Just Another Day

October 2, 2024 / / 2 Comments

Good Morning!

I have a couple of updates. First, I got a puppy. That’s important to mention and very relevant because I’m sitting in my office right now trying to work on my synopsis for Marigold and Nox, and having trouble concentrating because of this guy.

 

Look at that face!

Banjo is mischievous and lovable and 4 months old, adopted from a beagle rescue two week ago. He loves socks (?) is surprisingly polite and his adorable vocals crack me up. I’m a little obsessed with him at the moment.

The second update is that I wrote a new 500 word piece for the Longmont Writers Club (of which I am a virtual member, since moving to MI.) The piece is titled, “Just Another Day,” and is a more serious piece about infertility. Fiction, but poignant to me because of my personal experience with secondary infertility.

I shared this recently with a friend and realized this was something that needed to be shared here as well.

As I mentioned, this was a prompt piece. The prompt options were “Just Another Day” or “Test Results,” with a limit of 500 words. I’m a sucker for an extra challenge, so I combined the two and made my piece exactly 500 words. “Just Another Day” was also submitted to the Longmont Writer’s Club anthology at the recommendation of the group and I have plans to add it to my next collection of 500 word stories, Twenty-Five Hundred Volume II.

(what, you haven’t read Twenty-Five Hundred, Volume 1 yet? Remedy for that here)

And finally…

I’ve finally joined the Michigan SCBWI.  What’s SCBWI? The Society of Children’s Book Writers and Illustrators is a global non-profit organization that supports children’s writers and illustrators in so many ways. I was fortunate enough to be a member of Rocky Mountain SCBWI when living in Colorado and had so many positive experiences meeting other writers. Through SCBWI I had some amazing opportunities including attending meetings, writing retreats, and conferences. It’s a fantastic organization and if you are a children’s writer I absolutely encourage you to connect with your local chapter.

 

Immediately after joining the Michigan chapter of SCBWI I saw that there was an event coming up called the Critique Carousel, a Michigan specific event that is later opened up to other regions. I jumped on the virtual meeting for this–I believe it was the very next day after joining– in order to learn more about the event. Turns out, this event was perfect for my current project, Marigold and Nox.

With the Critique Carousel, writers (and illustrators) have the opportunity to submit their work to a SCBWI vetted agent or editor for a critique. I can’t stress how fantastic this opportunity is. I have done my fair share of submitting to agents and editors when I was querying Super Me, and let me tell you–they are so swamped that even getting a response to a query is a feat–even when it’s a pass. They have what is called a “slush pile” of submissions. Just way too many for all of them to be seen.

(What you haven’t read Super Me yet? Don’t panic. I’ve got you. Remedy HERE)

So to have a chance to connect with an agent–to have them take a good look at what I’ve written and even get feedback? That’s incredible. I registered as soon as registration opened up and was able to send my submission to an fabulous agent, who truly feels like a good fit, and seems to be looking for exactly what what Marigold and Nox is.

Marigold and Nox: The Wishing Well is my middle grade novel. It’s about the magical adventures of a 10-year-old girl and her cat. In the Wishing Well, the first book in my planned series, Marigold’s life is upended when her parents decide to suddenly move to the country where she meets Nox, the cat, and tells him her wish: that nothing had to change. The instant friends discover a doorway in her new bedroom that takes them to the wishing well in the rainbow forest where they begin their heartwarming adventure, facing their fears, and meeting all sorts of quirky, lovable, and even kind of scary characters along their way.

I can’t wait for you to read it.

So, Ideally, I wanted to send the entire first chapter. Easier said than done because the requirements for submission are VERY specific and with the font type, margins, and page limit etc, I wasn’t sure I would be able to send the whole first chapter. Maybe not a huge deal, except that you really need to read the whole first chapter of Marigold and Nox in order to get a good feel for what the book truly entails. Meaning, the end very end of the first chapter is when the magic begins!

And, magically, I was able to get the whole first chapter into those allowed-for pages. I got to dig in and play with the wording and edit until it all fit together like a beautiful puzzle. I wanted to get the whole chapter on those six pages, but I didn’t want to compromise the writing style, because the writing is pretty much the whole point.  Again, I love this kind of challenge! I love the editing and rephrasing and moving things around until it’s just right.  And it worked! Ta-da!

On Sunday I sent my first chapter to the agent via Critique Carousel.

