Were you creative in 2019? Did you do something new to tap those, often dormant, skills? Even designing a new garden, you know, is highly creative. Or building a bookshelf. Too often we think of creativity as major works of art, i.e., from Rembrandt, Picasso, Monet. I’m not sure why definitions of creativity are often so limiting, but it could stem from something we just “assumed” along the way. DID YOU, for instance, ever think of raising a puppy … as creative? Of course it is, right? Different ways to teach trust, house rules. Different ways to play, how to take a walk, and so on. Creativity is the engine behind all of this; yet, I so often hear people say, “I’m just not creative.” I rarely believe that, though, do you?
HANNAH … still a puppy 
THIS IS OUR third schnauzer, Hannah. Her puppy days were filled with a sense of adventure and joy. And yes, a little work, as well. When I decided to place her picture on the cover of my new memoir, A Happy Truth: Last Dogs Aren’t Always Last, I wanted magical photographs. Not something ordinary like you usually see on books about pets/dogs/cats/animals. Those covers aren’t “bad,” just a touch predictable and boring. So … it took some creativity to bring the cover to life, however. Many attempts failed. They were good, but not great. Not memorable, fun, joyful, or intriguing. Luckily, I didn’t settle for something less than I wanted. Because, as so many have told me, “I love the cover!”
A heartwarming story for everyone who has loved a pet, yet hesitated to commit once more. How do we find the courage to love again? ― Heidi Barr, author of Woodland Manitou
good books are sold. Print or eBook.
HANNAH IS NO longer a puppy; she’s 4.5 years and such a peaceful, happy dog. I can’t imagine not having her with us, can’t imagine life without this sweet, spirited schnauzer. Yet, she was the dog we weren’t sure about after losing Noah (The Zen of Noah, first written about on this blog back in 2010, is a chapter in the memoir along with a Zen of Noah Recap at the close of the book), and Orion, named for the famous constellation. Hannah, our third schnauzer, was the dog who got us past our doubt and uncertainty about “another dog,” so she had to make her grand debut on the cover. Spinach in her mouth (she loves kale, spinach, green beans, broccoli, etc.), she’s standing atop the cloud as though she’s in heaven and in earth … as though she’s conquered something, or helped us to conquer something … namely fear and vacillation about loving again after losing beloved pets.
A poetic dancer on the page, Hickman leads us back to ourselves once again. ― Chloe Rachel Gallaway, author of The Soulful Child
The perfect book for readers endeared by the quirks of their favorite dog or cat–people who value their joy and Zen-like contentment. ― C. Lee McKenzie, author of Sliding on the Edge
I KNOW YOU’LL love this heartwarming and poignant story of four spirited dogs, as there are also wonderful stories about our two white cats: Sidney and Lola. They were always part of the drama, part of our lives for many years. In fact, my memoir begins with Lola, as a tiny kitten, clinging to a screen window in my writing study. That’s where I discovered her! I’d been procrastinating that day, and when she happened to show up it was truly a fabulous gift I never could have anticipated. For many reasons, as shared in A HAPPY TRUTH, her arrival was magical due to timing, her size, and her artistic, mostly-white coat with a dab of tan and gray here and there.
LOLA 
Lola and her cat nip.
There is so much more I could tell you about the characters in my memoir, but you’ll have to discover that for yourself. If you review books, and would like a review copy, please leave me a comment to follow-up on. I included pet advocacy and awareness throughout A Happy Truth, because in a world that often forgets or fails to care, we have to do our part to keep animals and pets safe and well cared for … it’s the very least we can do.
Let me know if you have (or have had) a beloved pet, and if you plan to get another one someday. It’s a soul-searching journey, of that I’m sure.
Daisy Hickman is a keen observe of social intelligence and the best sort of human who is grateful for the magic, warmth, and happiness of animals. ― Jacqueline Sheehan, NYT bestselling novelist, author of Lost and Found
Hickman’s memoir is one of joy and revelation. ― Ellen Stimson, author of Mud Season
Part memoir, part philosophical inquiry, read this engaging chronicle. ― Dorothy Sander, author of Life Transitions
Blog by SUNNYROOMSTUDIO: All Rights Reserved
Thank you for visiting.
