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

[Roger Lahti <lahtirog@gte.net>]

Gail'
We are interested. Keep us informed of your progress and what you find.

YMOS
Capt. Lahti

Gail C Martini-Peterson wrote:

> 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.