Here comes Peter Cottontail hopping down the bunny trail, hippity hoppity Easter has arrived. Just look what the Easter Bunny brought this year! Not candy, not eggs, not bones or dog treats but rather a whole basket full of our newly published children’s book. Our fifth picture book, Little Puppy, BIG Pout, was published on March 27th and went live on Amazon the next day. Normally it takes two to three weeks for author copies to come in, but for some reason it only took three days this time around. Maybe it was the Energizer Bunny and not the Easter Bunny that was responsible for this quick delivery.
In a world where kindness and good manners seem to be slipping away, Jellybean reminds us that good manners never go out of style. After a frustrating day of pouting and puppy dog eyes, Jellybean learns that patience and good manners are a much more effective means to an end. She begs the question “Did you say please and thank you today?”
It is so hard to believe today Jellybean celebrated her 9th birthday. Wasn’t it just yesterday she was a fuzzy 6-pound ball of cuteness? From the moniker of “Wild Thing” as a rambunctious puppy, to the current and quite appropriate title of “Diva” Jellybean continues to bring an abundance of joy to those she meets. At nine, Jellybean is still very much a puppy. She often gets the zoomies, which begin as a low growl that gets louder and more intense as she gears up to race through the house. Trust me, when you hear her coming, get out of the way because she will literally run right over you. She still finds wonder in chasing that silky tail of hers. She leaps across the sofa like a flying squirrel at the sound of a bag of chips opening. When playing with her favorite hedgehog toy, she tosses it up in the air then races to catch up with it. I said all that just to say Jellybean is very much young at heart and spunky as ever. Although Jellybean fights the battle of the bulge as a middle-aged pup, as many of us do, she does not allow it to impact her self-image. She is quite confident in her cuteness as she sashays in front of her four-legged friends and her many two-legged admirers. I am beyond blessed to have this cuteness overload in my life. Happy Birthday my sweet Jellybean!
I absolutely love how Shana Morrow, the talented illustrator of my children’s picture book series, captured Jellybean’s very real pout. If Jellybean does not get what she wants, when she wants it, this little puppy will throw herself on the floor and let out a sigh of frustration that can be heard in the next room. Watch out for the “puppy dog eyes” because they are coming next and they will get you every time! As Jellybean approaches her ninth birthday she has surely perfected this strategy. This was the perfect scenario for a little story which sends the message of how using manners is often the better strategy for achieving a desired outcome. The illustrations have been completed and my publisher, the amazing Demi Stevens of Year of the Book, worked with me this week to begin the process of creating the digital file. It won’t be long now. The front and back cover designs are in process and I continue to finalize the work that needs to be completed on the digital file. This is such an exciting time for me! I could never have imagined not only would I have published one children’s picture book, but am now about to publish my fifth. I look forward to sharing Little Puppy BIG Pout with the young crowd through personal connections, author visits at schools, community events, as well as through the larger venue that Amazon provides.
On February 4th I once again hosted an event our condo community refers to as the Winterfest Potluck Dinner. It is an evening filled with good food and fellowship, where neighbors come together for a few hours on a winter evening. I am beyond blessed to live in a community where neighbors become friends and work together to make this such a wonderful place to live. It seems impossible that I am approaching my fifth year of home ownership here. Jellybean and I absolutely love our life. Jellybean was the perfect little hostess, visiting with everyone who spent the evening with us. She skillfully searched out the one person who would share a few tasty tidbits with her. As the evening came to an end, I recalled I had written about this event way back in 2019. It was the first time we had hosted. I spoke of the closeness of the community and my connections to the former owner of the condo and how Jellybean and I assured her family we would continue to fill the home with the same kind of love she had brought to it throughout her many years here. Not much has changed since then. She continues to be happy and healthy in her new home. I continue to babysit her great grandson, but have now been blessed to have his baby sister as well and there is no place Jellybean and I would rather be. I have included that original post below. I hope reading “A Home Well-Loved” will give you the same warm fuzzies it gave me as I read through it once again.
A Home Well-Loved (original post 2/17/19)
I recently hosted the Winterfest Potluck Dinner in my condo community. Having just bought the home this past June, I was not only honored to host, but also thrilled to show off my farmhouse/country décor and have an opportunity to share fellowship and a plethora of tasty dishes with my new neighbors. Jellybean was in heaven! She received so much attention throughout the evening. By the time the festivities wound down and the house was still and quiet, Jellybean was ready to snuggle and catch up on her missed naps.
