I say, nap in the sun, enjoy the snacks, love fiercely, and if you have something to say, bark.

It’s me—Peanut, Prince of Evanston Avenue—sitting here on my throne (okay, fine, the outside sofa) keeping watch over this kingdom of trees, card-making chaos, and cornbread crumbs. Emma is deep in her feelings today, thinking about Amya. I can tell because she’s quiet, and when she’s quiet, I know big things are happening in that human heart of hers. I don’t know what to do except lie here like the noble beast I am and radiate comfort. I’m good at that.

I don’t like seeing Emma sad. So here’s what I do: I sit closer. I nudge her hand. I remind her that life—messy, short, and unfair as it can be—still has beauty. Like me. I’m living proof.

Yesterday, I made sure Emma stayed home. No pool. No leaving me alone. I kept her company while she made cards—SO MANY CARDS—and then started plotting her next move: necklaces and earrings. I mean, does this woman ever stop creating? Nope. And I love that about her. While she digs in the garden, moving plants around like some kind of floral general, I patrol. I sniff. I supervise. I am the security detail and the inspiration.

Also, I’d like to note—publicly, for the record—that I have NOT pooped in the house lately. You’re welcome. I am a prince, not a barbarian. Yes, I wake her up at night sometimes, but I like to think of it as “early morning meditation practice.” Humans need that, right?

The park was boring yesterday. We met some new gray-and-white pit bull dude who was acting like it was his first time seeing grass. I gave him the side-eye, but I let him live. No barking. (You’re welcome again.)

Oh, and she baked yesterday. Apple crumble and cornbread. I didn’t get a single bite, which is outrageous, but I’ll forgive her because she’s stressed. I smelled butter and sugar all over the house and honestly, I’m still thinking about it.

She’s reading Hollow Kingdom, and she keeps saying it’s “SO GOOD.” Maybe I’ll read it after Joel. (Okay, fine, I’ll chew it after Joel reads it. Same thing. Maybe I will poop on it if I don't like the taste.)

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My Morning Royal Mantra:
“I am small but mighty. I am love with fur. I guard, I sass, I nap.”

My Evening Royal Mantra:
“I have barked enough. I have loved enough. I am enough.”

Humans stress too much. About concerts, gardens, cornbread… even boats. I say, nap in the sun, enjoy the snacks, love fiercely, and if you have something to say, bark. Life is better when you bark.