By Jeanette M. Pintar - with inspiration from Misty

During the last nine years of my life, I've been in the presence of a great Zen Master. At first I didn't know she was a Zen Master. In fact, I didn't know anything about her. She came very cleverly disguised. She seemed strange, mystical, and a bit fearful. I'm sure she felt the same about me during the early stages of our friendship.

Another thing I didn't realize about my Zen Master is that she would learn from me while I was learning from her. Life works that way - a lot. Most of the time we're not even aware that we are learning… until somewhere down the road a challenge comes before us and that which had entered our consciousness (or sub-consciousness) eons ago suddenly appears as a beacon of light guiding us through the rough waters.

Each and every one of us is a student of life. Each and every one of us is a teacher. With that in mind, I've learned to be open, receptive, and willing to share at all times. The articles that will appear in this column are a but a small collection of the things my furry faced little Zen Master taught me during our nine years together. I hope you will enjoy them and that they will help you appreciate life the way she did… and I still do!

Remember: We're all students. We're all teachers.

--- © Jeanette M. Pintar, inspired by Misty