And now we wait.

Nerve wracking? You betcha. I haven’t really shared this story at all yet. It hasn’t been OUT IN THE WORLD.

But it’s time. Marigold and Nox is so special to me. I love these characters. I love this story.  I think this opportunity is really what I needed to move this project forward. A little nudge. I’m ready to let Marigold and Nox be free. Take flight. You know, you birth a story idea, you nurture it and help it grow, then there comes a time when you have to let it go. Much like when your child has to leave the nest. Something I will actually have to face in a few years here as my oldest is getting older…. But let’s not talk about that today because I will freak right out.

For now, I need a synopsis. I want to have it ready to go for whenever it is needed.

A synopsis is kind of fun to write and kind of not. You have to be able to sum your story up quickly but not in a monotonous or boring way. You need to let your writing and your characters shine, while not overemphasizing the wrong things or glossing over slash excluding anything important. It needs to be interesting. It needs to be consistent in the tone of your story. You know, grasp it’s feel. And be compelling. And also it needs to be about one page.

Did I say I like a challenge? Yes, Yes, I surely did just say that. So bring on the challenge.

I’m going to go get back to work on that, now that Banjo is taking a puppy nap. Look how CUTE!

Oh, and here’s my new prompt piece, as promised. Just Another Day. Enjoy!

Jessica

Just Another Day

 

The light’s red and I step on the brakes at the last minute. I’m halfway home and can barely remember how I got there.

The doctor said not to lose hope. That I was young. Healthy. No reason I couldn’t get pregnant.

But he had no idea what it was like to have hope each month come crashing down. The harsh blow of failure. Again, again. No baby. To think, maybe this month. And pray. Analyze every symptom. To think it’s finally happened. Only to be wrong. Again. Again. A slap in the face as the blood comes back. And there’s nothing. Only pain. Emptiness. A torturous roller coaster.

Mark had been at the other appointments but he didn’t even show this time. Said he couldn’t be there. But maybe he just didn’t want to be. He’s giving up. I know it. It’s not that he doesn’t want kids. He does. He said he does. But he says it will either happen or it won’t.

How can he be so indifferent?

The light turns green. I start driving again. Auto pilot. My head spinning.

What was wrong with me? They were missing something, Or, they were refusing to tell me.

That was madness. But I was feeling a bit mad.

Nothing physically preventing me from getting pregnant. Sure. Then why hadn’t it happened yet? IUI hadn’t worked. Three times unsuccessful. The next step was IVF. Expensive. Invasive. Not even guaranteed to work.

Somehow, I was pulling into my driveway, the last three miles a complete blur.

I let myself into the house. Went immediately to the bathroom. No blood. I just tested last night. I wasn’t pregnant. Still, I can’t help from reaching under the sink for another test.

I set it on the counter. Leave. I won’t get my hopes up. It’s another day. Just another day. I’m climbing back onto that roller coaster again and I hate it. Hate myself for riding again. I can’t do this anymore. I want to not care. How can I force my heart not to care? I don’t want to ride this ride anymore. I want off.

But there isn’t any other option. Maybe Mark was willing to let this go, but I wasn’t. A baby. A family.

I wait as long as I can then I head back to the bathroom to look. I know it is negative. It’s just another day. I’ve been here a million times. I know this ride. I want off but there is no getting off. I’ll save up. Do whatever it takes. Adopt. We’ll—I’ll—figure it out. I’d ride as many times as I need to. I was not giving up.

The front door opens as I come out of the bathroom, test in my hand.

Mark is standing there and I hold it up. Frozen.

“You’re pregnant?” He drops his bags.

“Yes,” I manage.

He runs to me. “Thank God,” he said, wrapping me in his arms. “We get to have a family.”

Paul Spivey Naratives Apples and Oranges are Both Fruit

May 19, 2024 / / 4 Comments

 

Well, here’s a real treat.

UK voice over artist Paul Spivey reached out to me about narrating my piece, Apples and Oranges are Both Fruit. I immediately loved the idea and jumped at the opportunity. His website is full of fantastic clips he’s done of various projects. 

Paul soon had my piece finished and up on his website. It’s awesome!

I am thrilled to share this.

www.paulspivey.co.uk

 

Check it out! “Super Me” at the Dexter Library

February 9, 2024 / / Comments Off on Check it out! “Super Me” at the Dexter Library

Great news! “Super Me” is now available at the Dexter District Library, in Dexter, Michigan!

