Celebrating Bastille Day Doggie Style

Miss April in Paris

 

 

 Welcome to the Writer With Dogs Bastille Day Blog Party

 

This post is part of A Dog Dreams of Paris blog tour with WOW! Women On Writing. Click here for the kick-off interview on The Muffin and the remaining stops on the tour, which ends July 24th.

 

 

 

 

Miss April in Paris has enlivened this household of one human and six dogs. The human stays active, but six dogs are pretty much couch potatoes. The excitement of the publication of April's diary has caused a stir with the hounds. They have been following her blog tour and wonder if perhaps sometime down the road they will each have their own book. Time will tell on that one. However, time is important today. . . . Party time that is, as the dogs plan to celebrate Bastille Day!

 

"I've never heard of Bastille Day." Chloe, the alpha Chihuahua, exclaimed as soon as the party was brought up. She was slightly preoccupied with her fake mustache. It tickled her nose.

 

"It's simple," Diva dog Miss April in Paris explained. "Bastille Day, the French national holiday, commemorates the storming of the Bastille, which took place on July 14, 1789, and was the beginning of the French Revolution. The Bastille was a prison and a symbol of the power of Louis the 16th's Regime. By capturing this symbol, the people signaled that the king's power was no longer absolute: power should be based on the Nation and be limited by a separation of powers. The French celebrate Bastille Day each year on July 14th, with parties, parades,  food, drinks, dances and fireworks!"

 

"Do we get dog bones?" Bray, usually reserved and shy, was excited at the thought of more food. He slipped into a pair of cool shades and helped himself to a frosty beverage.

 

"Yes, and special drinks. Now, doesn't that taste yummy?" Diva April snorted, a very unladylike gesture. Perhaps she had already had a few of the special party drinks.

 

"I love music," Annabelle stretched on the couch, her big belly pointing up at the ceiling. The sound of a favorite pop song Uptown Funk got her up and moving. "I can make a run to the store if we need anything." While she didn't drive, Annabelle loved to ride in the car with the radio blasting tunes into the universe.

 

Rascal's eyes rolled. Her blue eye (for she has two different colored eyes) winked at April. "Are you wearing that old pink hat again?"

 

"It's my Diva hat. It's the hat that started my story. And yes, I am wearing it. You can have one of those silly party hats on the table."

 

"Gladly," Rascal yawned, then raced across the room to grab a hat and a party drink.

 

"Count me in, too!" Bertha rambled over to the table to find a pair of party glasses, both to wear and to drink from. "Let the party begin!" Bertha was especially social. She looked at her drink and wondered if perhaps she should have put the lime in the coconut. Then she barked, a loud piercing sound and shook her head, her funny mustache mixing with saliva dripping off her chops. Bertha took a sip out of her coconut and toasted the day.  "Viva La France!"

 

Before the party gets too rowdy, the dogs posed for their Bastille Day portraits.

 

Chloe

 

Bray

 

Annabelle

 

 

Rascal

 

Bertha

 

 

Wishing all a happy Bastille Day. Party On!

 

Solitary Schmolitary by Kimberly Brock, Georgia Author of the Year 2013, with Fergus and Reba B

 

              Fergus and Reba B, otherwise known as the current Chief Starers at Me

  

Writing is supposed to be solitary. That’s what everybody keeps saying but I am here to tell you that solitary doesn’t do it for me. And I have a theory that all writers secretly share this same fear of solitude. That’s why we write when we’re alone, so we won’t notice we’re alone and nobody else will notice we’re alone in all our aloneness. Oh, the humanity.  

Years ago, when I started on this writing journey, I worked alone. On a big clunky computer with a beret and a candy cigarette, the way you do. I don’t think I’d ever even seen a laptop at that point. I sat in a very uncomfortable chair (where did that chair come from?) at a desk in the corner of my master bedroom. The babies would nap and in the two or three hour blocks of absolute silence, entirely alone with my thoughts and a Diet Coke, I would accomplish…nothing.

I mean it. I can’t write in an optimum environment. No way. But I tried, Lord, I gave it my best shot for about two years. Until one day I decided if I was ever going to really get rolling and crank out a bestseller and put a pool in my back yard (did not happen), I needed to get down to the nitty gritty of my writerly needs. I made a list. Probably it was for groceries, but it’s been a long time now and I like to think it was me, being productive, trying to be scientific about reaching my potential. Or something.

Here’s how The List of Making Kim Write looks in my made-up memory.

1)      Turn on a fan.

(I figured I slept better with a fan, so maybe I would write better, too. No dice. I slept. Drooled.)

