DIANA L. GUERRERO’S ARK ANIMAL TRACKS
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Volume 2, Number 4 April 1, 2004
Publisher: Guerrero Ink
E-mail: guerreroink@yahoo.com or website http://www.arkanimals.com
Copyright © 2004 Diana L. Guerrero. All rights reserved
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Welcome to you new subscribers and welcome back to all you veteran subscribers!
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Spring has sprung--or should I say summer is here? The forecast is predicting some rain this week, but so far it has been unseasonably warm. One of the reasons I love living in the mountains is that the weather is much cooler than the surrounding areas. We enjoyed 70 degree weather during the last week when temperatures in the “flatland” were soaring over 90 degrees Fahrenheit.

The bald eagles have left for the season and now we are waiting for the ski resorts to close and the lake to open up for boating, fishing, and water sports. The forest should be open for hiking and camping, but the draught remains a serious threat so who knows. Even though we received some precipitation this year, it is far short of what we need.

You may have heard that we barely escaped the prescribed burn that got out of control. Close to 400 acres burned. Although the forest service made statements that it only burned a few acres outside the perimeter, what you did not hear was that it burned the whole area in one day. They intended to burn the whole acreage over the period of a week. I could see the flames leaping up over the ski resort.

Unfortunately there is no easy answer. Poor management decisions over many, many years, the politics of multiple agencies failing to agree, and a shortage of human power make it a precarious situation. Locals are planning on having evacuation items near the door, but if a big fire hits things will not be good.

It has been great meeting many of you at the events. I appreciate your help and continual support through book sales, writing event participation, and referrals. These activities make it possible for me to continue traveling.
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IN THIS ISSUE
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1. What Animals Can Teach Us about Spirituality: Going Wild Again!
2. Animals: Delinquent Zebra
3. Animal Adventure: Enroll in the Costa Rica Safari! Ark Animal Shirts
4. Alliance of Writers: Writing Workshops Around the Corner
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1. What Animals Can Teach Us about Spirituality
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ANIMAL BOOK IS GOING WILD AGAIN
The sales of What Animals Can Teach Us about Spirituality: Inspiring Lessons of Wild and Tame Creatures picked up this month. When I talked to the sales manager at SkyLight Paths he said that over 500 have been shipped to fill March orders. To keep this in perspective, he said that some books never hit that number in a year!

Although I stayed home this month to enjoy some of the snow, I also began touring again this last week. I’ll be on the road a whole lot and although I won’t be doing so many bookstores, I have some interesting events coming up and I hope to land some sponsors soon since I am traveling hundreds of miles every week and am in front of lots of people and in the media.

Speaking of media, the article mentioning What Animals Can Teach Us about Spirituality came out in the Wall Street Journal on March 10th. In addition, the San Bernardino Sun interviewed me for a feature, and the local papers splashed a nice article about some of my upcoming appearances last week. This month Edgar Cayce’s Association for Research & Enlightenment is featuring the book and so is the 1st Editions Book Club.

Remember: Personalized copies are the perfect gift for any animal lover or spiritually oriented person and can always be ordered directly from the arkanimals.com website if your local bookstore doesn’t have them in stock.
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APPEARANCE & BOOK TOUR UPDATES
I am receiving calls and emails from around the United States now and am still booking events. Confirmed appearance cities for this month include:

April 1, 2004 (Thursday, 7pm-9:30pm)
Rotary Club in Big Bear Lake, California

April 3, 2004 (Saturday, Judging 8:30-9:30am)
Easter Parade in Redlands, California

April 7, 2004 (Thursday 7:00pm-9:00pm)
The Living Desert Zoo & Gardens in Palm Desert, California

April 8, 2004 (Thursday 6:30pm-9:30pm)
The Learning Annex in San Diego, California

April 10, 2004 (Saturday, 2pm)
Barnes & Noble in Ventura, California

April 11-16, 2004 Santa Barbara, Oxnard, Camarillo, Thousand Oaks, Simi Valley, California

April 17, 2004 (Saturday, 3pm-7pm)
Tierra Rejada Farms in Moorpark, California

April 24-25, 2004 (Sat & Sun, Booth 917 TBA)
The 9th Annual LA Times Festival of Books at UCLA

