Lesa Boutin

crazy week!

Been one wild week--literally. Spent a day with a wonderful group of people at a library expo is East Texas, and sold every book I had with me. Then my first day at the zoo was Saturday. Already learned some amazing things and had a great time.

But by far, the best part of the week was taking the photos for the next book cover. Olivia--like with the alligator--was a trooper and handled the 8 foot Burmese python like a pro. We got some awesome photos, several that are perfect for the cover. Now we'll just have to choose a particular one. Thinking of having a contest to make the choice....???

Since it's sort of an ongoing joke at work, I decided to do an author photo. The reason it's an ongoing joke is they tease me about doing an author photo--didn't wanta do one--and I like to make fun of a particular author who is literally standing in front of a 10 foot self portrait!! in one of the back covers. So I decided to yuck it up and do a few photos myself. (See below) I swear the entire time we were working with the snake, Joe, it never stopped moving, but when I sat down with it and opened my book he stared at the pages as though reading it!! Honestly, it was bizarre! And the turtle, Toby, was on the move constantly. Definitely could have won a tortoise and hare race!

        

volunteering at the Houston Zoo

When I wrote Amanda Noble, Zookeeper Extraordinaire, I hadn't thought about a sequel. Then when the kids started asking for one, I decided to do Amanda Noble, Special Agent, because I had an adventure in mind for Amanda. But about half way through Special Agent I knew how I wanted to end it, and the ending would be a cliffhanger, sooo here I am trying to come up with #3.

Finding myself needing inspiration, I came up with an idea, the Houston Zoo. Living close by we have visited many times, but I went on their site and signed up to volunteer, committing to 50 (or more) hours over the course of the year. After an initial 20 hours a volunteer can apply to be a keeper-helper.

Cool! At least I thought so until the ride home. It dawned on me that I must be crazy! I don't even have time to clean my own house, much less clean animal cages. My poor husband eats cereal for supper because I don't have time to cook! And my bathrooms are starting to be of the outhouse quality.

Oh well, guess I'll just have to hire someone for the house, and buy hubby a mega box of Peanut Butter Captain Crunch, I'm goin' to the zoo!