 

I stopped by yesterday and snapped a few photos.

 

Don’t mind me, fellow library patrons…. just over here taking selfies with my book.

 

Pretty exciting to see it on the shelf and available for check out!

 

 

 

If you are in the area, and haven’t yet read “Super Me,” you can now literally check it out in the teen section.

Back at It. And Bananas.

February 7, 2024 / / 4 Comments

It’s been a while. I had my youngest in March 2020 and 2 weeks later everything was in lock down. It was a very hard time. We moved to Canada for almost 2 years and while that didn’t work out for a variety of reasons, it was a great adventure. Then, last August, we moved to Michigan.  It’s been a bit of a whirlwind, if I’m being honest. And while I never stopped writing, I’ll admit that I did lose my stride.

 

Now that we’re finally settled and my youngest is in part time preschool, I can finally dig back in to the writing that I love. I’ve been working on a side project, a food blog. Food is a huge passion of mine. Recipe collecting, cooking, finding and creating recipes from scratch, finding ways to make recipes healthier and just as delicious, trying out new types of produce and interesting cuts or types of meats.  Bread fruit. Oxtail. Jackfruit. Dried shiitake mushrooms. Makhana. Moth beans. Horse Gram. Cow tongue. Goat bones. Diverse recipe books with dishes I’ve never heard of. These are a few of my favorite things. They light me up.

For the YUM, if you’re interested in checking it out.

 

I’m also back at “Marigold and Nox”. And I’m so very excited about that. I just love these characters so much!

“Marigold and Nox” is my middle grade adventure series about a 10 year old girl and her cat and the magical adventures they go on together. The first book is called “The Wishing Well” and the manuscript is complete, but I’m working on some edits and getting it going again. I’m in the process of beginning the next book as well, which may or may not have some unicorns. There’s a hurdle with “Marigold and Nox” that I didn’t have with Super Me. Illustrations. There won’t be a ton (like in my picture book, “Berries for Bruno”, which is still on pause for that very reason–more on that another time), but “Marigold and Nox” will definitely have some pictures. My husband and I are playing with the idea of working with AI to collaborate something. So exciting!!

 

 

I’ve also been back at prompt writing. I was invited to rejoin the Longmont Writers’ Club, virtually, and I’m thrilled to reacquaint myself with writing 500 word stories. The prompts for last month were “Worst Purchase” or “Slice of Life” with a 500 word limit. Loving challenges as I do, especially a good word challenge, I went for a story that is exactly 500 words.

Below is my 500 word piece.

 

Bananas

 

So, I am supposed to be working. And I am working. But I had to look up something for work that led me to a random question that couldn’t wait and now I’m on Pinterest. Somehow. And there’s a link here to a list of THINGS ON AMAZON THAT YOU WON’T REGRET PURCHASING that pops up and that I had to click on because the first thing is that dumb banana slicer that was around years ago, you know the one that’s shaped like a banana and is ridiculous and how can that be on the list of things that you need to buy? This has to be a joke list. Right?

 

Obviously, I have to click it to see what this list is all about– that is definitely a list of joke purchases– even though I have pile of work to do and all of the deadlines and whatever.

 

I click the link and I see the list– that I’m still trying to decide if it’s a joke or real, because almost everything is ridiculous. But some of these things seem possibly legit like this toilet timer. So dumb. But maybe someone would need that? And this shark blanket adult onesie that’s odd but maybe cozy?

 

But then there’s that dang banana slicer which is clearly not something anyone would buy in their right mind. Surely. And I need to click the banana slicer link to see if this is something that most people think is a joke but maybe some people actually buy it for real. To get to the bottom of that.  I click this link to Amazon even though I know I’ve looked at this before but I have to look again because it’s been a while and do people really buy this or what.

 

And I scroll down to the comments and most of the comments are clearly sarcastic but there are other comments that make me wonder if they’re maybe being for real. And I just don’t know.

 

Then I go back to the list of THINGS ON AMAZON THAT YOU WON’T REGRET PURCHASING and there are some things on there that are actually kind of interesting. Some things that might even be useful. Like the egg scrambler or the screaming goat book that could make a funny gift or something. So maybe this isn’t a joke list?  I mean, it’s nothing that I would ever purchase, but still.

