The Importance of a Horn

   Yes, this is a writing blog. Wait for it......

   Living where I do, I have found that my car's horn is extremely important. When I'm driving at night and a deer runs out in front of me, the first thing I do is hit the horn; the second thing I do is hit the brakes. For the last couple of weeks, my horn has been out of commission. I have encountered several deer on the roads around my neighborhood, but I have been without a way of getting their attention.

   That "deer-in-the-headlights" look you may have heard about is REAL. A deer will stand smack-dab in the middle of my lane and stare at my car--without moving--until it hears the horn. Then the ears come forward, the tail flicks, and it continues to stand there until it has evaluated the situation, at which point it either decides I am no threat, or it decides it should probably move.

   Mind you, the car is barreling down on the dumb animal at 40-50 mph, even with the brakes applied and the horn blaring. Hmmmmm, the deer seems to think casually. Perhaps I should take that sound as a warning. Maybe it's a ploy to get me to move away from the salt I'm licking off the pavement. (All of this is occurring within a fraction of a second.) It's getting closer. It does appear to be a bit of a danger, so I guess I'll move a little bit and see if that scares it off. It takes two steps--directly toward me!--and stomps its front feet to warn me that it has staked a claim on that spot in the road.

   I now begin to pump the brakes and repeatedly hit the horn to let it know I'm actually there and not just a figment of its imagination. It appears to get the point and moves off, though I have to make sure and watch both sides of the road because there are usually at least two of them, and the partner(s) will invariably follow the first one's lead. Again, I hit the horn and come to a stop, luckily without making contact with any other member of the herd. I wait for my adrenaline rush to pass, then I move on. Without the horn, I may not be so lucky. The deer--and my car--could be history.

   OK, here's the reason for all of that: the deer is analogous with my hook line. Without a hook line to get my reader's attention, my story could end up as venison stew, I'd rather have the horn and make my intentions known. In the same manner, a reader will have to make the move to buy it or simply stand there and become an insignificant grease spot on the pavement, so to speak.

   See what a hook line can do?

From the Nose of Our Kayak: Chapter 4 "Come On Dad, It'll Be Fun!"

Hello and welcome to the JLB Creatives Blog, where you'll find an array of creative features from a hand-picked group of creative geniuses. 

Wednesdays on the JLB Creatives Blog are set aside for our blog book, "From the Nose of Our Kayak." JLB Creatives CEO, Janet Beasley, and her husband, Don, have been kayaking for nearly 10 years. Together they are excited to share with you, their awesome experiences that they have encountered. In this Wednesday feature you'll find kayaking stories, scenic nature photography from their outings, and some helpful tips when it comes to maneuvering your "butt sleds" (aka kayaks) on your journeys.

So if this is a topic that interests you, you'll want to be sure and become a follower of the JLB Creatives Blog, and stop in on Wednesdays each week for the latest chapter in Don & Janet Beasley's adventure blog book, "From the Nose of Our Kayak." 

Previous chapters can be found in our blog archives, we began the series on June 1, 2016.

-----------------------------

From the Nose of Our Kayak

Don & Janet Beasley

Chapter 4 Come On Dad, It'll Be Fun!


It's nice to catch up on life in general with family or friends, and for us, there's no better place to do that than in a kayak. It can also be a time of peace and quiet for adult family members (moms, dads, grand-parents, great-grand parents, and grown-up kids) to have time to bond.

Sharing our kayak adventures with others is a passion for Don and myself. We love to take friends and family kayaking to expose them to the beauty of Florida's best nature spots for viewing, and/or capturing photographs of mesmerizing scenes of nature and wildlife of a lifetime! 

Kayaking with kids is also a great way to spend time together outdoors. Nature has so much offer, and it makes a super, educational homeschooling outing for your students interested in science or ecology.  

We are excited that From the Nose of Our Kayak will come to pass not only as a blog book, but also a real life interactive experience for many, in the future, but keep in mind that quality takes time. Don and I hope to some day be able to turn our experiences, expertise, and knowledge that we've developed while kayaking, toward building a privately guided, pristine kayak touring adventure for adults. The adventure will lend itself to being educational, provide outstanding photography opportunities, and/or just give people a chance to get away from it all.

IT WASN'T LONG AFTER WE had started kayaking on a regular basis that Don's mom and dad came for a visit. Of course we had to take them kayaking...I mean they had always gone canoeing in Ohio, surely they'd love to kayak, right?

