A few weeks ago I traveled to Las Vegas via Spirit Airlines. I was concerned that we wouldn’t be going since Spirit pilots were on strike. Fort Lauderdale, Florida is the main office and hub for Spirit Airlines. If their “terminal” is the shining example of their dedication to their jobs, then they should be ashamed of themselves. Flying Spirit air was like flying “Cattle-car” style. Aside from the fact that the Spirit Air pilots were being “used” by their union, there is a point of this post.

Ron, my illustrator and long time friend and I, have been discussing a new project and my experience with Spirit Air has not only fueled the flames of inspiration, but it has given me access to additional material we can use. I’m not at liberty to say at this time what the project is, but I have my miserable experience with Spirit Air to thank for it.

Inspiration can come from anywhere.

One of my major obstacles in writing Eartha was to be able to get kids to understand how bad polluting our oceans is, and how rewarding it can be to help animals in need. Today I read a review of the iPhone version of the story on The iPhone Mom website and apparently I did the job well.

I just don’t like how some stories hit you over the head with their point, only to hit you again and again.  Eartha wasn’t like that at all and I enjoyed this story. The message was still there (my kids caught onto it right away) but the way it’s presented isn’t obnoxious.

I’m also glad I added the Bonus material. For those who don’t know, the iPhone app version of the book includes photographs of the real Eartha along with photos and commentary on her release back to the sea.

Check out the full review at The iPhone Mom.
(If you own the app, feel free to add your own comments to the review.)

You can purchase the app through the iTunes store here.

Jason and Evan from IWearYourShirt.com are celebrating Earth Day with an brand new Eartha T-shirt, and a copy of my book. Also, for Earth Day, the iPhone/ iPod Touch Version is FREE! Download it today!

Here is a video of Jason reading a few pages from The Tale of Eartha the Sea Turtle. He’s given some of the background characters some interesting names… hmm, do I sense a spin-off book for Crabby McCrabberson, Sally McSalmonson, or Roger McTunatown?

Yesterday my wife and I had the opportunity to watch three loggerhead sea turtles return to the sea. I’ve blogged before about the Loggerhead Marinelife Center. After all, that’s where I met Eartha and was inspired to write my children’s book. The gathering crowd was much bigger than previous releases. It looked like they called in every volunteer just for crowd control. So how do you get three loggerhead sea turtles to the beach, via turtle ambulance of course.

One by one each sea turtle was place on “turtle” stretchers and brought down the the beach. Rudolph was the first to go. Rudolph was admitted to the LMC after an encounter with a shark. There were lacerations on his flippers, and the flat part of his shell, from the sharks teeth. The volunteers placed him on the beach and he began his “walk” to the beach. Once in the water, Rudolph had a change of heart, he started heading back inland. According to one of the employees I spoke to later that day, their last meal was lobster. I don’t know about you, but lobster by room service sure beats having to hunt for your own food. I think Rudolph was thinking the same thing. Members of the LMC staff quickly helped Rudolph regain direction and he was out to the sea, after surfing a few waves first.

Next up was Lennon. I don’t recall what Lennon was admitted for, so if you do know, please leave a comment. Unlike Rudolph, Lennon couldn’t wait to get back to the sea. He  scootched his way down the beach and right into the water.

Morgan was the big dude. He was brought down to the beach on a cart pulled by an ATV. With all the spectators, it looked more like a parade float than a turtle release. Morgan was carried down to the water by two staff members. Like his friend Rudolph, he was a bit reluctant to head out to the sea (Note to the LMC, don’t give them lobster during the last day of rehabilitation.) After a struggle with a wave or two, he was off.

During each release I noticed a lot of people shouting toward volunteers to “move”, “sit down” or “get out of the way.” People need to realize this is their job. This is what they do. The event is not a show, or a theme park attraction. This is life. This is people dedicating their time to a cause they believe in. If a person cannot respect the fact that this is the way it is, then leave and go to a theme park.

Not everyone was displeased with the event. After each release the crowds cheered and applauded. It was hard not to. You could look in the eyes of the staff members and volunteers and know that those magnificent sea turtles touched their hearts. I can relate to that feeling with Eartha. I have a large 16 x 20 photo of her on my wall and I find myself asking, “I wonder where you are now. ”

I have noticed that some of the newer movies coming out lack the spark that movies of the previous era have. I try to stay up to date on new movies in the makings, and this is what I found.

