The artist, Charles Thomas, painted Santa Ritas with Bajada from which I draw inspiration every day; he assisted me at many points. Professor Jeffry Spencer, who set me firmly on a writing path in the 1960s, read an early manuscript. Robert Barker designed the cover. Matt Balson at Berwick Court Publishing Company crafted the interior and patiently advised me.
I send heartfelt gratitude into the beyond in the direction of my parents. My mother loved language, recited long poems by heart, and heard my Latin. My father helped me catch sunfish and bass at Gull Lake in northern Minnesota; he also drew my attention to animals and rocks.
My friends and my family were ever encouraging and patient. In 2009 my daughter, Aimee Larsen, arranged a memorable visit for the two of us to the University of California at Berkeley; she ushered me into a Bancroft Library exhibit in celebration of the 200th anniversary of Darwin’s birth: this was just one manifestation of her ongoing love and support. I am profoundly grateful to David Cowan, my husband, who saw early on—years ago—that Charles Darwin was an object of my affection. He pointed that out and then stayed by my side as this project took shape, helping in countless practical and philosophical ways.
The Crossings Page 21