April 30, 2004 (Friday, 7-9pm) Mystic Sisters Bookstore in Monrovia, California

Don’t forget that I conduct events for business groups, service groups, and as a fundraiser for animal related groups. A fee schedule is available upon request. If you get a chance join me for one of my behavior or animal career courses!
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POST YOUR REVIEW
Your reviews and votes continue to help the book climb in the queue at both amazon.com and barnesandnoble.com. If you have not yet done so, please post your reviews at any of the following sites:

http://www.amazon.com/exec/obidos/tg/detail/-/1893361845/

http://search.barnesandnoble.com/booksearch/isbninquiry.asp?ISBN=1893361845

http://www.authorsden.com/visit/viewwork.asp?AuthorID=771

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2. Animals: Delinquent Zebra
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His eyes were a deep brown, his body taut, his energy high, and when our eyes met
it was love at first sight. Unfortunately, his high levels of testosterone make him dangerous to all those he encounters--which is why I was introduced to him.

This magnificent creature is a teenage Grevy’s zebra. The stallion is responsible for severe damage to his holding area--and for the injury of two humans. He is currently isolated from other animals at his location due to a larger plan which prevents propagation until a later date.

The captive populations of Grevy’s zebras are involved in a species survival plan. The cooperative effort between zoos helps to keep genetic viability within the captive population in the hopes that it will contribute to the larger goal of global conservation of the species. Habitat loss, disease, and other challenges are impacting animals and their environments worldwide.

My love affair with animals usually involves my meeting the biggest delinquents around. People call me the animal lady, the animal shrink, the animal therapist, but my official title is animal behavior consultant. Although I train animals to behave in pet homes, I am known internationally for my column on captive animal issues from within animal facilities of all types.

This wild life is full of adventure as I meet animal and humans from all over the world to help get them onto the right track. Better animal behavior takes a lot of work and this zebra is no different. As a youngster he was spoiled by staff--who failed to recognize that he was a wild animal and not a pony.

As an adult, this behavior escalated. The result is this animal learned to scream, kick, and batter his body against the fencing in response to the appearance of humans. When he displayed his behavior upon my arrival, I interpreted frustrated attempts of a neck wrestling behavior (common in zebras) and accidental reinforcement for inappropriate behavior (aggression) instead of cooperative or calm behavior. My suspicions were soon confirmed when I witnessed staff interactions.

After two hours of interactions with me, the zebra showed improvement. The zebra stood quietly and gazed into my eyes. He learned to be quiet to receive attention. I have since given the zoo my assessment and am waiting to hear if they will move forward with training or not. I’d love to train their staff and this smart, energetic animal--he needs schooling just like most delinquents I've met.
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3. Animals: Safari time! Ark Animal Shirts
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SAFARI TIME!
Join me on August 2, 2004 for an animal adventure trip with an author to the Costa Rica Rainforest. Plans for the new Africa trip are still under discussion for 2005. Here is an advance preview of the August 2004 trip:

Tropical foliage, striking birds, exotic animals and thermal hot springs--these are just a few of the delights you will find on a journey to the tropical rainforest with author, Diana L. Guerrero. The flora and fauna are absolutely stunning. Visitors are surrounded by lush vegetation and see hundreds of species of orchids, bromeliads, ferns, helicons and many other plants. The biological diversity includes animals, too. Monkeys, sloths, kinkajous, opossums, and a wide variety of birds inhabit these forested areas. If you ever wanted to explore the rainforest this is trip you will want to start with.

Poas Volcano National Park is one of the first stops. The deep blue waters contrast with the vivid greens of the tropical forest that overlook it. Volcano Poas last erupted in 1978 and is one of the most visited volcanoes in Costa Rica. It is close to San Jose and lush forest surrounds it. But this part is not the only one to visit. The Monteverde Cloud Forest Preserve, Puerto Viejo de Sarapiqui, Braulio Carrillo National Park, and Tortugero National Park are a few other settings that this journey contains to help quench any cravings for the exotic.

If all this sounds to good to be true, it isn’t. Soon, animal book author and animal expert Diana L. Guerrero will be embarking on a tropical treasure hunt for rainforest inhabitants with a select group of travelers. The trip starts from several US airports. Upon arrival into San Jose, the group will nestle into the Hotel Parque del Lago before embarking on the tropical treasure hunt.

