My Dog Ate My Homework

It was a beautiful summer day. Not too hot, with a breeze rustling the trees around the yard.

I was outside of Lille, spending a week working, while my children were on the coast with their grandparents.

It was the end of the afternoon, and I had no more book circles for the day, so I rolled out a chaise lounge to soak up the sun and start preparing for a September book circle.

After about 20 minutes, I put down the book and my pink pen, and headed inside for a glass of water.

Then I heard it.

A strange rustling noise coming from the yard.

As I looked outside, I could see our puppy, having a grand time with the book jacket. Hopping around the yard, chewing to his heart's content.

The book itself was splayed open under the chair. My pink pen hidden in the leaves of grass.

"Skaï, drop!"

He peeked up at me, with the book jacket tightly in his jaws.

"Skaï, drop!"

He continued to gaze at me with his big, multicolored eyes, not moving a muscle.

I stepped back inside to get our secret weapon - a small jar filled with his favorite treats - dried duck!

I gave it a few shakes, and he came bounding in the door, mouth empty.

I slowly made my way outside to recover what was left of the book jacket and my pen.

A book jacket is over-rated anyway.

When you buy a hardcover book, do you keep the book jacket on, or take it off as you read?



P.S If you're curious, the book was Deliberate Calm: How to Learn and Lead in a Volatile World. I am starting it on Sept 14th with a small group of individuals. Comment below if you want to join us.

Originally posted on LinkedIn with comments.

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