The next day I sent a text to a very dear friend, noting that the Winterfest gathering was a huge success. Just so you know, her mother is the former owner of the condo and also served as host for this particular celebration many times throughout her twenty some years in this condo. My friend was amazed at the timing of my message. She had just returned her mother to her new home, a local assisted living residence. It seems that on the ride home, her mother asked, “Does Bev still like living in my house? Does her little puppy like it too?” My friend was amazed at the clarity at which her mother spoke of both Jellybean and me, especially with the severity of her memory loss. She assured her mother that indeed we do love it here.
I was really touched by this. I have known Del and her family for years. When I was a classroom teacher, I babysat her grandchildren every summer and also many a Saturday night. Now that I am retired I babysit her great-grandson three days a week. Del’s daughter was also my hair stylist for over thirty years. Fast forward to this summer and I became the owner of the home that Del lived in and loved for over twenty years. As you can see, the connections to this family run very deep.
As the week went by, I kept thinking that I should do something for Del so that she can see how much Jellybean and I enjoy living in her home. I decided to create a photo book for her. I spent an afternoon looking through pictures on my laptop and gathered the ones I thought represented how comfortable we are here. I began with how infatuated Jellybean is with the cows that appear at the fence outside our sunroom window. Jellybean spends hours on the sofa looking out the window. It is one of her favorite spots. I am so lucky to have a sunroom that is a total wall of windows. It faces the field on a neighboring farm. The cows come down and hang out by the fence. Several ground hogs play in the brush. Birds in a variety of colors frolic in the thick bushes, squirrels perform high wire acts in the tree right outside the windows. We’ve even had a stray cat reach its little paws up and peer in the window. Needless to say, Jellybean did not tolerate that very well and looked at it more as of an invasion than nature at play. I have many pictures of Jellybean lounging here or sitting at attention, depending on the activity outside our windows.
I also included pictures of my big farm table, where my entire family can be seated together for meal time, my late husband’s barber chair – a cherished piece of furniture – which found its’ home in a corner spot of the sunroom, pictures of baby Jay and Jellybean as they went from getting to know each other to becoming best buds. I often refer to them as Peanut Butter and Jelly, as you don’t see one without the other. I also included a picture of the infamous Jellybean’s closet, which now houses Jellybean’s ridiculous collection of coats, sweaters, jackets, hoodies, snowsuits, pajamas, etc. I’ll bet Del could not have imagined that the closet system she had installed for organizational purposes would be so perfect for my spoiled little puppy. I’m sure Del will get a chuckle out of the pictures of Jellybean frolicking in the yard as the snow gently falls. The pictures of her snow-covered face are absolutely adorable and speak to the high level of comfort and complete abandon she feels when playing here.
So, when Del inquires if Jellybean and I still like living in her house, I respond with a profound YES!! YES!! YES!! We love everything about it. Most of all we love that the house came already filled with love. Del left some of that behind for us. I am forever grateful for the opportunity to make a home for Jellybean and me in a home that permeates the love bestowed upon it by its’ former owner.
Just look at that face! Is it a smile or is it a smirk? I would tend to go with the latter. One evening while watching television, I looked at Jellybean and noticed this precious face looking over at me. Lucky for me, my iPhone is generally within arm’s reach. After snapping the picture, I looked Jellybean right in the eyes and said, “Okay little one, what did you do?” She continued to stare right at me and I’m pretty sure I detected a little twitch at the corner of her mouth. It was as though she was trying to hold back a laugh. Hmmm…what could it be? Perhaps she knocked the folded laundry off of “her” bed in the guest room. Maybe she hid one of my socks in the deep, dark unreachable depths under my king-sized bed. Could it be that she took every one of her bones out of her basket and left them for me to step on in my bare feet? Wait a minute, I know where to look! The bathroom it is! Jellybean, the ferocious paper shredder, strikes again! Now, who is going to clean up this mess?
