There is no dishonor in losing the race. There is only dishonor in not racing because you are afraid to lose.
~Garth Stein~
Writers cannot be afraid to lose. Rejection is part of the game plan. Rejections happen so that a writer’s work can improve. Rejections are also the path to finding the right home for a piece of writing. Rejection = wrong home. Acceptance = right home. (That goes for shelter dogs too! Just sayin’.)
My first day at my forever home.
Mom is not afraid. I mean, yes – she’s afraid of bugs. And spiders. And the dark. And germs. And Chinese restaurants (long story). And earthworms (don’t ask). But when it comes to being an author, NOTHING scares her.
Last week, she did a different kind of author visit. She was a guest at Disability Awareness Day. She talked to over 200 kids – a group at a time – at her table.
They also touched the pages of Mom’s book in Braille, typed their names into the iPad to see how they look in Braille, solved puzzles, tested their sense of touch with the objects in Mom’s Touch Box , and walked with their eyes closed using the cane to feel their way around.
Type your name at BrailleBug.
Mom signed books for a bunch of kids, teachers, and parents.
It was a LOT of fun. Plus a LOT of talking, so Mom needed some tea with honey and a few gingersnaps when she got home. And yes – she shared a gingersnap with me!
Last month, Mom tried to take me hiking. Talk about a losing proposition. The trail we tried was icy, muddy, overgrown, and STEEP. But did that scare us away? ….Yes!
…But not for long. Today we tried again – on a different trail.
It was sunny, well-marked, flat, clear, and wide. We didn’t win any races, but we are in the game. And not afraid to lose.
GAH! Hitchhiker butterfly – also in the game….
Cupcake Speaks 
Comments on: "Inspirational Quote of the Week" (79)
Hmmmm, we guess your mom won’t be helping out in our garden any time soon then. We have a lot of earthworms in our garden, mom says it’s a good thing, we say *omnomnom* especially when they dry out in the sun and become crunchy worm snacks *BOL*
Wally & Sammy
Crunchy??! Yum! I don’t want Mom to freak out, but I’m hoping to snag one of those crunchy worms soon. Sounds delicious.
Love and licks,
C
Bravo to both of you for having another go at the hiking and for not giving up over rejection slips.
Thanks, P. Giving up is never an option!
Love and licks,
C
I’m glad my fuzzy loves we’re rejected by others – made me the luckiest mumma! Looks like so much fun – your Mom is a celebrity. I love Garth Stein’s The Art of Racing in the Rain. X
Thanks, M. Rejection always happens for a reason. Amazing forever homes is one of them. Mom also LOVED that book!
Love and licks,
C
My mom is afraid of earthworms too, since a bully forced her to eat one as she was a little girl :o( I so agree, to be in the game is the best, no matter if you win or not, to be a part of it is the best. Probably Vince Lombardi had no dog as he said winning is the only thing :o)
Thanks, E. You mom ATE a worm! Yikes! I want to bite that bully on his ankle!
Love and licks,
C
Your Mom is right…..nothing ventured nothing gained when it comes to writing. My Mom remembers back when she was “shopping” her work around! Hanging in there and knowing that if it’s meant to be – it will BE. As for her talks with the kids – FABULOUS. What a fun talk and experience it must have been for the school kids. A “rewarding ginger snap” is always a good idea after a big day…………your hikes look like fun Cupcake and I really love the photo of you with a butterfly on your back – I think he was tying to lift you up and take you for a ride! Tee Hee
Love, Sammy
Thanks, S. I never thought that the butterfly was trying to carry me! I thought he wanted me to carry him! Now I’m a little sorry I tried to eat him….
Love and licks,
C
Oh Cupcake, your mom is an amazing woman, touching the lives of so many children who need all the support the world can give them. And then, you brave puppy, going for hikes. Did you know that dogs (and people) who hike, live longer…that means more time for more ginger snaps. Charley says, a day without a hike, is a day wasted! Hugs and cuddles, Johanna and Charley!
Charley is a smartie! Hiking smells are very different from neighborhood smells. I didn’t know that hiking was so healthy! But I’m happy Iit is! Thanks, J.
Love and licks,
C
Cupcake i think mum looks super at her awareness day! so glad the children had a chance to spend time with your mum..very lovely of you to share her..and even if she WAS spying on you you got a gingersnap..one of my fave biscuits! do not tell mum that if you sit them on top of little muffin tins in a warm oven they can be softened and shaped then filled with all sorts of creamy fillings..ok…and mum is right..rejection can be the best way to get to the right place..i have been rejected at some roads from work going on..only to take a detour that led to super photo opportunities…and by the way..love the butterfly….you do attract such lovliness to yourself 🙂 loves Fozziemum xxx
Thanks, FM. Mom shares me with the kids when we do therapy work at the library, so I have to share her with kids too. We LOVE the idea of softening gingersnaps and spreading stuff on them. This will be a good project for Mom to try. I’m available for taste testing…. Just sayin’.
