By The Time He Gets To Phoenix

“Off to Phoenix?” says Admin.

“Yup,” says Spence.

“What are you going to do on the plane?”

“Wait for it to be over.”

“If you had an iPod you could listen to the new Jamey Johnson – it’s great.”

“Don’t have an iPod.”

“Right.”

“Planning to read from To Fetch A Thief at the signings?”

“Unless they stop me.”

“What scenes?”

“How about the beginning? Never have to set up the beginning.”

“If you do, you’re in big unfixable trouble.”

Spence laughs. So does Admin. Spence slaps Admin on the back. Admin slaps Spence on the back. What’s going on?

Saturday Oct. 2, 2 PM – Poisoned Pen, 4014 North Goldwater, Phoenix AZ 85251

Sunday Oct. 3, 2 PM – Murder By The Book, 2342 Bissonet St., Houston TX 77005

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133 Responses to “By The Time He Gets To Phoenix”

  1. B.Stover
    3:46 am on October 1st, 2010

    I have the same question Chet. What "unfixable trouble"? I'll have to look up Jamey Johnson. I'd say have a good flight but that seems to me to be a contradiction in terms. Have a great book signing event in Phoenix. (That's where my book is going to be signed.)

  2. BARB & MAGGIE
    4:35 am on October 1st, 2010

    We second the good wishes to Spence. Have two great days of book signing. Our copy is being signed Sunday, and should be on its way Monday.

    We went back and read the late night posts and were most impressed with the poetry from FK and Min Pin. Wow, you guys are good! Barb is a slacker when it comes to writing poetry, and I have to admit that I loved seeing my name in there. What fun!

  3. Kirby T. Penworthy
    4:43 am on October 1st, 2010

    Good morning, y'all! After all the rain the past few days, it's nice to finally see the sun! And best of all, they're predicting temperatures in the 70s and 80s for the next week. I'm hoping the 90s are gone for the season!!!

    Bee: Mom says that when she went to Spence's reading, he talked about how he likes to hit the ground running with his books. The stories have to be interesting for both series regulars and new readers, so it shouldn't need a set-up to get into it. And he doesn't like big chunks of expository, he likes to put the back story in little dollops here and there — or as he put it "like truffles in cream sauce." If it's not that way by now, TFAT is already in print so it's "unfixable."

  4. Kirby T. Penworthy
    4:51 am on October 1st, 2010

    Hopefully by now, Spence has a copy of the real book to do his readings from. When he did his reading in Georgia, he was still carrying around the Advanced Readers Copy (ARC). The real book is so much nicer, with that velvety cover and all!

    Chet: I myself don't mind flying at all. It's just the take-offs and landings I object to. As much flying as Spence will be doing in the next few days, I hope everything goes smoothly for him!

  5. C. Harris
    5:39 am on October 1st, 2010

    Kirby T. Penworthy: hard to imagine 70s and 80s. It has been cold walking the dogs on the flood plain but I am proud to say I made it through September without wearing gloves. [I figure that sleeves over hands shoved in coat pockets don't count.] Snow is coming next week according to the forecast. We will keep you posted Siber-Husky and think of you while the flakes are swirling. Got an alert from Amazon to buy the next book.

  6. Riö - The Evil
    5:40 am on October 1st, 2010

    Flight!….I sure hope his plane doesn’t crash….gulp!

  7. Alice Johnson
    5:53 am on October 1st, 2010

    Rio,

    I don't think they have goats on planes.

    SPOILER ALERT

    Did you like the goat in TFAT? I thought of you right away.

  8. Riö - The Evil
    6:01 am on October 1st, 2010

    SPOILER ALERT!!!!!!!!!!!!!SPOILER ALERT************SPOILER ALERT(S)############### Goat!…I have to admit I was quite surprised by that Senor Goat showing up…heh!…I thought of me too when I read it….snort! …And how about when Chet was dreaming of herding Bernie out of the water in San Diego?….grunt!…I thought of Melanie and Patsey…snicker! ….Who did you think of when you read the dead guys description?….sniff! …Does a Pencil Thin Mustache remind you of a certain Agent on this here blog?….wheeze!

  9. Riö - The Evil
    6:03 am on October 1st, 2010

    SPOILER ALERT!!!!!!!!!!!!!SPOILER ALERT************SPOILER ALERT(S)############### I am dead sure that Senor Goat was a coincidence because the book had already been written before those nasty goats started to appear….snort!

