Bothell, WA -- Blue Heron and a murder of crows!

People in Bothell and its surrounding sister cities CARE about their environment.  They protect the stunning Blue Heron rookeries with passion and unyielding devotion.  Watching one of the mated parents launch from their high altitude nesting sights -- the picture of ancient history in sync with the present -- infuses you with the same determination.  Don't ever let this graceful birds lose their protected status in Bothell. 

So they had me on their side from the minute I checked into my hotel.  But it kept getting better, each of the four days I was in the region.  The kids were sensational -- so bright and engaged.  So were the librarians, which explains the kids.  That is always cause for celebration.  

As if all that wasn't enough, I made a discovery the day I arrived.  Bothell had an enormous murder of crows.  More than 10,000, according to one university professor, gathered in various places in Bothell each night to sleep with more safety and more warmth (safety and body heat come with gatherings of great numbers). 

As a kid who grew up intrigued and terrified by THE BIRDS (thank you Mr. Hitchcock), I wanted to see this astonishing act of nature.  Alas, it wasn't to be.  The librarians tried really hard to help me.  And I'm grateful.  But I'd come at the onset of nesting season, so they were off doing other important things.  But here (below) is a picture of what PART of that murder would have looked like, had I found it.  Another year.  I swear, I'll be back just to see that -- and those graceful Blue Heron.

Letters About Literature -- Washington State

In March of 2012, I joined two librarians to judge the Washington State Level I entries for the national competition known as Letters About Literature.  It was such an honor to pour over the top entries in search of a state winner and several runners up.  We agreed on our winner -- Clare Doran, a Seattle, WA 6th grader wo wrote to Jamie Ford, author of HOTEL ON THE CORNER OF BITTER AND SWEET -- and that winner went on to win an honor slot at the national level, too. 

I have agreed to judge the Washington State Level I entries for next year as well, as have the other two judges.  I hope this will be the start of a lasting, lovely relationship.  It's a cause that means a lot to me. 

Port Orchard, WA

 
When I found out I was headed for Port Orchard, WA -- on the Kitsap Peninsula -- I was pretty excited.  The teacher-librarians were great.  The kids were amazing.  But I was extra-excited because the 911 Sasquatch call featured in my book, IN SEARCH OF SASQUATCH came from a caller in this area.  As I traveled from hotels to schools, I kept watching the thick forest surrounding us and wished (how I wished) I could catch a glimpse of one of those big guys.  No luck, but the time I spent with the kids was absolutely sensational.  Thank you, Michelle Peck and Jane Dierck.  I hope you had as much fun as I did. 

Gonzaga University

After spending most of February in central Washington, I came home to speak with Dr. Beth Cooley's writing students at Gonzaga University on March 5, 2012.  Beth is a brilliant YA novelist in addition to being a stellar professor, so I was a little puzzled as to what her students could get from a nonfiction writer.  But it was such a great experience.  Thank you, Beth, for making it possible.  You students were amazing.

The photo at the left is from the Gonzaga campus publication.  I really appreciated that great article running, too. 

The Literacy Connection

Time to update my blog.  YIKES.  I've been so busy on Facebook, I forgot to update here.  So it if looks like I did a bunch of entries TODAY, that's because I did a bunch of entries TODAY.  Each one is about a special yesterday, so I hope that counts, too.  : )  

As I mentioned in my last post, I did 19 schools in Washington State's TriCities region -- Richland, Kennewick, Pasco, Connel and Walla Walla -- thanks to the amazing women at the Literacy Connection.  Educators and former educators joined forced more than a decade ago to bring author visitors to schools.  Advance book sales covered hotel and travel expenses, the schools covered the honorariums. 

No one does it better than Carol Berry and her team.  No one.  And I had a lovely time essentially living in the TriCities during the month of February 2012.  THANK YOU for an exceptional experience.  I am beyond grateful. 

Regal Elementary then the TriCities!

Tomorrow and Wednesday I'll be at Regal Elementary in Spokane for two days of great school visits. So excited. Then I head down to the TriCities where I will do 19 more school visits from February 9 to February 29.

The Literacy Connection made this amazing opportunity possible and I'm so grateful. If I'm headed to your school in Kennewick, Richland, Pasco or Walla Walla, we are going to have so much fun! Thanks so much for having me.

ALIENS at the Tinman, Too!

THANK YOU, Tinman, Too Children's Bookstore for hosting a launch party for ALIEN INVESTIGATION. Thanks to all the people who joined in the fun, including free toy aliens and, for one lucky winner, a snazzy ALIEN mug with a UFO saucer.