Who said you can't get anything for free!

Life through the Eyes of a Hurricane: Doggie-Dog!

The 12-Step Program

 Okay, I’m a lost and broken dog. I have a terrible confession: I have a sock fetish, which according to the dictionary means “an obsessive or unhealthy preoccupation or attachment with an object.”

 But there, I said it . . . and often heard that the first step in overcoming an addiction is to admit I have a problem. It is a terrible problem. I can’t get enough socks, which is even more of a problem because they aren’t my socks!

 Well, they eventually become my socks because I chew and tear so many holes in them that no one can wear the foot coverings by time I’m done with them, but that’s beside the point.

 You see, they are my family’s socks. I can’t help it and I am so ashamed of myself. Whenever I see a sock in the laundry basket I have to go grab it, stretch it until I hear that priceless sound:  ripping. AAHHHH, a sound of satisfaction! Tear it, shred it, and grate it; that is when they are at their best!

 Even though Big D has tucked them deep into the toe of the shoe, I like to get into Big Daddy’s running shoes. I stick my nose into the cavernous shoe until I can reach just a teensy-weensy thread and pull it out. Yeah, I know, the smell is pretty unpleasant and you’d think that would deter me, but I guess that indicates how desperate my dilemma is.

 I’ve even been known to chase Little Daddy around the house when he’s taking his shoes off so I can grab a sliver of the cloth and help in pulling it off his foot. If I do that, then at least the taste is in my mouth and there’s a better chance I get to keep it since I put the entire sock in my jawbone and slobber all over it. They don’t like to touch it when it is coated with dribble.

 Then, I dash into my favorite upstairs hiding place: under the bed. I know, I know, I’m a big dog but I can still fit under the bed and no one comes in after me. The beauty of that is they know I have the upper hand, so they go to the cabinet in the bathroom to get a biscuit to entice me to come out. When I hear that box, I immediately go to my bed, the heck with the sock!―a quest for a later time and date. Besides, I have the best of both worlds: a biscuit AND the sock!

 Yes, it is true. I go to great lengths to feed my addiction. I follow Nee Nee up the stairs biting at her heals until she gives them up, or until I trip her. Sorry, Nee Nee! Or, I stand on my hind legs at the washer and dryer searching for strays, and park myself politely at the dryer while clothes are being folded to quickly grab one that may fall on the floor. I’m getting pretty good at Snatch-and-Go’s.

Now, if you want to know how the story finishes, go to Amazon.com to download the book Life through the Eyes of a Hurricane: Doggie-Dog! This e-book will be free for this week ONLY! (SAle ends Saturday, July 7.
So tell your friends, tell your neighbors and tell your relatives that there is something free in life.
Fellow bloggers; post the information on your blog if you want to help me promote my book~

Facts of Five...

...and Weekly Re-cap~

If you are a new follower let me give details of Facts of Five. It was a model I used when I taught students with special needs in a self-contained classroom. I presented a category such as ‘Five Cartoons’ or ‘Five flavors of Kool-aid’ and the students had to consider an idea that fit the group. It was fun and thought generating yet in the meantime, I was able to get to know what was important to my students.

So our category for today five events to recap my week…

talking with Kindergarten and First grade....

1.)      On Monday, I had the delightful opportunity to spend the day at Chesterbrook Academy as a visiting author. The children and staff were warm and receptive as I read stories from my book- Life through the Eyes of a Hurricane” Doggie-Dog!, talked with groups of children on the writing process and shared my publishing experience. Thank you Carol Risucci for the invitation for an occasion to share and make new friends.

The Kindergarten children were inspired to write their own books which were Awesome!

2.)      My book became an E-reader on Amazon.com. Gosh, seriously, this entire experience has been tremendous. Thank you all for sharing in this! 

3.)      Nicholas participated in his final band concert as a 7^th grader…Where does time go? I recall the first day he came home to practice the clarinet and with that first squeak, well, the second and third too, I wondered if he’d ever master the instrument. Well, much to my amazement and enjoyment, I relish hearing him make sweet music.

Nicholas, music teacher: Ms. Gorham, and Emily, a friend of Nicholas'

4.)      It’s official! I received my letter of transfer to my new school, Holly Springs Elementary School. This confirms my new position as a Cross-Categorical Kindergarten teacher; God is good!

