Thursday, May 7, 2009

Malice Envy

This year’s was the first Malice Domestic I’ve missed in several years, and I was delighted to hear how much my fellow bloggers enjoyed it. And, yes, I was a little envious, too, since I’ve always enjoyed Malice.

But I missed it for the best of reasons: largely because my older son and his wife were visiting from Chicago, along with their adorable Puli, Piper. I had such a wonderful time having them around! Our younger son came up from San Diego for part of the visit, too, and our nephew who lives in L.A., and his girlfriend, joined us all for dinner one evening. Well, not the dogs, but the rest of us.

Speaking of the dogs, it was fascinating to see their interaction. Piper is a lot better socialized then either of ours. And although Mystie tried to keep up with her, Piper is one Puli-bundle of energy! She dashed in circles around our large backyard, and even put all other pups visiting the dog park we visited to shame with how fast she was. Lexie just watched with disdain, since she is number one pup in our household. Mystie, who’s a lot smaller, ran around, too, but was intimidated when Piper ran too close to her.

Now, they’re all gone again, back home to Chicago and San Diego. It’s quieter around here, and although Mystie has looked around for Piper, she seems happy to be able to play ball with us again her way, without Piper dashing off with the balls. Lexie never stopped demanding attention as number one pup, so her recognition that Piper is gone is not as overt.

I’m hoping to make Malice next year. But given a similar choice... Malice can miss me, too!

By the way, I’m really into blogging these days. I blogged on two other sites earlier this week: A Slice of Orange, the blog of the Orange County Chapter of the Romance Writers of America, and the new Silhouette Nocturne blog on the eHarlequin website. More to come for both of them, too!

Have you missed any potentially enjoyable events lately to be with family instead?

--Linda

5 comments:

Terri Thayer said...

We missed you, Linda. Lucky for me, Malice meant a visit with my son and my mother and sister. Win, win.

Betty Hechtman said...

Terri beat me to the punch about saing we missed having you at Malice, Linda.

Lucky Terri had a win, win.

Linda O. Johnston said...

Thanks, Terri and Betty. I missed being with you, too. But I'm glad Terri had the additional benefit of seeing family there!
--Linda

Janie Emaus said...

Linda,
I've never been to Malice, but I'm sure you were missed. And yes, I've missed a conference or two because of family obligations. But in the end, it's always worth it! I'm glad you had fun with your family.

Tara Johnston said...

Piper misses both Lexie and Mystie. Since we have been back to Chicago she has been moping around, with a sad puppy face.