MBC and Bluebonnet at Depot Centennial Celebration, October 20, 2012

MBC and I have been thinking about Marshall, Texas a lot lately.  And we’re still working on telling the “story behind the story” for each of the Bluebonnet books. Last year, we celebrated my 35th birthday, dated from the time the first Bluebonnet Armadillo manuscript was completed.  This year, we are celebrating 35 years since the first Bluebonnet Armadillo book was published.

But back to Marshall, Texas.  MBC and I were actually drafted to write a book about the Marshall Train Depot.  I received a letter dated October 25, 1995 from the Board of Directors, Marshall Depot, Inc. which stated: “We think that it would be very special for you to visit Marshall’s historical Texas and Pacific Depot.”  That

Letter from Marshall Depot Board of Directors

letter prompted several more letters and phone calls and a trip to visit the Depot and Marshall elementary schools. Marshall Mayor Audrey Kariel and Bluebonnet fan Marjorie Perkins provided MBC with Depot history. And we were inspired by stories of Marshall’s school children who saved pennies for the depot renovation.

Benjamin Vincent and MBC toured the Depot and talked about the use of shadow figures to bring history to life.  Finally, the book was ready, just in time for the dedication of the renovated Texas & Pacific Depot and Museum on November 13, 1999. MBC, her husband, Vic, and parents, Ben and Nancy Oliphint, attended the festivities, because Marshall has special significance for their family.  MBC’s mother was part of the Texas & Pacific Railroad family: her father and grandfather worked for T&P, and her mother, Mary Kelly, grew up in Marshall, graduated from Marshall High School and married John Pegues Kelley at the Methodist Church. MBC and I have especially been thinking about Marshall recently since MBC’s uncle, John Pegues Kelley, Jr., was born in Marshall on Valentine’s Day, 1918……one hundred years ago! He went on to have an extraordinary career as a pianist in New York City. (He died in 2004.)

Invitations and Program for Depot Dedication 1999

Mary Kelley and son John Pegues Kelley, Jr. 1918, Marshall, Texas

MBC considered our book about the Marshall Train Depot a tribute to her roots.  She dedicated the book: “To my Texas and Pacific family with Marshall roots: my parents, Ben and Nancy Kelley Oliphint; my uncle, John Pegues Kelley, Jr. (a native of Marshall); my grandparents, John and Mary Kelly Kelley; my great-grandparents Ely Thomas and Avie Kelly; and my great-grandparents Walter and Exa Kelley.”

MBC and I still like to visit Marshall whenever possible; we were at the depot for the Centennial Celebration on October 20, 2012.  We were even in the “Wonderland of Lights” parade one year. MBC often stops by the cemetery where several relatives are buried, including her great-great grandfather who immigrated from Ireland. And she always likes to stop at Neely’s for a Brown Pig.

Perhaps the best compliment about the depot book was received at Neely’s.  MBC, her parents, and cousin, were having lunch at Neely’s when Bill Moyers, who grew up in Marshall, came in. (Neely’s BBQ is reportedly his favorite place to eat in Marshall.)  When MBC met Mr. Moyers, she noted that she was the author of “Bluebonnet at the Marshall Train Depot.” Mr. Moyers replied, “I love that book!  I read it to my grandson all the time!”

MBC is still glowing about that compliment!

So……what family connections do you have to special places that you could write about? MBC and I hope you’ll pursue those stories, and find writing about them just as rewarding as we did.

Keep reading and writing!

Bluebonnet Armadillo

Bluebonnet at the State Fair of Texas

Today is opening day of the State Fair of Texas!  MBC and I are recalling my adventures at the State Fair, chronicled in the third book of the Bluebonnet Armadillo Adventure series, published in 1985 by Eakin Press, with Pat Binder providing the illustrations.

MBC had attended several state fairs by the time she wrote this book, but her research was greatly aided by State Fair staff Wayne H. Gallagher, Nancy Wiley and Elizabeth Peabody. She was most grateful to good friend Karen Matney Brown for helping her make those connections.

MBC’s parents had a neighbor at that time, a young girl named Sara Grein. Sara suggested the name “Armadilly” which MBC gratefully used in the book.  Aunt Armadilly lives at the State Fair of Texas and of course, she’s the one I was going to visit.  Fortunately, Aunt Armadilly used her creative imagination to give me a tour of the fair!

