Fun With Agility (Equipment)

"The significant problems we face cannot be solved at the same level of thinking we were at when we created them." — Albert Einstein

One of the ladies I'm in agility with has been figuring out how to make her own equipment. Buying it is VERY expensive, but when you have a dog who loves it like we do, it's something to do with her every day. Good exercise for her, good exercise for us. I've been wanting equipment since last summer, but couldn't justify the cost.

Then two things happened. One, my instructor mentioned that the AKC had amended their rules to allow non-purebred dogs to compete in AKC agility trials and two, my friend posted pictures on Facebook of the regular jumps and tire jump that she made. It looked so simple, I knew I had to give it a go.

I opted to make weave poles first, because Dakota is still learning how to do those efficiently. She can do them, but not quickly so we wanted to really work with her.

First, I looked into the AKC requirements for weave poles and found out that they're a little different than what we use in class (I suspect the class poles are USDAA sized ... a little smaller and closer together than AKC). I needed poles that were 40" high and 22 - 24" apart.

So, I did my math, then drew a picture of what the poles would look like and figured out what parts I needed. Then it was off to the store. When we came home we had this (notice that Dakota is curious, but not enough to get close to the scary PVC pipe):




I cut it up... and discovered that I can NOT cut straight with a hacksaw to save my life. Thankfully, it didn't REALLY matter if the pipes were just a tad slanted. And I filed them down a bit on the driveway.



Fit them together:




And VOILA! Weave poles!



I made two sets for just under $26. If I'd have bought them, the cheapest set runs about $45 (and it's the kind where you jam the poles into the ground).

I feel very smug. And very capable. Next up.... the tire and standard jumps. I figure I can make 4 - 5 jumps for the cost of buying one.

And, here is Dakota and DD practicing with the new poles (now that they look like something familiar, Dakota isn't afraid of them anymore!):



I found four AKC agility trials in New Hampshire this summer. I don't know that we'll compete, but I am going to do my best to attend, so I can see what they're like. OH, and check THIS out. I thought it was amazing that DD was such a good handler at eleven ... this girl is SIX YEARS OLD!



Truly amazing.

========================

You Are Peaceful and Content

You have reached a point in your life where you've accepted things and found bliss. You cultivate a sense of gratitude, and you believe that each day you're given is special. You have a low tolerance for drama, and you have been known to cut troublesome people out of your life completely. You are a daydreamer, but there is nothing lofty about your dreams. You can be perfectly happy just watching the clouds.

The Pasture Test

The first half? Not so much...but the second? Pretty much right on.

===================

Busy, Busy, Busy....

The essential question is not, "How busy are you?" but "What are you busy at?" ~Oprah Winfrey

Yesterday was crazy busy (shocking, I know) -- we processed our neighbor's deer and that's always an all day thing. I managed to do some computer work in between times, but unfortunately I have a whole bunch of chores to do today, like laundry (since we're running out of clothes!).

I'm also working on three book videos, so if I'm noticeably absent, that's why. I did try to touch base with people a little yesterday, to catch up on your lives and all the cute cat pictures from Brandy (loved Layla's!) and the LOLcats from Melissa. They always make me smile.

I have well over 20 TV shows on my TiVo to catch up on, too -- usually I'll watch them during the day while I work on the computer at the same time, but with DH home I haven't been able to. Oy Vey. And, the thing is: I don't watch all that many shows, so that tells you how long it's been since I've watched an TV (weeks!).

In any case, today is supposed to be nice and sunny, thankfully, so even if I have to be inside at least the house will feel cheery. Yesterday was dark and dismal (we were getting the leftovers from Ida) and I am looking forward to sun. So is Dakota. She's not a big fan of the wet weather.

Wishing you all a lovely Sunday :-)

=====================

You Put Yourself Last

You take everyone's needs seriously, except for your own. You mean to take care of yourself, but you're always the last one on the list. While it may be tempting to lend a helping hand every time you can, you're actually not helping people as much as you could be. You are simply not at your best. You're too frazzled to really be giving anyone 100%. Take a mental health day - or even a mental health hour - as soon as you can. It's time to start getting some balance in your life.

Do You Put Yourself First or Last?

Blogthings: Free Quizzes for Everyone

Hmmm... well, yeah. And that's a bad thing?

====================

Busy

I haven't lost my mind; I have a tape back-up somewhere. ~Author Unknown

One of the things that's been taking my time:



The other thing that's taking my time:



So I leave you with a quiz (and a promise that things should be better by the end of the month):

You Are Bermuda Shorts

You are sophisticated and classy. You always dress, speak, and act appropriately. You have a natural sense of style, and you always look good. You are a thoughtful, careful person. You always try to think before you act. You are very modest and humble. You may have a high opinion of yourself, but you don't let it show.

