Kathleen J. Shields's Blog, page 7

Nature can be so cruel – evil ants!

I understand about survival of the fittest. I can comprehend that the weakest will be picked off by the strongest, the biggest goes after the smallest. I understand that hyenas will eat the old, vultures will eat the dead and cats will chase mice. I get it. What I don’t understand is why ants will attack perfectly innocent baby turtles hatching out of their eggs!

Friday night I went out to the pond to notice a baby turtle that had just made it to the surface of the beach and had been swarmed by dozens of ants. I pulled him free, washed the ants off but I was too late, he was already gone. That was when I realized there would be more babies being born. A clutch of eggs usually contains about 6-10 and if the ants found this little guy, it was only a matter of time before they found the others.

I began digging.

Carefully excavating the sand making my way to the eggs and unborn baby turtles, my hands and arms being covered by ants and ant bites but I kept digging. I found the babies. Some who had just poked a hole out of their egg in their attempt to get out; had (to them) large black and red monsters enter in and start biting them. They bit the baby’s eyes, arms and legs and even entered their mouths as they tried to breathe!
Most of the babies hadn’t even made it out of their eggs yet. Many I had to pull out just to make sure I got all of the ants off of them. One of which I had to pull aside and let himself hatch on his own (see video below). And then we began the watch.

[image error] Baby ICU was in full swing.

They were swollen, in pain and couldn’t see. They needed water but were too weak to swim. Some wanted to be in the cool water to help ease the swelling but they couldn’t float. They sank. Some fell asleep (or passed out) on the bottom of the indoor pond and would have drowned if I hadn’t been checking on them and pulled them back out onto the land. It has been four days and we have lost two babies. Two are doing just fine and three are still in ICU.
I can’t imagine how hard this has been for them. I’ve got ant bites on my hands that hurt, but I keep imagining, what if I was a baby? Much, much smaller. One ant bite swelling up my entire hand! No tolerance to pain, no immune system strong enough to break down the toxins. Can’t see, blind…

I’m sorry! It just feels wrong!

I know baby turtles get a rough start. I’ve done book reports on the sea turtles. No parents to greet them. Predators ranging from humans, foxes and seagulls. The rough sea waters, currents much stronger than we can stand. Sharks, crabs and jelly fish… but ants were not part of that.

I guess it just makes me sad when I walk up to check on their progress and find another one has gone back to heaven. It almost makes me wonder why they were born in such a horrific way, only to suffer for three days and then die. What was it they were supposed to learn? Or was it I who needed to learn something?

Life isn’t fair? Ants are evil? I’ve got to toughen up? What is it I am supposed to take away from this besides heart break and to keep up with the ant spray?

    ~ Exhausted in the ICU

PS my grandfather suggested a new story; “Hamilton Troll and the Evil Ants”. I considered it. I could see the story in my head. Hamilton Troll approaches a hole where baby turtles are emerging and sees a line of ants start to attack them. He tries to battle off the ants but there are too many of them. He calls for help and other friends come to the rescue. I can see them doing a fire line bringing in buckets of water to wash away the ants. They try to save the babies but many of them are swollen from ant bites… sounds more like a nightmare for children to read than an inspirational educational tale. I’ll keep it in mind, but for the most part I feel it goes to the slush pile with Duncan the Dung Beetle; I just couldn’t seem to make a story about a poo excavating beetle, mom-approved.

The post Nature can be so cruel – evil ants! appeared first on Kathleen J. Shields.

My Illustrator takes the Ice Bucket Challenge

The Ice Bucket Challenge, sometimes called the ALS Ice Bucket Challenge, is an activity involving dumping a bucket of ice water on someone’s head to promote awareness of the disease amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) and encourage donations to research. It went viral on social media during July-August 2014.

The challenge dares nominated participants to be filmed having a bucket of ice water poured on their heads and challenging others to do the same. A common stipulation is that nominated people have 24 hours to comply or forfeit by way of a charitable financial donation.

