Linda Blankenship
Bio
I am passionate about health and fitness. I love the outdoors and my lake life. I suffer from two autoimmune disorders but because I am a certified Master Herbalist, I am a true believer in the bodies ability to heal itself. It can be done.
Stories (8/0)
It's Not All About the Puppy Breath (Pt. 2)
Three months later and Gracie is still away being trained. As a doggy mom, I am furious because I have missed three months of my puppies cute and quick growth. She was teething the last time I saw her and now, she will have a full set of teeth. She was so little when she left and the next time I see her, she will be almost full grown. Am I being selfish for feeling cheated? As a puppy parent, I don't want to miss those moments but I also don't want to be self-absorbed and prevent her from fulfilling her desire to retrieve. I don't understand the sacrifice that I, as a puppy mom, had to give up because who purchases a dog "TO RETRIEVE DUCKS?" I am going to be honest with you, I don't get it, probably won't and most likely never will. I've been allowed one visit, and very few pictures since she left and yet since this process began, each day that the sun rises and falls, that brings me one day closer to her coming home for good. In spite of it all, I know her journey was worth my sacrifice of heartfelt tears. Although I am not an avid hunter, it makes this mom proud to know that each step that she blazes through makes her a stronger, better duck retriever.
By Linda Blankenship5 years ago in Petlife
So You Want a Parrot?
Ever thought about getting a parrot? I didn't but here I am and I am going to give you the facts. Meet my feathered friend Poncho. He's beautiful, isn't he? Beware, though, because sometimes what you see is not what you get. There is a lot more to him than just a coat of colored feathers. This inquisitive creature is demanding, bossy, and very vocal. Before you make that decision to purchase a parrot, I would like to introduce you to my facts. Poncho was given to me roughly eight years ago by a friend of mine. I decided to meet this feathered mess on a trial basis; however, he eventually stole my heart. The most important thing to consider before you make that purchase should be, "Will this bird like me?" Poncho is a one person bird. I have been fortunate enough to be that one person. He will not bring himself to like anyone else and that, my friend, is one of the main reasons why most people will get rid of their birds. Do realize, though, you can't "HATE" them for it. It's just in their nature to do what they do so if they don't like you, you can't take it personally yet you can't punish them either. I am an avid animal lover so my animals regardless of any situation are my forever family. I am the one that makes the adjustment. How do you make it work? If you decide to keep it regardless of its desire to be with one person only, it's going to take some compromise between you and everyone in the household. You will have to set boundaries and you're going to have to set rules. My husband knows that if the doors are closed to the living room, Poncho is probably out and most likely on my shoulder so he knows that if he doesn't want to get attacked, he will have to ENTER WITH CAUTION.
By Linda Blankenship6 years ago in Petlife
You May Call It Puppy Love
Funny thing about friendship: It can last forever or it can end just as abruptly as it began. The first time you meet, that bond is formed. Meet Gracie and her BFF puppy friend, Limit. I don't find their friendship to be any more different than mine. These two were purchased with the sole purpose of someday becoming "GREAT" duck hunting dogs. Gracie belongs to my husband and I while Limit belongs to our next door neighbors. They differ in age but not by much. When these two met, Limit was going on five months while Gracie was just reaching nine weeks. An instant friendship started from day one. They became inseparable and did pretty much everything together including getting into trouble. What they didn't know was just how short-lived that friendship would become. You see, in order to become a good hunting dog, four months of training has to happen and since Limit was the oldest, he would soon be leaving to start his journey while Gracie stayed behind and waited her turn. This is their short but cute furry friendship story.
By Linda Blankenship6 years ago in Petlife
- Top Story - September 2018
It's Not All About the Puppy Breath (Pt. 1)Top Story - September 2018
"Want a dog?" my husband had asked me one day. This was not a question that I had not heard before. The only difference was that he meant now as opposed to later. We had discussed getting another one at some point but had always felt that the timing wasn't right. His work schedule took him away from home three weeks at a time and my job took me out of town three days every week. We felt that the dog would not be getting adequate care and even though we lived on the lake, our yard was not fenced in so we had no way of maintaining control. It's when you've lost control that bad things start to happen. My husband is an avid duck hunter so his dream has always been to get a hunting dog. I won't hold him back but I can't help but think that he hasn't thought this thing through. You see, I am not a hunter. I do not understand the concept between the dog, the birds, or the theory behind the combination of the two but according to my husband, this pup was coming from what people would consider a good blood-lined dog which meant that this puppy came from top-of-the-line parents and that made her a prospect of becoming a good hunting dog as well. He felt the investment would be worth it. Who was I to say no? All I was seeing was a new puppy. My husband's reasons were nothing more than a blob in the back of my head.
By Linda Blankenship6 years ago in Petlife
Attacking Autoimmune Life With a Fitness Mind
The dictionary describes fitness as a general state of good health, usually as a result of exercise and nutrition. That is most likely the reality for anyone looking to start a fitness regimen; however, my reasons go even beyond that.
By Linda Blankenship7 years ago in Longevity
Avoiding the Gym Fear
Starting a gym can be intimidating and downright scary, especially if you don't know what to expect. I am not a personal trainer nor am I a professional sports anything, I just like to work out. I enjoy the thrill of it and I like the way that it makes me feel. Your first encounter is going to leave you re-thinking your decision to get healthy and fit.
By Linda Blankenship7 years ago in Longevity
My Right to Become Fabulous at Fifty
Are we ever in control of our own destiny? I am in my fifties and at one time I thought that I had my life all planned out. No husband, no children, I was going to do as much traveling as possible and I was going to work as hard as I could so that I could retire by the time I was thirty. A wise woman once told me that, "PLANS CHANGE" and boy, did they ever. Thinking back, when did it all really change for me? I would have to say that every ten-year milestone had some impact on my life choices. It is how I decided to handle those choices that make me the person that I turned out to be.
By Linda Blankenship7 years ago in Longevity