Dad and Don unloading at Ray's Wayside Park

Don's dad was ready to go! Mom, not so much. She had never been in a kayak, and was not comfortable going. No big deal...that meant she and I were going shopping while the boys were out (wink wink).

The guys had decided they wanted to try another leg of the Silver River...the run that branches off into the Ocklawaha River. 

So we loaded up the kayak on mom and dad's van. Don and his dad took the van while mom and I drove a separate vehicle. We went to the finish point first, which was Gore's Landing, and parked one vehicle there. Before we left Gore's Landing Don entered a way-point into the handheld GPS. Thanks to technology, handheld GPS devices as well as navigation apps on our smart phones, we are able to track where we've been and where we're going without the worry of "drowning" our paper maps. Plus if disorientation sets in, it's quite the handy device to have on hand.

Taking care of business

We all piled into the van with the kayak on top and headed to the starting point, which was Ray's Wayside Park...where you don't have to portage 1/2 mile to launch!

Don and his dad began unpacking the van, unloading the kayak, and adjusting the kayak seating. Mom enjoyed the view, and wished she'd have packed a picnic lunch for all of us!


One thing we really appreciate about Ray's Wayside Park is that the parking is only $5 per vehicle, the launch area is inviting, has plenty of parking, AND there is a  modern restroom facility onsite. It's nice to be able to "take care of business" either before and/or after a long day on the water. 

I should have packed a picnic lunch!

Before long Don and his dad were ready to launch and head down the channel to the main river where this time they would take a left toward the Ocklawaha River, instead of a right onto Silver River which leads to the spring head. It was going to be uncharted territory for both of them, as Don and I had never done this leg before.

Mom and I watched until they disappeared out of view. I had mixed emotions by this point...I was nervous that the GPS's batteries might go dead before the guys found their way to Gore's Landing. On one hand I couldn't wait to hear their stories upon their return, yet on the other hand I was bummed that I was not in the kayak with them to get my own stories. I had so come to love the sport, I felt the kayak was literally calling to me (though shopping with my mother-in-law runs a really close second on my "fun things to do" list as she is a real bargain hunter, and together we find some of the best deals around). 

Pork BBQ fries, jalapeno`s, and sweet tea

We had made plans to hook up at a local BBQ restaurant once they returned. I was glad when my text notification let me know that the guys were back safe and sound, and would be on their way to the restaurant once the kayak was loaded.

We enjoyed our ginormous plate of BBQ fries (with jalapeno`s of course), sweet teas, and some nanner puddin' while the guys talked about how they were graced with beautiful sights. Unfortunately, they 
didn't snap any photos along the way, but for good reason; they were paying more attention to where they were and the winding bends of the river. 

Don assured me it was just as scenic as the part with which we were already familiar, but brought up the fact that the wildlife was not nearly as abundant as on the Silver River branch. In the end he was definitely OK with the fact that he had gotten to kayak that serene portion with his dad, sharing first time experiences together.

It ended up being a great day and evening for all four of us, spent both on the river and off.

--------------------

Kayaking tip of the week: If someone doesn't want to go kayaking, don't force them. No need to make their life miserable as well as your's.  

Adjusting Dad's seating
with Mom opting out

Dad looks eager to get going

Launch time!

Shoving off

Entering the canal to the river
"We'll see you for dinner!"

Say Hello to Fantasy Author Amy Lehigh - Our New JLB Creatives Publishing Editing Apprentice

Amy Lehigh
JLB Creatives Publishing
Apprentice Editor

Amy Lehigh came to us in 2012 as an attendee of a debuting young writers workshop. She was shy, inward-going, creative, and loved the literary world.

She began her journey to publication as a novice writer, and has since become a full fledged advanced author who is outgoing, even more creative, and has had several works published by JLB Creatives Publishing. 

Amy currently serves as an intern under the direction of library manager, Ann Marie Smith, at the Pickford Community Library in Pickford, Michigan.

Amy is a charter member of the Pickford Community Library's Young Writers Workshop. Over the last four years this particular workshop has been deemed the largest young writing group of its kind in the state of Michigan. It is also the creative table on which a comprehensive, first-of-its-kind writing curriculum was developed. JLB Creatives Publishing has been involved with this young writers workshop from its inception in 2012, and top team members of JLBCP continue to facilitate the adventures both in person and via Skype for this ground-breaking group. Amy, along with her peers, has played a key part in the development of JLB Creatives Publishing's Journey to Publication Writing Program Curriculum.