What Kind of Shorts Are You?

I'm just thankful I didn't get "Daisy Duke Shorts"...

======================

A Small Congrats Gift...

... to my friends, Charity Tahmaseb and Darcy Vance whose book, "The Geek Girl's Guide to Cheerleading" releases on TUESDAY!!!!!! WOOT!!



Love you guys :-)

Tiling, Flooring and Trailers R Us

A life spent in constant labor is a life wasted, save a man be such a fool as to regard a fulsome obituary notice as ample reward. ~George Jean Nathan

Yesterday, DH and SIL and DD and I spent the day tearing out the flooring in the upstairs bathroom and foyer thingie at the top of the stairs. Dd helping by eating anything bite sized that came anywhere near her (tile, carpet fuzz... whatever).

DH repainted the bathroom to match the tile (which is not what I had hoped for, but is still lovely).

Today: tiling the bathroom.

Tomorrow: putting hardwood down in the foyer thingie.

He's off Monday and Tuesday, too. I wonder what other projects he'll think up?

**sigh**

==========================

Judy and I are busily starting something new and exciting (I imagine I'll officially announce it in the next few days), which requires me to get the whole book trailer thing down to a science. So, I've been hard at work:





I also spent time this morning updating my MySpace page (I hadn't been there since October 13th!!!) and uploading some trailers to Preview the Book.

I'm awfully bad about promoting my own work... I need to be more on the ball. Shame on me.

=============================

There Are 2 Gaps in Your Knowledge

Where you have gaps in your knowledge: Philosophy Science Where you don't have gaps in your knowledge: Religion Economics Literature History Art

Do You Have Gaps in Your Knowledge?

Yep... they're pretty much correct! LOL...

=====================

Special Guest Blogger: Jennifer Shirk

If you haven't read Jennifer's book, "Role of a Lifetime" ... you MUST. Just check out the trailer and see if you aren't hooked:



She's with us today to share a confession... are you ready?

==============================================

Reading Outside the Box: AKA

Overcoming Book Snobbery

Hi, Jennifer here and I’m a book snob.

Oooh. Wow, that just kind of slipped out. But it’s true. Well, okay, maybe “snob” isn’t the right word. I mean, even though I write sweet humorous romances, I do read many different kinds of romance. But, still…

I do tend to get a little annoyed when a friend or relative gives me a book to read. Uh-huh. I’m talking about someone actually thrusting a book into my hands all the while gushing about how much I’m going to like it. I know. I’m nuts—or perhaps a snob.

The thing is many of my non-writer friends (and family) try to recommend books that are, well, non romance and sometimes even—perish the thought—non fiction.

**shudder**

Yes, of course, I read other things beside romance but when I do, I like to make the decision on what I read on my own. Recommending books is such a personal and subjective thing, and nothing makes me feel more on the spot than when someone hands me a book, tells me to read then give the book back, AND then tell them what I think of the book.

Ugh. It’s like being forced to do a fifth grade book report all over again.

Recently, I was not happy when my dear sweet friend handed me a book in that same exact way. Non fiction. (What else?) About a woman in her thirties with breast cancer and what she goes through. And then while she’s going through treatment, her dad gets cancer.

Um…gee, no offense but that topic didn’t really sound too appealing. But I took the book politely, anyway. (Because I’m a good friend)

I dreaded opening it up even though my friend insisted it was good. Every time I saw her she’d ask if I started it yet, so to save face, I had to read it. Well, that night I opened it, I read a hundred pages.

The book was wonderful. It wasn’t depressing at all but beautiful and—surprisingly--fun. I loved this book and would recommend it to anyone. The book is called The Middle Place by Kelly Corrigan. Check it out! Never in a MILLION years would I have picked this book up off a shelf let alone BUY it. So I was truly glad someone put it in my hands and forced me to read it.

Have I changed my book snob ways? Not really. You see, this wasn’t the first time I was pleasantly surprised by a book recommended to me.

Other non fiction books that have been given to me and that I loved include:

The Color of Water: A Black Man’s Tribute to His White Mother by James McBride

In Harms Way: The Sinking of the U.S.S. Indianapolis and the Extraordinary Story of Its Survivors by Doug Stanton

Hmm… Someday I hope to get over this psychological hang-up I have whenever people give me books.

Maybe the fourth recommended book will be the charm.

*Are you a book snob?

*Have you ever had a book given to you that you were completely surprised about?


Jennifer Shirk

~Jennifer fancies herself a more prolific writer than she really is and has an unnatural tendency to use words like "fancies" and "prolific" when describing herself. Please feel free to check out her romantic comedy, The Role of a Lifetime from Samhain Publishing--where she promises she didn't use either of those words anywhere in the story.