 

So, I go back to the banana slicer and I’m looking at it again and maybe it’s useful in some way? I mean, I don’t have a banana slicer.

 

Long story short, I’m now the owner of a banana slicer and I’m not sure what to think about that. I guess I just thought you’d like to see what a slice of my life looks like now that I’m working from home. And also, maybe don’t buy a banana slicer because it is useless. It’s actually the worst purchase ever. I don’t even like bananas.

 

Please rest assured that this is a work of fiction. While I do not, in fact, own a banana slicer, I’m pleased to say that I do own BANANAGRAMS, thanks to my good friend who knows me so well.

Have you played bananagrams? So. Fun.

 

 

 

Apples and Oranges Are Both Fruit

July 18, 2021 / / Comments Off on Apples and Oranges Are Both Fruit

Hey stranger! How are ya?

I have disappeared off the face of the internet for quite some time, focused on my family and getting through the darkness of the pandemic, if I’m being honest. It’s been busy. And difficult.

But I haven’t ever stopped writing.

I’m currently chugging away–ever so slowly, but chugging nonetheless– on the rewrite of Super Us.

YES! I’m still working on it. And YES it will–at some point– be published. I owe it to the characters that have a story to tell and who have yet to make an appearance–HELLO Destiny, Faye’s spunky daughter. I’m still in love with the story and can’t wait to get it finished so that I can share it with you.

As a little side note, I’ve recently written something that I’d like to share today, called “Apples and Oranges Are Both Fruit,”  a very serious piece about comparing the two. I’m planning on including this in the second volume of “Twenty Five Hundred” my collection of 500 word pieces.

I hope very much that you enjoy this today. And I hope that you — whoever you are, where ever you are, if you are here reading this– I hope are doing well.

<3 Jessica

Apples and Oranges Are Both Fruit

 

You know that expression, “It’s like apples and oranges?” Meaning they’re great in their own ways, but you can’t compare the two because they are way too different.

You can’t compare apples to oranges because one is fruit and the other is… also fruit.

That’s my problem with the expression. Why wouldn’t you compare apples and oranges? They’re actually very similar. They’re types of food. Both from fruit trees. Each are round. And are sweet. A delicious fruit either way.

So why is the expression about comparing apples and oranges? Why not opposite things? Like apples and… sardines? “It’s like apples and sardines” That’s better. They are nothing alike but both are good, in their own right.

Although, that’s a matter of opinion, isn’t it? I happen to like sardines even though I know most do not. The majority would surely say apples are much better than sardines and that there is no comparison between the two. And I might agree, depending on my mood. But maybe I want a little protein. Then I would say sardines are better than apples because apples don’t have any protein. Neither do oranges for that matter. Oranges do have vitamin C though, and apples don’t. But apples do supply other vitamins. Let’s just say there are health benefits to all of these options.

I’ve lost track of my point. Where was I? Apples and oranges and sardines. All types of food and each healthy and also relative to one’s taste. But they’re not exactly opposites, are they?

You’d need to compare things that weren’t types of food. Like apples and… rocks? “It’s like apples and rocks.” Does that work? Well, isn’t the point that they are different but also good– or valuable– in their own way? What’s good about a rock? Not much. Depending on the rock, of course. What kind of rock are we talking about here? Gold? Diamond? “It’s like apples and diamonds.” Well, anyone would choose the diamond–even if you were hungry because the diamond could be sold for many, many apples or sardines or whatever you wanted to eat. No one could say that apples and diamonds are equal but different and that’s the key to fixing the expression.

So what has exactly the same value as an apple but is also the opposite of an apple? An apple represents sustenance. What else is vital to survival? Breathing. Okay. What about, “It’s like apples and air.” Ooh, I like that. Both are essential. Eating and breathing. Apples and air.

Good. Now that I’ve fixed the expression I need to go find something to eat. All this talking about food has worked me up an appetite. Now I need to decide what I should eat for lunch. I’ve got a tin of sardines and some fruit. Wouldn’t you know? Apples and oranges.

Hmmm. Apples or oranges. Apples or oranges? Do I want tangy or crunchy? How do I choose? Looks like I need to make myself a fruit salad.

“Resolutions” a 500 word story

January 1, 2021 / / Comments Off on “Resolutions” a 500 word story

 

Happy New Year!

Today I’m sharing a story that will be published in this month’s issue of Prairie Times. It can also be found in my short story collection, “Twenty-Five Hundred.”

