Welcome!

Thanks for joining me at my new home on Substack.

Welcome to my new home on Substack.

To those of you on my previous newsletter email list, I’m happy to have you here with me. To those of you who are new, a warm welcome.

I am the author of two award-winning novels, Luz (2020), winner of the prestigious Sarton Award, and Josie and Vic (2023), WILLA Literary Award finalist.

When I’m not writing or reading, I spend leisurely time with my two retired horses, Jack, a quarter horse, and Luke, a mini-horse. I also volunteer at a local horse and donkey rescue and have become an advocate for wild horses and burros as a Volunteer Ambassador for American Wild Horse Conservation. At home, I love sitting out back with my husband, Bruce, and my rescue dog, Bentley, watching all the critters and birds on our hillside.

I’m thrilled to say that I have just finished my third novel, which is in final revision stages. It involves the plight of our wild mustangs. I’ll be sharing more about that in the future.

But until then, I’d like to explore and write about a topic that brings me much joy, one I’m sure many of you share as well.

For the Love of All Animals

“The least I can do is speak out for those who cannot speak for themselves.”

– Dr. Jane Goodall

Like so many of you, I find comfort, peace, and quiet joy in the presence of animals. For me personally, I’m referring to domestic animals, like dogs, cats, horses, and donkeys (love donkeys!), as well as local wild animals, such as squirrels, rabbits, crows and other birds at my feeders, and yes, even coyotes.

I’ve had the amazing experience of volunteering for a year at a wildlife sanctuary, working with mule deer, black bears, a red-tailed hawk, and a bobcat; and more recently, I’ve volunteered at local horse and donkey rescues.

During the darkest of times in my life—the loss of a parent, the pandemic shutdown, current political unrest—it’s in the presence of animals that I’ve found the serenity needed to regroup, recharge, and move forward with a glimmer of hope.

My guess is you know exactly what I mean.

So I hope you’ll join me as I write about different topics related to the animal world. I hope to share interesting information that I discover—some you may know, some may be new to you and to me as well. Since I’m an avid reader, I’ll share books I’ve read and hope you will do the same.

I want this to be an upbeat, enjoyable journey, so my focus will be on the joy of their existence, what makes each creature, great or small, unique and fascinating. But I’ll also mention any injustice a particular animal may be facing and what we can do to help—or as Jane Goodall said, “to speak for those who cannot speak for themselves.” It’s the least we can do in return for all they do for us.

I look forward to sharing my journey with you!

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