Others are confused. Questions sit in my inbox. Some questions have been there for months, waiting a response. It’s difficult to respond when I am still searching for answers myself. Ergo, the recent, repeated use of the word transition, in repeated posts about transition. I have been journaling on a private blog, a blog started for just me almost a year ago. Perhaps the intro will help…

I am going Down The Quiet Path. It is time to slow down, reflect and redirect myself. In the past month two major projects I’ve devoted the past years to have come to fruition. The RD paper has passed peer review and will be published soon. The Voting Packet was mailed this month. I did my best with both of those; RD since 1996 and the Gompa dogs since 2001. The FFT dogs – 120+ Champions – have accomplished many exciting wins in the show ring, particularly at Specialties. It is time to move on, to learn something else. As I’ve spent the past months FLYing, there’s been a ‘niggling’ in my head about what that should be. Couldn’t put my finger on it, but it was there. Pieces of the next project would emerge, only to fade. Criteria would do the same. I am a scholar by nature. The project needs to be challenging with great opportunity to learn. I love dogs. Breeding dogs. Teaching dogs. Working with dogs. In particular I love the little Apso from Tibet. Edgar Sawtelle was also there in corners of my mind. The words Down The Quiet Path came to me yesterday in the kennel. I decided to start a blog for me, just for me….a diary of sorts of my Quiet Path.

That doesn’t answer Susan’s questions or the other questions keeping hers company in my inbox. Cathy assumed correctly about part of my meaning of ‘transition’. The Gompas – and all that has meant – have consumed my life for ten+ years. I’m ready for them to simply be part of my life, rather than a ’cause’. During those ten years I tried to meet everyone’s – including my own – expectations. I learned that was impossible. I had vision for the Gompa dog breeding program, remaining true to the spirit of Ceese’s Kennel Without Walls idea. I learned that was next to impossible. It’s been difficult for me, an experienced breeder, to keep the lineage going. I learned adding factors created by breeding dogs being ‘elsewhere’ really compounded the challenge. I discovered that as committed as I remain to keeping the Gompa lineage intact, separately, that’s next to impossible.

Throw in almost two years of training Edie and Elliot for agility… I’ve learned teamwork… well, let’s say I’m learning teamwork. I’ve got a long ways to go! My relationship with both of those dogs is deep, strengthened by our work together. The other dogs under my care have begun to haunt me…their minds not challenged. Of course they know rudimentary things, including how to learn. Time, the time required to build the working relationships I have with Edie and Elliot, is non-existent. In the past I was content with the relationship I had with each of my dogs. Now I am haunted by the untapped possibility of each being in my care.

While I’ve been so ready to be done with exhibiting dogs in conformation, that transition comes with mixed feelings. This year’s National was a bit of a swan song. Stevie – Grand Champion FFT Take The Money and Run – had a great week. It was bittersweet to watch Julie exhibit her…

For the first time ALAC hosted a cut-down Sweepstakes. FFT dogs won both Best of Breed and Best of Opposite. Vickie with Champion FFT Kisses of Fire…

Julie with Lily…

I love that photo.That was a beautiful class of bitches, yet Lily stands out. At the conclusion of judging, Julie and I looked at each other, communicating with our eyes. “Take that!” See?! There is still a competitive bone or two in me! However, I’m no longer willing to spend my time doing the things required to walk in the ring, time after time, dog after dog, one Champion coming after the other. Neither is she.

So those are some of the things I’ve been juggling with, struggling with. While I will try to do with the Gompas what I did with the Fleetfire lineage (make sure there was always a direct line back to the founders), the breeding programs will be integrated. Integrated several different ways. Ella (FFT) is here to be bred to Tigle (100% Gompa). Echo (Gompa x Keeper) will be bred to Danba (100% Gompa). Takpa (100% Gompa) will be bred to both Siku (Gompa x Keeper) and Tigle (100% Gompa). Margo (Gompa x Keeper) will be bred back to Tigle. And maybe, just for fun Whisper (Gompa x Keeper) will be bred to Edmund (FFT).  :-)

That’s the current plan for the next several years. Time will tell how that works out.

