Friday, September 16, 2011

MAXDOG, TOBY, KATHLEEN, DOG SHOWS...the week's roundup.

GREETINGS FROM SOUTH AFRICA!
MAXMOM here...

Early summer has finally descended on Johannesburg and the trees are all sporting their pretty green leaves.

Some of the seasonal birds have also returned and generally people are in good spirits.

The Rugby World Cup competition in New Zealand is also contributing  to a generally festive mood in our country. Temperatures too are in their mid-20’s and our pool is looking more inviting by the day. Admittedly, I’ve not yet found the courage to brace it’s chilly contents, but I do imagine that my first swim of the season is just around the corner.




Toby, however is unperturbed by the weather.

He takes his swim whenever he gets hot. But today was the "Hooligan’s" bath-day because tomorrow, and on Sunday, he’s attending a dog show again.


Anyway, his grooming is completed and he’s looking very handsome indeed. If only I can wash some of his energy out. Donovan might well have to call on all his skill tomorrow to control him in the ring….Good luck, Don’!

It’s been a busy week for me: My attention has been largely focussed on finalising MAXDOG’s book cover, finalising the manuscript and finalising the discussions around the foreword. Next week, the editor is going to start her scrutiny, so I have to have the manuscript totally ready (which it is) to hand it over. After three weeks with the editor, we begin the serious layout design of the manuscript. We also have to finalise decisions about which photographs to include. Phew, I can’t believe it’s finally happening…but it can’t happen quickly enough now!
I need to see MAXDOG in print!


One of my special blogging friends, and talented artist, Kathleen Coy, agreed to write the foreword to MAXDOG. Her contribution is really touching and has reduced me to tears this week. For those who may be unfamiliar with Kathleen : - she is the artist who painted the
 ‘MAX-TERPIECE’
 – the beautiful portrait which is on the cover of MAXDOG.

At the time, the painting was sponsored by many of my blogging friends around the world and has come to be extremely sentimental to me. It hangs on the wall of our lounge and we are able to look at Maxdog’s face every time we walk past it. Kathleen truly is a fantastic artist and I am so grateful that she has written the foreword to this book.

Thank you Kathleen for your poignant words and also for the encouragement you have given me on this incredible journey.

Unfortunately however, my readers are just going to have to wait for the book’s publication to read what she has said. I can, however, tell you that…it’s really beautiful!

You can check out some more of Kathleen's beautiful work at:

---xXx---

It’s also WORLD CUP RUGBY FEVER here in South Africa at the moment. Patriotic T-shirts and various branding is been sported by many of our South African supporters.

Good luck to the Springboks, who play against Fiji tomorrow. Oh, how I wish I was in New Zealand at this special time.

Well, that’s all for now, except for a few more photographs of my ‘Sweet Hooligan’.





"Wherever MAXDOG goes, let it do good!"

Sending lotsaluv to all my friends around the world


15 comments:

Mrs. JP said...

I love the pictures of Toby mid gallop. I've found that bath day here makes for good naps the first night and then they proceed to get dirty again at the first opportunity.

WFT Nobby said...

So many fantastic photos of Toby this week. We like the action ones best. If the show judge can't appreciate Toby's wonderful vivacity, then more fool him/her!
Toodle pip!
Bertie.

My Dog Sam - Ruptured Disk said...

Hi Maxmom, great photographs of the kids - they really are beautiful, lively and very happy. What more could you ask for. Sounds like the book is moving along - look forward to its release.

Angus said...

The seet hooligan looks as if he's positively thriving !

Kathleen Coy said...

It was an HONOR to write the foreword to your incredible book, Caryl! I feel truly blessed to have played a part in the story.
Much love,
Kathleen

PS. Toby is looking gorgeous! Best of luck to him this weekend!!

NanaNor's said...

Hi there, Loved seeing Toby running and hearing of your summer; we are just turning cooler here. Reggie is still doing well; our daughter got a new puppy this week and she is adorable.
Have a great weekend.
Hugs, Noreen & Reggie

Two French Bulldogs said...

Toby you are such a ham
Benny & Lily

STELLA and RORY from Down Under said...

Good luck Toby with your competition. You scrub up well hehehe. We love your photos and oh doesn't the nice weather make you feel so good. No worries, and love, Stella and Rory

The Life of Riley said...

Toby looks so handsome in your new header photo. I hope he does well in his show on Sunday, and you enjoy watching the SA v. Fiji game at "the cake tin" (the local name for Westpac Stadium, as that is what it looks like).

Baby Rocket Dog and Hootie said...

We love the pics of Toby! He is sure handsome. Looking forward to having Mommy read us your book when it comes out too!! (It's getting cold here in North Idaho...Summer is just a memory for us.)
Smooches from pooches,
BabyRD & HOotie

Tweedles -- that's me said...

Stay nice and clean Tobt, and good luck at the show
love
tweedles

The Life of Riley said...

Three woofs for the Springboks. Congratulations.

Curt Rogers said...

I love the new layout and design!

I'm happy Summer is happening somewhere. Autumn is coming on quickly––too quickly for my own tastes––here in Denver, where we've had crisp mornings, gray skies and rain off and on for the past week. Summer seems to have given up her fight early this year and my heart is sad by it, but as long as I know it's bringing joy to you and your pups on the other side of the world, my spirits are lighter.

I'll be thinking good thoughts about the show. Keep us updated!

Golden Woofs! SUGAR said...

Woof! Woof! Great to know that your book is coming along. LOVE the book cover. For sure you did not have a hard time deciding ... great choice. Lots of Golden LOVE n Woofs, Sugar

scout and freyja said...

I just ♥ Toby's eyeliner! His eyes are so expressive and sweet.