Well, my illustrator, Leigh A. Klug decided to take on the challenge! Then she challenged the youth of our church, North Shore United Methodist Church, to do the same. Go North Shore! Here is the video below:

The post My Illustrator takes the Ice Bucket Challenge appeared first on Kathleen J. Shields.

Robin Williams… Why?

[image error]As with the rest of the world, I am reeling over the loss of (in my opinion) one of the best comedians I’ve ever known. I grew up with Mork, sitting on my head on the couch and saying nanu nanu – shasbot.

I escaped to Club Paradise every summer not quite understanding most of the plot until I was older but thinking how much fun it would be to live on an island.

I said “Good Morning, Vietnam” every day in middle school and thought the music he chose to go with his jokes was simply perfect.

Hook gave me the wings to fly and write and be creative. I also repeated the entire dialog between Peter Pan and Rufio all the time “you lude, crude, rude bag of prechewed food dude”.

FernGully made me respect trees and love fairies and I sung the batty rap song all the time.

Mrs. Doubtfire helped me understand my parents divorce. It meant a lot to me to look back to my childhood, as a teen, and watch what his children went through, what he went through… that he truly did love them and want to be with them no matter the cost.

Jumanji made me want to play board games again.

Aladdin was another magical journey into a “whole new world”. Flubber put me on the same playing field as my parents Nutty Professor. The list goes on.

Of course I saw Dead Poets Society, To Wong Foo, What Dreams May Come, Toys, Popeye, Patch Adams, Good Will Hunting, A.I., Robots, Night at the Museum and Happy Feet…

Robin Williams was my hero! I watched everything he was in, whether I liked it or not. I wasn’t thrilled when he went through his dark phase but I always gave him the benefit of the doubt. And while there are many movies and TV shows I know I have over-looked I leave you with my two favorites:

August Rush, though I didn’t care for his part in it, it was a miraculous movie that must be seen for the sake of seeing it.

[image error]But if you are like me, and want to sit down and watch an outstanding Robin Williams movie. One that will make you laugh and cry, think and be amazed. One that will yank the emotions through your robot exterior, make you feel human in a future you would actually WANT to live in; a movie that will make you desire to be more, to push the envelope, to advance civilization in a story that spans two centuries, then I HIGHLY suggest sitting down with a nice glass of wine, or three, a box of tissues and a soft blanky and watch Bicentennial Man. While the critics were rather rough on it, I have never put much credibility into what they say. I watch what I want, write what I want and say what I want, because “you’re only given a little spark of madness, you mustn’t lose it.”

[image error]

“No matter what people tell you, words and ideas can change the world.” Robin Williams

“Real loss is only possible when you love something more than you love yourself.” Good Will Hunting

“To live… to live would be an awfully big adventure.” Peter Banning from Hook

“But oh, to be free. Such a thing would be greater than all the magic and all the treasures in all the world.” Genie from Aladdin

Why Robin? Why leave us so soon? I will miss you, but you will live on in all of the great things you accomplished in your life. Not just your comedy, not just your movies, not just your charitable acts of love… everything.   [image error]

The post Robin Williams… Why? appeared first on Kathleen J. Shields.

The very substance of the ambitious is merely the shadow of the dream.

The very substance of the ambitious is merely the shadow of the dream. William Shakespeare

[image error]I like that. Of course I do, I picked it to use. But think about it a second. My dream was to be a writer, to tell stories, just like William Shakespeare and it was my ambition to get those stories told, typed up, published and into others’ hands.

My dream was to entertain others through my words. I feel I am living that dream; through my books, through my poems, through my blog.

My dreams didn’t include fame and fortune. They didn’t include constantly traveling and missing my home. Maybe that is why I am where I am. Traveling would make me homesick. Money would make me a target. Fame would find fault in anything I do. My dream was to be happy and none of the above would make me happy. Just sharing my life’s blood with those of you who enjoy reading about it… that, makes me happy.

So be happy, every one of you! Follow your dreams and don’t worry about the other stuff. That’s my take on it.

