It's That Time Again

November is coming up, and that means National Novel Writing Month is rolling around once again. Last year was my first year participating, and I had a blast. I never thought I had it in me to write over 50,000 cohesive words in thirty days, and I really did expect to fail, but I didn't, and simply succeeding was such an amazing high. I want to feel that again.

Last year, it wasn't until about a couple of weeks before NaNoWriMo started that I finally came up with a plot for my book. I didn't get much planning done, but I found that winging it really worked for me. I was able to flex the story to boost word count, and it actually came out somewhat comprehensible.

This year, I still plan to kind of go with the flow instead of doing too much outlining, but this time, I've had my basic plot for over a month now. I cannot wait to get started! I've missed the community, the pressure, the laughs over absurd typing errors, and the wonderful creative fulfillment.

Just one month, and writing for "The Time Catcher" begins...

God's Timing - It's My Turn

I've always been taught that everything happens in God's timing, and if you want something, pray for it, and the purpose for what you want is to glorify Him, you will have it. For a long time, I felt as if I was behind everyone else in "getting a life" I couldn't handle just any job, so I was unemployed for years. I have been trying to make a business out of my photography for three years to no avail. I've prayed, and I've prayed. Now, it seems, the time is right for my life to start coming together.

For a month, I have been employed at an animal clinic, taking care of the critters. I love it! My bosses and the rest of the staff are amazing, the hours are unbelievably flexible, and the pay is good. It has provided structure in my life that I didn't fully realize I needed until I had it.

This job has brought me a new permenant family member in a sweet little kitty named Eko, and a foster family in Mercy the dog and her puppies. It's wonderful.

The other day I stumbled upon a stock photography company based in my state. At the time, I was actually looking for specialty camera stores in the area. I decided to take a chance and emailed the company inquiring about becoming a photographer for them. They wrote back requesting samples of my work, which I promptly sent. I received another email asking for more samples, they liked what they saw, and asking if it would be okay to call me. I sent them more images as well as my phone number and they called me today. I get paid 50% of the commission off of any of my images they sell. They're sending me a contract soon. I'm SO excited! This is just what I've been wanting to do for so long!

Life is coming together. I am so blessed.

Work Journal: 9/12/07

I had the day off work today because the other kennel worker was sick yesterday and I took her shift as well as mine...But the vet tech wanted me to come in and photograph his dog that he needs to find another home for, so I came in with my camera this afternoon.

"I meant to call you!" he said, "I don't need you to photograph her afterall, sorry."

"That's ok," I said, "I need to photograph the new strays for the website anyway."

I went in, and was greeted by the secretary who said, right away, "She's having her babies!"

...

Two days ago I came in to work and was told about a sweet little stray that had just been brought in, muddy and tangled. They didn't know whether it was a boy or a girl so I went out to check so it could go on the record. I went to the outdoor kennels and was greeted by the wagging tail of a sweet mostly cream-colored pekingese mix. "Hi, sweetheart!" I said as I opened the kennel door. I bent down and picked her up...noticing right away that she had a very fim, very round belly. I took her inside and showed her to the vet, who said she was very likely pregnant.

I went up front and told the girls at the desk. "Oh, no," one said, "We can't keep puppies and a momma here for six weeks..." We went and talked to the vet again, who said that since it's policy that an animal HAS to be spayed or neutered if it's adopted, they'd have to terminate the pregnancy in the event of her adoption. If she wasn't adopted, she AND her unborn babies would be put down. It was sad, but it had to be done. We agreed that she'd be put in the paper right away as an adoptable critter, since she had apparently been abandoned for two weeks before being brought to the clinic. I also mentioned that I'd gladly take her home and let her raise those puppies.

I worked all day yesterday, and spent extra time with the sweety I temporarily named Dory, mostly trying to cut all the knots out of her fur...and falling in love with her. I could tell she felt discomfort when I picked her up, and when I let her walk around, she seemed to be looking for little nooks to settle in....still, I hoped she was still a week or two away from giving birth.

...

So, back to today. I went and saw the sweety, and she had two new babies with her and from the bulge still left in her belly, a third could be coming. I was so proud watching her care for them. I talked to her and pet her and kissed her. And then the secretary walked in and said, "Are you going to take her? Otherwise we need to put the puppies down."

"I'll call my mother," I said.

I spoke with Mom and then called my dad and explained the situation. He reluctantly agreed to let me foster the momma and babies.

I take them home tomorrow. YAY!

Unfortunately, I also found out that there was another mass put-down today. Dogs Seven, Goldie, Scarlet, Riggs, Roger, and two distrusting shepherds as well as cats Willow, and a feral kitty are no longer with us. I have let them all into my heart and plan on seeing them with all the other pets I've lost in heaven.