Traveling is nice, but there is no place like home! 4/18/2004 9:33:11 AM
Animal book author gets ready to head home before the next adventure. This trip is winding down. I may head home tonight or first thing in the morning. CE doesn't seem to care since she has enjoyed the warm sunny weather, but I am really ready to head home, see my neighbors and friends, and be back near the wilderness.
It has been heartbreaking to see all the development here on the coast and to acknowledge the dire situation of the ocean. Intuitively this has been hard--then this morning the paper dedicated two pages on the topic. A new report, the first one done in 35 years, is due out this week. It is dismal.
Earth Day is this week and I hope people really pay attention to actions they can take to help the planet. In the meantime, my heart feels like it is breaking and the emotions are stuck in my throat.
In addition to meandering, I was able to attend two fabulous presentations by authors at Adventures for Kids. This independent bookstore just celebrated their 25th anniversary. The owner let me pick her brain for my upcoming book related to book events and touring. She is one smart cookie.
In addition to the Shores and Ventura, I visited Ojai, Santa Barbara, and Moorpark on this trip. One of the Ojai bookstores asked me about coming back for an event and I will consider it should more opportunities arise. The Ventura library contacted me recently and so did the Hueneme school district. Time will tell. However, it is a long trip (three to four hours drivetime) and I'll need to have several events to make it worth my while.
The weather here has been exceptional. Every day has been sunny, which is abnormal. This time of year the weather usually includes heavy fog, but I've enjoyed it. The Channel Islands are clearly visible and the time on the beach has been relaxing. However, I am really looking forward to going home, even though I heard it snowed!
Yesterday, at the retirement party for Dr. Jim Peddie, the wind whipped and the rain poured down upon the gathering of alumni from the Exotic Animal Training & Management program. Despite the weather over 300 people attended the send off for this amazine exotic animal veterinarian and instructor. Dr. Jim is a wonderful man and the humorous stories and reconnection with some of my former classmates/ collegues was enjoyable.
I'm heading for the shore to see if I can spot my favorite dolpin pod. They have been pretty scarce this week, but today the ocean is fairly calm and they should be easier to spot.