They say our loved ones are always around us. I have had quite a few experiences throughout my life to acknowledge that claim. After my husband’s passing, I experienced the common phenomena of blinking lights and familiar smells. There are two experiences, however, that stand out; My husband was a barber/stylist. He was obsessed with making sure my hair was always styled just so. He would go as far as primping and spraying my hair when I removed my motorcycle helmet after a ride. I guess you could say his motto was “If you don’t look good, I don’t look good.” It always brought about some good-natured bantering among the Harley group. After his passing, I often experienced the sensation of someone touching my hair. It always happened when I was out in public, such as in line at the grocery store, during a meeting at school, etc. I must admit it freaked me out a bit at first. Once I accepted it as Dan remaining close to me and ensuring that I “looked good” it actually brought a sense of peace to me. The second experience was on Jellybean’s first birthday. In case you are a new reader and aren’t aware, Jellybean’s birthdate is the same date as the passing of my husband, April first, albeit twelve years after his death. I have always felt she was a gift from him to me. Imagine my surprise as I reviewed the birthday pictures I had taken the morning of her first birthday, to discover a beautiful circle of light surrounding her. I am in awe of it to this day and believe it was my husband sending his love.
Several weeks ago I had mentioned to my stepdaughter that it has been a long time since I felt his presence around me. One evening I snapped a few pictures of Jellybean as she peeked around the corner of the hallway entrance to the living room. When reviewing the pictures, I noticed a few “specks” on them. I enlarged the pictures and the realization that I had captured something very special took my breath away. The “specks” appear to be little balls of light. Orbs? Could they be orbs? It appears to be five of them. My brother is very ill and his journey back to good health is looking bleaker every day. My brother absolutely loves Jellybean. She has been a comfort to him these past few months as she snuggles with him. It would make sense that Dan and other family members that have passed would choose her to be the messenger that our loved ones are indeed surrounding us with their heavenly light during this time.
It’s that time of year when Jellybean and I begin to evaluate her year in terms of nice and naughty. Over the last few weeks, Jellybean has been joining me for my elder care sessions with Miss Bernie. Twice a week she brings her packed lunch, blanket, and a few treats along with her. She snuggles between Miss Bernie and I on the sofa as we enjoy the morning game shows. Although Miss Bernie does not always remember Jellybean’s name, or that there is a puppy joining us for a few hours, she gets the biggest smile on her face every time she sees her. Jellybean seems to sense that Miss Bernie prefers calm over chaos, so she is content to lay her head on Miss Bernie’s leg and nap right along with her. It is the sweetest thing to see Miss Bernie reach down and give Jellybean a little pet now and then. As Miss Bernie adjusts to her new home, Jellybean and I are hoping we can continue our relationship with occasional visits. I would say Jellybean definitely scores a “nice” on this one.
I can also tell you that she has been extra nice with her visits to York College of PA to support the Women’s basketball team. The season has just begun and Jellybean has already captured the hearts of the team and the cheerleaders, not to mention the spectators. She proudly dons her York College of PA t-shirt and KPETS (Keystone Pet Enhanced Therapy Services) bandana and prepares to be loved on and to give some love as well. While not everyone is the recipient of one of her sloppy kiss, she is certainly the recipient of lots of belly rubs and ear scratches, which makes for a whole lot of smiles. Score! Good girl Jellybean.
Now, on the other hand, Jellybean has had some recent behaviors that would be considered naughty. Her continued obsession with shredding tissues from the bathroom waste basket should be a concern for her as far as Santa Paws goes. I can’t imagine having me walk into a room covered with shredded tissue is okay with him. Then there is her penchant for coffee table surfing. It really is not a good look Jellybean. However, her latest mischievous behavior has earned her the nickname of “Houdini.” It appears that Jellybean has figured out that if you use your paw and hit at the latch on your crate at daycare, the door will eventually open. Although Jellybean is involved in many activities and interactions throughout the day, there are parts of the day when the puppies are crated. It is my understanding that Jellybean noticed some of the other pups were heading home and she took it upon herself to be ready when her mama came to pick her up. She let herself out of her crate not once, but twice. Now, please don’t worry, there are many safeguards in place. Jellybean was by no means in any danger. As a matter of fact, it is said that she strutted down the hallway like the little diva she is. So… what is Santa Paws going to think when he sees her crate now has a carabiner clip on it? Naughty, naughty Jellybean.
