Some notes from a good life. First, I appreciate your contributions. They are helping to keep the blog free, to help compensate me for the time to take the photos and write the articles and stories, the reviews, supports the photography and the costs of maintaining the website. Some people are sending $5 each month, some are sending contributions of $100 or more. They have been coming in from all over the country, each one an affirmation and inspiration to me.

The smallest has been $2 the largest $200. All are appreciated, and the contributions matter. My writing life is changing, the blog is the core of it. Contributions tabs are the bottom of each blog post and at the top of the Farm Journal page. There is a lot going on.

I am happy to say I have accepted an invitation to lead a master class in memoir writing at the Nimrod Awards Celebration and Writing Workshops, October 18th and Saturday, October 19th, 2013 in Tulsa, Oklahoma. I’ll also be reading from my next book, “The Second Chance Dog,” the story of Maria and Frieda entering my life. Nimrod also publishes a national journal of prose and poetry and is sponsored by the University of Tulsa.

I am talking to Hubbard Hall about teaching a workshop later this year on “The Art Of The Blog,” four classes focusing on the growing importance of the blog as a tool for creative people. It is not a technical workshop, but a creative one. Applicants will be screened and asked to contribute samples of their writing. Details to come.

The Hubbard Hall Writer’s Workshop, which I have been privileged to teach this year, is producing some wonderful stuff. We are going to sponsor a reading of the works of my students, Kim Gifford, Diane Fiore, Rebecca Fedler, John Greenwood, Jen Baker-Porazinski at the Main Hubbard Hall stage. Details to come.

I am finishing up my next e-book original, “Listening To Dogs,” a manifesto of mine urging a turn away from training gurus, and hopefully empowering people to listen to their dogs and train them well. You are the guru, is the idea. And I am beginning work on another e-book original, “Love And Light From Bedlam Farm.” Some of the best and most inspirational photos of my world and the animals I live with.

My next book “The Second Chance Dog” will be published this fall by Ballantine/Random House. I am working on the book after that, “Simon And Me,” scheduled for the fall of 2014.

I appreciate the great response to my publishing excerpts from the journal of Florence Qua Walrath, who owned this farm before us. I will keep it going. The search for the good life does not end.