I WANT MY TENNIS BALL!!

While outside today with my camera, I witnessed this interaction between our dog, Rudy and my daughter, Clara. I was just snapping pictures and was humored by what I shot. Apparently, Clara found the next best thing to the tennis ball.

I received this in an email today. Thought it was CUTE!!

Excerpts from a Dog's Diary......
8:00 am - Dog food! My favorite thing!
9:30 am - A car ride! My favorite thing!
9:40 am - A walk in the park! My favorite thing!
10:30 am - Got rubbed and petted! My favorite thing!
12:00 pm - Lunch! My favorite thing!
1:00 pm - Played in the yard! My favorite thing!
3:00 pm - Wagged my tail! My favorite thing!
5:00 pm - Milk bones! My favorite thing!
7:00 pm - Got to play ball! My favorite thing!
8:00 pm - Wow! Watched TV with the people! My favorite thing!
11:00 pm - Sleeping on the bed! My favorite thing!

Excerpts from a Cat's Daily Diary. ..
Day 983 of my captivity.
My captors continue to taunt me with bizarre little dangling objects.

They dine lavishly on fresh meat, while the other inmates and I are fed hash or some sort of dry nuggets. Although I make my contempt for the rations perfectly clear, I nevertheless must eat something in order to keep up my strength.

The only thing that keeps me going is my dream of escape. In an attempt to disgust them, I once again vomit on the carpet.

Today I decapitated a mouse and dropped its headless body at their feet. I had hoped this would strike fear into their hearts, since it clearly demonstrates what I am capable of. However, they merely made condescending comments about what a 'good little hunter' I am.

There was some sort of assembly of their accomplices tonight. I was placed in solitary confinement for the duration of the event. However, I could hear the noises and smell the food. I overheard that my confinement was due to the power of 'allergies.' I must learn what this means and how to use it to my advantage.

Today I was almost successful in an attempt to assassinate one of my tormentors by weaving around his feet as he was walking. I must try this again tomorrow -- but at the top of the stairs.

I am convinced that the other prisoners here are flunkies and snitches. The dog receives special privileges. He is regularly released - and seems to be more than willing to return. He is obviously retarded.

The bird has got to be an informant. I observe him communicating with the guards regularly. I am certain that he reports my every move. My captors have arranged protective custody for him in an elevated cell, so he is safe. For now................

What has been going on

Picture of my sweet Rudy. See about my most recent book
"Rudy's Path."


Hard to believe we are in the year 2009! There is something very refreshing about starting a new year. So many possibilities and hopefully blessings to come. I know for my family 2009 has some wonderful expectations. For one, my husband and I are expecting our second child on July 1st. Our daughter really needs a playmate. That will place our children approximately two years apart. Some folks say that is the perfect distance while I observe other small families with children close in age and quickly ask myself, "What was I thinking?" After my 21 month old daughter had a pubic melt down in the mall today, I turned to my mother who was shopping with me and said, "After this next one comes around, I may not ever go out again until they are both 10 years old."

But really, I love my daughter and feel such a warmth in my heart when she calls me, "mommy." Or when I see her mimicking me. All of the struggles and tantrums are quickly forgotten when she waves at me or when she puts her head on my shoulder.

2009 also brings a new book, hopefully. I need to begin working on the my 3rd book of the Greta's series of books. This book will be called, "Opie's Promise." My little girl is eye level with my art table and paints, so, it makes it quite difficult to paint without a mess or frustration. She so badly wants to eat the paint and suck on the paint brushes. It is kind of difficult trying to find the time to work on this project. I think after January I will really put myself to work and get this done.

Life is good and Life is busy. Here's to 2009!