Exclusive Interview with Sam, Tony, & Tyler of Lost Island Smugglers

If you know of friends, family, organizations, churches, publications, newsletters, schools, libraries, web sites, blogs, or any others who would be interested in action-adventures & mysteries for readers 8 - 13, especially boys, please forward the following links to them:

Author Web Site http://www.maxbooks.9k.com/
Books For Boys http://booksandboys.blogspot.com/  


Thank you!Exclusive Interview!

INTERVIEWER: This is the first interview that has been granted by these three heroes, Sam Cooper, Tony Dodd, and Tyler Erickson, since their dangerous adventure out on Lost Island. Now their story is about to be told in a brand new Sam Cooper Adventure book, called Lost Island Smugglers.

        Tony

We can use their real names, because no one actually knows where they live. But due to the massive drug smuggling operation they uncovered, we are only allowed to show sketches of the boys, and are not permitted to photograph their faces.

Tony, let’s start with you. What can you tell us about Harper’s Inlet and what happened to you three brave boys?


TONY: Well, because we stopped some pretty bad people from bringing any more drugs in through our port, we can’t use the real name of our town for the new book.

           Sam

SAM: Right. I guess it’s kinda like what they did in To Kill a Mockingbird.

INTERVIEWER: And what was that?

SAM: You know, it was a small town in Alabama, but they changed the real name. And in that story, the peoples’ names were changed too.


INTERVIEWER: I see. And Tony, I understand that one of your father’s boats was destroyed in the storm.

TONY: Biggest storm I ever saw. That boat didn’t have a chance.


INTERVIEWER: Did you get in trouble for that?

TONY: Boy did I ever!



                                                                                                                                     Tyler
TYLER: We all got grounded.

SAM: Right, but part of that was to make sure we were safe.

TONY: That and because your parents didn’t want you hanging around us and getting in more trouble.

SAM: That’s true.

INTERVIEWER: So, Tyler, were you ever afraid out there?

TYLER: Every second. Especially when those guys came into the cove with their roaring jet boats. The shark’s teeth and blood painted on the sides of their boats still give me goose bumps when I think about them. Here, just look at my arms.

INTERVIEWER: Sam, how did you boys survive out there?


SAM: I’d rather one of the guys tell it.


TONY: I will. Sam’s the kinda guy who can figure out just about anything. He knows how to build a shelter, start a fire, find food and water…he knew everything.


TYLER: Yeah, and the signal fires. Don’t forget about the signal fires he had us make.


INTERVIEWER: Did you learn anything from your experiences in the storm and on the island?


SAM: We learned that it’s important to tell the truth, and that if you’re gonna go someplace, make sure you tell somebody and that you get permission.


TONY: That's for sure. At least then the Coast Guard would have known where to look for us. That was my fault.


TYLER: It was all our faults.


INTERVIEWER: Are you still afraid now?


TONY: The FBI and the drug officers did a good job of hiding who we are and where we really live. But since Lost Island, we’ve had some other amazing adventures. I think they might write a book about those too.

INTERVIEWER: Oh really! What can you tell us about them?

SAM: Only the titles.

INTERVIEWER: And what are they?


TONY: Captain Jack’s Treasure and River Rampage.


SAM: But we shouldn’t give away any of the stories. Else nobody’d wanna buy the books.


INTERVIEWER: I see. Are there any other adventures in your future?


TYLER: I sure hope not. Only, with these two, anything could happen.

TONY: Yeah, and it probably will.


SAM: It’s not that bad.


TYLER: Please!

INTERVIEWER: I have this sketch of you boys. Do you think that could be dangerous for you?


SAM: With the drug guys?


INTERVIEWER: Yes.


TONY: Nah. I’m not really that fat anyway, and Sam doesn’t look that good.



TYLER: You are too, Tony.


TONY: Watch it Erickson.


INTERVIEWER: Well, it’s been a pleasure talking with you brave boys. And I’ll be careful to keep your identities and location secret. Is there anything more you’d like to tell my readers?


SAM: Sure. I hope somebody makes a movie about one of our adventures some day.


TYLER: That’d be so cool.

Lost Island Smugglers
Now Available on Amazon.com

 
"Sam Cooper Adventures are like good, family movies . . . as an ordinary kid finds himself in exciting and extra-ordinary adventures!" Bill Myers - author

"Max Elliot Anderson brings a lifetime of dramatic film and video production to the pages of his action adventures and mysteries." Jerry B. Jenkins, Author

Artist & Illustrator for Lost Island Smugglers, Holly Heisey

So much attention is given to the author, when a new book is released. However, many times it's the cover that draws in potential readers, or turns them away.

