The Riot Life

Ask The Expert

When people want to know how to increase their joy, they ask the expert: me!  And when I have questions about things that are important to me, I seek expert advice.  I recently sat down with Llew Edwards, a former Olympian now working in Atlanta as a coach and fitness trainer.  As I get older, I notice that it's harder for me to lose the extra pounds I pack on during the holidays.  With Labor Day coming up, I took preemptive measures and asked Llew for advice on keeping the fat meter down while keeping the fun meter off.  He gave me some simple tips: 1) no complex carbs after 2pm, ie, no breads, starches, potatoes, rice  2) drink plenty of water, especially half an hour before meals  3) balance cardio workouts with strength training and pliometrics, making sure to stretch well after a workout 4) get plenty of good solid rest, taking naps if you have to, to give your body a chance to recuperate.

All good advice!  Happy Labor Day weekend!

Busy

It's been a busy summer here in Atlanta, despite the brutal heat wave.  Hard to imagine that the Midwest is flooded while the Southeast is scorched.  We've had 8 or 9 days of temperatures above 100 degrees.  Frankly, it feels like every day is over 100 degrees.

The heat makes me tired, but it seems to have no impact on the bees in our garden.  They just keep zooming around at warp speed, pollinating flowers and dusting the garden with their version of sugar.  They're so active that I thought for sure they'd be fun to play with, but they can get awfully prickly.

I hope that, whether you're having a busy day or a lazy day, you will bee well.

Keeping Your Head Above Water

Yesterday, the mercury rose to 100 degrees in Atlanta for the first time in seven years. Keeping cool is a challenge, especially for me because I can't swim.  These heat waves are a good opportunity to practice staying still and catching up on sleep.

My little frog is doing his best to just keep his head above water.  That way, he keeps cool in the water while gorging himself on the mosquitoes that fly around like gossip in a hair salon.  I would gladly invite hundreds of frogs to live in my pond to get rid of these pesky mosquitoes, but frogs are so territorial that even a nice size pond like mine can only accommodate one frog. 

Be sure to check on any of your older friends who might not tolerate heat well.  In frying times like this, it's important to keep our heads above water.

Michael Vick's Picks

Innocent until proven guilty - an important foundation of our legal system.  So while Michael Vick, star quarterback of the Atlanta Falcons has been charged with serious crimes, he is innocent of those crimes in the eyes of the law until he is proven guilty.

I have read the 18 page endictment, and at the very least Michael Vick is guilty of very bad judgment in his choice of friends.  The charges against him and his friends are heinous, so horrible I hate to think of what kind of people would do things like that to other living creatures.  It is inhuman, and inhumane, to wet a dog down and electrocute it simply because it doesn't perform.  What if the Falcons did that to Michael Vick when he was injured and couldn't perform for the Falcons?

I think that Michael Vick is an adult who should be accountable for the choices he makes.  The Falcons should put him on extended leave so he can focus on the charges against him and we can focus on things like fair play and good sportsmanship during the football season.  The Atlanta Falcons are more than just one player.  They should lead by example, and show that - over the long term - it really isn't whether you win or lose, but how you play the game.

Working My Tail Off

What a weekend!  While Consti and RD celebrated in New York, I stayed back to protect the home front.  To surprise them, I decided to tidy up the house.  I hope they'll notice that not one little white hair remains on the floor.

I can honestly say that I've worked my tail off.  Not that I had a big one to begin with.  And while I know that I shouldn't do it for the recognition, I really hope they notice.  I think it's okay to want a little acknowledgement, especially since this is a gift and I'd hate for Consti and RD to miss it.

I can't wait to hear about their dinner at Gramercy Tavern and lunch at the Shake Shack .  Apparently, Danny Meyer, the Culinary Conscience and Commodore of New York City, has included a little something called the Pooch-Ini on his Shake Shack menu - frozen custard, peanut butter, and a dog treat.  Isn't he awesome?!

They say it's your birthday...

Happy Birthday, Consti! I heard from my birdies at Gramercy Tavern that you had a fantastic evening in New York, with a birthday dinner fit for a gourmande in THE haven of hospitality! Danny Meyer, The Count of Consideration, has written a book about his success in which he states that (and I paraphrase), "Hospitality is something that is done for you, not to you." Brilliant!

Consti really loves her food; that's one of the personality traits we have in common. And Gramercy Tavern has delicious, innovative dishes that satisfy the palate and the soul. Who else would think of pairing tapioca pudding with a cilantro emulsion? Or lightly smoked lobster with a cauliflower puree? But the food is just the icing on the cake at GT. What sets it apart is its people, who provide a welcoming, enchanting atmosphere. They seem genuinely glad to see you, even though the restaurant is always more than full. They don't need you there, they want you there. Isn't that refreshing? I look forward to meeting Kevin, Kirsten, Jen, and Amanda in person someday. And maybe, if our people can coordinate our schedules, Danny and I will have a sit down to trade secrets on how to bring happiness to others.