Resolutions

The sun woke me. A stream of light that hit me right in the eyeball. Rude. I yanked the covers over my head, burrowing, but flashes from the night before made it impossible to return to sleep. There’d been a lot of loudness—music . . . laughing . . . clinking of glasses . . . many glasses. Celebrating . . . what were we celebrating? Oh, right. The New Year and crap.

I pulled the blanket off my face. Squinted at the clock. It was way too early to be getting up on a day off. But whatever. I slid my legs off the edge of the bed. Rubbed my eyes. Buster’s collar jingled as he got up, stretched, and plopped his big ol’ head in my lap. I yawned. Scratched him behind the ears. A bright pink sticky notepad on my nightstand caught my eye. ‘BE BETTER,’ it said in my sloppy handwriting. Be better?

As I brushed my teeth to relieve my breath of the ick, I remembered some more from the night before—the later and much less fun part. The part where I’d released my liquid dinner in bursts of heaving and vowed to make changes—to ‘be better.’

Okay, I could do that. I went back and snatched up the notepad. First, breakfast. A healthy one. I scribbled ‘EAT HEALTHY’ and stuck it to my box of pop tarts. Not a bad start. I grabbed myself an energy drink, downed it, then attached a ‘DRINK MORE WATER’ to the can. Then added a ‘RECYCLE’ note as a positive afterthought. So far, so good.

Then it was time to take Buster out. I snapped on his leash. We went downstairs and into the apartment courtyard. After doggie did his business, I went to grab a bag. There were none, as usual. Talk about needing to ‘be better,’ but I knew how to handle this. I stuck a ‘REFILL THESE BAGS’ note on the canister as an expansion of my positivity. You are welcome, apartment management staff. As Buster and I walked on through the neighborhood, I noticed many instances where others could ‘be better’ and was kind enough to leave notes such as ‘WASH YOUR CAR’ and ‘RAKE THESE LEAVES.’ I also left some helpful ‘MOW YOUR LAWN’ and ‘REPAINT YOUR HOUSE’ stickies.

After such a productive walk, I rested at home for the remainder of the day. Later, I ordered pizza. The delivery guy seemed surprised by my ‘CUT YOUR HAIR’ which I attached to his ugly jacket. I then generously handed him a ‘BUY A NEW JACKET’ and wished him a Happy New Year as I closed the door.

That night, I reflected on all the bettering I had done. It was a lot of work but it was worth it. Before I switched out the light I had one last note to write. On my last sticky I wrote, ‘BUY MORE STICKY NOTES.’

It was going to be a great year.

“My Hands” A Motherhood Poem

July 12, 2020 / / 2 Comments

My Hands

My hands are full

Three kids but

only two arms

A juggling act

for my circus

 

Loud. Demanding

Lights and action

Always action

Never stopping…

 

Baby crying

Writhing. Scratching

Needs a nap

And changed

And fed

Again

Again

But–

 

Toddler screaming

Potty training

Learning to

Control

Emotions

fly off kilter

All pell mell

Stop and yell

and wants a cuddle

wants a snuggle

But–

 

big kid calling

Has a story

Has a book

Has a drawing

Has a dream she wants to share

and a thing she wants to try

But–

 

Spinning, spinning

Getting dizzy

Dishes

Laundry

Cooking

Cleaning

Can’t slow down

The coffee’s draining

(Not complaining)

but—

 

two hands

only two

not one left

for me

for you

what can I say?

It’s out of

my

hands

 

“Changes” a 500 word story

June 18, 2020 / / Comments Off on “Changes” a 500 word story

A short story I wrote a couple of years ago called “Changes” was published this month in the Colorado magazine, “Prairie Times.”

I thought it would be fun to share it here as well.

Changes

Flying down the path, sneakers skimming over the pavement as my favorite running playlist blasted in my ears. I was high on adrenaline. Riding the rush of endorphins. It was always the best part of my day. I’d run that trail a thousand times. Wasn’t paying attention. Wasn’t watching where my feet landed as I took the free-feeling for granted. That’s when I tripped.

One second, I was speeding along the trail, wind rushing past me, and the next I was skidding to a halt. Slamming into the pavement, knee first. It burned immediately and I cried out, yanking my headphones from my ears and rolling to a stop on the grass on the side of the trail. The ground was wet from the recent rain. Cold seeped through the seat of my shorts. And my ankle—oh my ankle hurt bad. It must have twisted on my way down. Maybe it was sprained. Or broken.