5.)      Although the first week of track out has been tremendously rainy, the wet weather has prompted us to hibernate indoors with good books, writing, planning, family activities and much needed quiet times together. Life is good!

Angel-Kitty helping me scrapbook~

“Time enjoyed wasting is not wasted time!”

Never say Never....

Technology is amazing! Although truth be told, I’m not yet certain how I feel about it, nonetheless, innovative gadgets are here to stay I presume.

I remember being exasperated with my mom for her inability to work her VHS player or the remote control that accompanied her new-fangled television. I recall the thought that reverberated in my head; how can she not stay up with the times? Why is that so difficult?

Fast forward to today where I sheepishly admit to being my mother’s daughter. I request the services of my thirteen year old to salvage the frequent damage I do to the T.V.’s as a result of my, well let’s say, lack of inherent skills in the know-how of operating a remote control. I DO know how to turn the box on and off with the POWER button; that’s good, right?

I can hear you now, why are you telling us this? Well, because I’m partaking in a movement where I will, let’s say, ‘eat my words.’ I declared I wouldn’t put my published book on an e-reader since I acclaim a personal thrill out of holding a manuscript in my hand and flipping through the pages.

AGHAST! I must tell you that on Wed, May 16 my book, Life through the Eyes of a Hurricane: Doggie-Dog! will be released on Amazon Kindle for the price of $9.99. So spread the news and enjoy the endearing and energetic Hurricane on your Kindle.

Don’t mind me, I’ll just be here consuming these parched phrases- and in the meantime a final word of warning, NEVER say NEVER!

Uncharted Waters....

I wonder how many of you, like me get wrapped up in self-inflicted expectations and beliefs of what you are supposed to be in your life.

So often, we pigeon hole ourselves based upon our roles in life and because we discover comfort and satisfaction there, we typically don’t venture far-off course-at least those of us who have a tendency to ‘play it safe.’ Yet again, I’m speaking for myself.

I was relatively gratified and fulfilled in my starring portrayal of wife, mother, teacher, and daughter and actually never questioned what that would entail. I played the part and life was status quo; sufficient, true?

Well, yes….but- There’s always a ‘but’, isn’t there? What I failed to notice is that while I was busy playing those characters, I was suppressing opportunities and desires deep within my soul. I had silenced my dreams and hushed the visualizations of potentials.

I consciously or inadvertently quieted that voice within to be a writer or even act upon those desires by playing it safe. I overheard my inner voice announce ‘later’.  Well, Geez Louise, I’m fifty two years old-these passing days are now the LATER I had alluded to!

Cripes, I hate when that happens, but so I heard! The revelation and admission took hold and the journey of publishing my book, Life through the Eyes of a Hurricane: Doggie-Dog! came to fruition.  And through this excursion, life has truthfully delivered experiences and guises I never believed imaginable by way of book signings, being a Celebrity Reader in schools, and a guest at a local upcoming event, Authors in our Own Backyard. Incredible!

However, Friday I experienced yet another surreal moment this new undertaking of being an author has provided me; to TV. Really? ME? Small town country girl? (More of those so-called roles…) After you watch, I was so composed until, well, the last line; of course, and isn’t that what people remember? Click HERE to pull up the video from News 14. Thanks to Marti Skold-what a gracious and lovely host!

“Life is uncharted territory. It reveals its story one moment at a time.”

By Leo F. Buscaglia

He Said...She Said~

You know, since the publication of my book, Life through the Eyes of a Hurricane: Doggie-Dog!  Nee Nee hasn’t even asked me to write on her blog. My feelings are so hurt and I’ve felt so dejected so I’ve been pouting.  I realize it’s been a long time, perhaps a couple months? I hope you didn’t forget about me.

Anyway, after the time that has passed, you can imagine my dismay, my horror to get on here and read that Angel-Kitty, my very own sister has thrown me under the bus.  She has made ME out to be the villain -the wicked guy in this family!

Do you believe all the fibs she has told about me?  I am appalled! I am shocked!

Just look at this photo and you will see how warm and wonderful I am to my little sis…I share my bed with her, I keep her safe by setting off the alarm system, and I provide her with daily exercise by chasing her around the house.

SHHHhhhh, don’t tell her I told you this but she is getting a little pudgy around the middle. In fact, the humans put her food bowl on top of the washer when its super-duper supper time just so I won’t consume her meal; even though I just want a little nibble…anyway, she hurdles with difficulty and has to be hoisted like a rickety car onto a tow truck just to eat…HEE, HEE! …but I’ll deny it if you tell her I said that!

