Some people leave footprints on our hearts long after we leave their classrooms, fields, libraries, or quiet places of guidance. A teacher, coach, librarian, or mentor can shape us in ways they may never fully realize not only through lessons, books, or practice, but through patience, encouragement, high expectations, and belief in who we could become. This week, I invite you to write about someone who left a mark on your life. What did they teach you beyond the lesson plan? How did they encourage, challenge, or inspire you? Please share your story through the link, and I would be honored to feature it on my blog as part of our growing collection of family memories and life stories.
My Muttley Crew
Max is the adventurous explorer. He wants to be on his leash, investigating everything and greeting everyone. He is also the mighty hunter of the family; he sometimes brings home very unwanted “treasures.”
Mitzi is the affectionate little diva. She is content riding quietly in a purse, loves cuddles, showers everyone with kisses, and throws a dramatic temper tantrum if her share of chicken arrives late.
Together, they are the Muttley Crew. They are 11-year-old cuddlebugs and troublemakers who dislike being separated, love mountain adventures, enjoy sleeping with Mom or beside the sunny patio door, and know exactly when the car is approaching Dairy Queen because pup cups are expected!
Conversations With Teddy

The Muttley Crew Chronicles
Dear Max and Mitzi,
How do I handle stress?
Sincerely,
A Tired Human
Dear Tired Human,
First, bark at it.
Not forever. Just enough to let stress know you are aware of its presence and deeply unimpressed.
Second, find a blanket. Preferably a soft one, recently washed, and already claimed by someone else. Burrow under it until the world becomes quieter.
Third, take a nap. A good nap solves many things, including bad moods, loud noises, and the tragic realization that dinner is still two hours away.
And finally, if all else fails, demand cheese.
Stress may be persistent, but so are dachshunds.
Sincerely,
Max and Mitzi
Small dogs. Big feelings. Strong opinions.
Mountains are Calling
Any chance I get to head to the mountains makes me one happy camper. My pups and I love exploring new trails, relaxing in the fresh air, and simply soaking in the beauty around us.

After the Fire, the Flood: Beulah’s Long Road to Recovery
The Aspen Acres Fire is still part of Beulah’s story, even as the emergency has shifted from active evacuation to recovery. As of the latest Pueblo County update, the fire is reported at 101,921 acres with 67% containment. The Joint Information Center has now closed, and residents are being directed to the Recovery Assistance Center at Beulah Heights Elementary School for help with recovery resources, cleanup guidance, assistance programs, and support.
While the fire itself is more contained, the danger is not over. The burn scar has created a new threat: flash flooding and debris flows. Heavy rain over burned ground can rush downhill quickly, carrying mud, ash, rocks, and debris into roads, driveways, creeks, and low areas. On July 28, heavy rain over the Aspen Acres burn scar caused flooding near Beulah Valley, including debris flow near Northcreek, Northcreek Cutoff, South Pine Drive, and Mountain Park. Officials urged people to get to higher ground and warned drivers not to attempt to cross flooded roads.
The following evening, the National Weather Service issued a Flash Flood Emergency for the northern and central part of the Aspen Acres burn scar, including Beulah. Emergency managers reported heavy debris flow coming down 12 Mile and Highway 78, and the warning included Beulah, San Isabel, and Wetmore.
As of today, the National Weather Service continues to warn that showers and thunderstorms are possible over the Aspen Acres burn scar. If a strong storm develops, flash flooding could occur, especially over the central part of the burn scar. There is also an air quality advisory for wildfire smoke across much of Colorado, including Pueblo, Custer, Fremont, and Huerfano counties.
For Beulah, Pueblo Mountain Park, Rye, San Isabel, Wetmore, and the surrounding mountain communities, recovery now means watching both the sky and the hillsides. The flames may be more contained, but the scars left behind can still move with the rain.
May the rain come gently.
May the roads stay safe.
May families recovering from loss be protected.
May the firefighters and emergency crews continue to be strengthened.
And may Beulah keep rising, one careful step at a time.
Colorado strong ❤️
Monetary Donations: Can be sent to the United Way Southern Colorado.
Works Cited
Filangi, Shelby. “Heavy Rain Causes Flash Flood in Aspen Acres Burn Scar.” Colorado Public Radio, 28 July 2026.
Heaney, Briana. “Roads Washed Out and Residents Evacuated as Flash Flooding Continues on Aspen Acres Burn Scar.” Colorado Public Radio, 30 July 2026.
National Weather Service Pueblo, CO. “Flash Flood Watch for the Aspen Acres Burn Scar.” National Weather Service, 23 July 2026.
Pueblo County Sheriff’s Office. “Aspen Acres Fire Recovery Resources.” Pueblo County Sheriff’s Office, 2026.
Sintas, Tyson, Aspen Andrews, Bryce Patterson, Aaron Vitatoe, and Lindsey Grewe. “‘Aspen Acres Fire’ Remains at Nearly 102k Acres, Now 71% Contained.” KKTV 11 News, 29 June 2026, updated 4 Aug. 2026.
Dream Destinations
There are so many beautiful places I still dream of exploring. My travel wish list stretches from the castles and green countryside of Scotland and Ireland to the charming streets of Quebec, France, Seattle, and Savannah. I would love to experience Montana’s wide-open landscapes, Yosemite’s majestic mountains, Oregon’s rugged coastline, and the brilliant colors of New England in the fall. Each destination offers something different, but all promise beauty, history, adventure, and stories waiting to be discovered.

The Suffering Of A Young Autodidact
A friend of mine, Gary A. Wilson, recently shared an essay about his writing class while in high school. His writing is thoughtful, reflective, and beautifully honest. Please take a moment to read his work; I think you will find it well worth your time.
Thank you, Gary, for sharing “The Suffering of a Young Autodidact”. Your thoughtful, reflective essay offers readers a meaningful glimpse into your early school experiences and independent love of learning. I am honored to feature your writing and grateful that you trusted me with your story.
Click below on the title to read his story.
Caring

My First Day of School
There is something special about the first day of school. Maybe you remember the outfit you wore, the backpack you carried, the lunchbox in your hand, or the person who walked beside you to the classroom door. Maybe you remember a favorite teacher whose kindness helped calm your nerves, or the feeling of stepping into something new with excitement, fear, or hope. This week, I invite you to write about your first school memory, a favorite teacher, or the feeling of beginning again. Please share your story through the link, and I would be honored to feature it on my blog as part of our growing collection of family memories and life stories.