We have watched Amy flourish in many ways throughout the years. She graduated high school this year, and is getting ready to go on to college. She shared with us that she is interested in becoming an editor.

After taking a vote, it was unanimous that we should offer her an apprenticeship with JLB Creatives Publishing beginning as a proof editor for our children's books, leading into full editing of fiction novels.

When our senior editor approached Amy with the offer she didn't have to think twice. Her answer was a resounding YES! She is honored, as are we, to begin this new venture in helping yet another author, future editor, and literary lover succeed in the industry.

Janet Beasley
JLB Creatives CEO

"It's going to be such a special part of the company's overall enhancement process," said JLB Creatives CEO, Janet Beasley. "To know that one of our very first Young Writers Workshop enthusiasts has mastered the craft through our program over the last 4 years, and will be working alongside our JLB Creatives Publishing senior editor, Dar Bagby, editing the next Pickford Community Library Young Writers Workshop's anthology and novellas early 2017 is not only exciting, but humbling and overwhelming all in the same breath. The connection between Amy and the Young Writers Workshop is personal for many of us on the JLBCP team, and we couldn't be prouder of Amy becoming qualified to edit works that will come from 'her humble beginning days'."

Please visit Boelik on Smashwords to download Amy's FREE novella, published by JLB Creatives Publishing through the Journey to Publication Writing Program.

Boelik has strived to avoid people all of his life. He shouldn’t even exist. But when he hears trouble and lets his conscience take over, his life begins to take on meaning that he never knew it could. And, one day, what he had built up suddenly comes crashing down. 

In anticipation of one more fateful day, Boelik sits out centuries. Travelling from one place to another, he takes up a new life, and, against his better judgement, new friends. Unfortunately, as he’s learned, nothing lasts forever.

Why not join us in extending a warm welcome to Amy? We invite you to leave a comment of welcome, congratulations, or cheers on joining the professional team of JLB Creatives Publishing as of June 13, 2016.

Conference Comics

Connie Thompson, head of JLBCP's Design/Layout/Pagination Department, and Dar Bagby, JLBCP's Senior Editor, recently exhibited and spoke at two conferences in the state of Michigan. One was for small and rural libraries in the state, and one was for Michigan homeschoolers. The first was on Mackinac Island at the Grand Hotel; the second was in Lansing, Michigan's capital. Even though many hours were spent professionally representing the company, there was also some leisure time, a bit of which was put to use just clowning around!

                           

                      Selfie on the ferry

  

"Is this the party to whom I"m speaking?"

Don't you love my bling?

From the Nose of Our Kayak: Chapter 3 Monkeys...Really?

Hello and welcome to the JLB Creatives Blog, where you'll find an array of creative features from a hand-picked group of creative geniuses. 

Wednesdays on the JLB Creatives Blog are set aside for our blog book, From the Nose of Our Kayak. JLB Creatives CEO, Janet Beasley, and her husband, Don, have been kayaking for nearly 10 years. Together they are excited to share with you, their awesome experiences that they have encountered. In this Wednesday feature you'll find kayaking stories, scenic nature photography from their outings, and some helpful tips when it comes to maneuvering your "butt sleds" (aka kayaks) on your journeys.

So if this is a topic that interests you, you'll want to be sure and become a follower of the JLB Creatives Blog, and stop in on Wednesdays each week for the latest chapter in Don & Janet Beasley's adventure blog book, "From the Nose of Our Kayak." 


Previous chapters can be found in our blog archives, we began the series on June 1, 2016.

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From the Nose of Our Kayak 
Don & Janet Beasley
Chapter 3 Monkeys...Really?

Silver River's beauty never leaves you wanting, but this particular outing left us wanting...to go back time and time again! We began to realize, you never know what you're going to see on the shoreline, beneath the water, on the water, in the woods, high in the trees, or even higher in the sky.

View of Silver River in mid October 2009
from the nose of our kayak

The deer drag had worked like a charm and we had portaged to the launch area in no time. We excitedly launched the kayak at Silver River State Park for the second time. We knew we had 2-1/2 miles to paddle up river before we could coast back down on the river's gentle current to the launch area. At the time, 2-1/2 miles paddling up stream was quite the undertaking for us beginners. 

