Whats in a name....Rivioli...?

Rivi by Watts Photography - June 12

This really made me chuckle to myself. Rivi's name I made up from Drive which is part of her KC name Nedlo Drives Me Wild. To me it is a great name and easy to create affectionate names such Rivioli, Beautyoli, Sleepyoli and even in time of crises we have botheroli! But Rivioli is the most frequently used and endearing.

But what did I know? As I have recently I have found out:

a] The Ritz Hotel, a renown and internationally famed hotel has a bar called the The Rivioli Bar. This bar is in Art Deco style which is a favourite of mine and heralds and age of elegance, romance, creativity, innovation, light and style. I hope that I go there one day, for wining, dining and romance.

Rivi and Me by Watts photography

b] Rue de Rivoli is apparently one of the most famous streets of Paris, with some of the most fashionable names in the world based there. Along with a hotel called The Hotel Paris Rivioli, I will have to get too Paris for a romantic weekend as I think I have found the right hotel to stay at.

So blimey indeed, my Rivioli is a bit on the posh side...rather ironic really. Named it seems after such fabulous places.

And just goes to show, when you think you have had an original thought, someone, somewhere has already probably had it!!!

These great shots are by Watts Photography . I luv the detail he picks up in the dogs, the intensity, colouring and character. They give great memories :)

Perhaps Love?

Some question whether love at first sight or instant connections exist. All I know is what I have learnt seen and felt. For me there is no doubt that it exists, and has led my life since meeting Marc, it is 20 years this coming Christmas Eve (I’m almost scared to say that, in case something goes wrong, but Marc said “don’t be daft”). I can still recall the moment when we first met, the conversation and the excitement. How I loved that outfit I wore – sassy cropped fcuk jacket, short skirt and heels and the big hair. In that rather crowded pub that I and girlfriends had gone to because our first choice became so packed it was unbearable. Fate or Destiny; another posting. I can still recall the moment we met, the walk home, the tea and coffee and lending Marc a brother’s jumper to walk home at 4am. The first date – a football match he had promised his younger brother but included me. It was memorable; I got hit by the ball!!!

You can debate if its love, lust, the fusion of mutual chemicals causing the attraction. All I know is that feeling changed my journey. And I have not found anyone that put it any better than in an American drama called Everwood. I luv, this series, it is so well written and acted I am addicted. Best thing since the West Wing, although a different plot, it assumes the followers have some capacity for thought.

The lines go:

By the character Irv: “I left this house because I though the world was calling me to a journey. I couldn’t step a foot away you, Edna. You’re my journey. Wherever you are that’s the adventure, I know that now.”

The cynics may say its all rubbish designed to tug at the heartstrings. But heck, so what if it is, it works for me. So many friends are on their second or third marriage, and I’m still stuck on the 1st. That does not make it right or wrong. Its just love really does come in many forms and sometimes it stays and sometimes sadly it goes. It can stay a lifetime or it can be lost in a blink of an eye...sometimes its brief intensity can be as much as a life time of passion. There is no rhyme or reason to love, it just is. For some finding the love can be a lifetime’s journey, its true. One person I know met the love of his life when he was in his fifties. For some it is overrated, for me its magic; the power it has to make you change your life, your outlook, it provides a place of sanctuary and provides a place to flourish, it gives you the confidence that perhaps was hidden before. Most of all it is someone to share your journey through life, wherever it may take you.

Perhaps Love the song, sums it up in many ways performed by Placideo Domingo and John Denver.

The Guys Songs - meanings and memories

Its 'funny' how we begin to associate certain songs with our guys. Music is a real trigger for setting the right emotions or recalling how you feel. Nuts has three key songs, the first is Barry White's 'Your my first, my last, my everything'. His second, was pointed out to me by Marc, the song forever showing me and Nuts inseparable, which is Frank Sinatra's 'Me and My Shadow', the third and 'yep' even cornier but I really don't care is Carly Simon's 'Nobody Does It Better'. With these they provoke powerful memories of great runs, good times, a bond and the joy of having a great canine partner by your side. Little Mister Big has a big big song to go with his big personality and his charisma, which is 'Its a Man's, Man's, Man's World by James Brown.

Rivioli, has two songs so far. Which is John Denver's 'The Eagle and the Hawk' which characterises determination and the ability to soar and bounce back. I think as Marc said he thought getting Rivi was an easy option, but came to the conclusion she is anything but! The second is Pointer Sisters 'I'm So Excited' which sums up how I felt leading up to when we had our first competitive run together. The sheer joy of competing and running, and for those few sweet seconds, the rest of the world completely disappearing. And that was before I even knew we had won the class! Rivi is truly remarkable, as she was the first collie since having Nuts, that is able to walk equally along his side. And that is something indeed. With the Zev, it has to be 'Wild Thing' by the Troggs, this little/big man is indeed wild, the words shy, retiring sheltie has bypassed him completely ;-).

And for me, the agility champs worlds music, especially the song by Opus 'Life is Life', it helps keeps great memories more potent and vivid. As our journey progresses and deepens I am sure that we will have some more songs to keep memories treasured.

The photos show Nuts at the Worlds in 2006, and weird as talking about memories I cant recall who took them, so cannot acknowledge. I think it was some kind people from South Africa, but not totally sure. But I can remember the sheer exhilaration of the competition.