Laura Turner is a dedicated breeder of standard poodles. Her company, Bijou Poodles is located near Toronto, Canada. She breeds rare red and brown standards as well as black standards. In January, we purchased our adorable chocolate brown standard boy, Darwin from Bijou Poodles. He was shipped via cargo on Air Canada and made it all the way to Fort Lauderdale International Airport in perfect condition! So many people are curious about our puppy, poodles and breeding in general, so I asked Laura if she’d answer some of our questions. She said yes!

Bijou Poodles Breeder Laura Turner with some of her browns

How long have you been breeding standard poodles?

Around 17 years

How did you get started in this business?

I was searching for a non-shedding, larger dog that was calm and loving that would be a structurally sound working dog. I then took dog obedience lessons and the instructor was a dog breeder. She encouraged me to attend a fun match. I was so happy doing an activity with my poodle and winning at it. I was hooked. The more I learned the more I wanted to do. The rest is history.

Way too cute reds!

For those who do not know much about standard poodles, can you explain why a person would want one as a pet?

The fact that poodles are non-shedding dogs is probably the biggest draw. Size and ability to protect is an asset. There is no long tail to knock over drinks and small children. But to me the best quality is their total loving empathetic nature. They just know and absorb pain and offer such comfort, and they have a HUGE desire to please. They are very affectionate and have sweet natures. And of course, they are beautiful dogs! They do require a lot of grooming though.

I agree with you. Laura! I’d also add that they are so intelligent and just seem to know what will please you. Darwin is our 2^nd standard poodle pet, and the large size (mostly the height) of our first poodle, Gigi, (50 lbs.) shocked many people. Darwin will be MUCH bigger than Gigi was – as his parents are around 80 lbs. What is the standard size of standard poodles? AKC states a poodle over 15” is a standard poodle.

Show dog Hershey, father of my puppy, Darwin

The average weight is 45-55 lbs. and the average height is 24”.

I chose your breeding services over the many others because you have the most comprehensive website and because you breed for health and calmness. You also are very open about the feedback you get from so many past customers over the years, and you care so much about placing your pups into the right families! What else sets you and your poodles apart from others?

I think the fact that we are pet owners first sets us apart. This means that we only own and breed poodles that we’d wish to own as a pet – those that have the calm, stable temperament that will fit in our home and do the activities that we enjoy doing. Although all our poodles are UKC Champions we don’t dwell on that fact. (Click here for info about ow to find an ethical breeder.)

What can you tell us about health issues as far as large purebred dogs? There is a lot of information about large breeds getting more illnesses than ever before.

I think that with more and more purebred breeders participating in and even paying for health studies, we’re finding that the information about purebreds being unhealthy is inaccurate. Mutt or designer breeds can have horrible illnesses and diseases but this will never come to light in any professional study. The reason is because those breeders are not accountable to anyone, nor do they participate in any studies. Purebreds are registered, so there are health registries that compile information on health issues. And this data can be misconstrued to the public on the health of purebreds. Before getting a dog, you should demand that all the conclusive health testing be done on the pup’s parents, to ensure the puppy you are buying has the best chance of being healthy and living a long life. That being said, in today’s toxic environment, dogs (of every breed and background) are dying younger than they used to. Cancer seems to be the greatest life taker.

What does inbreeding technically mean when it comes to dogs?

Inbreeding to me means brother to sister or dad to daughter or mother to son. What we as breeders are using more these days is a tool called COI which stands for Coefficient Of Inbreeding. It is the calculation used to determine the level of inbreeding on an individual dog or puppy. We can then tell how close we are breeding by the number that comes up. The lower the COI number on a 10 generation breeding the less the inbreeding. It is very important to me as a breeder to use these measures.

What are some of the mistakes people make when getting a new dog?

Treating the puppy like a human, instead of being a good pack leader to the puppy is the biggest mistake new pet owners make. Dogs don’t understand the meaning of being treated “equally.” Puppies need a pack leader who gets the best of everything and does everything first. That’s how dogs are naturally in the wild. Pups need consistent rules to live by in order to grow up and be good canine citizens. They want to please you, the leader.

I am so glad you mention this, because we are determined not to make the same mistakes we made with our first poodle. For example, we never trained her properly to stop jumping on people and pulling on the leash as we walked her. And I’d certainly NEVER feed my new dog from the table again.

Our puppy, Darwin at 11 weeks

Can you give our readers any advice about getting through the challenging puppy phase? We are experiencing that right now ourselves!

Some people feel they are being “mean” by restricting a puppy or teaching them rules. A “bad” owner, will soon create a monster puppy that will rule the house even if they have the most submissive, passive puppy. There are many great TV shows that are free to watch that will educate you on how to be a good pack leader, such as “The End of My Leash” and “The Dog Whisperer.” Know that being a leader and teaching the puppy boundaries and what good behavior is, will equal a happy confident, well behaved puppy in no time. And that will last a lifetime! I guess in regard to the trials and tribulations of puppyhood, the saying “this too shall pass,” would be appropriate to use.

Have you ever had any strange requests from potential customers as far as the type of poodles they are looking for?

OH YES… asking me for blue or green eyes, like I can “create” that. Also I have been asked for special custom sizes, either exceptionally HUGE or very tiny. People need to read the breed standard that AKC has online and understand what physical characteristics are possible in standard poodles.

I’m laughing at the idea of someone asking you for a “tiny” standard poodle when there are toys and miniatures! Do most people who buy puppies from you show their dogs?

No, very much the contrary. People who contact me want loving, healthy pets. I have had many breeders contact us for breeding our show puppies, but I decline, preferring to place our pups in pet homes. I am very strict about where or even IF I will sell a puppy for breeding or show purposes, because I wish to know where the pups I produce and their progeny will end up. I feel a huge sense of responsibility for every puppy that leaves my home.

Gorgeous red show dog Ruby, winning an award

What qualities should a person look for in a standard poodle if he wants to show the dog?

A person needs to start with the Breed Standard. Read about it and know it and all the terms. Learn about what a good standard Poodle moves like, feels like and what qualities the judges are looking for. There are some great books out there like The Complete Standard Poodle by Eileen Geeson, that illustrate details of the Standard Poodle structure.  Then find a breeder who is showing and has championed many of her poodles. This type of breeder will have the right foundation poodle for you and hopefully will mentor you. When it comes to colour know that the judges are familiar and comfortable with the more common colours. Also the more common colours have had more time to be perfected in type and will have a better chance of winning at an AKC dog show. Most owners hire a professional handler to show their poodles in AKC or CKC because maintaining the dog and doing the required grooming for an AKC or CKC championship is beyond most owners’ abilities. There is also a UKC show venue which is restricted only to owner/handlers. This greatly levels the showing field since owners are allowed to show their poodles in a simple sporting clip (shaved down) with no fru-fru clips you are used to seeing on TV.

As a standard poodle owner, I know all about how much exercise these dogs need. Since I am a major exerciser, I consider this a plus. What do you recommend to new owners?

