I usually walk around the dog park to get my steps instead of Embracing a Cuppa coffee, but this was worth holding still and watching Goldie strut across the park with a new friend. These photos work for John’s Cell Pic Sunday. Here is the poem I wrote for Dan’s new challenge CFFC on his No Facilities blog.
Goldie our small rescue dog,
About her, I love to blog.
She won’t chase sticks,
Though she has her picks.
She thinks she’ll get stuck in a bog.
Goldie is like the new girl in school here at Royal Oaks Mobile Home Park. Literally all the dogs, even the ones who hate other dogs, can’t wait to meet her. She owns the dog park, or at least thinks she does.
She got a hair cut last week. I tried trimming her, and botched her up pretty thoroughly, so CCs fixed her up and shaved off most of her curls. We think she looks a lot nicer with her butch haircut like my brother wore when he was a kid.
Our dog, at a very young age
Learned at night to stay in her cage
When morning light struck
Her blankets scratched in a ruck
She let out a yowl of deep rage.
For Esther Chilton's Limerick Challenge
Speaking of hair, mine is almost as long and thick as Goldie’s leg hairs, much curlier though. Impressive, huh!
Fitness Goals
Natalie the Explorer, Sally Cronin’s Smorgasbord and Jennifer Jones and several others are encouraging all of us to be more fit. I think that’s something we all want and need.
I am upping my game to include stretching, balance, and joint exercises in addition to 10,000 steps of walking per day. So far, I’m on track. I want to strengthen my muscles and joints enough that I won’t need Tylenol every day for joint and nerve pain in my right leg. I know that joint pain is one of the side effects of cancer medication, but exercise may help.
Mentally, I’ve added crossword puzzles to jigsaw puzzles every day. Blogging, writing, editing, devotions, and reading also help maintain brain elasticity.
Beyond that, I’m going to pot. My appetite is up due to the medication I take, and I love controlling it with food, whatever is closest to me is best. I try not to buy things that are too bad for us, but that doesn’t always stop me from eating it when I go somewhere. Fortunately, I’ve lost the taste for some things. However, I’ve gained 8-10 of the 20 pounds I lost during cancer treatments.
The best advice I can give anyone to stay in shape including regular exercising, is to stay away from sugar to keep cancer and weight gain at bay. It’s a hard lesson for me to learn.
Meet the Book Tour Hosts
Today, I want to highlight Esther Chilton who hosts several challenges including a limerick challenge, and other challenges like a 38-word challenge. Her blog also includes many book reviews, writer’s prompts, and funnies. So if you’re looking for some inspiration, head over there and you’re sure to find some. She can also help you with your writing projects.
Esther’s first SC story is scheduled for May 6th. However, before she has even written a story for Story Chat, Esther jumped in with both feet by writing a beautiful review of Story Chat Volume II.
“Nowhere else have I read such a wide range of writing, from pieces to make you laugh, then cry, twists you don’t see coming, stories aimed at younger readers, coming of age tales, sci-fi and much more. There really is something for everyone.”
Esther Chilton
Esther shared about some of her favorite stories. I recommend reading her review if for no other reason, to see what she had to say about your story.
“A particular favourite of mine was Gary A Wilson’s Anxious About Seahorses. I felt for the character, Charlotte, who has autism and has been sent for a unique type of therapy. I don’t want to give anything away, but I loved the way the story unfolded and how we connect with the characters.”
Esther Chilton
Gary Wilson’s story was one of the bonus stories that were not previously published on the Story Chat blog.
From Esther’s About Page
Esther is a freelance writer, copywriter and writing tutor for The Writers Bureau. She also has her own editing, proofreading and advice service. You can find out more about it here.
Her love affair with writing came about as a result of a back injury, when she could no longer carry out her job working in a bank. That injury led her to the wonderful world of writing and changed her life!
On her About Page Esther states, "I joined The Writers Bureau as a student and since then have never looked back."
She has published several books, and has links to all of them here. Links are included for Amazon UK and US, so you don't have to waste time looking for them.
For those of you writing short stories, you might appreciate her new book series coming out this year, A Helping Hand For Writers. This one is perfect for Story Chatters! Short Story Writing: The Ins and Outs of Short Story Writing. It is going to be published by Spellbound Books in 2025. Please give her blog a look. Congratulations Esther.
