Stop and Smell the Roses!
Stop and Smell the Roses!
Posted by Teri Wilson
at 08:14 AM on June 29, 2009
|
Good morning bloggers! And welcome to my little space on the Stop and Smell the Roses Blog Tour!
This past weekend I went to dog show in Hutto, Texas, with my dog, Angel. Angel and I participate in lots of shows - sometimes rally obedience and other times, conformation. This particular show was a conformation show. In a conformation show, the dogs are judged on how well their appearance conforms to the written breed standard. It's kind of like a beauty pageant.
I always have lots of fun at dog shows. Mainly because I just love to hang out with my dog. I know she's not perfect. But I really don't care. We go to shows to have fun. If she wins a ribbon, a crystal vase or a Tupperware bowl, it's like the cherry on top of an ice cream sundae. I know what you're thinking. Tupperware? But seriously. She won this tiny Tupperware container once that was so tiny I use it as a pillbox. It was a riot.
So, we had two separate shows on Saturday. The format of the dog show was new to me. This was an International Show and we had never been to one before. The judges talk to you and give you a written critique of your dog. The first judge wrote lovely things about Angel. She got the highest rating possible and won a medal, like at the Olympics. This was really exciting because Angel had never won a medal before. Then, when we went in for the Sporting Group awards, she won Third Place! And another medal! This one was bronze with a big 3 in the middle of it.
Soon, it was time for the second show of the day. Angel's second judge was the complete and total opposite of the first. He gave a very detailed critique, criticizing everything from her skinny frame to the length of her ears. I almost wanted to cover those lovely ears so she wouldn't hear all of his comments. And there were lots of them. So, I was a bit stunned when this judge also gave her the highest rating and we once again won Third Place in the Sporting Group.
Two different judges, two entirely different critiques. Same results.
Now, I know the second judge was only doing his job. But I have to think that, in life, we'd all be a lot better off if we looked at things more like the first judge. Praising everything that is good, offering encouragement and a kind smile. The Bible tells us this: "Whatever is true, whatever is noble, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is admirable - if anything is excellent or praiseworthy - think about such things." (Phil 4:8). Imagine how much happier we'd all be if we followed this advice!
As you stop and smell the roses today, I hope every stop along the way is filled with many, many good things. I'm giving away TWO good things to one very lucky winner: a print copy of each of my Hoofbeats & Heartstrings books (Do You Hear What I Hear? and Love, Lilies & the Unbroken Straw). To be entered in the drawing, simply leave a comment on this blog entry. Be sure to leave me your email address, or check back tomorrow to see who won.
And be sure to visit the other authors on the blog tour today:
http://amberleighwilliams.blogspot.com
http://authorsstudio.blogspot.com
http://bettyhanawa.blogspot.com
http://christineclemetson.blogspot.com
http://findagreatromance.blogspot.com
http://www.freewebs.com/lesmora/apps/blog/
http://freewebs.com/teriwilson/apps/blog/
http://jennfrancesca.blogspot.com
http://joycemoore.blogspot.com
http://lianalaverentz.blogspot.com
http://LindaHopeLee.blogspot.com
http://noveltrails.blogspot.com
http://plotsandthoughts.blogspot.com
http://tanyahanson.blogspot.com
http://traveltheages.blogspot.com
http://willtravelforromance.blogspot.com
Blessings, Teri
Teri Wilson ~ Romancing the pet lover's soul
Coming soon from White Rose Publishing:
Once Upon a Collar & Cup of Joe
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30 Comments
Reply
Tricia Schneider
09:18 AM on June 29, 2009
What a cutie you have! How could anyone say anything but good about her? She's adorable! And I agree with you about praising and offering encouragement. I worked in management for several years and I found my employees worked better when I found the good things they were doing and told them about it. They were pleased their efforts were being noticed and not just taken for granted.