Love and licks,
C
I am so glad you share and share alike Cupcake 🙂 it is a good project..and delish..when they are soft just push them further in the tins and leave the to cool…fill them up with anything yumm..cheesecake mix…mmmmmm glad you are available for taste testing 🙂 loves Fozziemum xx
Good for the Mom to talk to all those children. We also really like the quote. Well said. You have a great Mom Cupcake and glad you two got in a good hike.
Thanks, M. We’re hoping to hike again soon. If it ever stops raining…
Love and licks,
C
Snorts – you were chasing butterflies and was that butterfly chasing you Cupcake? I love it! Your mom is such an inspiration for people. We love how she works with disabilities and tries to bring them to light. That’s close to our heart here at the Hotel Thompson. Love you guys. XOXO – Bacon
Thanks, B. Mom is no expert like you guys are, but she likes to share the little things that she knows. Kids are fun to talk to. Plus they’re delicious.
Love and licks,
C
Snorts! Yeah – kids are delicious? I love that for sure. XOXO – Bacon
They are B.! They taste like dirt. And gum.
Completely agree. The fun is in the chase!
And nobody knows more about chasing than you do, W. You’ve got 2 of the best chasers in the world right there!
Love and licks,
C
Hi there Cupcake ❤
I like to think not about winning or loosing, its about getting out there doing your stuff and making the most of every thing …scary or not, at least that's what I tell my mom even if she is scared sometimes, mind you if the rewards are gingersnaps she would take a few more risks,
And the thing about rejection is…it's not where you are meant to be anyway,
WOW I sound very philosophical for a 6 month old puppy LOL
Love & stuff
Oscar xx
You AREA very philosophical, O. And smart as a whip for a puppy. I’m just learning this stuff now and I’m EIGHT! Your mom gives you a good head start about the ways of the world.
Love and licks,
C
Mom has to keep me busy to stop me getting into mischief, philosophy is just one area we are covering ….this is due to my fetch and leave training failing on a stupendous level LOL
WE love your pretty Orange dress.
THAT was a super day your mom had… Congratulations to her.
And a GRRRREAT walk is Fabulous.
Thanks, F and E. You’re right. It was a GRRRREAT walk! Lots of new smells.
Love and licks,
C
Hi, Cupcake! I really enjoyed all of the pictures in this post. I think what your mom did was super cool. Aghhh! I just notice you had a butterfly on your back!!! What the *(%&?!?! The other day I smashed a butterfly to pieces with my front paws. Mom was very angry. She said she couldn’t possibly bear to have a butterfly smasher cuddle with her and that I should NEVER do it again! I hope you didn’t smash your intruder! *ear licks* Noodle
Thanks, N. A couple of summers ago, I ate a butterfly. Mom said, “Oh no you didn’t.” But oh yes I did! This guy lucked out and escaped before I could catch him. Didn’t he look delicious? Next time you stomp one to death, taste it!
Love and licks,
C
Oh Cupcake & Mommy, you just never know what you can do unless you try! That is why my Mommy always tries out new projects just to see if she can do it. Some turn out ok, some don’t, but that does not discourage her in the least. Your Mommy is so cool and awesome in so many ways, and so are you super pup!
Thanks, V. You are super courageous in the projects you try. We can all learn from you! Except I hope Mom doesn’t learn to make paper mâché pumpkins. I’m scared of those guys.
Love and licks,
C
I’m a sucker for a good project or punishment! LOL I hope that my projects inspire others along the way! I’m sorry to hear that you are scared of my paper mache pumpkins though. What if you saw a paper mache cupcake, would you be scared?
Cupcake I know you had to spend the day alone but I think your Mom is very kind, thoughtful, and inspiring with her guest appearance for the Disability Awareness Day. Love seeing her signing her books! I would prefer to hike on a sunny no ice kinda day. Hmmm.. a gingersnap with some tea and honey sounds very good right now. Rejection.. I am still not crazy about rejection. But the older I get I worry less about it.
Thanks, Pix. Apparently, Mom and I got our hike in on the only nice day of the week. Whew! You’re smart to worry less. It does make life easier….
Love and licks,
C
love the quote and your Mom rocks!!!!
Thanks, D, C, and C. You rock, too!
Love and licks,
C
Looks like you found the right trail and a new friend. Nothing to be scared of there. 😉
Thanks, G. That hitch-hiking butterfly is lucky to escape with his life. I tried to snag him, but I missed… HE’S the one who needed to be afraid this time!
Love and licks,
C
Your butterfly is really cool! Your Mom is an inspiration to my mom, Cupcake!
Boomer
Linda
http://coloradofarmlife.wordpress.com
https://coloradofarmlife.wordpress.com/sherlock-boomer
Thanks, B. I thought that butterfly wanted to ride along with us, but when I tried to eat him, he left. Oh well….
Love and licks,
C
We always want to be included in the game….winning is no biggie for us cause mom has shown us how to lose with dignity…she loses a fair bit but is just as happy. You gotta lose to know how good winning can feel.
Shoko and Kali
That’s a great philosophy, S and K. Dignity should be your middle name.
Love and licks,
C
Awesome, sounds like a super fun event.
Thanks, D. It WAS super fun. The school was one of the friendly, caring ones. And the kids were engaged and interested. I’d love to spend a whole day surrounded by kids. They’re delicious.
