When Molly and her companions were loaded onto a stock trailer that was headed to the slaughterhouse/meat packing plant in January of 2006, I can’t help but wonder what they sensed. All mammals have hormones that surge through their bodies when stressed. So, the morning Molly made her escape – what motivated her run? Was it fear? Gumption? An understanding that her life was in danger?

I am so interested in the natural world that you would think I’d have gone into the sciences and become something official, like a biologist. I’ve certainly been quite moved by the encounters I’ve had with the natural world - some of it pedestrian, some of it wondrous. All experiences have spawned questions and have compelled me forward into new learning.

Wild animals have their lives figured out. They’re out there contentedly doing their wild thing. They don’t need us or want us around. But how many times have I gotten involved because I think I’m helping – how many times have I swooped in to help an injured bird with, if I’m being honest, very poor results. Countless! When is it right to step in? And when should we leave mother nature alone?

Do you know what a “doddie” is? How about a “hummlie?” Fun to pronounce! These are what the black cattle of northeast Scotland are called – the Aberdeen Angus breed that was developed in the early 19th Century. Molly, the second protagonist in my picture book, THE MOLLYS B. is a Brockle-faced Angus meaning that she is mostly black but has white markings on her face. I think the blaze on her forehead – shaped like a tornado – tells you everything you need to know about this gal’s personality.