He Flies Above Me
Moving is always bittersweet for me, especially when its a far away move. Packing is not much fun, but the reward for me is always unpacking (there is always good with the bad)!! The hardest part of moving is leaving that which and those whom you love dearly behind…
Yesterday I split up the ashes of Stedman our late and beloved Cocker Spaniel with my ex. We made a memorial for him here on the property and leaving both it and my garden beds is a little tough, as we have had so many good memories here. “Steady Freddy,” was his nickname, among many others!! Stedman died from an accidental death a little over two years ago. However, it’s our belief that Stedman left us, so that little Stevey Wonder Dawg could be saved from the streets and come into our lives. The saying, “When one door closes another one opens,” held true in this case.
Another saying that comes to mind is that, “You get what you need when you need it, not when you want it.” Yesterday I decided to plant a flower on Stedman’s memorial site, since I have now removed his big heart stone and my small antique St. Francis statue. Sure enough, after one minute of looking, I stumbled across a beautiful variegated plant, which was incredibly named an “Exotic Angel Nectarine!” This little plant is splashed with incredible color, as if a painter dabbed brushes into different colors of bright, vibrant paint and lovingly shook those brushes onto green leaves. The predominent color is red – for the heart of course! My heart will always beat with Stedman deeply in it (along with the rest of my beloved buddies who have passed and now sky dance together). I’m a better person for all of the incredibly wonderful times that we had together!!! LOL – being the character that he was, he’d agree, I’m sure!! :))
This photograph was shot at the dog park in Huntington Beach, California with a Canon XT, 300mm zoom.
To read more about Stedman, please read his story Circle Dance with Gratitude

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kathy s gillen...
beautiful work
Polly Peacock replied
Thanks so much Kathy – I appreciate it as always!! :))))
Megan Eckersley
This is gorgeous!
Polly Peacock replied
aww…thanks so very much Megan – I appreciate it!! :))))
E.R. Bazor
Wow…mid pounce!
Great capture!
Polly Peacock replied
Thanks so much Estes!! Stedman went wild on Huntington Beach chasing birds, much to both of our delight! I had my camera on him almost at all times and he was just living to love and loving life!! :))))
Debbie Sanders...
wonder-full image.
Polly Peacock replied
Thanks so much Deb! It seemed only right to put him up here before I leave CA!! He is probably circle dancing and saying – RIGHT ON MA!!! xoxoxo!! :))))
stephaniek
What a great heartfelt story Polly!! Another saying is…........every pet leaves paw prints on our heart!! Stedman’s will be on yours forever…...............;-))
Polly Peacock replied
Aww…thanks so much Steph and what a beautiful saying that is! Yes, his paw prints are deep in my heart and soul, along with so many others that have filled my life with great joy!!!!
Tara Turner
beautiful :)
Polly Peacock replied
Thanks so very much Tara!!! :)))))
Bellavista2
Beautiful story and gorgoues photo and wonderful memories:=}
Polly Peacock replied
Thanks so very much!! Yes, the memories are beautiful, just as he was and still is!!! Now he lives on in RB as well as in my heart!! :))))
Susanne Correa
Polly Peacock replied
Thank you so very, very much!! Little Steady Freddie is probably doing triple circle dances, knowing that he has been featured!! I’m honored as always and also, thanks for your volunteer work to make features happen – you are appreciated!!! :))))
willowsv
Wonderful picture! Congratulations on your feature!
Polly Peacock replied
Thanks so very, very much – I appreciate it!! :)))))
Bunny Clarke
Such a wonderful story and capture. The moving part is heart wrenching, but when you get settled hon, it will all be worth it. I still miss my Dobie friend, Lady, and my Kiki Kat (my companion of 21 years). They always remain in your heart. They always come into your life when you need them most. And leave when its time for your next life change needs new tools. :o) Hugs my dear friend.
Polly Peacock replied
Yes, I feel great joy that he was a part of my life, even though it was only for a short period of time!! Steady will always be special, just as all of my animals have been, just as yours have been the same for you! WOW, Kiki Kat lived more than 9 lives, huh? Thanks dear Bunny!!! xoxoxo!! :))))
Jen Ryan
Polly Peacock replied
Thanks so very, very much Jen!! I really appreciate it and so does Stedman!! Thanks as well for your volunteer work to make features happen – you are appreciated!!! :))))
TwinRaven1
A wonderful photo and very moving story. Thank you for sharing.
