writing distractions: golden retrievers!

golden retrievers at work

Today's progress with writing: C-

Entertained by dog videos: A+

This house full of golden retrievers makes me laugh out loud. They sure know their way around the kitchen!

Ooookay, back to work ... well, maybe I'll watch it one more time ...

For a photo of my two goldens hard at work:
kristianagregory.com

office assistants with furry heads

helpers Poppy & Daisy

It's a beautiful fall day in Idaho; leaves are golden and the sun is warm. I've been outside all afternoon, working in a beach chair with my laptop. My office assistants nap in the shade of our picket fence, and every so often lift their heads to check on me [PHOTO, right].


Meanwhile, letters arrived today. As always, young readers are encouraging and sincere. An 11-year old in Colorado wrote passionately about the importance of historical fiction: "Children aren't learning enough about history," she said. They "need to know more about our nation's past." I look forward to writing her back and telling her I couldn't agree more.  

letters from young readers

Well the afternoon reverie has suddenly come to an end: my assistants are up from their naps! They are staring at me with time-for-dinner eyes. If I do not get out of this chair VERY soon to feed them, they will come over and rest their furry yellow heads on xjyrb this keyboard apxz x[/cd,xzlznfss=lm

watching golden retrievers play--one of life's small pleasures

My family and I call them LSPs: Life's Small Pleasures. Sometimes it's hard to muster enthusiasm for the day but watching dogs in the park always makes us laugh. They're stoked to be outside and goofing around, no problems or worries. LSPs super-sized!

4-year-olds, Oliver  & Poppy, meet in the park for the first time ...

... and become instant friends

good dogs help with kids' letters: answering fan mail Part 2

Poppy & Daisy help with the fan mail

This afternoon I'm on the floor in our sunroom with my good buddies Poppy & Daisy. They're golden retrievers and are excellent help when it comes to answering fan mail. By that I mean, they position themselves in the center of things and settle into a long nap until I've put a stamp on the last envelope.

As usual, the letters are charming. A boy in Arkansas wrote that he loves the Cabin Creek Mysteries because the young characters bring along their dogs to help to solve clues. I can't wait to tell him about my two helpers here.

writer's block and pug friends, bobby & bridget

Bridget wonders about my camera

Bobby&Bridget inspect my shoe

When I'm fidgety and frustrated about writing, my husband and I go for a walk, which turns out to be daily! We're fortunate to meet lots of nice dogs along the way, and have become especially fond of a pug duo, Bobby & Bridget. They're always so excited to see us and our golden retrievers, they race across the field to say hello. Pugs are swift and sure as little pac-men, with endearing snuffly sounds that seem to be a running commentary. It's hard not to love a dog that sits on your foot and looks up at you with a question.