Nibbling Captured on “Film”

Remember me mentioning that I got to interview Temple Grandin, Nicholas Dodman, and Jean Donaldson for a magazine article a while back? Well, the story is through editing and is set to run in July. (I promise, I’ll be able to tell you soon what it’s about.) The editors had one photo of me and Lilly, but they wanted one of me with both dogs in a more spring-like setting for the magazine contributors’ page. The old photo was taken in winter. So, one day last week, I actually did my hair and put on full makeup and begged Tom to shoot some photos. Not my favorite thing on a good day.

Lesson? It’s a real blow to the self-esteem to take photos first thing in the morning. Seriously, who is that wrinkly, double-chinned girl?

Here is the photo I most often use from a couple winters ago, when my hair was shorter (and I suddenly realize, when I looked younger and thinner … or maybe the coat hides a lot).

Getting all three of us — me, Ginko, and Lilly — to look good at the same time, when the photographer is an impatient husband, is a losing proposition. (Audrey … if you’re reading, I wish I’d had you shoot some while you were here.)

But, he did finally capture Lilly nibbling on my head, which is something she loves to do. I’ve convinced myself it’s a sign of extreme affection. Here, it’s more likely nerves.

I ended up sending these next two photos to the editor, but I’m not a big fan of either one. First, because it makes me wonder if I look like this a lot? Clearly the purple sweater is better standing up than sitting down.

Second, because Lilly looks worried. Tom says she looks alert, but I think you’ll agree with me. She didn’t think it was much fun. Look at those eyebrows.