The post The very substance of the ambitious is merely the shadow of the dream. appeared first on Kathleen J. Shields.

San Marcos Daily Record Article About Me

I was so honored today to have seen this amazing article written about me and my children’s books. I just wanted to share it with everyone.

This is a link to the PDF so you can read it… Local’s childrens books rally against bullying behavior

[image error]

Local’s childrens books rally against bullying behavior

The post San Marcos Daily Record Article About Me appeared first on Kathleen J. Shields.

National Poetry Month – Why Do I Write in Rhyme?

Well, I am a few days late for National Poetry Month but here it is, my thoughts on poetry.

What and When is National Poetry Month?

National Poetry Month is in April. It is a marvelous opportunity to celebrate the expressiveness, delight, and pure charm of poetry. It is a special occasion that reminds us of the integral role of poets and poetry in our cultures. Poetry helps us appreciate the world around us and empathize with one another.

Poetry is found in books, greeting cards and even music! Lyrics are one of the most expressive ways to share poetry. I have found myself writing new lyrics to songs many times throughout my life for fun (or because I felt the words (or message) could be made better.) I’ve written personalized poetry for custom greeting cards and special occasions for decades. Yet, I especially love utilizing rhyme in my children’s stories. Stories in verse are one of the most memorable ways to connect a children’s book to a child’s heart. Some rhyming stories stick with you into adulthood and far beyond.

Below is a video interview I did for a teacher’s class:

Why do I like writing poetry? An author interview of Kathleen J. Shields

Poetry, to me, is a very memorable form of storytelling. Like music, when your favorite song comes on, it’s not only the beat and the rhythm that gets you moving, it’s also the lyrics. Most people are able to memorize those lyrics long before they’re able to memorize a friend’s phone number. In fact, those lyrics will come right back to you decades later, even when you can’t remember what you ate for lunch or where you set your car keys.

Poetry is the same way. The very first children’s book I ever read was “The Night Before Christmas”. Not only is that story burned into my brain, it’s also my go-to rhythm for writing poetry. All of my Hamilton Troll children’s books utilize that same rhythm. I personally feel that the length of the stanzas, the pentameter, give plenty of space to tell the story with description and ease. There are a lot of types of poetry that have shorter stanzas or different rhythms, but the Christmas poem is MY go-to because that is the first poem that I fell in love with as a child.

Later in life, you may find yourself writing poetry (or lyrics) for an array of reasons, most of which are connected to emotion. So often, when I am sad, depressed, or in love, I find myself thinking in rhyme. I know that quite a few authors are inspired by emotional situations, and that inspiration flows out of that person like music flows out of a radio. This is why, in my opinion, it is important to do rhyming children’s books. My goal as an author is to get children as excited about reading and writing poetry as I am. I hope you consider checking out my poetry book, “A Rhyme for Everything“, “The First Unibear“, or any of my “Hamilton Troll” children’s books.

Thank you for listening and God Bless! www.KathleensBooks.com www.HamiltonTrollBooks.com

Poetry, to me, is a very memorable form of storytelling. Like music, when your favorite song comes on, it’s not only the beat and the rhythm that gets you moving, it’s also the lyrics. Poetry is the same way. Quite a few authors are inspired by emotional situations, and that inspiration flows out of that person like music flows out of a radio. This is why, in my opinion, it is important to do rhyming children’s books. My goal as an author is to get children as excited about reading and writing poetry as I am. I hope you consider checking out my poetry book, “A Rhyme for Everything” or “The First Unibear” or any of my Hamilton Troll children’s books.

#poetry, #author, #childrensbooks, #awardwinning

The post National Poetry Month – Why Do I Write in Rhyme? appeared first on Kathleen J. Shields.

Unibear Wins Pinnacle Book Achievement Award!

Happy New Year to me! I opened my email this morning and saw an email from The NABE Fall 2021 Committee an was informed that “The First Unibear” just won the Pinnacle Book Achievement Award for Best Book in the Category of Children’s Christian!

