For the Love of the Sea: Making Waves of Change



Join the Ocean Conservancy & Make a "Sea Change" Today!

February is the month when roses, hearts, and love come to mind as many people celebrate Valentine's Day. One of the things I love to do is to visit a beautiful, clean beach with rolling waves and circling gulls. Recently, I was blessed with an opportunity to stop by a small salt water conservation center near Manhattan Beach, California. I was so inspired by the beautiful creatures of the deep and by their intricately connected and diverse environment, that I decided this month's blog should be about what we can do to help restore and protect marine life. Saving the world's oceans is arguably the most important issue before humankind, because the health of the oceans determines the success of the global food chain. The Ocean Conservancy recently made this observation:

"Providing food, fresh water, and oxygen to the world, the ocean is essential to all life on Earth, but it is in serious trouble from overuse and pollution. Ocean Conservancy believes it's time to change our national policies to protect entire ecosystems as the surest way to solve the most critical conservation challenges we face. The ocean belongs to everyone and everyone is needed to protect it. To get there, we must collaborate across political lines and with new partners from all walks of life."


A few months back I visited the local library and notice a special new release: The World is BLUE by oceanographer Sylvia A. Earle. I had never heard of Sylvia Earle before, and when I read of her credentials and contributions to the history of sea explorations and conservation, I was a bit chagrined. She is one of the foremost authors and leaders in sea ecology, and one of the most prominent and highly respected female scientists alive today. She urges all of us to take care of the Earth's oceans with a fresh sense of what is at stake if we do not. Interestingly, National Geographic's recent article on the Louisiana Gulf included a message from Sylvia Earl, whose early diving career featured studies of these same waters. I was amazed by her description of the abundance of life beneath the waves just a few decades ago. It was painfully clear that much of the diversity and delicacy of the ecosystem of the Gulf had been eradicated in her lifetime. So what can we do to make a "SEA CHANGE" according to the Ocean Conservancy? Here are five simple steps:




We Can Restore the Oceans with Careful Conservation!



• Don't pour harsh chemicals down the drain or into storm sewers
• Volunteer to clean a beach, shoreline, river, or stream near you. To participate in the annual International Coastal Cleanup, call: 1-800-262-BEACH
• For housecleaning substitute baking soda, vinegar, and borax for harmful products like bleach
• Before going to the beach or boating on the water, eliminate packaging and debris that could blow into the water
• Fill a plastic bottle with water and place it in the toilet tank to displace and save gallons of H20!

I grew up in the era when Jacque Cousteau's sea adventures were some of the hottest programs on TV. His contributions to the understanding and appreciation that human beings have for the sea were outstanding. If you have never had the chance to view his underwater explorations, try checking out some of the videos that have been recently made documenting his life and work. Cousteau represented a harm-not policy towards the creatures of the deep, more of an observe and appreciate approach to the oceans that once teamed with life and uncluttered currents. A big issue before all nations is the growing amount of plastic debris that is accumulating in the oceans. Did you know that a mass of churning, melting plastic the size of twice the State of Texas is floating in the Pacific Ocean? Clearly, we must recycle on a more diligent scale, with recycling centers available in every city and rural county. We must also address ocean "dead zones," where oxygen depletion in coastal areas is causing massive ecosytem collapse. These appaling ocean floor graveyards are found downriver from fertilzer run-off. Our food production practices need to start considering ocean health.




Moving forward is a process of looking back at our lack of awareness and then making steps each day toward a different tomorrow. Envisioning non-toxic beaches, clean springs in the mountains, fresh rivers, abundant marine life, and thriving estuaries is a great way to begin. Educating children in the ways of bio-diversity, non-invasive economic practices, and organic gardening is another step that our generation can take to preserve our planet on a long term basis. Together, we can make an inspirational SEA CHANGE.

It is an honor to share this planet with so many incredible creatures!
To Join the OCEAN CONSERVANCY: www.oceanconservancy.org

The Watercolor Art of the Fairy Folk!



This Bing Fairy Image brings to mind the powerful blend of
reality and fantasy in Ghost Horse Hollow

Some of the happiest moments from my childhood included pouring over magical illustrations in picture books in the local libraries. I fell in love with fairy watercolors and delicate drawings by artists such as Arthur Rackham, Tasha Tudor, J.R.R. Tolkien, and Beatrix Potter. Their renderings inspired me to take up pencil and brush during my elementary school days and begin a  life-long pursuit of illustrating children's books. Today's artists combine photographic realism with enchanting scenes of make-believe. Computer technology has certainly enhanced the book covers of contemporary fantasies. Still, I deeply appreciate the elegant and simple beauty of watercolors and the subtle tones of yesteryear.