Sprite had a sense of humor. The grandfather of her intended mate was much too serious to twinkle. Drepung was dignified. He took watching – watching out for his pack, watching the day go by – seriously. From the front of the Volvo between Ceese and Mac, he watched out the front window coming ‘cross country, delivered with nine of his tribe to my Rocky Mountain home over ten years ago.

He was my dog, Drepung. He’s been gone almost a year, dying the same way he lived. With dignity. He had not bonded to anyone back east, so I was told. He was not a cuddly dog which was, perhaps, the reason why. I admired him from the time we met. His quiet, powerful presence. He was with me in St. Louis when I first presented the Gompa dogs to members of the American Lhasa Apso Club. I almost didn’t take him with me, evidenced by his lack of a long hair on top of his head in those photos.

That was yesterday. And yesterday’s gone. Over ten years have passed. Where on earth does time go?! My, how that project evolved over those ten+ years. I did the best I could. That’s all one can ask.

Two weeks ago Sarah flew to Denver to pick up Zen. During our conversation she asked about Zen’s attributes. Mid list I choked up. And told her when I look at Zen I see her ancestors. The tail females, Hattie, Danielle, Summer, Tommy, Bell and Jelly Bean, all Champions – a handful in the 120+ Champions over the years – and most Register of Merits. What I couldn’t express – and wouldn’t express with someone I’d just met – was sending Zen onward to her forever home was much more than…that.

Putting the kennel dogs out one morning this past week it hit me. The transition really is happening. Five females ran to the gate to the outer dog yard, four Gompas and one FFT. Norma Jean – FFT Purple Marble – is the only intact FFT female in the kennel. OMG!! I sure as $h!t better have meant it! I took note of the males. Eight males; two neutered, two FFT (father and son), three Gompas and one Tibetan import. Yep, I sure as $h!t better have meant it!

Frank Sinatra’s I Did It My Way just popped into my head. I’ll try not to get sidetracked because there’s at least one story I can tell you about that song.

And now the end is near
And so I face the final curtain
My friend I’ll say it clear
I’ll state my case of which I’m certain

I’ve lived a life that’s full
I traveled each and every highway
And more, much more than this
I did it my way

Regrets I’ve had a few
But then again too few to mention
I did what I had to do
And saw it through without exemption

I planned each charted course
Each careful step along the byway
And more, much more than this
I did it my way

Yes there were times I’m sure you knew
When I bit off more than I could chew
But through it all when there was doubt
I ate it up and spit it out, I faced it all
And I stood tall and did it my way

I’ve loved, I’ve laughed and cried
I’ve had my fill, my share of losing
And now as tears subside
I find it all so amusing

To think I did all that
And may I say not in a shy way
Oh no, oh no, not me
I did it my way

For what is a man what has he got
If not himself then he has not
To say the things he truly feels
And not the words of one who kneels
The record shows I took the blows
And did it my way

Yes it was my way

Yep, it was. My way. Rebel with a cause. Or two. I saw them through. The record shows.

The final curtain…sounds like I’m done. Ah! Not quite yet! Eve? Grand Champion FFT Melou’s “Well Said” is her name. Ella is here to be bred to Kunza Tigle. This is a first – FFT x Gompa dog. How fitting that she also has an agility title or two! This upcoming breeding represents a fusion, a fusion of past work and successes, current learning and a new path for the future.

