Surprised By An Elephant/ July column is up at Talk2TheAnimals

You can go here to read it:

http://talk2theanimals.net/surprised-by-an-elephant

FREE BOOKS!! donkeys and the writing life, how could you go wrong?

Through Wed. July 30th, two of my books are free on Amazon:

Little Shoppe of Colors, 1, Search For Fox Hunting Red, is an adorable picture book for children of all ages who love donkeys and the adventures they take. Of course you all know who inspired it! Get this now and be ready for books 2 and 3 when they come out. My illustrator is amazing and it's entirely due to her skill that these stories come alive. 

http://www.amazon.com/Search-Hunting-Little-Shoppe-Colors-ebook/dp/B00ATFMXPG/ref=sr_1_6?ie=UTF8&qid=1406552982&sr=8-6&keywords=billie+hinton

Don't Miss The Magic is my book of essays on the writing process, and it gives tips for not only writers, but creative artists of all kinds. Some readers have said it is a book for people in general. 

http://www.amazon.com/Dont-Miss-Magic-Writing-Process-ebook/dp/B009QO0BYQ/ref=la_B004KI0QS4_1_1?s=books&ie=UTF8&qid=1406553255&sr=1-1

As always, if you do download these and enjoy them, reviews are most appreciated. 

And if you want to get on my newsletter list, look to the sidebar on the right and click to sign up. I send out regular (monthly or less) updates with news about my books and my writing here on November Hill. I would love to have you join me!

Rafer Johnson's 7th birthday portrait, with his best buddy Redford

Home!! and a good day's harvest

I was at Weymouth as writer-in-residence for the past 10 days but am home now, very happy with the editing I got done, and equally happy to be back with my November Hill herd, which includes horses, pony, donkeys, Corgis, cats, husband, and daughter. 

The garden is going mad - this is today's harvest:

What is everyone else up to? I'm ready for cooler weather and an end to summer bugs! 

Happy 4th - please hold the fireworks!

If you're considering having your very own fireworks show this evening, I encourage you to stop and think about:

neighborhood pets, including dogs, cats, horses, donkeys, chickens, ducks, etc. They will likely be frightened by the noise. Some may try to escape the sounds and will be lost and/or injured.

wildlife, who will also be frightened. I have read studies that songbirds in the vicinity of fireworks fall dead from the trees due to fright.

fire hazard, which is increased if your area has not had recent and prolific rainfall.

stray fireworks, if you use the kind that go up really high and are often actually illegal for home use. I have had these land in my pastures while I was sitting out with my horses. 

combat veterans, who may suffer from PTSD. Fireworks sound like explosives and rapid gunfire and may trigger flashbacks and other symptoms.

Most towns and cities put on firework shows. Why not go see the display there?

If you still intend to have your own show, please be courteous and let your neighbors know so they can protect their animals. 

For those who live with animals:

Keep cats and dogs inside for the night. Equines need to be assessed individually. I don't lock mine in stalls but I do give them access to their stalls, turn on the fans so the sounds of fireworks are muted, and give them the safest space I can to run around so they can work out their anxiety. I give Rescue Rmedy to all concerned, including myself.

A true celebration of independence respects the rights of the people and animals nearby. 

Happy 4th of July, all!