July 5 – From the Backyard Throne (a.k.a. My Pillow)

 

July 5 – From the Backyard Throne (a.k.a. My Pillow)

Good morning, world. Peanut here.

The sun is up, and so am I — sprawled on my favorite pillow next to Mom as she types away on her shiny clicky thing. We're outside, where the breeze smells like flowers and the grass still has a bit of morning dew. It's peaceful. Just me, her, the birds, and the garden we both love so much.

Things have changed since Chewy left. I haven’t pooped inside once — I mean, what if they think I can’t handle things on my own? I can. I’m doing okay. I even clean myself more now. Maybe Chewy's big alpha energy used to keep me from being my full, clean, pillow-loving self. Who knows? He was bossy, but I miss him.

Luckily, I’ve had friends stop by to check on me — Lucy, Loki, Brutus, Lizzy, and Sarge. Five visitors! That’s more than I usually get in a whole month. Apparently I’m a popular guy now. Maybe I’ve grown into my ears.

Emma’s been tired lately. I nap with her in the hammock sometimes — that’s one of my favorite things. She smells like flowers and home. Yesterday, after a burger lunch with someone named Jenny (I didn’t get any bites, if you’re wondering), she came back and we curled up together. Then she went to something called Topgolf and hit balls with friends. She came back smiling. I like when she smiles.

Today she’s going to a former student's graduation open house, but until then, we’re just hanging out here. I love our backyard. There are flowers everywhere — red ones, yellow ones, pink ones — and little paths with stones I’m not supposed to pee on (but sometimes do). Gnomes live here too, but they’re the quiet kind. The hammock swing sways like a dream, and the birds? They sing for us every morning.

This place is magical. It smells good. It feels safe. I think she made it that way. I like watching her smile at her plants and talk to herself while she waters things. This garden is her heart, and I’m lucky I get to lie right here in the middle of it.

Oh! Almost forgot — she found socks! Iron Maiden, Ozzy, and David Bowie. She’s giving the Ozzy and Bowie ones to Eric. (I approve. I sniffed the bag.)

Anyway, time for another nap. Just wanted to say: I’m doing alright. We’re doing alright.

Love,
Peanut 🐾