2)      Turn on the T.V. for white noise.

(Ya’ll. You know I watched Guiding Light. I did not write.)

3)      Nurse the baby.

(This was not actually on the list, but I did actually do it. I also wrote one-handed and published my first short story, so there was maybe something to that. However, I refuse to nurse a fourteen-year-old and so this was not sustainable.)

4)      Get a laptop so you can stand in the kitchen.

(This sounds ridiculous but I DO think better and more actual thoughts while standing in the kitchen. I also eat. Or clean. I notice everything is just filthy beyond belief and that I would fail health inspector tests and then, no writing happens. I end up cleaning the disposal, which is not really all that inspiring.)

But the move to the laptop and the first floor were truly the plot points that led to a real turning point in this fabulous, transformative, transcending writer’s journey. Why? Because, a dog.

5)      Write with A DOG.

Here’s what happened. We had a cairn terrier that had been with us since our first year of marriage and he was an old man in a dog suit. He was quiet. He was dependable. He had a routine. And his best dog trick was the ability to be PRESENT. He was always there. He was with us. Near us. Existing as a part of our household in a way that felt like he was an extension of our very selves. And the minute I sat down on the sofa with my laptop and outline and intentions to create, he curled up on the other end.

And stared at me. For the duration.

We did not converse, the dog and I. There was no exchange of anything but air going on in that living room. I didn’t even scratch his ears. I just went to work. Two years later I had bigger kids, a blown-out spring on my end of the sofa, and a completed manuscript. I learned the Ancient Chinese Secret of writing success.

Write with a dog.

When you write with a dog, your stories will flow unceasing. Your best ideas will be genius, your prose lyrical and your humor dry and fine. You will swat away writer’s block as easily as a housefly. Your work will be a resplendent example of craft with solid arcs and plots, compelling themes, fully realized characters and original voice. You’ll be content with your pace. You’ll take risks and break rules and then clean up after yourself with brilliance. And when you strike the final punctuation, you won’t even hesitate before you scroll on over to the next page to whip up your acknowledgments. And here is what you’ll say.

“For the dog who reminded me. I’m not alone.”


About Kimberly Brock:

Kimberly Brock

Kimberly Brock was named Georgia Author of the Year 2013 for her debut novel, Kindle bestseller, The River Witch (Bell Bridge Books/April 2012). A southern mystical tale set against the backdrop of the Appalachian foothills and the Georgia Sea Islands, The River Witch has been chosen by national and international book clubs.

Founder of Tinderbox Writer’s Workshop, Kimberly speaks on creative writing, the power of story to create community, and her favorite topic – getting past fear to live from our Creative Core. Kimberly also consults and speaks on Social Media Strategies for Writers.

A former actor and educator, Kimberly Brock's work has appeared in
magazines and anthologies. Contributor to Northside Woman Magazine. She serves as Blog Network Coordinator for national online book club, She Reads, and works as a certified Pilates instructor. Kimberly spends her non-writing time enjoying her husband and three children, north of Atlanta where she makes her home.

Kimberly's next workshop is this Saturday, September 13, at KSU, Kennesaw, Georgia. Link here for workshop information or call the Georgia Writers Association at 770-420-4736. Space is still available.


 

 

About The River Witch:

 

Available on Amazon or wherever books are sold.

 

 

Broken in body and spirit, she secludes herself in the mystical wilderness of a Georgia island. Can she find herself in the sweetness of old songs, old ways, and the gentle magic of the river people?

"Kimberly Brock has an amazing voice and a huge heart; The River Witch welcomes the reader to a haunted landscape, authentically Southern, where the tragedies of the past and the most fragile, gorgeous kind of love-soaked hope are equally alive. This is one debut that you absolutely should not miss."-Joshilyn Jackson, New York Times Bestselling Author of Gods in Alabama

"Kimberly Brock's The River Witch achieves what splendid writing ought to achieve-story and character that linger in the reader's consciousness. Such is the power of Roslyn Byrne, who retreats to Manny's Island, Georgia, in search of herself, only to discover her great need of others. Tender and intriguing, often dazzling in its prose, this is a mature work of fiction worthy of the celebration of praise."-Terry Kay, internationally known author of the classic novel, To Dance With The White Dog
"There is magic and wonder in The River Witch, but the real enchantment here is the strength of the characters Roslyn and Damascus. Their voices are the current that carries the reader along in this compelling tale of healing and discovery."- Sharyn McCrumb, New York Times Bestselling Author, The Ballad of Tom Dooley
"With lyrical prose, Kimberly Brock explores the hidden places of the heart. The River Witch is a magical and bewitching story that, like a river, winds its way through the soul. In the voices of her wounded characters, Brock takes us through both the breaking and the healing of a life." -Patti Callahan Henry, New York Times Bestselling Author of The Perfect Love Song