Day before yesterday Marla wrote an essay about noise. This particular section spoke to me:

Now, how can I get you to turn down the volume so you can hear yourself think? This is very hard. I want you to imagine getting up very early in the morning to watch the sun rise. All the family is still sleeping in their warm beds; you are the only person that is stirring. Fix yourself an imaginary cup of coffee and go sit on your porch and watch the sun peak through the clouds and trees. What do you hear? When was the last time you enjoyed a sunrise? Are the birds singing yet? There is a time just before sunrise when one bird will start its morning solo serenade. Then you will hear another bird answer for a sweet duo. I just love this time of morning. The earth is so peaceful with a gentle rustling of the leaves. Then the orange glow starts to fill the picture. As the sun comes up, so does the volume level. 

I’m not going to try sitting out on the deck this cold morning…

I remember an evening, a summer evening, several years ago sitting in this chair. Quietly. Sitting. Rocking. Feeling the summer air on my skin. Waiting for darkness to fall. Such a simple thing, yet so memorable. Why? Was it because I stopped the noise and simply sat with myself?

One of the things I really like about this time of day, this time of year is the silence. Snow absorbs sound, a quiet beauty. Another thing I like is the darkness, the early morning darkness. The call to the keyboard.

Hello again.

Check out all the Apsos in this patch:

http://shop.cafepress.com.au/lhasa-apso-pumpkin

New book on Tibet–follows a family of women–grams, daughter, granddaughter–as they cross the Himalayas to escape the Chinese occupation.  Terrific photos and story:  Across Many Mountains by Yangzom Brauen.

There will be plenty of beautiful Lhasa Apsos, three different Specialties being judged, along with the premier of the Top Twenty competition. Stevie – Grand Champion FFT Take The Money and Run – will be the FFT representative in the conformation ring. Kaylee is flying in to show Stevie Monday and Tuesday. A video of award winning Lhasa Apsos for 2010 will be shown during the banquet, a fair number will be FFT dogs – from Champions to Register of Merits to one performance title.

Agile Apsos. Fine friends. My car is packed with jumps, weave poles, beer and wine. No tack box. No grooming equipment. I’m taking my agility dog, Ch. FFT Carpe Diem RN CGC. Julie will be there with her agility dogs – BIS BISS Ch. FFT Fernando and Ch. Timbers’ Confidentially Yours. For nearly two years we’ve been working towards this opportunity to exhibit in agility at the National. Edie, Fernando and Lily all have earned at least one Q (qualifying score) towards an agility title. Melissa will be there with Super Star Josie, her daughter Myth, Ella and Suds. I cannot wait to see all the Agile Apsos run!

A couple three weeks ago Kathy sent the following. I saved it for this blog entry…NM calling!

Colorado Red

The chiles are hung by the door

with care

Blessing our home with a love

so rare

Bringing food for our table

with plenty to share

Don’t be shy

pull up a chair!

Kathy

Colorado Red Recipe

Recipe Ingredients

• 1 can (14 oz) Mild Red Enchilada Sauce (Old El Paso)
• 1 can (4 oz) diced green chiles
• 3 1/2 lb bone-in pork shoulder roast, well trimmed
• 1 medium red onion, sliced
• 1/4 cup fresh lime juice
• 1/2 cup chopped fresh cilantro
• Serve with: warm corn tortillas

Here’s what Michelle wrote about this dog: This little Lhasa Apso is named Tashi and lives in the town of Eklaibhatti in Mustang.   With his hair pulled back to counter the raging Kali Gandaki winds, he can see across the plains. See more Dogs of Mustang, compliments of Michelle.

The motto for the Nepal Art Dogs, Folk Art from the Himalayas, is ‘Micro-finance through art patronage!’ There is a tradition in Nepal of ‘beware of dog’ signs. Approximately one foot square, the signs are hand-painted on recycled metal and can be hung indoors or out. According to Michelle, on her most recent trip to Nepal, the Danger Dog commissions were the only art these artists were still hand painting. Their other work is mass-produced, digital or printed on flex.

You can commission a sign through NepalDog.com. Each commission is given to at least 3 signboard artists – giving 3 people work, the pet owner a choice and museum shops Nepali folk art. No money is accepted up front. If you don’t like any of the 3 choices, you pay nothing.

