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!

Comments

[Sarah Jimenez]

Hey aunt Lesa how are you? I am almost done reading twilight so I can read your book can't wait to read it love Sarah

[Jess]

Lesa... can't believe you're subbing at the zoo. What fun! You're too cool. :)

Hey, Sarah, My daughter just inhaled the entire Twilight series. Said it was sooooooo fantastic. Did you know the author will be in Houston in a few weeks? Also, Lesa, check out how the Twilight author promotes her books: They take place in Forks, WA and she has the entire Chamber of Commerce on board. Home of the Twilight Series. You can click on places in the book. And there'll be a movie soon.

http://www.stepheniemeyer.com/twilight.html

http://www.forkswa.com/65.html

[Lesa]

Jessy, I've read the Twilight series and loved them! I've seen her interviewed a few times, she's great.

I'm looking forward to the zoo work. I'm hoping to get lots of ideas.

Next week I will be working on the cover for the sequel to Zookeeper Extraordinaire. We're going to use a 30 pound yellow Burmease python--if my model doesn't faint! I'm trying to work up the nerve for an author photo with it myself!