Proxmire and the Exodus of Prairieville
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Ours is a story not unlike others that have been told. We once had our own little corner of the world to which we proudly claimed ownership . . . until that ill-fated day when an unbeatable outside force decided to move in and take possession. Like many living creatures who have lived through the experience of being forced off their land, we were given no choice but to pick up and leave or face the consequences of death. There seems to be no hard and steadfast rule in this unjust practice of land stealing. The only sure thing is that the stronger always wins.
Ours is a story of exile. Led by a modern day Moses, it is a story of persistence, faith, love, comradeship, unending trust, mystery and emotion: a story of gratitude, fulfillment, and joy! Our plight represents the plight of all lesser creatures in the world. We are the prairie dogs!
Sad to say our species is fast disappearing from the face of the earth. Where thousands upon thousands of prairie dogs used to inhabit the western plains of the
Even though we prairie dogs are small we have an intelligence that matches that of any modern high tech system. Not only do we have our own internet system, (called jump yipping) but we also have a highly sophisticated structure of codes. These are mostly warning signals given scientific names such as “the squit-tuck,” the “warning bark,” and the “tik-ah.” Which code is used depends on the level of danger present. For example, the presence of a rabbit would only be given a minor warning whereas a hawk would require a warning of great significance! Sentries who keep watch all day long at the entrances to our mounds know when to sound these special alarms. They are constantly on the lookout to protect us. In addition, we speak a complex language all our own. Though no one has really ever figured it out, it is understood that WE know what we are saying and that is all that matters.
Our underground homes have been called a work of marvel by those who study us. Not only are they scientifically engineered to keep out normal rain water, but are arranged with different rooms with special purposes. For instance, we have a special birthing chamber, a specified bathroom, a listening room, as well as many other rooms depending upon the size and needs of the family. Each family has their own special quarters called a coterie. Many coteries together form a town. Though our story exaggerates our town somewhat to make the reading more creative, we do indeed have a very structured city system.
We
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About the Book
Proxmire and the Exodus of Prairieville is a story told through the eyes of prairie dogs. Taking on human characteristics, these remarkable creatures are forced from their home on the
Having taught at the fifth grade level for many years, I always felt an awareness of the need for literature which would stimulate the young reader into thinking about the importance of placing faith in a Higher Being, as well as raising thought to one’s responsibility to live a life of morality and serving others. Prairie dogs seemed to be the perfect animals to form my story around since they are in actuality high on the list of helpless creatures facing extinction. Therefore my purpose is twofold - - bringing to surface their present day plight as well as fulfilling my other intentions.
It is my sincere hope that young and old alike will find a blessing in the reading of this story: that it may fill hearts with hope and souls with contentment, both of which I have personally found in serving the One they call The Great Creator.
About the Author
Writing has been a life-long passion for me. Since the thrill of having a poem published in the Wee Wisdom magazine while in 5th grade I have never stopped writing. Now that I am a 71-year-old retired 5th grade school teacher I plan to concentrate on getting more of my many stashed-away books into print.
After graduation from Kansas State University with a degree in education I taught school for 17 years. When I was widowed at age 63 and remarried at age 65, I compiled concepts about late-life marriages, resulting in the publication of my first book Golden Love.
My most recent venture is a 5th grade+ level fiction book titled Proxmire and the Exodus of Prairieville which will be coming out in a few months.
Being blessed as a mother of four, grandmother of eight, and great-grandmother of one ( plus my experience with hundreds of school kids through the years), I feel I know what kids like to read. Tucked inside the pages I try to allude to the need for good morals and the importance of putting our trust in One higher being. While teaching I found there are so few books written for this age group with this emphasis (. . . at least that are allowed in the school library or to be read aloud in the classroom)! Knowing how badly our youth need this type of encouragement, I give all glory to God to be able to do my small part.
My hobbies besides writing include gardening, reading, loving grandchildren, singing, and extensive traveling with my husband. I am finding that being in the AARP stage of life is not only exciting but rewarding in so many ways. Each day is a gift!