Lisa Loucks-ChristensonLisa Loucks-Christenson • You • You----now • Just now

Here's a link to the story about my new bookstore and bistro expansion that KIMT 3 News (CBS) covered yesterday. A huge thank you to Maureen Dudley who covered the story and the entire news team and staff at KIMT.

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#1 New Release in Science Essays & Commentary

In 1988, I stepped out of my comfort zone and changed my life. I had accepted a job working on the Vegetation Crew for the Minnesota Conservation Corps. It was a seasonal position, run, then, by the Minnesota Department of Natural Resources.

It was like God had heard my battle cry, and suddenly, my life and my faith had changed. This was the year I lopped, sawed, preened, and cut my path to my future. I was not alone. I had the help of my crew, two men, both of whom had become stealth guardians of my heart, brother-like co-workers that became my safety net from the storms we weathered while we worked.

This is a record of my wild adventures. An unveiling of experiences as my crew traversed and cleared goat prairies at O.L. Kipp State Park (now called “Great River Bluffs State Park”); how we helped measure the second cave at Mystery Caves in Forestville State Park; what grasses we gathered at Carlos Avery Management Area; our tree projects at Frontenac State Park, the controlled burn at Helmer-Meyer State Park (now called “Meyer-Big Island State Park”); our cutting and lopping at Sakatah Lake State Park, the “singing hills” as given by the Dakota Indians. It was the place I found a mimic among us, an orange spicebush caterpillar. It was here that we sang along to Tracy Chapman’s new release, “Fast Car” between bites of our lunch.

Our journey went fast, but we drove trucks, not cars. Our lives changed with each season. Our strength had become a three-fold cord intertwined with each other’s thoughts. Surreptitiously, we had become shields around each other’s souls. Inside this story you’ll discover a grandfather figure that had spiritually hitched a ride with us. How and how his words became our mantra once we realized that things really did work out for the best in the end. It was his gift of words that helped us shudder our storms.

This story shares the seasons of new friendships, rare animal findings, banding the rare Henslow’s sparrow, to finding a state endangered species the Common Five-lined Skink, stepping on and over six-foot timber rattlesnake sheds on the south facing goat prairies—where they liked to sunbathe and had their dens. It shares our bee and hornet stings, as well as losing another MCC member we had worked with.

Hop on the tailgate of this photographic trip shared in this memoir and ride the back roads of our lives. The inside story of three new adults growing up, believing our old age was far beyond the bluffs in view. It was a time, we all relied on each other and formed an unbreakable bond.

This was our time to become stewards of the environment, a time to study and learn about rare and endangered species, hardly ever chipping my pink nails. We became the artists taking the “before” scenes and making them the “after” scenic views. In time, we’d learn to summon our faith and could tell any bluff to “move” and in some ways, it did.

Prior to this job, my life had felt like a series of coin tosses with heads or tails results that had led me nowhere and in every direction. One unnerving flip after the other, using dimes, nickels and quarters that only shimmered like mirages as they fell, giving spinning hints about my future. Luckily, the hat I wore now, unlike the head wear of my costly past, this cap, stamped with the Minnesota Conservation Corps logo, was given to me free.

Only God knew, then, the adventures He had planned for me, starting with the day I mustered up all the courage I had and walked through the doors of the Department of Natural Resources in Rochester, Minnesota.

Here is my collection of memories and reflections, and the experiences that shaped my young adult life into its own story. It’s the unfolding events about me working closely, with two men, John and Louis, both of whom had become my lifetime brothers, at least in my heart, forever stamped with “1988 MCC Brothers.”

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Sunday Serials

Published June 2, 2024 at 23:22 (11:22 P.M.) CDT.

Snowy Creek Serials Presents:

The Fortunate Princess

Daventry Tales, Book 1, Chapter 2

Falling for Landrake the Angel was her first royal mistake...

By Lord Kendal Terryington

Prepare yourself for an enchanting journey as I tell you a fictional story centered on the forbidden love shared between Lillian, a princess, and Landrake, an angel.

Chapter 2

The tranquility of the Moss Forest was shattered by the deafening echo of a single gunshot. Luinn, unsure of whether it was the knights or someone fox hunting, gestured for Landrake and Lillian to enter his mountain home. He referred to his abode as “Chadenberry.”