 

Links:

 

Author Web     Facebook    Pinterest    Twitter @kimberlydbrock

 

Kimberly Brock Pilates    Contact Kimberly    Author Amazon Page

 

Tinderbox Writers Workshop

 

Author Barbara Techel and Frankie, The Walk 'N Roll Dog That Started A Legacy

   Barbara and her current dog Gidget

Frankie the Walk 'Roll Dog 8/20/99 - 6/21/12  - The Dog That Started It All

 

It’s my love of dogs that started me down a new path in life at the age of 41 over ten years ago. Being a writer or caring for special needs dogs was never a part of my life plan. But oh, how it has helped me become the woman I am today!

The bond between human and animal that can be so deeply intense I yearned to capture all the different facets of it. But little did I know I’d be taken on a journey of personal healing that would help me live more from the true authentic center of who I am.

It began with my favorite flavor in color- chocolate. For many years I yearned for a Labrador retriever. I finally got one as a puppy and named her Cassie Jo. I learned patience, grew deeper in compassion, and began to understand the depths of unconditional love because of her.

Her diagnoses of bone cancer that took her life eight months later, as odd as it might sound, was a gift in disguise for me. As I watched cancer invade her body, it was her spirit that astounded me. It was as if she had no idea that the tumor on the side of her hip would eventually claim her life. Despite what she was going through, she was truly happy. It was that joyful spirit that I wanted, too. She paved the way, and gave me the courage to venture out into the world of writing.

Dogs would continue to reveal the many layers of who I am when my spunky, short, red haired dachshund, named Frankie, became paralyzed in her hind legs due to disc disease. She was custom-fitted for a dog wheelchair and her zest for life was absolutely contagious.

I often sat in awe of this 10-inch tall dog with limp back legs who now enjoyed life to the fullest in a wheelchair that helped her to do all the things she did just like before her paralysis. It was her unabashed attitude of not worrying that others might think it strange she was in a wheelchair, that the next layer of my own insecurity fell away.

This moment etched in my memory forever, watching my petite 14-pound dog roll through the grass, happy to be who she is, despite her wheelchair. All of a sudden, as if a bolt of lightning hit me, I realized all along I had a choice. I could continue to worry what others thought of how I should live my life or I could live from the heart of who I truly wanted to be.

That skin of which for so many years I felt so uncomfortable in was beginning to feel so much more comfortable. Writing about my experience with a dog in a wheelchair, and the many lessons I learned from her, became my passion. The more I wrote, the deeper I healed.

 

Available on Amazon

 

For the next five years Frankie and I visited over 350 schools and libraries in our state of Wisconsin. Through the children’s series I wrote about her, Frankie the Walk ‘N Roll Dog, we taught kids to be positive, make a difference, and keep on rolling no matter what their challenges. Frankie also became a therapy dog and left a loving and joyful affect on the lives of many in need. She logged over 250 visits visiting people in hospice, our local hospital and an assisted living facility. She was also, as far as I know, one of the first dogs to ever Skype sharing her story to over 50 schools right from the comfort of my writing cottage.

When Frankie died at the age of twelve, my world as I knew it fell apart. I thought I had finally found my calling with all the work I did with her. Without Frankie, I questioned what it is I’m supposed to do on the next leg of my journey.

Four months later, Joie (pronounced Joey), a black and tan dachshund, found her way into my heart when I was searching for another disabled dog to love.

 

Joie

 

But it would only be ten short months later when my heart would shatter into a million pieces yet again. Complications and serious health challenges unbeknownst to me when I adopted her, made themselves known in a sudden and unexpected way. The greatest gift I could give her was to let her go.

At my side during the painful grieving process of Frankie and Joie has been my eight year old English Labrador, Kylie. She has been my rock of solace and comfort during very sad days.

It would only be after Joie left this earth that I would realize the gift of what she taught me. Her lesson to me was that it was time for me to be still.  She left so that I could sit in reflection and refill the well of which I knew was empty, but was too frightened to accept. After years of writing for my blog, writing children’s books and nearing the completion of my memoir, I stepped back. I completely stopped everything I had been doing and took a two month sabbatical. I felt this was essential to my soul. I knew had to find my way back to my center again.

Through daily journaling just for me, I was able to peel away even more layers and heal on yet another level. It is where I came to grasp the gift of being a woman who is a work in progress. In this I’ve realized there are more opportunities to grow and evolve. I’ve learned that a big part of my calling is caring for special needs dachshunds and I knew I would do that again someday soon.

