After working for several months to complete the rough draft of “Rachel and Sammy Learn About Trees” and then spending weeks editing the story, I was happy to finally send a preliminary draft to my publisher. Although I will continue to refine the story to make sure the book’s information is correct and easy for children to understand, I can now concentrate on finishing up taking photographs and selecting the ones to be used in the book. It feels great to be finished with these steps.
Now I am ready to take a vacation. My family and I are headed north to spend a few days in Wisconsin. I will still be on the lookout for tree photo opportunities, and I will be talking to a couple of gift shops about carrying my books while we are sightseeing. But, I am ready to relax with my family and enjoy beautiful scenery and weather.
Living and working amongst the relatively flat corn and soybean fields of Illinois, it is always refreshing to visit our neighboring state. Although our destination is only a few hours away, Wisconsin seems like a world away from Illinois. With majestic Lake Michigan to the east, Lake Superior to the north, and the mighty Mississippi River to the west, America’s Heartland lies in the middle of the state. A panorama of pristine towns, rolling dairy farms, lakes, forests, and other natural wonders stretch as far as the eye can see.
I have always loved traveling, whether it is a quick trip to Wisconsin or a long trip to Europe. There is so much of the world to see and experience. I enjoy everything from hiking in state and national parks to sightseeing in large cities. It is wonderful to live in Illinois, in the midst of rural America, but I never tire of traveling to new places or going to places I have visited several times.
It is my hope that children and families who read Rachel Raccoon and Sammy Skunk books can use them to visit a local natural wonder, such as a prairie or forest. Rachel Raccoon and Sammy Skunk books are also available nation and worldwide, and for children who may be reading the books in a different region of the United States or in a different country, the books help readers learn about nature a world away.
Pictured are my daughters and me, checking out the merchandise at the North Shore Concession Area at Devil’s Lake State Park in Wisconsin.
