DOG YEARS

My life this year seems to be heavily influenced by the theme of dogs. Dancing for the Dogs, Snarky Puppy and now I title my blog Dog Years. Today is June 1^st. It is the 12^th anniversary of Out of the Fire! I have told many that being in the restaurant business is like living in dog years. So, using that as the basis of years passed it is our 84^th anniversary! I was 35 when I opened the restaurant so I am now 119! And some days I feel 119 , but I love this business! It gets in your blood and it is difficult to articulate why. The hours are long, monetary reward is low and there is constant exposure to criticism. So why do I continue to trudge on? I would have to say it is all about connection. I think about all of the interesting lives that have touched me over the years. I reflect on all of the wonderful friends that have entered my life and the diverse and rich conversations that I have had with old and new aquaintances.  My life is rich, indeed. Everyone who has crossed the threshold of Out of the Fire has impacted my life in some way. I have learned a  lot about myself on this path I have chosen  and I wouldn’t trade the experience for anything in the world. I have been the voyeur of first dates and engagements. I have witnessed heartache in the form of failed relationships, death and illness. I have witnessed the joy of new life. Which leaves me with one final thought. I hope you feel, when you enter the doors of Out of the Fire that you are greeted with same joy that my dogs greet me with when I return home late at night or the anticipatory walk in the woods early in the morning.  Thank you for continuing to add to the richness of my dog years!

Snarky Puppy on the House

No sooner do I finish Dancing For The Dogs and a Snarky Puppy up and bites me. Just a nip mind you, but enough to get my attention especially when I learn that several group members studied at the University of North Texas, my alma mater and also the first music college in the U.S. to offer a degree in jazz back in the 40's. These are musicians of the first order. Don't just take my word for it, take five minutes and watch and listen to Thing of Gold at http://bandframe.com/snarkypuppy/ and then book your tickets. Details below:

Dine and Shine at Out of The Fire on Tuesday, Wednesday, or Thursday nights (May 15, 16, or 17) and then enjoy one of the most sophisticated and talented bands on the scene…Call for reservations (410-770-4777), mention Snarky Puppy, and receive your exclusive guest passes to the show at the Avalon on Friday, May 18th.

The Buzz About the Band…

“ Frankly, Snarky Puppy is about as close to an "unclassifiable" sound as I've encountered... Snarky Puppy had me bouncing my head and grooving in my seat for two straight hours...” — Patrick Frazier, Chicago Jam Scene

...an exultant throwdown of smart danceability. - The Village Voice villagevoice.com

The Final Plea

Let me introduce you to Annabelle and Lizzy. Annabelle is a rescue and as you can see has no problem begging for the cause. Because of the generous support of the donors who contribute to animal welfare she landed with me after a horrible experience with those of our species who are less evolved. Hers is a terrible story which I will not share with you now, but would be happy to share with you in person. Keep in mind the story has a very happy ending. Annabelle is with me and she graces me with her gratitude everyday by her joyous demeanor. Anyone who has had the opportunity to meet her cannot believe she is unaffected by her past.
Lizzy, on the other hand has led the life of privilege, as most Welsh Corgis do. They are the breed which has won the heart of the Royal Family. Lizzy ended up with me by way of my mother and father who are not in a position to have a pet. So, I have living under my roof the polar opposite of canine attitude. As you can see in the picture, Annabelle has stuck her face right in front of the camera with conviction. She is asking without shame to make a donation within your means to Dancing for the Dogs. You may access the website: www.dancingforthedogs.com (the explanation of this event is in the previous blog post) and click on my picture to donate. She thanks you and so do I! Lizzy, as you can see remains in the background, but completely supports the cause. She has never been close to experiencing what Annabelle has and never will. Her understanding can only reach so far. What she does understand is that as a result of our generosity she has a sister with whom she is able to run, jump and play everyday. Seeing them together brings a smile to my face and this union would not have been possible without the support of those of us who care.
Thank you to those of you who have already donated, thank you to those who plan to donate but have not yet and thank you to those of you who have provided a home to those dogs who so desperately needed your stewardship and attention.

Dancing for the Dogs

So, I could say that this is another fine mess I have gotten myself into, but I have to forget about myself and the potential for me to make a total *&# out of myself and focus on the favorable impact this event will have on the Talbot, Dorchester and Caroline County Humane Societies. I have committed to participate as a dancer for the fundraiser Dancing for the Dogs. When I tell people what I will be doing they say "you are dancing WITH a dog?" My response is: "NO, I am dancing FOR the dogs!" My dance instructor, Diego may respond: "Yes, I am dancing with a dog!" I wouldn't blame him! I have no ballroom dance experience and we have until March 10 (the date of the event) to practice. He is working with a total novice and he is completely comfortable, patient and confident. I assure Diego that what I lack in experience I will make up for enthusiasm!
I am asking everyone who has a soft spot in their hearts for animals and a soft spot in their hearts for the precarious position in which I have placed myself, to make a donation within your means to support the cause. You can go to the website www.dancingforthedogs.com and click on my picture to donate. I have to admit that I am a bit competitive and I would like to be the one who raises the most money for the shelters so PLEASE help me. The event is SOLD OUT, but donations are still being humbly accepted. Thank you for taking time to read this plea for help on behalf of the quadrupeds who bring so much joy to our lives and deserve our stewardship.