November 2013 found me holding a newly adopted dachshund in my arms that I found through a rescue organization on the west coast. Inflicted with the same disc disease, Gidget is what I call my “walk ‘n wobble” dog. Unlike Frankie and Joie, she does not need a wheelchair. Though she may webble and wobble, and fall down at times, it’s a new adventure for me to watch a new kind of perseverance in her determination. I also lovingly refer to her as my Buddha dog.

Gidget

 

There is just something about her that reminds me to practice daily stillness, pay attention to the whispers of my heart, and encourages me to not be afraid of what the next step on my path is. She does this all just by the way in which she seems to be so planted firmly in the spirit of who she is.

 

Tea anyone?

 

It continues to be my love of dogs and especially those like Frankie, Joie and Gidget with special needs, that I continue my writing through my blog at joyfulpaws.com. It is there that I not only write about my love of them, but also write about how I define a meaningful and authentic life— all these lessons of which, I continue to learn through my beloved pets.

Joyful Paws Web

 

It’s also my honor to carry on the legacy and mission that Frankie and I began with a day I founded in her memory, called National Walk ‘N Roll Dog Day. Along with this special day I also founded The Frankie Wheelchair Fund which helps disabled dogs in need. To date, the fund has granted 27 wheelchairs to paralyzed dogs.

National Walk 'N Roll Dog Day Web

 

About Barbara Techel:

 

Barbara Techel is the award-winning author of Through Frankie’s Eyes, an inspirational memoir about her journey to her authentic self. It’s the story of how her paralyzed Dachshund, Frankie, in a wheelchair, helped her overcome many of her fears to live with more joy, integrity and intent. Frankie taught Barbara to let go of what didn’t matter and embrace the whispers of her heart, and stand tall in who she is.

 Available on Amazon and Kindle

 

Other Books by Barbara Techel

 

Buy On Amazon

 

Buy On Amazon

 

Activity Book on Amazon

And For Writers

Amazon

 

Links:  Author Web   National Walk 'N Roll Dog Day    Frankie Wheelchair Fund

Author Amazon Page (links to all books)     FaceBook    Twitter @Joyfulpaws

Google+     Pinterest

 

 

Mavis Duke Hinton Writes Like A Dog

Author Mavis Duke Hinton with her dachshund, Duke

About Dachshunds, and Why I Write from a Dachshund’s Viewpoint:

I've always thought that dachshunds were comical.  I've also closely watched other dogs, and many breeds do have a well-developed sense of play, enjoy interacting with humans, and love dog toys. 

However, none (in my humble estimation) even comes close to having as many comical facial expressions or actions as our beloved doxies do. I've often said that Duke manages to make me laugh at least once a day, and if I ever had my cell phone handy at the right time, I could capture enough comical pictures of him to fill a book.

That brings me to the point about why I have written my books from a dachshund’s viewpoint: Oh, I've been asked that question countless times . . . and I always give the same answer, basically something like this:  "It is a running joke in our family that we just know what a dachshund is thinking by its facial expression and body language.  My late father used to tell us what our dachshunds were thinking, and I believe I have inherited that 'gene' for doing so.  All of this is tongue in cheek, of course—and it makes for many a laugh around our house."

For the uninitiated, dachshunds can display a myriad of facial expressions and body language--and I proclaim that dogs can smile!  When unhappy, Duke's ears practically drag the floor, along with a somber face and sad eyes (and he knows what he is doing).  In regard to food, Duke would join the food on the plate if he could reach it.  He once snatched my piece of toast off my plate—and it was on the kitchen counter, so don't let those short dachshund legs fool you.  Chow hounds extraordinaire, dachshunds have one of the strongest senses of smell in the canine world, according to The American Kennel Club, so food is exceptionally enticing to their noses.  Therefore, I also write about food a lot:  how it smells, its consistency, and how it tastes, all in great detail, as I imagine that our doxies would do if they could write.

My other reasons (besides the “gene” thing) for writing from the dog's viewpoint are:
1) I enjoy imagining how day-to-day happenings must appear to the family dog;
2) I can shift reality to share with readers what dogs supposedly think about life situations;
3) I have a zany sense of humor (my family can attest to that), and can use such humor when incorporating it into the dog’s viewpoint;
4) I love and appreciate dogs as man's best friend--they show us unconditional love!   One of the characters in THE DACHSHUND ESCAPADES series, Papa Duke, so aptly states my feelings about dogs:

 "A dawg loves you no matter what. You can be ugly, old, even dumb--but a dawg don't care. All he wants is your love and some food now and then. I think dawgs represent the unconditional love God has for us--maybe that's why He created them, to show that to us." 