Pups need a lot of sleep and of course some play or exercise to wear them out. A good dog is a tired dog that is for sure. For walking distance the SPCA’s rule of thumb is five minutes per month of life, so if your puppy is 5 months old then he would need 25 minutes of walking per day. I don’t really find an average sized standard needs a ton of exercise. An adult Poodle would benefit from 2 brisk 20-30 minute walks a day, and this is a great way to bond with your Poodle. A trip or two, to the local off-leash dog park (after being fully vaccinated) is a great way to also meet their exercise needs.

This is so important, because I learned firsthand that dogs who get proper exercise are much better behaved!

In addition to breeding and showing poodles, both you and your husband are firefighters. How do you have time for it all?

My husband offers huge support when it comes to doing the socializing or trips to the vet. We are on different schedules as well, so there is always someone home with the dogs. I have a passion for what I do – and as long as I have that – I will have the energy to continue.

How many adult dogs do you have at your home?

We have 6 at any given time. We do have friends who are raising poodles, who come by when they are due to have pups. Or they drop off their dogs for day care or grooming and to enjoy a romp in our spacious yard.

What becomes of your retired (from breeding) poodles?

We have friends and family members who are familiar with our poodles and have welcomed retired poodles into their homes on occasion. We have also found suitable homes through interviews and/or home visits.  The reality is that as small hobby breeders, we just can’t keep every dog. Finding a loving pet home that offers our Poodles the undivided attention and love that our poodles will need and love, is a win-win scenario for everyone. Right now we also have 3 retired poodles living with us.

What do you like best about being a breeder?

I love receiving photos and letters from our puppy owners sharing stories about how our pups have enriched their lives.

From the extensive feedback on your website, I can see how fulfilling that would be! What is the most challenging part of being a breeder?

Trying to produce “perfection.” We strive for the total package, which to me means health (passing all conclusive health testing), temperament (meaning calm and stable), conformation (meets the breed’s standard) and of course obtaining the magnificent, rich, dark colours we are known for. Click here to read about Bijou colours.

Oliver, Cora and Sophie, with their gorgeous fur, pose for the camera

What advice do you have for someone who is thinking about becoming a dog breeder?

I could write a book about the subject! There is a lot to think about, so it is difficult to be brief. Breeding is a huge time consumer, so you will need the whole family on board. A breeder should have a good income to handle all the expenses that arise starting from the initial purchase which could be as much as $2500.00, to completing all of the health testing, the vet bills and advertising to name a few expenses. It is essential to find a good common sense vet that will work with you and not BS you into a lot of unnecessary vet care. People need to shop around for a vet who they trust and one they feel comfortable working with. It would be a huge asset to find an established dog breeder (of any breed) as a mentor who can teach you how to do a lot of your own medical care, and help you with grooming and showing. Also start off with a vision of where you wish to be and what you will wish to do, so that you keep moving in that direction and don’t get off track in your goals. I found dogs I admired and hung photos up to study and help me focus on what I wanted to some day own and produce.

Laura, thank you for all this great information. There are millions of people out there who own dogs or are considering getting a pet and would find your expertise invaluable!

If you would like to visit the Bijou Poodles website, click here. They are located in Toronto, Canada, but Laura can send her pups to you via cargo on a commercial airline safely (note there are restrictions about the time of year pups can fly.) Darwin, my puppy made it to South Florida, warm, happy and in perfect condition in the middle of January. Here’s info about upcoming litters. Email Bijou at brownpoodles @ yahoo.com.

Click here to read our Smart Poodle Comic Strip!

Husband and wife team, Doug Tate and Patty Weir are the owners of Tiger & Dragon Boca, a Kenpo Karate Studio in Boca Raton, FL. Karate is more popular than ever before (with both adults and kids) because of its many benefits. Today I sat down with Doug and Patty to get the scoop on karate, so our readers can learn more about this special art.

How did each of you get started in karate?

(Doug) I started in karate as a kid in Ohio.  My uncle owned multiple Kenpo Karate schools throughout the area and I trained extensively, earning my first black belt at the age of sixteen.  For years I trained and taught with my Uncle until I left for college.  I regained my passion for the martial arts many years later, when my own son was old enough to train in karate.  I’ve been training in multiple styles since that time, earning 2 additional black belts, and of course, opening a school with my wife, Tiger&Dragon Boca.

(Patty) My karate training started with my son when he was 7 and I was in my late 30s.  I had always been physically fit, working out at the gym and taking various cardio classes. I had watched my son take karate for several months, and then he stopped training.  He had a few months left on his contract, so the instructors asked if I would like to train in his place. Once I started, there was no turning back.  I earned my first black belt in 2008 and have started training in traditional Kenpo with my husband.  My son, age 12, has since re-joined and is well on his way to his first black belt.

Patty and Doug with their sons Dallas (left) and Adam at the studio

How would you best describe Kenpo to someone who may be unfamiliar with it?

Kenpo Karate is not a sport, it is the ultimate in real world self defense.  Kenpo Karate, also known as Ch’uan fa or “fist law,” is both an ancient and modern method of self development and self defense.  A true blending of inner and outer strength, Kenpo helps you develop grace and coordination as well as stamina and speed. Through Kenpo instruction, you will learn proper breathing techniques and movements utilizing the natural weapons of the body – the hands and feet – by developing breath control, muscle tone, quick reflexes and agility.

In addition to self defense, what benefits does Kenpo have for the participants?

The benefits of Kenpo karate, Shootfighting and the martial arts in general are many.
From training, there will be an increase in strength and flexibility, a gain in self confidence, concentration and focus.  Students learn how to recognize and avoid dangerous situations in addition to learning real-world self defense.

Students learn about their true inner strength and the art of self control, and experience improved cardiovascular health, weight loss and muscle toning through training and exercise.

After the holidays, are you seeing a lot of people who are coming into the studio to get into shape?

We definitely saw an increase in interest during and immediately after the holidays.  We all know that the holidays bring out the best in good food, celebrations and family time that often revolve around meals and delicious foods.  We often “give” ourselves permission to indulge during this time of year and have to pay the price afterwards.  New Year’s resolutions are a big part of this, but it’s our job to convince people that good health is more than a short-term project – it should be a part of everyday life all year long.

If a participant is dedicated, how many years does it take to accomplish a black belt?

The typical student (age 7+) can earn a black belt in Kenpo in 4 to 6 years, depending on the amount of time and effort spent training and practicing.  It takes approximately 3 to 5 years to earn a black belt in Shootfighting.

At what age can a child begin taking karate lessons?

We offer lessons beginning at age 3.  Even at this young age, it is important to be active, burn off that excessive energy, learn how to listen, focus and follow directions.  They are taught some martial arts basics, but the drills teach them life skills that help them through their school years and at home – discipline, respect, self-confidence, control and so much more.  Plus it’s a lot of fun!

Kenpo for kids at Tiger & Dragon Boca

What is Shootfighting?

Shootfighting® is a Japanese based, complete fighting system that combines both kickboxing with submission wrestling (ground fighting).  Shootfighting® will also enhance any other style of Martial Arts a student may already know. With its emphasis on complete transitions from stand-up to ground, it makes both the stand-up fighter or striker and the grappler or ground fighter stronger by eliminating the limitations of each.