Blood was beading up fast from the gash on my knee. I covered it with my hand, pressing, as I looked wildly around me. I was in the middle of nowhere. Hadn’t seen anyone on the way up. Was miles from my car. The sun was low in the sky and sinking fast. I’d skipped lunch and my post-run power bar was in my car along with my water bottle, which I’d left at the last minute.

No food. No water. And no one knew I was even here. I didn’t even tell my cat—though a lot of good that would have done anyway. Silly. Cats can’t call 911. Even clever ones like my Chloe. It could be hours before anyone found me. Days even.

All I could do was sit there. Think about my life. All the crappy parts of it. The way I always joked about that awkward girl at the office, what’s-her-name. The way I was rude to the girls that did my nails the other day.

But I could be a better person. Volunteer or something. Go to church.

Eat fewer doughnuts.

I could do that. I would, if I were only to be rescued. All I needed right then was a tall, dark, and handsome someone to come running up the trail. Someone to swoop me into his arms and carry me down the hill to safety. If only my hero would show up. Well, I would change my life. I would.

And then—footsteps! The thud of shoes hitting pavement. Coming my way! I fixed my pony tail and scooted, turning, to see a group of girls running up the path.

“You okay?” the tall one asked, judge-y eyes looking me up and down.

I stood. “Fine,” I answered to her back. The herd of them had already bounced past.

I looked down at my unbroken ankle that didn’t even hurt anymore. At my knee that was no longer bleeding. I plodded down the hill to my car.

Oh well, looked like a doughnuts-for-dinner kind of night.

“Changes” is one of 20 short stories in my book Twenty-Five Hundred (available here!)

Mom-to-Mom

May 10, 2020 / / 2 Comments

I was recently asked if I had any advice for a new mom. Well, there’s a lot of advice out there but as I find myself in the throes of the newborn phase with my third baby, here’s mine:

 

  1. Write it down. Everything. You think you’ll remember but you won’t because . . .

 

  1. It’s always changing. Keep that in mind when baby’s crying (again!) and your arms are sore from holding/rocking. You’re exhausted (and cranky!) and can’t seem to catch your breath. Remember it’s temporary. Eventually you WILL get (a little) more sleep. Then, suddenly, they’re older (and it’s a different kind of hard) because . . .

 

  1. It goes so fast. It’s true! But that adage “cherish every moment” is bull. Show me anyone who embraces the baby-won’t-sleep-and-is-SCREAMING-in-your-ear-moments with adoration. Nope. It’s okay. Acknowledge that it sucks sometimes and take breaks when you can. And . . .

 

  1. Take breaks with baby. Put on some music. Move your body. Dance with baby. (Singing is great too!) Good for you both and releases feel-good endorphins and damn do we need those right now. Plus, it’s better than crying yourself. But crying is okay too because this shit’s hard–and overwhelming! So . . .

 

  1. Keep it simple. Pick the few chores that matter the most. Let the rest go. Oh, and . . .

 

  1. Wipe warmers are pointless. Nobody’s got time for that.

Happy Mother’s Day to all you wonderful moms out there. It’s hard. Especially right now with everything that’s going on. You got this.

Leo and the Carrot

April 6, 2020 / / Comments Off on Leo and the Carrot

I started writing full-time in 2009.  My first publication was a short, true story about my dog Leo called, “Leo and the Carrot.” At the time,  I was pregnant with my oldest and working on the first draft of Super Me. While Mike was at work, it was just me and the pup home during the day.

Leo was the best dog ever. (No, really, the very best!)

I met Leo at the Larimer County Humane Society in 2001. He was just a spunky pup back then. Full-grown, but young–maybe a year or so old, when I found him. Leo was BOUNCY.

I fell in love with Leo right away and took him home with me.

He was a happy, sweet, cuddly dog and also very patient, allowing my daughter to crawl all over him and even dress him up.

One morning, while I was working on the newest chapter or Super Me, Leo and I got into a little battle over a carrot.  That battle lasted all day long.

Later I wrote down the tale and submitted the story to a magazine called “Dog Living.” This was the piece that made a published author.

Recently, feeling reminiscent, I submitted the story to the local magazine Prairie Times, who has published a few of my short stories in the past. “Leo and the Carrot” was published in their March2020  issue.

