Mike and Clint both decide that it might seem a little embarrassing at first, but learning new skills is a very cool reward in itself.

Mike Ditka the dog and Clint come to accept that everything and everyone change, even them. Clint weighs decisions and serves as the juror for the Paseo Arts Association Members Show.

Mike Ditka and Clint realize through bulls and heights that despite their tough guy personas, they are not immune to fear. Luckily through the support of artist Rick Sinnett they learn that overcoming a fear is a pretty rad sensation.

Mike Ditka the dog and Clint get stuck in the realization that dark nights and looking back can sometimes become too much. They heed the advice of a small, sticky eyeball dude and look forward to the year ahead.

Mike Ditka the dog and Clint scare some finches in the rain, while a song and memories play in Clint’s head. Somewhere along the way, a drive to be bold bubbles up.

Mike Ditka the dog shared a smile and reminded me of a great lesson that we can learn from the great space flight pioneer Ham.

Two old dogs sit in a weather-worn gazebo and silently contemplate connection.

What started off as an interest in mythology and modern comics took a strange but productive turn when a squirrel got involved.

A friend and wellness professional once commissioned me to create a painting for their office.

It sounds overly simple but possibly the greatest gift Mike Ditka the dog gave me is the reminder to make time to walk often.

We are many things in life. At times it feels we are being pulled in multiple directions and that is stressful. With the help of an underweight, overly scarred, and extremely nervous dog, I learned that the very stress of needing to do all things well all of the time may actually be one of the greatest gifts about living too. He taught me what the stoics have known for a long time, a good life requires that we moderate all things and be present in the present. I have an abysmal record with both of these things, but with his help I am learning. With learning, I feel I am not just able to approach each day better but also each task that I take on. With the help of Mike Ditka, he’s the dog that now lives with me, we share what we have learned and sometimes just what we have observed.

Sometimes I think about change and talk in the words of Heraclitus and Mike Ditka the dog reminds me what Epictetus said.