A-Team – Yup, they are making an A-Team movie… actually you can see the trailer for it here.  The A-Team was a group of ex-military commando’s who were wrongfully imprisoned for a crime they didn’t commit. They escape and spend their lives helping people in need, and never accepting payment. They blew up everything in their path, and yet, no one ever seemed to die. Cars would flip-over 16 times, explode into flames, and then the driver would get out of the car. They would shoot 10,000 rounds of ammunition at 2 people, and they would never hit them. (This is as ridiculous as villains shooting Superman, and then when they are out of bullets, throwing the gun at him.) The only way this movie will work is if they shoot and kill someone in the opening credits. That will get our attention and make us realize it’s not the same old thing.

The Life, Universe and Everything. Those of you fans of Hitchiker’s Guide to the Galaxy will know the answer to that, 42. Forty two just happens to be how old I am. For my birthday I woke up early (But Dan, it’s your birthday shouldn’t you sleep late? ~Settle down, let me tell the story~) I drove 250 miles north to Ocala. (But Dan, it’s your birthday? ~ I said settle down!~)

Okay, enough interuptions from my psyche.

Cindy and I drove to the Kindred Spirits Sanctuary in Ocala, Florida, and there we met some amazing people, and some amazing animals. Greeted by Winston and Lilly, two farm dogs, we approached the sanctuary and were met my Logan, one of the care takers of the residence of KSS.

What’s the difference between a regular book fair, and a virtual book fair? No crowds, no fuss, just books.

My first children’s book, The Tale of Eartha the Sea Turtle, is part of the Virtual Children’s Book Fair.

The book fair is the brainchild of children’s book author Tara Michener. She has corralled a group of author who have joined forces to create the ultimate book fair social event. This book fair is scheduled for February 26th through the 28th, and will present the works of several new, and some experienced authors.

Authors like Tara Michener, Patty O’Brein Novak, Grace Hatton,  Dawn Stephens, Colleen Murray Fisher, J.D. Holiday, and Riley Carney will have their works presented, and will share information with their readers on the other presenters.

If you’d like to see their work, and visit the Virtual Children’s Book Fair, click here.

It’s been over 12 years since I’ve seen my friend Ron, the illustrator for Steve the Vegan. We had a great time reminiscing, working on the illustrations for Steven’s book, and some new ideas and concepts. We worked on design ideas for the cover, and we think we came up with a great concept. He did some work on a new character for a new book I am writing.

We also discussed topics regarding a web comic, and an interactive story book.

Watching Ron work was incredible and brought back memories of watching him doodle in class. I wanted to share that experience so I recorded a video of him drawing Steven. Even though I have known him since childhood, I am still amazed at his artistic abilities.

Success. Story time was great. Joe, a volunteer at the LMC read the book and I was amazed at how captivated the kids were. One little boy kept standing up to get closer to the book. Afterward his mom purchased a copy and he wouldn’t give it to her to have it signed. He loved the book. It made my day.

The LMC staff was very helpful, and I was invited back for another story time / signing combo. One thing Cindy noticed was how much more brighter and colorful my book was in comparison to other sea turtle books.

It was a great experience and another high point in the whole “first book” experience.

Tomorrow, January 23rd, at 11:30am is my first book signing and meet and greet. It’s being held at the Loggerhead Marinelife Center in Juno Beach. I’ll be giving out free coloring pages, bookmarks and more.

Prior to the meet and greet there will be a story time for kids where the book will be read by an LMC volunteer.

I have to admit, when I started the process of writing the book I never knew I’d be doing a book signing, much less selling as many books as I have. It’s been a great experience and I am grateful to the Loggerhead Marinelife Center for their participation.

On another note, (Break out those wallets) recently the LMC was inundated with many “cold-stunned” sea turtles. You’ve probably seen it on the news. They could really use some donations to help replenish supplies and to continue the care and rehabilitation of their residents. Please reach into your hearts, and your wallets and give them a hand.  If you’d like to make a donation, you can do it here.

I’ll post some photos of the story time and the book signing after the event.