I have scheduled the 1.1 release of the App which includes faster downloads, and iOS 4 compatibility. Future updates to the Totem Journal are also in the works.

I’ve had a lot of fun with this App, and I hope others enjoy it as much as I do.

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.

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.

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?

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. ”

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 Love Boat - OMG! The Love Boat? That was the show where canceled TV show stars, and soap opera stars went… well, that and Fantasy Island. If you never saw The Love Boat, I will sum it up for you. A half dozen people with relationship problems board a cruise ship. They go to Puerto Vallarta, and/or get to sit at the Captain’s table for dinner, and by the end of the cruise all is fixed. Relationship problems solved. So, some brilliant mind in Hollywood says, “YES! This will be a great movie.”

Gilligan’s Island - Are you kidding me? All I want to know is this … how can you take 7 people on a three hour tour, and strand them on a deserted island for 15 years, in a 2 hour movie? At least with the TV show there was a sense of time-passing. With a movie, you get up to go pee and you come back and find them rescued, and on a reunion tour.

I’m starting to think that the Hollywood movie executives are too young to remember these shows, and the hot-shot older writers are pitching the ideas like they are new. (“You see a wise-cracking old man and his son run a junk yard, and they have arguments all the time. I call it, “Sanford and Son”)

Based on “Hollywood” math, within the next 10-15 years we will see movies called “Friends”, “Seinfeld”, “Frasier” , “Cheers”, “Spin City”… please don’t make me go on.

Some of us have had the nightmare of sitting though more recent remakes like “The Brady Buch”, “Dukes of Hazzard”, “Starsky and Hutch”, “I, Spy”, (Please, someone stop me!) “Charlies Angles”, “The Beverly Hillbillies”, “S.W.A.T.”, and “Flipper”.

Okay, I’ll stop. But come on Hollywood, I can write a program that can generate better script ideas than you guys come up with. Matter of fact, I’ve written one

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.

Logan gave us an amazing tour of the farm. Now, let me get this out there for those of you saying “I want to go.” First, go. Just go (make an appointment first), the place is amazing. Second, its a “FARM”, not a zoo, and not a theme park. It’s important you realize this because it will affect your choice in footwear. … Still not getting it? Okay, I’ll spell it out for you, P.O.O.P.  Oh, now you get it. Like I said, it’s a real farm.

Okay, don’t let that fact discourage you in any way. The place is extremely well kept, and the animals are happy. (How can you tell their happy?) Dude, you’re talking to a guy who spoke to a jaguar, and a black leopard, so trust me, I know.

The pigs are hysterical to watch. I never knew their snouts were so articulate. Their hair is like a bristle brush, but they are so comical. Some of them are shy, but others are right there checking you out. There are some piglets there as well, and they are as adorable as their name reflects. Logan knew each of their names, and spewed them about like they were all high school friends. I’m sure if I spent as much time with them as she does, I’d know their names, and their favorite drink at Starbucks.

Even the horses and burros had personality. Some of them came right over to introduce themselves, others waited to see if they liked us. What’s not to like? It’s important to know that some of these animals have been abused, and KSS has rescued them. Many of the animals need constant medical attention and thats where our donations come into play. Two of their newer horse residents were recently rescued from malnourishment and rain rot.  It’s sad to see, but reassuring to know they are now getting the TLC  they deserve.

Cows, bulls, chicken, goats, sheep and an escape artist rooster named Rosco, round out the over 150 residence that call KSS their home. Each animal has a story, a story with a happy ending. Laura, the owner and proprietor, spent a lot of time talking to us about what inspired her to create this wonderful place for her animal friends.

The next time you visit Orlando, take a break from the “planned” encounter rides and attractions for something more real, and down to Earth. Schedule a tour of the Kindred Spirits Sanctuary, you, and their residents, will be glad you did.

Links : Kindred Spirits Sanctuary – http://www.kindredspiritssanctuary.org

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.

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.

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.