Without further ado, here is the story of my carrot battle with my sweet pup.

 

Leo and the Carrot

I consider myself to be a pretty stubborn but would have to say that my dog, Leo, is perhaps just as stubborn.

At lunch today, I offered Leo a baby carrot. He sniffed it and decided it smelled good enough to eat and took it from me. I wasn’t sure if he would want the carrot. Some days he likes them and some days he doesn’t. But today I hadn’t just thrown it on the floor for him to find out if he would eat it or if it would end up in the trash. I offered it to him. I let him choose. And he took it.

At this point he announced it wasn’t one of the days that he liked carrots by promptly dropping it on the floor.

I was annoyed. If he didn’t want it, then he shouldn’t have taken it. Since he took it, he was going to eat it, I resolved.

So I played the “I’m gonna get it” game with him for a few minutes. This is a very exciting game in case you haven’t played it. Saying “I’m gonna get it” (the more excitement the better) and “faking out” a snatch, instantly makes the object irresistible.

The game was somewhat successful, resulting in exactly half the baby carrot being eaten by Leo.

A few minutes later, I discovered the half-eaten carrot on the bedroom floor. I acknowledged the carrot piece with a dramatic “Oh no!” for Leo’s sake.

He looked sadly at me, but made no move towards the carrot.

“Leo,” I said, pointing at the orange bit on the floor, “get your carrot.”

He stared at me.

“Leo. Go eat your carrot.”

Nothing.

I decided he was not going to win this one. My husband always says I am way too easy on him and that I should be more authoritative with him. I have to admit he is a bit spoiled. So, I picked up that carrot and pushed it into his mouth.

He spat it out and looked at me.

I picked it up and put it back into his mouth.

He spat it out and looked at me.

I picked it up and put it into his mouth and held his mouth closed. Please keep in mind that I am repeating, “Leo, eat your carrot,” repeatedly, in vain.

He waited until I released his mouth then spat it out and sighed.

I sighed.

We repeated the process again and again until finally he stopped spitting it out. He even flopped over on his side. But as soon as I started to get up, he spat it out again. He would just hold that carrot in his mouth until he thought that I would go away or give up.

But I didn’t give up.

Every time he spat the darn thing out, I put it back in his mouth. We may have done this for perhaps 10 minutes.  Until finally I got up and he didn’t spit it out. He followed me out of the room. I was glad that he had finally given in and rewarded him with an enthusiastic, “Good boy!” to which he replied with dropping the carrot piece on the floor again. And looking at me.

I put it back in his mouth, went back to my desk, and proceeded to do some work.

Leo lay down next to me on the floor.

Whenever I left the room, he followed me.

He’d give me looks that, I swear, said, “You’ve got to be kidding me with this,” but he kept his mouth closed.

It had been several hours and Leo still stubbornly held that carrot in his mouth.

I honestly didn’t know how it would turn out. Who will ultimately win the battle.

After a while, I walked into the bedroom, certain I’d find a half-eaten carrot in the middle of the floor. Leo was on my bed. He looked at me and stretched.

I checked his mouth.

And there it was.

I went back to work, but kept checking on him. Each time I found that he was still keeping that stinkin’ carrot in his mouth. All. Afternoon.

Finally, late in the day, I went in to check once again. I opened his mouth. It was empty.

“YAY LEO!” I exclaimed.

But, he just looked up at me. No tail wag or anything. So I knew something was up. He had to have hidden it somewhere. Or something.

I checked his doggy bed. Sure enough. “Ah-ha! I knew it!”

And so we went right back to same thing, only taking a momentary truce when I took him out to go potty. We went right back to it when we came back in.

We were still at it when my husband got home that evening. Mike jumped in to help. He tried playing with him. He tried making him eat it. He tried tricking him.

Nothing worked.

Leo would not eat the carrot.

So, finally, we threw that bit of carrot into the trash.

After a seven-hour battle… Leo had won.

I think at this point, it’s safe to say that while I may be somewhat stubborn, my dog Leo is by far, more stubborn than I am. I had no idea he had that in him but I suppose it’s a good trait to have. I like to think that he gets it from me.

I hope that during these isolating days at home,  everyone is staying healthy and safe and finding little ways to enjoy these days.

 

 

 

« Older posts

© 2024 Jessica Dazzo

css.php