Editor Matt Potter generously added a Yosemite reminiscence of mine to this excellent anthology. I like to welcome strangers to my campfire. Friend Chip? Not so much.
Here’s the link: https://pureslush.com/store/anthologies-themed/100-lives-pure-slush-vol-20/
Filed under Front Page, published story
When my kids were small, we often shared summer camping trips with other families. Campfire stories at the day’s end were an unbreakable ritual. Friend Ed McKean told some of the dumbest stories ever uttered, but all the kids loved them. Inspired by Ed, I later wrote a short story called “The Dark Monster”. It won a monthly contest run by the Kids Book Review and was published on the their site.
Considering the strange times we’re in, I’m offering updated activities along with the story’s text to parents who wish to have an additional option for their kids during this crisis. The materials – including a scripted text, comprehension questions, writing prompts a puzzle and a poster prompt – should help you engage your kids and keep them busy for a bit. Please use both the story and the materials as you will – whatever works and is fun for the young people. Here’s the link: https://www.teacherspayteachers.com/Product/More-Monsters-for-Parents-5373530
Filed under Front Page, published story
My visitor
My reminiscence of a surprising Yosemite wildlife encounter was just published on the Braided Way website. Fruitful work with editor Laura Grace Weldon helped me smooth this piece out for her readership. I thank her and hope you’ll enjoy the story. Here’s the link:
Filed under Front Page, published story
MCARLM’s great history event for 4th graders took place again last Tuesday and Wednesday. Though I didn’t have my tent for day #1, I still told 49er stories and sang “My Darling Clementine” with the kids. They got to pan for gold, eat hardtack and visit the blacksmith’s shop, as well!
P.S. Mothers and aides were thrilled to visit with their old school teachers, too. Many of us can still do a fine job – at least for a day or two!
Filed under Author Visits, Front Page
Editor Richard Loller generously added this Yosemite reminiscence to his Preservation Foundation site. When you take teenagers to mountains where bears reside, they will inevitably meet. Here’s the link:
Filed under Front Page, published story
The bear comes out of the tent. He’s looking for Bill!
I told “THE BEAR” story and sang campfire songs with 4th grade students at MCARLM’s 2017 Gold Rush Days at San Lorenzo Park. I saw fifteen groups of kids over the two days of the May 24th-25th event. Among other things, they also visited a blacksmith shop, a one-room schoolhouse, a general store and a chuck wagon. Best of all, they panned for gold! My many colleagues did a great job and California history came to life!
Bill scared that old bear!
Filed under Author Visits, Front Page
Photo by Sharon Turner
San Lorenzo County Park near King City is a true treasure and the Monterey County Agricultural & Rural Life Museum is its crown jewel. The folks at MCARLM host a yearly gathering for young people around Halloween. The focus is on local history, legends and – yes! – ghosts. I was invited to the campfire and added a few local ghostly tales to the mix. We had a great time! If you’re in the area, please join us next year.
Dark is the ghost of Molly Means!
Filed under Author Visits, Front Page
Author • Educator • Mountaineer 
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