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Publishing Books by Karen GoatKeeper and Dr. Richard E. Rintz

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For now all of Dr. Rintz’s botany books, Exploring the Ozark Hills, My Ozark Hills, The Pumpkin Project, Love of Goats, Waiting for Fairies, The Little Spider (listed by a bookseller), City Water Project and Goat Games must be requested through my Contact Page. It is working as far as I know. Payment arrangements are through PayPal.

Author Event Book display
My book display for the author event used two tables. There was not enough room to really spread the books out.

Books published through Kindle (Amazon) are still available through Amazon. This includes all of my novels and Ducks Love Hats. The eBooks are still available as well.

The Buy Print buttons now link you to the Contact GKP page.

Bonita being led to barrier in mule jumping competition
Bonita is a little under 52 inches at the withers. This jump at the mule jumping competition is a bit over 40 inches high. Her owner is leading her up to it.

Although I sold only a few books, the author event at Rendezvous at the River was fun. I met several local authors.

Nubian doe High Reaches Spring is still awaiting her kids. She looks ready and feels miserable.

okra flower
Although okra is grown for its edible pods, the flowers are large and beautiful. Okra is a member of the mallow family like hibiscus. This plant loves hot weather.

One thing about going to an author event, is being really tired by the time I get home and the next day. I’m still glad I managed to go.

Both posts are about the author event and the mule jumping competition held as part of the Rendezvous.

As I read through the Ship Eighteen draft, I make a few changes her, a few there. Then I realize I forgot a couple of things. Minor, luckily.

spooky goats taking off
The old bridge is in sorry shape, but the goats can still use it to cross the creek. When they get frightened, that is what they do. After crossing the bridge, they head up the hill.

My Writing

I do intend to finish at least one book by fall. As the Carduan Chronicles are three part, I’ve decided to finish Life’s Rules first.

Cardua is not abandoned, only sidelined for a couple of weeks as the Life’s Rules draft is very close to done. Then I need to consult some people about some of the events to be sure I have them right.

Washed out creek banks
The creek looks so peaceful now. During high water the creek rises to the top of the banks, sometimes over it. This was normal. Now the water rises in half an hour and tears the banks out, toppling trees and tearing out several feet of bank.

The other book I really want to work on is the first goat kid picture book. When Agate died, I put it aside as it is about her.

The others are still on the list and I hope to get some of them done too.

milkweed sprouts are a lawn mowing challenge
Usually the mower cuts the grass before the common milkweed sprouts appear. This year they were early and the grass towers over them. The yard has sprouted stakes marking them. The grass and other weeds continue to grow. Lawn mowing is delayed, but not forgotten.

General Comments

My garden was a mess the other morning. All the garden beds were dug up. The tomatoes and especially the leeks were badly damaged.

This is raccoon damage. The main culprit was a big, old male. He is gone. But there is another.

I have more to set out, but am afraid to until the raccoons are dealt with. Luckily, they don’t seem to bother with the containers.

This morning was interesting. I opened the hen house door to find the copperhead resting just inside. It had a good night hunting mice.

The chickens wanted out so I took my snake stick and shoved the copperhead out the door. It went to bed. The chickens got out for the day.

I have several writing deadlines. My 2026 goals are to finish Life’s Rules, Ship 18, Ship 19, the gardening essays and two Opal and Agate picture books. Is this doable? At least, I will try.

I am presently reading “A Powder, a Potion and a Little Magic” and “Burn Master’s House” by Anne Lamott. There are more picture books, “Broken” and “The Icky bug Alphabet Book” this week.

You can keep up with my reading and reviews on Goodreads. As I finish each book, I take the time to write a review on Goodreads. Picture book reviews are on my Goodreads blog. It would be nice if those reading my books would do the same.

Finding My Picture Book Reviews

My picture book reviews are on my Goodreads blog. This seemed the only way to do them. Usually there are three new ones on Tuesdays and Fridays.

I am very hesitant to add any outside links to my website. So you can find me on Goodreads under Karen GoatKeeper.

Indian Paintbrush
Indian Paintbrush is a new Dent County Flora entry. It was a surprise find. Like poinsettias and dogwood, the brightly colored flower parts are not really flower parts, bu fancy leaves called bracts. The green tube sticking out of the bracts is the real flower.

About GKP Books

I normally sell books through Kindle and Smashwords as their sites are secure. Some books are only available through me for the time being. Please use the Contact GKP page.

Some eBooks (notably “Pumpkin Project and “Exploring the Ozark Hills”) are too large or complicated for the other sites. These are available as PDFs from me. Please use the Contact Me page.

All of the links should be working. If you find one has decided to go on vacation, you can contact me through the Contact Page.

Thank you for Stopping By

Keep checking back as the topics on the two posts change every week, weather permitting. Impassable roads can delay things.

Nubian buck High Reaches Kingpin
Nubian buck Kingpin is now a teenage goat and totally girl crazy. He is big enough for the girls to notice.