As they stepped into the room, a sense of determination filled their minds. They found their places at the walnut table, its hand-carved surface cool to the touch. A tear slipped from Luinn’s eye as his fingertips grazed the delicate carvings, each groove and curve serving as a bittersweet reminder of his beloved grandfather’s wisdom and the void left in his absence.

Landrake delicately arranged the torn pieces on the table and proceeded to painstakingly assemble the puzzle, with the faint sound of paper edges locking together lending an air of solemnity to the room. While Landrake carefully laid the pieces, Luinn and Lillian worked together to create a sticky adhesive by mixing water and flour in a small bowl. With gentle strokes, she spread the flour glue over the pieces that fit together, filling the air with a damp scent. Now, they would have to exercise patience and wait for the glue to dry, their minds clouded with a heavy sadness that weighed on their shoulders and dampened their spirits.

Like a cold dish, justice arrived, leaving them with a bitter taste as they uncovered the truth. Luinn whispered that this seemed like a trap by a secretive observer who enjoyed manipulating Landrake and Lillian’s emotions, reveling in their scandalous affair while staying hidden.

With his unique sixth sense, Luinn felt an eerie presence lurking in the spot where Aroff and Lillian first kissed. Lillian and Landrake were in the same place, unchaperoned, and unfortunately, there was someone there with the sole purpose of ruining her. Though her brother wasn’t present, an unsettling aura of pure evil seemed to fill the air, as if an unseen entity was covertly monitoring their every move. But for what reason?

With his thoughts concealed, he wondered if their sole purpose was to evade capture and travel under the cover of morning light just to reach him. In all honesty, with no other guidance, there was nowhere else they could possibly go.

Who was this elusive figure? Was he a member of the royal family, or did he have a personal connection with them? Was he someone who had his own motives and interests in Lillian? His sister’s impending marriage to the King’s son Aroff felt like a familiar story. He questioned whether he or one of his henchmen had learned about Lillian’s love for Landrake.

Why then was the contract for her death handed to Landrake? Why had been given explicit orders to eliminate Lillian, only showing that someone had discovered their secret, and this was an ultimate way of insulting him, burying his heart with Lillian’s? What kind of man would do this?

*****

Landrake’s conscience was burdened by guilt as he realized that he had not been correctly identified. The weight of the scoundrel’s betrayal pressed heavily on his heart, knowing that his forbidden lover’s life was now in jeopardy, their once bright future dimmed by a contract that would crush their hopes.

Landrake’s train of thought came to an abrupt halt as he heard Lillian’s sudden and desperate plea escape her lips. “I cannot help but wish for any other outcome than the inevitable unfortunate accident that lies ahead,” she said.

Luinn’s hand grasped his sister’s shoulder with desperation as he stood up. His voice caught in his throat, his eyes filled with desperation as he desperately tried to find color in the fading words of his twin sister.

With a heaviness in his eyes, he uttered words, only to be cut off by Lillian’s resolute interruption, her face a mask of stoic determination. Lillian paused, her eyes pleading as she looked at her twin brother. “You’ve always been my rock, my genius twin. I’m desperate. Can you think of any strategy to rescue me? “

Please, Luinn, forgive me for falling in love with your sister. “I have no right to make this promise, but if there is any way to save her, you will be rewarded in heaven, if I make it back there myself.” Landrake pleaded, his voice trite, as he hung to the last thread of hope.

“Tell me brother, my twin genius, as you’ve always been there for me,” Lillian paused, “I’m desperate. Is there any strategy that can come up with to rescue me? Can you bring hope to my weary soul?”

With his lips parted, he started to speak, however, Lillian interrupted them and said, with a straight, brave face, “Brother, I strongly believe that my dear younger sister Fern, who is years younger than me, may very well be crowned the next Princess of Daventry, once I am no longer alive. Is there any way that you can rescue me from this situation?”

Gifted Reader,

In his pursuit of love and connection with Lillian, Landrake, unknowingly unraveled their fated destiny, unleashing God’s fury. Now, their once-promising future hangs in the balance, with their love becoming the ultimate sacrifice.

The consequences of Landrake’s fall and betrayal of his promises to God loom ahead—what price will he pay?

Perhaps this situation is not a mere coincidence, but a deliberate intervention by a higher force, employing the threat of death to motivate them to seek forgiveness.

Is it possible that the angel and the princess-to-be unleashed their truer destined paths, a journey that could only be brought out by their indiscretions and desires?