We cleared the markers and were deep within nature in seconds. Ahhhhh...peace and serenity at last.

Before we could even get to the first bend a green heron greeted us in the marshy terrain near the shoreline. His glossy green, well-outlined feathers, and chocolate coloring around the neck are what caught our eye. His large non-webbed feet gave him the balance he needed whether on a branch or walking across the mossy top of the water. Thrilled beyond belief, Don stopped the kayak, and I snapped a few shots as this was a first sighting for us to add to our birding list. 

Green heron from the nose of our kayak

The scientific name for a green heron is butorides virescens. The word butorides is from Middle English - butor "bittern," and

Ancient Greek - oides, "resembling." The word virescens is Latin for "greenish." 

They are  a smaller water fowl, but impressive nonetheless. They can quickly change from a short stubby appearance to a long-necked stately sight. 

Just past the green heron a great blue heron stood poised, ready to pierce its unsuspecting lunch. 

The proper name for the great blue heron is ardea herodias. Ardea is Latin for heron. Herodias was a princess of the Herodian Dynasty of Judaea during the time of the Roman Empire. So you

Great blue heron
from the nose of our kayak

could say this bird has a "royal" appearance. To Don and I, they are magnificent no matter how many times we see them.

As if that weren't enough eye candy within a very short period of time, we spotted an anhinga perched high above. 

Being it was October, the sky was as blue as the top of our kayak, and the leaves were somewhat starting to dwindle, so it made for an easy sighting. 

Anhinga drying its wings above our kayak

Anhingas are diving birds, and are known by many names including snakebird, darter, American darter, or water turkey. When their swimming is done, they perch on branches, stumps, or logs and spread their wings to dry. Males are black and white, females boast a brownish neck. Their distinct "ow waa waa waa" grunting sound is strangely unique.

We have to admit, the first time we saw an alligator it was a bit intimidating from the low angle of the kayak. But we soon learned that if, you keep your distance, don't antagonize or feed them, and for heaven's sake don't kayak with raw chicken in your boat, you're probably going to glide right past them unnoticed. We've had a few encounters that have startled us (no immediate danger), and have learned how to keep a watchful eye at all times for these prehistoric beasts...on any fresh water we kayak in Florida.  

Florida alligator from the nose of our kayak

As the shadows began to lengthen we found ourselves looking for monkeys. Monkeys...Really? Yes, believe it or not, there are monkeys in central Florida. 

How did we know to look for monkeys on Silver River? Silver Springs amusement park has always been known for its glass bottom boat rides, and monkeys. But how did the monkeys get there? There are rumors. One rumor is that the monkeys were released after the filming of the 1939 movie Tarzan Finds a Son. Another rumor says that in the early 20th century a river boat pilot purchased the monkeys to bring in tourism. He put them on an island not knowing they were swimmers, so the fury critters spread throughout the area. Regardless of the rumors, the monkeys are here but they're not native to the area according to wildlife experts (who are not fond of them for ecological reasons). But that doesn't seem to douse the thrill of seeing the monkeys as you're paddling up or down this pristine river. 

First monkey we ever saw
from the nose of our kayak

Feeding the monkeys is prohibited, and for good reason. They should not become "comfortable" with human interaction, but rather remain curious from a distance. They can become mean, jump in your watercraft after more food, bite you, or if you're enjoying a trip up or down the river with your pet it too can be in danger from being attacked by the monkeys. We enjoy watching them from a safe distance, and using our zoom lens to photograph the adorable, yet menacing, creatures. Don and I actually have sat and watch them for hours sometimes.

Needless to say, we left Silver River that day wanting...but only wanting more surprises on the same river, and could not wait for our next day off!

------------------------------------------

Kayak nature viewing tip: When you're kayaking through nature, remember that you are the foreigner. Respect what nature allows you to see.

FREE Alert!

Testimonials from Journey to Publication
writing enthusiasts

Welcome to the JLB Creatives Blog. We're so glad you stopped by today to check out our FREE Alert!

What's FREE you ask? Well let us tell you.

We are honored to be able to publish such amazing talent from participating Journey to Publication writing enthusiasts. We are excited to let you know that we recently released the 2016 Anthology and three novellas. 