Following is an interview with Holly Heisey, the artist and illustrator for my new book, Lost Island Smugglers, which will be released on August 1st.

It’s often said, “Don’t judge a book by its cover.” However, in this case, I hope people will be drawn to the cover of my new book. Explain your initial thoughts as you approached this project.



I've always been drawn to vibrant covers that seem to come alive with the story. That's what I wanted to do for Lost Island Smugglers--give the readers a slice of the action so they'd have to know more.

A writer sees images and words in his head. When you approach an art project for the first time, what are some of the elements that you see, before you begin painting or drawing?


This depends on if the drawing is from my imagination, or based on a story I've written or read. If it's from imagination, I'll often sit down and either start randomly doodling with a pen or painting bold colors until shapes start to emerge and I have an idea of what the drawing could be. Art from stories is a little different. When I'm reading, a concrete image in the words will jump out at me, and I'll scribble down a very loose sketch. I rarely deviate far from my original "flash image." If it's strong enough for me to see in living color, it's strong enough to paint.


Explain the different steps you took in producing the cover art for Lost Island Smugglers.

I knew the cover for Lost Island Smugglers should be centered around the storm, which was the most exciting and action-packed part of the story, so when I read the manuscript, I paid close attention to the details to find just the right image to start with. Once I got my image and scribbled it down, I went on the web and found dozens of pictures of catamarans, storms, wavy seas, stormy skies--anything and everything that would help me make the painting as realistic as possible. Then, with my reference in hand, I scanned my original tiny sketch into the computer, blew it up to the size of a cover in Photoshop, and started to digitally paint over it with shapes and forms in shades of gray. It helps to start with gray so I can get the lighting right without having to worry about the color. Once I had a good idea of what it would look like in gray, I started painting over it in color. Like a writer has first, second, and third drafts and so on, every time I went over the painting again, I tightened the shapes, put in more details, made everything more accurate. Finally, I adjusted all the colors in Photoshop and put the finished painting into the design for the book cover.

Authors talk about facing writer’s block, where it seems impossible to go forward with a writing project at times. Does an artist ever experience this sort of creative block? And if so, how do they get past it?


A lot of artists are very much like writers in that they are visual storytellers. If I can't find the right story to tell with my art, I will get blocked. A lot of times I get past this by looking at paintings by artists I love. It's so inspiring and freeing just to appreciate art at its best that it often gives me the idea I need to keep going. Good books and movies will do that, too. It's all a big creative melting pot!

What would you say was your biggest challenge in creating the artwork for this book cover?


My biggest challenge for this cover was painting the waves. I've never been out on the sea and certainly not in a storm, so I had to pour over many paintings and photos of waves in storms until I got my painting to just where I liked it.




You also did some pen-in-ink illustrations for the interior of the book. Could you talk about those, how you approached each subject, and any other details that readers might find interesting?

When doing interior illustrations, I want the pictures to tell as much story as if there were no words in the book at all. When I was reading, I was always on the lookout for big, exciting, pivotal scenes to turn into a visual story. When I got a clear idea, I'd scribble down a quick drawing, scan it in, and then digitally draw over top of it like with the cover. From there, I printed out the bigger drawing, took tracing paper and went over each drawing again and again until I got it right. Then, I inked the drawings with pens and a brush and scanned them back into the computer for the finishing touches.


Could you tell us about your art training, background, experience, and some of your other work/projects?


I was fortunate enough to have a great private art teacher while I was growing up, and I trained with her for seven years in pastels and watercolor until she "graduated" me. I learned all my foundation in fine art from her, and had some fantastic opportunities like having drawings commissioned for a national cookbook while I was still in middle school. I don't do pastel paintings anymore because I developed an allergy to the chalks, but I've been training myself to paint on the computer, and most of my artwork is digital now, although a lot of it still emulates the style of traditional work. I recently had five weeks training with the great school The Art Department, which broadened my horizons even more, and I'm excited for what I will do in the future.


Is there one piece of artwork you’ve done in the past that you are the most proud of and why?


I don't know if there's any I'd say I'm most proud of. I learn so much with each painting that they're all special to me in some way. I can look at my paintings and say, "Here's where I learned how to handle textures," or "Here's where I learned how to paint with colored pencils." In that sense, every piece of work is a badge of accomplishment to me. I can say about the Lost Island Smugglers painting, "Here's where I learned how to paint the sea!"