This Bing Fairy Image reminds me of  the character of Luka-shen,
 Lady Titrimia's Eldest Green Maiden in The Fairy Lore of Ghost Horse Hollow

Painting with watercolor requires overlapping transparent layers of color, usually starting with pale, pastel tones and working toward darker hues. With oil painting, sometimes the opposite process is employed. Darker shades are applied to the canvas first, and lighter touches are dabbed on during the final stages of composition. Watercolors, especially those involving detailed facial expressions, demand the best possible brushes that pull downward to a tiny tip. Working with water frustrates many artists, because this slippery medium is unpredictable and difficult to control. My best advice is to develop a sense of the "beading" process in which the medium forms droplets that can be shifted along the surface of very absorbent paper. Watercolor paper is listed as "cold" pressed or "hot" pressed. I usually work with the 140lb cold pressed.

This Bing Fairy Image calls to mind the Fairylands that surround Ghost Horse Hollow

It is best to use quality paper with a nice "toothy" texture and the finest paints available. The better the watercolors, the more brilliant your finished product will be. Inexpensive paints often result in a pale or faded design. Raising your desk by two inches in the back and mounting your paper at a slight slant will also enable you to control the "beads" of water flowing from the tip of your brushes. I also work with a special acid-free masking tape to secure the entire perimeter of a single sheet of watercolor paper to my desk, so that the edges of the paper remain smooth and flat while the layers of color are drying. When working away from my art desk, I travel with a sturdy acrylic board that will hold one drawing at a time in order to keep the paper wrinkle free. Many artists lay out their paints in a specific order, grouping the "cool" and "hot" colors together before they begin. My favorite technique is to start with pen & ink and then apply the watercolors.


Miss Genevieve "Panther" MacKennon and Elestial's Opal Moon by Artist Steve Lillegard



When combining ink with this challenging medium, be sure to select a water-proof variety; otherwise, your base drawing will blend into your washes. Sometimes using non-waterproof India ink will result in a rich, dark mass that will dramatically contrast with your pure white paper. I have also used gold, silver, and pearl ink for special highlights. The trick to watercolor illustration is to experiment with your medium until you feel confident of your ability to control a water droplet or a splash of paint. Water will form a molecular edge that can be manipulated accurately with a little concentration and patience. Practice pencil drawing frequently, and purchase professional materials whenever possible. It's also good to keep in mind that accidents always happen with watercolor, but sometimes the results are glorious! Meanwhile, I hope you will enjoy browsing through these wonderful illustrations and books that are available through Amazon.com.                                   

Peace : The Smart Global Choice

Peace: The Smart Choice for a Small Planet

As the world embraces another decade in the 21st Century, we must face the fact that there will soon be over 7 Billion Earth Citizens on our relatively small and fragile planet. Ecosystems, economies, oceans, and continents are decidedly in need of solutions involving restoration, preservation, and growth. Limited natural resources, particularly the availability of fresh water and rich top soil, are of global concern. National Geographic Magazine has done a very good job over the past few years in documenting the difficulties we face. The time for contention based on political or cultural differences is long past. Peace emerges as not only a conscientious choice, but also as a pathway of smart progression. All nations need to reconsider their foreign policies in order to include green energy economics and human rights for both men and women of every race, creed, and cultural background. Why? Why is peaceful co-existence so important at this precise interval in planetary history? The answer is simple: Peace implies cooperation. Cooperation equals survival, not only for our human species, but also for all the members of the bio diverse fabric of life.

 Ideas Change Ideas.

Many prominent figures from around the globe have spent their lives teaching humanity that ideas change ideas. When we think differently, we act differently. Some of my favorite heroes are Martin Luther King, Jr., Gandhi, Mother Teresa, Peace Pilgrim, Henry David Thoreau, John Muir, and Nelson Mandela. Perhaps one of the most inspirational heroines during the American Civil War, was Harriet Tubman, with whom I share the same birthday. We were both born on March 10th. Her involvement with the Underground Railroad was extremely courageous. She struggled to free others, in spite of terrible dangers and conflicting social opinions. At present, not everyone is in agreement that the Earth is under tremendous strain to sustain life, nor does everyone see peace as a necessary component for planetary survival; however, the time for the evolution of human behavior is at hand. We must create peace by transforming how we solve international problems and handle cultural differences.

Nations Bring About Peace by Honoring Each Other's Right to Exist

Peace has never come from dropping bombs. Real peace comes from enlightenment and educating people to behave more in a divine manner.

