Update on My Assistants

This post has very little to do with UNDER THE NEVER SKY. It has very little to do with anything substantial, really. Don't say you weren't warned...

A few months ago, my editor asked me to put together a little video of my office and work space. She thought it might be interesting for people to see "behind the scenes." You can see it here, if you're so inclined. 

I'm probably guilty of making behind-the-scenes look a little more glamorous on the video than is actually the case. Right now, for example, I'm still in the running clothes I wore when I jogged this morning. It's hot here in Northern California and my scent has acquired a "delicate bouquet" throughout the day that might even turn Perry's nose. I digress.

My point wasn't to tell you that I'm seldom very pulled together when I write. The point was to respond to the inquiries I've received regarding my assistants, Ivan and Lola. Many of you (yes, many) have asked for an update. Here it is:

Here's the old girl, feeling miserable and smelling bad.
Doesn't she look forlorn? 

LOLA
 Lola has fallen on hard times recently. Approximately two weeks ago, in the middle of the night, she was absolutely doused by a skunk. The smell was such that nausea ensued for the entire the family. Tomato juice was attempted. Store bought solutions, too. As were internet recommended treatments with warnings like: "Don't put a cap on the solution after you've mixed it or it'll explode." Nothing worked. She went to the groomer, but it was too late. Skunk juice, we were told, is oil-based and if you don't get it early, then you'll be living with it for a good long while.

Doesn't Ivan look, um, forlorn, too?

As unpleasant as the eau de skunk is for us humans, it has to be miserable for the old girl, (did you know dogs' sense of smell is 40x stronger than ours?) so I've given her a few weeks off the hard editing. She's recuperating daily. Thank you in advance for your well-wishes.

IVAN
Ivan, on the other hand, spends a few hours sitting on the top porch step overseeing the neighborhood like Mufasa. Then he terrorizes birds, lizards, cats, dogs and the occasional kid for a few hours and heads inside to spend the rest of his days like this.

Such a hard life.

I have not given Ivan the summer off, but he doesn't listen. He has been warned and placed on probation. I sincerely hope he shapes up, but between you and me, his assistant position might open up soon.

There you have it. My assistants. Now back to writing.