The Childs Family Zoo

aka What I've Seen So Far In My Parents' Back Yard

I'm spending most of the summer with my parents in Oklahoma City. Now, when you think Oklahoma City, I bet you're not also thinking vast array of wildlife. But sitting on their couch (which is also my bed, my home office, and--at times--my dining table) and staring out their sliding glass doors, I've seen a menagerie of creatures great and small. Here's a quick summary:

Seventeen Billion Birds -- I've seen finches and chickadees. Robins. Blue jays. Gray jays. Grackles. Cardinals. Doves. And dozens of other little birds that I couldn't come close to identifying. We've just put out a hummingbird feeder, so I'm hoping to see some of them soon.

Three Dozen Squirrels -- Okay, it probably just feels like three dozen because they seem to be everywhere. They haven't yet figured out how to get to the birdfeeders, but the birds spill enough to keep them happy.

Two Frogs -- The frogs first showed up when my mom was in the hospital (which I took as a good sign, because she collects frogs). The pair hang out in a little by the back door that includes a bunch of bricks, a buffalo skull, and--funnily enough--a metal frog statue. My favorite thing about the frogs is that the eat the June bugs that spend all night trying to get inside.

One Cat -- It's the neighbor's cat, but since installing the birdfeeders she spend most of her time over here. Sadly, yes, she's caught a couple of birds. But there always seem to be more to take their place. Sometimes, when she walks by, she looks at us inside the house, like she wonders if we're going to get up and feed her something. Not likely.

One Raccoon -- This is the latest addition to the zoo. He just waddled by the other night, cruising slowly from one side of the patio to the other. I haven't seen many raccoons in my life (mainly in the dumpsters behind my dorm in Colorado) but he seemed like an awfully big guy. Hopefully he's not interested in eating anything we have to offer.

Whew, that's all of them. So far. What kind of animals frequent your back yard? Anything odd, unusual, or exotic?

Hugs,
TLC

I Wordled, and So Can You

Thank you to Justine for sharing Wordle, a way cool site where you can turn any text of your choosing into a work of art. Here’s what Jane Austen’s Pride and Prejudice might look like.


Here’s the big reveal moment of OH. MY. GODS.


And, since I got approval on the final revision of the sequel, here’s a sneak peek at OH. MY. GODS. Beta: GODDESS BOOTCAMP.


What text would you turn into art? A favorite book? A diary entry? A poem you wrote? If you Wordle something be sure to let me know!

Hugs,
TLC

Wanna Know The Title?

It's official! The sequel to OH. MY. GODS. has been officially accepted (which means the only steps I have left are copyedits and page proofs) and ... it has a title! Here it is:

OH. MY. GODS. βeta
GODDESS BOOT CAMP

Okay, so maybe you're thinking, "A title's great and all that, but what's the sequel about?" I'm nothing if not accomodating. Below, you'll find a quick blurb about GODDESS BOOT CAMP. It's in white text because it contains SPOILERS. If you haven't read OH. MY. GODS. you shouldn't read this. If you have, just select the blank space below and enjoy your sneak peek.

Phoebe is having trouble adjusting to her new hematheos (godly) powers. So, even though all she wants to do the summer after her 12th year is train for the Pythian Games and hang with Griffin, Nicole and Troy, she's stuck attending a special powers training camp where the campers and the counselors aren't exactly her ideal companions. There's a bit of a mystery adventure, plenty of running, and a few new characters along with all the ones you loved (and loved to hate).

Find out if Phoebe will survive GODDESS BOOT CAMP when it releases Summer 2009. Check the blog and the website for a specific release date, other news, and excerpts.

Hugs,
TLC

Where Have I Been?!?

Omigods, I'm back. In case you didn't notice (shame on you if you didn't) I've been pretty absent from the blogosphere (and the MySpace sphere and every other sphere) for the past month or so. No, I didn't drop off the face of the planet. No, I wasn't on some major expedition to Antarctica (although wouldn't that be cool?). No, I was tending to a sick parent ... in Oklahoma City.


Now before you go all feeling sorry for me and thinking the above picture is the only thing OKC (as we in the know call her) has to offer, let me set the record straight. While OKC isn't exactly New York, L. A. or even Houston, she does have her good parts.

For one, she's the state capitol.


The capitol building can be seen from pretty much everywhere (possibly because OKC is so very, very, very flat). It's always nice to have a constant landmark, especially when you're somewhere unfamiliar. And since the Oklahoma state capitol look like just about every other state capitol, visitors can feel right at home.

Also, OKC has a vibrant downtown area called Bricktown.


Bricktown is one of those hip, renovated areas where former factories and warehouses have been converted into upscale dining and shopping. A canal (pictured above) winds through part of it, offering relaxing cruises for locals and tourists alike. There are a million great restaurants (like Abuelo's and Crabtown) and a minor league baseball park, which means that on weekends and during baseball season this place is jumping.

Finally, there is the memorial.


Honoring those lost during the 1995 bombing of the Murrah federal building, the memorial is a haunting reminder of this appalling act of terror on the homefront. The Oklahoma City National Memorial is especially moving at night when the empty chairs (off the left side of the photo) which represent each victim are illuminated from within.

So you see, Oklahoma City isn't all cows and hay bales (although there are plenty of both). I believe that there is good (and bad) about every city. Care to share the pros and cons of your hometown?

Hugs,
TLC