Today a big step was finished in MySpace.calm.  The drywall process is nearly complete!  The texture was sprayed on the walls and ceiling.  The final step of a coat of primer will take place tomorrow.  I should be painting by the weekend!

The closer the day comes to me moving into MySpace.calm the more I grow impatient!  Patience has not always been my thing, so I am working diligently on practicing it right now.  Before I know it I will be in my room creating to my hearts desire…. so I hang on for that glorious day!

Luckily for my patience, I am leaving mid-day tomorrow to visit my very good friend Victoria for a few days.  She lives in Oconomowoc.  Yup, Frankie and I are taking a road trip.  She will be my co-pilot, though I have a feeling she will do more sleeping and snoring than helping me navigate the way.  Oh well, will just be so nice to have her sweet face next to me as we make the trip.

Tomorrow nights agenda is one I can hardly wait to indulge in… after shopping for groceries for a feastful dinner, we will make our way home to Victoria’s country cottage.  Once there we will hop into our jammies, uncork a bottle of wine, cook up a storm and no doubt talk and talk and talk… so MySpace.calm and the final touches has me anticipating, along with my visit to see my dear friend… but, alas, all are such joyful happenings and I am feeling so happy.

I am very honored to have won an honorable mention award for a story I submitted for a contest sponsored by best selling authors Linda and Allen Anderson of www.angelanimals.net.  The name of the contest was called, "2007 Angel Dogs at Work True Story Contest, Do you know a dog who has found a purpose in life?"

To read the story I submitted please click on the link below and it will take you right to my story on my website.  https://joyfulpaws.com/articles.htm#contest

It means so much to me to have shared my journey and my heart and know that it touched Linda and Allen as well as the distinguished list of judges.  I hope you enjoy the story as much as I enjoyed writing it.

I was also notified that my story will be reviewed for possible submission into Linda and Allen’s new book coming out Fall of 2008.  The book is called, Angel Dogs at Work: Divine Messengers Who Found Their Life’s Purpose.

Another recommendation for a remarkably honest book is, "Three Dog Life" by Abigail Thomas.  http://www.abigailthomas.net

I was so thrilled to see her in person last Wednesday at Schwartz’s book store in Mequon, WI.  She is a down-to-earth amazing true spirit with abundant energy which filtered out warmly into the crowd of all women.

The obvious reason (if you know me!) I picked up the book is because  it had dog in the title.  It is so much more, but the circle of which the story evolves from and back around to, is because of one dog, which led to three dogs who guide Abigail through a traumatic time in her life.

A brief synopsis:  Abigail’s husband Rich did not want a dog, but Abigail did.  Rich gave in and grew to love the dog.  Rich took the dog out on nightly walks in Manhattan, NY.  Abigail had just bought a new leash for Harry, the beagle.  The leash came lose from the dog one evening and Harry ran into the road, Rich right behind him.  Rich was struck by a car and suffered a severe brain injury.  Abigail’s journey through guilt, survival and building a new life for herself is shared in her memoir.  Her truth is painful at times, but so refreshingly honest.  I believe her story will give women strength to find the courage to be who they need to be, which ultimately gives back in ways we don’t, as women, always realize.

If you decide to read her book, check back in on my blog and share your comments.  I would love to hear them.