I have a very good feeling this is only the first award “Unibear” is going to receive!

Pinnacle Book Achievement AWARD WINNER Best Book in the Category of CHILDREN’S CHRISTIAN “The First Unibear” by #author Kathleen J. Shields #Christian #childrensbook

If you haven’t read this amazingly inspiring book about helping others, doing good deeds and paying it forward – I highly encourage you to do so! Available on Amazon and everywhere books are sold online. Hardback full color picture book, and paperback coloring book.

The First Unibear children’s book by author Kathleen J. Shields

I have a feeling this is only the FIRST Award that will be coming down the line. Other contests report their winners in April, May and on. Get a First Edition Hardcover Picture Book Today!

The post Unibear Wins Pinnacle Book Achievement Award! appeared first on Kathleen J. Shields.

Hamilton Troll is on MagicBlox

[image error]

Have you heard of MagicBlox?

[image error]

Hamilton Troll meets Pink Light Sprite

If not, let me tell you about them. In 2009 MagicBlox set out to provide quality ebooks for children 1-13 on an interactive platform for children and they allowed for the implementation of audio files to be connected so the story can be read to younger children as they look at the pictures. Since, as far as I know, this is the only place that offers this feature at the time, and I am always looking for new opportunities for Hamilton Troll… I had to jump on it.

As of now we have teamed up with Cat Lookabaugh who is a professional narrator and who has already narrated Hamilton Troll meets Pink Light Sprite and Hamilton Troll meets Skeeter Skunk and both books can be found on MagicBlox.

[image error]

Hamilton Troll meets Skeeter Skunk

We find this platform to be a wonderful opportunity. It helps busy parents who don’t have time for reading to their children and it helps children learn to read while enjoying new books. It reminds me of the books that came with records (what were they? 45s?) And we’d play the record on the player and turn the page when you heard the ding.

Same theory but it is now an mp3 player embedded in the website or app and it is connected to ebooks allowing ALL authors and publishers new and established to promote their books in yet another venue.

Check it out! You will be glad you did!

 

The post Hamilton Troll is on MagicBlox appeared first on Kathleen J. Shields.

Unibear Scripture & A Second Edition

I am blown over by the number of “Unibears” that have been sold since its release!
* * * Thank you again and again and again, everyone! * * *

Now for the Conundrum…

A month before the book was released the final version was submitted (with scripture). I felt good about the decision, initially, but shortly after, I felt hesitant regarding it. I was asked the question in an interview (fortunately written) so I wrote out the below response. I personally feel it is a very good answer, but it also led to a very important decision…

Why did you use the KJV Scripture about Unicorns in the story?

I realize that adding the scripture may have been an unpopular decision. Adding any scripture to a children’s book that I hope to get into public school libraries when they’ve basically banned God from the schools, is a huge obstacle. Technically, it is a huge roadblock.

The fact that the “Unicorn” was never mentioned in previous translations of the bible, and it was corrected/removed in newer translations, can be problematic. It can be viewed as a error in translation, which proves that we are all human and make mistakes.

The point that it gives skeptics and scientists the ability to debate it and poke fun of believers while also pointing out other ‘mythical creatures’ mentioned in the bible; like dragons, can also be problematic, but it gives us the ability to defend our faith.

On June 18, 1963, the Supreme Court made it illegal for the Lord’s Prayer to be said and the Bible to be read in public schools.
Specifically, the High Court ruled by an 8:1 vote that requiring religious exercises in public schools was unconstitutional.

Psalm 92:10 But my horn shalt thou exalt like the horn of an unicorn: I shall be anointed with fresh oil.The reason I did it was simple – Curiosity!

As a child, if someone would have said there are unicorns mentioned in the bible I would have asked for a bible to look it up. I would have read the scripture, been curious about learning more, read further into it, maybe investigated alternative translations that may have been easier for me to understand.