  10. Alice Johnson
    6:06 am on October 1st, 2010

    ….SPOILER ALERT………

    Oh no! I didn't think of him at all! I didn't think of anyone when I read about the dead guy.

    But I was sure you had been on Spence's mind during the writing of the book. Heh heh

  11. Riö - The Evil
    6:16 am on October 1st, 2010

    SPOILER ALERT!!!!!!!!!!!!!SPOILER ALERT************SPOILER ALERT(S)############### Well!…Now I feel really special!…sniffle!…Uncle Rio and Senor Goat!…snorkel!

  12. Mollypop
    6:22 am on October 1st, 2010

    Oh, now Rio's slobbering all over the place again.

  13. bluecat
    6:23 am on October 1st, 2010

    ****SPOILER ALERT****(maybe)

    What about Bernie tapping keys on the computer, Rio?

    And the word pointy was there a couple of times…

  14. Riö - The Evil
    6:27 am on October 1st, 2010

    BluKat!! ….What chapter was Pointy in??…snort!…I think Bernie has always tapped at the keys…heh!

  15. Riö - The Evil
    6:28 am on October 1st, 2010

    Molly!…Come over here and let me give you a big sloppy lick!…snort! spit!

  16. Mollypop
    6:32 am on October 1st, 2010

    Gak!

  17. Riö - The Evil
    6:33 am on October 1st, 2010

    SPOILER ALERT!!!!!!!!!!!!!SPOILER ALERT************SPOILER ALERT ############### Alice!…Was Senor Goat in the ARC??…snort!…If he was then it was just a hilarious coincidence!…grunt!

  18. B.Stover
    7:09 am on October 1st, 2010

    I've skipped all the spoiler alerts but will get back to them later.

    Kirby: Thanks for the explanation.

    C. Harris: Whick book was the Amazon alert referring to?

    I've been out all morning. Now I'm going to go read.

  19. bluecat
    7:17 am on October 1st, 2010

    ************SPOILER ALERT************

    Rio – I don't remember where the first pointy is (maybe Bee can find it) but the second one is on page 267, at the bottom.

    PA/SQ – thank you for an emotional experience, laughter and tears. Well done!

  20. Kirby T. Penworthy
    7:31 am on October 1st, 2010

    *** SPOILER ALERT *** SPOILER ALERT ***

    Bluecat: I think you're stretching it a little when you connect Rio with the "pointy" on page 267 — of course a pitchfork is going to have pointy ends — it's the pointy head that Rio's interested in! But I've got to agree with your book review — definitely an emotional experience!!!

    (And now I've had to keep my copy of TFAT at the computer so I know what everyone's talking about with page and chapter numbers!)

  21. Alice Johnson
    7:40 am on October 1st, 2010

    Yes Senor goat was in the ARC. I won't get the signed/pawprinted copy until Spence gets to Houston.

    BTW does anyone else have the title song in their head this morning?

    Really Spence, did you HAVE to??

    Glen Campbell I think?

  22. Staff
    7:41 am on October 1st, 2010

    I posted my review on Amazon. You should all feel free to do so if you want.

  23. Riö - The Evil
    7:41 am on October 1st, 2010

    Rockie!…. He has been sent on his latest bed bug mission….snort!…Let’s all hope he succeeds in his quest…snort!

    http://www.americangreetings.com/ecards/view.pd?i

  24. Staff
    7:45 am on October 1st, 2010

    Oops,

    My review (and Wookie's) are on BarnesandNoble.com

  25. Staff
    7:53 am on October 1st, 2010

    Cool,

    On Barnesandnoble.com if you click on 'read the reviews' at the To Fetch a Thief page you will get the reviews but you will also get (if you scroll down a bit) a menu that gives you the choice

    "Meet the writer"

    Seems to me there is some stuff there I have never seen before.

    Staff

  26. AbbietheKitty
    7:56 am on October 1st, 2010

    Rio!

    What did you tell Rocky about the weather in the Southwest? He seems confused.

  27. Melanie
    7:57 am on October 1st, 2010

    Boy are you guys more awake than I am! Alerts and traveling and Rockie and reviews and Riö and MollyPop are pug kissing and much more! Even C. Harris is here!

    Whew, I have to agree with Kirby that I need to keep my copy next to the computer to look things up!

    Dan has had a small set back. Zoë is seeing him today. Might put his coming home a few days further on.

    By the time He gets to Phoenix, she'll be rising . . .