**********
Check Out our Story Chat Trailer
Story Chat Volume II Book Blog Tour Schedule
- Colleen Chesebro – November 24, 2024 (US) Thanks for reviewing on Amazon.
- Gloria – November 29 (UK)
- Robbie & Michael – November 30 (SA)
- Diana – December 1 (US)
- Doug – December 2 (AU) December 1 (US, UK, SA) Thanks for reviewing on Amazon.
- Cathy – December 4 (UK) Thanks for reviewing on Amazon.
- Amanda – December 9 (AU) December 8 (US, UK, SA)
- Dan– December 11 (US)
- Philip – December 14 (UK)
- Cindy Georgekas – December 16 (US)
- Esther Chilton – January 30 (UK ) Thanks for reviewing on Amazon.
- D. L. Finn – February 4 (US) Thanks for reviewing on Amazon.
- Yvette – February 5 (US) Thanks for reviewing on Amazon.
- Hugh – January 27 (UK)
Order the Popular Short Story Anthology
To be really cool, get your paperback copy of Story Chat Volume II on Amazon. Read Diana’s Tips on POV. It’s great! If this post doesn’t give you enough ideas, Hugh Robert’s tips chapter about how to write an unforgettable story might stir your muse into action.
I hope you are having a great week and that you are embracing 2025. The new month and I are off to a great start! I updated my About Me, New Here, and Story Chat Digest 2025 Pages. How about you?
Marsha Ingrao Always Write 
88 responses to “Embracing Life Over a Cuppa in a Dog Park”
how fun that your hair is growing and has some curl to it…. also, best wishes on strengthening the brain and body! You have grit!
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Grrrrit! 🙂 xxxxxxx It’s hard to age without it, LOL!
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true that – 😊
grit keeps us in for the long haul (all fueled by God)
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Yes, so true! 🙂 xxxxx
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I’m finally getting closer to caught up on reading the blogs I missed when we had limited Internet access. Nice collection of pet photos, Marsha!
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Thanks! I heard that you’re going to make it on Monday! Yay!!!!
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I have been working on doing better stretching and balance exercises. Well done on all your work towards being mentally and physically fit. I love doing puzzles of all sorts and do them daily.
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Great minds… Have a bright week. Stay warm up there. I bet you have snow! 🙂 xxx
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[…] do you work, raise a family, eat and do normal routine stuff, and still have time to write? I write Over a Cuppa and link to Natalie’s Weekend Coffee Share, and there are several others who also do a weekly […]
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Hi, it is tough staying away from sugar and ultra processed foods. I’ve been on the journey for a while now and it is tough. Same with keeping the steps up. Good luck and it is great to see you are so positive despite the temptation.
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You are so busy and I am full of admiration for how you manage to do so much. Hopefully the extra weight will drop off again when the meds are over and done with.
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Also, interesting to read that others are having problems commenting on some posts, because I’ve had that problem too. Not on yours but on a couple of others. I hope it’s all fixed soon.
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Me too!
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I’m not nearly as busy as you!!!! You’re all over the place. Did your ears burn yesterday? Vince was talking to one of our friends about your trip to Antarctica.
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It was an amazing trip, that’s for sure.
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Hi Marsha. Great coffee post.
Have you tried mobility exercises? I found a series on them on the exercise app I’m using. I like them and they’ve been a nice addition to my routine. They’re kind of like stretching but with a bit of a different focus.
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It depends on what they are. I go online and try all sorts of exercises. Mostly chair and floor along with balance and walking. I don’t do much strength training. I really need to see a physical therapist. I have an appointment with my oncologist on Tuesday, so I’m going to ask him what he recommends. It might just be to cut out the meds, or check the tumor on my back again. One doctor thought it was benign. The oncologist might want to take another look.
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That makes sense. I use the Peloton app for the mobility stuff. I would describe it as a combination of stretching and yoga that is very gentle. Videos range from 5 minutes and up.
Happy Sunday, Marsha.
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I’ll check it out!
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Goodness! Goldie is the cutest! I have no doubt she brings you endless joy!
