Tiffany Painter

In my race for perfection in this often challenging world, I have found it’s best to take a second and check in with Zephyr, my dog. When the chaos around me starts to weigh me down, he knows just what to say. I thought some of you might benefit from his wisdom.

• When approaching new people/dogs, start out with a wagging tail and sniff them out. If they wag and sniff back, they are good, but if they respond with a growl or bark, it’s best to back off and give them space. Not everyone is ready to play nicely.
• Naps can solve most problems. It’s even better if you have eight different dog beds spread around the house like Zephyr (not counting the couches and beds he has claimed). Whenever things are too stressful, just stretch out and enjoy some down time. The problem will go away or you will be able to handle it later. Time softens most things.
• People like to talk, a lot. You really only need to listen for key phrases or words. His favorites phrases include: “Who’s hungry?”, “Who wants to go for a walk?” “Who’s a good boy?” He also likes treat, cat food, ball, and dad’s home. He does not care for drop it or stay.
• When you’re in pain, cheese solves the problem. For some reason people like to wrap it around little capsules from a bottle and offer it up as a round, squishy, treat. But it works. Always enjoy the cheese.
• No matter what, sore elbows and knees, upset tummy, or anything else that has you down, if there is a bunny near by, it wants to be chased. Run as fast as you can to help it get to its hiding spot and then prance around as the winner you are. Don’t catch the bunny, that just gets everyone upset. But always remember to chase the bunny. You might be sore later, but those few seconds of bliss are worth it.
• Remember to say hello to anyone who walks by or gets close to you. The louder the better. There are a lot of grumpy people out there and they all need cheering up. Be one of the good ones and help out.

March Reading: I’m ahead now on my goal for middle grade books for the year. I was aiming for 52, one a week, but read 7 in March to bring my total to 14 for the year.

Schooled by Jamie Summer – Imagine a middle school that takes place on a college campus with very little adult supervision. Yes, every kids dream come true.

The Tenth Mistake of Hank Hooperman by Gennifer Choldenko– Mistakes happen when a kid is forced to be the adult when caring for his little sister. You will root for Hank from page one.

Queso, Just in Time by Ernesto Cisneros – Loved this one about a boy who travels back in time to spend time with his father at the same age. Crazy that 1985 is historical! Even though there are some real and heavy issues, this was still so much fun to read.

Calliope Callisto Clark and the Search for Wisdom by Claudia Mills – This is how philosophy should always be taught. Any book where the main goal is getting to keep the dog is a winner with me. I always love Mills books because they leave me feeling all warm and cozy.

No Passengers Beyond This Point by Gennifer Choldenko – This was creative and left the reading wondering what was going on until the end.

Busted by Dan Gemeinhart – A boy who grows up in a retirement home with his grandfather ends up on the run with a geriatric neighbor and a bald cat. Somehow, everything goes wrong and he still learns something about himself along the way.

The Last Hope School for Magical Delinquents by Nicki Pau Preto – I loved this book about a school for kids with magical abilities. My only issue was the kids seemed much older than middle school, but that did not take away from the fun.

Adult books: I only managed to finish Ann Patchett’s Truth and Beauty (always love Ann) and read two others. The Seemingly Impossible Love Life of Amanda Dean by Ann Rose kept me on my toes as the story went back and forth in time to keep the reader guessing if Amanda will end up getting married and who she will marry. It was a light hearted romance that allowed me to escape the news. The Land of Sweet Forever:Stories and Essays by Harper Lee had me excited to read things Lee had published in magazines during her career. I was left with the sad realization there will only be one To Kill a Mockingbird and the world needs to let Lee rest.

3/16

frosty sunrise greets
our morning exploration
recharging my soul

3/24

one bare spot exposed
defenseless against the world
but open to change 

3/26

spring snow falls from trees
fragrant blossoms cascade down
flowered covered trails

4/4

blossoms are blooming
weeds sprouting, no snow around
spring has sprung early