In her research about armadillos, MBC discovered that armadillos and rabbits sometimes share a burrow.  That’s why she created my new friend, Joe Bob Bunny.  Since the livestock show also includes a rabbit competition, Joe Bob comes from East Texas to compete. (MBC actually has an East Texas cousin named “Joe Bob.”)

And once again, MBC’s mother-in-law, Dede Casad, suggested that Big Tex help point Bluebonnet and Joe Bob in the right direction when they get lost making their rounds at the fair. The original Big Tex is also depicted on the cover of the book.

As for the famous football scene in the Cotton Bowl, when I’m mistaken for the football during the Texas-OU game, MBC’s brothers were glad to serve as “consultants” on how I helped the Texas Longhorns score a touchdown.  (MBC comes from a family of football fans; her three brothers all played football in high school.  Two of them played for a national championship team in college.)

So, as is usually the case, writing a book is a team effort!  MBC is grateful to all who contributed to this tale of the State Fair, which continues to provide information and amusement to fairgoers. Originally published in hardback, the book is now available in paperback through Pelican Publishing Company.

Today is opening day of the State Fair of Texas!  Let’s all go to the fair, and as Big Tex says:  “Have a good time at the State Fair of Texas!”

Bluebonnet Armadillo

Bluebonnet of the Hill Country

It was the summer of 1982.  MBC had been given the gift of an idea from her mother-in-law, Dede Casad.  “Why don’t you create an armadillo character just for kids? You could write a series of books about this armadillo traveling to different Texas landmarks, teaching Texas history.”

MBC thought that was a pretty good idea.  A few weeks later, as she and her husband Vic and their one-year-old son McCrae were walking on the shores of Lake Bridgeport, an armadillo came up to MBC, stood on its hind legs and sniffed, then wandered off. MBC took that to be a sign!  She should write about armadillos!

She returned home (at that time she lived in Grand Prairie), went to the public library and began researching armadillos. She also thought about her first encounters with armadillos as a child in the Texas Hill Country, where she attended Camp Waldemar for seven summers. Plus, as she liked to say, she just used her imagination.

So, an armadillo character began to emerge, with her blue sunbonnet as a trademark, named Bluebonnet (suggested by Dede and Vic).  MBC enlisted the help of elementary teachers Ben and Juddi Gilmore, and Joan Dobson of the Grand Prairie Public Library.  She finished the manuscript on her birthday, September 15.  So it became my birthday, too!

“Bluebonnet of the Hill Country” was published by Eakin Press in June of 1983, a month after MBC’s son Carter was born. Pat Binder of Plano created the illustrations.

This story introduces my Mommadillo and Daddidillo and my three sisters Normadillo, Irmadillo and Arvilladillo (if you want to know why I have three sisters, you’ll need to read the book!). It teaches lots of facts about my Hill Country home and armadillos. The story reveals how I got my trademark sunbonnet, and of my desire to go to summer camp.

When Eakin Press was sold several years ago, this book went out of print.  Last year, MBC tweaked the story and gave it a new title, “Bluebonnet of the Texas Hill Country.” Eakin Press published the book in April, 2016, with Benjamin Vincent’s illustrations.

Bluebonnet of the Texas Hill Country

So today, MBC and I are both celebrating birthdays…..35 years is pretty significant for me!  As MBC frequently says, the best thing about being a story book character is immortality!   I’m forever young!

MBC and I are grateful for these years together, our wonderful adventures and the amazing friends we’ve made. Thanks for a wonderful idea, Dede!

To all of our Bluebonnet Armadillo Adventure series readers……..have a dilly of a day!  Bluebonnet Armadillo

Perhaps you think an armadillo named Bluebonnet is a bit odd, but how about a pig named Bunny?  That’s the name Ruby Clyde gave her pet pig.  Of course, Ruby Clyde is an interesting name, too. But somehow, it fits the spunky character of Corabel Shofner’s debut novel Almost Paradise, published by Farrar Straus Giroux, New York.