However, it works to reunite them, but it’s equally possible, more than likely that this crumpled piecework glued note will only evoke the bittersweet memories of their impeding lost connection, forever, and while their hearts may even burst. It’s obvious, dear reader, that their eyes are on the verge of tears, they are obviously determined to keep holding back for I’ve not even seen any more shed. ––Lord Kendal Terryington.

                                                      *****

As another shot rang out, fear grew, giving Lillian a moment to pray and ask for redemption. At least for this unnerving chapter in her young life, Lillian pleaded to God, her eyes darting around for any sign of hope.

“Oh, Heavenly Father,” Lillian pleaded, her voice raspy and desperate, “please, I beg for your forgiveness for the sins of passion that have consumed my soul, leaving me hollow and desperate for redemption.”

Landrake rushed to her side, his arms wrapping around her desperately, as if clinging to her for dear life, seeking salvation from his own despair. “In desperation, I plead for your forgiveness, Father, unsure if your kind heart will allow me passage from this earthly realm to the heavens, my soul tormented by the fear of an everlasting separation from those I hold dear.””

Lillian sobbed, tears streaming down her face as she clutched onto her faith. “My Lord, I comprehend your jealousy, but I plead with you to reconsider your command, for it fills me with desperation to think of your angel being deprived of emotional connections.”

Just as Lillian finished speaking, a sparrow, of all species, collided with the living room window, startling everyone.

As Lillian faced her own mortality, she questioned the symbolism of the temporarily lifeless sparrow: was it a forewarning or a heavenly favor?

Find out in the upcoming third installment of Lord Kendal Terryington’s original story, titled The Fortunate Princess, readers will have the opportunity to delve into the captivating world of Daventry Tales. This highly anticipated publication is scheduled for release on June 16, 2024, and can be only found here in the  Rochester Sun Times News, courtesy of the esteemed publisher, Snowy Creek Serials™.

“This story unfurls like a chilling nightmare, its suspenseful twists and turns, sending shivers down the reader’s spine, leaving them dreading what comes next.”––Mary Bronner, Reader.

                               Snowy Creek Serials™ is a brand owned by Lisa Loucks-Christenson, publisher of Old County Cross Christian Publishing Group.

    www.LordKendalTerryington.com, www.TheFortunatePrincess.com 

Printed by permission. © 2024 Lisa Loucks-Christenson. All Rights Reserved.

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Sold Exclusively in the Lisa Loucks-Christenson Network

Season of the Flying Squirrels, Book 1, Squirrelly Boys Acapella Group

Written & Illustrated by L.L. Christenson

Ages 7 and older

Publisher: Fly Up Books™

Pre-order: $14 paperback

Summer 2024

Prepare to meet the Squirrelly Boys Acapella Group, as they go head-to-head against Aspen and the Sugar Gliders Band, in a thrilling contest that highlights summer squirrel wildlife programs, a sanctuary for sugar gliders, and an ultimate winner-takes-all showdown that spans throughout the night.

Fly Up Books, a publishing imprint by Lisa Loucks-Christenson, focuses on providing clean stories with happy endings that grow with their readers.

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Original Clean Fiction Stories

Lisa Loucks-Christenson, the bestselling author and illustrator of Don’t Eat Bees, The Model Maker, Tremble Creek Tornado, Hawk of Wa Pu Ta Creek, and Narrow Paths, wrote and illustrated these two clean fiction new book series. They’re about regular kids who are all about the environment, animals, and nature. They’re in rival bands, writing songs that teach others about the bonds between humans and animals. The stories they sing about are based on the bonds they’ve created and witnessed, educating others as they go.

Check out Lisa Loucks-Christenson’s new series for kids 7 and up.

Clean story fans, don’t miss these two new book series published by Fly Up Books, an Imprint of Lisa Loucks-Christenson.

Summer of the Sugar Gliders, Book 1, Aspen and the Sugar Gliders Band.

Season of the Flying Squirrels, Book 1, Squirrelly Boys Acapella Group.