If you're not familiar with the Journey to Publication writing program here's the scoop. JLB Creatives Publishing's top team members along with Pickford Community Library's Young Writers Workshop participants are the the creators and authors of this amazing curriculum. We publish selected aspiring authors who have completed the program. These particular Ebooks are made available around the globe for free, and can be downloaded by visiting JLB Creatives' Ebook Shoppe.

If you would like more information regarding this writing program curriculum we invite you to visit JourneyToPublication.com

Creativity "On the Spot"

   It's summer where I live, and one of my favorite things to do when the weather's nice is to take my laptop outside to the deck where I sit in my zero-gravity chair and write--but NOT anything I plan to publish. I use the environment as a prompt. I write "willy-nilly," meaning I simply start writing without concentrating on all of the things I normally care about when preparing something for publication. It helps my brain "let off steam" and relieves the pressures of daily life.

   Sometimes I close my eyes and take in all the sounds and smells. I feel the breeze and the sunshine and begin to type my reactions to all of those things. Sometimes I watch a bird and type about what it's doing. Sometimes I hear power equipment in the background and imagine what is going on, or I hear motorcycles or four-wheelers on the two-tracks that meander through the woods around my home, and I type my own fantasies about riding them where no one else exists at that precise moment.

  When I finish typing, I make it a point to read what I've written without using an editor's eye. Instead, I hide what I have invented within one of the folders on the memory cards of my brain; often, I use that invention another time. Sometimes I simply highlight it all and press "delete." No one even knows that I've been a spur-of-the-moment author, but I know that I have made an attempt at being creative, letting my thoughts guide my fingers on the keyboard. There is no better feeling than letting loose all of the pent-up words that have been filling my head. It's a great way to allow them to overflow by trickling rather than flooding.

   Give it a try.

From the Nose of Our Kayak: Chapter 2 What's a Deer Drag?

Hello and welcome to the JLB Creatives Blog, where you'll find an array of creative features from a hand-picked group of creative geniuses. 

Wednesdays on the JLB Creatives Blog are set aside for our blog book, "From the Nose of Our Kayak." JLB Creatives CEO, Janet Beasley, and her husband, Don, have been kayaking for nearly 10 years. Together they are excited to share with you, their awesome experiences that they have encountered. In this Wednesday feature you'll find kayaking stories, scenic nature photography from their outings, and some helpful tips when it comes to maneuvering your "butt sleds" (aka kayaks) on your journeys.

So if this is a topic that interests you, you'll want to be sure and become a follower of the JLB Creatives Blog, and stop in on Wednesdays each week for the latest chapter in Don & Janet Beasley's adventure blog book, "From the Nose of Our Kayak." 

Previous chapters can be found in our blog archives, we began the series on June 1, 2016.

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From the Nose of Our Kayak 
Don & Janet Beasley
Chapter 2 What's a Deer Drag?

Woohoo! We discovered Silver River in Silver Springs, Florida. We had heard all about how gorgeous it was, and that the wildlife was astounding. We couldn't wait to give it a go.

But as always, when you're blazing a new trail there are many added...shall we say, surprises?...that you weren't expecting, never thought of, or possibly ignored. Yup! We fell into this category. 

We arrived at Silver River for the first time with our "fancy" plastic kayak (that had survived a trip from Florida to Michigan's U.P. - yes, all the way up to the Lake Superior region across from Canada), a mini tornado on I-75, and busted up - slippery - basically useless roof-top pads...hmmm, maybe there is something to those fancy kayak racks on top of fellow kayakers' vehicles? 

Regardless, proudly we pulled into the Silver Springs State Park and were beyond eager to get started. Then the deflating news...you'll have to portage your kayak about a 1/2 mile to the river. 

Wait, what?

First off, the word portage meant nothing to me, though it meant everything to Don. He looked at me with those wide eyes and said, "I'll explain it once we get parked."

We found a parking space no problem. I jumped out of the car ready for action. Don then proceeded to inform me that "portage" meant we had to carry, push, pull, or drag that beast a 1/2 mile down a dirt, root-infested path. That's when my eyes widened. 

We only did that once. (Did I mention it's great being married to a MacGyver kind of guy?)

With his amazing engineering ability Don researched and finally came up with the greatest piece of apparatus...EVER! Back in the day, we didn't have a lot of extra cash to go spending on a set of true kayak wheels, we had more of a garage sale budget. So once "Macgyver" had his plan it was off to garage sales we went.