    Just what time is he getting up to do to the airport? Mrs. PSQA should just stay in bed and pull the covers over her head and mumble goodbye.

  28. AbbietheKitty
    8:04 am on October 1st, 2010

    She'll read the note I left hanging on the door…..

    http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=mUg5p3BncuQ

  29. bluecat
    8:20 am on October 1st, 2010

    Kirby – I guess Rio has Alice's skill to hypnotize – I see and hear Rio everywhere.

    AJ – been singing that song all morning.

    Melanie – cat prayers coming the way of your family.

  30. Mollie (a black pood
    8:33 am on October 1st, 2010

    Kirby: Thanks for the "unfixable" explanation. Melanie: Sending good thoughts for Dan. Rio: Love Rockie's outfit. Can't get that song out of my head. Wonder what happened to Glen Campbell.

  31. Sam
    8:50 am on October 1st, 2010

    Melanie, Maltese and Poodle prayers for Dan.

  32. Alice Johnson
    11:07 am on October 1st, 2010

    …..SPOILER ALERT…..

    Rio,
    The goat was just in two paragraphs. It could have been inserted easily during an editing session.

  33. FattyKitty
    10:23 am on October 1st, 2010

    Cat prayers for Dan from Montana.

    Librarian got her copy of TFAT from the library today. Heh heh. Skipped all the spoiler alerts today and after Saturday, she'll have two days off to enjoy it. Oh boy- the patio, coffee, and TFAT.

    Lunch is over – back to work.

  34. BARB & MAGGIE
    10:31 am on October 1st, 2010

    Melanie, Our thoughts and good wishes for Dan.

  35. Riö - The Evil
    10:51 am on October 1st, 2010

    Melanie!…Please show Dan this card from me, Rio….snort!

    http://www.americangreetings.com/ecards/view.pd?i

  36. Sam
    10:58 am on October 1st, 2010

    Aw, Rio, now you've got me slobbering.

  37. Riö - The Evil
    11:11 am on October 1st, 2010

    TGIF!….Look they’ve named a drink after me!….snort!

    [img ]http://chetthedog.wpengine.com/wp-content/uploads/1285963863-pugtini.jpg[/img]

  38. Sam
    11:20 am on October 1st, 2010

    "Come to the 2004 Pugfest and have a Pugtini

    Ingredients: Love, Kisses, Friendship

    Come join the fun!"

  39. Sam
    11:21 am on October 1st, 2010

    Give me a break!

  40. Riö - The Evil
    11:22 am on October 1st, 2010

    Grunt!…So it’s a little old – who cares!….snort!

  41. Sam
    11:24 am on October 1st, 2010

    A Pugfest? For crying out loud.

  42. Kirby T. Penworthy
    11:42 am on October 1st, 2010

    Sam: Actually, I like it without the translation — l'amusement! Can't you just picture Rio in a martini glass? I'm highly l'amused!!!

  43. Sam
    11:45 am on October 1st, 2010

    Kirby, just wait until Molly sees this. She's a French Poodle and that's the National Dog. To say, royally, "We are not amused."

  44. Kirby T. Penworthy
    11:49 am on October 1st, 2010

    Staff: Speaking of Amazon — take a look at the first review. It was very nice — five stars and all — but it says Chet likes to ride shotgun in Bernie's "well used Saab." Did he really read the book??? There are also several other confusing statements. Other than that, it was a very complimentary review.

  45. Kirby T. Penworthy
    11:51 am on October 1st, 2010

    Sam: That pug definitely looks shaken, not stirred!

  46. Wookie of Chevy Chas
    11:51 am on October 1st, 2010

    And for Siber-H's benefit, the second verse starts, "By the time I make Albuquerque . . . " Great song; great performer. Wookie

  47. B.Stover
    12:00 pm on October 1st, 2010

    SPOILER ALERT–"Pointy" is used to describe the cap that Mrs. Parson is wearing when she looks our the window when Leda and Bernie are arguing. Also, it's used when Chet remembers the one icicle he saw, water was falling from the pointy end. The word is used by PA in several other books and it's also in DOI and THAT.

    Two LOL moments both concerning Peanut: "Was it possible she didn't know how to be herded?" (273) and "…a downpour, enormous and shocking…like a monsoon" (276).