Visit her at http://www.jennifershirk.com/.

A Pleasant Surprise

I just discovered a new review for an old story.

Fallen Angels Reviews posted a review for "Don't Fence Me In" and gave it five angels! I know you shouldn't love any of your babies more than the others, but this story (along with "Now That We've Found You") is my fave. And, I had more than one person email and tell me it made them cry. In a good way :-)

Here's what reviewer, Kimber had to say (in part):

Marianne Arkins does a superb job of weaving historical references into a well crafted plot. Lizzie is eighteen and as sweet and silly as an eighteen year old should be. Although not much older, the dour Jeremy has been prematurely aged by horrors of war. These two lonely souls are destined for each other. The deceased brother Seb gives them a little push. Don't Fence Me In was as sweet as the cherry cokes Lizzie sips on.

It's always a nice surprise when an older story gets a little new recognition. And just for grins, and in case you hadn't seen it, you should take a look at Allie Boniface's birthday present to me last January -- a trailer for the story.

So Busy and Contests!

A good book is always on tap; it may be decanted and drunk a hundred times, and it is still there for further imbibement. ~Holbrook Jackson

Do you ever get so busy that you forget something important? Yanno, like an upcoming release?

Cuz, I did! My next story with The Wild Rose Press comes out tomorrow and I all but forgot. I also forgot to do anything to celebrate, so I'm going to give away a copy of it to one lucky blog commenter from today! It releases tomorrow, so I'll make the winning announcement tomorrow morning so, if you don't win, you can hurry on over and buy it! ***VBG***

Here's the scoop on the story:

Returning to Wyoming after a six-year absence, Jake Langley finds more than just changes in the now run down family ranch. His warm feelings for a former girlfriend have cooled, and he finds himself drawn to her sister and his former best friend, Emily. His discovery of the sisters' well-kept secret, however, upsets his long-term plans and sets duty against his heart's desire. Now, four hearts and four lives will be changed, forever.

Check out my first ever trailer made by ME!!



It's a little blurry, which is odd because it wasn't on Movie Maker.

========================

You Are a Carousel

You are young at heart and a truly playful person. No one would ever accuse you of taking life too seriously. You are definitely in things for the fun. You find joy easily, and you are often building up anticipation for your next adventure. In relationships, you tend to want to be babied and taken care of. And while you may be a bit high maintenance, you are incredibly loyal. Your life is simple and satisfying. Each day you treat yourself to something you enjoy. You have a lot of emotional attachments, and experiences are extra vivid to you. You tend to be nostalgic and sentimental. The past is important to you. Comfortable around all living things, you have a special connection to animals and children. At your best, you are whimsical, free spirited, and creative. Even if your schemes seem a bit strange, they usually work out wonderfully. At your worst, you are spoiled, demanding, and impossible to satisfy. You've been known to act like a brat if you aren't getting your way!

What Carnival Ride Are You?

I Have A Trailer! Dog Surgery... and More.

Hope itself is a species of happiness, and, perhaps, the chief happiness which this world affords; but, like all other pleasures immoderately enjoyed, the excesses of hope must be expiated by pain. ~Samuel Johnson

Allie made up my trailer for "One Love For Liv"! Yay!



And... URGH... It comes out tomorrow. I think I'm going to vomit... why do I never get over feeling this way? But, what if it comes out and everyone (except me and my editor, of course) hates it? And GAH! Samhain submits all their releases to Mrs. Giggles. She's BRUTAL.

**gulp**

Is it too late to change my mind? LOL...

=========================

Dakota is supposed to go in to be spayed today. She's still got the runs pretty bad, so I don't know if they'll put off her surgery. I think I'm going to try making her food (like I did for Bailey for a while) and see if that helps her. Of course, I'd just bought a 40 lb bag of premium puppy food. Anyone need some puppy food?

In any case, and because I haven't done it in a while, here are some Dakota pictures:

Don't YOU wish you were this flexible?



"Um... you mean this isn't my chew toy?"



And, for good measure -- my cat (who seldom does much but lie around like a lump, but was beginning to feel left out):



========================

If You Were Born in 2893...

Your Name Would Be: Noos Iara And You Would Be: A Robot Hunter

If You Were Born in 2893

Movies and Puppies and Quizzes, OH MY!

Be not angry that you cannot make others as you wish them to be, since you cannot make yourself as you wish to be. — Thomas a Kempis

Sadly, sales for "Don't Fence Me In" aren't all that fantastic and it appears this will be the first of my stories to NOT hit the overall bestseller list at The Wild Rose Press (is it because folks don't like "sweet" or "vintage" stuff? I wonder. Wish I knew. Anyway--) ... so I got this bright idea to make a book trailer for it. I have Movie Maker, I have a brain, I have pictures, I can do this... right?