What else do you teach at your studio?

We teach Kenpo karate and Shootfighting and also a variety of day-time general exercise/cardio classes such as Turbo Kick (cardio kickboxing), circuit training, Tai-chi, yoga and general bar-bell pump classes.  We also offer private lessons in all of the above for those who prefer not to train in group settings or want a combination of both private and group opportunities.

What is your favorite aspect of teaching?

(Doug) When someone has a desire to learn karate, I truly enjoy sharing my knowledge and skills.  That shared passion for the martial arts is what makes me realize I’m doing something good for the art, the student, my business and for my family.

(Patty) I love building the teacher/student relationship with the kids – especially the young ones.  To have them come into the dojo excited and smiling, eager to take their class, is the greatest.  I strive to incorporate exercise, fun and education during class and get great satisfaction as I watch them improve, learn and grow as people.

What advice do you have for anyone out there who is thinking about starting a karate studio?

(Doug) Have patience with yourself, your business and enjoy the process.  If you truly love the martial arts, then success will follow.

(Patty) To be successful in this business, you have to love what you do as well as love working with people.  Everyone has a unique story or situation – a reason for training at your dojo.  It is extremely rewarding and interesting – never a boring moment!  You also need to have a strong business sense – no matter how good you are at the martial arts or even at teaching, it is still a business and needs to be properly attended to.

Thank you Patty and Doug for all this valuable information!

Tiger & Dragon Boca offers programs for the entire family in an environment that is safe, fun and fosters new friendships. Lessons are offered for children as young as 3 years old. Don’t miss their 10 lbs in 10 weeks special!

If you would like to learn more about Tiger & Dragon Boca, please contact them:

Tiger & Dragon Boca
Hampton Square
19805 Hampton Drive – Boca Raton, FL 33434
561-926-1846

www.Tiger&DragonBoca.com

I am going to answer a list of questions I’ve been getting lately in one blog post:

Are you on Twitter?

Yes! http://twitter.com/DebbieGlade

Is your book, Lilly Badilly, still discounted?

Yep. $16.95. Order it here.

Can I still get free shipping on your book on your website?

Sure you can. Use this code FBS1209 (case sensitive)

Where can I read reviews of your book?

Click here and read away!

What is your platform?

I believe in making reading and learning fun. Mastering (and loving) reading at a young age is the key to lifelong success. I am an advocate of geography literacy, as our nation falls far behind others in that category. Creative learning with laughter is far better than rote memorization and strict teaching. I post videos answering kids’ geography questions. The program is called Ask Lilly Badilly All About the World. I am a member of the National Council for Geographic Education and attended a fabulous conference in October in Puerto Rico. My company also just sponsored a HUGE travel writing and art contest. You won’t believe the talents of these young writers and artists!

Do you have an author program?

Yes, I visit schools and libraries regularly. Check it out.

Where can I read your comic strip, Smart Poodle?

I publish a comic strip every Friday on my blog. Click here.

Where do you get the ideas for your comic strip?

From my own life, my crazy imagination and from observing others.

Do you write anything other than children’s books?

I have been a travel writer for far longer than I care to admit. I used to write stacks of brochures and marketing materials for luxury cruise lines. Now I write travel-related articles and some weird entries on my blog and am the Geography Awareness Editor at Wandering Educators. On that site I write articles and review tons of travel-related books and guidebooks. It is a fabulous website! I am also a children’s book reviewer for LA Parent Magazine’s Good Reads with Ronna. Ronna’s the best!

What is your favorite aspect of being an author?

Without a doubt it is the interaction with kids. They say the most hilarious things! They inspire me and teach me every day. I have an 11 year-old fan who writes to me regularly, and she really makes it all worth while.

Can you tell me something readers may be surprised to learn about you?

I am very, very outgoing. But I spend most of my time alone writing, illustrating and working (gardening and housekeeping too), and I do not like being in noisy places with noisy people. Noise makes me nervous. (No one really asked me this question, but I thought it sounded like a good, mysterious question.)

Kevin Huo is the First Place Winner in the 4-5^th Grade Category in Smart Poodle Publishing’s recent “I Love Costa Rica’s Rain Forest!” Contest. The extraordinary artistic talents of this ten-year-old from Northern California astonished the contest judges and many contest followers as well. As soon as Kevin received his prizes in the mail (thank you Rand McNally!) he called me to say thank you! No one ever calls to thank me, so I was impressed. I asked Kevin (and his parents) if he would be interested in doing an interview. He said yes. Read on for answers many questions you may have about what inspires him to paint. You’ll also learn more about Kevin’s commitment to Green Living.

Kevin Huo, Age 10

Before we ask Kevin some questions, here is a list of awards he has won:

Smart Poodle Publishing “I Love Costa Rica’s Rain Forest!” Writing and Art Contest – Kevin’s spectacular painting of Costa Rica and clever story landed him First Place in the 4th-5th Grade Category.

Kevin’s award-winning entry “Living Color: Costa Rican Rain Forest”

Go Green SamTram Bus Contest – When he was in third grade Kevin won the Grand Prize for this contest for his painting of a bus with an energy conservation theme, reducing the carbon in our atmosphere. His artwork was featured on some of the actual SamTram buses and on the bus passes.

Kevin’s spectacular art was displayed on Sam Tram buses

Filoli Art Contest – The San Mateo County Board of Education and the Filoli organization sponsored an art contest. Filoli is an historic country estate that is part of the National Trust for Historic Preservation. For this contest, Kevin created a painting of the California countryside.

Action For Nature Young Eco Hero Awards- This nonprofit organization in San Francisco encourages young people to take personal action to better their environments, and to foster love and respect for nature. Kevin was honored for his environmental activism. Click here to see the pdf. Apply for the 2010 Action for Nature International Young Hero-Eco Awards 2010. Deadline is Feb 28, 2010.

Town of Atherton, CA Evironmental Program Contest – While in 2nd Grade, Kevin won the Grand prize for his title Green Kid Saves the World.

Kevin proudly displays his artwork and blue ribbon

Mangrove Art Project International Contest – This is a nonprofit organization, dedicated to the protection of the world’s mangrove forests ecosystems. Kevin was the only award winner in the US. He painted this outstanding picture of mangroves, which was included in the organization’s calendar.

Kevin’s award-winning painting of mangroves

Environmental Awareness Camp; Cultural Exchange – Kevin was interviewed by Michael Caduto, Director of Programs to be featured in his upcoming new book about young activist kids

Hip Housing Contest – Kevin won 2 awards for his participation in the San Mateo County Hip Housing Project. In 2007 his painting  “My home is my moving castle” depicted houses being saved from a hurricane after Katrina.  The pictures were included in Foster City, CA calendars.

Kevin won the Hip Housing Art Contest 2 years in a row

San Mateo County Board of Education – Kevin’s work was displayed at a solo exhibit at the school board office, after he was inspired to create 6 paintings of the Midnight Ride of Paul Revere. (This was not a contest, but rather an exhibit of his work)

Interview

How old were you when you started to show an interest in art?

