We live in a tiny place near the Mississippi River, and our son’s Labrador Retriever has been staying with us as we dog-sit. My husband was walking with the yellow fur baby when he heard a woman calling out, “Hello, Max!” referencing Clare’s loyal dog in Exodus and Winter’s Icy Caress.
On his return, he said, “Another reader of your books thinks Caesar’s name is Max.”
I absolutely love it!
I admit it. I’m not good at always following through. I’ve had diaries, journals and another blog before I started this one. It had been over a year between posts.
Yikes! A lot happened…I’ve had my reasons. Seriously, I have. Four things occurred in my life which interfered with my blog time.
Oh? Just four. Yes, I can hear voices in my head. I feel I need to disclose to my readers — I do talk back (thought you should know). Also, I have the privilege of having only sarcastic voices. I blame my early years in NYC and an Irish Catholic dad from the South Bronx for this issue. Back to the matter at hand (as you can see I might have ADD too).
The first event was on Thanksgiving eve 2014, my eldest son decided he would like to be the proud owner of a yellow lab puppy. I felt the spirit of the holiday and agreed it would be great to have a dog around the house again. We drove over 5 hours round trip that same night to get him. I know…
Number Two — I developed a severe case of puppy caretaker syndrome. Every photo I took had a puppy in it. Every conversation revolved around the puppy. My daily schedule was now dictated by a small dog. He didn’t stay small for long. But that is another story for another time.
Number three is not humorous. My mom got sick. Very sick. At 80 years of age, she needed more help than my other non-medical siblings could provide. I spent 6 months with her. Occasionally returning home to assure my husband I still lived there. My mom is better, is able to live in her own home, and I’m able to live in mine.
I returned home to a half-grown lab and time on my hands. Here comes number four — I read a lot. My Kindle has now become two Kindles so I can always have one charged. Can anyone say “Addiction!”? I joined a writing forum, and I started to write. I love it, and spend my time reading other writer’s work, writing on my own projects and occasionally posting on my site.
A yellow lab can be found in some of my books. I guess you know where I get my inspiration.
Kate McGinn - Storyteller 