Tracking leopards in Kenya, Nancy Reid developed the energy and patients to reach the heart of a story. She also learned to recognize and respect the line beyond which she would become part of and, thereby, change that story. Nancy and her daughter Lisa Smith spoke with Suite 101 about Big Blend Magazine, which exposes important stories not covered by the mainstream media.
An Artist's Journey
Nancy Reid is a wildlife artist, writer, photographer and conservationist. Born into a poor family with a disabled father and five siblings, she is a new breed of activist. In the '70s, conservationist and Born Free author Joy Adamson purchased one of her paintings. Adamson convinced her to lead tour groups from LA to Kenya.
In 1975, Nancy, editor of Joy's "Born Free' newsletter," moved to Kenya. Lisa was one and a half. It was a big change, but one they both needed. Nancy wanted a new life and a cleaner environment for Lisa.
Penny
Nancy's job, while living in Joy Adamson's tent camp in Kenya's Shaba Game Reserve, was to track a leopard wearing a Radio collar. For five hours a day, Nancy followed Penny, the Queen of Shaba, taking notes. It was like "walking around with a Geiger counter and an antenna and hoping no one saw me."
Leopards aren't easy to follow, even with technological help. Penny often went places Nancy couldn't. She watched and waited as Penny climbed trees, squeezed between rocks, or ventured across swamps and thick thorny brush. Hiding her babies "sometimes felt like a game."
Joy Adamson's Murder: the Unknowable Truth
As a wildlife researcher, Adamson was ahead of her time. Other scientists ridiculed her methods, such as calling crocodiles by making a noise through her nose, an accepted practice nowadays. Also, poachers weren't happy with her efforts to protect Africa's wildlife.
In January, 1980, Nancy and Lisa were shopping in Nairobi, when they learned that Joy had been killed. Her death is shrouded in mystery. Initially blamed on a lion, at least three men were arrested for her murder. One was hung. Nancy says that the only thing missing from the ransacked camp was Joy's latest manuscript.
"There is just so much corruption," says Nancy, "It is not possible to know the truth about what happened."
Lisa: Growing Up Abroad
After Joy's murder, Nancy and Lisa moved to England. With Nancy donating her paintings and photography, they toured Britain for World Wild Life Fund. Lisa was developing as a musician, photographer and writer. She had a growing appreciation for the variety of natural and human resources in her ever expanding world.
Then came a fund raising tour for the National Cancer Association of South Africa. In South Africa, Nancy and Lisa published their first magazine Splash! - focusing on travel, lifestyle and leisure. The political climate ultimately convinced them to return to California. Lisa, a songwriter, started the band Human Spirit, performing in the San Diego area for three years.
In 1997, Big Blend Magazine was born. The demands of being marketing director caused Lisa to put her musical goals on hold. In 2008, they launched their weekly online radio program "Champaign Sundays," where they interview musicians, artists, conservationists and other interesting guests. Within a year, they had a network of ten shows. "The Daily Blend," their free e-mail newsletter, has over 220,000 subscribers. It contains recipes and give-aways along with light and serious stories.
Big Blend's Purpose
Although they initially wanted to write about travel and wine, the mainstream media's unwillingness to practice investigative journalism has made Nancy and Lisa political. They believe in the power of the internet to affect change. Without the cost of print, which they abandoned three years ago, they can work closely with activists and nonprofits.
"The Hands of the mainstream media are tied," says Lisa, "investigative journalism is tanked and politicians know it. Citizens are the ones coming forward. The press is no longer the watchdog."
Nancy points to the Bureau of Land Management's killing of Nevada wild horses (winter, 2009-10). It was a citizen who filmed one of the 30 wild mares who aborted during the costly and inhumane helicopter roundup. Despite BLM's efforts to sneak it in over a long weekend, internet power stopped the next two roundups. Big Blend did an emergency radio show, sparking twitter and e-mail campaigns. Efforts to save wild horses and burros continue.
"When we have BLM hiring an x con to round up horses," says Lisa, "when we're eating unlabeled genetically modified food and it doesn't reach the media, something is wrong."
Big Blend's Future
Nancy and Lisa hope their lighter articles will attract people who will then notice the more serious ones. They strive to empower people to take an active role to improve their world. "At the end of the day Lisa and I are exhausted. But, is it worth it? Yes."
Donna W. Hill - Donna W. Hill is an author, singer/songwriter, recording artist, speaker and avid knitter in Pennsylvania's rural Endless Mountains. Her ...
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