News Trend The Orange-Cupped Daffodil|Actual

If I were a flower, I think I would want to be the single orange-cupped daffodil in this vase.

I'm not afraid to be a little bit different, but I do like to be surrounded by people who get me.

Alone but never lonely. That's the way I like to roll.

News Trend Happy Tetlunese New Year|Actual

Tet.

Lunar New Year.

Chinese New Year.

Call it what you will, but I've been lucky enough to celebrate this ancient holiday in three different countries scattered across two continents, in a handful of traditional ways.

I've eaten fish and oranges,

lit a few firecrackers,

passed out money to children,

and swept clean the house.

And let's not forget the iconic red lanterns.

I've nearly collapsed underneath their festooned garlands in blazing tropical heat, and risked hypothermia to snap photos of them in the Seattle winter.

I'll go to great lengths to celebrate a holiday with three different names.

So let the festivities begin as we all ring the Year of the Monkey

Happy Tetlunese New Year!

News Trend The Difference Between Cam Newton and Russell Wilson|Actual

Look. I don't plan to sink down into the quagmire of shaming, blaming and poor sportsmanship.

Though the thought is tempting.

Instead, I'll just share with you the post-game videos of the two most recent Super Bowl losing quarterbacks: Russell Wilson from the Seattle Seahawks' 2015 last-minute loss, and Carolina's Cam Newton whose team suffered defeat in yesterday's 2016 championship match-up.

Check them out.

No one likes to lose.

We can all understand that.

And I think there's a little part of each of us that can appreciate how easy it would be, in the face of tremendous failure, to retreat to a petty, petulant place.

But when a man can rise above his disappointment, and speak out about responsibility, commitment, hope and love, well, then he is more than just an elite athlete or a graceful loser,

He is a true man..

News Trend A Little Golden Tale|Actual

?Be thou comforted, little dog, Thou too in Resurrection shall have a little golden tail?

- Martin Luther

The season of Lent is here.

Now is the time to put away the last traces of the Christmas glitz and glamour - oh, yes, I do still have my garlands up and lights a-blazing - and settle down into the certainty of the pre-Easter season, which is this:

We are mortal. Just as surely as we were born, we will one day die.

But we need not fear death, because God promises us something more.

I know. At first, that feels like an unbearably heavy message, doesn't it.

But if we can receive those words with faith, then joy of Easter and the promise of heaven will undoubtedly follow.

* * * * *

In other news, I took Ranger to the vet this week.

He has, I am sorry to say, a huge tumor on his back end. It's not cancerous, thank goodness, but it is a nasty, inoperable thing, and there is no way to stop it from growing. I am being challenged to settle down into the certainty of his doctor's words, which were this:

Take your dog home. Give him the best life you possibly can

And when his suffering becomes too much, let him go.

Ouch. At first, that felt like an unbearably heavy message for me.

But I have to remind myself that Ranger is just as mortal as anyone else. And just as surely as he was born, his little doggy life has been long, and the day that he will die draws near.And God promises more to him - oh yes, dogs most certainly do go to heaven - and so I am working to receive Dr. Bennett's words with faith, and live out Ranger's life in joy.

And now please excuse me, as it's time to take my good dog for a walk.

News Trend Signs of Spring|Actual

Yesterday, I took down all my paper snowflakes, ironed them, and packed them away till next year.

Yes, I do iron my snowflakes.

That's not weird.

What's weird is that the day actually warm enough that I could manage this task in my bare feet.

Hmm. Ironed snowflakes and bare feet.

These are two very good signs that spring must be right around the corner.

News Trend Excited|Actual

I would love to tell you all about my new kitchen counters that were installed today.

But I'm a little busy right now, alternately scrubbing down every dusty inch of the construction zone and turning cartwheels for sheer joy.

I'll get back to you soon.

News Trend My Yelp Review |Actual

"I'm the best there is at what I do." - Wolverine from X-Men

The true magnificence of the marble and precision of the stonework is not fully

revealed in this photo, but you get the idea.

If you are looking for a counter top super hero, choose Mike Cooper.

I'll be honest. When it comes to contracting work on my home, I'm a nit-picking perfectionist. I have ridiculously strong opinions about what I want and borderline unrealistic standards about the finished look. Not surprisingly, I have a hard time finding ordinary human beings who can live up to my high expectations.

Mike Cooper totally rescued me from the sea of average contractors. From our first meeting to discuss my project to the final install, every aspect of Mike's process and professional manner was spot-on. He pays close attention to detail, communicates well, and follows through on all phases of the job.

For seven hours last Friday, my home transformed into a makeshift stone fabrication site. Between the heavy duty trolleys, various saws, and windswept spray of fine marble dust, Mike and his crew were definitely not fooling around.

His wife, Jenna, was also a huge asset to the project. I spent several hours with her in the Lynnwood showroom, mulling over design options and bouncing ideas off her. Her knowledge, flexibility and listening skills are also off the charts.

Ranger is always a little uneasy with workmen in the house,

but he gives our new counters two big paws-up.

I love, love, LOVE my new counter tops. Not only are they beautiful, but every detail of their craftsmanship and installation is immaculate.

When it comes to stone counter tops, Mike Cooper is the best there is at what he does.

* * * * *

Mike Cooper owns Integrity Stonework and serves up his super powers all over western Washington. His wife manages their showroom in Lynnwood on 196th, open Wednesdays through Saturdays. Their young son reportedly loves to play with rocks.