Hey Folks.

Can I tell you a story?

 

Yesterday, I drove some book orders to the Post Office. I left Willa in the backseat and inside the line was very long. I muttered to the stranger in front of me that I was concerned about my dog being left alone for too long (Yes, I spoil her).

"Give me your number, go wait with your pup and I'll text you when I get to the front of the line," the lady offered.

"But when I come back, everyone in line will be upset when it looks like I'm cutting," I said.

"You can be my husband."

"Really?" More people had already lined up behind me.

I gave her my number and she texted me to be sure it worked and I went out to the car. Willa was peacefully sleeping on the back seat. I snapped a picture to show the lady my concerns were unfounded, but before I could text it my phone rang.

"Hello?"

"Hi, Hon. Can you bring in the box now?"

I laughed, impressed by how much the lady was leaning in to our ruse.

Inside the Post Office the line was now so long it went out the door onto the sidewalk. I walked past everyone and stood behind the lady as she paid for her mail. She turned to me and said, "We're going to pay for these separate, right?"

I laughed. "Yes, gotta keep the business receipts separate," I said.

When she was finished she said, "Okay, I'll wait for you in the car."

When I got to the parking lot, she was standing by my car. Willa's head was out the window.

"Did you meet Willa?" I asked and introduced them.

"Well, thanks again," I said. "That was very kind of you."

"I have a pup. I know how it is." She opened her car door.

"I'll pay it forward," I said.

She said, "Good," and we drove off.

I've been drawing the houses I see around the neighborhood as I walk Willa. With lock-down, and Donna on Zoom meetings with clients all day, I spend my time trying to keep up with endless puppy energy, hoping to wear her out so I can go draw or read or whatever. It's a dog's life. Literally.

Okay, she's napping. Gotta draw before she wakes up and takes me on another adventure.

Back to work!

Steven