  48. Siber-H
    12:03 pm on October 1st, 2010

    Country Music Update

    Jamey Johnson is a talented country singer and songwriter. We like him, even if he looks like he just spent several years living in the woods. He wrote a #1 hit for George Strait, "Give it Away," which is one of our favorite George songs.

    Glen Campbell is still performing and touring. He got his start in Albuquerque.

  49. Riö - The Evil
    12:09 pm on October 1st, 2010

    Sammie!… What’s this one say??….snort! heh!snort!

    [img ]http://chetthedog.wpengine.com/wp-content/uploads/1285967340-pugarita.jpg[/img]

  50. Siber-H
    12:13 pm on October 1st, 2010

    Have a great trip to Phoenix, Spence. Mom says to give Chet a big hug from her.

    I wonder if it will be raining in Phoenix. There is suppose to be a huge, slow moving, low pressure system parked over Arizona that will send trouble our way for the Balloon Fiesta. That figures because we have had countless days of above normal temperatures and blue skies and now that it is Balloon Fiesta time, difficult weather may be on the way.

  51. Kirby T. Penworthy
    12:18 pm on October 1st, 2010

    Mom got to see Glen Campbell in person once! It was when she lived at Fort Campbell, Ky., and a guy she worked with got tickets to a taping in Nashville of "Opryland: Night of Stars and Future Stars." It was some kind of talent show that featured Glen Campbell as a judge and Tanya Tucker and Ben Vereen and others as guests. Gene Kelly was the host. Mom was a little disappointed that Gene Kelly wasn't dancing, but then during a break in the taping Ben Vereen and Gene Kelly had a "dance off." It was simply breath-taking!!!

  52. Kirby T. Penworthy
    12:39 pm on October 1st, 2010

    Oh, but back to Glen Campbell — he and Tanya Tucker were involved in a "stormy" relationship at the time, and they had just broken things off when they appeared together on the show. Everyone was watching the two of them to see how they would act together. I think Mom said Glen sang a song to Tanya and they seemed very friendly, but I don't think they ever got back together after that.

    I don't know what he sang to her, but I don't think it was "By the Time He Gets to Phoenix."

  53. Siber-H
    12:56 pm on October 1st, 2010

    Macy, (from last night) I live about 60 miles from Los Alamos, but we don't go to Los Alamos or Santa Fe because they are too crowded. We drive to the mountains that are west of Los Alamos, mountains as far as they eye can see, but we take a different route rather than going to and through Los Alamos. We go up through Jemez Canyon which you guys need to drive through the next time you visit NM. because it is very pretty and different. The cliffs in Jemez Canyon are red, and the food the Indians sell along the road is delish.

  54. dawson
    1:22 pm on October 1st, 2010

    Finally! Got it!

  55. Barb & Maggie
    1:24 pm on October 1st, 2010

    We said it earlier, but will repeat, we loved the 2 poems last night. Did everyone get a chance to read them?

    Rio, is that you in the glass, as a young boy? That is so cool that there is an Uncle Rio in TFAT. Had to be in your honor.

    We just finished chapter 11. Lovin' it!

  56. Kirby T. Penworthy
    2:22 pm on October 1st, 2010

    In honor of all the poetry, I've decided to try my paws at it. So here is an ode to the blog story:

    There once was a stripper named Astrid.

    The colonel and her had a bas…kid.

    Her ex was shot dead

    Right in his forehead.

    And now we're pond'ring what that lass did!

  57. Barb & Maggie
    2:42 pm on October 1st, 2010

    Kirby, We love limericks! Wish we were talented enough to write one. Barb bombs on poetery, but she can tell you how long it takes to double your money at any given interest rate. Isn't that exciting!!

  58. Melanie
    2:42 pm on October 1st, 2010

    Oh Lordy, Only here can I go from tears to laughter . . .

    Thanks, Riö. We cried and we're determined to find a computer and someone with an email at the Rehab.

    Kirby: Who knew you were sooooooo talented? LOL, maybe after this weekend Spence can finish that up!

  59. Macy the Min Pin
    2:43 pm on October 1st, 2010

    Maggie thank you for your appreciation of our poem from last night. Mom and I have never written a line of poetry before joining the blog, but it is a fun way to comment on the doings of everyone. I am especially amazed by Maggie's rattimg ability as I don't think I could do it.

    Mom and Dad are on their way to Houston, enjoying an almost never 3 day weekend away from The Big Orange Box.

  60. Melanie
    2:43 pm on October 1st, 2010

    Barb was not "born under a rhyming planet." !!!