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New Cat Short "Fuzzy Pink's Hijinks by L.L. Christenson

Original Story 

Published by Scorcher Press 

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Lisa Loucks-Christenson's Minnesota Fungi, Volume One (2023) and Minnesota Fungi: Blue Lichens, Volume 2 (2024) 

 FUNGUARY ART CHALLENGE SKETCHBOOKS

By Lisa Loucks-Christenson

One of the most fascinating aspects of being in nature is the chance to stumble upon rare species, making it an incredibly rewarding experience to spend time outdoors. Throughout my experiences, I have had the opportunity to witness and capture photographs of numerous instances of them. Whitewater offered me an unforgettable experience as I crossed paths with various wildlife species. The presence of cougars, who seemed to seek me out rather than the other way around, left a lasting impression. Additionally, I had the privilege of observing a magnificent black bear, a venomous massasauga rattlesnake, and the enchanting Karner Blue butterfly. Furthermore, the landscape showcased an abundance of beauty, with colorful Blue Bonnets and a stunning variety of trout lilies, ranging from petite blossoms to impressive Jack-in-the-pulpits. As I made my way through the canary grass, I felt like I was wading through a forest of giants.

A year ago, I decided to challenge myself creatively by participating in "Funguary," a winter art challenge focused on capturing the beauty of fungi. The finished book became a best-seller, and I've revisited the illustrations several times this past year, each time appreciating their intricate details.

Once again, I decided to take on the art challenge this year. In order to complete the second volume, I had to capture countless shots of lichen, molds, mushrooms, and fungi. I created hundreds of images to use for my reference photos. The 4x4 inch book I chose doesn't provide enough space for me to comfortably lay down my colored pencils, unlike other paper choices.

Instead of fixating on the names of species, my goal this year is to immerse myself in the sights and sounds of the environment. I'm considering adding an index in a future revision, just to help readers find what they need more easily. This volume is about creating fungi art. My drawing style for this year is a folk art style, achieved by layering different shades of pencils to create a crayon-like effect when blended. This work doesn't quite meet my expectations, but I can take comfort in knowing that in just fourteen days, I can close the book on it and never have to use that paper again.

The blue lichens caught my attention, prompting me to delve deeper into their appearance through investigation and drawing. They are reminiscent of the mythical "red fern," a spectacle I had always dreamed of witnessing, and now I finally have. From delicate baby blue to vibrant aqua and mesmerizing turquoise, the "hard-to-find" species presents a breathtaking array of colors.

It's a stroke of luck that it's leap year, adding to the list of rare events. The prevailing theme this year is all about embracing the extraordinary, venturing into the uncommon, and surpassing the expectations of a typical February. The title of my book, Minnesota Fungi: Blue Lichens, reflects the specific focus on these captivating organisms found in the state. It possesses a rareness that is hard to find elsewhere. It stands out from the rest. It's a joy to have the chance to create something special that happens only every four years: I'll complete an extra drawing, publish the ebook version on Amazon, and showcase the art and merchandise at the Peacock Book & Wildlife Art bookstore. 

See you on the next adventure.

Lisa

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February 15, 2024, New Book Announced: MINNESOTA FUNGI: BLUE LICHENS By Lisa Loucks-Christenson

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We value any news tips that you may have and would be extremely interested if you could share them with us with no hesitation. 
Contact Lisa: News@LisaLC.com or use the contact form.

Lisa's talents span across various artistic fields, as she excels as a best-selling author, award-winning illustrator, photographer, and comic artist. Throughout her professional career, she has gained extensive experience working for a diverse range of organizations. These include worldwide publications, renowned news outlets, reputable ad agencies, private corporations, and she even established her own successful communication center. Having received training as a multimedia journalist, she specializes in investigative reporting. Her ongoing studies encompass a wide range of concentrated areas in journalism, spanning from broadcast, comics, photography, video, social media, graphics, and beyond.

Lisa is a professional member of the press and also holds memberships with:

NPPA - National Press Photographers Association

ASMP - American Society of Media Photographers

NATJA - North America Travel Journalist Association

As the publisher of the Rochester Sun Times News, she has built a platform where she can share a variety of local and international news, stories, captivating photos, and entertaining comics. Through this platform, she can combine her broadcasting, animation, illustrating, photography, and writing skills into one cohesive endeavor that showcases her creativity. 

Through her role as the publisher of the Rochester Sun Times News, she has established a platform to exhibit a diverse range of local and global news, captivating stories, stunning photographs, and entertaining comics. Through the use of this platform, she can integrate her skills in broadcasting, animation, illustrating, photography, and writing, resulting in a harmonious and unified endeavor.

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