Mantra of Content

I want to tell you a story of one of the "pets" we had when I was younger...

My story was published in The Rocking Chair Reader (a book about nostalgia and memories that came out about 10 years ago), and you can find a better, more professional version there. It's called Pelican Summer, and it's one of the stories I'm proudest of.

However, the Library of Congress lists my story as being in the Memories from the Attic edition, but I thought my version was in Coming Home. I gave away all my copies years ago, so I guess I'll have to buy both to see which one my story is in. Abe Books has used copies from $2.34.

Instead of me posting a watered down version, why don't you just buy the books and read the good version? Lol. You can buy the books here and here.  I got paid a lump sum for my story, so no, I don't receive royalties for this book. Ms. Polaski is a great editor and has compiled some interesting memories from across small town America.

I will say that having a blind white pelican for a day was pretty darn cool. And helping it find a home where it could be safe and protected was a great experience, too. I like to think that pelican chose our family to help it, because he knew we would. :)

That meme is sorta true...even when I'm riding my bike or driving home from work and see wildlife on the side of the road, I find myself saying hello to them. 

Here are a couple of Sandhill Cranes I used to see on my morning bike rides:

One great thing about living in Florida is that we have some unique wildlife. When I lived in my condo on Merritt Island, I could stand out on my balcony overlooking our little "cove," and watch the manatees, who were very social. Sometimes I could count as many as twenty. 

They would appear in the mornings, and spend the day playing. Not many people realize that manatees are extremely playful. They like to roll, and splash, and make noise by slapping their tails on the water.

Here's Callie sitting on the edge, watching a momma and baby manatee...

And here's one who seems to know he's the subject of the paparazzi:

And here's one giving me either the finger or a final "wave" before he leaves the cove for the day. I think he was waving. 

Animals are just the best...don't you think?