To All the Dogs I've Loved Before

I'm a dog lover. Okay, so I like cats, too, but, for their own safety, I do not own any while I live in the same house with my husband. (Don't boo and hiss--he has to have at least one flaw!)
Anyway, a few years ago I was on the couch, supposedly working on a Bible study, when our pug jumped up on the couch (where he knew he wasn't allowed) and cuddled up in my lap. Our Puglsey was a rescue dog who still bore the scars from someone trying to burn him. But he was the sweetest, cuddliest dog we'd ever owned and it got me to thinking. When I curl up in my Abba's lap and cuddle, does He see my scars? Does He stroke my head like I did Pugsley's that day?
Since then I've looked differently at my canine friends and I've received a few life lessons in the process.
Jack could just tell when I was sad and liked to rest next to me.
K.D. was sure she she was human.
Daisy's curiousity has gotten her (and me) into some fixes.
Mack had to be taught how to play.
Shelby could look at anther dog and see what it needed--usually a fun romp.
Vern E. Lou is sure she's a princess.
Chandler had to learn that the freedom of a walk was better on a leash.
Howie knew when to bury the bones and the best time to dig them up and deal with them.
Chuck knew how to welcome company with a smile.
Molly prefered no pictures but never let a little thing like a missing leg slow her down.
Sonny kept watch over the house on his nightly patrols.
Muncher stood guard over my baby brother's crib.
Brutus only looked scary but was loveable.

I wish I had pictures of them all. Not all belong to my family. All have a place in my heart for their loving presence. Some have passed away and some are still with us. All made an impression. So, since I have so much time on my hands (not) here's a little tribute to one of God's best creations.



Abundant blessings!

MeMe - Because I Promised

Good buddy and fellow Misfit Heather Goodman tagged me (and the rest of the Misfits) with this meme and since I haven't done one in a while, I agreed (since I haven't had much to write about until after I agreed). So, without further anything, here's what the world's been waiting for--the answers to all those age-old meme questions:


1. What's the one book or writing project you haven't yet written but still hope to?

I want to write about my great grandmother. I remember sitting in Aunt Bessie's house and hearing the stories of what it was like growing up and what her parents were like. Much was in hushed tones and I don't think the adults thought I was listening. But that's where I learned what "pondering in your heart" meant. Someday I hope to put those ponderings in a book.

2. If you had one entire day in which to do nothing but read, what book would you start with?

There's way too many to choose--I'm a slow reader and want to read too many. Hmmmmmm. I think I would start with To Kill A Mockingbird simply because I'm finally old enough to really appreciate it now (yes, before you gasp, I've already read it once).

3. What was your first writing "instrument" (besides pen and paper)?
My mother's typewriter--big bulky thing in a black case. Not electric but fun to push the keys down and watch the letters form on the white paper above.


4. What's your best guess as to how many books you read in a month?

I'm not fast at this so maybe 3 (depending on whether I'm teaching or on Summer Break).


5. What's your favorite writing "machine" you've ever owned? My PC. I love it and feel comfortable at the keyboard. I can rush the words from my fingers or tap my nails on the keys waiting for my next idea. It is tempermental sometimes but I do love it.

6. Think historical fiction: what's your favorite time period in which to read? (And if you don't read historical fiction--shame on you.)

I have to agree with Heather. I enjoy Jane Austen and I love things from the Colonial Period. Civil War time is good reading and Oh! love to read about the Roaring Twenties. Turn of the 20th Century (give or take 20 years in either direction) is good. Ok, I confess, I just plain ol' love reading historicals.

7. What's the one book you remember most clearly from your youth (childhood or teens)?
I read all of the Janet Lambert books I could get my hands on. There were several in her series that I loved and I remember the plots even today but one of them hit me hard--she killed off a beloved character and I sat and cried. Her characters were ones I talked about with my friends as if they were a part of our crowd. They were so real (not in a psychotic way--get back with those white jackets). Wish I could remember the title. I collected a few over the years now but haven't found that one.

Not gonna tag anyone--everyone's been tagged!

So, th-th-th-that's all folks!

Abundant blessings!

Catching Up

This will be short though the news is big. Here are 2 links for you to check out.

First, my friend and fellow Misfit, Mike Snyder, has a great announcement on his blog. You can check it out here. I am so excited for him and hope you will check it out--this is big!

Second, a few of my writing friends and I began a rather special critique group a while back. I can honestly say that the story I'm currently working on is probably one of the best things I've ever written and it is because of the encouragement and feedback I've gotten from these friends. Well, now you can meet them and see for yourself. We've started a blog, The Misfits. We began with our Misfit Manifesto on Independence Day and have been posting ever since (I know, I'm slow). Anyway, check out the new blog and the Misfits individual blogs as well. Good stuff.

Have a great weekend full of abundant blessings!