Another Fine Evening

Another Fine Evening
By John R. Greenwood

Friends, readers, dog lovers, and more all gathered with soft smiling faces in a warm hearted bookstore. Peace enveloped each foot step as they entered the wonderful world of words. My friend Jon Katz, "The Encourager", was about to launch his newest book, "The Second Chance Dog" - a book about love and second chances. A story that was destined for greatness-written or not. I arrived early at Battenkill Books in hopes of taking a quick shelf browse before the crowd arrived. It was nice to experience the pre-event simmer as other early birds stalked the patient, book-filled shelves looking for words of inspiration, love, and maybe a little adventure. Many arriving faces took on a familiar tone as if I knew them all by name. Generous hosts passed out delicious maple cookies. Bedlam Farm followers clip-clopped the hardwood floors with quiet anticipation of the books author Jon Katz, his wife, artist Maria Wulf , and the star of the evening Frieda the 'Helldog'. Yes this was going to be another fine evening provided by Battenkill Books and Hubbard Hall's Curiosity Forum.

These seemingly simple evenings have become an important part of my life. I relish new acquaintances and experiences because they keep me vital in the world. Jon used that word a  few times during the evening. I too look at life with open eyes  and open mind. This little chunk of Cambridge has become an oasis for me. It all started with my association with Jon and the Hubbard Hall Writers and it has fueled my spirit for the last couple of years. It was a wonderful feeling to see so many like minded people enjoying a popular man as he shared his extraordinary story so openly and with an authenticity that is so lacking in today's world. 

Thanks again Connie Brooks (Battenkill Books), Leslie Parke Studio (Curiosity Forum Supporter), and Deb Foster (Hubbard Hall Marketing Director), for your time and effort providing your community with such meaningful events. Your commitment to the arts and artists in your backyard is a commodity that pays dividends that can't always be measured in dollars and cents. Changing lives would be a hard gem to value. I can tell you from this man's perspective it is priceless.  

Dogged

Dogged

By John R. Greenwood

Pssst, pssst, hey mister, wouldn't you like a dog? 

I am being dogged wherever I go. Dogs everywhere are watching my every move. Around every corner I find another pathetic pooch staring me in the eye. My wife and I are presently dog and cat-hair free. We have enjoyed many pets over the years but at the moment we have chosen not to take on another pet. We both work full time and for the first time since starting a family we have no other responsibilities other than ourselves. We do talk about getting another dog, we just aren't ready right now. That being said, it seems like everywhere I turn I am being stalked by some sad-eyed bundle of fur. 

This gorgeous hunk of canine was waiting patiently for his driver to return and took it upon himself to plead his case for dogdom. If I could have squeezed him out that window he would be curled up at my feet right now.  Please don't add to my dilemma by deluging me with pro-dog propaganda. I already know why I want a dog, why I need a dog, and what joy a dog brings to the table. We simply know right now is not a good time for us. It wouldn't be fair or smart of us to get a pet of any kind if we aren't ready. I have done that before. Remember this story? 

Gnawing Your Way To Happiness

"Gnawntucket"

Don't you wish someone would throw you bone so you could gnaw your way to happiness. Life would be so much nicer if we were able to solve our problems by lying in a corner quietly gnawing them into oblivion. Look how doggone happy this guy is. I'm pretty sure I heard him purring. He was totally engrossed in this hunk of bliss. It was a beautiful day on Nantucket. Even the pets were soaking in the warmth of this sun-drenched October day with a sense that there were few left on the calendar. As I passed the doorway of this colorful shop the scene above stopped me in my tracks. It was the calmness that surrounded this well loved animal that seemed to roll out on to the brick walkway and down the cobblestone street. Everyone passing by had a spell cast upon them. Smiles took over and babies stopped crying. Kids stopped whining and moms were overcome by a comforting ease. Dads opened their wallets with nary a flinch. Shop owners said, "Thank You"and "Please Come Again!"

Dogs

Nice Dog...

Are you dog person? What does that mean exactly? I love dogs. We don't have a dog right now but I feel like I am living in Dog Person World. Since my association with Jon Katz and our Hubbard Hall Writing Group began, I feel like a member of a club of which I am an outsider looking in. I now find myself drawn to dog scenes and photo opportunities. Spending a few days in and around Cape Cod provided many of them. The photograph above is an example. Although this handsome pooch is solid as a rock and cost nothing to feed the child petting him does not care. She is drawn to him and immediately began to pet him and speak softly as though he was as real as Lassie. I could not miss the chance to capture that gentle connection. We saw many similar scenes that day. I will post them as time allows. To all dog owners in the Cape Cod area today, if you see a gray haired man with a camera trying to sneak a shudder click of you and your loved one with a tail, it's only me -- a dog-less dog-person.