And she has the audacity to say the things she does about me? She utters I shut her in the closet? Did she happen to convey to you that when MY sister accidently on-purpose got closed in the wardrobe box that I positioned myself outside the door to keep her company? I did not once leave the room! Well, that was until Big Daddy arrived home! Then I raced to the door to communicate to him to release her. Was it my fault he wanted to take me for my walk around the ‘hood and I forgot to pass on the news?

Geez Louise…last time I try to be a good brother to her! Next time she’s cold see if I huddle up with her to keep her warm.  And when she bites my ear to get me to play with her, instead of being tolerant, I’ll just lean over and bite her tail! That’ll teach her…she’d look funny with a miniature stub of a tail.

Sisters….anyone want one?

Hey, it's Me, Angel-Kitty!

Far be it for me to be crabby and ill-tempered, but I thought it necessary to point out some upsetting occurrences in this house in which I live. NOT that I’m complaining or anything since the folks and the kid are real nice to me but I must say, “THAT DOG!”

But really, who does he think he is anyway? You’d think he wrote this great book that was published about him or something. I get treated like a second class citizen among these walls in which I exist.

For instance, when it’s nap time, I scamper to Big D and Nee Nee’s bed. I turn ‘round and ‘round in a circle to find the perfect place, plop down on the blanket and pull the covers up close around me. I tuck my nose inside my front paws to count mice before I drift off to sleep and THUMP!

CRIPES… Hurricane, do you have to be such a lug? I mean, Geez Louise, there is an entire bed in which to sprawl your enormous body out and you lay right on top of me? UGH!!!!

Something else- I like to disappear into my favorite hiding place which is in the bathroom on top of the towels on the shelf, but shhhh, don’t tell anyone! Saturday I am minding my own business taking a snooze when Hurricane trounces into the room and lured into the tub. Big Baby…doesn’t even like a bath.

So he whimpers and cries and BOO-HOO’s then gazes at me with those sad puppy dog eyes and out of the blue. He shakes…and SHUDDERS! And all this spray goes airborne covering me with mist. I may as well have taken a bath myself~

Oh, and another thing since Hurricane’s such an ogre! You will never believe this….he hogs the sunbeams. Yep, right there when the front door is open and the warm rays are shining upon the floorboards Hurricane collapses and steals all the heat. Can you believe that? How dare he be so wicked!

I will just have to reprimand him by cuddling and curling up next to him---the ol’ tyrant! …brothers, anyone want one?

Ahh, I think I asked that question already and there were no takers; CRAP! I guess I'll have to keep him!

Hey! It's me, Angel-Kitty!

Man, I believed I’d never escape that closet.  I was engulfed with darkness so long I feared I might be going blind…scared the beejeebies out of me…did you think I was still in there since it took me so long to reveal the end of my tale?  (see below if you missed the first part of my story...)

Well, this is what came to pass and I’m kind of embarrassed to expose myself. I bellowed for Hurricane to release me and he had the audacity to park himself outside that door with his nose snug to the crack like a hot dog in a bun then proceeded to sigh…I knew he was taunting me and quite euphoric I was wedged in that clandestine space-just gave HIM more room to sprawl out on the bed for his midafternoon siesta.   

And there he parked himself- TICK-TOCK! …TICK-TOCK! …TICK-TOCK!

He situated himself safely outside as hundreds of beady eyes of Little D’s stuffed friends stared and gawked at my worries through the blackness. I was taunted and tormented... AND STUCK!

‘WHA-OMP!’   “SCREEE-TCH!’ 

…ahhh, what’s that? Hurricane? Did you hear that? Don’t leave me brother…

…to that he just exhaled heavier leaving me to hover and scrunch into the nearest corner-

TH-WACK!  THUD!  Ahhhh-go away, go away I pleaded to the noises!

My hackles rose and whiskers erected to heights that cat-apulted me into the swirling abyss engulfing me into a deep catnap. (CAT-do you get it? Me a cat? -never mind…)

Hurricane jostled me awake by the myriad of ruckus he was creating outside the chambers.  In reality, his bark was as unbearable as cymbals crashing in the beginning band. I’m mortified to concede that it scared the pee right out of me.  I WAS in that closet a long time, you know…

But as you figured, I am free relatively unscathed—only rosy cheeks of humiliation compounded by teasing and tormenting of one brother who refused to be of any assistance AT ALL!

