I Love Nature - and those that love nature!

I had a wonderful time in Coloma yesterday, at the American River Nature Center. What a lovely place. A couple of deer crossed my path and I spotted a pretty little woodpecker. I really don't spend enough time exploring the beautiful areas around me. I really need to get my children in nature more often. I came across a book in the Nature Center's book store that I really want to read, Last Child in the Woods: Saving Our Children From Nature-Deficit Disorder, by Richard Louv. Perhaps, I'll read that and post my thoughts on my blog.

The children and parents at the event were so excited and pleasant! Could I use enough adjectives to explain what a nice time I had? :) We painted in dots and I read my book. I also met a Wildlife Biologist that is studying the Pika and Pacific Fisher. I was humbled by her. She is so lucky to have so many amazing experiences with live animals. She and her team do so much to help save species by understanding them better.

I also had the opportunity last night to see Avatar. It was the best movie I have ever seen. I cried so often that people probably wondered if I had been an alien in a previous life.
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On a completely different note. There is a children's writing contest I would like to mention. It runs until January 31st. If you have a YA or MG you can enter 500 words at http://kidlit.com/kidlit-contest

Upcoming Art-Book Event

I have an event this Saturday, January 23rd 11 am - 12:30 pm
At the American River Conservancy

Here is their publicity on the event:

Local Author and Artist will be reading and signing her children's book "Through Endangered Eyes - a poetic journey into the wild." Through beautiful paintings and intimate poems, you will learn about the lives of these amazing animals and why they are in danger. Born and raised in Madison, Wisconsin, Rachel Dillon earned her bachelors degree in art and graphic design from the University of Wisconsin Madison. Rachel will be available to teach her art acrylic dot painting technique. She will have note cards available for children to make paintings on in acrylics. Minimum age: 6. Suggested donation $5. Please call to sign up and for meeting location (Coloma area) 530-621-1224 or contact julie@arconservancy.org


Their Mission:
The American River Conservancy serves our community by protecting and enhancing natural habitats where wildlife can flourish. Through education and recreation we promote a broad ethic of stewardship, ensuring healthy ecosystems now and for the future.


Julie Andert
American River Conservancy
P.O. Box 562 - 348 Hwy 49 Coloma, CA 95613

Falling off the Balance Beam

I don't feel like I have been accomplishing much lately. I haven't painted in a couple of months, and I struggle finishing a chapter in my novel or my desert book edits. I have itty bitty bits of time. I shouldn't complain, lots of people have it much worse, but here I am complaining. I would love 24 hours where I didn't have to talk to anyone or answer any questions. One whole day where I didn't have to clean up cat-puke, make dinner, or step around a maze of things randomly left on the floor.

I would also love some great news! I'll just leave that statement floating.

I have pretty much concluded that to make it as a writer is about as likely as winning a grand prize at a raffle where one million people have bought tickets. I'm not going to give up writing my stories and my books about endangered species, those are burning inside me and have to get out. I guess I must simply change my expectations.

Therefore, I am actively applying for work. Funny, we moved near a larger city and I am such a small fish here that I don't have any prospects. The competition is so great that it is almost as difficult to get hired here as it is to get published.

There is also the happiness factor. The dream of doing what I love for a living must be put to the side. I think that's the hardest part to swallow. But, swallow, I must - as Yoda would say.