Welcome Portuguese Readers -Muito Bem Vindo!

Recently I have been receiving some email from Portugal - another place I've always dreamed of visiting but have never had the chance.

It's always fascinating to hear from people who enjoyed Tales from a Dog Catcher - especially from a place so many miles away from the Hudson Valley of New York State. I would like to think that these stories resonate with people on many levels not necessarily related to geographic region. I consider it a great privilege to know that there are readers in this beautiful part of the world, (currently a lot warmer, and less rainy than here), who are enjoying my tales of dogs, cats and other critters! I hope you enjoy the laughs and even perhaps a bit of the tears included within the book. Tudo de bom to my new friends! Find out more about visiting Portugal at www.visitportugal.com, Portugal's official tourism website. There's some great deals on vacation packages right now - especially for those of you not limited only to school holidays.

photo courtesy of visitportugal.com

Questions about Blog Tours, Book Chats, and a scheduled Third Printing, (woo-hoo!)

I feel like I am always putting out information on the blog about my book...so much so that I'm starting to get sick of myself. Really...I look in the mirror and go "ug", and then of course I check my Amazon numbers like the writer-geek that I've become. I am an enigma...or just predictable, possibly neurotic. Probably all of those things.

I did enjoy writing the post on Sasha the now official pet therapy dog, and of course about Tanya Turgeon, an up and coming actress/model/ circus trainer for children to help with social skills, and also an actress. Check out her blog - hire her for some film work, the lady is a beauty on top of all the brains!

Now I have a question for you expert bloggers out there. I would like to do a blog tour. I hear that this is a pretty popular way for authors to go "on tour" but still get to stay at home where they can still be seconds away from picking up little girls from their friend's houses and buying more bacon and eggs for big teenage boys sleepovers...exciting stuff. A line from one of my favorite books On Writing by Stephen King says: "Art is not a substitute for life". It is his words I hear in my head when I start to become frustrated at starting and stopping and trying to put together new chapters for a possible sequel and being constantly interrupted by requests.

Of course I don't hear it like an ominous sort of voice like in the Shining...that would be creepy. I hear it like Steve is my friend who is reminding me that after attaining all of the attention, fame and even wealth that comes with being a bestselling writer - it took a serious accident that put his life at risk, along with a supportive family, to return him to his priorities. If you haven't read it, I highly recommend it. It's not just for writers, although of course it's slanted for that market...what is more fascinating about it is his honesty and background and pearls of wisdom from a gentle, sensitive and talented man who possesses the ability to write books that scare the hell out of people. I love that about him!

Anyway, if there is anyone out there who knows about author blog tours and how to go about it, (I've checked sites that describe how fun or successful it can be and how it's interaction with people without having to stand up in front of them...something I have yet to grow comfortable with) - but not a blueprint of instructions on how it all works and what I should do first. I need some nuts and bolts on it. It's summer vacation...I could even do this at 1 am - that really intrigues me!

Before I forget...a multitude of thanks go out to Ginny Neidermeyer from the Josephine Louise Public Library in Walden, NY who hosted a book talk for me last week. It was wonderful, she brought cookies and lemonade and some wonderful people came to listen and ask questions, including some veteran retired teachers who I have so much respect and reverence for - I was almost speechless! I was nervous up until the point I got there and she made me feel so comfortable and at home. Just when I thought I had no more intelligent things to say...in come five seniors who graduated in June to ask questions and give me support. As soon as they were there, I was in my comfort zone. I was honored that they took time out of their summer to come and support me and the book. Thanks you guys...you totally rock!

Now for one more shameless plug...Tales from a Dog Catcher was released on April 1, 2009 and is scheduled for a third printing in late July. Thank you everyone who helped make that possible. I never thought I'd sell out a first printing, (although I wished), but to have a third coming up is beyond anything I ever dreamed of. Besides the dreams about Oprah, and maybe Ellen DeGeneres...and seeing my name on a bestseller list...ah...it is good to have dreams! But now...I must load the dishwasher. Priorities!

photo courtesy of ooby.ning.com

Congratulations to Sasha - Official Therapy Dog!

Last school year, my Psychology Classes were privileged to enjoy a visit from Sasha, a beautiful Golden Retriever doing his "student teaching" in his final semester as training as an official therapy dog. His cooperating professor, (and Mom), Mrs. Marian Zaritsky is a retired Special Education teacher and had dedicated herself to this new career with incredible passion and enthusiasm. We just found out that Sasha passed his final exams. We learned in class that these exams are very challenging and difficult. Attaining this final certification is quite an achievement. Marian sent me a photo of Sasha, (yes...Sasha is a "he"...Sasha is a male Russian name!), for the blog along with this great email she gave me permission to post. Congratulations to Sasha and Marian for completing all the tests for Therapy Dogs International. Click on the link to find out all the amazing things that Therapy Dogs are trained to do. I guarantee that you will be amazed.

Hi Lisa,

Sasha and I wanted you to know that he passed the Therapy Dogs International
Therapy Test last Thursday and is an official therapy dog. We owe his
success to all those people who gave of their time and effort so that he
could practice his skills for success. You and your classes are DEFINITELY
in that group!!
Many thanks again for your assistance. If in the future we can be of any
help in reducing stress in your environment, please call us.
There is NO charge as we are a voluntary organization.

Have a great summer!

Hugs and slurpy kisses,
Marian Zaritsky and Sasha