Lessons from Wonderdog on Whidbey Island

“A Little Bit of Grace Goes a Long Way”

I am here on Whidbey Island.

Whidbey Island, off the coast of Seattle in the Pacific Northwest, and it feels like home.

I thought I was leaving Texas, coming here for four weeks to house-sit and dog-sit. Within 48 hours I knew better. What has really happened is this. Two magical writers, who are off teaching in Europe, have entrusted me with their magical home and magical dog, right here on this magical island. Magical dog, aka Gracie, a two-year-old Corgi, takes me on a walk at least twice a day. Here’s a recap of a recent afternoon walk:

“You sure want to stop and start a lot, Gracie. We need to talk about that.”

We don’t need to talk. You need to listen.

“Wait – stop and start. That’s exactly how I’m feeling about my writing today. I got off to a slow but steady start and now today, I stopped. I don’t like the start-stop-start-stop approach to writing. So what are you trying to tell me? Stopping and starting could be a good thing?”

She’s getting it, albeit slowly.
Maybe you should take a look at what makes you stop.

“Walking this way makes me wonder why I stop. I don’t even have to ask the question twice. I don’t know how to rewrite that shi**y first draft about me as a teenager. I guess I’m just afraid I won’t get it right. I guess when I stop writing, I should stop and pay attention to what’s going on inside myself.”

Duh.

“So why are you stopping here? Oh, the salal berry bush. You love them, don’t you? I guess it’s a good idea to stop if what you’re stopping for nourishes you. Here are some larger ones from the top. I’ll get them for you. We can all use a little help.”

Her brilliance is astounding, at least in her mind.

“Sometimes you like to speed up, and other times you come to a screeching halt. What’s up with that?”

It breaks up the pace, makes it more interesting, plus sometimes I know what’s ahead, but sometimes I don’t so I may be a little more cautious. Also, when I slow down, I notice more.

“Look, there’s a lot for sale. I didn’t notice that yesterday when we were out. Let’s go get a flyer.”

I rest my case.

“You sure sniff a lot before you do your business, but I am impressed with your ability to know when to stop and take care of yourself. Must be an intuitive thing. Pretty cool to be a dog, huh?”

You should be so lucky. You could try listening to your body more.

“Gotta admit, Gracie, I was getting worried about my back pain and wondering about being able to walk. But today, I just realized it’s feeling pretty good. I think these walks are helping, not making it worse.”

She is teachable.

“Okay, we’re getting ready to walk alongside the highway. Okay, sit. Ready to heel? Let’s go.”

She loves this part. She thinks she’s in control.

“Good job. Good girl, Gracie. Here’s your cookie. You’re doing great with the heel command.”

I get the cookie. She gets to feel in charge. Who’s the winner here?

“Let’s keep walking. We want to get past Lucy Goosey’s house. I’m not big on wacko dogs. A trot would be good here.”

I taught her that yesterday.

“Okay, good job, girl. Wanna rest a minute?”

Every now and then it just feels good to stop and take a break. I have some of my best thoughts when I rest.

“You know, a great idea just hit me.”

Imagine that.

“I should write a blog about you. We could call you Wonderdog.”

Really.

“Whoa, you picked up speed. Anxious to get home and eat?”

Nope, just leading the way. You need to write. When a good idea hits, get after it.

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And the lessons continue. Join us for the October Re-Story Circles – see the Re-Story Circles tab for information and to register.