Maybe it would have led me to a children’s bible where I could have learned more about Jesus, long before I actually did as an adult…

Maybe it would have opened the door for me to listen to the song “The Unicorn” written by Shel Silverstein and made popular by the band, the Irish Rovers in 1968. It’s a fun song that may have turned me onto other Christian songs. It definitely would have made me curious about Noah’s Ark and I would have read that bible story.

Maybe I would have read the Giving Tree, The Missing Piece or Where the Sidewalk Ends, other great books by Shel Silverstein which would have opened the door to more authors and other inspirational stories for me to read.

Basically, I wanted children to investigate and read, whether it be the bible or just other inspirational stories. This was my way of presenting to them a small sampling of God’s word, that may help get them started down their own Christian path.

So what’s the problem then?

The question remains: should I take the scripture out so I can get the story into public schools? Should I take the scripture out since newer translated bibles don’t reference Unicorns? Maybe… but what would God say about that? Would He want me to do that?

I honestly don’t know the answer to that question. My first instinct is, God would want my book to be successful, and I have learned that my first instinct is usually the right decision.

Numbers 23:22 God brought them out of Egypt; he hath as it were the strength of an unicorn.

Deuteronomy 33:17 His glory is like the firstling of his bullock, and his horns are like the horns of unicorns: with them he shall push the people together to the ends of the earthDoes the addition of the scripture hurt the story’s chances at success?

I would have to say that it does. After much research, introspection and many discussions with those in various fields, it has been brought to my attention that not even Christian Schools utilize the KJV as their ‘Bible version’. This tells me that if the children open ‘their’ bibles to search those specific scriptures, they will not find the word “Unicorn” and this may be upsetting. Not only will there be disappointment, it will also raise questions of why. Why there were “mistakes” in the bible. While it is my belief that discussion and questions are a good thing, it is also my belief that the feeling of slight disappointment will be held against my Unibear book and that would not be a good thing.

Does the scripture help advance the story?

The answer to that question is no. The story is 100% perfect without the use of the scripture. It is not affected by its use or removal in any way. So with that being said, expect a Second Edition of “The First Unibear” to be released in 2022.

In 2022 a second edition of the full color, hardback picture book will be released without the scripture (as it doesn’t assist the story, and could actually be a detriment to the success of the book in regards to accessing public schools.) I have made my decision and pray it is the right one. This will NOT affect the ebook or the coloring book (paperback format) only the hardback picture book. I figure schools won’t be buying coloring books for the library, anyway.

I actually think it will be very neat that the First Edition includes scripture – making any of the books purchased in 2021 “collectible” in the future. Look at how many people seek out First Editions of classic books, look at how much money they are worth!

This is Your Chance to purchase a First Edition, while they’re available and while supplies last!

Plus, if you follow my show schedule, you could purchase one of the books direct from me, the author, and get it autographed as well! Ca-ching on your cherished keepsake, right?!

Expect a Second Edition of “The First Unibear” to be released in 2022. Get the “Collectible” First Edition NOW Before it is Too Late!

The Second Edition (without Scripture) will be released early 2022

The First Unibear by author Kathleen J. Shields

The post Unibear Scripture & A Second Edition appeared first on Kathleen J. Shields.

Dogs – God’s Gift and Teaching Tool

John 3:16 – God gave his only son…

That scripture has always meant so much to so many. But the other day, I had an epiphany about it and now, it means even more to me.

Recently, I gave my son, my dog Smurphy. He went back to Jesus – and it helped me realize God gave his only son to teach us. When we lose a pet, who’s life span is shorter, much shorter than our own, it is to show us His way.

He gave us dogs to be reminders of Jesus, the son he gave. Dogs love you unconditionally, just like Jesus. But it is so much more than that. To them, we are their world. In a way, they care for us like God cares for us because their entire existence revolves around us and our happiness. God wants to see us learn and grow.

When we lose a pet, it hurts us, just like it hurt Him. But it strengthens us, teaches us. That is what He was trying to do. At least, that was my epiphany.

 

The post Dogs – God’s Gift and Teaching Tool appeared first on Kathleen J. Shields.