A few days ago, i did more research on reindeer for my latest book: A Reindear Tale, about the year Santa’s team were all female. Thanks to “reindeer whisperer,” Scott Allen, I had the opportunity to meet some reindeer up close, both males and females. Who knew research could be such fun? 

Reindeer are shy, but curious. They will respond to the calling of a familiar person, especially when that person is holding hay. Although March is probably not the best time to observe the gender differences, it's a great time to see them shedding their winter coats. Below the dense coat is a body that is completely black. Scott says their natural black hairs get bleached by the sun – kind of like a reverse sun tan! 

From the pictures it’s hard to discern the males from the females since the males have already shed their antlers and are in the process of growing new ones. This stage of antler development is called “velvet” because the antlers have a dark brown soft covering that eventually become hard bony protrusions on their heads. The females are in the process of shedding their antlers. Several still had their full antlers. Scott says at this stage the only way to tell males from females is to “look underneath.”  Yup, an easy way to spot the difference. Well, duh!
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If you love reindeer, you may want to check out these websites for some interesting facts about the most famous carriers in the world, (except maybe for the stork). 
www.earthtouchnews.com
www.mnn.com

Kudos to Mary and Ed Ettel of Mt. Bethel Church in Marietta! They've already sent over 8,000 packages to our servicemen and women in overseas remote outposts for many years. I am privileged to be a part of East Cobb Civitans who routinely pack boxes with their specific needs of each outpost in mind. We have granted requests for food stuffs, personal care items, blankets, socks, and pretty much anything they might need. The troops really like chocolate candy, although we can only send during certain times of the year due to climate. Fulfilling their requests is something that is taken seriously. I remember one time when a serviceman from Texas wanted a particular type of hot sauce, and the Ettels made sure that his request was in the box--made me cry! At this packing, we sent Girl Scout cookies as a little "taste of home"! It is one of the most rewarding experiences I am privileged to be a part of.
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Asked the students at McClesky Middle School Career Day -
​I had the opportunity to speak to a group of seventh grade students today at a local middle school during their Career Day on what it's like to develop a story from an idea. Their counselor, an intern with me many years ago, saw an article about My Dog, Me in a local magazine and invited me to share my literary journey. The students had many questions about what it takes to be a successful author, so I did my best not to scare them! I had the students work in groups to develop a storyline.  They learned about protagonists, antagonists, and the cauldron of the craft. Some of them impressed me with their plots and creativity. It was great fun! My take-away -- participate when the opportunity arises! Kids are smarter than we think!

Through Marsha Rosner of Rosner Travel, I had the opportunity to travel to Jamaica and visit a local elementary public school that was sponsored by Sandals Resort. The children were darling; it was so much fun to read to them and share My Dog, Me with them. Of course, I left copies for some of the other classes. 

PS - The students wear uniforms, and there's NO AC! Dundee wasn't the only one panting from the heat...

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Have you seen The Great American Read on PBS? Meredith Viera hosts this series of specials to uncover America’s 100 best loved books. The objective is to find the #1 most beloved book of the American people. Viewers vote for their favorites -  everything from Don Quixote to Harry Potter to The Great Gatsby. And yes, Fifty Shades of Gray. Perusing the list, I came across Alexander Dumas’ The Count of Monte Cristo. Being retired (hooray), I decided to read this classic.

OMG- talk about a braided narrative – this could be an entire Persian rug! It’s 1425 pages of so many characters with French names, first and surnames, along with titles that change throughout the story and filled with twists and turns. Would this manuscript get published today? Probably not – at least not in this version.

But, it gives me confidence that my Bitter Sugar (braided narrative Baton Rouge sugar plantation circa 1860) at 354 pages, at least has a chance. Not that I am comparing myself to Dumas – no, never. He’s in a class of his own. Rather, I am honored to be in his company – in my own mind, at least, if not on the NY Times Best Seller List...yet.

If you were fortunate enough to read a bedtime story with a parent or loved one, remember how special and safe you felt as a child? What if you had the opportunity to give that experience to a needy child in foster care, homeless shelters, or whose parents are incarcerated? Well, how great is this? You can! 

​I want to introduce you to the Pajama Reading Program, a national initiative that provides children in need with the opportunity to spend an hour reading a book with a caring adult at the program center. After reading and a snack, each child is given a new pair of pajamas and a book of his choice to take home from the program's bookshelf. AND, transportation is provided to and from the center! Isn't that lovely?

Recently, I had the pleasure of meeting Duona Hunter, Reading Center Program Manager for Atlanta.  She was delighted to receive my donation of 50 copies of My Dog, Me, and it was my pleasure to bring them to the center. These books will be distributed to other centers in Georgia so that young readers may enjoy the adventures of Tyler and Dundee as they experience life in the body of another species. 

For more information about how you can help, please contact the Pajama Reading Program.

“It takes a village to raise a child.”
​I love you all ~ RP

​Yesterday, I had the honor of speaking to the East Cobb Civitan Club on the process of bringing a book from concept to publication. That's me in the green sweater with some of the sweet ladies in the group. They were attentive, inquisitive, and encouraging. I shared with them my experience self-publishing My Dog, Me as well as my current search for an agent for my novel, Bitter Sugar. After telling them the premise of the story, one of the ladies later said, "Sounds spicy and intriguing - looking forward to it being on the market." (Ha! So am I!)
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​I also shared information with them about the Pajama Program, a program designed to provide new pajamas and new books to children in need. I'll share more about that in another post; right now I'm ready to slip on my own pjs and curl up with a good book, or maybe I'll review my manuscript for Bitter Sugar AGAIN! 

Summer is just around the corner! Time to take a break from your "apps", put down your phones, give your games a rest, and encourage your child to read! And guess what? If you're looking for the perfect book for your young reader or for a great read for bedtime, may I suggest "My Dog, Me"? It's such a cute story about a boy switching places with his dog and the adventures/misadventures they enjoy together. The book can be purchased on Amazon but if you'd like a special discount AND have a personalized copy, just email me! 
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Put a book into that Easter basket and enjoy reading together!
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Order a copy of My Dog, Me or a gift set that includes the book and a plush Australian Shepherd puppy with his name, Dundee, on the neck bandana. Free shipping! Please contact me if you'd like to purchase either of these unique gifts for Easter or anytime! 

                  $10 book only                                                   $22 book and plush Dundee     

​Giving back is part of being a writer, and I am pleased to say that I am working with a local assisted living community to provide residents an opportunity to share a holiday memory that I will transcribe for them on seasonal stationery. Hopefully, their families will enjoy this gift for many years to come.

Shameless plug - If you would like to purchase a copy of My Dog, Me, or if you already have a copy and would like to purchase a plush Australian Shepherd puppy (or both), please contact me here.