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She is a lover, and we love her to death. Thanks so much for your comment, Melissa. I’m off to visit your blog. 🙂
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Thanks for introducing me to Goldie. She’s very cute and looks like she’s living her best life. Good luck with your fitness and I do hope improved strength helps with your pain levels. Well done on gaining so much of your weight back.
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Thanks, Jennifer, but the weight gain is not needed. I was overweight to start. Now I need to lose that 10 pounds again, and cancer medication insures that it is hard to do. 🙂
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Wat to go Goldie what an attitude absolutely she is your dog! You both have attitude…
if I write you a poem story how should I send it to you? 💜💜😄
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hahah, Willow. You know me better than most. We do both have attitude. My husband complains about mine more, though. We both laugh about our attitudes. 🙂
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we need attitude to get by these days 💜💜💜
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LOL It wasn’t so popular back in the day when I lived at home.
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thats true 💜 💜
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Ok, my comment went through! Many are having trouble posting comments. I had to find you in the Reader. In any case, it was great to catch up with you through reading, Marsha! I know your pain about avoiding sugar. You probably needed to gain a few pounds back after they abrupt way you lost them. Keep doing what you’re doing, it does come together albeit slowly ❤️
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I read one of Hugh’s posts – scanned it really. Your problem might be updating and cleaning out. Check out some of his blogging posts. I’m going to start a blogging tips link party, I think. I have a million old posts. I worked on one this afternoon for several hours, and I’ve scheduled it for Monday. I’ll tie it into Sadje’s Sunday Poser, I think. She has some excellent questions about blogging, and they are more current than my posts, but it will help me to update them instead of just throwing them out. Plus I learn something. 🙂 Win-win.
How’s life at home. Are you ready to come to CA yet? Or maybe Portland this spring? Sorry our winter get-together was so botched up.
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I just heard back from the WP engineers when I described this problem yesterday. They’re “on it” was their reply. Many other bloggers have had the same issue leaving comments. I can if I go through the reader. I’ve read and used Hugh’s advice and even emailed him. He was also going to put in a ticket to WP. Plus I cleared the cache on my devices. Still not working. I like your idea. We’ll chat soon!
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I asked Hugh about it, too in his comment section. He had a good answer that I will post on Monday.
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Goldie is adorable, Marsha!
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Isn’t she too cute. She’s turning out to be a very good dog, too. No accidents here in CA, not as much chewing. She and Moji play well together. She loves her walks, as you can see. I’ll miss that little dog park immensely.
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What a darling dog
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Thanks, Jacquie. She’s a rescue long-haired chihuahua mix from Phoenix. She was roaming the streets with her sister. I can’t imagine someone getting rid of her, but I can imagine her escaping from a fenced yard. She wouldn’t do it now because she’s almost two, but she was a flight risk when we got her. 🙂 She’s fatter now, too.
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Should I ask what happened to the sister? Or will it make me sad?
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Not at all. They were both at the rescue center. I adopted Goldie on Friday, and her sister was adopted by Sunday. I wish I knew who had her. It would be fun to try to get them together at least once.
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Whew. That is wonderful. Thank you, Marsha. I was worrying.
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I am glad I eased your mind. You couldn’t tell them apart, but the other dog was a little bit shyer. Goldie has lost all of her shyness. I bet the other dog has as well.
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You’re doing so well Marsha. And inspiring me to up my game too.
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Yay! That’s my job. My spiritual gift is encouragement. 🙂
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Awesome my dear friend
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Beautiful poem written you,Marsha. Thank you for the mention. Have a great week!
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😻Thank you, Raj.
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Welcome, Marsha ☺️
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😁
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Glad your going to pot wasn’t the smoking kind. 😉
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Haha, you weren’t supposed to read that part!
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I do love you Marsha, but I’ve just spent the past hour reading all about the negative aspects of sugar. I’m going to have to include sugar free cookies at the end of my walks posts. Somehow it doesn’t seem half so appealing. How do I explain ‘no more cake’ to Frank? Even if it’s in his best interests… And that glass of port? Tssk!
I feel quite sad.
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I just ate cake for lunch, Jo. I told you I’ve gone to pot! Not just one little piece, either. And I make super rich dark chocolate icing, and I had fresh strawberries and whipped cream to go with it. There — it’s out in the open now.
