Literally a pollen snow globe outside.

I can't even imagine a rating of "high," given all the allergens currently swirling in the air out there.

Bringing reclining to a new level.

New table? "We'll break it in."

What's a painting project without prints?

A long weekend (of home improvement)!

"Don't stop 'til you get enough."

Search "NFL" - get knees. Intermediary victory?

We were never really NFL viewers in the first place, so I surmise that this decision to mandate that the players stand for the national anthem has nothing to do with us, really.

But.

For the record, I do get choked up standing for "The Star Spangled Banner." And I do feel a sense of pride for the the country in which I was fortunate enough to be born, that has afforded me myriad privileges in my 36 years of life.

However.

I do simultaneously recognize that I share this country with humans for whom lynching was a reality a mere generation ago, and whose family members were enslaved as a matter of constitutional law for many generations before that. And I have been afforded the opportunity to thrive because other people were forced from their native lands in the relatively recent past. And that the benefits afforded to me by marriage (like health insurance and tax filing status) have only been available to all in this country for A MERE THREE YEARS.

So.

I believe that a thriving America allows for dissenting voices. That progress generally results from discomfort. That we have an ugly past to truly recognize and reconcile before we can meaningfully move forward. That none of this happens overnight. And that peaceful protest is one of the most precious gifts afforded to us by our nation's founders, defended by our soldiers, and represented by our flag.

As such.

Even really clever Super Bowl commercials and flashy half-time shows have how officially lost their charm.

Happiness is a lap fully utilized.

Today, a birthday celebration from beyond.

"I'm too sexy for my fur."

Move over Monday, #TongueOutTuesday's fast approaching.

Life hacks on point for summer.

Fake it 'til you make it.

Be still, my (purring/wagging) heart.

And so, in with the new.

Wild and winding, along we go.

Tuning in, sending out, positive vibes.

Nice having a photographer on staff.

May you delight in your mom.

(Like I do in mine. Happy Mother's Day!)

Thanks for these cozy beds, Mom!

"Very superstitious, writing's on the wall"

Taking a peek as morning breaks.

Brilliant blossoms provide the ambulatory backdrop.

Look out, La Croix. Competition's fierce.

Bring on the warm weather vibes!

Watching the game in good company!

The Hopkins' hearts are hurting today.

Thank you all for the outpouring of love yesterday and today. 

The ache is fresh and fierce, but we are lucky to have loves and cuddles all around, 

which bring us great comfort. 

Farewell to our sweet boy Chivo.

After thriving for an incredible eighteen years, Chivo passed peacefully in our arms today. 

His gentle spirit enriched our lives, and his unconditional love was a salve for the hard times.  

May we humans aspire to be so present, such faithful companions, such forgiving friends. 

Our hearts ache tonight.

Shout-out to the heroes among us.

Got the message, loud and clear.

We returned to a spring sprung.