  61. Barb & Maggie
    2:44 pm on October 1st, 2010

    Should be poetry.

  62. Barb & Maggie
    2:54 pm on October 1st, 2010

    What is a rhyming planet?

  63. Barb & Maggie
    3:07 pm on October 1st, 2010

    Thank you Macy, but ratting is really easy (much easier than poetry). You just grab and shake. Instant results. Much kinder than poison or sticky traps. Barb won't do those things.

  64. Barb & Maggie
    3:12 pm on October 1st, 2010

    Macy, I don't know how to tell you this but the Min Pin was bred as a "ratter and hunter of vermin". Maybe you have a hidden talent?

  65. FattyKitty
    3:25 pm on October 1st, 2010

    Limericks! That one was perfect. Thank you, Kirby.

    We are going to make and eat pizza and read TFAT. Dawson and us are starting at the same time. I wonder how the inmates are liking it?

    Rio, I think that was my favorite card you've ever done. Just like everyone says, I can't see a pug without thinking of you and all of a sudden they're everywhere!

  66. AbbietheKitty
    3:28 pm on October 1st, 2010

    There once was a rhymer named Barb

    Whose Dog was great as a guard

    But her poetry was weak

    It needed a tweak

    We admire that she tried really hard.

  67. AbbietheKitty
    3:30 pm on October 1st, 2010

    Oh my goodness I wasted all that talent because it was Kirby who wrote the limerick. Drat!

  68. AbbietheKitty
    3:31 pm on October 1st, 2010

    hmmmmm now what rhymes with Kirby???

  69. Riö - The Evil
    3:36 pm on October 1st, 2010

    Limericks! …..How fun are those things!…heh!…I will have to try my paw at one tonight, maybe!…snort!…We are watching the baseball game right now and she is trying to figure out what to eat…grunt!…She got home late from the busy place and doesn’t have much in the way of ingredients …heh!heh!

  70. AbbietheKitty
    3:37 pm on October 1st, 2010

    Derby, Herbie,Poor Bee, Serve me, Turvy, Worthy,

    There once was a Doggie named Kirby

    Who wanted to enter the Derby

    But his legs weren't quite long

    Enough to belong

    To the creatures that are Derby worthy.

    Gosh I wanted to get "Poor Bee" in there somehow….

  71. AbbietheKitty
    3:38 pm on October 1st, 2010

    Going off to think about dinner. (we call it supper here)

  72. Riö - The Evil
    3:41 pm on October 1st, 2010

    OMG!….Our Catcher has just been taken off the field strapped down on the cart!…snort!…He was hurt very badly…sniffle! …His helmet flew off we think he was hit hard in the head… sob!

  73. Kirby T. Penworthy
    4:02 pm on October 1st, 2010

    I'm skipping, I'm skipping! Mom and Dad just sent my boy out for pizza. Yummmmm, pizza crust!

    Barb&Maggie: Thanks! I'm glad you liked it, but ixnay on the interestay ateray! Spence may try to work it into one of his future books! And heaven help us then!!!

    AbbietheKitty: I wasn't trying to be Longfellow or anything. I was just hoping to remind Spence about Astrid, because he seems to have forgotten all about her. I guess that's why he said he wanted to have her story finished by the time TFAT came out. Because now that it's out he has too much to do to think of the end!!!

  74. Kirby T. Penworthy
    4:05 pm on October 1st, 2010

    P.S. AbbietheKitty: As for the Derby, I don't think I'd want anyone riding me. However, I do appreciate your attempt at doggerel — or in your case do we call it catterel???

  75. Barb & Maggie
    4:05 pm on October 1st, 2010

    We were enjoying all the frivolity, and then Rio came in with that serious news. Hope the catcher is ok.

  76. Riö - The Evil
    4:11 pm on October 1st, 2010

    Snort!…Limer-licking here!…heh!

    There once was a Pug who did wonder

    What the heck was the purpose of thunder

    He thought of this now as he yeeped and he growled

    Stuck under the bed he run-under

  77. B.Stover
    4:13 pm on October 1st, 2010

    I think that you guys should try your hands (paws) at sestinas.

  78. Riö - The Evil
    4:32 pm on October 1st, 2010

    Stover!…Is that a type of Pizza?….snort!