What are your hopes and dreams for your art in the future?


I really love telling stories with my art. I hope to hone my skills enough to do illustrations for the top science fiction and fantasy books and magazines. I'd also love to do concept art for movies--that would be just amazing.


Many people what to know how they can break into the writing and publishing field. How would you advise young people who are interested in a career in art?


The first step in anything creative is just lots of practice. Lots of doing it and finding things out as you go. Look all over the internet--sites like deviantart.com and conceptart.org are a great place to start--and find what kind of art you really like, and then study the paintings to find out how the artists did it. Study the lives of artists and how their lives influenced their work. Take art courses online and buy art books and look at everything, study everything, and draw. You will never regret honing your drawing skills, and they will always serve you, again and again. And while you're at all this, plug into groups of area artists and online forums like deviantart.com, conceptart.org, cghub.com, and cgsociety.org where you can get and give feedback from other artists and gain contacts in the industry while you go. You don't have to go to an expensive art school to succeed in the art industry, you just need a passion to grow in your art and a constantly improving portfolio.


Please list the links where people can learn more about you.


My personal website is: http://hollyheisey.com


My portfolio is at: http://hollyheisey.carbonmade.com


And you can follow updates on my art on my Facebook fan page at: http://www.facebook.com/pages/manage/#!/pages/Holly-Heisey-Artist/119051711443606  


Is there anything else you’d like to share?

Thanks, Max, for having me on your blog. I had a blast and learned a lot while doing the illustrations for Lost Island Smugglers, and I hope they enrich the book and make it as much fun to read as I had fun doing it!

Port Younder Press on Youtube:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=QvQHzgpmKBY

Update on Viral Experiment

Because of the help of several people, my viral experiment sent nearly 500 new people to this blog that I wouldn't have reached on my own. And many, many of those emailed to tell me they tweeted the information about the soon release of this new book, emailed friends and contacts, included information on their Facebook, and many other sites, blogs, and social media outlets.



Thank you all!


One of my next posts will include an interview of the artist who painted the cover for Lost Island Smugglers and drew additional pen in ink artwork for the interior of the book. Watch for that.

And, new for me, I've begun updating my own author's web site. If you haven't been there for a while, here's a link http://www.maxbooks.9k.com  


In less than a month now, Lost Island Smugglers will be released. Let me know if you have any comments or questions.


Max

A Viral Experiment

UPDATE - 238 blog visits since the viral experiment began.

A couple of days ago, I read about the millions and millions of H1N1 Swine Flu vaccine doses that will expire soon, and have to be destroyed. The Swine Flu never spread to the extent that "experts" said it would.
However, I'd like to ask you to help me spread some viral information that I hope will be much more effective.


Would you be willing to post information in a tweet, on your Facebook or other social media sites, on your blog, in emails, your web site - a sign in front of your house...no, forget that part - or any other method you can think of, about my new book that comes out on August 1st? The message I'm asking you to post is simple:


Lost Island Smugglers is a new action-adventure that kids will love. Find out more at http://booksandboys.blogspot.com/  

Endorsements

"Sam Cooper Adventures are like good, family movies . . . as an ordinary kid finds himself in exciting and extra-ordinary adventures!" Bill Myers - author


"Max Elliot Anderson brings a lifetime of dramatic film and video production to the pages of his action adventures and mysteries." Jerry B. Jenkins, Author


I hope you'll help me with this viral experiment to spread the word.

Thank you!

PS. You can also go to the Lost Island Smugglers UPDATE page for more information
http://lostislandsmugglers.blogspot.com/

Barney and the Runaway Update

The publisher of Barney and the Runaway reports that work continues on the book cover design which I should see soon.

They plan to have samples of the finished book ready for their distributor to present to bookstores and other buyers by the end of this summer.

Then the additional 7 republished titles should follow soon after. They include, Newspaper Caper, Terror at Wolf Lake, North Woods Poachers, Mountain Cabin Mystery, Big Rig Rustlers, Secret of Abbott’s Cave, & Legend of the White Wolf.
These are books that will especially appeal to boys 8 - 13. I'll keep you posted.

Synopsis_________________________________




Barney and the Runaway


Author: Max Elliot Anderson


Audience: 8 – 12; especially boys

Barney and the Runaway tells the story of Michael Ellis, who has recently told his parents to start calling him Mike from now on. He especially hated the way they were always telling him what to do. Mike decides to teach his parents a lesson by pretending to run away for a day with his dog Barney.


