Formal Apology

Dear Public:

perhaps you have already heard of the events of my recent presentation at Boston's Museum of Science. If you have not, then I regret to inform you that the Shabowa bird does not exist, and never has existed. I can only offer you my most sincere apologies for this charade.

I suppose I underestimated my audience members, who were quick to point out the inconsistencies in the Shabowa bird's design. I was soon inundated with questions I simply couldn't counter with legitimate answers. How can a bird with a goose bill eat a rodent? How can a mostly featherless bird survive the harsh temperatures of the Gobi Desert? How can a bird with talons run at such heightened speeds?

I am sorry that I lied. I am ashamed and embarrassed to have sullied the sanctity of my profession and my bright future therein. Cryptozoology is surrounded by enough skeptical onlookers, and the last thing I want to do is add numbers to that doubting crowd. Although you may have lost faith in me, please do not lose faith in this groundbreaking field of research. I only proceeded this way in an attempt to garner funding so that I could undertake much more organized and sophisticated research.

I explained this at my presentation and was lucky enough to be forgiven. My audience suggested that I remain committed, improve my research skills, and try again. Although I am positive that I still have much to accomplish and my name will still one day be writ across history books, I feel they are right and it is indeed time to turn a new leaf. I will do so in private. It is in my best interest to relinquish from public view for a time while this incident blows over.

Thank you.

Another Rendering

Here is another rendering of the majestic Shabowa Bird.

Field Notes for Public Viewing

Though the originals were given away to a less than trust-worthy source, I fortunately managed to scan copies of my field notes while in China.

Stateside

It feels so good to be home, back in the loving arms of Matilde. This summer has been a great victory for me!

However, I am a little insulted that I have yet to hear back from the Bigfoot Research Institute. I air mailed them a package containing priceless information a couple of weeks ago, and still no seal of approval. Frankly, I don't think they understand the gravity of the situation. Or perhaps they aren't up to the challenge of the noble pursuit that is cryptozoology after all.

I shall proceed without them.

Shabowa: The Cry of Discovery

Glorious public: I am en route to America, and I have an announcement that should bring you much pleasure! Wednesday, July 28th at Boston's Museum of Science I will present my findings in a lecture titled "Shabowa: The Cry of Discovery." I commend the Museum of Science for their acumen and foresight in showcasing my prestigious work.

Come to the Cahners Theater in the Blue Wing on Level 2 of the Museum at 3:30 to witness this historical event!

Earth-shattering news

To the Scientific Community At-large:

After having traveled to the Gobi Desert in search of the Mongolian Death Worm, I made a far greater discovery. I have uncovered a brand new cryptid, and I believe that I may be the only person ever to have set eyes on the animal.

While sifting through the dirt behind a cluster of shrubs, wondering if I should have ventured to the Alashan Plateau at all, and considering heading South, my worries were put to rest. Out of the corner of my eye, I saw something speeding towards the shrub bushes, and then I heard a squeak. I dropped my tools and stared. The creature had paused for a minute to capture its lunch: a long-eared jerboa. The bird ripped the small rodent apart and, in a beautiful burst of red, blue, and yellow plumes and bald areas, sped away, calling out Shabowa! Shabowa!

Alas, I was so mesmerized by the event that I dropped my camera, and the lens shattered! Therefore I am sadly without a camera, but I have been taking field notes ever since.

My second run-in with the animal occurred a few days after this. I was walking along the plateau, when I spotted the creature from about 100 ft behind. Again, the bird had stopped to gobble up its prey, a rodent that I have yet to identify. (However, I kept the bones as evidence.) Before I could advance upon the animal, it ran off, again crying Shabowa! Shabowa!

I have christened it "The Shabowa Bird." Now I must return to the Alashan Plateau for further research. I have only stepped into town to gather supplies and announce this zoological development.

A truly superlative cat!

Would anyone be willing to look after Matilde for a couple of months? My next expedition should prove to be rather long, and I can't take her with me.