  79. Kirby T. Penworthy
    4:37 pm on October 1st, 2010

    According to Merriam-Webster online:

    ses·ti·na noun se-ˈstē-nə

    Definition of SESTINA

    : a lyrical fixed form consisting of six 6-line usually unrhymed stanzas in which the end words of the first stanza recur as end words of the following five stanzas in a successively rotating order and as the middle and end words of the three verses of the concluding tercet

    So now I know what it is, but I still don't know what it is!!!

    Bee: You're totally above our heads!!!

  80. Barb & Maggie
    4:43 pm on October 1st, 2010

    Bee, Barb can't even do a simple limrick, let alone a sestina, however, if you are earning 7.5% interest on your money, it will double in 9.6 years. So there! Hah!

  81. FattyKitty
    4:47 pm on October 1st, 2010

    I'm enjoying our doggerel. I need an example of a sestina. I'd look but I'm eating pizza and reading TFAT. I'm on Ch. 5.

  82. Barb & Maggie
    4:52 pm on October 1st, 2010

    Bee, Barb says if you locked her up and made her stay there till she wrote a good poem (of any kind), if would be a life sentence!

    She is much better at reading!

  83. B.Stover
    4:59 pm on October 1st, 2010

    Here's an example of a sestina by Elizabeth Bishop.

    http://www.poemhunter.com/poem/sestina/

  84. Kirby T. Penworthy
    4:59 pm on October 1st, 2010

    Fatty Kitty: I'd need to see an example, too! But like you, I'm eating pizza (crust). However I'm not reading TFAT. Drat — that's the problem with reading the book early!

  85. Kirby T. Penworthy
    5:02 pm on October 1st, 2010

    Bee: I think I'll stick with the limericks! That's too clever by far!!!

  86. AbbietheKitty
    5:02 pm on October 1st, 2010

    Kirby,

    Read it again! I did.

  87. dawson
    5:02 pm on October 1st, 2010

    Barb and Maggie: I wish I had learned that economics/accounting type stuff in high school – very practical.

    All the Poets: Very entertaining.

    Kirby's Mom: Hope that tennis elbow resolves. It's like a bad toothache in your elbow.

    Siber H: I want to visit Jemez Canyon.

    Macy MinPin: I want to visit that place on the postcard

    FattyKitty: I haven't even cracked TFAT yet. I'm in the middle of Tiger – the book Dan is reading. And: I just heard on the news that a lady in Montana scared a bear off her front porch by throwing a rather large zucchini at it.

    Melanie: I'd rather be reading Dan's book for the Love of Puppies. No dogs would be used as bait for tigers. Ugh!

    TFAT: I want to save TFAT so it will have my undivided attention…we shall see.

    Having Indian Summer weather and am trying to get many things done before the snowflakes and cold arrive.

  88. Barb & Maggie
    5:05 pm on October 1st, 2010

    Dawson, We heard that same story – it was a 6 lb. zucchini.

  89. dawson
    5:08 pm on October 1st, 2010

    B.Stover: That sestina poem did not clear anything up for me.

  90. AbbietheKitty
    5:08 pm on October 1st, 2010

    Dawson,

    We also heard the bear was after her DOG! She protected her dog with a zucchini!

  91. B.Stover
    5:09 pm on October 1st, 2010

    If not a sestina how about haiku.

  92. dawson
    5:10 pm on October 1st, 2010

    Wow!

    Those Montana women are tough!

  93. dawson
    5:11 pm on October 1st, 2010

    B.Stover: At least there would be fewer word to think of.

  94. dawson
    5:11 pm on October 1st, 2010

    Words, I mean words.

  95. AbbietheKitty
    5:25 pm on October 1st, 2010

    I could Haiku

    The sun slants in

    my open kitchen window

    The fall leaves drift down

    http://www.wikihow.com/Write-a-Haiku-Poem

    And you don't have to rhyme.

    But that Sestina looks like work. It would have to be assigned and there would have to be a grade. Thank dog I am done with that.

  96. AbbietheKitty
    5:27 pm on October 1st, 2010

    OOps that is

    The sun slants into….(5 sounds)

    Drat!

    So, B, Did I fail?

  97. Riö - The Evil
    5:27 pm on October 1st, 2010

    Dawson!…What chapter are you on???…snort!

  98. AbbietheKitty
    5:29 pm on October 1st, 2010

    The bear attacked Brin

    But I saved her with a fresh

    garden zucchini

  99. Barb & Maggie
    5:30 pm on October 1st, 2010

    Rio, We liked your limerick, too! No rhymes from us, so far. And probably not ever.

