Words of Appreciation

Wish you could have seen the look on my six-year-old grandson’s face when Ruby hopped up that step :) It is such a reassuring book about families and parental support—he loved that—it’s very valuable to him, too, as he is becoming himself.

The whole tone of the book is so full of respect and coherence combined with a just-right amount of activation. We both found it nourishing to read together, and as a modern guy, he loved being our digital director capturing those QR codes. ~ S.C.

6-year-old Eve’s video review of ‘How Do I Fly?’

Your book is gorgeous on so many levels with stunning visuals. The actual story of the geese is so respectful, attentive and majestic. I love that you named the oldest chick Ruby, after Ruby Bridges - such a brave pioneer. I can't wait to share the book with the grandkids.

The videos in the book brought the birds to life, and my connection to them became even deeper. ~ J.F.

Rich Armington's story evokes so beautifully the ephemeral but utterly real connection we can have with wildlife when a special opportunity arises. In "How Do I Fly?" we can feel the joy, and even devotion, of the observer who sees and listens with openness and patience. The story of the Egyptian Goose family, deceptively simple and readable, is wonderfully enhanced by video clips easily accessible through QR-links or on the website: HowDoIFly.com (for larger screen viewing).

These episodes from the life of a goose family are also enfolded in a context, both sacred and fraught, of human experience at Barton Springs Pool. Read and watch — you'll be happy that you did. ~ W.D.

I want to tell you how important I feel chapters 14 and 15 would be for children. I loved how you brought bullying into the story with Ruby. You incorporated it in a very simple and understandable way that showed the importance of standing up for yourself and also how brave Ruby was. BRAVO!! ~ L.K.

The geese were beautiful…, and it was spectacular to watch the little ones learn—particularly their dives or more accurately "falls" into the water. How interesting it is to be a regular observer of this world-of-geese, to be there each day.

Wonder what those geese think of their very own ethologist hanging around and watching their ways. The fact that you are so attentive to what they are up to is, in itself, for me, very impressive. That's a joy to see. ~ A.M.

I’m taking my time with the book, like it’s a fine glass of wine. Looking at the geese on the computer was transporting—to see the speed of the geese in real time and the water flowing is relaxing and beautiful. Also, it’s really profound because now we become PART OF THE STORY AS WE WATCH THE VIDEOS. ~ K.R.

What an incredible accomplishment this book is. You chronicle the progression of that beautiful family of Egyptian geese so well that I felt like I was watching the whole process you saw unfold, day by day at Barton Springs. Your love for the family is so obvious and infectious. It makes it seem that we are physically present, not just reading about it.

I also love how you weave questions of social justice into the story of Barton Springs. And how you confront bullying. You do it elegantly yet forcefully. ~ K.A

I wanted to share a great story about L. Tomorrow I am taking him swimming, and he said to us with bright eyes and excitement "I think it is time for no floaties and then I will jump off the first step and go all the way under!" I think that reading about Ruby’s courage in chapter 16 has inspired him to take the leap. ~ M.A.

I am savoring this book, it's a beautiful love story on so many levels! I just finished reading and learned a lot. I’ll share it with my grandkids this week. Your photography is stunning, and I feel so uplifted—what a gift! ~ K.Y.

Dearest Rich, thank you so very much for your touching book. I just love how you described everything - I felt like I was there with you as I got to know and understand the little family.

All the adventures and accomplishments made it gently suspenseful and utterly thrilling. The whole experience of reading and looking at the photos is quite soothing. I want to go to Barton Springs and learn more of its history! And now, I also know a tad about Egyptian geese as well.

I want to be an Egyptian goose. ~ V.S.

I want you to know how moved I am... I literally just sat there for a while to soak in the emotions. Your story was full of so many lessons: on parenting, inclusion, acceptance, courage, discrimination, self-acceptance, imagination. ~ J.T.

Your extraordinarily beautiful book arrived, and we’re reading it and enjoying the photos. The considerable thought and work you put into writing and publishing this book is obvious. You’ve left a nice gift to admirers of nature, and I’m sure all your readers will see these geese differently now. ~ K.R.

Rich, in thinking about Ruby, I want you to know I am in awe of your creating something so beautiful and full of meaning. Most of us respond to our experiences with thoughts like ‘That’s lovely’ or ‘I’d love to fly’ and go right on to the next busy-ness. ~ S.C.

OMG, there just aren’t adequate words to express how great this book is! I LOVED it! A couple things: my favorite cat that passed away was named Ruby! And, I had one of those dreams that you never forget: my deceased mom came to me and reached her arms out and said "come fly with me!" ~ S.B.

SO COOL! Fantastic, Rich. I absolutely love it. What fun to be creative and so stinkin' generous :) ~ V.M.

Oh my gosh- just finished reading and watching videos of How Do I Fly? It is so beautiful and touching that I feel quite emotional about the story. ~ SA.C.

Ever wonder about the Egyptian Geese at Barton Springs? Then this is a must read! It has history—Azie Morton is leading lady along with Mama, Baba and Ruby—along with lessons about imagination and confidence, all within a great story.

The book will also resonate with anyone who has experienced how the Springs holds and nurtures us while we build and rebuild our inner strength. The author, who can be spotted most mornings admiring wildlife at Barton Springs, has generously donated sales of his book to @saveoursprings and Azie Morton Scholarship Fund to protect the springs, our delicate aquifer, as well as support the important work of Huston-Tillotson University. Thank you, Rich! ~ L.H.