Reply
Sharon Donovan
09:54 AM on June 29, 2009
Hi Teri. Three cheers for Angel! Love your post today. Sounds like you had a fun-filled weekend. Truer words were never spoken, comparing reviews, critiques and Bible quotes. I couldn't agree more. As writers and people, harsh criticism does little to help the creative muse and can often crash the creative process. Isn't it better to build confidence rather than tear it down? Angel's not the only one worthy of winning a reward. I hereby hand one to Angel's mistress for your pearl drops of wisdom!
Sharon Donovan
Romantic Suspense with a Twist of Faith
www.sharonadonovan.com
Sharon Donovan
Romantic Suspense with a Twist of Faith
www.sharonadonovan.com
Reply
lorettaC
10:04 AM on June 29, 2009
I never been to a dog show but have watched them on tv. You never know what a person is really thinking. Angel is so cute.
loretta
lbcanton@verizon.net
loretta
lbcanton@verizon.net
Reply
Skhye
11:02 AM on June 29, 2009
Woohoo for your Angel! And I have one of those itty-bitty Tupperware bowls, somewhere... Love it. I'm into miniatures with perfect details. LOL. Lemme see... That Biblical quote seems to be a standard the-cup-is-half-full philosophy of all cultures! I try to be a cup-is-half-fuller but I'm the world's biggest pessimist about myself. So, great quote! Have a wonderful week.
Reply
L M Gonzalez
11:53 AM on June 29, 2009
Hi Teri,
So, you were on the road, too, this weekend?
Yes, it is better to focus on the positive instead of the negative, both with pets and with children. Raising my boys, I had to learn to focus on the "A's" and "B's" on their report card, not on that one "C". That was hard.
Sounds like you had fun at the dog show in spite of the critical judge. Looking forward to your new story.
So, you were on the road, too, this weekend?
Yes, it is better to focus on the positive instead of the negative, both with pets and with children. Raising my boys, I had to learn to focus on the "A's" and "B's" on their report card, not on that one "C". That was hard.
Sounds like you had fun at the dog show in spite of the critical judge. Looking forward to your new story.
Reply
Tammy Doherty
12:21 PM on June 29, 2009
Three cheers for Angel! And I so agree with you about judges. When I judge a contest, I try to look for the good or at least be positive when pointing out something that needs to be fixed. I got a scoresheet back recently that had only negative comments (and few of those) - all it did was tell me that the judge either had a bad day or maybe had taken on too many entries to judge. Her criticism may have been valid, but because she presented it in such a negative (and sarcastic) tone, I dismissed the whole scoresheet. I'd rather focus on the judge who pointed out a number of areas that need fixing, but she did it in a constructive way that encourages me to keep working.
I agree - you deserve an award for your pearls of wisdom!
Blessings,
Tammy
I agree - you deserve an award for your pearls of wisdom!
Blessings,
Tammy
Reply
Chris Walkowicz
12:34 PM on June 29, 2009
Terri, AKC judges are supposed to judge on the positive characteristics, not
fault judge (tho not all remember). Of course, when we give a critique,
supposedly people want to hear where to seek improvement in their breeding
program. I handle that by using the sandwich method: positive points, a
suggestion or two, ending with another positive point, i.e.: This young
male has a beautiful headpiece with strong ears, parallel planes and
midnight dark eyes. He has well-laid back shoulders with a good forehand.
I'd like to see him cleaner going away, but he has a rock solid topline and
good length of stifle.
Glad you always have a good time!
Chris
fault judge (tho not all remember). Of course, when we give a critique,
supposedly people want to hear where to seek improvement in their breeding
program. I handle that by using the sandwich method: positive points, a
suggestion or two, ending with another positive point, i.e.: This young
male has a beautiful headpiece with strong ears, parallel planes and
midnight dark eyes. He has well-laid back shoulders with a good forehand.
I'd like to see him cleaner going away, but he has a rock solid topline and
good length of stifle.