Hello world! It’s Jellybean here, puppy extraordinaire. I find myself reflecting on this year’s Halloween. Where was all the excitement, the mystery, the creative inspiration that usually gets rolling as soon as October arrives with its’ autumn vibes? Something was definitely off this year. There were no searches on Pinterest and no googling DIY puppy costumes. There was just a peek into my infamous closet for a hot minute and out came the Clarabelle Cow costume. I know I look as cute as can be dressed as a pudgy spotted cow, but admittedly my ego took a bit of a hit knowing we were recycling one of my previous costumes. But then Mama has been a bit preoccupied lately. Diagnosed with Leukemia in June and breast cancer in August, Mama certainly has had other things on her mind. In reality, I had just as much fun. My friends at doggy daycare thought I was amazing as I “moooooved” my way through the front door. The trick or treaters that came by were quite amused as I rolled around in the leaves with my pudgy belly and pink udders on full view. Our dinner guests couldn’t get enough of my cuteness. So all in all, I guess having to wear something twice wasn’t a bad thing. Actually, now that I am reflecting, it may be the responsible thing to do. After all, my closet is jam-packed with a pretty amazing wardrobe. There are many puppies out there that don’t have any sweaters, jackets, snowsuits, pajamas or even costumes. So here’s to being one lucky pup and to ‘moooooving” and “groooooving” in a more responsible manner.
Retired for a number of years, I still get to feed that kindergarten teacher hiding somewhere inside of me who is not yet ready to hang up all things kindergarten quite yet. I am blessed to babysit Jay (almost 5) and his little sister three days a week. At a year and a half, little Hannah already demonstrates such a love for animals. She adores her kitties, Junie and Primmy and pretty much any dog or cat that crosses her path. And boy, oh boy, does she love my little Jellybean! It seems like Jellybean is always on her mind. She sings the “Jellybean Song” while riding in the car, playing with her toys, and lying in her crib. Her parents, brother, aunt, uncle, cousins, and all sets of grandparents have heard it so often that they sing along too. As a matter of fact, her soon to be five year old brother helped to develop the little ditty when he was about three. In case you’re wondering, it goes like this; Jellybean, Jellybean. Cutest little puppy that I’ve ever seen. Jellybean, Jellybean I love you!
As much as Hannah adores Jellybean, it has not always been smooth sailing between the two of them. As an infant, Hannah had a penchant for grabbing things. Unfortunately that sometimes meant Jellybean’s ears, tail, fur and that long silky tail of hers were a target for those chubby little hands. Because of that I have always been super aware of Jellybean’s proximity to Hannah. I’ve watched one too many Judge Judy episodes to take the chance of Jellybean nipping, or heaven forbid, biting her. The last few months, however, Hannah has grown to understand the difference between petting and grabbing, and while Jellybean appreciates the newer, gentler touch, she has learned that Hannah is a snacker. You’ve heard of two peas in a pod? These two are totally food driven. It didn’t take Jellybean long to figure out that the little pink cup Hannah often carries around is filled with scrumptious little treats; baby goldfish, mini pretzels, cheese puffs, yogurt bites and the like. At the first sight of Hannah walking from the kitchen to the living room or play area with her little pink snack cup, Jellybean sits up and watches ever so closely. Slowly she saddles up to Hannah, who is absolutely thrilled to have her Jellybean in such close proximity. It is the cutest dynamic to watch. Hannah eats a goldfish, or whatever the snack of the morning just happens to be, then reaches in her cup and gently hands one to the ready and waiting little pup. She continues with the “one for me, one for you” approach until the snack cup is empty. The giggles and smiles that result from this interaction, just melt my heart. Just two foodies doing their thing!
As I was zipping around the house today dusting, vacuuming, catching up on laundry and all those weekend chores that could no longer be ignored, I happened to catch Jellybean’s sad expression from her perch on the bed in the guest room. My poor, miserable little puppy: No toys to play with.
No bones to chew on.
Not a single ball to be found.
No delectable treats hiding in her snuffle mat.
Jellybean was reduced to a sad, little puppy wondering where the bright spotlight of attention to which she was accustomed had gone. Suddenly a lyric from an old children’s song popped into my head. “Nobody likes me. Everybody hates me. Guess I’ll go eat worms.” No worries my little sweet pea. Mama is just about done. No worms for you today.
Bev Stiffler Smith - Children's Author 