  100. AbbietheKitty
    5:31 pm on October 1st, 2010

    The twins are losing but I am going to sit in front of the tv and finish my great-nephews quilt binding (Dawson's grandson)

    All this poetry is tiring.

  101. AbbietheKitty
    5:32 pm on October 1st, 2010

    Barb,

    Start your haiku with

    Maggie caught a rat

  102. B.Stover
    5:32 pm on October 1st, 2010

    AK: Excellent! You could do a sestina also if you put your mind to it.

    Dawson: To scan the Bishop poem, look at the last word in each of the six lines of the first stanza and give each word a number (one through six obviously). Then, do the same with the other six-line stanzas and notice the pattern in which the words are repeated. The last three lines, called an envoy, usually contain the remaining three end words. (A sestina is the most complicated verse form.)

  103. Riö - The Evil
    5:37 pm on October 1st, 2010

    Hey!…Here is my Haiku!…snort!

    Oh where is that Alice

    With her fluffy tail so bright

    Boxed up and shipped off

  104. B.Stover
    5:39 pm on October 1st, 2010

    Rio: Very good!

  105. Barb & Maggie
    5:41 pm on October 1st, 2010

    Abbie, We will research the haiku tomorrow morning and see if we can get beyond your first line. Thanks for the starter, but don't hold your kitty breath! Good night, all.

  106. Riö - The Evil
    5:43 pm on October 1st, 2010

    Stover!…Thank you! That one came easy!….heh!

  107. dawson
    5:44 pm on October 1st, 2010

    B.Stover: I'll read those instructions again in the morning to see if they compute.

    Rio: I am on Chapter two. I just got the book this afternoon and have only caressed the cover so far.

  108. Riö - The Evil
    5:49 pm on October 1st, 2010

    Haiku!…Here is another one…snort!…They just roll off my tongue…heh!

    Oh Abbie The Kat

    Why ever are you so fat

    Stop sitting on Quilts

  109. Kirby T. Penworthy
    5:49 pm on October 1st, 2010

    And here's my Haiku — but you won't hear any snorting here!

    Going to Phoenix

    Spence has left Astrid's story

    We will plunder on!

  110. B.Stover
    5:49 pm on October 1st, 2010

    Dawson: Okay. Let me know if they don't compute.

  111. B.Stover
    5:51 pm on October 1st, 2010

    There are star poets on this blog!

  112. dawson
    5:51 pm on October 1st, 2010

    Ha! Rio, that's a good one! Stop sitting on quilts!

  113. Riö - The Evil
    6:01 pm on October 1st, 2010

    Haiku!…My third!…sniff!

    Caleb is his name

    Lives down New Mexico way

    Call him Siber-H

  114. Kirby T. Penworthy
    6:02 pm on October 1st, 2010

    Bee: OK, does this look right?

    1st stanza: 1 2 3 4 5 6

    2nd stanza: 6 1 5 2 4 3

    3rd stanza: 3 6 4 1 2 5

    4th stanza: 5 3 2 6 1 4

    5th stanza: 4 5 1 3 6 2

    6th stanza: 2 4 6 5 3 1

    Tercet: 6 5 / 2 4 / 3 1

    So now that I know the "order" of things, I might just give it a try. But don't expect it in the next 5 minutes!

  115. Sam
    6:09 pm on October 1st, 2010

    Read out loud:

    Mary had a little lamb

    Its fleece was black as soot

    And into Mary's little pies

    Its sooty foot he put.

  116. Riö - The Evil
    6:16 pm on October 1st, 2010

    Sammie!….I love it!…heh!heh!…Here is a Stover Haiku!…snort!

    Stover our good friend

    Leads us as we plunder on

    We spell better now

  117. Kirby T. Penworthy
    6:17 pm on October 1st, 2010

    Good one, Rio!

  118. wookie of chevy chas
    6:46 pm on October 1st, 2010

    Chet and Bernie

    Solving another case

    Nothing better than that

    — Zen Wookie

  119. Staff
    6:50 pm on October 1st, 2010

    Rio,

    Nice to know that Alice and Abbie are your Kat muses.

    We really liked your haiku.

    Rio the puglet

    Writes Haiku's about two cats

    Alice and Abbie

  120. Riö - The Evil
    6:52 pm on October 1st, 2010

    Ahhh!…Wookie-aiku …snort!