…BROTHERS! I’d be glad to surrender mine! Anyone want one?

Hey, it's me- Angel-Kitty!

...still a bit dazed, but intact!

Okay, my Nee Nee told me of the remarks made on my previous story about Hurricane setting off the alarm. If you missed it, here is a link to my last tale.

Anyway, now that the holidays are complete I can finally get back on here and respond and I must say, by the thoughts shared, it seems no one believed me? OR they thought I was being too hard on poor ol’ Hurricane!

Hah, last time I trust you guys to protect me!

At any rate, perhaps this narrative will convince you of my innocence.

It began like any other day; same scenario: humans getting ironed clothes on, lunches in boxes, morning meal eaten ready to head out the door and poor despicable Hurricane gives them those sad puppy dog eyes-you know the ones. Oh my gosh, I am being left all alone in this house with no one to dote on me, booo-hooo.

GeezLouise, who does he think I am? Chopped dog food?

I saunter past the ‘pathetic storm’ and whip my tail in his face…nothing!

I make another attempt. This time when I stroll by I accidently-on-purpose step on his nose… ‘Oh I am so sorry brother! I truly didn’t mean that. Did I hurt you? …truly, I’m really sorry!’~

Zero…nil…nilch~ Heavens to Betsy ‘whirlwind’, ‘Snap out of it’!

WHALLOP! I clobber him on the snout with my paw to get a response and react he did!

…the pursuit begins…OVER, UNDER, IN, OUT, BELOW, ABOVE! Hah, this is so much fun!

That is until I scurry into Little D’s closet to hide and SLAM! ….the door fastens behind me….STUCK!!…'Hey there Hurricane, could you open the door for me brother?’

‘uhhh, did I tell you that you are my favorite brother?  ...yep, love you man...’

Silence….'Hurricane? you out there?'

Tiffin Times...

“Forgiveness does not change the past, but it does enlarge the future.”

By Paul Boese

As I made the drive from Columbus to Tiffin for the next stop on my book signing for Life through the Eyes of a Hurricane: Doggie-Dog! my insides twirled and twisted with anticipation and apprehension.

Tiffin, Ohio is my place of origin, my growing up location- the space where I learned to walk and talk as well as ride a bike and drive a car. I was cultured to maneuver the back roads shared by tractors and combines and sought comfort in the fragrance of cow manure and the harvest of corn or soy beans. I knew the calm and reassurance of attending a one building school, Hopewell-Loudon therefore I graduated with most folks I shared Kindergarten memories.

On the other hand, it was also the scene of torment and distress throughout childhood and where as an adult I envisioned the face of my abuser/s ‘round every corner. Anxiety and uneasiness were part of every encounter as hyper-vigilance served as armor.

I’ve acknowledged shrill and valiantly; however that forgiveness is a powerful gesture. As a result of those actions toward once despised individuals, I embarked upon this event with affection, acceptance and approval preparing the homecoming proper for a queen.

Paper and Ink was host to the book signing equipped with a reporter from the local newspaper, the Advertiser Tribune. Being surrounded by family, childhood and college friends I possessed a protective covering although unnecessary as I have learned to embrace my past with the awareness it has made me the human being I am today. So I applaud all those people; good, bad or indifferent and extend a hand of thanks since my life is filled with magnificence and joy.

“What you need to know about the past is that no matter what has happened, it has all worked together to bring you to this very moment. And this is the moment you can choose to make everything new. Right now!”

By Anonymous

A Look Back...

November 30, 2011

...IEP meetings, eligibility accounts, progress reports and day to day teaching has extracted me from my Cloud Nine status I enveloped myself in from my trip to Ohio. However short lived, I certainly captured great pleasure from the experience as well as the people despite its inevitable conclusion.  

Truth be told, when stillness surrounds me, I delight in the memories as a child cherishes Christmas Day-it was truly magical.

Allow me to take you on this enchanting excursion through my book signing in Hilliard, Ohio at New Grounds Coffee Shop…

"Memory is a way of holding on to the things you love,

the things you are, the things you never want to lose."

...stay tuned for the book signing in Tiffin, Ohio...



Got Books?