Vickie’s Danger Dog Sign…

Transition; movement, passage, change from one position, subject, stage to another. I’ve been in a personal transition the past several years. Small transitions, but changes just the same. Adding another day to my work week really interferes with my creativity. Words used to come pouring out of my head. My fingers couldn’t wait to tap, tap, tap. Up by 4:30, coffee in hand, the keyboard lured me into the library. Fatigue seems to silence my fingers.

Other transitions pop into my head. Or are released from my head. Transition within the Gompa dog breeding program. Transition within my son’s life. My garden is in a perpetual state of transition, which is true of all things growing.

End of one era, beginning of another. We’d been talking about moving down a different path for years, a path with new challenges, something new to learn. Julie began her Judge’s Path some years ago. The Gompas have been my path for a decade, delivered to me August 31, 2001. While we share those paths with each other, it’s the ‘FFT Challenge’ path we’re walking together.

A couple three years ago we challenged each other to earn a performance title on one of our retired Champion. Julie chose a Connor daughter called Lily - Ch. Timbers’ She Tsabo Confidentially Yours. I chose Edie, a Connor granddaughter – Ch. FFT Carpe Diem RN. Note the RN at the end of Edie’s title.

Melissa upped the ante when she challenged us to have a dog ready to run agility at the upcoming ALAC National Specialty in October. Challenge accepted! Three of my last five FFT dogs have been in agility training for a year and a half. Julie has been working with Lily and Fernando for as long, along with her Gompa dog Rishi.

Looking at the list of agility FFT dogs (and one Gompa) – in training or in the ring – it seems appropriate that Victoria’s son Roman is on the list. Roman (and Mary). Lily (and Julie). Edie (and Debby). Rumor (and Judy). Fernando (and Julie). Rishi (and Julie). Elliot (and Debby). Chloe (and Ginny). Norma Jean (and Debby). And while we don’t deserve the credit, I’ll add Melissa’s dogs from FFT lineage to the list. Josie. Ella. Myth. Victoria is behind the majority of these dogs. As breeders, what better testimony is there? What more could we ask? What better way to make the transition? Champions Gone Agile!

Here’s Julie and Lily – Ch. Timbers’ She Tsabo Confidentially Yours - running and qualifying in Novice Standard…

Ella – Grand Champion FFT Melou “Well Said” runs a nice serpentine…

Rishi – Kunza Rishi – graduates…

Ella – Ch. FFT Melou “Well Said” – owned and shown by Melissa Torgerson, completed Grand Champion requirements several weeks ago at the Indianhead Kennel Club shows, topping it off with a Group 3 under breeder/judge Keke Kahn.

Stevie – Ch. FFT Take The Money and Run – finished her Grand with a Group 4 at the Fargo-Moorehead Kennel Club on Saturday. Sunday she was again awarded Best of Breed and a Group 3.

Ginny’s Ethan – Ch. FFT Midnight Flamenco Dancer – won Best of Breed at Flatirons Kennel Club, both Saturday and Sunday, the first time out in a year.

Edmund’s kids, Myth and Elliot, received 3 Best of Winners over the weekend; Myth’s was a major. And Norma Jean won her first point. Woo hoo!

Myth as a puppy…

Looking for a photo of Norma Jean and Elliot to share, I’m reminded of people with more than one kid. The first one has an awesome baby book. The second one, a few photos. Nothing for the rest. Actually had that real experience when going through my mom’s house. The baby photo of my youngest sister was priceless.

This photo of Elliot clearly demonstrates we’ve had our head up our arse when it comes to conformation classes. We’ve been busy with agility. I claim total responsibility for iffy performances in the conformation ring. But hey! You should see him tunnel these days! It doesn’t look like this.

Norma Jean’s name is FFT Purple Marble. It’s a long story I’ll share someday, but these autographs are dear to me…