Please send responses to DanicaNorthFranklin@gmail.com so we can set up the first interview and initiate a background check.

You would be lucky to have her stay with you.

Day 5 - Bessie

Benjamin found out about my blog, read my previous posts, and refuses to escort me into Lake Erie.

I suppose it's for the best. This town hasn't been all that welcoming and I'm ready to move on to new areas. Perhaps I should go seek out MORE IMPORTANT, BETTER KNOWN cryptids, like The Loch Ness Monster...

Day 4 - Bessie

Have I mentioned how homely Benjamin is? Perhaps Bessie isn't surfacing out of pure disgust. I really wouldn't blame her.

Lake Erie Temperature: 41 F
Mainland Temperature: 50 F

Day 3 - Bessie

Benjamin offered me one of his peanut butter sandwiches today and I nearly pushed him over the side of the boat.

No, Benjamin, I will not join you in your vices!

Lake Erie Temperature: 42 F
Mainland Temperature: 59 F

Day 2 - Bessie

We took the boat out again, but saw nothing.

Benjamin's incessant whistling is beginning to get on my nerves.

Lake Erie Temperature: 42 F
Mainland Temperature: 55 F

Day 1 - Bessie

I have arrived at a port along the coast of Lake Erie. (My exact location must once again remain undisclosed, in order to prevent tag-along researchers.) However, it is quite a beautiful location. Lake Erie is a fresh water lake bordered by deciduous forests and coastal towns. Erie is one of the five Great Lakes, and although not quite as transparent as Lake Superior (Erie's big sister to the north) one can see many feet down into the water below.

I've hired a fisherman named Benjamin to escort me on my voyage into lake Erie. His boat is quite large, but smells of fish and peanut butter sandwiches. (Benjamin eats almost nothing else.) These two scents do not mix well.

We found a quiet spot and waited...and waited.

Finally, I saw a glimmer of a snakelike creature below, around 30 feet in length. Thrilled, I exclaimed, “We found her!”

However, Benjamin told me it was just a school of catfish and proceeded to dangle a freshly caught specimen in front of my face. I remain unconvinced.

“I am unconvinced,” I told Benjamin.

“Them's the breaks, sweetheart.”

Then he winked at me. How insulting! I promptly threw his catfish back into the water and he remained sullen for the duration of our journey.

Lake Erie Temperature: 42 F
Mainland Temperature: 57 F

Lake Erie, Ahoy!

I've been very busy planning my next trip. I have decided to comb Lake Erie for the sea monster, Bessie. There has been much debate over what she is, but I am betting she's a plesiosaur. We shall soon see!

I'm very excited about the Lake Erie expedition. It will be my first since the disastrous bigfoot incident last fall, and hopefully it will have much better results.

However, even if I don't find Bessie (and I will find Bessie) I must remember to keep my head straight and not give up on my dreams!

A sound investment

Just bought a t-shirt with this design on it to celebrate my return to cryptozoology. I urge you to do the same!

Hahaha. It's just so clever!

Contemplation

I am back from the grave. Indeed, it's been a tough winter for me. One could say I've done a lot of soul-searching, and there were certainly days I spent staring out of windows, drinking tea, contemplating... Never a good sign.

However I've been trying to make positive changes in my life. I even bought myself a cat and named her Matilde. She hates the neighbors' dog nearly as much as I do, and we often sit on my balcony together, taunting Skipper, the dog in the yard below. We dangle ham slices and wait for him to jump and bark, then jerk the ham slices back. Hahaha! What a horrible dog.

I've gotten a job as a waitress, but I do not make very good tips. My manager keeps telling me to work on my people skills, and I keep telling him the same thing I tell my customers: I am the best waitress there, and he is lucky to have me.

However, waitressing does not make me happy.

I know that I cannot give up cryptozoology. Though it is a tough career choice, it is what I am meant to do.