Hi folks,



Remember me? Hurricane? Yeah, I’m the cute golden retriever who is…well, cute! But I’m also charming and endearing and sweet—wouldn’t you agree?


Anyway, I’m writing to you because you expressed an interest in my book so I wanted to ask a favor. It may not be easy for Nee Nee to ask for help but truly I have no qualms about leaning all 75 lbs. of me against someone OR stepping on their feet to get attention. I also don’t hesitate to thrust my nuzzle under a hand, ANY hand so somebody will pat me.


Therefore, I have no hesitancy to ask you to buy my book. You know, I have only 20 copies yet to be ordered before my book goes to print. Isn’t that amazing? Just think, YOU could be just the purchase that puts me over the edge! But totally in a good way :)  I’m so excited I could just piddle on every fire hydrant.

Please help me out! Nee Nee said when the pre-sales reach 100; I could get a special bone, new doggy treats or perhaps a new toy. WOW! I’d love a new toy! or perhaps more ice cream?


So click on the website address: http://sbpra.com/tracyspaine/


When you are there you will see my beautiful picture; aren’t I handsome? I wrote a poem for you-want to hear it?

Order your book, or maybe two?

One for a gift and one for you!

Perhaps a grad or maybe Dad-

You’ll get a hug from Nee Nee, and a slurpy licky-lickie from ME!

Hee! Hee!!!

Thank you so much for helping me out.


Love,


Hurricane


P.S. Nee Nee apologizes for the high shipping and handling. She is one mad Mama over that but please don’t take it out on my Nee Nee! It wasn’t her fault! Actually they told her it was necessary to ship UPS Ground through the printing facility, otherwise there would be no tracking or insurance and, in the event there is a lost shipment, it can’t be traced or replaced. Okay, so now it makes sense.

Grateful on this day...

…sixty seven…60 + 7…30 + 30 + 7 = yes, 67!!!

In my thrust to accomplish 100 pre-sales for my book-Life through the Eyes of a Hurricane: Doggie-Dog! I’m realizing the risk I’ve taken by putting myself ‘out there’ regardless of the immense fear of facing rejection are proving to be successful.

Can you believe it? Thirty- three away from my manuscript going into publication; being in print~ a published author, a writer! If you were one who has already purchased a book, I thank you from the deepest crevice of my heart. I truly do: Thank you-I am truly grateful!

So in the final move forward, I ask kindly: if you were one of the individuals that stated, ‘Yes! I will be purchasing a book!’ OR 'I need to do that, just haven't done it yet!' Please do it now. I am 1/3 of the way in reaching that destination of 100…by this time next week, I could possess the dubious honor to have that ‘Goal Reached!’ stamped beside my name on the print-out I receive from my publisher.

Then I’d do cartwheels down the street! …and you think I’m kidding!

“The more intensely we feel about an idea or a goal, the more assuredly the idea, buried deep in our subconscious, will direct us along the path to its fulfillment.”

By Earl Nightengale

Hey, it's me, Angel-Kitty again...

Awww, Hurricane’s in Trouble…

Let me enlighten you with the actions yesterday at our house somewhere between 4:00 and 5:00am; how was I to discern it was a weekend? As a rule, since I AM the little sister, I don’t know these finer points in life quite yet because I’m still so young, you know? (That’s my excuse and I’m sticking to it!)

But Hurricane told me to pounce on the bed and sink my teeth into Daddy’s toes- therefore like all obedient little sisters; I do as I’m told. I did! And Daddy hollered at me to go away, ‘It’s the weekend!’

So sheepishly, I park myself on the windowsill and gaze at my birdie-friends. I observe as Dad sits up and rubs his eyes, and all of a sudden I hear this, ‘What the H-E- double hockey sticks!’ I can’t say those words or else I’ll get scolded so I hope I spelled that naughty word correctly.

Nee Nee wakes up of course and I need to investigate what Daddy is referring to and you’ll never believe what I spotted?

OH MY GOSH!!! Hurricane has patches of blue fur on his belly, on his paws, on his head…I giggle ‘cuz he looks silly! He has insignias of sapphire on the quilt, on the bathroom tile….

Then Daddy spots more, well spots…he follows the blue crumbs so to speak underneath the bed which is Hurricane’s hiding spot when he realizes he’s in trouble and sure enough, Daddy discovers the culprit—YEP, OH BOY! OH BOY! …a blue fountain ink pen! And it wasn’t in one piece!