I was about 5 years old when I started to draw. My Dad draws a lot because he is an architect. Watching him work really inspires me to draw and paint. He’s so good at what he does. My Mom is very creative too. She used to work as a stage manager in the theater.

Kevin with his parents, Kenneth and Gina Huo

I understand that you and your parents are very interested in “Green Living.” Can you tell us how your family got interested in that?

Sometimes my Dad designs Green Living houses and other buildings. He’s taught me a lot about preserving our environment. Our family loves nature too. Through a great organization called V-O-CAL we volunteered for a project to help clean up some nature trails.. We talk a lot about the environment at home and at school. Also participating in the Go Green SamTram contest got me even more interested in the environment. It is important to learn about keeping our world clean.

What is your favorite art medium?

When I first started to draw I used colored pencils only. Now that I’m a little bit older, I also use watercolors.

What inspires you to paint?

I love to look at drawings and paintings from famous artists, but I do not have a single favorite artist. There are so many good ones! I am also inspired by nature and really love learning about and painting animals of all kinds. I love to research animals and places and then combine my interest in nature with my art.

Do you draw from memory, use photos or get your perspective from real objects and scenes?

I usually look at pictures in books for ideas and to see what shapes things are, but I also draw from looking at real objects. Before I start, I always spend time imagining what the finished drawing will actually look like. I often finish the painting, and it looks just like I imagined it would.

How often do you paint/draw?

Whenever there is a contest announced that I am interested in, I paint. I also paint when I am inspired or just get a new idea. Sometimes I paint every week, but not always.

Have you had any professional lessons?

No I haven’t. I have only watched my Dad. He doesn’t just design houses and buildings. He also draws or paints sometimes, and has given me direction or has helped me with ideas.

What did you learn about Costa Rica that interested you most, while researching to write your essay for the Smart Poodle “I Love Costa Rica’s Rain Forest!” Contest?

I knew there were forests in Costa Rica, but I had no idea how many unusual plants and animals were there. I was fascinated to learn about alien possums, which I wrote about in my essay. And the number of different species of plants is amazing! I loved learning about the rain forest, and I cannot wait to visit Costa Rica to learn more.

Kevin, it is great t hear you say that, because the purpose of our contest was to encourage kids to learn more about Costa Rica and the plants and animals of the rain forest. What did you learn about mangroves for the Mangrove Art Contest you won? That painting is spectacular!

I visited mangroves in Taiwan and found it fascinating. I remember the sounds, the smells of the decaying plants and all the animals that live there. Both visiting and reading about mangroves really helped me understand it all. Doing that painting was a lot of fun.

Did you know that we have mangroves here in Florida too?

Yes, I knew that, though I have never been to Florida to see those mangroves. Some day I’d love to visit.

I realize you are only 10, but do you have any idea what you’d like to do for a career when you grow up?

I can imagine myself being an architect and designing green living houses.

That sounds perfect with your talents! Will you design a house for me?

Sure. I’d love to. (laughing)

What else do you enjoy doing other than art?

I love to read adventure stories like yours – Lilly Badilly – and others. I enjoy studying history, like I did with Paul Revere. I also like to travel. I’ve been to Taiwan, where my parents are from and also to Japan. But when I get older, I’d love to travel a lot more and see the world.

What advice do you have for other young students who want to become excellent at art?

The most important thing is to just try. There are so many things that can inspire you to paint; it does not have to be just one thing. Try imagining what the finished drawing will look like in your head before you get started. Don’t be afraid to draw or paint, because if it doesn’t work out the way you want, you can always start over. No one even has to see it. Just keep on trying, and you’ll eventually get it. Never, ever give up.

Kevin, thank you so much for sharing your artistic talents with us. You may be only 10 years old, but you have inspired so many children and adults with your artwork. You are living proof that having a passion can lead to great accomplishments – no matter what a person’s age may be. You also know how important it is to say “Thank You.” That will take you very far. You also remind us that the only way to win numerous contests is to enter them often! Please stay in touch with us and let us know about any future projects you have. Your future is looking as bright as your watercolor paintings!

Epilogue

We all know that “passion” is the main ingredient to success. It is achieved through incurable curiosity and unstoppable motivation. Passion is not something we have to wait for until adulthood; it can appear at an early age. Kevin’s love of art and nature are not forced. These are simply part of his soul. How inspiring for us all!

Young writer extraordinaire, Dallas Woodburn, shares her two books with us

Writer and entrepreneur, Dallas Woodburn, had her first book published at age ten, a collection of short stories called: There’s a Huge Pimple On My Nose. While attending college at The University of Southern California (USC), she had many articles published in major magazines and newspapers as well as another collection of short stories: 3 am: A Collection of Short Stories. She is living proof that you are never too young to start a writing career! Dallas also started www.WriteOnBooks.org, a fantastic website that publishes short stories, poems and essays written by young writers for young readers to enjoy. She holds a holiday book drive every year and even offers a summer writing camp for kids in Southern California. If this weren’t all enough, she also has a blog, where she shares all sorts of information about writing.

How old were you when you first became interested in writing?

It’s funny, but it’s difficult for me to remember a time before I loved to write! I learned to read when I was four, and I gobbled up books. Like many kids, I made up stories; I was compelled to write my stories down. I think this was largely due to the fact that my dad is a writer. Every night, my parents read me bedtime stories, and every morning I came downstairs to see my dad writing. As a result, I was very aware that someone had written the books I so loved to read. And I decided that I wanted to be someone who writes books for other people to enjoy.

What were your major influences at that time? Who inspired you to write?

My dad is my biggest fan and is the first person who reads my work – his feedback and encouragement are invaluable. I remember when I was little, he would let me type stories on his computer once he had filed his column for the day – how special that was! I am incredibly blessed that my parents and teachers were so encouraging of my love of writing from a very young age. Also, when I was in the first and second grade I was lucky to have an amazing teacher, Diane Sather, who encouraged my love for writing. I remember she had me read one of my stories to the class. I got such a burst of joy from sharing what I had written with others. It never crossed my mind to just write for myself. My high school English teacher, Tania Sussman, became an amazing mentor for me and I now think of her as one of my biggest inspirations and dearest friends.

How did you go about getting your collection of short stories published when you were only ten years old?

There’s a Huge Pimple on My Nose is proof that with a lot of hard work, a lot of perseverance – and, yes, a lot of support, too – a small idea can snowball into something bigger than you ever dreamed. My snowball began as a snowflake when I applied for and received a $50 grant from my elementary school to write, publish and sell a collection of my short stories and poems — but I think here’s what set my proposal apart: I would use the profits to repay my grant, so the school could offer an extra one the following year. My first printing, done at a Kinkos copy shop, was modest: twenty-five staple-bound forty-page books. Actually, they were more like thick pamphlets, but no matter – to me, they were books, my books, the most beautiful books I had ever laid eyes upon. J.K. Rowling wasn’t more proud of her first Harry Potter hardcover edition.