The plan of running away gets a bit more complicated than planned when Mike and Barney hide in a railroad boxcar, fall asleep, and end up in Georgia with a circus in the middle of the night. Good thing for the runaways, Big Bob the Clown takes Mike and Barney to safety in his wagon. Mike decides that living and performing with the circus might be a good idea until Big Bob opens Mike’s eyes to his unfortunate past.


Mike’s encounter with this grown up runaway, in the circus, helps him to understand that his parents truly love him. Then Mike and Barney save the circus. Through it all, Mike learns the importance of family.


Parents often punish their children, but only because they love and want what is best for them, not because they don’t care. Even though the life of a circus performer with a circus family may appear fun, if given a choice, most would agree that living in a warm home with loving, caring parents is the preferred choice. As the saying goes, “You don’t know what you’ve got until it’s gone.” After Mike overhears some unsettling news and both he and Barney are involved in a scary and dangerous crime.

Will Mike learn his lesson before it’s too late?

Books for boys that girils love reading too.

FACEBOOK - http://www.facebook.com/#!/max.e.anderson

TWITTER - http://twitter.com/marketpl

What Ever Happened to Imagination?

TweenParent.com asked if I would write an article about tweens and the importance of reading - especially for boys. It's called,  What Ever Happened to Imagination?
The focus of this article is on the difference between all of the electronic entertainment options that kids have, compared to the value of time spent reading. You can find the article at http://www.tweenparent.com/articles/view/258



Max Elliot Anderson

Christian Retailing Magazine

Christian Retailing Magazine
to highlight 
Lost Island Smugglers
in August issue.

Lost Island Smugglers on Boys Read

My new book, Lost Island Smugglers, is spotlighted today on Boys Read. You can take a look at: http://readingtribe.blogspot.com/2010/06/lost-island-smugglers-august-1-release.html

Valley of the Giant

No, not a real giant. I mean the Jolly Green Giant.


One of the things that brings added interested to the books I write for kids, is the many experiences I’ve had while working on film or video productions.

In 2007 the opportunity to go behind the scenes at Soldier Field,in Chicago, o cover a Bears VS Cowboys game. My work has taken me all over the world. I’ve had some pretty terrifying experiences, and many wonderful times too.

A few weeks ago, I worked on a corporate video program for Green Giant which is owned by General Mills. I’m not allowed to talk about the particulars, nor to share any pictures of their packaging lines, and had to sign a confidentiality agreement first. But it was fascinating.


What I can tell you is that I now know how Nature Valley bars are made, how Steam Fresh vegetables are prepared and packaged, and a whole lot more.


Barney and the Runaway, which comes out later this year, has its roots in a dramatic film for children that I worked on several years ago. The publisher of that book will also be re-releasing Big Rig Rustlers, The Secret of Abbott’s Cave, North Woods Poachers, Mountain Cabin Mystery, Newspaper Caper, Terror at Wolf Lake, and Legend of the White Wolf. All of these stories are the direct results of film production experiences, or the travel involved in producing films and video pograms.


Hopefully these kinds of experiences will help to make my books more interesting to young readers.


And remember, Lost Island Smugglers will be released this August.

Lost Island Smugglers Coming Soon!

As my new book, Lost Island Smugglers - Book # 1 in the new Sam Cooper Adventure Series for readers 8 - 13 - comes closer to its release in august, you can follow me on Facebook and Twitter.


FACEBOOK - http://www.facebook.com/#!/max.e.anderson


TWITTER - http://twitter.com/marketpl


If you'd like to be added to my emailing list for news on additional books due out this year, send your request to mander8813@aol.com  and mark it Mailing List.


Thank you.


Max

Reading Helps for dyslexia, autism, Asperger's, ADD, and More!

From the time our children were very young, my wife became a regular customer at a local, educational store, primarily frequented by professional educators. But I have to credit her for her efforts. There was no way she would be satisfied with leaving the education of our kids completely to others. By the time they each reached kindergarten, their little minds had already been bombarded by flash cards, phonics, math exercises, and other education aids.

When I first learned about Child1st, it took me back to those earlier days. We would have loved the products from this company for our children.


In addition, since I grew up hating to read, and now my emphasis is in helping others to enjoy reading, I’ve recognized how important it is for children to get a strong foundation in phonics, and in early reading. Child1st will help to provide that solid foundation in your children.

Child1st products are specifically designed for visual learners and other right brained learners; those labeled with dyslexia, autism, Asperger's, ADD; and those who struggle with reading comprehension. The products are also highly effective in teaching beginning readers, providing them with the essential foundation for future learning.

