A KISS from 100 Snorting Buffalo
Plus the value of simplicity, a place for dog writers, a winning entry, and 1 million acres protected.
Mist curled from the nostrils of several hundred bison who’d been wrangled to the inner pastures of the Tallgrass Prairie Preserve in Pawhuska, Oklahoma. It was the beginning of winter round up where the animals would undergo their annual health assessment before the barren season ahead. While they were keen on the “bison treats” that encouraged their cooperation to travel miles across rolling grasslands, they weren’t always courteous about sharing the goodness. Snorting, stomping, and head butting accompanied a mostly agreeable bunch.
An electrified energy carried hushed conversations through the small crowd gathered to witness the congregation of these native beasts at sunrise. Yet watching majestic creatures through a metal fence felt much like being a docent at the zoo. The arrival of guests always tainted the magic of my private, pre-opening front row seat.
My restless self began to wander, seeking some experience separate from the gathering. Of what, I did not know. An autumn drought had rendered the grass brittle. Dust poofed with each footstep. The rows and rows of red-fenced pasture were void of life.
I removed my mittened hands from my coat pockets and climbed the fence. Perhaps a change in elevation would summons a clue. It didn’t disappoint. Opposite the direction in which the crowd was turned and sun was rising, the full moon was drifting sleepily towards the silent horizon. The sun, awakening to a cloudless sky, draped the moon in gold. Wide brushstrokes of pink and blue cotton candy framed her like a Matthew Wong painting.
That moment is both a memory and a reminder that sometimes a more interesting story bubbles beyond what the crowd believes it to be.
It’s also a metaphor for a lesson I revisited while reviewing entries as a writing contest judge. Simplicity ushers a reader to the heart of the story. (Which is a much nicer way of saying “keep it simple, stupid,” KISS)
We need much less than we think we need. – Maya Angelou
WINNING ENTRY! February 8 was a night of good news, ringing in the first public recognition to my writing effort. 22,000 Acts of Loving Kindness, a story about my immersive weekend of cat and dog care during a surrender event, won in the Articles-Rescue category. To the Dog Writers Association of America and the judges who selflessly committed their time to review submission after submission I extend my gratitude.
DOG WRITERS, PHOTOGRAPHERS, ILLUSTRATORS, TRAINERS. Get your work seen! The Dog Writers Association of America seeks content for their blog, their quarterly newsletter Ruff Drafts, and their annual writing competition.
VIRTUAL BOOK CLUB. Kia Chambers of Dog Moms Only hosts a weekly opportunity for readers to engage in book conversation. I’m embarrassed to admit that I missed the first two online events. I had two solid work-related excuses and good intent. I had read Two Parts Sugar, One Part Murder and was ready to share! Kia’s passion for her canine companions is affable. Join her.
ONE MILLION ACRES PROTECTED FOR PEOPLE AND NATURE. The Nature Conservancy in Minnesota, North Dakota, and South Dakota and their partners are celebrating a milestone. One million acres of lands and waters in the three states have been protected since TNC began working in Minnesota in 1958. From the web announcement: “These 1 million acres include dozens of TNC nature preserves, many voluntary land protection agreements with private landowners, numerous state parks, a national wildlife refuge and acres transferred to Native Nations. The vast majority of the land we’ve helped protect is not under TNC’s ownership. Our greatest impact comes from helping partners and private landowners protect land. Landowners continue to earn a livelihood on these lands, through ranching, farming and sustainable logging, while still providing healthy habitat for plants and animals and preserving the land for future generations. By ensuring land can continue to grow food and provide resources, we’re helping create a future where people and nature thrive.”
WHAT READERS ARE SAYING ABOUT MY DWAA AWARD
Nothing means more to a write than their work being shared. Please tell your friends and family about me!
Thank you @Heidi Zawelevsky and Critters for the restack!