Dog Meetings

As I may have mentioned before, one of the best things about having our own Sit Stay Read office is that folks coming for meetings can bring their dogs.

To ensure no one's time is wasted, the rule is that dogs must be able to calm down shortly after arrival so that work can get done. However, sometimes the dogs are just so darn cute and, after all, we're all dog lovers here, that we make some extra time for our canine partners--like Italian Spinoni Lucy Shomaker, shown here demonstrating her latest trick--"shake". Then she and Shandy teamed up to give us their most sincere "we really need a treat" faces. Of course they succeeded in convincing us. I love my job.

The Maestro's Visit

The excitement level was high at Hendricks Academy yesterday as the students eagerly anticipated a visit from the Chicago Youth Symphony Orchestra. Maestro Allen Tinkham read Jake the Philharmonic Dog to more than 100 students and brought along a string quartet to help him bring the story to life.

The kids especially enjoyed learning the ages of the student performers and how much time they spend practicing every day--an impressive 3-4 hours! Seen left to right on stage are: Emma Steele on violin, Marisa Sheppard on violin, Jaimie Sachay on viola, and Mira Luxion on cello.

The Hendricks students even had a chance to learn how to conduct an orchestra. The final photo shows them practicing their conducting skills along with the maestro.

As if that wasn't enough, all the students received CD's to take home so they could share the experience with their family and friends. Many thanks to the Chicago Youth Symphony Orchestra for a memorable day and a wonderful introduction to classical music.

Party With Us

Just finished working with the wonderful Jen Lee-Olmstead of Thinky Ink, on the new logo and print materials for Sit Stay Read's Best In Show Benefit. See for yourself what a great job Jen did (click on image to enlarge).

Best In Show is a really fun event that's centered around the Westminster Kennel Club Dog Show. Please lend a hand by ordering tickets (just call us at 773-545-6629) and spread the word to friends and family. You'll have fun and help kids learn to read--a win/win.

Shandy won't be there but I hope to see you at Fat Cat on Feb 12th!

January Poem of the Month

Welcome to the newly formed Sit Stay Read Poem of the Month Club!

When I came across this month's wonderful poem by Langston Hughes I realized that I'm not familiar with much poetry. So, as there's nothing like an assignment to get me moving, I thought I'd post a new poem each month.

What especially appealed to me about this poem is that Hughes says his work is meant, "to be read aloud, crooned, shouted, recited and sung." I read it aloud to Shandy and even she seemed to enjoy it. Try it and feel the rhythm of his words for yourself.

Hold fast to dreams
For if dreams die
Life is a broken-winged bird
That cannot fly.

Hold fast to dreams
For when dreams go
Life is a barren field
Frozen with snow.

Snowy Chicago New Year

Shandy and I didn't make it to midnight but around 11 we went for a walk in the snow. It was quiet and beautiful and such a treat to see Shandy enjoying herself again.

I didn't get a photo, but this shot from the deck this morning shows what it was like.

Happy New Year one and all. May you have health, happiness, and much success in the coming year.