Soon after Frieda came to Bedlam Farm, she ran Minnie up a tree behind the farmhouse and I got a picture of it, a photo I included in my first children’s book, “The Dogs Of Bedlam Farm.” The scene inspired Maria to make two “Frieda Treeing Minnie” potholders to support my campaign to sell 1,000 books through Battenkill Books by Plaid Friday, local businesses answer to Black Friday, the big corporate shopping day after Thanksgiving.
When I took this photo, I never imagined that Minnie and Frieda would be living under the same roof, or that Minnie would be stealing Frieda’s bed and sleeping on it, or that Minnie would ever be in our house on three legs. Life is wondrous that way.
Maria is going to make another 10 of those potholders to sell on her website – several different images, including “Minnie On Frieda’s Dog Bed,” but these two will be given free – Connie Brooks will choose the winners – from among the people who buy “Second Chance Dog: A Love Story” through Battenkill Books. When I said we were going for 1,000, people tended to roll their eyes and laugh but we are already within striking distance – more than 700 have been shipped through Battenkill already. If you are interested in having a shot at one of these potholders, or just in reading my new book, or buying one as a gift for Plaid Friday or for Christmas, you can visit the store’s website or call them at 518 677-2515. They take Paypal and ship anywhere in the world. I thank Maria for offering her fabled potholders in support of the Project 1,000 campaign.
Connie’s had a day or so to rest – new books are coming today – time to swamp her and the staff again. I love the “Frieda” potholders, pure Maria, and they capture something very real in the book and the evolution of life – Frieda can testify to that. I will also sign these and the ones she makes to sell. I want to get to the 1,000 book goal soon, so I can figure out the next goal. Connie is making no plans until Christmas, neither am I. (This Saturday, Maria and I will be at Battenkill Books on Main Street in Cambridge from 11 a.m. to noon to sign books for people who wish to buy them for themselves, for Plaid Friday or for Christmas gifts. On December 6 at 7 p.m., I’ll be reading and signing at Northshire Books, Manchester, Vt.