Home » Mary Irvine: Writer and Philhellene » Mary Irvine: Writer’s blog – Dog sitting, friendship and writing

Mary Irvine: Writer’s blog – Dog sitting, friendship and writing

The Dog-sitting Continues

Chip is a delightful if mischievous puppy, now 6 months old. We regularly walk down to the loch early morning which I find therapeutic. There’s something about early morning that is calming. Chip hasn’t quite worked out the rabbits yet. He loves to meet other dogs but doesn’t yet realise that older dogs don’t always appreciate puppy exuberance. I know how they feel! I can also get out and about with him as I removed the parcel shelf from my car, installed one of my self made rag rugs and he quite happily – mostly – travels round with me. I do wonder sometimes when I get invited places who is being invited, me or Chip. It can be disconcerting when people say ‘Hello, Chip’. I feel I should introduce myself – or perhaps Chip should!
We visited the Dug Café in Lomond Shores – a very dog friendly café that also allows owners or carers in. Chip loves it, now regularly meets his mates there. Apparently there was an upset when his real owners recently took him to the Shores later than usual and the café was closed. Try explaining that to a puppy!

The Artizan Hub, Dumbarton

Have been spending time down at the Hub, selling books from three writers’ groups, plant cuttings for Alzheimer’s and erudite 2nd hand books for Erskine. The latter two doing much better than the Writers’ books… I’ve also resurrected my handicraft skills, in respect of sewing and embroidery as well as rug-making – using wool or rags. Light relief from writing – makes more money too!
There was a recent evening event in aid of the Parkinson’s Charity. Some 35 people enjoyed an evening of music, song and poetry (don’t believe my renditions went down so well. The applause was polite rather then appreciative!). But a successful evening overall with £80,00 being raised.
An observation. If the event is a BYOB + snacks it is surely a courtesy to take the detritus away with you.  Whilst most of the audience did observe this courtesy, one table left behind rubbish that filled 2 carrier bags.

Writing

 Have written a short story, c. 1,000 words, based on something I saw in Bosnia. Sent it off to the international comp in which I was short-listed and subsequently published last year (scroll down!).  It’s the one that was translated into Greek. Will let you know if it sinks without trace!
In the meantime here’s one I wrote earlier.

Friendship

The two women cemented their friendship with weekly coffee. The length of meetings varied according to lives revolving round respective families. Now, children having flown nests, the widow and the divorcée could have a more leisurely coffee. But after twenty minutes conversation palled. There was nothing between them any more.

This section: Mary Irvine: Writer and Philhellene