Carlos Santana

September 1, 2004   Associated Press interview

Peace is not an easy choice, because humans tend to violently defend their freedom and their supplies. We also tend to aggressively snatch goods and opportunities from others. Finally, we are inclined to use our intelligence and our technologies to falsify evidence and obscure truths. Powerful individuals have always known that humans blindly follow leadership, if reward and punishment are ruthlessly distributed. The human race must progress and act with a greater amount of self-control. It is not enough to question authority. We must examine what we are doing and what impact our compliance is having on the society. May 2011, be a year of progress towards peace, compassion, and integrity for all nations!

The Time is at Hand for the Evolution of Human Behavior!

Magical Meals from Ghost Horse Hollow!

Garlic is the King of the Kitchen!

During the Holiday Season in the magical world of Ghost Horse Hollow, Lady Hannah MacKennon is busy in the homestead kitchen creating magical meals. The fairies drift and flutter in and out the pantry helping the busy MacKennon family prepare for the Winter Solstice Celebration. Each cake & cookie, pastry & pie, fritter & festive treat is made with love and joy. Magical meals are connected to the intentions and reflections of the cooks. Just as in the movie Chocolat with Johnny Depp and Juliette Binoche, the Ghost Horse Hollow chefs add a touch of enchantment to their kitchen offerings. Cooking is a process through which healing and grace are transmitted to those who are sitting down to enjoy the feast.

Pumpkin Bread with Pecans and Baked Apples makes a wonderful Holiday Dessert!

Another amazing motion picture that links food and human emotions is Like Water for Chocolate, in which the lovely young cook pours her heart out in her delicious creations. A Walk in the Clouds is also an excellent romantic film intermingling the making of wine with a young couple's awakening passions. Keanu Reeves is the star. Interestingly, both of these richly entertaining stories were brought to life by director Alfonso Arau, who demonstrated his appreciation of the link between reality and both conscious and sub-conscious thought.



Fairies Love to Guard their Magical Brews!

 The Ghost Horse Hollow adventures are full of homestead delights such as butter biscuits, cornbread, bean soup, and dragon coffee. Visit the website www.ghosthorsehollow.com for some of the special recipes from Lady Hannah's Fairy Cookery, including Three Toe the Bear's hot cocoa topped with wild flowers. Magical meals are beautiful to behold! Next time the Holiday dinner seems a bit overwhelming, try dedicating each dish to a unique and uplifting quality like Hope, Gentleness, Kindness, and Courage. The meal will be magic indeed with surprising results for you and your guests! For a happy beginning try the recipes from the Enchanted Broccoli Forest by premiere chef Mollie Katzen. Enjoy the season with cooking from the heart!

A Tribute to Lewis & Clark

This past September, I had the good fortune to visit Lewis & Clark Middle School in Billings, Montana. Librarian Elizabeth Waddington hosted my presentation for a special group of 7th and 8th Grade students. What a wonderful time I had sharing the Ghost Horse Hollow adventure series at this terrific school! The library was beautiful and inviting with a bank of windows overlooking a peaceful courtyard. The Holly King made a grand splash as the opening event for the library's Lunch and Learn program. Visiting schools is one of my favorite things to do as a writer for Middle Grade fiction.

The students and I talked about some of our favorite books like Julie of the Wolves, Eragon, Island of the Blue Dolphins, and The Hobbit. We also discussed the changing world of reading due to the fast-paced Internet. I am finding that people today prefer shorter sentences, simpler phrases, and crisper dialogue. I believe this is due to the trend of reading small computer screens very quickly. Abraham Lincoln and Thomas Jefferson would surely have to edit their manuscripts these days. Classic children's literature is very wordy compared to contemporary children's literature. Still, I think young readers in the 21st Century appreciate thoughtful, powerful writing. Readers tend to quest for ideas and insights. Not every reflection can be conveyed in a few words. Computer screens compel the viewer to think is short bursts. Opinions and reactions crystalize almost spontaneously, in order to filter the wide field of bombarding Internet information. As technology changes, reading and thinking transform to match the pace of communication.

As we watched the book trailer for the Ghost Horse Hollow adventure series on the overhead projector, I thought about how important it was in today's book market to provide visual stimulation. Our modern world conveniently showers the average reader with pictures, video clips, and tantalizing commercials. The students at Lewis and Clark Middle School reminded me, however, that good readers will always enjoy creating their own pictures inside their minds. The infinite world of the imagination is yet alive and well. These curious, bright 7th and 8th Graders, and their marvelous librarian Elizabeth Waddington, are still devoted to good books and thoughtful writing. I am blessed to have visited with them. May the Ghost Horses continue to gallop for the Earth and bring great entertainment as well as good ideas to young readers around the globe!

