Sometimes I'm reminded that there are so many things about this Universe that we don't understand and can't explain.
Shortly after I last posted, when the terrier hadn't eaten for two days and was looking seriously miserable, we had to go out to a dinner party.
I was worried about leaving the dog with the babysitter, but we've known her for years and she's very fond of him, so I explained the situation and said we'd come straight back if he got any worse.
"Don't worry," she said, "I'll look after him. I'm a Master Reiki Healer, so I'll do a session with him."
I have to confess to being a little sceptical, but I figured it couldn't do any harm. As we left he was sitting on Susie's knee, having his back stroked and looking a little confused.
Three hours later, we got home, opened the door and were flattened by a fur ball, jumping up, wagging his tail and then charging outside to bark at some foxes.
"He's eaten a bowl of food and drunk lots of water," said Susie as we stared at his retreating doggy butt, open-mouthed.
Otto's recovery may well have been a complete co-incidence, but who knows?
Since that evening, he's still had a bit of a upset tummy, but he's definitely on the mend.
My other good news, and the reason I didn't post any sooner, is that yesterday I typed THE END at the bottom of my manuscript!
It's the book of my first year sober, how I got there, what I learned, and how I got, and then got rid of, breast cancer along the way.
I'm hoping that it'll help other people struggling with the wine witch, and will help 'normal drinkers' get a much better understanding of what life is like for us addicts.
It all sounds a bit serious, but it's actually a black comedy which, I hope, will be fun to read.
Of course, it's not actually THE END. It's the beginning of a long editing process. I sent a copy to my Agent, printed off two copies for friends to read and critique, and gave a copy to Mr SM.
It's like handing over your baby.
Mr SM has been reading and making notes with a red pen (as requested). It's agonising. I keep hounding him with needy questions: is it okay? Will anyone read it? Do I sound completely crazy?
Once I've got everyone's feedback I'll do a big re-edit, then hand it to my publishers who, apparently, will take four or five weeks to get back to me. How agonising!
(Publication date: Jan 11th, 2018)
Love to you all, and thanks, as always, for all your support.
SM x
P.S. Huge congrats to WildcatsMaisie on her Soberversary!