After many years teaching everything from preschool to college and developing products along the way to meet observed needs, Sarah Major resigned from fulltime teaching in 2006 in order to devote herself to Child1st. What began as a small business in her Florida home quickly grew, gaining friends and customers all over the world. By 2008 the business expanded to a new facility in North Carolina, and added several staff.

SnapLetters™ Kit (ABC-Kit)


This kit contains everything you need to give your children a solid base in letter recognition, sound/symbol correlation, and writing the letters. Includes:


• Alphabet Tales


• SnapLetters™ Display Alphabet


• SnapLetters™ Teaching Cards


• Alphamats, 6-pack


• Writing the Visual, Kinesthetic, and Auditory Alphabet

Display Alphabet (ABC-D) SnapLetters™

Display these SnapLetters™ in alphabetical order in your classroom at home or school so children can see each letter in context. This product comes with Writing the Visual, Kinesthetic, and Auditory Alphabet, a booklet of mini-lessons that reinforce letter shape and sound, demonstrate a hand-motion for each letter for kinesthetic learners, and end with an activity to drive learning deeper. 8.5" tall by 11" wide.

Easy-for-Me™ List A Books provide reading practice for children learning their basic sounds and 83 sight words (List A and Numbers & Colors), Easy-for-Me™List B Books provide reading practice for 59 additional sight words plus long vowel spellings, digraphs, and much more. Inside covers provide the teacher with a lesson to use in teaching the sounds, sight words, and phonics concepts.


Our son became an attorney and our daughter teaches 2nd grade. I attribute much of their success to the foundational work my wife did with them. I believe that the Child1st product line can help your child too.


For more information go to
http://www.child-1st.com/new_site/index.html

Sample products were provided for this review

Just A Few More Weeks...NEW Book Release

In just a few more weeks, my newest book will be released!

Lost Island Smugglers is Book #1 in the Sam Cooper Adventure Series. This is an exciting story for readers       8 – 13 about three boys, Sam, Tony, & Tyler who go deep sea diving, face the most ferocious, tropical storm of their lives, and uncover an international drug smuggling ring.

Port Yonder Press is the publisher under the SharksFin imprint. The next two books planned for the series are Captain Jack’s Treasure and River Rampage.




Lost Island Smugglers is scheduled for release in August. Watch this blog for more information.


Max Elliot Anderson
Author


"Sam Cooper Adventures are like good, family movies . . . as an ordinary kid finds himself in exciting and extra-ordinary adventures!"  Bill Myers - Author


"Max Elliot Anderson brings a lifetime of dramatic film and video production to the pages of his action adventures and mysteries." Jerry B. Jenkins, Author

Follow the Lost Island Smugglers update page for more details and reader comments as they develop http://lostislandsmugglers.blogspot.com/

Unique Honey Flavors

I started a little side business, and I do mean little, several years ago. It began when I was unable to find a line of honey products I had enjoyed when I lived in Indiana. My wife and I even resorted to buying it, through the mail, from the company, in half-gallon quantities.



The company is called Laney Honey. I've been distributing their products to a few area stores here in Rockford, IL. Today was my first round of deliveries for this month, and I'll finish on Tuesday.

What's unique about Laney Honey products is that the flavors are based on where the bees are kept. The line includes flavors like Blueberry Blossom, Basswood, Clover, Wildflower, and a dozen or more others. They aren't actually in those flavors, but the texture, color, and distinct flavors differ, depending on where the hives were kept. The packaging colors help customers find their favorites.


Most national honey brands mix everything they buy together, cook it, filter the end product, and it has an extensive shelf-life as a result. But Laney Honey keeps their honeys separate, and bottles them according to where they originated. They are minimally cooked and filtered. Consequently, they turn back to sugar faster than the national brands. But that's okay, all you have to do is heat it up in the microwave, or a pan of warm water.

Honey has been brought out of tombs in Egypt, where it became solid as a rock over generations. Even that honey turned back to liquid after heating. Honey, and the process that bees go through to produce it, are fascinating subjects to study. There are tons of sites online with more information.

This is the taste that got me started in the first place. It comes from Star Thistle which grows wild in Michigan. But this is the lightest, sweetest honey I have ever tasted.

Laney Honey is distributed to a number of Kroger stores in the Midwest. If you're interested in knowing more about Laney Honey, you can go to http://www.laneyhoney.com  You can even order from them if that's of interest. If you do that, and then do a side-by-side taste test, you...will...be...amazed!

