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Murphy the dog

20/6/2018

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I knew about Montaigne’s Cat.  Now, Murphy (the Dog) teaches me about prayer and living.  Strange how these things happen.  He lives entirely in the present moment; he never bears a grudge; he is capable of devoting his entire attention to a single phenomenon – a toy, a scent, a breeze, me.  We go for a walk and he is light as a feather, free of earthly care.  I almost shuffle along, unconsciously carrying with me the accumulated worries, regrets, anxieties of the tangled mind.  Combining the walk with the Office of Evening Prayer I silently intone ‘O Lord, open thou my lips..’ but without much joy.  Murphy jaunts ahead and every step betokens delight.  His gait provides the response ..and our mouths shall proclaim your praise’.
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Dogs and joyfulness

5/9/2016

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“Because of the dog’s joyfulness,” says Mary Oliver “our own is increased. It is no small gift.”  Many people will understand this. Quite a few won't. Nat Johnson ("singstress, maverick, fighter") certainly does if her song Dog is anything to go by - see her official video below. Murphy would agree. Below the video are pictures of his (+ our) stay in the Landmark Trust's Culloden Tower in Richmond, North Yorkshire. It was a brilliant holiday.

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Flying Spaniel

26/6/2016

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Murphy the Cocker Spaniel likes to take it easy but give him open space and he is off like a rocket.  Here seen on his favourite Cornish beach. Or rather, above it.
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Ghost tour

15/6/2015

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We're not long back from five great days in Dorset, based at Lyme Regis. I can recommend the Ghost Tour of that town, led by Mr Lovejoy (pictured). A great antidote to the snares of wifi, ipads and smart phones. He entertained us with ghoulish accounts of ghostly goings on. It was fun.

I had always wanted to visit Lulworth Cove, and we did, on a perfect day. Murphy loved it.
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Ghost Tour of Lyme (Mr Lovejoy)
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Murphy enounters Lulworth Cove
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Belief is reassuring. People who live in the world of belief feel safe. On the contrary, faith is forever placing us on the razor's edge. Jacques Ellul
No one is useless in this world who lightens the burden of it for any one else. Charles Dickens (Our Mutual Friend)
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(c) Hugh Valentine