My fellow students and teachers, bless them, acted as if Pimple was at the top of the New York Times Best-Seller List. The first twenty-five copies promptly sold in a couple of days. Can you imagine what a turbo-boost this was to a fifth-grader’s self-esteem? I was pursuing my dream, but I wasn’t pursuing it alone – my family and friends and teachers were right there with me. So I went back to Kinkos, ordered twenty-five more books – and soon sold all those as well. After three more trips to Kinkos, where the workers now knew me by name, I searched out a publishing business and ordered a few hundred glossy-covered, glue-bound, professional-looking Pimples. My little forty-page dream evolved from a snowball into a blizzard, with newspaper and radio interviews; appearances at literacy events all around California; even a “Dallas Woodburn Day” at the Santa Barbara Book Fair. I still have to pinch myself, but Pimple has sold more than 2,200 copies and I repaid two school grants.

Looking back, I was fortunate to dive into this career at such an early age because I wasn’t afraid or self-conscious about my writing. I think as we get older, we tend to lose that child-like pride and confidence in ourselves and our work. I published my first book when I was in fifth grade. I wasn’t afraid of rejection, so I sent my book out to anyone and everyone I thought might read it. Sure, I didn’t hear back from a lot of them. But I did score reviews in The Los Angeles Times, Girls’ Life magazine, Cosmo Girl magazine, and others.

2,200 copies sold is indeed impresssive! You made a really great point here, Dallas – You were not afraid to try! I think that’s what stops most people from success in whatever they do. The fear of rejection and criticism.

Yes, many terrific doors were opened for me because I wasn’t afraid to hear the word “no.”

What kind of articles have you written for magazines and newspapers?

I write articles for magazines, newspapers and websites — everything from Family Circle to The Los Angeles Times to Writer’s Digest. I’m also a monthly columnist for GradtoGreat.com, TweenParent.com, and Listen magazine. I love profiling inspiring young people – like your daughter, Rachel (article to be published soon) – and helping spread the word about the amazing things kids and teens are doing. I think often the media focuses on negative stereotypes about teenagers, which is unfortunate because there are so many young people who are doing phenomenal, selfless things to better the world.

That is so true! I am so glad there are people out there like you to share positive stories with the world. How did you get your first article published?

One of my favorite things about being a writer is that even your most embarrassing moments in life are worth something because they are great writing material! My first article was for Justine magazine, at that time a newly established publication for teens, and it was a true-life account about how I was “sweet sixteen” and had never been kissed. The editors loved my honest voice and the piece resonated with a lot of readers. I have always tried to see my young age as an advantage in my writing, rather than a disadvantage, because it allows me to write about things like teen issues with a great deal of authenticity. As a teen writing for a teen publication, I wrote an article that I would want to read! I would encourage other writers to put themselves in this mindset – what insights and lessons does your particular background and experiences give you? How can you use these traits as an advantage in your writing life?

In addition to a love of writing, you and I have something in common. We both travel around our communities to speak to students at schools about writing and publishing. What is the main message you hope to get across to the students you speak to?

I hope that students come away from my talk inspired and motivated, knowing that they really can accomplish their dreams! I tell students that the lessons I have learned through writing can apply to whatever their own passions may be – sports, music, dance, art. Everyone at some point has to deal with rejection and discouragement. Everyone is going to face setbacks. Everyone is going to reach a crossroads where they might think of giving up. When they reach that point, I want students to realize that they are not alone – and the important thing is persevering through the hard times. Don’t ever let anyone discourage you from pursuing your dreams!!

Do you find this rewarding?

Incredibly rewarding! It is an activity that gives me great joy and fulfillment. Whenever I am feeling discouraged or creatively drained, going to schools and speaking to students inevitably recharges my batteries and gets me excited about writing again. So much energy and enthusiasm! It’s contagious!

I notice on your blog that you write about receiving rejection letters for your writing. Can you explain that?

Rejection is also something that everyone has to deal with. As a writer, I joke that I could wallpaper all four of my bedroom walls with all the rejection letters I have received from editors! The important thing is not to take it personally. For whatever reason, you or your writing just wasn’t a right fit for that publication at this specific time. That doesn’t mean that they won’t love the next piece you send to them! When I get a rejection letter, I first read the comments to see if there is any advice I can glean or ways I can improve for next time. Then, I submit my story or essay or article somewhere else.

It is so important for people out there to know about rejection, because the general public usually only hears about the success part of a person’s career. That makes us all think it is much easier than it really is!

Yes! It took me more than a year to find my literary agent. A year of rejection, rejection, rejection – until finally, I found my perfect match. My agent understands my writing and has faith in my career. I just had to have the patience and perseverance to find her!

Tell us about WriteOnBooks.org. What was your main goal when you started this website?

With my website I wanted to create a place where young writers can go to find resources and inspiration, as well as connect with other young writers. I started the site to coincide with my latest endeavor, which is starting a publishing company, Write On! Books, that publishes anthologies of stories, poems and essays written by young writers for young audiences. The goal is to give young people a much-needed outlet for expression and connection, while also hopefully inspiring a love of reading in youth. As a young writer, sometimes it can be hard to get people to take you seriously and get editors to even read your work. I believe that young people have a voice and opinions and a life perspective that just as important as the voice of adults. Moreover, there are so many books for young people that are written by adults – but who knows what its like to be a kid better than a kid herself? I am eager to read submissions from young writers — they can e-mail me at dallaswoodburn@aol.com or visit my website www.writeonbooks.org for more information.

Part of your website is Write On! For Literacy. What does that entail?

In a recent national assessment conducted by the National Literacy Institute (NLI) of fourth-grade students, 13% reported never reading for fun on their own; an additional 16% only read for fun once a month. I think this is a travesty. Reading has brought me so much excitement, confidence and has opened so many doors for me, including a tremendous college education and a career that I love.

Writing and reading have given me so much fulfillment and self-confidence, and opportunities that I never would have been given otherwise – like traveling to New York to be a guest on The CBS Early Show when I was writing a column for Family Circle magazine. I feel other kids should be exposed to writing and reading as well, to encourage their self-confidence and self-expression. When I published my first book, There’s a Huge Pimple On My Nose, in fifth grade, the teachers in my elementary school asked me to talk to their classes, and then I spoke to other classes throughout the school district. I still enjoy talking to kids about writing. At the beginning of my talk, I ask the kids if any of them are interested in writing, and usually a few shy hands raise. In contrast, at the end of my talk when I ask the same question, a lot more hands raise. The students told me they didn’t know that kids could be writers. They thought they had to wait until they were adults.

I started “Write On! For Literacy” in 2001 to encourage kids to discover joy, confidence, a means of self-expression and connection to others through reading and writing. My website www.writeonbooks.org features writing contests, book reviews, fun writing prompts, and more. I also hold an annual Holiday Book Drive to collect and distribute new books to disadvantaged kids — more than 10,000 books have been donated to date.

If one of our readers wants to sponsor a local holiday book drive for your organization, what should he or she do?