Yes indeed! Hurricane had crushed that writing utensil to smithereens and ink blemishes covet the floor covering. So of course, Hurricane lunges below the surface to hide and becomes yet more immersed in fluid prior to sneaking out which dabs more territory of the room painting a canvas of cobalt.

AWWWW, can’t help but feel sorry for the guy…the tirade of attempting to unsoil the carpet, the bed, Hurricane took quite awhile with a great deal of mumbling underneath Daddy and NeeNee’s breath. Some of the words I didn’t understand but then you know what?

Hurricane is giving Daddy lickey-lickie’s on his face tattling it was MY fault because I hopped up on the night stand and lobbed it to the floor. Can you believe that? …ratted out by my own brother!

I AM SO MAD!! The nerve of him and to believe I felt sorry for him. At the moment I’m in hot water…

Daddy said Hurricane had a grand departing gift; azure smudges on his fur. Well, where’s my parting gift?!

Never mind…I think I’ll just hide up here to hide until the situation blows over.

Anyone want a new kitty? I'm really not any trouble~

Hey, It's me, Angel-Kitty!

Did you think I’d ever get back on this contraption? GeezLouise, I do declare! My brother Hurricane’s writing his memoirs and selling his book! Hurricane-this and Hurricane-that! I now see that being the baby of the family is truly going to impact my self-esteem and I have a gripe. Well, maybe not one, but two or maybe more: I'll keep you posted!


Hurricane walks through the neighborhood and people say things like ‘Oh Hurricane, you are such a handsome boy!’ and ‘Hurricane, you can always come home with us!’ Blah, blah, blah…

Well, take him home with you PLEASE so I can get some peace from all this mumble-jumble about Hurricane. Having an older brother who is quite the STUD is damaging to my self-worth. I have to fight for every morsel of attention and every toy I own; which really, I don’t have a lot.

Did I tell you about my security string? Well, I have these special strings that I just adore. I clutch them in my mouth very daintily, I might add- through the house and WHA-LAH, instant entertainment! Nee Nee and Daddy informed me that there is one in every room of the house and that should be good enough. But hey, Hurricane has an entire basket of toys which are strewn between each room. So why are MY strings such a problem?

I’ll tell you why…that dog steals my strings and does anybody care? NOoooo!

Nee Nee even put my next favorite toy; a wadded up piece of paper (yeah, I know-I have such expensive tastes in play things!) on the end of one of my strings and hurls it across the hardwood floors. I run after it and skate across the room on my bottom; what fun! I proceed to transport it back to her and the process begins again.

UNTIL Hurricane wants to join in and then he captures my string in his mouth and slobbers all over my paper and runs under the bed hiding: CHICKEN!

‘Dang-it Hurricane! Do you have to ruin everything?’

Brothers…I have one for sale if you want one! Perhaps I’ll give him to you for a string~

"X" is for X-tra...

Happy May everyone, it’s me Hurricane!

I’m certainly glad that A to Z Challenge is over because before that started, this use to be my spot! I’d get on this contraption with the crazy buttons to divulge my stories and adventures of this life and well, since Nee Nee began that letter-thingy I’ve had plenty of missed tales.

Shhhh…Saturday while she was at school; yes, she had Saturday school because of the tornado, and I sneaked on here. I read an e-mail from my Maw Maw who wrote to tell Nee Nee she failed to remember the letter ‘X’!

Ahhh, well I’ll be…Nee Nee doesn’t know her ABC’s—who would have known?! I certainly didn’t want my mom to be embarrassed so I created a post for the letter ‘X’- Hee Hee, don’t tell her!

I’ve been really sad lately; ever since a humungous wind ripped through our town and knocked down trees, power lines and wrecked people’s homes-some of my furry friends even lost their mommy or daddy. My family has also been watching the news that tells of storms just as horrible in Alabama or Mississippi and you know what? The talking head man showed a picture of a little kitty who was found after the whirlwind and no one knows who he belongs to.

Really? Awww, I have a sister named Angel-Kitty and even though she’s a pain in my babushka from time to time I wouldn’t want her to get blown away in the tornado. Hearing this bit of information that countless pets are lost and some found made me distressed. Those that were captured need food, shelter and some need medicine.