Dear heavens, what was I thinking?

I've worked on it for a couple hours a day the past few days and all I have to show for it is a headache. I imagine I'll get it eventually, but not before "Don't Fence Me In" is a distant memory. I suppose it will get easier the more I do, but the learning curve is crazy. It probably doesn't help that I have too much to do to be able to just focus on the trailer until it's done, and have to try to do it in bites instead of huge gulps. But, still... **sigh**

========================

I'm not feeling the love for Dakota this morning. She's currently upstairs in doggy jail... you see, I realize after sleeping in her crate all night she's full of energy, so I specifically take about 20 minutes first thing in the morning to play with her. This morning we wrestled, I tossed her toy for her for about ten minutes (Now THERE'S a game that never gets old...) and then I took her outside and let her run like a maniac. That should have at least stretched her legs a bit, and gotten the worst of the wiggles out.

Not.

She proceeded to tear all the cushions off the couch, then took the throw pillow and did her best to shred it (running away when I tried to catch her... what fun!), she tore leaves from my coffee tree, leaped up several times and grabbed the sleeve of my top and tore a hole in that and terrorized the cat.

When crate training a dog, you should never use the crate as punishment. I know this. But today it was crate her or strangle her. GAH.

And on that note, I give you your Daily Demon Spawn Dakota:



I KNOW she's cute, but the Bible says the anti-Christ will be attractive, too. Coincidence? I think not.


================================

You Are Cereal

Playful and lighthearted, breakfast is likely your favorite meal of the day. (In fact, you're probably the type who sneaks cereal as a midnight snack.) Your culinary skills are probably a bit lacking... and you are a sucker for junk food. Some people accuse you of eating like a kid, but you prefer to think of yourself as low maintenance.

What Kind of Breakfast Are You?

What do you think?

Go check out the rough draft of Allie's new book trailer -- it's for her upcoming book, "Lost In Paradise". She's asking for feedback. Help her out!

Book Trailers, Books and Baby Birds

“When you sell a man a book, you don't sell him 12 ounces of paper and ink and glue - you sell him a whole new life.” - Christopher Morley

Go over to The Long and the Short of It and enter to win an autographed copy of "The Twin Surprise" by multi-published author, Jacqueline Diamond. And then come back and finish reading this post.

I'll wait.

===========================

My friend, Pam, just made up a trailer for her latest novel, "Lies Too Long". Give it a look:



I have yet to mess around with making a trailer... Pam told me it took her "more like 80 hours than 8" to make it. She was referring to Allie when she mentioned here that it took her about 10-12 hours to make her trailer for "One Night In Boston":



If you're interested in what goes in to making a trailer, Brenda Coulter has a seriously great blog post about it. Here's the trailer she made for her most recent novel, "A Season of Forgiveness":



And that's everything I have to say about trailers. Until I make one for MY UPCOMING NOVEL, "Isn't She Liv Leigh". And, yes, it's still cool that I can say that...

EDITED TO ADD:

I lied... I just found out that Allie made ANOTHER trailer, for the lady who is the featured author at LASR. Here's that trailer, for "A Fiery Secret" by Diane Craver:


========================

I'm going to strangle my DD -- she found THREE more monarch babies out back in our milkweed. GAH. I'm officially out of containers, and one of them is in a box. So, Pillar Place: Monarch P2 now has eleven occupants. Dear heavens.

=========================

I'm fighting some serious guilt. Outside my house is a fledging blue jay who can't fly. He's hopping around my feeders and all around the yard. I feel like I should go scoop him up and take care of him -- or, at the very least, take him to the bird rehabiliator I got to know so well last year (last summer was the summer of the baby bird). But I'm tired. I've raised a gazillion butterflies. I've done a thousand various bug rescues. I have to bring my feeders in every night at dusk, and then put them out every morning at dawn so the birdies can eat, but not the bear. I did chase off the murder of crows who swooped down -- so they didn't get him. And, if he's smart, he'll huddle up in my garden for safety.

But I can't do it. I can't care for a wild bird, and I can't find the energy to chase it down and then drive an hour, one way, to the bird rehabber. And I feel awful about it.

**sigh**

========================

Your Aura is Violet

Idealistic and thoughtful, you have the mind and ideas to change the world. And you have the charisma of a great leader, even if you don't always use it! The purpose of your life: saying truths that other people dare not say Famous purples include: Mahatma Gandhi, Martin Luther King, Jr., Susan B. Anthony Careers for you to try: Political Activist, Inventor, Life Coach

What Color Is Your Aura?

Ha. HAHAHAHAHA.....

I dare any one of you to hire me as a life coach.

*snicker*