Critter Alley

Critter Alley

Wednesday, December 14, 2011

Strange and Unusual Sighting

There have been strange and unusual sightings at our house this week. Indy and Bogey are amazed.

"Huh?"






























"You mean this thing is for something other than a place to toss junk?"

Indy couldn't resist showing his surprise, and giving me the raspberries to boot.
















Yes, yours truly is back on the treadmill, and I don't mean that figuratively, although my "figure" is why I'm back on the treadmill. Christmas cookies, appetizers, and treats have taken their toll. It's time to get up and get moving, so I won't need to ask for Christmas clothes in a larger size, please. I'm feeling good about walking for the past three evenings, but how long will it last? My goal is every day. The reality will be...well, time will tell, but for now, I'm energized and motivated.

Part of my new found energy relates to getting some good writing news. My contract for a story scheduled to appear in "Chicken Soup for the Soul: Messages from Heaven", has turned into approval of edits. The book's release date is February, 2012, so unless I get a last-minute letdown (always a possibility), looks like I'm in!

News also arrived that the ByLines 2012 writer's calendar will include one of my stories. I can't wait to see the calendar in its final form. They haven't given me a date certain for publication, but hopefully all will go through as promised.

And, yippity-do-da! This week I received a contract for another Chicken Soup story to appear in "I Can't Believe My Cat Did That!" Of course, I won't know for sure until July or August whether it will make the final cut since publication won't be until September, 2012. (Note to anyone who, like me, also submitted a story for "I Can't Believe My Dog Did That"...the dog stories are still being read. Notification should go out around the first of the year, per the CS editor) My cat story was inspired by Bogey. As all of you know, he certainly gives me plenty to write about!

As I sign off and head for the treadmill, let me leave you with this panic-inducing thought...only 11 more days until Christmas!

20 comments:

Frankie Furter and Ernie said...

It ALWAYS THRILLS my mom when she hears about somebuddy getting PUBLISHED. She would want me (Frankie Furter) to say:
CONGRATULATIONS !!!

Christmas came Early fur you!!!!

Wyatt said...

We have one of those tread mill thingys..note to self, dust off and plug in!
Congrats on your stories getting published!

Wyatt and Stanzie

BECKY said...

Wow, Pat! You have LOTS to be happy about, and celebrate! Congrats on everything, including walking on your treadmill. I'm with you on the "eating too much junk" lately. Thank goodness Vern loves to go on walks. He's my reason for walking every day...unless it's pouring outside!

BECKY said...

P.S. Funny post about your critters being surprised at a new use for your treadmill! :)

Unknown said...

Rock on! And we know you can do it (even if the critters are uncertain).
Kisses
Nellie

Two French Bulldogs said...

careful, they will put you on it
Benny & Lily

Sketching with Dogs said...

We should get some kind of free pass in regard to weight gain at Christmas, I have started worrying too.
Many congrats on all your publications, I am thrilled for you!
Hugs, Lynne x

Linda O'Connell said...

Yay, Pat! Good news came in triplicate for you. I am so happy for you. Another CS book we'll be in.

Ryker said...

Congratulations Pat! Not only are you not waiting for the new year to action but your getting published to boot! 2012 is going to be a great year!

Donna said...

O hai! U are nice. I follows ur blog now. Woof. :)

Congrajumashuns on ur published things!!

Pip said...

Thank you fur stopping by to bisit us! We wishes you luck with your treadmill!
Love, TK

bichonpawz said...

Congratulations on being published!!! I have now added you to myblogroll! Thanks for stopping by!!

Rubie and Poots (her Mum) said...

Hi there -thanks for stopping by and readin' my bloggie!! I love making new furiends, especially schnauzery ones!! Mum and I look forward to readin' all about you!!

Tail Wuggles, Rubie

FANCY the Red Standard Poodle said...

Hi Y'all,

My Human ate peppermint ice cream tonight. I'm tryin' to get her out and runnin' again but the Humans have been gone from dawn to dusk.

Don't want that treadmill thingy 'cause then she won't be runnin' with me. So, please don't tell her about it!

Y'all come by now,
Hawk aka BrownDog

Cattis said...

Wow you got one too and looks are just like Stellas.
I knew your writing is just excellent. Congratulations!!

Lisa Ricard Claro said...

Woo-hoo! You got a couple of nice early Christmas gifts with your upcoming pubs. Congratulations!

Love the pic of Indy sticking his tongue out. That's what I do when I'm getting ready to climb on my treadmill, too. LOL

Sherry said...

Congratulations on your stories. That's exciting news!

Lynn said...

Congratulations on your publications! YAY for you! And good for you getting on the treadmill--something I need to do too! After all that caramel corn stuff...

Tammy said...

Wow, you are on a treadmill AND a roll! Congratulations on all of your successes!

Lassiter Chase and Benjamin said...

Congrats on all your stories getting into Chicken Soup. I always wondered why their were so many letters of the alphabet in mommy's bowl of Chicken Soup -- guess now I know you put all those letters there. That's pawsome!