I look forward to May! Every Sunday in May, my friend Marian Allen turns me into a character—yes, even more of a character than I really am!—and my alter ego’s story unfolds on the planet Llannonn, where she—er, we—are Assistant Head Librarian in a Public Living Library.
This year, May 1 happens to also be a Sunday, and Marian reminded me that 2022 is a bonus year—five whole Sundays! I’m excited.
See Holly and the Danger Noodle #StoryADayMay! My reward, perhaps, for being calm enough to breathe, snap this photo, and post about it last week. I wrote:
Stay alert while walking in the park! (Especially national, state, or local preserves.) I almost stepped on this copperhead yesterday.
I’m quite proud of myself. While I’m not afraid of non-venomous snakes, I can’t identify them quickly in the wild and my first impulse is to shriek, “Kill it, kill it, kill it!” while running like my tail feathers are on fire.
I was pretty sure those markings spelled “danger noodle.” But I just stepped back a step, grabbed my phone, snapped a pic, told myself to BREATHE, warned walkers coming up behind me, and the snake turned back to the woods.
No authors or wildlife were harmed in the making of this photo…
Now you see the real Holly and the real “danger noodle” that inspired the wonderful story by Marian Allen – a much better one than might have been written, had I not noticed the copperhead and stepped on it, or had I panicked while taking it’s picture and faceplanted on the poor thing. I’d say it was all worth it, to have the experience immortalized on two planets!
Holly Jahangiri is the author of Trockle, illustrated by Jordan Vinyard; A Puppy, Not a Guppy, illustrated by Ryan Shaw; and the newest release: A New Leaf for Lyle, illustrated by Carrie Salazar.
She draws inspiration from her family, from her own childhood adventures (some of which only happened in her overactive imagination), and from readers both young and young-at-heart. She lives in Houston, Texas, with her husband, J.J., whose love and encouragement make writing books twice the fun.
Copyright Âİ 1998-2024 Holly Jahangiri
Nothing on this website may be used without prior written consent of the author and owner.
That was a treat. I’m glad you linked to Marian’s story.
Cheers,
Mitch
But if course! You can’t imagine my delight, when she reminded me that this May has FIVE Sundays! That’s the treat – for ME!