by Jackie Houchin
Lots of medical stuff going on with me right now, so I thought I’d simply share a fun aspect of our Alaska cruise last fall. That aspect is called MUSH. No, not yelling at sled-pulling dogs (although we DID do that), but a different kind of Mush.
In Skagway, Alaska, I bought a small toy Husky, a beanie-bag size and shape little guy, with soft gray/white fur, big blue eyes, and the name MUSH printed on the tag. I loved the little guy from the first glimpse and perched him on my pillow in the stateroom when we got back to the ship. Joel, our cabin steward aboard the Oceania Regatta ship, loved Mush too.
When we left for dinner in the evenings the steward would come in to straighten up and turn down our beds. When we returned later, we found the usual chocolate candy on our pillows, AND…..Mush, posed in a series of so cute antics. The first time, he was propped on a pillow with the TV remote, watching a football game on the screen.
Another time he was standing on an open book (that I’d been reading), as if he were reading too.
Once when we came back from an excursion ashore and after we’d had lunch at the buffet, we found him on our small room table with the curtains draw slightly, looking out at sea.
And then, every evening HE started getting chocolate candy too, an additional piece placed between his paws. We were absolutely delighted.
Of course “I” started posing Mush for Joel too when we went out for the day, hiding him where the pitcher of ice water was kept, or behind the desk alarm clock, or sometimes just lying on the bed, his head tucked in and front feet up, waiting for a belly rub.
We had such fun with Mush and our very good and so kind cabin steward. Another sweet memory. And now, Mush resides on my dresser at night, guarding my glasses, and sometimes on my pillow during the daytime. (But he’s on a diet now – no chocolate.)
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Maybe I could write a cute kid’s story starring Mush on an ocean cruise. He could meet friends, find a missing object, solve a mystery, or rescue someone in danger. Now that’s an idea!! Mush and I might have to put our heads together and come up with a plan!
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The Writers in Residence 
Mush is ready to tell a story. You can even use those photos to illustrate it. I can almost visualize you going back to your cabin and Mush is in a very different place than the steward usually uses. When you ask the guy why he placed Mush in that particular spot, he tells you he didn’t put him there. Who did? Or does Mush have a mind of his own in this tale? Tell us if you write that story.
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I love that idea, Gayle. You are sooooo creative!
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How adorable! You’ve already shown the beginning of a story, about a little husky’s first Alaska cruise. I can see Mush as a travel journalist for youngsters, sharing adventures and meeting interesting people all over the world. PS – I’d take him on any future trips for the extra chocolate alone!
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What a fun post! You know how much I like dogs, and a toy husky who shows up lots of places and entertains people is delightful. I agree that you should write a story about Mush!
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I love this! And first, I love huskies, and have been graced in my life by a few, and secondly, Mush is as cute as they come! That and the charm and humor of your steward. Enjoyed this post! (I do think your book idea is grand. Do it!)
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What a sweet post, Jackie. And what a lovely reminder of “the kindness of strangers….” The stewards that went ‘above and beyond’ to make your cruise more fun. And, as Gayle says, a great inspiration for a story.
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What a delightful post and story idea, Jackie. We’ll be watching for the launch of Mush’s travel adventures.
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Thanks everyone for the encouragement to write a Mush & Me, or a Mush Adventure story. It will be in the back of my mind, and perhaps it will pop out soon. You’ve given me some great ideas.
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Oh Jackie – what an adorable story! So unbelievably CUTE. It made me smile so much and yes, like Jill – I have read it at least three times too. The photos were lovely!
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Sorry to be late with my comment, Jackie, only excuse is that I read your delightful piece 3 times over 2 days. I agree with everyone you should write Mush as your protagonist in a story. I once did a series on the Warrens, ghosthunters, and one case was a Raggedy Ann doll who moved around the house on her own. I took her to my newspaper office for pix and she moved from one corner of my back seat to the other as I drove. Scary!! The owner, a nurse, eventually called in a priest for an exorcism or something.
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