MtMan-List: Re: My reason for being on this list

[Gail C Martini-Peterson <gcmartin@aa.net>]

List Mates,

I am an odd one to be found on a Mountain Man list. I do not aspire to
be a Mountain...Woman. I am a retired teacher who writes for children,
yet to be published, but working hard.

For 32 years I have taught the history of the Northwest along with
English, reading, and lots of other stuff. Therefore, one of my
specialties is Western history. I have a picture book about the Lewis
and Clark Expedition called TO SEE THE WHALE. 

When the Corp of Discovery was at Fort Clatsop for the winter, a whale 
beached itself on the coast at Tillamook Head. A troop of 10 went to see
this Whale and to get as much blubber as possible to supplement their
diet of mainly elk and other meat, much of which was in several stages
of rot. YUCK!

Sacagawea desired to go along as she had come too far not to see the
ocean and this amazing, large fish. She was allowed. The story tells of
her visit to the whale.

I am currently working on research for a historical fiction picture book
concerning the early Fur Trappers with the Rocky Mountain Fur Co. My
first choice is Jed Smith, but I may also write one about James Clyman.
One or both may also turn into a Middle Grade Novel. Who knows. 

As part of my research and to attempt to get the flavor of the times, I
joined this list. There may be some flavor here.

Just be aware that I am here, and that I can use all the help I can get.
I plan to use the incident when J.Smith got his head caught in the
bear's mouth. Not a good place to get stuck. He carried the scars for
the remainder of his life and wore his hair long as a result. Don't you
think 5-9 year olds will love that bit? And then there is the battle
with the "Rees" where he was stuck on the sand bar in the attack. This
may become part of the Mid-grade Novel. Lots of action to keep the kids
interested. Seems that Jedediah got stuck a lot. And he died very young
as a result of being stuck in the desert.

At one point I became interested in Jim Bridger, but he was such a liar
(teller of tall tales), who knows what is true?

If you are interested, I will keep you apprised of my progress.


Gail Martini-Peterson
gcmartin@aa.net

As a true optimist I always assume the worst will happen, then pray that
I wasn't too optimistic.