Happy Valentine's!

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THE WILD ONE

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Upon reading the title, many of you might immediately think of Suzi Quatro or Iggy Pop. However, this phrase actually refers to an unusual human form… and a very special dog. I’m definitely a dog person! While I appreciate cats, I’ve never had one as a pet. My soul connects better with dogs. Dogs were a constant in my childhood, loyal companions and protectors. However, it wasn't until I lived in Slovakia that I encountered stray dogs. I became involved with shelters and began adopting. Something I regret in some ways due to how my last adoption turned out (I’ll save that story for another time). Most people romanticize adoption, but it can be incredibly challenging, an unending commitment. It's especially demanding if the animal carries past traumas, disabilities, or illnesses. Despite these difficulties, the profound love and unwavering loyalty of dogs ultimately overshadow all struggles. I believe they are divine beings, incapable of the betrayal and abandonment we flawed hu...
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Paris, the City of Lights and Second Chances I grew up hearing stories about Paris, yet back then, it wasn't a city that truly captivated me. However, I was constantly bombarded by my prosperous classmates, privileged enough to travel. Their summer vacations were a persistent topic of conversation—a series of tales about who had seen the most renowned sites and explored the most popular monuments. They would boast about strolling down majestic Parisian streets, often claiming to have mastered French in just two weeks—a feat my 15 years as a language teacher has taught me is impossible! Back then, their self-assured remarks left me in awe, as they described dining on an endless supply of croissants and macarons while contemplating Notre Dame and the Eiffel Tower with their affluent families. It's funny how some people's experiences can color your point of view about cultures and places, especially when you're young and inexperienced. Later in my life, I was surrounded by...
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THE '80s

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