Love and licks,
C
It sounds as though your mom had a very interesting day and I’m sure it’s something that will have an impact on the way those children think.
I’m glad she share the gingersnap with you, Cupcake – you deserved some for waiting patiently at home.
Thanks, C. Gingersnaps are a yummy reward. Mom always knows what I like, after she does something I hate.
Love and licks,
C
Your mom’s school visit sounds like it was A-MAZ-ing! Lucky kids who got to attend! And good for you, trying another hike – you might find you really enjoy it when it isn’t icy, muddy and steep 🙂
Thanks, S. It was a ton of fun for sure. Mom even saw a therapy dog at the event. And guess what – it wasn’t me!! Gah!
Love and licks,
C
First, you are totally completely adorable in your dress! Then I want to say you and your mom are VERY brave to go out hiking in the mud and ice. WHEW!!! Mom and certainly I would have stayed home. We are wusses!
Then I want to send a kitty kiss to you and mom for going and sparking at the Disability Awareness Day. That was a real service to ALL children. XXOO
Thanks, KI. Mom also thought we were wicked brave and courageous when we went hiking in the cold. Then when we got scared, we weren’t brave and courageous anymore. We were back in the car, safe and sound.
Love and licks,
C
And you are a great hiker and you have GAME! So does your Mom. Being a writer isn’t easy at all.
Thanks, S. I have never had game before since Mom and I are clueless about sports. Whoo-hoo!
Love and licks,
C
There is a very good lesson in here my friend, very good. Thank you for sharing it, I needed to hear it.
Thanks, J. We all need to hear that lesson now and then. That’s what keeps us working and trying and trying and working and working and playing and…. Ugh. I need a nap!
Love and licks,
C
We’ve trained our tummies to know what the time is so Mum has no excuses for missing any meals for us. We have been known to use our sad eyes to let her know if our dinners are late and we have the hungrumblies.
Luv Hannah and Lucy xx xx
Smart strategy, girls. I have those “hungrumblies” all the time. I may need to work on my sad eyes….
Love and licks,
C
Your Mom does all kinds of amazing things Cupcake! You Ladies picked a good second trail! We have changed our blog address. It is now martythemanx2@wordpress.com
Luvs
Marty and Mom
Thanks, M. We found you at your new address, martythemanx2.wordpress.com, and we’re back to following you again.
Love and licks,
C
You and your mom is so brave Cupcake. I am only brave when it comes to furry kids like you and cute spiders … for me all spiders are cute by the way. 😆 Same with snakes. I love them too. Humans scare me. That is why I admire your mom for doing what she is doing. 😀
You look so adorable in your dress and I am glad you found a forever home with mom. Looks like the hike was fun. You look so cute with that little ‘hitchhiker’ on your back. heheheh.
Next time I will come over for some gingersnaps as well. Please tell mom the photos are beautiful and thank her for sharing with us. 😀
♥ Hugs and Kisses ♥
Thanks, S. Gingersnaps are so yummy. Mom would probably give you a whole one or ten. I only get a tiny piece. I guess she’s afraid if I eat too many cookies I will grow out of my dresses!
Love and licks,
C
Whahahahah! Yeah, I am sure that is why and of course, it’s not so good for the teeth. When you’re my age you don’t worry about that anymore. 😆
♥ Hugs and Love ♥
Well done for having a second go at hiking!
Thanks, M. We were very brave!
Love and licks,
C
Hey you Q-T-paw-2T you ! Look at you standing on that log so high up, barkie-diem ❤ Your mom's list of scary things made my skin crawl. Just two days ago I asked Mr B to rescue me from a BIG spider in the tube. I have no idea where he came from, nor do I want to know incase he has friends…shiver.
Ha! Thanks, B. I think I showed a lot of courage standing on the log and a lot of restraint by NOT eating the butterfly.
Love and licks,
C
This is your elected Purrime Ministerettes of Planet Purrth serving all anipals except snakies.
That cookie fish cookie?
I never had a fish cookie, S and J. I think gingersnap cookies taste good like fish, though….
Love and licks,
C
That hiking must have been such a pleasure, Cupcake…the second one I mean 😀 The ginger cookies look delicious *liks paws* I’m glad your mom shared one with you. It’s great that your moms book is in braille now, that’s so special. Pawkisses for a Happy Day 🙂 ❤ *whispers to Granny:* I wonder if the Chinese Restaurant has something to do with the germs….
Thanks, Little B. Mom does sometimes make her own Chinese food, but she won’t set foot into one of those restaurants. And she thinks I’m weird because I’m afraid of balloons…
Love and licks,
C
Looks like you had fun! Great picture of the flutterby on you! 🙂 Walking on those trails… during certain times of the year they are difficult! The old guy seems to like that though…. he is not afraid of much… just spiders…. Ginger loves spiders….. she is collecting them now… … dad stills says if you ever come around here he is going to “adopt” you… -The Collies 🙂
Thanks, Collies. I bet Ginger’s spider collection is something to see! Yikes!
Love and licks,
C
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