Since I have ‘X’-tra with the love of my family, I came up with this idea of how to share. You know I wrote a book, don’t you? It’s called Life through the Eyes of a Hurricane: Doggie-Dog. Okay, Nee Nee helped me a tad, but still it’s about my experiences.

So for the entire month of May for all of you who want to help and make a difference for the lost and found animals as a result of the tornado, my Nee Nee will donate $2.00 to C.A.R.A. for each book purchased. This is the organization that took care of my sister, Angel-Kitty before we adopted her. They are now taking in homeless animals so the money will be given to help pay for food, shelter, kitty litter, blankets, toys and that yucky medicine for my little pals who have gone astray.

Numerous people want to help; many don’t know how but this is one way you can. Plus, you will have my terrific book to read. I think that suits one and all, don’t you? I’m glad we are partnering up with C.A.R.A. because I know angels are keeping an eye on my little furry friends.

To purchase my book, go here to the link. http://sbpra.com/tracyspaine/ Once 100 books are purchased, the book will go into print. I’m excited and can’t wait to see my beautiful picture on the cover. Nee Nee will get a print out of all the sales then a check will be sent to C.A.R.A when May concludes.

Furthermore, I am sending you many wet lickey-lickies in your ear to thank you because any X-tra will help!

 Please send this link to all your bloggy friends and for each blog that places this link on their sidebar for one week in May, your name will be entered in a Give-Away of a completed 6 x 6 scrapbook that will feature your little darling/s, your travels, or your furry friend. Once a winner is drawn at the end of the month, you will send her your photos along with likes, treasured moments and special things you would like included. You know how much she loves to scrapbook. Won’t it be lovely to have the treasure and not have to do the work? If you would like to see examples of her pages, go here or here!

If you have no blog and want to participate in the Give-Away just purchase a book or refer a friend who purchases a book and your name will be entered into the drawing.

"L" is for Life...

A to Z Challenge:

ABC's of My Life~

Life is loaded with labor...Letter 'L' is on Leave!

So enjoy a re-post of a portion of a story from

Life through the Eyes of a Hurricane: Doggie-Dog!

The 12 Step Program~

Okay, I’m a lost and broken dog. I have a terrible confession: I have a sock fetish which according to the dictionary means an obsessive or unhealthy preoccupation or attachment with an object.

But there, I said it and often heard that the first step in overcoming an addiction is admit I have a problem. It is a terrible problem. I can’t get enough socks which is even more of a problem because they aren’t my socks!

Well, they eventually become my socks because I chew and tear so many holes in them that no one can wear the foot coverings by time I’m done with them, but that’s beside the point.

You see, they are my family’s socks. I can’t help it and I am so ashamed of myself. Whenever I see a sock in the laundry basket I have to go grab it, stretch it until I hear that priceless sound ripping; AAHHHH, a sound of satisfaction! Tear it, shred it, and grate it; that is when they are at their best!

Even though Big D has tucked them deep into the toe of the shoe, I like to get into Big Daddy’s running shoes. I stick my nose into the cavernous shoe until I can reach just a teensy-weensy thread and pull it out. Yeah, I know, the smell is pretty unpleasant and you’d think that would deter me, but I guess that indicates how desperate my dilemma is.

To puchase my book, go to:
http://sbpra.com/tracyspaine/

"J" is for Joy?

A to Z Challenge...

ABC's of My Life~

Jumping for joy…and dancing the jig!

Do you believe I still lie awake at night dreaming of book signings and devising ways to let the world recognize my book is being published? My mom inquired the other day if I’ve come down off my cloud or if I’m still jovial; no, I don’t suppose I have and yes, I am!

On the flip side of the exhilaration, I have to give justice to my fears and apprehension. What if no one likes my book? What if no one wants to buy it? And worse yet, is the rejection of my book a rejection of me?

It is at this junction that these judgments joust for space in my head. However, in the intervening moments, I’ll persist to focus on the joy of the moment.

"The excursion is the same when you go looking for your sorrow

as when you go looking for your joy.”

by Eudora Welty

Life through the Eyes of a Hurricane: Doggie-Dog!

by Tracy Spaine

http://sbpra.com/tracyspaine/

"H" is for Hurricane...

A to Z Challenge..

ABC's of My Life~

....was there any doubt in your mind it would be?


Below is a portion of one of the stories titled, Hurricanes in my book about our loveable, endearing golden retriever: Life through the Eyes of a Hurricane: Doggie Dog!