Papa Duke was my late father, who loved dogs tremendously—and they returned the favor.  He was always called “Papa” by his grandchildren, and in my books, he lives on, just like he does in our hearts.

For those of us who love our dogs, my doggie stories give us a glimpse into our dogs’ views on life.   Oh, they’re not Shakespeare, but they read just fine for us dog lovers.  Or so I'm told.  

The Books:  

Available on Amazon and Kindle
 

  I am Sarge (The Dachshund Escapades Book 1)

 Sometimes a dachshund's "lowdown from the ground" perspective is just what human beings need. I was only eight weeks old when I was adopted into my new human family who knew immediately I was a super dog. They proudly gave me the name Sarge-after my Papa Duke, who was a sergeant in the Army. Quite a fitting name for a good-looking dachshund too, I might add. I just know someday I'll do great and mighty things, befitting a super dog. But in the meanwhile, I'll just steal your heart and make you laugh out loud with the antics of this "chow hound." And maybe, if you come over, Papa and I-two food lovers-might just share a snack or two with you, too. Fall in love with Sarge, the quintessential dachshund, and laugh along with his foibles and humorous escapades.

Available on Amazon and Kindle

 I am Dachshund (The Dachshund Escapades Book 2)
 

Sometimes a dog has to put up with a little silliness from humans. People have strange notions and do some of the craziest things, but I don't mind them. I get all the attention I want from Mama, Papa, and my sweet baby sister, Annika, who loves my kisses. But there's one thing lacking...people food. I love people food. After you've had it, dried-up dog food tastes like cardboard. That's why I count on my absolute favorite person in the world, Papa, who calls me his "Granddawg," and his best friend, Sellars. They've been known to slip me the good stuff now and then, when Mama and Grandma aren't looking.Most dogs just lie around, passively accepting what comes their way, watching the world go by. That sounds suspiciously like a cat to me. I want the world to know I AM DACHSHUND - the guardian, the sentinel, the keeper of everything my family holds dear.
 

 

About The Author:
 

 

Mavis with Shadow and Duke

 

 

MAVIS DUKE HINTON (B.A. in English and Secondary Education), taught all grades of high school English and related subjects, including AP British literature, creative writing, speech, and journalism in her twenty-three-year career. Other pursuits have included editor and writer for various publications, including Liberty University and the North Carolina State Budget, office administrator, and police officer. She has taught method workshops at education conferences, Bible classes ranging from first grade to adult women, and spoken to Christian women’s groups. 

Raised in a military family, Mavis has lived in France and Germany, visiting Spain, touring Belgium, Holland, and Luxembourg on camping trips with her family when her father was stationed in Europe. The family had the enjoyable experience of meeting and sharing meals with friendly Europeans along the way.

She has also traveled across the USA and Canada, calling several states home: Ohio, Florida, New Jersey, Virginia, Maryland, Georgia, North Carolina (where she was born)—with Alaska being her favorite of all. Living near Fairbanks and experiencing subzero weather, Northern lights, and snow-capped mountains, she loves cold weather and snow. She has incorporated these character-rich and varied experiences into her writing.

Married for forty-three years, Mavis is the mother of two married daughters and grandmother of three grandchildren.  She and her husband Clark adopted Duke when Shadow and his family moved out of state—thus creating the need for their own doxie to spoil. Duke was eight weeks old when he came home with them, and it took him only about a day to make himself at home in their house as well as in their hearts. (Duke is introduced in the novel I AM DACHSHUND, Book 2.)

Although classified as fiction, I AM SARGE is written from her real “granddog” Shadow’s viewpoint and based on her real-life family and friends. I AM DACHSHUND, the second novel in the trilogy THE DACHSHUND ESCAPADES, details more of Sarge’s family, shenanigans, and stories.  The final two books of the series are completed and currently with her publisher (Oaktara Publishing), awaiting publication:  DACHSHUNDS FOREVER, Book 3, and A DACHSHUND’S TRIBUTE, Book 4.

Mavis and her husband, Clark, a retired science teacher, make their home in the outskirts of Atlanta, Georgia. Her hobbies include traveling, reading, writing, cooking, spending time with family and friends, and laughing. 


Links:  Blog   Author's Web   Author's FaceBook Page   

The Dachshund Escapades Blog   Twitter @writer4dawg  Author's Amazon Page

OakTara Publishers

 

 Duke's Birthday Bash