The Point of No Return

The big day has arrived and my two woman art show opens this evening at The Soul Cafe at 6. This point always feels a bit like the point of no return to me. All the work is done, and my babies are hung and looking their best, all shiney on the walls. The promotional materials are in order. The drumming group that's performing, of which I am also a member, is...winging it. But that's okay. It's what we do and we always manage to pull that off.  So, really I should be able to stop worrying right? BWAHAHAHA. Fat chance. While I try not to be nervous, here are a few more images of my "Marginalized" animal portraits from this parcitular show. But, before I run off to the opening, don't forget to head over to The Ravens Crossing today for Sharon & Alex's story. Freaky stuff is happening in Hazel's store room. You don't want to miss it. Have a fantastic Friday!

The Watering Hole, Pastel by Amanda Corlies SandosOn the Wing, Watercolor by Amanda Corlies SandosThe Bee Eater, Pastel by Amanda Corlies Sandos

Piano for Elderly Elephants

A friend of mine sent me an interesting video because she knows I'm an elephant lover and a pianist. At first, I wondered if Paul Barton, the pianist in this video, had gone round the bend. He hauled his piano out to a sanctuary called Elephant's World in Thailand to play for some elderly and injured elephants. But, as he plays, you see Plara, the male directly behind the piano, stop chewing his food to listen. Not much will stop an elephant from eating folks. And the one behind Plara with the pink ears seems to start swaying in time to the music. I actually think they might like it. How wonderful, the things people will do to make an elephant's day. Thanks Paul Barton. You rock! Okay, well, you andante.

Now, for a few free reads in case you are looking for something to do this weekend. Did I mention free? You can always read La Playa Blanca right here.

After you're finished with that,  I highly recommend you check out Jordan Castillo Price's Magic Mansion. The latest chapter came out today. You actually get to vote on which characters leave the story. It's great fun!

Also, you can find all the links to the Silver Flash free reads over at West Thornhill's place.

And, you absolutely must read the first five chapters of Scholar's Rock over at Andi Lea's blog if you missed them. 

Okay, happy holiday shopping. Try to be nice to each other out there!

National Geographic Grants, Elephant Rescues, and Research

Today was a research day over at Creative Antics. I have three new stories in the works, and each requires very specific knowledge, some I am brushing up on, and some I am learning as I go. I love research. Otherwise, I wouldn't have chosen to write in my current career, and I certainly wouldn't have chosen the previous twenty years in a science career. Anyway, while I was tripping around the internet on a quest for knowledge, I spent some time over at National Geographic, and I found a couple links.

Dr. Krithi Karanth was awarded this year's National Georgraphic Grant today. A conservation biologist with Duke University, she will be looking at numerous human/animal conflicts in areas of India in an effort to save lives, both human and animal. Just two of the conflicts involves elephants and tigers. Karanth joins a prestigious list of grant recipiants, including Jane Goodall, Louis and Mary Leakey, and Jacques Cousteau, to name a few. You can read more about Karanth and her work here.

Here's a little interview with Karanth courtesy of National Geographic. 

And, while I'm on a National Geographic kick, you might also want to check out these pictures recently posted of a daring elephant rescue in Zambia. A mother and her calf were successfully extracted from a mud pit last month. I do love a happy ending, especially when it involves elephants!

The Elephant Keeper

Earlier, I mentioned that my latest WIP includes elephants. I also promised I would tell you more. So, tonight, I thought I'd keep that promise. I've been knee deep in imaginary elephant dung all day, and I need a break from the story telling.

Incidentally, this photo is of me feeding apple bites to Moja. She and her sister, Jenny, were the first elephants I ever got to know. It was an experience I won't soon forget. They both used to like to explore my person with the ends of their trunks, searching for any treats and nibbles they might find. Moja was particularly good at retrieving these items from my pockets when given half a chance.

Writing this novel has been exhilarating, because I can turn my affection for these huge, beautiful animals into a vibrant story on the page. I get to show my love for elephants  through my character's eyes. The current working title is The Elephant Keeper. Writing this novel has also been much more difficult than I imagined. The memories of my days with the real elephants return, and all my feelings for these animals, many of whom are no longer living, come rushing back.

Because I wanted to honor some of my elephant friends, I've chosen to use a few of their names for my fictional elephant characters. Nita and Teela, two of the friends whose names I've borrowed, both died of a fast-acting and incurable disease that baffled our zoo's veterinarians for some time. I used to love watching these girls interact with each other on exhibit. They shared a powerful family bond and so much obvious affection. Each time I type their names into my story, it's as if, for a moment, I can bring them back to life and enjoy their company again. Nita and Teela, this novel will definitely be dedicated to you!

I Really Needed That!

Today, I spent a wonderful day outside on this unseasonably warm November day.

The morning found me sipping coffee in the sun with West Thornhill. Then, in the afternoon, I took a lovely drive to Sweet Briar College and had dinner with Andi Lea. Thanks ladies. I'm sorry we couldn't all come together in the same place at the same time today, but I just wanted to say, you both brighten my life more than I can express. 

Apparently, I really needed a day off from writing and anything remotely resembling work. Although, as usual after a day with these two ladies, I find myself inspired now that I'm home, so I'm hoping for a few thousand words before I call it quits for the night. 

What's in the works? Well, I'll tell you this. There are elephants involved. Yes, that's right. Elephants.