Sarah has always loved words and writing; in fact, since she was ten years old, she has been working on a book. To highlight her literary efforts, this year’s Manteo High School yearbook will feature an interview with her. (She was also honored recently when she was one of a handful of students chosen by her AP English teacher to tutor other High School students in writing.)
The yearbook editors requested a picture of Sarah to go along with the interview so yesterday, she asked me to come up to her room and get a picture of her in her writing chair. I was only too happy to oblige.
It ended up taking a little while to get to the actual picture-taking process though, because once Steve realized that all the Smith Women were headed to the third floor, he decided to tag along. He wandered over to Sarah’s artwork display and spent some time discussing her art projects with her. She is so blessed to have a dad who listens well and takes an interest in the things that are important to her.
After the Big Art Discussion, it was time to start on the project of capturing the author at work.
While I was working on getting the needed pictures, Summer was wandering hither and yon around the room, keeping a sharp eye on things and making sure we were all kept safe and secure. (She is one amazing and fluffy watchdog.)
At one particular point in the process, I happened to take a step to the left as I was snapping a photo. Now as a rule, one small step wouldn’t make a great deal of difference to anyone–unless, of course, you happen to be taking the first step onto the moon, or something.
However, in this case, my one small step just happened to reveal the fact that there was a full length mirror on the floor right behind me. When Summer casually glanced up from her diligent room patrol, she suddenly noticed the alarming fact that a strange, white dog had sashayed right into Sarah’s bedroom without so much as a by-your-leave.
Well. Summer went absolutely ballistic. She barked and snarled and positively vibrated with righteous indignation—for all of about five seconds.
And then quite suddenly she came to the realization that the intimidating interloper was actually . . . her.
Oops.
She calmed down in a hurry and strolled away nonchalantly saying, “I’m cool. I’m cool. I knew that dog was me all along. I was just practicing my defensive doggie skills.”
Yeah, right.
Although those fleeting five seconds of incensed doggie fury were no doubt traumatic for Summer, they served to send Sarah off into a veritable paroxysm of hilarity.
Summer is still slightly offended at being so wrong in her threat assessment but she’s even more offended at being laughed at due to said wrongness. Oh well. We love her anyway!
In closing, let me just say that Sarah is going to be writing a blog post soon announcing her plans for college. Exciting days ahead!
Summer is too funny! Our 1 yr old Pit mix Maddy sleeps on a dog bed at the foot of our bed. We have mirrors for closet doors. One night we had the TV on in our room and she caught her refection in the mirror and went crazy.. growling and barking at herself. I don’t think she ever realized she was looking at herself. We had to turn off the TV!
Michelle,
At least Maddy was doing a fantastic job of protecting herself from herself! 🙂
Haha about Summer, Many years ago my poor puppy scratched herself in the face after grooming to the point where I had to take her to the vet and they put a cone on her head to prevent further scratching, well we came home, and I put her up on the guest room bed and she saw her reflection in the window, she went nuts, she was growling and barking…..it was hysterical!
Dale,
It’s funny to me how dogs can be so very funny without even meaning to be. They are much more entertaining than anything on TV! 🙂
I remember when you moved to Maneto, and Sarah was not too happy when she started school… but, she conquered all fears, and obviously excelled in all her subjects. congrats, Sarah! The writing chair looks way too comfortable; I’m sure I’d be z-z-z-ing away soon after plopping into it.
What an honor to have been chosen for a yearbook interview!
Mrs. Pam,
I had almost forgotten about how difficult the transition was for Sarah when we first moved here. You’ve reminded me of how far she’s come and how well she has adjusted.
As for Sarah’s writing chair, it’s a Lazy Boy recliner we got at a thrift store for $50. The fact that it was a bargain makes it even more comfortable! 🙂
Anxious to hear about college plans. Enjoyed the pics.
Ann,
Glad you liked the pictures–since you’re one who also loves taking pictures, I know you especially appreciate photos! Praying for you and your mom.
I am so happy for Sarah! Good work, young lady. I am sure a book will be published one day and I can say that I “know” the author. Summer, you are just too cute. I love the photo of Sarah’s reaction. Nothing will make you smile more than an animal doing something funny! Can we see some artwork of Sarah’s some day?
Mary,
I’ll have to see if Sarah will do an artwork post on her blog. Although art isn’t her main love, she has enjoyed the art classes she’s taken and has come up with some cool stuff!
Congrats to Sarah 🙂 I am excitted for your blog post
Hey Becky, can’t you request Sarah to also write a post in general a post about well her thoughts about what it (soon) has been like to be in high school or maybe her school-expierences in general since she has moved a few times? I mean school is a place you spend a lot of your time during your life 🙂
Becky 🙂 Will you at some point write your post about modest clothes?
Hi Trine!
I’ll pass that on Sarah.
And Sarah and I will try to put our heads together and get up a modesty post soon. Thanks for the reminder!
Sarah is really blessed to have two parents so lovingly invested in her life. The security and confidence instilled in her because of her relationship with you will be a blessing to her all her life.
How exciting that she has college plans to soon announce. I imagine this must be an extra special milestone given her prognosis so many years ago. And at the same time Becky I can also imagine it cannot be an easy transition for a parent to make in their child’s life.
Jenna,
Even though Sarah will be staying at home the first two years of college, I know there will still be many changes as she get her driver’s license, works more hours, makes new friends . . .
I am treasuring these last few months of High School where things are still “normal.” Exciting times ahead!
that was too funny about Summer. Congrats to Sarah for the honors. Looking forward to her blog post
Becky,
With a dog and a daughter around, my life is never dull! 🙂