MBC learned about this book several months ago when she was reunited with Corabel, a childhood friend, via social media.  She’s been eagerly anticipating the publication of this book, written for middle readers, grades 5-7.  But after reading it, she recommends it for ALL readers.

Now the book totally captivated MBC. After all, it’s set in the Texas Hill Country (where I was born!) where MBC spent her childhood summers at camp; in fact, that’s where she and Corabel met.  The story is sure to tug at your heart as you learn Ruby Clyde’s life story.  Not an easy life, but it’s helped her become strong and courageous.

Through the strange actions of her mother’s boyfriend, Catfish, Ruby Clyde ends up on Paradise Ranch, a peach orchard in the Texas Hill Country.  She lives for a time with her aunt, a nun, Sister Eleanor Rose.  (Sister Eleanor wears blue cowboy boots, just like MBC!)

We won’t give too much away, but as MBC says, she did not see the ending coming.  Quite a dramatic conclusion…..one full of love, self-sacrifice and redemption. MBC gave this book five-stars on the Amazon review and concluded by saying:  “I closed this book with a smile on my face and a tear in my eye.”  It’s the kind of book you’re sorry to see end, because you’ll miss the characters so much.

So, whether you’re a middle reader or not, MBC believes you’ll enjoy Almost Paradise. As for me, I’m always glad to make a new storybook friend, including a pig named Bunny.

Keep reading and writing!  Bluebonnet Armadillo

That’s right, MBC and I are on a quest to visit more than 16,000 Texas historical markers!

With markers scattered all across our state, commemorating persons, places and events important to Texas history, MBC and I have decided to stop and capture these markers on camera. After all, my very purpose for being is to teach Texas history!

The markers placed by the Texas Historical Commission are a fun way to learn about each area of the Lone Star State as we travel the Texas trails.  http://www.thc.texas.gov/preserve/projects-and-programs/state-historical-markers

So first up are two historical markers, one in English and one in Mandarin Chinese, commemorating the birthplace of Major General Claire L. Chennault of “Flying Tigers” fame.

You can visit these markers at 1501 Monroe St. in Commerce, Texas.  This is the first Mandarin Chinese language historical marker in the state of Texas.

(You can also learn more about Major General Chennault at the Chennault Aviation and Military Museum in Monroe, Louisiana.      www.chennaultmuseum.org

Major General Chennault grew up in Monroe, which happens to be MBC’s hometown!)

So how about it?  Want to join our quest?  Let’s see how many Texas historical markers and other Texas landmarks we can visit….ready, set, GO! (Two down…..lots more to go!)

Your traveling Texas armadillo friend, Bluebonnet

Bluebonnet at Johnson Space Center

In looking back over 35 years of the Bluebonnet Armadillo Adventure series, MBC remembers that the book about my adventure at Johnson Space Center was certainly one of the most thrilling to research.

The good folks at the Lyndon B. Johnson Space Center in Houston, the National Aeronautics and Space Administration’s (NASA) Manned Spacecraft Center www.nasa.gov  were most helpful to MBC, inviting her to tour “behind the scenes.” She climbed up into the space shuttle where astronauts trained, and also saw the giant swimming pool for underwater training (that gave her the idea of using armadillo swimming techniques in the story!) Staff members helped her throughout the writing process with the manuscript to insure that the technical parts of the story were accurate. One even suggested the idea that my armadillo shell be used to study ways of improving astronaut suits in the story!

Space Center Houston, www.spacecenter.org the visitors’ center for the Johnson Space Center, was just being built when MBC did her research, so the book was timely in helping introduce this fabulous facility.  Less than a year after the center opened, MBC and I did a book signing in the gift shop.

The first printing of hardbacks was April, 1993.  The paperback version became available in September, 2002, and is still available at http://www.pelicanpub.com

Some of the highlights of the story:  this was the first book that re-introduced one of my sisters, Normadillo.  In true sisterly form, she teased me about being a “silly dilly” for wanting to become the world’s first “astrodillo.” Normadillo kept tabs on me during my space shuttle flight from Mission Control in Houston. MBC’s Aunt Norma has always claimed my sister Normadillo was her namesake, so MBC fondly calls her “Aunt Normadillo.”

