Author Archives: Diana Rankin

When Piper Misbehaves

Most of the time I’m a really good girl. Honest I am. But sometimes I’m a brat. Mom doesn’t say that, but I know she’s thinking it. I’m a brat when we get into the car, and I bark and … Continue reading

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7 Ways to Heal Pain that Binds Us

Our lives should be filled with joy, right? It’s our spiritual heritage, right?  So why then is there so much pain and suffering in the world? And what, if anything, can we do about it? Are we just supposed to … Continue reading

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Bullies, Bullets, and Blame

Back in 2011, I wrote this article about another mass shooting. The names have changed but not much else, including our part—and responsibility—in these horrid tragedies. I yelled at my cat today. It was a sharp piercing wail that surprised … Continue reading

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Piper’s Visitor

Juno came to visit me. Aunti Juliet brought her. She’s really big. And I mean really, really big. Juno, not Aunti Juliet. Juno’s a doggy like me. Aunti Juliet’s a human. At first I was scared. The last time I … Continue reading

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Chopping Wood and Carrying Water

I guess I should have known the day wasn’t going to go as I planned when the first thing I saw when I stepped out onto the deck Sunday morning was a red tail hawk taking flight from my backyard … Continue reading

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Butterflies, the Dove, and the Shaman

There’s a patch of un-mowed grass in my yard. It’s there because a dying butterfly claimed it, and I saw no reason to disturb her. Having a neatly manicured lawn just isn’t that important to me, at least not as … Continue reading

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Piper Goes on Vacation

I caught my mom packing the suitcase. I looked right at her and barked. “Make sure you pack my things,” I told her. She listened. She packed my water bowl and food bowl. And of course, my food. She even … Continue reading

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Piper’s Morning Meditation

Every morning my mom goes into a special room. I go with her. That’s ‘cause I always stay by her side. Mom calls the room her meditation room. I think it’s just a room where it’s quiet. And I can … Continue reading

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Are You Receiving Gifts or Trying to Learn Lessons?

People have told me that Planet Earth is a school, and we are here to learn our lessons. I disagree. I believe we are here to love. That’s it. Just to love.  When we love, we see all that comes … Continue reading

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Creating Happiness Grooves

Think of unhappiness as a groove worn into your brain from a constant flow of unhappy thoughts like a creek worn from water erosion. As humans, we tend to return to the familiar, even if the familiar is painful. By … Continue reading

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