That would be wonderful! Write On! would love for you to start a Holiday Book Drive chapter in your area! It can be as large or small of an effort as you have the time and energy for. Many chapter leaders begin book drives by inviting friends and relatives to get involved, and then broaden their efforts to area schools, churches and community groups. I have found in my own efforts that often people in the community want to get involved with literacy endeavors, but aren’t sure how — when they hear about the Holiday Book Drive, they are very excited to help out.

If you are interested in starting a Holiday Book Drive chapter, please e-mail me at dallaswoodburn@aol.com and I will add you to our chapter list. I can also send you flyers to help spread the word and get the ball rolling!

Wow, Dallas. You sure have a lot of energy! What are you most proud of thus far in your writing career?

It is always fantastic to get fan letters and e-mails from readers who have enjoyed my work. Nothing makes my day more than a sweet note from someone who has been touched by my writing!

I think I am most proud, however, of Write On! and my literacy endeavors. When a boy tells me that he believes in his own potential after hearing my talk, or a girl tells me that she wants to be a writer now after visiting my website, it makes me feel like I am making a positive difference, and that is something to truly be proud of.

What are your hopes for the future of your writing career?

I truly hope to make a positive difference in the lives of others through my writing and literacy endeavors. I believe writing can connect people and foster understanding, and that is what I hope to do in my career.

I have started to write another novel, which I’m in the early exciting stages of – writing and waiting to see where the story will lead me. I’m also a staff writer for the websites GradtoGreat.com, TweenParent.com, and Listen magazine, a publication that encourages kids to make smart choices and stay away from drugs and alcohol. I’m having fun working on play scripts and submitting them to festivals. I’m also the coordinator for the Young Writers Program of the Santa Barbara Writers Conference – I really enjoy interacting with other young writers, and I hope to expand the program and continue to be involved with the conference for many years to come.

What advice do you have for children (or adults) who are considering a career as a writer?

Enjoy the process! As John Wooden says, “The journey is better than the inn.” In addition, publishing my books has taught me not to be afraid to take risks, and to take the initiative when you have an idea and make it happen yourself rather than letting fear and doubt make you wait. Because, why wait? Take small steps towards your dreams, and small steps can snowball into amazingly big opportunities!

Thank you so much for taking the time to talk to us, Dallas. Your accomplishments and attitude are an inspiration, not only for young people, but also for the countless adults out there who are afraid to take risks. You are living proof that one is never too young to take action and make a difference. Please stay in touch with Smart Poodle Publishing and let us know about your future publishing endeavors.

To reach Dallas Woodburn, visit her website by clicking here or email her at dallaswoodburn@aol.com.

You know that feeling when you meet a family for the first time and you instantly hit it off with them, knowing you will fast become good friends? Well, that happened to me while at the NCGE conference in San Juan last week. I met Theresa Blain, owner of Visualize World Geography, which teaches students to visualize nations by turning the world into memorable shapes. Theresa and her husband Gregg, homeschool their two talented sons, Hunter (age 14) and Gregory (age 12). The family lives on a sprawling ranch in Western Texas, and the boys recently took it upon themselves to start keeping bees on their property. Naturally, I was curious about this and just had to ask them all about it. Beekeeping is fascinating!

Gregory (left) and Hunter (right) Blain suit up for their beekeeping duties on their Texas ranch

What made you decide to become beekeepers?

Hunter and Gregory: We were talking to our parents about multiple land uses of the ranch. Beekeeping came up as a possibility because it is compatible with cattle raising – our main use of land. Also, wild hives were infiltrating some of our barns, and had to be moved. This indicated that the ranch was a good bee habitat, and if we did become beekeepers, we could then have better control of where the hives would be located, and also receive the benefit of collecting honey.

How did you figure out what you needed to do to get started keeping bees?

Hunter: We read books on the subject, like “The Hive and the Honeybee,” and we asked older beekeepers for advice.

Gregory: I read a lot of descriptions of products in bee catalogs.

What kind of equipment is necessary to keep bees?

Gregory: I wouldn’t go without a bee suit—which includes gloves, a veil, a hat, and a full body suit. Plus you need a smoker, and a hive tool (a hive tool is just a strangely shaped pry bar). Each apiary has a couple of large hives, some smaller ones on top called supers, and a queen excluder between them to keep the queen from laying eggs in the honey comb. Also, make sure to bring an extra empty hive with empty frames to store good honey for transport and processing.

Hunter: You need an extractor to spin the honey off the frames, a capping scratcher to remove the wax caps from the cells, bottles, and a sanitary work environment. We use a hot plate, two stainless steel filters—one fine, one coarse, and different stainless pots, trays, and funnels. We wrap our extractor with heat tape to make the honey flow faster. A comb cutter is helpful if you are packaging the honey with the comb.

The beekeepers hard at work

How many apiaries do you have?

Gregory: We have two completed apiaries, and another area fenced off and ready for bees.

Did you attract your bees or purchase them?

Hunter: The two completed apiaries have purchased bees, while the other bees will come from a wild hive that is in a bad spot, and must be moved for safety reasons.

Gregory: You can domesticate a wild beehive by moving the queen bee into a man-made hive.

Do you have any idea how many bees live in your hive(s)?

Gregory: We have tens of thousands, round about, but it would take a while to “bee” exact and count them.

Hee, Hee. I am glad to know that beekeepers have a keen sense of humor! Do you need permission from your town or some sort of a permit to keep bees on a residential property?

Hunter: Because our hives are outside city limits, they have no jurisdiction over our operation. However, we do report our hives and honey production to the USDA for statistical purposes.

That is so cool that you do that! I’ve read that bees need a large water source to make honey and keep their hives cool. How do you provide your bees with water?

Hunter: Although water is not a major factor in cooling the hives (bees use their wings like cordless, portable fans), water is very important to make honey. Currently, the bees obtain their water from ponds about a quarter mile away. However, we decided that for this upcoming season, we will put 55 gallon drums of water next to each hive, making sure to cut just a small hole on top of each drum so that not much more than our bees can get into them. Giving the bees a water source right next to their hives will mean less of the bees’ time will be spent retrieving water, and more bees can be dedicated to gathering nectar, and producing honey.

That’s brilliant! Where is the pollen source coming from for your bees?

Gregory: Bees gather nectar from flowers—for the bees, moving pollen around is accidental. Our bees gather from wildflower patches that vary from year to year. Another important source is mesquite trees.

How long does it take your bees to make a jar’s worth of honey?

Hunter: Our honey production is rising as the hives become more established. This is because the bees do not have to re-make the wax cells from scratch. This year, we harvested about 110 pounds of honey.

Yum. How do you safely get the honey out of the hive?

Greogory: Make sure you zip your bee suit up completely. Use smoke to keep the bees calm and off the honey; use the hive too—check for honey content and bee larvae called brood. Honey comb with brood must be left in the hive. The hive contains a number of wooden frames—separate pieces on which the bees construct their comb. We put the good frames in an extra empty hive and drive away. The wandering bees eventually head back to their own hive.