Disclaimer - I am a wholesale distirbutor for Laney Honey

Amazing Bird Story With Pictures

Today I had another amazing bird adventure.

This time, my wife and I were out in the front of the house doing yard work. She looked down at the ground and asked, “Is that a bird?” I came closer and, sure enough, a baby bird struggled to turn itself over.


“Did it just fall?” I asked.

“Yes,” she answered, "and it landed right next to my foot!"


I looked all over in the tree, but couldn’t find the nest. So we left the baby on the ground, to see if the parents might lead me to the nest.

And I marked the place, where the baby had landed, with a stone.

Soon the parents began flying in and out, taking turns feeding the little guy, while he still sat on the ground. Of course, there was no way we could leave him there, especially through the night.

The parents continued to feed him there until a chipmunk arrived to see what was going on. Every time he came too close, the parents chased him away. And we have a cat too.




What to do, what to do?

I decided to make a new nest, and see if the parents would accept it before completing my plan.

Taking a pot liner, and filling the bottom with grass, I headed around to the front again.

I had already put on a pair of rubber gloves so my scent wouldn’t be on the bird, the potliner, or the new grass inside.

I knelt down, placed the pot liner on its side, took a small stick, and rolled the baby inside. Immediately he opened his mouth and began yelling for food. Isn't that just like a new baby?




After placing the nest next to the stone, I went inside to see what the parents would do next.

They approached the new potliner nest with caution at first, then accepted it and began making their regular tips to find food and bring it back to their baby. Anyone know what kind of bird this is?

During each stage of the operation, the parents remained very close by as they watched what I did at every step. A few times, one of them stood only about five feet away. They didn’t yell at me, nor attack. It was almost as if they understood that I was trying to help in some way.

After it was clear that they had accepted the nest, and while they watched from nearby, I raised the pot liner up into a branch and secured it with wire.

Then it was back inside again to watch. Instantly they began flying to the nest’s new location, safe up in the tree, and now they have resumed feeding their little one as if he’d never fallen out of the tree in the first place.

Amazing!

PS. Update - Yes, Kathleen's husband is correct. I checked my bird book and these are Chipping Sparrows

Update on Friday, June 4 - I just went outside to take a quick look at the nest. As I lifted a mirror above the rim of the potliner, one of the parents rushed out. So it's clear that my rescued baby will survive.

Update - Saturday, June 5 - 6:52 AM - Went out to check the nest. Now I have to get a ladder in order to see over the top, and take a picture. As I climed up, and lifted the camera over the nest, again the mother fluttered out, and this is what I saw inside.

I intend to update with a new picture each day. Just don't want to upset the mother too much.

Update - Sunday, June 6 - 6:58 AM - So...last night, the wind roared, and torrential rain fell, as heavy storms rumbled through our area. You can imagine, I was pretty worried about the baby bird and his mother. Even though I'd wired their nest to the branch, and placed it under larger branches above, I still watched the place like a hawk. It seemed as if I peered out the window to check on it, every five minutes. Each time I aimed my flashlight out toward the pot liner, I felt relief, seeing that it hadn't blown away, or crashed to the ground below.

The pot liner I chose has holes in the bottom, so, even if some of the rain invaded their temporary home, the baby and his mother weren't in danger of drowning. Because I built it, that nest was for the birds anyway. What do I know about building a bird's nest? I was just wingin' it.

I thought about the mother, and hoped the thunder and lightning wouldn't egg her on until she flew the coop. After all, these are my peeps. And the small guy, what must have been going through his little bird brain as he experienced his first thunderstorm? He was out there, in the dark, taking his first birdbath, too...a shower really.

Like birds of a feather - which they are of course - the two must have stuck together as they rode out the storm because here's what I found this morning.

No adults were in the nest as I climbed my ladder, and they yelled at me this time as I took the picture. How quickly they forget : ))

Update - Monday, June 7 - 9:56 AM - Sad end to an otherwise fun story.

It's been pretty cold the past two nights, and we've had heavy rain. I had another commitment this morning, so I was a little late taking the next picture in the sequence for this story. As I prepared to post it, I noticed that the bird was in the exact position in today's picture as yesterday morning, there had been no development of his feathers, and the parents didn't come around like before.

I went back outside, climbed up the ladder, and looked inside. Then I nudged the bird with a stick. He didn't move.

At least I didn't run over him with my lawnmower, and our cat didn't get to him. But I would love to have seen him fully develop, and fly away. 

Maybe next time.  : ((