One Cold Shutterbug...

I braved the blizzard yesterday and today to take some photos. I couldn't resist how beautiful the snow looked--or how adorable Jacoby looked playing in it. I posted the photos on my Wordpress blog because I think photos look better over there. Enjoy and stay warm!

Cute explosion

A few weeks ago, we spent a lovely Sunday with J-School friends in Cutetown, USA. Actually, we were in Hanover, Mass., but it might as well have been the headquarters of adorable. Not only did we spend time with a sweet newborn, but we also played with a puppy. A baby and a puppy!

The get-together was the NEU crew's first introduction to little Mr. Teddy! And he is one good baby. We all took turn snuggling with him and he didn't even fuss. (I will admit that I was kind of a baby hog, but I couldn't resist!) Teddy made the funniest little faces all afternoon. I just couldn't get over how expressive he is and he is just one month old!



And just when we thought the afternoon couldn't get better, Korri told us that her family brought home a golden wheaten terrier puppy right before Teddy was born and they named him Casey. Yay!



Casey couldn't look any more like a Muppet if he tried and Teddy couldn't get any more lovable if he tried. And although Teddy's mommy is taking some AMAZING photos of him, I couldn't resist taking a few of my own. They're slightly blurry because I didn't want to use a flash right in Teddy's face, but little Teddybear is still very photogenic--even when he is upset like the photo below!


It was a great afternoon and I can't wait until we get together again! (And try and top the ultimate sweetness of the day.)

Just for fun

A little daily Dolly-- just because...

Dog Envy

I realized a long time ago that being a writer was a solitary occupation and different from most jobs. And while I do enjoy having co-workers and the social aspect of working in an office, the freedom and creative control of being a writer outweighs the benefits of reporting to an office every day.

My current status as full-time job-searcher/wannabe freelance writer finds me indoors and glued to my computer most days. And while it may be good practice for my future dreams of being a novelist/writer, it's not too fun. It's tedious, boring and sometimes lonely--especially in a small apartment.

But I know there is one thing that would improve this scenario and will one day make me a better writer when the time comes: a dog. That's right, woman's best friend would be a welcome relief to the long and lonesome work-from-home workday.

What could be better for a writer than a furry friend who provides welcome periodic distractions and won't judge you when you start brainstorming and talking to yourself? I've always been a dog-lover and I've spent many recent afternoons thinking that a canine companion would make the job search more fun and could provide some inspiration for writing. A little unconditional love from a pet goes a long way when you're frustrated.

I know a dog is out of the question for me right now since they're not allowed in my building and I definitely couldn't afford one. But I look forward to having a dog someday soon and hope he or she will be the ideal "office mate" when I write the next great American novel (or short story/essay/children's book).

For now, I just have to visit some of my favorite four-legged friends below:

A New Career?

Judging by the work below, I think I should become a pet photographer. I mean, this should be used in a dog food ad or pet calendar!

Ok, maybe I shouldn't really take that much credit. The picture is great mostly because of handsome Mr. Jimmy. My awesome Nikon and an adorable model sure make for some easy shooting. If only I could really be a pet photographer...

I even like to write about dogs professionally...

My blog is becoming quite dog-centric, but a story I wrote on local animal clinics and the economy was just published in the Allston-Brighton Tab!

It got great placement on their Web site and I'm anxious to see it in print tomorrow. If you're in town, go buy a copy! (Just kidding-- it's a free paper.)

Photo: My 2 favorite dogs-- always!

Is there anything cuter than a new puppy?

Meet Jacoby! He's not my puppy, but I wish he was.

After spending some quality time with him on Saturday, I know why golden retriever puppies are always used in commercials. He really is super-cute and has a great little personality.

Enjoy these pics of Mr. Jacoby and his big brother, Jimmy.