Click here to go the website to purchase your copy!

Life through the Eyes of a Hurricane: Doggie-Dog!

and Hurricanes... 

I know, I know . . . I haven’t been on the computer for well, in like forever, because it has taken me quite awhile to recover from our vacation to Emerald Isle and I’ll tell you why. The beach was exquisite with all the opportunities to play chase the birds and lope with Little Daddy, search for crabbies in the sand, all my walks, and games of tag with the waves and WOW, what gigantic waves they were!

There was something about this expedition to the big blue bathtub I don’t understand though. When we got to the ocean someone called “Hurricane Danielle” had been there so these scarlet flags hung on poles, blowing in the brisk breeze. Big Daddy said the streamers were there to tell us not to swim in the ocean. Well, what fun is that?

Besides, no one told me I could have met and played with Danielle, someone who shares MY name! If I had been there a couple days early, I could have joined in the fun with her. I bet she was pretty just like her name, but evidently I missed meeting her, DARN!

Anyway, I was amused from sun up ’till sundown. I took daybreak strolls on the beach with Big Daddy because he wakes up really early. I wonder if it has anything with me giving him licky-lickies on the face when just a hint of light peeks in the window? UMMMMM, anyway, he gets out of bed mumbling something about “Devil-Dog” . . . there he goes using that word again when I know my name is Hurricane.. . .

. . .But just when I was having so much fun with the waves and the birds and all the strolls, on Thursday my family started to put all our things in bags and boxes and place them all in our van.

“What was going on? We can’t leave yet because I’m still having fun!”

Little Daddy said, “Hurricane Earl is coming.” Well, I know I didn’t invite Hurricane Earl so why is he coming? I just don’t understand all this use of my name. And if we didn’t invite Earl, why does he have to be so mean and make us leave?

****

I won't give the ending away but if you'd like to read another tid-bit about Hurricane, go to my friend's blog who shared her experience with our beloved pup. Who knew he'd be a bra stealer?  Her blog is entitled Quitting my Day Job...

Happy 'H' weekend~

"E" for ????

A to Z Challenge...

ABC's of My Life~

Well, I measured a variety of thoughts for ‘E’ and might have traveled an assortment of directions for this letter such as ‘E’ for Eeyore, my favorite Disney character. How about ‘E’ for Easter-my favorite holiday? Oh, I know, ‘E’ for Elementary…yeah, I do teach in an elementary school…hum, decisions, decisions!


However, a happening even more enlivening in my world has occurred. Imagine my enthusiasm as I opened e-mail at first light to see an entry stating my web page was not only ready for view but ready for people to purchase my book!

EEEeeekk! You are joking, right? I mean, really? Is it true?

Oh my goodness, it IS true!….the website for my book is up and running! It is truly MY words, MY book and MY name… and MY doggie-dog!

So all other ‘E’ words out-of-the-way…I’ll settle for Ecstatic, Elated, Euphoric, Exhilarated and plain ol’ Excited!

To view my site, please click on the link for Life Through the Eyes of a Hurricane: Doggie-Dog!

"B" is for book, buy, blogs, boys and BGSU...

*book and buy: I received an e-mail late last night to preview the website that allows the selling of my book: Life through the Eyes of Hurricane: Doggie-Dog! Isn’t that wonderful news? It actually brought tears to my eyes knowing that this dream is coming to fruition…stay tuned!

* blogs: starting my blog was one of the most incredible things I have done. I have met a number of awesome people and shared in countless experiences I might not have been privy to; life on a prairie in Nebraska, the Iditarod in Alaska, life in the Pacific Northwest as well as Ethiopia and India. Thank you to all of you for including me in your life!

*boys: my husband, Scott, son Nicholas and dog Hurricane. My boys take such good care of me in their loving and nurturing of me. When I had the lump removed from my tongue on Monday, Nicholas gave me a foot and leg rub, covered me with a blanket and lay beside me as he gently stroked my face. Scott continually amazes me with his tenderness and protectiveness in addition to his willingness to cook, clean, grocery shop so I can cultivate my writing. Hurricane, well he keeps me entertained always with his antics.

*BGSU-which stands for Bowling Green State University; where I graduated with my undergraduate degree in teaching special education. I’m proud of my alma mater. Go Falcons!


Happy ‘B’ Day and ‘C’ you on Monday; Sunday is an obligatory ‘off’ day!