A Home For Dakota

One of the 2009 Kind Children's Book Awards went to a special book by Jan Zita Grover, about a special little dog named Dakota. Her name hadn't always been Dakota. For years she was known only as Dog No. 241. Her rescue into a foster home marks a healing transformation that not only gives Dakota a new chance at life, as she slowly learns the joys of joining a true family, especially Sweetie, a girl on her own healing journey.

Children and adults interested in helping rescue these innocent creatures from puppy mills can contact Mission: Humane which gets young people actively involved in animal protection and provides resources for classroom teachers, animal sheltering professionals, and others to guide youth animal protection clubs.

(click on cover to buy on Amazon)

The program provides projects for elementary-school students and teens, resources for forming clubs and taking action, and rewards for activities. Projects are designed to get young people working on the most important issues affecting animals today.

I also got a reminder from life-long friend, Cynthia, who has spent many years rescuing and adopting Golden Retrievers in the Atlanta area, who sent out an e-mail from Adopt A Golden Atlanta with a list of dogs in desperate need of rescue. You can go to the link for pictures of these wonderful dogs. The need never goes away. Brody is pictured below. Click on his picture for more information on this worthwhile cause.

As you probably know, I'm passionate about pet adoption and rescue. Our Molly Girl adopted us straight out of the Miami Animal Shelter fourteen years ago. She's romping around in Heaven now with her "brothers" Sam and Wilbur, so this story is in her memory and honor.

If you know a special organization that rescues/adopts animals, please post a comment with the link. Adoption is the best option!


Mary

Mary Cunningham Books


I'm proud to announce the release of Book Four in the award-winning series, "Cynthia's Attic" will be released by Quake (Echelon Imprint) DEC 2009! Buy the first three books on Amazon

Amusement Park Memories - Fontaine Ferry Park

Fontaine Ferry, or Fountain Ferry as we all called it (Didn't find out differently until a couple of years ago), was a blast! We'd load – and I do mean, LOAD – two or three cars and drive the 25 miles to Louisville's old theme park at least twice every summer. The designer of Palisades Park in New York conceived the idea for Fontaine Ferry. It opened in 1905 and closed in 1969. (Oops! Guess I just gave away my age.)



The excitement from walking into the impressive front entrance was second-to-none. We'd all run to the roller coaster first (I was reminded by friend, Pat, that it was called The Comet). Or rather, Pat and everyone else would run. I'd walk since it wasn't my favorite thing to ride, but to admit I got queasy going up and down...up and down...up and around the tracks, was not an option. Besides, a snow cone would usually settle my stomach. And, if that didn't work, cotton candy would do the trick.

The place I remember most is the Hilarity Hall, the funhouse. From the crazy mirrors that made you look short and squatty, tall as a beanpole, or just plain weird, to the spinning "Sugar Bowl," and the double slides. Simple attractions, but we loved them.

Rounding out my top faves were the Skooter Cars (bumper cars), the Ferris Wheel and the Ghost Train.

By 21st century theme park standards like Disney World, Universal, and even Six Flags, Fontaine Ferry was pretty tame, but it still holds some of my fondest memories. If you have special memories of this Kentuckiana park, let me know. Or comment on your favorite amusement park

Fontaine Ferry Park

WHAS Coverage and Memories

Cynthia's Attic, Book Four, "The Magician's Castle" will be out in DEC 2009 (Quake - Echelon Press).

Mary Cunningham Books
Quake

For a limited time: Buy Ghost Light and also receive a FREE copy of THE MISSING LOCKET, book one in the Cynthia's Attic Fantasy Adventure series with your download. (both stories are in the Ghost Light file.)

Cynthia's Attic: The Magician's Castle - COVER!

We have a winner! Just got the cover for Book Four, Cynthia's Attic: The Magician's Castle (Quake/Echelon Imprint - DEC 1, 2009)

I love it! Shows the mystery of the castle and compliments the first 3 covers. Thanks, Nathalie Moore and Karen Syed!

Book Blurb:

Sebastien the Great, a magician whose fiancée, Kathryn, disappears through the magic trunk, vows revenge. If Cynthia and Gus don't find a missing page from the “Book of Spells,” Cynthia’s family could face financial and personal ruin.

Follow this time-traveling duo as they journey back to a 1914 Swiss castle where Eva, Sebastien’s grandmother, gives them clues on where to begin their search. Their journey takes them through miles of tree tunnels, an enchanted garden ruled by a cranky rock monster, and even high in the Alps. They get the surprise of their lives when they're sent 50 years into the future, have a shocking encounter with another set of best friends, and receive a fresh set of clues that could lead to Kathryn's return. But, at what price?

Mary Cunningham Books

Echelon Press