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Honey, I’ve hit the white wine. There’s no hope for either of us xx
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Haha! Here’s to us!
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Hi Marsha, Congratulations on upping your fitness game. I hope the stretching, balance and joint exercises help eliminate the joint pain. Thank you for the mention. Have a great week!
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Thanks, I just ate cake for lunch, so don’t congratulate me yet. Company last night!
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Fitness is a journey and sometimes we get distracted. I’m sure you’ll get back to walking and doing the exercises. Goldie is adorable and she looks happy with her dog friend. Thank you for linking up with #weekendcoffeshare.
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I haven’t veered from the walking. Eating is my problem when people make cakes. 🙂
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Hi Marsha, such lovely pictures of Goldie and delightful poems too. I’m so pleased Esther is joining the SC club 🌞
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PS, do you need more poems?
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Always. Those go out every month, and they are not limited to one person.
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Okay, I do have poems 🙃
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Awesome – and pictures for picture day!
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Me too! She is a love! BTW, do you have a biography of Michael you can send me?
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Yes, I’ll sent it.
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Thank you. 🙂
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The exercise I have is walking my dog, but don’t like walking him in the dark, so my husband should walk him in the day. Bless him, he looks happy making friends.
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The dog she is with has not made friends with anyone else in the park, so we took pictures and videos as proof. When we get back to Prescott, we can’t walk her or let her out after dark. We have coyotes and other wild animals that would eat her for a midnight snack.
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My Rottweiler, German Shep cross isn’t the best on lead. Yet he could meet the same dog in the park, running after a ball, and they are best pals. He often gets beat up with all the female variety of dogs.
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hahaha, Girl Power! 🙂
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🥰🤣🥰
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Goldie is adorable, Marsha. Your fitness goals would be challenging this time of year for me. I try to walk every day, but today it was 21(f) with a stiff wind that made it feel like 8. I get out there when I can. So far, the most walking I go this week was behind a snowblower, and it looks like there’s more of that in the immediate future.
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Goldie is adorable, Marsha. Your fitness goals would be challenging this time of year for me. I try to walk every day, but today it was 21(f) with a stiff wind that made it feel like 8. I get out there when I can. So far, the most walking I go this week was behind a snowblower, and it looks like there’s more of that in the immediate future.
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Twenty-one degrees sounds like torture. Stiff winds are even worse. You need to come visit us in CA during the winter. Walking with a snow blower is such good company, and probably more exercise than I get walking. I do most of my walking in the house. I used to roller skate in circles, now I walk in them, LOL Of course, Goldie gets her share of walks, too. 🙂
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Last week, it was -5 degrees, Marsha. This is much warmer 😉
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Oh no! You better take a vacay!
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Before I retired, our company’s Annual Meeting would be this weekend in Florida. I don’t miss it even a little.
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Retirement is wonderful. I agree. 🙂 I had the privilege of traveling all over the country, and I tired of that even though I loved it.
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I traveled a lot for a long time. I don’t miss that at all, but, as you say, I enjoyed it.
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You have lots of hobbies that keep you home. I’m looking forward to planting a garden this year, and you can’t leave it in the summer here. You’d have a dried up weed patch if you didn’t have auto sprinklers, or a forest if you did. 🙂
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Thank you so much, Marsha, for highlighting me today. I really appreciate it and am so thrilled to be part of Story Chat 2025. There are some fantastic writers involved so I feel honoured to be part of it. 💗
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Thanks, Esther. I’m glad you are! 🙂 xxx
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What an adorable pup! Goldie is so pretty. Congratulations to you on tackling your fitness goals! I aim for walking on my treadmill 5 days a week, but need to add some stretching as well. Thanks, Marsha!
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I never knew there were so many things to exercise – joints, muscles, balance, flexibility, even nerves.
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Goldie is so cute!! And your action shot captured the energy
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Thanks, Yvette. She’s our little sweetie. 🙂 xxxxx
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🙂
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One of my fellow Whittlesey Wordsmiths, Val Fish is a brilliant writer of limericks, she often has some of hers posted on Esther’s blog. As a thank you for helping with her book Val wrote me a limerick, I was really pleased with it
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That’s cute, Phil. She is a nice lady. 🙂
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