A mayapple masquerading as the sun. ©voyager, all rights reserved
I’m confused. I posted a Jack’s Walk yesterday (July 8/20) that has disappeared. I’m sure it was published, and I’m pretty sure that Jazzlet made a comment, but it’s all gone, and I can’t find it anywhere. It was about Bubba getting older, and this photo topped it. Did anyone see it, or was I just dreaming? It shows up in my stats for yesterday, but when I try to open it, all I get is error 404 – not found. It isn’t in drafts or under my published articles, and I don’t have my rough copy any longer. It’s all very strange, and I have no idea how to get it back.
No matter, really. It was just me trying to say hello and explain that Jack and I are having fewer adventures because it’s been bloody hot, and Jack’s activity tolerance is low. What I wanted to say but didn’t is that I’ve been reluctant to write this column because it seems silly when I look at the state of the world. I should be writing about racism, police violence, the rise of fascism, the pandemic or a host of other important issues, but anything I say would only be opinion. There are many talented writers here at Freethought Blogs who understand the issues so much better than me and write brilliantly about them. I feel honoured to be among them but suffer from a bit of imposter syndrome.
When I joined Caine’s team in 2016, my goals were simple – help a friend and share my love of nature and dogs. After Caine died, it also became essential to me to hold together the community she created and to keep her legacy alive. That is still my focus, and I’ve been thinking that perhaps a bit of happy patter might be welcome for a few readers who want a quick respite from the weight of the world. So, silly or not, Jack and I will continue to share our small adventures and hope that they don’t disappear again.
Bubba says hi and wants me to tell you that “it’s the heat, not my age that has me slowed down.” I hope he’s right because he’s my bubbly, bubbly Bubbs.
Yes, you definitely posted a Jack’s Walk yesterday, and I think there were a couple of comments. I recognize the picture of the Mayapple as well. I have no idea why yesterday’s post disappeared.
It’s hot here, too. Like Jack, hot weather also makes me less active!
I like reading a mix of personal posts and commentary on big issues. Don’t ever feel guilty about posting something about everyday life!
I read that post! I know it existed. I was impressed with Jack’s bravery in continuing the climb up the hill.
You should write Jack’s Walk because for Jack’s fans, it’s a moment of quiet contemplation in a very crazy world that seems to just keep getting worse against all odds. A person can only cope with so much stress and then that’s it… It is a relief to be able to read something that is NOT about current crisis. It could also be Voyager’s Walk. It’s just a nice thing to read at least once a week.
I read it too and considered replying (but didn’t). I was going to express my hope that Jack’s pep will return when the cooler weather arrives. And I do indeed hope so!
I saw it and commented. It was as you remember it.
Your life, dogs and your love of nature are a part of a bigger picture and also important.
It was published, you did not dream it. And then it was gone, in the trash. I have no idea how that happened, maybe one of us accidentally axed it.
I am optimistic that, as you posted yesterday, next time you can do Jack’s favorite walk again, but in the opposite direction, so that you go down the steep hill first, and then the rest of the walk will be more gentle.
I also hope that in your province it will soon be safe enough for Jack to go somewhere that kids can pet him. I think it will be healthy for both.
Thank you all for your kind words, and special thanks to Charly for pointing me in the direction of the trash, for that is exactly where I found our walk. I didn’t even know you could trash a published post -- that seems like something you shouldn’t be able to do. Anyway, I was able to restore it and the universe is spinning smoothly again.
I read it! Give Bubba lots of pats for me and tell him I hope he feels better when the weather cools.
Yesterday’s Jack’s Walk is back, for me anyway. It’s listed under recent posts and the link goes to here:
https://freethoughtblogs.com/affinity/2020/07/08/jacks-walk-509-2/
I too value your posts Voyager, as others have said they provide a moment of calm in a fraught situation. I think that is incredibly important, so please go on posting about your adventures with Jack.