Creating a Character

What makes characters come to life in a fantasy series? Is it their physical descriptions or their patterns of speech that spark the imaginations of curious readers? Perhaps we are enchanted by a character’s resourcefulness or bravery in the face of terrible odds. Our favorite personalities engage us in a single paragraph. The character of Miss Genevieve MacKennon caught my attention as a writer from the very first chapter. I fashioned many of her features and qualities after the actress Ellyon Elestial, who served as a young teen sounding board for the Ghost Horse Hollow series, as well as the model for our popular book trailer.

Panther MacKennon on Elestial's Opal Moon
Illustrated by Steven E. Lillegard

Many contemporary musicians also inspired me to create a character with grit, independence, graciousness, and intelligence. I listened to Avril Lavigne’s Let Go album, Green Day’s popular hit song “Boulevard of Broken Dreams”, the Jonas Brothers, and Jewel, while searching for a Middle Grade/YA romantic element to add to Miss Genevieve’s scenes. I always imagined the action in the book saga unfolding as if I were seeing a major motion picture, complete with a background score, unfolding before my eyes. Spending much of my life choreographing dances helped me with this process. The book trailer on Youtube features a terrific score by Nashville composer Jason Morant, whose work evokes the strength and courage of the twelve- year- old apprentice to Lady Titrimia, the Starlight Fairy Queen. One of my favorite movies that encompasses awesome musical themes, as well as startling characters, is The Lord of the Rings directed by Peter Jackson.

Filming the book trailer for The Holly King on location at Ghost Horse Prairie Ranch
Enjoy the video on our Youtube Channel!

Genevieve’s original name was Pheonyx. Shortly after I had typed four or more chapters of The Holly King, a friend casually informed me that J.K. Rowling had written another book in the Harry Potter series that was entitled The Order of the Pheonix. I thought the name of my heroine would then be considered too common, yet I felt inspired to keep the first letter “P” for my character. After much contemplation, the name Panther was born. Panther is a fresh and distinct young leader, with hope and a wild strength that blesses all she embraces. It is a delight to write her dialogue and to witness the exciting scenes in which Panther’s character triumphs! I greatly appreciated the support of the Kentucky Foundation for Women for assiting me with a grant to develop Panther's role-model personality.

Actress Ellyon Elestial as Miss Genevieve (Panther) MacKennon
Photo by Monica Bedsole

Creating a character is like meeting someone extremely special in your imagination and then introducing him or her to your favorite friends. Enjoy the adventures in The Fairy Lore of Ghost Horse Hollow!

Riches in the Grass

                   A Grasshopper & a Mosquito Share a Piece of Crested Wheat  Grass

                                                    by Monica Bedsole

 

There are so many tiny things of great value in the world of Nature that we tend to overlook! Their importance to our sustainment, nourishment, and healing is undervalued by civilization. From wild flowers to wild grasses, from herbs to seeds, from raindrops to top soil, the small pieces of the Web of Life gives us our food, our water, and our future. Each person on our planet should be taught to respect Nature and to cherish our planet. This wondrous globe is our home and the more we all know about Earth science and green economics the better. 

 

                   Landscape View of the Montana Prairie by Monica Bedsole

 

Some people respect only money. Some people respect only power. Some businesses and governments focus on their survival through destruction and consumption, rather than through conservation and preservation. These limited perspectives are crippling the planet. The little things in Nature remind us all that everyone is responsible for solving garbage, energy, and pollution issues. A shift is happening across each continent, in which human beings are becoming increasingly aware that they must embrace our dependence on the health and diversity of our ecosytems. It is necessary for all nations to look beyond money and power into a horizon of peace and cooperation in order to preserve life on Earth. 

 

                        Sage and Crested Wheat Grass by Monica Bedsole

 

The grasses of the windswept prairie provide rich graze for the gentle Ghost Horses and protective cover for many wildlife species. Rain from the north and west enable these grasses to grow. The overall health and temperature of Earth's atmosphere affect the yearly rainfall for this region. The energy policies of all nations influence the weather conditions across the globe. It is evident in this very simple chain of sustainment that the seeds of tomorrow's harvest are connected to international decisions. Our collective consciousness is facing the reality that humans are far too wasteful and far too greedy. For our species to flourish on Earth, we must take a closer look at environmental links that connect all creation. Small matters are leading to BIG changes!

 

                                   Montana Sunset by Monica Bedsole