Glad you always have a good time!
Chris
Reply
Sandy Wickersham-McWhorter
12:34 PM on June 29, 2009
I love cockers. When I was in kindergarten in Marion, Indiana, a blonde girl in my class had a tan cocker. As I walked by their backyard every day the dog came out to greet me. It was the softest thing I'd ever touched. The seasons changed, of ocurse, but my most vivid memory of the dog was in the fall, walking in the fall leaves with the smells of marigolds, burning leaves and the dead leaves all mixing together in the cool fall air on a sunny day. One late fall day the dog didn't come out and I asked the girl. The dog had died. The walk to school wasn't quite the same after that.
Sandy Wickersham-McWhorter
www.sandywick.com
Sandy Wickersham-McWhorter
www.sandywick.com
Reply
RobynL
01:00 PM on June 29, 2009
I am a pet lover from the word go, and especially a dog lover. They are a companion, friend, confidante. We never took our dogs to shows but the last one Sam did an amazing amount of tricks taught by dh.
Reply
Karen H in NC
01:58 PM on June 29, 2009
You have such a pretty dog...her ears look so scratchable! So, she's not perfect??? Who in this world is? And would we be happy if everything WAS perfect? I don't think so! Congratulations to you and Angel for your wins!
Reply
Marianne Evans
02:22 PM on June 29, 2009
Teri, I tried - I really, really and honestly TRIED to read your blog. I found the task to be impossible. Why? Because Angel completey and totally distracted me!!!!! LOL! (actually I did read and enjoy -- and I'm thrilled for the show results! YAY!!!) Great blog, girl.
Reply
Cate Masters
02:22 PM on June 29, 2009
Great post, Teri! I loved the positive message. And Angel looks like a real angel!
cate.masters@gmail.com
cate.masters@gmail.com
Reply
Rhonda Penders
02:35 PM on June 29, 2009
What an adorable dog. What a lovely blog. Thanks for participating in the rose bouquet, Teri. I'm looking forward to your latest releases!
Rhonda
Rhonda
Reply
Lauri
02:54 PM on June 29, 2009
What an adorable dog! Congrats to both of you! My 'puppy' passed away this spring. He was 13. Animals are such a wonderful part of our lives, and can teach us so much!
Reply
Wendi Zwaduk
02:57 PM on June 29, 2009
I love dogs, which is why i have two mutts. They'll never win any competitions, but they'll never fail to give love and support either.
Your pooch is too cute.
Love the post!
Your pooch is too cute.
Love the post!
Reply
Lyn
03:05 PM on June 29, 2009
Lovely post Teri - and what a beautiful dog. I've had similar experiences at horse shows where one judge gives top marks and another marks the same horse way down, it makes one wonder, and it's like writing - constructive criticism can help, otherwise it's just plain mean, if nothing but bad comments are made. My little rescue dog's bandy little legs (where he ahd his hip broken and was not taken to a vet) mean I can't show him but I don't care. He's a happy, fit little dog now and I wouldn't change him for the world.
Reply
Jennette
04:48 PM on June 29, 2009
Angel is just beautiful! Yes, I agree about focusing on the good, noble and praiseworthy things, like Phil. 4:8 says. Wouldn't it be a happier world if we all made that effort!
Reply
JoAnn Carter
04:50 PM on June 29, 2009
Just look at those ribbons your beautiful dog is sporting!
Please enter me into your book give-away contest. I haven't had the chance to read them yet, but I sure would love too! I've heard so many great things about them. A hard copy would be awesome!!!
Please enter me into your book give-away contest. I haven't had the chance to read them yet, but I sure would love too! I've heard so many great things about them. A hard copy would be awesome!!!
Reply
stacey smith
05:10 PM on June 29, 2009
You got a cute dog there.yes that one judge should not be so hard whit his Criticism.thats not a way to treat a dog.
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sasluvbooks@yahoo.com
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