The story certainly captures the era of the Space Shuttle flights. MBC and I salute the many astronauts who bravely flew these space missions, and honor the memory of the Space Shuttle Challenger and Columbia astronauts. The story also honors the work of many people who have worked at Johnson Space Center over the years.

MBC has a heart for Houston.  Her parents lived there for 25 years, and she has many beloved friends and family who are still residents there. For the past week, our hearts and prayers have been with everyone in Houston and other areas as they recover from the devastation of Hurricane Harvey. MBC invites you to join her with a donation to the United Methodist Committee on Relief.  100% of your funds go directly to relief efforts.http://www.umcor.org

To all you future “astrodillos” out there, keep reaching for the stars!

Bluebonnet Armadillo

Bluebonnet at Dinosaur Valley State Park

One of my most popular tales of my Texas travels is about my adventure at Dinosaur Valley State Park.  Now this book came about following a trip MBC made with her family more than 30 years ago.  They journeyed to Glen Rose, Texas for a day trip with their good friends, the Gilmores.

MBC remembers it as a very fun time of swimming and picnicking, and she remembers the excitement her sons and the Gilmore girls had over seeing the dinosaur tracks along the Paluxy River.

MBC had recently seen a museum exhibit featuring a fossil of a glyptodon.  A glyptodon was a pre-historic mammal, cousin of the armadillo, that looked a lot like an armadillo, but boasted a large ball of spikes on the end of its tail. MBC named my new glyptodont friend Glyndon P. Glyptodon, but her son McCrae quickly nick-named him Spike.

As MBC began to create the storyline on that hot summer day at Dinosaur Valley State Park, she remembers that friend Ben Gilmore offered the idea of the glyptodon’s discovery by the footprints he left behind, picking up on the dinosaur tracks found at the park.  That idea helped MBC quickly write the story.

“Bluebonnet at Dinosaur Valley State Park” was the first book of the Bluebonnet Armadillo Adventure series to be illustrated by Benjamin Vincent and published by Pelican Publishing Company. The first printing was 1990; a second printing followed in 1995.

Children continue to be fascinated with dinosaurs, just as MBC’s sons were. MBC has had many parents tell her that they visited Dinosaur Valley State Park because their children read her book and wanted to go.  So if you haven’t visited this beautiful state park in Glen Rose, this summer would be a great time to go.  Learn more about it at:http://tpwd.texas.gov/state-parks/dinosaur-valley

As always, keep reading and writing!

Bluebonnet Armadillo

Bluebonnet at the Texas State Capitol

In a recent blog, I noted that this year marks the 35th year of my birth.  As part of the celebration, I’m telling the “story behind the story” for each of the Bluebonnet Armadillo Adventure series books.

“Bluebonnet at the Texas State Capitol” was published in 1997……20 years ago!  MBC recently learned that the hardback copies have sold out.  Pelican Publishing Company printed the first paperback edition this past April. The book sells for $7.95, making it the least expensive book of the entire series.  Copies can be ordered on this website or at:http://www.pelicanpub.com/proddetail.php?prod=9781455623631#.WWzIo4WcHIU

Back in the mid-90s, when MBC decided to write about the Texas State Capitol, she had friends in Austin that helped connect her with Capitol officials, who graciously gave us a tour of the Capitol and supplied us with historical information.  But the story was greatly influenced by a school visit to then Oak Creek Elementary School in Houston (the name was changed in 2005 to Reynolds Elementary School, honoring long-time principal Pat Reynolds).

We were invited to visit this school because we have something in common:  their mascot is the armadillo! The students worked hard to have the armadillo proclaimed the recognized mascot of Texas in 1981.  Because of their efforts, other schoolchildren across Texas lobbied the state legislature for years to adopt the armadillo as the small state mammal and the longhorn as the large state mammal.  This was the primary influence for MBC’s story….and that’s why you see Bevo, the longhorn mascot of the University of Texas, make an appearance in this book.

MBC and I had lots of fun working in the “official” items of Texas, and they are scattered throughout the story.  MBC’s son, McCrae, named the character Mac the Mockingbird (the official bird of Texas).  When MBC’s husband, Vic, expressed concern about an armadillo and longhorn dancing together at a square dance (the official dance of Texas), MBC just shrugged and said, “That’s the illustrator’s problem!”  Benjamin Vincent was up to the challenge as always; Bevo and I look pretty good “dancing on the capitol grounds!”