Does it look the same as the honey we buy at the store?

Hunter: It looks about the same, except the color may vary depending on which flowers are predominant that year. Our honey tends to be sweeter because it isn’t made from a single flower type, or an agricultural crop.

What do you do with the honey?

Hunter: We bottle it, and then we eat it, give it to friends; we even sell some too.

Hunter proudly displays the honey collected from the beehives

Have either of you ever been stung?

Gregory: One time, my veil was slightly unzipped, and 6 or 7 bees unexpectedly got in. It was fine for a while, until one crawled into my left nostril. That’s when I started running. The quick reaction disturbed the bees and I found myself at a curve in the road about half a mile away, just about lost. As I mentioned before, always make sure your bee suit is completely zipped!

That must have been rather scary! What have you learned about bees that surprised you since you started doing this?

Hunter: The Africanized bees are amazingly aggressive. They form a dense black cloud and sting everything in sight.

Gregory: Bees can sting multiple times on most animals. Human skin traps the stinging organ, which is fatal for the bee.

Is there anything else you’d like to share about bees with our readers?

Hunter: After the initial set up costs, and the first year’s experience, beekeeping is easy and inexpensive. It is true that building fences and assembling hives require hard work, and that a good extractor can be pricey, but if you are going to raise bees, you have to think of them as a long-term deal.

Gregory: Dadant and Sons, a beekeepers supply company, has good, introductory books and a lot of the things you would need to get started.

Hunter and Gregory, I cannot thank you enough for sharing all your knowledge with us. I learned so much about keeping bees. Please keep us informed about your progress with the beehives and any other fascinating new projects you take on. With curiosity such as yours, I am sure there will be many other exciting adventures in your future!

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Read Interview Part 1 here. Part 2 here. Part 3 here.

You have written Globejotting: How to Write Extraordinary Travel Journals (and still have time to enjoy your trip!). I cannot wait to read it! Now you teach travel journaling courses in Seattle.  I think it is wonderful that you share your writing insight with others. Is teaching a rewarding experience for you?

I love teaching – and especially travel journaling classes. It’s something I’m passionate about, because I think it helps people get more in touch with the emotional side of their trips and helps them have richer journeys. I’m really dedicated to helping people understand other cultures, and also to helping them harness foreign cultures as a backdrop for their own self-discovery.

I’ve been teaching journaling classes for quite a few years now, which is what led me to write Globejotting. I’m excited about some upcoming journaling tours I am putting together. In January, 2010, I’ll be partnering with African wildlife specialist Bill Given and co-leading a travel journaling safari in Botswana. Bill will lead game drives in the morning and evening, when the temperatures are tolerable, and during the middle of the day, when it’s too hot to be running around in the Kalahari bush, I’ll to teach lessons in travel journaling and essay writing. I’m also looking into a similar workshop in Vietnam in the fall of 2010. If anyone is interested, they will find all the details on my websites at traveljournaling.com and davethefox.com.

Do you often look back and read your own journals from long ago?

I do go back and read my journals on occasion, and it’s fascinating to see how much I have changed. I encourage people to keep travel diaries because there is so much we can capture in writing that we can’t capture with a camera.

At the same time, though, I think that even if you never go back and re-read your travel diaries, they are still worth writing. When we journal in the right way, writing about our experiences brings us more intimately in touch with all the things that are happening around us. Journaling gives us richer travel experiences because it increases our awareness of our surroundings.

The two frustrations most people face are either that their writing seems to fall flat, and not fully capture the spirit of their journeys, or they just can’t find time to write in the middle of an exciting trip. I offer solutions to these challenges, and a lot of different writing techniques, in my book, Globejotting.

Here in the US, students are greatly lacking in geography education. Why do you think this is the case? And what do you think we can do about it?

I’m not sure why that is, but it’s something I wish we would fix. Especially now that the Internet makes it so cheap and easy to communicate with people all over the world, it’s important to understand who we are talking to, and know where they are.

I think what helps is when teachers, parents, etc., teach geography as more than just memorizing maps and locations. On a very basic level, even young kids can appreciate the concept of different cultures, climates, governments, etc. We need to encourage kids to learn about people who are different from themselves. When we do these things creatively, many kids find it fascinating.

When you are not traveling, teaching, speaking or writing, what do you most enjoy doing?

Eating and sleeping are two of my favorite things. I like to cook. I love to barbecue when the weather is nice. And I love music of many kinds

If I’ve been spending a lot of time around people, at the end of a busy tour season, for example, I tend to hang out alone for a couple of days and enjoy some quiet time by myself, but ultimately, I get a lot of energy from meeting new people and finding out what sorts of experiences they are having in this thing we call “life.”

Thank you Dave!

Dave Fox is a busy guy. He is one of the judges for our new children’s I Love Costa Rica’s Rain Forest! Travel Writing and Art Contest. In addition to traveling, teaching classes about journaling, speaking and writing books and articles, Dave spends several months in Europe each year as a tour guide for Rick Steves’ Europe Through the Back Door. He even posts his crazy travel schedule on his website. When he’s not on an airplane or in a hotel, Dave enjoys the comforts of his own home in Seattle. Please visit www.davethefox.com to get the whole story.

Every time I turn on the TV or radio or read a newspaper or magazine, there’s news about the Swine Flu. Colds and flu spread so easily that sometimes you are just in the wrong place at the wrong time, and you will get sick. But we’ve heard time and time again from medical experts that keeping ou hands clean is the best way to prevent getting sick. Once school starts, that’s when airborne illnesses spread.

http://www.freeclipartisland.com

Here’s what I know from common sense:

1. Wash, Wash, Wash – Talk to your kids about washing their hands may times throughout the day. At home, wash your hands together in the sink. Show them how to rub them together fast and wash both top and bottom of hands with soap.
2. Hand Sanitizer - I am not a big fan of this stuff because it fries the heck out of my hands, but it does cut germs. Put a small bottle in your child’s lunch box. He might think it is fun to use it.
3. Hand Habits – Nail biters, thumb suckers and cuticle chewers are more likely to get sick. Try to get your child to stop these habits.
4. Nutrition - A healthy diet is essential for everyone to stay healthy. Bad diets compromise the immune system, making it more likely for a person to contract an illness. High sugar and fat diets are not going to keep your child healthy. Vitamins can help.
5. Sleep Habits – Does your child get enough sleep? Exhaustion will bring down your ability to fight off colds and flu. Get your child into a good sleeping routine, winding down at least an hour before bed and going to bed at the same time every night.
6. Fitness – Everyone in the family needs regular exercise including your children. They will sleep better, feel better and strengthen their immune systems.
7. Schedules -  Don’t schedule your children with extracurricular activities. A hectic lifestyle is not a healthy one. Kids, like adults, need unscheduled down time.
8. Friends – Keep your child from going to friends’ houses and from them coming to your house for play time if wither child or any of their family members are sick.
9. Kissing - I heard an MD on Good Morning America today say that people in his office are not shaking hands due to the Swine Flu. He recommended that it is good idea to forgo the usual kissing hello of friends as well. It may be impossible to get small kids to keep their hands to themselves, but you can try to explain this to them.
10. Keep her Home – If your child does get sick – especially with flu-like systems, don’t send her to school. Many moms have to work, but they should have a backup system for home care from a friend or family member when their kids are sick. If parents kept their kids home when they are sick, it would make a HUGE difference in preventing the spread of germs.

