Greetings, dear readers. Have you ever noticed that the world is a curious place? I saw a news story the other morning about yoga with goats. Yep. That’s a real thing. And cute as all get out – imagine downward dog while a baby goat clambers up your back! (I’m assuming the control you need not to collapse into giggles just adds to the workout.)

I do have a (somewhat nascent and intermittent) yoga practice. I do not have goats. Not yet, anyway.  I do not have to coordinate my movement with unpredictable ruminants. Said movements are only just beginning to be coordinated at all. I do, however, have the distinct pleasure of trying to hang on to a downward dog, while actual dogs are sniffing my feet and licking my ear. And while the cat is occupying a third of my mat, defending against all comers (mainly my feet) with any number of sharpened wits and weapons… They seem to have acquired the notion that yoga is a team sport and that opposing teams are involved.

The cat assumes the position of pointed guard. My dear sweet Elijah – battler of feet, pouncer upon defenseless digits and owner of … well, anything he decides is his. Including me.

It does take yoga to another level when warrior pose includes a vertical leap occasioned by a sneak attack on your back foot. Or when standing mountain becomes an avalanche because someone is annoyed that your focus is elsewhere and he has decided to stand up against your leg and provide several pointed reminders that he is there.

It’s a good thing he is beyond adorable. And that he also rubs his head against my hand and slinks under me in bridge pose, and then settles into my lap for meditation, purring and kneading, looking up at me with those big yellow eyes in absolute trust.

The workout isn’t the only reason I’m a puddle after yoga. The laughter helps.

Wishing you smiles and laughter in your practice today, whatever it is.

Stay tuned for more on the Here’s a Quarter blog next week! As always, your thoughts and comments are always welcome – they are moderated (I know – adulting again), so they may take a little while to appear, but I read them all and appreciate that you were here. Thank you!

For those who like pet stories, my story collection is available on Amazon: Dog Days . If you are dog-lover who likes to read, it may be just the thing! My sweet little Chiquita is the cover model and I’d love to hear your thoughts if you check it out.