I wanted to take a break today. The weather in these parts feels like Summer, in the low seventies, perfect. The lawn grew higher as I put off last week’s chore to get Sandcastle and Other Stories published at Amazon. That was a busy, busy time, and the weekend was filled with wonderful moments of grace and kindness from well wishers around the globe. I am humbly honored anyone chose my little book to buy, and I’m happy to hear from some people already how much they like the stories. Thank you.
So, last week, as I kept my focus on The Book, The Book, The Book, like Zippy and Kipling focus on The Ball, The Ball, The BALL: Throw the Ball — Zippy and Kipling took to dueling out on the island.
Zippy controls the ball, and drives Kipling crazy. She stops as close as she can get to Zippy and tries to cajole or distract him away from the zen focus on the unnaturally-colored orb.
I help Kipling even though she doesn’t realize how much of a help I really am in her quest to grab the ball. Zippy is not amused, but they both stop long enough to say: Cheese.
That doesn’t ever last more than a split second. They’re wise to my photographer ways. My single-minded focus on the lens. They know I don’t have time to actually throw the ball. Zippy most of all, is skeptical of any action I take, unless it’s dinner time.
And just the word ‘dinner’ makes Kipling whip her head around. Ball forgotten.
Ajax The Gray and Eartha Kitt’n think Zippy and Kipling are fools. Out in the sun. Exhausting themselves. Chasing a bouncy fake object that smells like chemicals. They watch the duels from the safety of the higher ground around the barn, and keep to the shade.
Very soon, I will be giving you a round-up of the people who have shown such kindness in helping me get the word out about Sandcastle and Other Stories. I thank you for reading, following my blog, my writing, and reading my fiction, the stories I can’t keep to myself anymore. You mean the world to me.
Justin
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I’d like to spend the afternoon playing with a colorful orb smelling of chemicals near the barn sans a care in the world. Well, besides dinner. Ah. To be Zippy and Kipling!
Wouldn’t it be lovely, “Judy”, to be Zippy or Kipling? You got me thinking now of a whole series of adventure books starring the long coated duo. Zippy and Kipling Rob the Vatican. Zippy and Kipling Find Jimmy Hoffa. Zippy and Kipling and the Real Housepets of the San Juan Islands 🙂
OMG the first pic is so peaceful and beautiful no wonder you write so well Justin…is like living in an other world.
I love all the pic. Zippy and Kpling look so happy playing with that ball!
I think helping someone without him realizing it (like you did with Kipling) is the best way to do it!!!
Now Stuliana have something to say about this Post too (i can’t stop her even if i want to LOL) so here it is.
AWWW they are so beautiful thank you “Mr Jukstin” aww soo good pic !!! and i love that yellow flower pls “Mr Jukstin” don’t let Kipling or Zippy eat it:)…
“My” Kipling is the most beautiful dog in the whole world.
I’ll draw you a new paint 🙂
Love you “My Jukstin”& a big big hug to my Kipling:)
Stuliana 🙂
Thank you for sharing your pics & your dogs with us Justin!
Staury:)
Kipling probably didn’t eat the yellow flower, Stuliana. She likes to wait until the dandelion grows into a puffball and chomps on it, a few puffs escaping to find a new grass home. Thank you very much for visiting Kipling and Zippy all the way from Cyprus. Kipling tail wags to you and your family.
Stunning picture , Justin. You’ve worked hard to get your excellent collection out. It’s nice to sit back now and smell the roses … or watch Zippy and Kipling and just relax.
You deserve it, hon.
xox
eden
~glances behind me down the long dark hallway~ Oh, eden, you’re talking to me? hehe Relax? Me? I must be part squirrel a la The Island of Doctor Moreau. My hyperactivity limit is through the roof right now. So happy about the book, and I do thank you for all your support, kinds, and gratitude. xo
SUCH a gorgeous post–your pets are so sweet! Love the one of the pups looking into the camera! Thanks for these words/pictures of zen and gratitude…it was a wonderful thing to read today. Looking forward to checking out your book–congrats! What an accomplishment!
Really nice to hear, Monica. Zippy and Kipling are blushing, I can tell; their paws are over their snouts. Bashful pups. I hope you enjoy the suspense and psychological tales in Sandcastle and Other Stories too. Please let me know. And thank you.
Justin! This is too lovely. Such a warming series of pictures with the commentary. Cathy x PS I am far too British to admit how delighted and flattered I am to be quoted at the front of your book! Cxx
You are great, Cathy, and I have said from the starting point, when I met you so long ago last year now that your writing mind is very keen, you see things any writer would love to see, and all writers are students of the craft. Your comment on Cats In Trees hit me well. I should be the one who is flattered. Best always.
This is sooo wonderful, Justin. The hairy ones look fab. and your lifestyle is idyllic. Enjoy, my friend:))