But perhaps my favorite part of the book is the last line.  After coming through a tale of debate over differing opinions in the political process, all the characters remember the official motto of Texas:  “Friendship.”  Thus, the story ends with these words:  “Just remember in Texas, we’re all friends!”

Would that we could live up to those words today!

Your friend, Bluebonnet Armadillo

On the first day of summer, MBC and I paid a visit to author Sharon Feldt and her friend, Sarah O’Shea.  We were eager to get an autographed copy of Sharon’s latest book, “Sarah O’Shea and the Wacky Faucet.”

Tagging along with us on this visit were MBC’s three grandchildren, Revol, Patrick and Ana, who are visiting from Colorado.  These three are big fans of the first book about Sarah, “The Scary Hair of Sarah O’Shea.”

The Scary Hair of Sarah O’Shea

So, they were especially excited to read the second book in the series about Sarah’s trip to the beach.

Sarah, known for her wild, unruly red hair (MBC can relate!) takes off on a family trip to the beach, along with her faithful dog, Claude.  She enjoys her time on the beach, but when some of the sea creatures make a surprise visit, she learns that the beach is not only her playground, but a home. This inspires her to take action in protecting the beach environment.

Now, MBC and I read this story to her three grandchildren, and we all decided to write this book review together.  So here’s what they had to say about “Sarah O’Shea and the Wacky Faucet”:

Ana (5):  “I love Sarah because of her wild red hair.”

Patrick (9): “This book teaches about taking care of sea life.”

Revol (10): “It will help you remember that you’re not the only thing that matters in the world.  Animals matter too.”

I’d say that’s a five-star recommendation!  As summer begins and our thoughts turn to summer reading, this book should be at the top of your list. You can order it at Barnes & Noble or Amazon or at www.sharonfeldt.com

Happy Summer Reading!

Bluebonnet Armadillo

Last week, MBC and I experienced a “first:” we attended our first convention of the Daughters of the Republic of Texas.  It was the 126th time the “daughters” had gathered, however.  The DRT was founded in 1891.

The Daughters of the Republic of Texas are women who trace their ancestry to those who lived in Texas from 1836-1846 when Texas was its own nation.  MBC, whose maiden name is Oliphint, traces her lineage through her great-great grandfather, Wilford Oliphint, who lived in Sabine County with his family.  The Gaines-Oliphint cabin still stands there today, purchased by Martha Oliphint, MBC’s great-great grandmother, from the Gaines family.

You can read about the Gaines-Oliphint cabin here:

https://tshaonline.org/handbook/online/articles/ccguc

Now MBC may be a native of Louisiana (of which she is very proud), but she is definitely a genetic Texan!

Twelve years ago, MBC’s friend, Mrs. Elizabeth Walsh, encouraged her to join the DRT and invited her to become a member of her DRT chapter, James Butler Bonham. MBC has attended chapter meetings throughout the years, but attending this year’s state convention was a first.  Imagine her delight when Mrs. Walsh, now 103 years old, opened the convention by playing “Texas Our Texas” on the piano.

Fortunately for me, MBC took me along so we could sign books…..you know, those books about Texas history she writes…..with me as the main character!  We both had a great time meeting so many people who are as interested in Texas history as we are.

Mary Brooke Casad and Elizabeth Walsh

Bluebonnet and MBC signing Bluebonnet Armadillo Adventure books at the DRT “Bluebonnets and Boots” Convention

The Daughters of the Republic of Texas work to preserve Texas history in myriad ways.  One that was especially meaningful to MBC and me was the recognition of 4th and 7th grade students for essays on Texas history and the recognition of Texas history teachers.  We were pleased to attend the dinner awarding the 2017 winners. Congratulations!

2017 History Teacher Awards and the Student Essay Contest Winners

There’s much more we could tell you about this convention, but I think this first one definitely won’t be our last.  We had a marvelous time and grew in our appreciation of the history of this organization that carries the spirit of Texas from past to present to future.

MBC and I will continue to do our part to teach children about Texas and its unique history!

As always, keep reading and writing!

Bluebonnet Armadillo