Polly Peacock replied
Thanks so very much – I see that you have your little buddy with you!! Ya just gotta love em!! :))))))
aspectsoftmk
the story touches the heart sis…great shot also …your journey leads you…::))xoxox
Polly Peacock replied
Thanks Sis!! Yes, this is a part of the journey and rightly so!! I can say that with a smile, because I know deep in my heart that hard work and faith is paying off!! Stedman will always watch over me, no matter where I am, along with my other boys up thar!! I’d love to see them all circle dancing together – lol!!! xoxoxo back to you sis and thanks again!! :))))))))))
gabbielizzie
congradulations on your feature
Polly Peacock replied
Thanks so very much Gabbie! I appreciate it!! :))))
Mika
Oh wow awesome capture! Congratulations on all your features! Much deserved :)
Polly Peacock replied
Aww…thanks so much Mika – I appreciate it!! :))))
Georgie Hart
What a lovely way to remember Stedman – joyous capture!
Polly Peacock replied
Thanks so much Georgie – yes, it is my way of honoring him, as well as doing my own little gratitude dance for the joy of having him in my life!! :))))
Elizabeth Bravo
This is so so sweet…...what a treat to catch a shot like that!! Great job!!
Polly Peacock replied
Thanks so much Elizabeth!! He was racing around the beach like there was no tomorrow and such a joy to watch and shoot!! This is one of many ways that I prefer to remember him!! :)))))
Wendy Slee
the “Feel good” energy of this photo captured my attention and your beautiful philosophies won my heart…..
(They echo my own thoughts and all I can say is “bless you” for your kindness and love of our little friends…)
Polly Peacock replied
Aww…Wendy, thanks so much for such a beautiful, heartfelt compliment!! Yes, those little ones that at one time were on the street and then rescued by us, are always special – they give so much back in return!! Thanks so much again, I really appreciate it!! :)))
Nancy Chambers
8-31-09
Polly Peacock replied
Thanks so very much Nancy!! I really am honored and appreciate it as always!! Thanks to you too for your volunteer work to make features happen!! You are much appreciated!! :)))))
AuntieBarbie
Can hear the dog thinking, “oh boy, oh boy!!! I’m as free as the bird!!!!” Wonderful pic.
Polly Peacock replied
LOL and so he is as free as a bird – flying high in the sky and that thought brings me joy!!! Thanks so very much for the great compliment!! :))))) big smiles!
Scott d'Almeida
fantastic
Polly Peacock replied
Thanks so much Scott!! :))))
ys-eye
Wonderful… another moving tribute… it’s true that when we loose someone so close, there is someone new waiting to stretch our love just a little wider and make room for more…
Polly Peacock replied
Yes, it is always meant to be, so long as believe and take action to make it so!! Thanks so very much for an awesome compliment!! :))))) Have a fantastic weekend!!
oddoutlet
That dog must have been having the greatest time! Lovely capture and pp work!
Polly Peacock replied
Thanks so very much! Yes, my little Stedman was literally flying all over the beach and loving life, just as any dog would want to do! He was such a joy to watch and capture!!! :)))))
JamieGreen
It was hard to read your story without moist eyes. I reckon that was a hard thing to do. We lost our old terrier 4 tears ago and I said never again, as it was too painful, but 3 weeks later we saw the advert for Tarn and I reckon old Pepper would have approved.We still have her ashes after 4 years cos I can’t let go yet….but one day maybe.
But the picture made me smile…away and playing forever!
Polly Peacock replied
Yup, Jamie…I know how you feel exactly – sounds like you found Tarn, just like I found Stevey – one door closes and another door shuts!! I have still have ashes too and will take them with me on my move to PA – am so glad that I didn’t put all of his ashes in his memorial!! Your Tarn looks like such a cute character and I’m so glad that you once again have a unconditional, loving buddy!! I know Pepper would approve!!! Glad you got home safe!!! :))))))))
EarthGipsy
Go Steady Eddie!...your exotic Angel is pushing up Nectarines; a beautiful, life giving memorial, indeed :)
Diane Swarts
Whoo this made me cry, what a fabulous image of your dear friend.
enchantedImages
What a wonderful tribute to your dear friend, Polly.
The photo is so joyful and loving of life – it says it all.
-Bobbi
Paola Svensson
Outstanding capture!
Charlene Aycoc...
great action shot.
Isa Rodriguez
wow,,,, stedman .. if fell in love.. blessya my friend.. and you sure know how to tell your heart.. love ya sis ..
DeaconBlues
A very happy dog!