On the first day of school, I spoke of having my students' backs. I'd look out for them, and if they saw me with one brown shoe and one black shoe on (it happened once last year, and it was not "tacky" or "mismatched" day at our school), if they saw me with my hair looking all wild, they'd say something. One of my super-helpful girls is--on a regular basis--whispering to me that a hunk of hair has escaped, that some of my hair is standing up (at attention)... so much, that I have to say, "I know. My hair is always wild."
With our puppy Radar, I have to keep my sense of humor gripped tightly... otherwise, I might throttle him. Or, I might dampen my underwear as I laugh too heartily. He has a toy that resembles an octopus--it has a Kong (an odd-shaped hard rubber ball-like thing) at its core, and five or so long furry "legs." The rubber core is large enough that when he wrestles with it, it hits him in the head. (Thank goodness he has a hard head!) Radar is fascinated by the tree dogs (the squirrels) and tries to climb up the tree after them. A couple of days ago, he saw (for the first time) his reflection in a mirror. It was hilarious.
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| Doesn't he look angelic? Looks can definitely be deceiving... |
Recently, I submitted something to New Haven Review. I suspect that what I sent will not be their cup of tea. However, I did laugh a few times as I read their submission guidelines...and that doesn't happen often. Most of the time, guidelines are businesslike...dull...dry. When I sent an initial email, I noted that I chuckled over their guidelines, and along the way, I tossed in a bit of my snarkiness. Apparently, it's sometimes a good idea to lead with your humorous foot, because they asked me to send my story.
I did. And even though in all probability they won't accept it, an editor sparked my interest and--if only for a microsecond--I sparked theirs.
And if you've missed my comments on your blog in the last couple of days, I've been swamped at school. Last night I got eight more students (we're going down from three 3rd grade classrooms to two) and tonight is Open House. I'll have to catch up tomorrow... as I'm nibbling on chocolate or hydrating myself in some manner.
You have the knack for attracting positive attention, and you also have a gift of gab. I am certain they will be as fascinated with your piece, as the little girl was with your turquoise toenails.
ReplyDeleteLinda--I am positive I will get attention--but usually, it's not the right kind. For example, today I came out of the WORK bathroom with my skirt tucked into the back of my underwear. Thankfully, the students were gone and thankfully, I realized it very quickly, and thankfully, the only person in the hall was the janitor. However, I think he got more than an eyefull because his eyes glazed over and his face got several shades lighter.
DeleteYeah, I get lots of attention.
Radar does indeed look angelic! He has that 'old soul' look about him. Maybe when he gets a little older he will calm but there isn't much fun in that!
ReplyDeleteWould love to see the article you wrote! :-0
ditchingthedog--Yeah, he's got a halo over his head, but it's kept up with a couple of devilish horns. ;)
DeleteI'll let you know if it gets published, and perhaps I can provide a link...
That face just melts my heart. As does the idea of it getting slightly whapped by a furry octopus during playtime. Congratulations on your request for a story.
ReplyDeleteTammy--Let me know when I can drop him off for a weekend. Or a week. Or a few months. ;)
DeleteThanks. I think they just liked getting some snarky slung back at them.
Such a sweet face on Radar!! Wow, school sounds like a handful for you right now. Don't know how you do it. And yes, postive thoughts on a possible acceptance for you later.
ReplyDeleteClaudia--Yes, he does have a sweet face and sometimes (okay, most of the time) he even acts sweetly.
DeleteThanks. I'm not holding my breath, but it was nice to even get a story sniffed at...
He's adorable, and dressed so nattily, too!
ReplyDeleteShay--Yes, he's a naughty, I mean natty, one.
DeleteGood luck with your submission. Maybe you shouldn't have flattened that fudge and mailed it off in an envelope...oh, well. Hindsight, you know.
ReplyDeletePardon me for saying, I thought I'd gotten over my unfortunate incident, but looking at that picture of your sweet doggie, I can't help but think: HIS NOSE LOOKS SO VERY CHEWABLE!
Val--I'll send him your way so you can chew away. It'll be like the canine version of "Ransom of Red Chief."
DeleteYour blog didn't show up in my email yesterday. Not sure why I got it a day late, but that's the internet for you.
ReplyDeleteRadar is adorable. If I didn't already have three cats and two dogs I could be persuaded to rescue a Golden puppy. I would ignore all the horror stories of chewed up shoes and ruined flower beds. That face!!
Why would you say "in all probability they won't accept it"? Shame on you for your negative thinking. (I am allowed to scold you because I do the same thing.) It's that Self-Doubt Bully on your shoulder. Just ignore him.
By your own admission your humor and the editor's is similar, so you already have a foot in the door. The editor WANTS to love your work. It's a better experience for the editor to send an acceptance than a rejection. Think positive!
Lisa--So, does this bully travel back and forth between Missouri and Georgia? ;)
DeleteIknowIknowIknow. However, I usually (almost always) write creative nonfiction. This piece is pure fiction (it's about Bigfoot, for god's sake!) so it's completely out of my wheelhouse.
Thanks for the scolding...and right back at ya!
Good luck on the submission, Sioux, but you won't need it. I'm betting the editors will love your work!
ReplyDeletePat
Critter Alley
Pat--Thanks. If only YOU were the editor! ;)
DeleteI just know if we ever met in person, we would have a great time laughing together! I think you have an awesome sense of humor! Good luck with your submission!
ReplyDelete