tell a story! Five photos and some words… can you weave a story? We’ll look forward to it! Remember to come back on (hopefully) June 1 to link up and check out the theme for that month!

Photo Blogging Challenge: April 2023 results

Feel free to leave a comment, or e-mail P.J. at hoohaablog@gmail.com. Also, please “Like” A ‘lil HooHaa on Facebook!