Total pages in book: 129
Estimated words: 129110 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 646(@200wpm)___ 516(@250wpm)___ 430(@300wpm)
Estimated words: 129110 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 646(@200wpm)___ 516(@250wpm)___ 430(@300wpm)
We're working on getting things in order so she can join us on the Eurpean leg and have already been back and forth to see her a few times. Me more than Asher, as I've seemed to stumble into my own new career of sorts.
Since my dumpster dive incident, and since everyone found out about Asher's new dog, there's been an uptick in animal adoptions.
Everyone wants a rescue, just like Asher Montgomery.
It's the first time we've actually been excited about this sort of attention. Of course his team thinks it's great buzz with Grammy nominations around the corner, but we feel like for once something good is coming out of being in the public eye.
That's the only reason I agree to appear on Good Morning.
I know, I can't believe it either.
Mona is thrilled.
Four Paws Homes, an animal rescue, reached out looking to partner with Asher. They want to publicize Madison’s story in hopes of reaching even more people. Asher is busy on tour so they asked if I wanted to do it instead.
I couldn't say no.
I didn't want to.
I had no idea how many dogs like Madison existed! I love the idea of spreading awareness for the cause. For the first time I feel passionate about something. Finding Madison in the state she was in did something to me. It opened doors. I’d like nothing more than to help others like her.
Unfortunately soon after my future TV appearance was announced the negative reports followed. Most claimed I had been waiting on the sidelines for this very moment. Some said I had been using Asher to get ahead. That I seek fame and am using his name to better my own goals.
It’s hard not to feel bad or hurt whenever I read something harsh. I don't think anyone likes being judged, especially when trying to do something good.
This latest article is brutal.
"Why do you read that junk?" Asher lowers the magazine. My eyes follow, enthralled with each terrible sentence. I can't get enough.
"Duh, I like to torture myself." I tease, but he can read between the lines.
It does bother me.
"They should be sued for this crap."
"What if they're right?"
"That you secretly want to be an actress?" He jokes. "I've seen you. You have no skill."
I roll my eyes. "I mean it. What if I totally choke? On national television."
"You just need some media training," he shrugs.
"What?"
"Elle..." He offers a blank stare. "Has no one mentioned media training to you? It's publicity 101."
I bite my lip. Mona is supposedly taking care of this. She unsurprisingly never mentioned a thing. I give him a look.
"Right." he nods. "Here." He settles in front of me. "What can you tell me about yourself?"
"I, uh, used to work for a magazine-"
"Used to. That's right. You left. So you're a quitter?"
"What?"
"Lesson one, anything you say can and will be misconstrued."
"Okay," I swallow hard.
"We'll work on it."
"I dunno, Asher..." I start to panic. "I'm having second thoughts."
"We'll bring someone in to help."
I bite my lip.
"Don't worry," he smiles. It's not you. It's just how the media works. They love our weaknesses so much our strengths are ignored. You have to learn to massage things."
I slowly nod.
This is more complicated than I thought.
February
No one ends up coming to media train me or whatever. It kind of gets lost in the shuffle of the tour.
I spend the next few weeks asking Asher for pointers whenever I get the chance. He doesn't disappoint. He'll tell me things like, bad press won’t magically go away, or I can choose what I want to do with the press I’m given.
It's that last part that sticks with me the most, and then one night it hits me.
I want to start my own dog shelter.
I want it to be the place that's called the next time a Madison is found. I want to help that dog get the care he or she needs, and then I want to help him or her find a loving home.
Asher loves the idea.
He then comes up with involving his fans, using his status to give signed CD's and posters, a chance to attend meet and greets and special events through donations. He's going to match all funds for both Madison's Fury Friends (he came up with the name) and Four Paws.
We hit the ground running. It's fun developing this together. His excitement mirrors my own. He was right, I did need the time to figure things out.
We present our ideas to Four Paws, who is going to be a big player in expanding our network and outreach beyond New York City.
The next thing I know I'm on a flight home for my very first TV appearance.
Alone.
I wish Asher were here. He’s always so collected around cameras, whereas I feel like a deer in headlights. I long for his calming presence. I begged him to come, even though I know he couldn't. Not really. He has the last of his South American shows. And although he does have two days off in between he says he doesn't want to rain on my parade.