Living in Florida has its advantages. For instance, there are a ton of golfers down here. They make the perfect providers of the homemade contraption we're going to share with you.

Eureka! We found some! We finally found the right garage sale that had just what we needed...a hand-pulled, golf-bag-caddy-thingy. One of those metal things on wheels that golfers use to pull their golf bags around the courses.

With a few moderations our new hand-pulled kayak-hauler was up and running in no time. So back to Silver River we went with our homemade kayak caddy. This may sound really exciting, but it wasn't as exciting as we thought it would to be. The kayak still seemed heavy and the cart wobbly. Back to the drawing board for Don.

In a few days Don said to me, "If you are out shopping and find a deer drag, grab it! Oh, and a couple of carabiners. I need those things for the kayak-hauler." 

I thought, OK, like portage, I have no idea what a deer drag is, I assume it drags deer but what does that have to do with our kayak wheely-thingy? Oh well, at least I know what a carabiner is. 

Low and behold, there really is such a thing as a deer drag! 

Don rigged up a way to pull the kayak on the wheels using the deer drag, and we lived happily ever after...when ever we had to portage.

Our first outing with the homemade kayak-hauler being pulled by Don using the deer drag.

   

"Ahhh - this is so much better than trying to pull
and balance this contraption by hand. I love my new deer drag!"

We made it to the river with ease, and were rewarded immensely 

with the beauty of nature and all it has to offer on the Silver River. 

------------------------

Our next chapter, Chapter 3, will boast some photos of the very first encounters we had with the unique wildlife and nature while kayaking Silver River for the first time. 

We Did It!

If you've been following the blog throughout the month of May, then you are fully aware that we had quite the schedule to tackle, and you have probably been long awaiting the report. Well good news all of the way around, WE DID IT!

Here's the recap of the fun and success we achieved during the busy month of May...

Starting the first weekend in May we sent our Michigan team members, Dar Bagby and Connie Thompson, to Mackinac Island, Michigan for the Loleta Fyan Small and Rural Library Conference. Dar had the opportunity to speak alongside Pickford Community Library's manager, Ann Marie Smith. Together this dynamic duo presented how effective the library's Young Writer's Workshop has been not only in the local community of Pickford, Michigan, but also across the Upper Peninsula. Thanks to Pickford Community Library using the JLB Creatives writing curriculum, Journey to Publication, this group has received kudos from state representative, Frank Foster, and has been deemed the largest writing group of its kind in the state of Michigan. 

Dar Bagby (L), Connie Thompson (R)
Exhibit at Loleta Fyan Small & Rural Library Conference 2016

While Dar was speaking at the conference, Connie was busy at the JLB Creatives exhibit table. Flooded with questions and interest that was peaking the scale, Connie handled it with ease and there are multiple libraries now interested in making Journey to Publication an endeavor for their local (and not so local) writing enthusiasts to help increase community bonding as well as offer a worthy program that actually leads to publication through JLB Creatives Publishing for the "star" writing enthusiast of the group.

Book Release Soiree1 2016
Pickford Community Library's Young Writers Workshop
(standing L) Dar Bagby, (on screen  L) Janet, (on screen R) Jean E.,
(standing R in red) Connie, (standing R in black and white) Ann Marie

Only a few days after Mackinac Island, Dar and Connie, along with the Florida JLB Creatives CEO, Janet Beasley, and the Senior Financial Director, Jean E. Lane, celebrated with the enthusiasts and their families of the Pickford Community Library's Young Writers Workshop at their Book Release Soiree`! Dar and Connie attended in person while the Florida team was there, live, via Skype. Visit the blog on June 13th, 2016 and you'll find the links to download these outstanding works for FREE.

Dar Bagby
Journey to Publication exhibit
INCH Conference 2016

Once the Soiree` was over, it was off to Lansing, Michigan for Dar and Connie, this time to exhibit and speak at the INCH Convention. This convention is dedicated to homeschooling families. Here is where our Journey to Publication writing program curriculum gained even more exposure. Dar presented an Exhibitor's Workshop that gave attendees an in depth look at the curriculum. Success was seen all the way around. The workshop brought in many interested homeschooling parents and students, and the exhibit booth lent itself to a wonderful "hands-on" look for attendees.

