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Mountain View News Saturday, November 16, 2024


KINGSTON & BYRON

Meet Kingston & Byron, 
two handsome brothers, 
shy but sweet. They look 
almost alike, but seems 
like Kingston has the more 
striking features, while Byron 
has softer features and 
a bit wider nose. Although quite shy they have made 
lots of progress. They are both very well mannered 
and quiet so they would need a quiet home. They are 
neutered, vaccinated, and healthy. See more pictures 
and adoption info at https://www.lifelineforpets.org/
kingston--byron.html. 

CHRISTOPHER Nyerges 

[Nyerges is the author of several books including “Self-Sufficient Home” and 
“How to Survive Anywhere.” He also leads wilderness classes every weekend. 
He can be reached at School of Self-Reliance, Box 41834, Eagle Rock, CA 
90041, or www.SchoolofSelf-Reliance.com]


ADVICE TO WRITERS

I seem to write all the time I always have, even as a child when I doodled 
and wrote obscure poetry. I had a certain awe and respect for the written 
word.

One of my mentors always encouraged me to write and to share my experiences 
extensively. I followed that advice, though often felt that my mentor was just giving 
me a pep talk, making me think that my work was better than it was. I mean, I had already 
been writing newspaper columns for a few years, and one book, and many magazine articles. 
I figured if publishers and editors were willing to pay me to say something to their 
readers, well, at least I was not a complete loser. 

Still, I always sought to find the “secret formula” of the most successful writers. By successful, 
I meant authors whose books sold millions of copies, whether I liked what they had to 
say or not. Yes, writing is an art, but it is also a business.

I studied the techniques of Ray Bradbury, Kurt Vonnegut, Walter Mosley, and many others, 
looking for the success technique. I was beginning to think that some writers were very 
imaginative, and I didn’t think I had a great imagination. But I did have another important 
faculty – I was persistent. 

Some friends who I regarded as great poetic writers with great imagination, would write me 
letters that I kept for inspiration. When I asked them why they don’t write professionally, 
they simply shrugged and said it was too much work, or that they didn’t want to be poor.

So I just persisted, writing for myself because I enjoyed the process and the result.

Then I recall Garrison Keilor saying that his great inspiration for his Lake Wobegon series 
was his town when he grew up. All the fictional characters of Lake Wobegon were based 
upon some real incident or person from his past. Wow! And yet, most beginning writers 
will say they don’t have anything interesting to write about, that their personal lives are very 
boring and ordinary. They are so close to their own stories that they don’t think the world 
would be interested. So I just continued, writing for my self, writing about those themes that 
I wanted to document for my own memory, or that I felt were important, without regard to 
any polls or inquiries as to what was selling the most.

Of my 27 published books, only 3 are fiction. I wrote one book about my childhood, non-
fiction, calling it Watermelon Dreams. That book is all real stories about my childhood, 
though some readers have thought that I made up some of the stories Because those are 
my stories, I really have no idea if anyone else likes them or finds them valuable. I write for 
myself first.

My mentor also always told all his students to record their miracles in life, their failures and 
how they overcame life’s obstacles, their experiments, their dreams, their worthwhile adventures, 
and anything that would be worth remembering. I have attempted to do this as much 
as time permits, but, yet, writing is work, and I spend more time writing those pieces that I 
know I can sell –yes, I have to pay my bills too! I don’t just do it for “fun.”

And the recommendation to record everything had multiple benefits to me. It’s impossible 
for me to record “everything,” but I do record a lot On a personal level, it helps to record a 
life experience that I might forget in 10 or so years down the road. We forget, but the written 
word is there to remember.

Additionally, once we do research, those notes are good for lectures, podcasts, articles, even 
books. I have told some of my friends that their life stories are so interesting that they 
should write them up and get on the Oprah show to discuss it! (Yes, I know Oprah no longer 
has a show, but she still sponsors various programs. She’s still the Queen of the business, 
as far as I can tell). From a writing perspective, everything is note-worthy and interesting. 
Some stories are so incredible that even a poor writer would do well by recording them. But 
the art and craft of a good writer is to take the most ordinary everyday event or incident, 
and make it interesting through the telling. Most of us are so blinded by our own everyday 
experiences that we can hardly see anything through the eyes of another person. And in 
that sense, the writer is not just recording words. The writer records the thought process and 
records history. That is the art that writers should strive for.

Pet of the Week


Chewie is a sweet and gentle soul with a laid-back personality. She’s 
a lovely companion, always happy to relax by your side or follow you 
around the house with her soft, smiling eyes. Chewie enjoys her rope 
toys and chew toys, taking treats with the utmost gentleness, and 
she’s friendly and relaxed with visitors, even in busy environments. 
She’s also comfortable around other dogs and seems to enjoy the 
company of her furry friends.

 Chewie is well-behaved on walks, though she’ll benefit from a 
bit more training. She’s done well in meeting new dogs while on 
leash, although she prefers calm greetings and probably does best 
in a home without cats. Loud noises aren’t her favorite, so a quieter 
home would suit her well. She takes daily medication to support her 
mobility, and while she can’t jump up on furniture by herself, she’s 
perfectly content with a cozy spot on the floor (or with some doggy 
stairs for a gentle boost!). Chewie will thrive with a family that 
understands her need for companionship, gentle play, and a steady 
routine. If you're looking for a calm and loving friend who’ll be your shadow and a relaxed presence in 
your home, Chewie is your girl!Chewie and all other pets over five years old have their adoption fees 
waived throughout November in celebration of Adopt-A-Senior-Pet Month!The normal adoption fee 
for dogs is $150. All dog adoptions include spay or neuter, microchip, and age-appropriate vaccines. 

Walk-in adoptions are available every day from 2:00 – 5:00. For those who prefer, adoption 
appointments are available daily from 10:30 – 1:30 and can be scheduled online. View photos of 
adoptable pets at pasadenahumane.org.

 New adopters will receive a complimentary health-and-wellness exam from VCA Animal Hospitals, 
as well as a goody bag filled with information about how to care for your pet. 

 Pets may not be available for adoption and cannot be held for potential adopters by phone calls or 
email.


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