I was disappointed that I couldn't make it to dinner, but someone has to hold down the fort at home. I'm working on a new book, and while I miss Consti and RD, it's good to have some quiet time for reflection.

Regarding The Dog Whisperer

Ernie the Attorney, my blogging mentor, has a new post extolling the virtues of The Dog Whisperer. I enjoyed much of this post, as it relates to my current project. My book, entitled PeoPets: Their Care and Training will be the first definitive guide to help dogs train their PeoPets. As you know, dogs and humans have had a symbiotic and productive relationship for over 12,000 years. Unfortunately, we have seen a tremendous degeneration of the human spirit and psyche over the past 50 years, especially accelerated in the last 10 yearsby the disturbing rise in technology addictions. As humans have devolved into a general state of busy-ness and away from their intended state of joyful being, they have lost their way.

My concern with Cesar Milan, whose self promotion is anything but a whisper, is that he is advocating that humans establish dominance over their dogs. I take a different view. I believe that humans need the training, not fourlegs and certainly not dogs. It seems to me that Cesar has a control issue that he has never quite worked out. I admire much of his work, but I think that, were I to debate him, we would definitely have a spirited point/counterpoint conversation. I would have to ask him why dogs should take direction from their humans if their humans are lost. Now, once a human evolves into a PeoPet, I am happy to hand over the reins or the steering wheel. At that point, I would be confident that I could rely on my PeoPet (as I am with Consti after 2 solid years of training her), and I would be free to resume my life of meditation, observation, and joy.

Last week in a powerful sermon, P.C. Ennis prayed, "Let us not allow facts to obscure the truth." Cesar presents many facts, but he does not always deliver the truth. And the truth is, if you allow someone to dominate you, you better be sure they know what they're doing. Look at the dismal state of our Homeland Security, which makes me more insecure than secure, and you'll understand what I mean.

Yours in Purpose, R

If it smells like a rat...

What a busy weekend! We added four 7-gallon camellias to our hedge this weekend so we'll have a flowering hedge October-February. It helps to think ahead; otherwise, the frost starts to nip at your heels and you think, why didn't I plant something that would give me a warm feeling right about now? Well, that's what these big red camellias will do!

While Consti was busy mulching the camellias, I caught a rat -- my very first one! I carried it around until Consti saw me and started screaming. It scared the rat, and Consti put me inside. I haven’t seen the rat since, but I heard 2 shots from a bebe gun and then a thud in the trash. Tonight just as we left for ice cream, Consti saw a small snake. She seemed pleased and took pictures. She says that the snake will eat mosquitos. That skinny little thing? One mosquito and its belly will be swollen for days! I would rather have a rat - they’re more fun to play with.

We are eating lots of home grown tomatoes, basil, blueberries, squash, and Japanese eggplant, sometimes just one at a time. I like to chew on the lovage (a cousin to celery) and society garlic. Consti is drying chamomile, lavender, yarrow, sage, and bay leaves in the garage. RD sometimes brushes them with his head, and Consti says that’s very good luck for him. He looks at me and shakes his head. She is crazy, but we love her.

As for the rat, may he rest in peace, wherever he is.

Unexpected Pleasures

Life is full of unexpected pleasures, and never is that more true than around children. Take my friend K-man, for example. As you can see in this photo, when K-man is wearing a bib, there's a good chance that he's left a little something from his meal on it for me. His mom may think this is an accident, but K-man and I have a good deal going. I keep his hands and feet clean, and he saves me little treats on his bib.

Children his age are generous that way. When you see a bib on a child, you can be sure that there will be an unexpected pleasure somewhere on there that they're delighted to share. Thanks to K-man and all his bretheren and sisteren for sharing their goodies with us!

Back in the Saddle

It's been so long, too long, since I've had a chance to update my blog - but for good reason. I recently completed 5 children's books and they, along with a detailed and delightful proposal, are in the hands of my agent. I am now putting all my effort into a book which, I modestly admit, may be my best project yet.

Spring has turned to summer, and while I find the heat somewhat oppressive I still like to get my daily dose of Vitamin D by sunning myself on the sidewalk. The sun is like a security blanket that protects me from all sorts of things -- like scurvy and cold, wet days.

I will try to give more of my attention to my fans by updating my blog more regularly, but I'm not worried about your loyalty. When you see what I've been working on, you will be thrilled.