As some of you know, today marked another extraordinary chapter into my willing evolution into the new world of writing. Publishing has changed, writers are changing, I am changing. It began with my blog, then my photography, videos and podcasts, my new book tour, and most recently, my turning to Kickstarter to help me fund my 15-year-long project, “Talking To Animals.” Like Henry Beston, I too believe we need a wiser and more mystical concept of animals in our world, if they are to survive, if we are ever to learn how to live with them. It is not enough to rescue them, we need to understand them, listen to them, talk to them.

For 15 years, ever since I first came to Bedlam Farm, I have been working on this. When Maria came into my life, the idea really took fire, as she is a true animal whisperer, she knows how to communicate with animals, they respond to her emotions. We have learned much together about how to make animals feel safe and calm, connected to people without losing their true natures. My wonderful Canon camera is wearing out, I want to get a faster, even more powerful camera so I can get closer photographs of the animals, more details, a sense of their eyes and emotions.

I hope to construct the outlines of a new kind of language for communicating with animals, one that involves emotion, spirituality, food, attention and clarity.

I asked for $9,000, that was pledge in two days, and today, when the project funding period ended, I had $16,576, 184 percent of my goal. Here’s what happens next. In two weeks, I will go to New York to B & H Photo, I will get the camera I have lusted after for some time, the one the experts tell me will take this project to the next level, the Canon Full Frame DX 1. I might trade in some of my existing lenses for a new micro lens and a new 70-200 mm telephoto, the one I have is going to pieces. There are the inevitable accessories – batteries, cases, flash cards – and I will take the remaining money and use it to take more time with this project, which I expect will be both a book and an e-book.

In the Spring, we are expecting lambs and we are also considering getting two pygmy coats to help eat down the pasture brush and join the farm family. There will be lots of photograph and write about. I am  very grateful for Kickstarter, the whole notion of democratic funding is exciting, it is helping so many people in the arts continue to do their work and expand their creativity. So thanks again, we will travel this path together. I am grateful.