  121. Alice Johnson
    6:54 pm on October 1st, 2010

    Maybe the next adventure should include poetry?

    heh heh heh heh

    This is making me laugh out loud

  122. Kirby T. Penworthy
    6:58 pm on October 1st, 2010

    I'm still working on my sestina, but it'll have to be my subconscious doing the writing tonight! Mom says she's about to call it a night and turn off the computer. Don't know why she thinks she's going to call it a night. Somebody already beat her to it — it's been called that for years! Oh well, g'night, y'all!!!

  123. FattyKitty
    7:02 pm on October 1st, 2010

    Ooo, this is exciting. I understand the pattern except for the tercet – I would just go by the numbers 5/ 4/ 1

    sootyputtyfoot lol

    I may try a haiku. After a loonnng nap. Yaawwwwwn! Night-Er.

  124. Alice Johnson
    7:02 pm on October 1st, 2010

    Yeah,

    I have to call it a night too.

    By all you poetry lovers and others

  125. Riö - The Evil
    7:24 pm on October 1st, 2010

    Time!…I just thought of something very interesting!…snort!…Spencer is now in My Time Zone!…gruff!…heh!… I wonder how he is holding up after going back in time two hours…snort! …I sure hope Rockie was able to clean out all the bed bugs from his hotel room in 'time'…grunt!

    Friday!….Good night all!… The weekend is upon us and how wonderful that feeling is!..snort!… Make the most of it!…heh!

  126. AbbietheKitty
    10:07 pm on October 1st, 2010

    B,
    OMG
    I will stick to limericks. You and me, Kirby old pal. You and me.

  127. Staff
    12:26 am on October 2nd, 2010

    middle of the night

    sleep is like a butterfly

    always out of reach

  128. Kirby T. Penworthy
    2:25 am on October 2nd, 2010

    Staff: I'm sorry you couldn't sleep, but I loved your haiku. I hope you can take a nap sometime today.

    Melanie: Since Dan had a setback yesterday, I hope he has two setforwards today to make up! Give my best to him!!!

    Rio: Not everyone can look forward to the weekend, like Mom. She has to work today (Saturday), so she said if I wanted to post my sestina it has to be this morning, because the computer will be off all day. So here it is:

  129. Kirby T. Penworthy
    2:32 am on October 2nd, 2010

    Sestina

    This is an homage to Bernie Little

    And his partner, Chet the Dog.

    They live in the desert

    Where Chet uses his nose

    To help find those who are missing,

    And Bernie's worried about the water.

    Too many people using too much water

    And they don't care, even a little.

    Their common sense is missing.

    The aquifer worries the man, although the dog

    Sees water everywhere, smells it with his nose

    Where people water grass in the desert.

    But deep in the desert,

    It isn't only the smell of water

    That makes Chet ready his nose.

    It's the call to the Little

    Detective Agency for Bernie and his dog

    To hunt for someone who's missing.

    Once a girl went missing.

    Chet found her in the desert.

    She said, "Don't hit that dog!"

    They caged him without any water

    But Chet escaped, and Bernie Little

    Slugged the perp in the nose.

    Another time Chet used his nose

    To find a Princess who was missing.

    She was fluffy and little,

    Kidnapped and left in the desert

    Cruelly without food and water.

    The hero was Chet the Dog.

    Again our hero, Chet the Dog

    Hunted for an animal with a nose

    Long and sinewy, perfect for drinking water.

    This elephant was missing

    And found caged in the desert,

    Rescued by Chet and Bernie Little.

    Where the water is missing

    The man wants the dog to use his nose,

    In the desert, Chet and Bernie Little.

  130. Kirby T. Penworthy
    2:37 am on October 2nd, 2010

    Sorry for any inaccuracies — just chalk them up to poetic license! And no booing or hissing — remember I'm no Longfellow, or even Elizabeth Bishop!!!

  131. Melanie
    3:39 am on October 2nd, 2010

    KIRBY!! A Shakespeare in hiding!!

    That was wonderful!

  132. B.Stover
    3:58 am on October 2nd, 2010

    Kirby: It is superb! I'll repeat this on today's post just in case you don't see this one. I hope Spence sees your Sestina also.

  133. Barb & Maggie
    4:14 am on October 2nd, 2010

    Kirby, That is amazing. There is one spoiler alert in there regarding Peanut, but that's ok. Even the haiku is almost beyond our capabilities but we will try.

    We have such incredibly talented people (and dogs and kats) on this blog.

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