Jean E. Lane
FPEA Convention 2016
Journey to Publication exhibit

The Michigan team wrapped up their busy schedule, then it was time for the Florida team to get in gear! JLB Creatives team members CEO Janet Beasley, Senior Financial Director Jean E., and JLB Creatives co-founder Don Beasley headed for the action - double the action - as they were exhibiting at two major conventions in the same weekend. 

Janet Beasley
FPEA Convention 2016

JLB Creatives Journey to Publication writing program was stunningly represented at the FPEA Convention - not just another homeschooling convention, but the largest homeschooling convention in the nation. With 25,000 in attendance JLB Creatives had to be on their "A" game. Jean E. manned the exhibit booth Thursday - Saturday, and Janet joined her on Friday and Saturday. Janet gave a total of 8, well-received presentations regarding Journey to Publication in those two days. Again, the curriculum was well represented and gained even more interest in the homeschooling community.

Sir Bwana Beasle and Lady Vixen Beasle
MegaCon 2016
BeaslePunk Artistry

And of course our CEO wouldn't think of being at a convention without "straying" and having some fun. While walking the show floor and networking with future business clients, Janet discovered the Gator Land exhibit. She couldn't help herself from stopping for a picture with the baby alligator.

Last but not least, BeaslePunk Artists, Don and Janet, exhibited at MegaCon. Their booth was nothing shy of amazing, and the compliments, comments, reactions, and sales tell the tale of success for this JLB Creatives division.

More new things are on the horizon...but it will be a bit before they are released. We encourage you to join the JLB Creatives Blog to stay up on all of the creativity this company has to offer. 

To say we conquered May 2016 with a vengeance is an understatement! We couldn't be happier with the responses, results, and just plain fun we had promoting and selling JLB Creatives popular, imaginative creations. 

From the Nose of Our Kayak: Chapter 1 A New Found Love

Welcome to our new blog book, From the Nose of Our Kayak: authors/photographers Don & Janet Beasley. 

Hi, I'm Janet Beasley CEO of JLB Creatives. My husband Don (co-founder and vice president of JLB Creatives) and I live to kayak. Don and I love kayaking the crystal clear, spring-fed rivers of Florida, as well as other areas of the country on our days off (weather permitting - it's Florida, we take lightning seriously). Exploring nature and the outdoors has become an extreme passion for us.

In addition to my epic fantasy writing, I have always longed to write about our kayaking adventures. I'm happy to say that Don and I are eager to begin sharing our years of experiences with you, so that you too may discover a world filled with surprises, beauty, history, and peace right along with us from the nose of our kayak.

Our first trip on the Tahquamenon River

From the Nose of Our Kayak
Don & Janet Beasley

Chapter 1 A New Found Love

Our first launch into the Tahquamenon River

Our first outing was quite the adventure. Neither of us had ever been in a kayak, yet we found ourselves anxious to give it a try.

While on vacation in the coastal Suwanee River area we came upon a small kayak rental establishment. We looked at each other and said, "Oh yeah - today's the day." From our first stroke of our paddles, we were in love with the sport.

We paddled out onto the Suwanee River from the inlet, and took off. It was an amazing feeling. It felt as though we were literally sitting on top of the water in fiberglass pants! We scooted along with ease (both up and down the river). We began realizing how close you became with nature, and how peaceful the world actually is in "hidden" places only reachable in one of these flat-bottomed water crafts.

Don - Waiskai - Janet

When we returned to shore, it was with much sadness knowing we had to turn in the rental kayak and not tie it to the top of the car and take it with us!

It wasn't long after that that we purchased our first kayak and began our journey. That was in 2009. It was a soft plastic Pelican model.

A couple of our first trips in our new kayak took place in Michigan's Upper Peninsula on Waishkey Bay, and the Tahquamenon River. 

We found out our Bichon enjoyed the trip as much as we did!

Don pulling the kayak back to the garage

We didn't see a lot of wildlife on our first couple of outings, but as time progressed we began to locate "hot spots" that hold a wealth of treasures for the eyes. We've also become keen to our senses - sight, hearing, smells - all of which are now an integral part of every trip. 

Listening for birds, alligators, or even wild boars is now a natural tendency as we glide atop the waters in search of the next secret bit of beauty we can share with our fans.

We began to read and educate ourselves about the sport and all it had to offer. As with any hobby the deeper you get into it, the more you discover and begin to realize there's a whole new world you never knew existed. Now we can't wait to share that world with you!