The next day calls for an early start after breakfast, when Guerrero & Company will join the guides and journey to Poas Volcano National Park. They will glimpse the steam escaping from vents adjacent to a lake deep within the central crater of Poas Volcano. The surrounding areas differ drastically. There is a moonscape crater area, and in contrast, intensely green and heavy foliage. The inactive crater pool, glistens like royal blue and green gems and can be reached by a trail walk that winds through a lush, dwarf cloud forest. In the afternoon drivers will take the adventurers through the rugged Tilara Mountains to the luxury of Monteverde Lodge.

If that is not enough, the following day’s adventure takes place in the Monteverde Cloud Forest Preserve bursting with a rich diversity of plants and animals. It is one of the best-known wildlife preserves in the world. A naturalist will guide the group of travelers through this beautiful sanctuary on a well-maintained trail and scout for the Resplendent Quetzal, only found in the high forests of Central America. This expedition will be followed by a visit the Monteverde Butterfly Farm to see and learn about the life cycles of these insects and to witness how conservation efforts like these help support the rainforest and the indigenous people.

Day four will find the journeyers moving out of the Tilaran Mountains towards Puerto Viejo de Sarapiqui. Costa Ricans spend a couple of hours at lunch and the stop for midday morsels include a unique opportunity to indulge in samples of the local cuisine. Eventually the group will arrive at the comfortable cabins sitting in the midst of the rainforest canopy. Another endearing quality at the Selva Verde Lodge is that the walkways lead us from the cabins in the canopy to a breathtaking riverside dining room.

If these adventures have not satisfied the toughest traveler, the boat trip on the fifth day will! There is nothing to compare with an introduction to the wildlife of the Atlantic lowland rainforest by boat, followed by a drive through Braulio Carrillo National Park for a bird's eye view of the tropical rainforest on the Rainforest Aerial Tram. Gliding through the forest canopy (in gondolas) will give the group a range of views from ground level to as high as 120 feet over the forest floor. Later in the afternoon there is time to walk the trails and explore the many plant and animal adaptations for living on the sheltered and dark forest floor.

As the tour continues on the subsequent day the group will travel to the coast for a ride along the inner coastal waterway to Tortugero National Park. This park protects a unique series of natural inland waterways and supports various species of wildlife. Keen spectators might view turtles, crocodiles, sloths, howler monkeys, spider monkeys, or capuchins. There will be brilliant birds and colorful insects that can be spied gliding overhead, too. Night quarters are the exotic and fabulous jungle accommodations of the Tortuga Lodge. Situated on 125 acres of land, it sports 15 acres of beautiful gardens surrounded by rainforest. Dinner at the riverside dining room will be followed by a night walk in search of a few of the fabulous nocturnal critters of the forest.

The final two days of this fantastic adventure (unless visitors opt for the great excursions) will be spent exploring the coastal areas and waterways. Tortugero is famous for being the largest nesting area in the Caribbean for the endangered green sea turtle. The wildlife viewing will continue with glimpses of other birds and mammals. Perhaps the group will spy all six species of New World kingfishers manatees, or the gar that reside in the area. The boats will take the group across the river to the airstrip for a chartered flight back to San Jose. After checking in to the Hotel Parque del Lago there is always time to shop or explore the capital city. Visitors will have time for an enchanting evening free for exploration or exhilarating dining.

Unfortunately, all enchanting explorations must end. Some of the group will return home, but others might stay for some additional adventures with Diana L. Guerrero. The choice is open to a select few!

Prices for this trip are more reasonable than you think and include air, meals, and accommodations. (These fares do not include optional insurance and extension fees so add $220 if you wish to extend your trip.)

Departures from different airports in the United States are available just specify “special travel request” when enrolling.
Adult Fares:
Los Angeles, California (LAX): RT $1986
Ontario, California (ONT): RT $2131
San Diego, California (SAN): RT $1986

You can paste this address in your browser and enroll online: https://www.eftours.com/master/pax/welcome.asp?SalesTourID=180396&Season=04

If you have trouble just enter tour#180396 at the eftours.com site.
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ARK ANIMAL SHIRTS NOW FOR SALE ONLINE: TAKE AN ARMCHAIR SAFARI…
The t-shirts and sweatshirts are now available from the website. Prices include tax, shipping and handling and support the website. They are the perfect gift for any animal lover and any book enthusiast! Both shirts include the Ark Animals Armchair Safari artwork. The short-sleeved t-shirt is a natural color ($25) and the long-sleeved sweatshirt is a khaki color ($35). Y

ou can view the lovely design and order directly from http://www.arkanimals.com/dlg/newanimalshirt.htm.
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4. Alliance of Writers: Writing Workshops Around the Corner
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Enrollment forms are now available at the Big Bear Valley Library for the following writing workshops.
You can also enroll online. I’ll be emailing you the online enrollment forms for these courses and the new safari! You can enroll online now by visiting www.allianceofwriters.com. Aspiring or veteran writers be sure to mark your calendars for:

Brown Bag Symposium
Writing Magazine Articles That Sell.
Date: May 15, 2004
Enrollment deadline: May 1, 2004
Time: 10am-3pm (Includes 1/2 hour lunch break.)
Location: Big Bear Lake, California
Instructor: Rita Robinson
Enrollment is limited to 15 participants.
Fee: $49 (Non-Members) prior to May 1, 2004 (add $10 to fees on or after May 1.)
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DETAILS: BROWN BAG SYMPOSIUM (Bring your lunch.)
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Join other writers on May 15, 2004 from 10am until 3pm for Magazine Articles That Sell, Not Just Get Talked About. This hands-on writing workshop will give you the basics of selling an article from start to finish. Topics to be covered:
1. forming the idea and what to do with it,
2. the difference between a subject and a topic,
3. the magazines
4. what is slant?
5. formulating an anecdote
6. write a lead (1 paragraph of no more than 25 words-soft and hard leads)
7. write a theme (1 paragraph of no more than 25 words)
8. write a body paragraph (1 paragraph of no more than 25 words)
9. write an ending
10. write a query letter
11. rejections
12. rights

About the instructor: Rita Robinson is a former health and psychology reporter, now full-time writer with more than 1,000 articles in magazines on four continents, and author of 11 books. She is a writing instructor for Writers Digest and teaches writing at the college level.

Brown Bag Symposium
Writing FictionTaking the Plunge.
Date: July 17, 2004
Enrollment deadline: July 1, 2004
Time: 10am-3pm (Includes 1 hour lunch break.)
Location: Big Bear Lake, California
Instructor: Mike Foley
Enrollment is limited to 30 participants.
Fee: $49 (Non-Members) prior to July 1, 2004 (add $10 on or after July 1.)
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DETAILS: BROWN BAG SYMPOSIUM (Bring your lunch.)
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Join instructor (writer and editor) Mike Foley for a workshop designed to take your fiction to a new level.
The second of our brown bag symposiums, this writing workshop covers all the basics of fiction writing. Novice or veteran writers will take home a wealth of information. If you have not experienced Mr. Foley's guidance before-- you certainly will not want to miss this!
Topics to be covered include:
· viewpoint
· dialogue
· action
· description
· characters
· and more!

You'll receive valuable handouts and writing exercises, learn tips on submitting material, handling rejection and more. This event begins at 10am. You'll have a break for lunch and then get back to work. Instruction ends at 3pm, but you'll want to continue networking after!

About the instructor: Mike Foley works as a journalist, freelance writer and editor. With a wide variety of experience and over 700 published works, he has a wealth of knowledge to share. He runs Writer's Review (a critique service), teaches writing for the UC-Riverside Extension, and conducts writing retreats.

Other new writing events to be introduced in 2004 include: e-membership participation, writing workshops, brown bag symposiums with selected authors, and larger venues. Stay tuned!
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Please feel free to share this newsletter with anyone who is on the lookout for new books, speakers, and courses related to animals or writing.

Don’t forget to tell your friends about this newsletter and recommend that they sign up. To subscribe to this newsletter enroll at www.arkanimals.com or www.allianceofwriters.com.

PRIVACY STATEMENT: Subscriber information will not be distributed to anyone.

Note the Unsubscribe option for this newsletter on all my websites. If you signed up electronically, this information was included in your verification email. If you signed up at an event, just pop me a personal email if you need to be removed.

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Thanks for joining me. If you have a topic you would like to see covered in this newsletter, please email your suggestion to: guerreroink@yahoo.com. If you would like to advertise or sponsor an event, contact me below.
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ARK ANIMAL TRACKS
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Copyright © 2004 by Diana L. Guerrero
PO Box 1989-215
40729 Village Drive Suite 8
Big Bear Lake, CA 92315
Web Email: guerreroink@yahoo.com
www.arkanimals.com
www.allianceofwriters.com
www.dianalguerrero.com
(760) 875-6874 Office Line
(800) 818-7387 Events & Media
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