Welcome to the third part of our interview with travel writer Dave Fox. If you love to travel, wish you could travel, love to write or wish you could write, you’re gonna love Dave Fox.

In case you missed either of the first 2 parts of this interview, click here for Part 1 and here for Part 2.

You advise your readers to expect the unexpected when traveling. In Getting Lost you write about getting food poisoning in Istanbul, which made you gravely ill for many months. Was that the worst traveling experience you have ever had?

“Food poisoning” is putting it mildly. It was more like “food nuclear armageddon.” I was very ill and very frightened. What was incredibly powerful about the experience though, was writing about it nearly two decades later in a book of travel humor essays. “When Salads Attack” is one of my favorite chapters in Getting Lost.

It was cathartic to write about such a horrible experience and try to make it funny. It was tough; I had to relive some unpleasant stuff – not just the health problems, but some painful personal issues I was going through at the time as well. And I felt like the chapter had to be in the book, or there would have been a gaping hole in the bigger story. I felt like I was finally at peace with one of my most traumatic experiences ever – not just traveling, but in life in general.

http://www.aperfectworld.org

The humor in your writing is so refreshing. Have you always been funny?

People often don’t believe this about me, but as a child and into adolescence, I was a shy, awkward, and introverted. Occasionally, I would attempt to come out of my shell and try too hard – kind of like the annoying guy at the party with the lampshade on his head. Travel in foreign places is what helped me accept and share myself, and do so in a more natural way.

The humorous part of me started emerging in high school, though the awkward part was still overshadowing most of the time. I began writing to express things about myself that I couldn’t express otherwise. I got interested in journalism, and also wrote a lot of self-absorbed adolescent poetry. I had a couple of teachers who encouraged me to keep writing. I started experimenting, and started writing funny stuff.

It wasn’t until recently that I realized humor is a genre that comes fairly naturally to me. Actually, my past insecurities have made me comfortable with a self-deprecating writing style, which lends itself well to travel humor. When I started pursuing professional humor writing, 7 or 8 years ago, I took a very geeky approach at first, trying to understand what makes things funny, stretching something funny into something funnier.

So I’d say humor is something I’ve always had in me, but it has taken a lot of time to coax it out – to not only share it with the rest of the world, but to share it with myself as well.

Of all the places you’ve been in the world, what is your absolute favorite?
People ask me that a lot, but I can’t compare Norway to Turkey to Samoa to Vietnam and come up with a favorite. They’re all so different.

Is there any destination you’d like to see, that you haven’t visited yet?

Yes. Greenland, Tuvalu, Argentina, Cape Verde, Albania, Iran, Botswana, Antarctica, the Faroe Islands, Cyprus, Bahrain, Kiribati, Jamaica, China, and Texas, to name a few.

Thanks, Dave!!!

Stay tuned next week for the last part of this interview, Part 4.

Click here to read Part 1 of this interview . . .

Many Americans never really get to experience, firsthand, what foreigners think about our culture. But you have many times. Have you encountered any misconceptions others have about us?

Many. The reality of life on Earth is we have a lot of different cultures, and we don’t always get each other. When I lived in England as a child, many of my classmates thought Americans all drove cars as big as Delaware and had high-speed police chases through our communities every night. It was 1977, and “Starsky and Hutch” was one of the most popular TV shows there.

As a teenager in Norway, I encountered other stereotypes – that America was a dangerous place, and that we were all either very rich or very poor. Again, the reason for these misconceptions, I think, is that television shows extreme sides of our culture. These shows may be entertaining for us, but different cultures might take them too literally.

I’ve also encountered political stereotypes, which have shifted in the last decade. I was at a punk rock concert in Bergen, Norway, a few years back. Between songs, the lead singer started ranting about how stupid Americans were for voting for George W. Bush, “not once but twice.” I don’t think she was expecting a Norwegian-speaking liberal American in the audience, and she was a bit bewildered when I yelled from the audience that that we didn’t all vote for him. (But hey, at a punk show, it is culturally appropriate to yell at the band.) I went up to her later and apologized for interrupting, and she apologized to me for stereotyping an entire nation based on its elected officials.

Have there been times when you realized you had improperly stereotyped other cultures as well?

Absolutely. It’s something we all do, and on some level, I would argue that is natural and okay, as long as you also challenge your beliefs and really get to know people. If we travel in foreign places, we’re going to have knee-jerk reactions to things we don’t understand. The trick is allowing time to question our initial negative reactions.

In Globejotting, my book about how to write more meaningful and exciting travel diaries, I talk about how journaling about your expectations before you leave on a trip makes for interesting contrasts once you arrive.

When I teach this idea, people sometimes suggest it’s wrong to travel with preconceptions. But, come on! We travel to places because we have a sense of what they will be like. If we didn’t have some sense of what a place was like, why would we go there in the first place? But usually, there’s at least a subtle difference when we arrive between our expectations and reality.

Do you keep in touch with people you’ve met in other countries?

It’s tricky, but I try. I have a lot of friends in a lot of places. Keeping in touch with all of them on a steady basis just isn’t practical. It could be my full-time job if I were independently wealthy. But the flip side to that is that I have people in many parts of the world who I consider close friends, even if I might only see them once every few years, and when we do get together, it feels as if little time has passed.

How many languages do you speak (or sort of speak)?

Hmmm… well, for starters, I sort of speak English. It’s my native language. I am also fluent in Norwegian, which is very similar to Swedish and Danish, so I understand those as well.

I speak functional, albeit broken, French; enough German and Italian to fool people into thinking I understand them, and a few phrases in a lot of other tongues. Basically, I’m a language nerd, and I try to pick up some of the language wherever I go. But none of this is as impressive as some people make it out to be. Once you’ve got one or two foreign languages down, something clicks in your brain that makes it easier to learn additional languages.

Wow, Dave I am impressed! Most Americans do not speak numerous languages like that. Why do you suppose that is?

I wish we would embrace the concept of teaching foreign languages in elementary schools more than we do. I don’t care whether we teach Spanish or Japanese, Icelandic or Xhosa. Once you go through the process of learning a second language, you understand the thought process involved in communicating in a foreign tongue. So when you then meet people who are struggling to communicate in English, you understand what they need from you – slower speech, clear enunciation, simpler words, etc. You become more effective at communicating in English with non-native speakers.

Americans tend to be perfectionists. That makes some people afraid to attempt other languages because we’re afraid we might say something “wrong.” But you know what? People in other countries don’t think poorly of us if we speak their language badly. They think poorly of us if we don’t try, and always expect them to communicate on our terms.

Thanks, Dave! We’re looking forwrd to Part 3!

Stay tuned for Part 3 of this interview!

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