History: It
all began when Nancy, a successful
wildlife artist, writer, and photographer, led tours from Los
Angeles to Kenya, East Africa. This ultimately led to her moving to
Kenya - bringing a young Lisa along - and working out in the field for
writer and conservationist Joy Adamson, of 'Born Free' fame. Nancy was
the past editor of the "Born Free" newsletter and wrote conservation
articles for other publications throughout the early seventies.
Unfortunately, Joy Adamson was murdered, and the unrest in Kenya made it
time for a change. Nancy and Lisa relocated to England, and toured
Scotland, England and Wales on a fundraising and conservation awareness
effort for World Wild Life Fund using Nancy's wildlife paintings and
photography. Nancy and Lisa then did a fund raising tour for the
National Cancer Association of South Africa.
They settled in South
Africa where they started a magazine called 'Splash!' - a travel,
lifestyle and leisure publication. Due to political pressure they left
South Africa and returned home to California.
Once in California,
it wasn't long before the old 'publishing bug' took over, and in
1997, Big Blend Magazine was born. Since then, Nancy and
Lisa have enjoyed traveling throughout the country and Mexico, and
have published regional coloring-in / activity books for children, a
print magazine called 'The Blend Magazine' which grew into 'Southwest
Blend Magazine', ending, ultimately as The Big Blend Magazine.
Continually being updated with interesting travel, leisure,
lifestyle, and event news, podcast interviews, and photo tours of the
Southwest--plus featuring The Daily Blend an email newsletter that is read by over
220,000 subscribers weekly;
The Big Blend Magazine has a loyal readership of over 2.5 million
readers/unique visitors. In January of 2008, they launched Champagne
Sundays, an online radio show that airs every Sunday (except
major holidays) from 11 am to 1 pm, PST. This grew to 10 active online
radio shows that same year.
More
about Nancy:
I began my career primarily as a Wildlife
Artist working in pen and ink, pastels and oils. I have painted
commissioned works including portraits, landscapes, seascapes, pet
portraits, still life and florals and have exhibited in the USA,
England, Scotland, Wales, Kenya and South Africa.
Living
in East Africa and
working for Joy Adamson of "Born Free Fame," gave me the
opportunity to study
wildlife up-close and personal in their natural habitat. My job with Joy
was to follow Penny, Queen of Shaba, who was fitted with a radio
collar. I tracked her movements every day, noting her behavior. I was
also responsible for shopping in Nairobi for supplies. Our tented camp
was located in Shaba Game Reserve just outside Isiolo, Kenya.
I
have always been concerned with the destruction of our planet and the
disregard for the place on earth that our wildlife should have. I have
used my paintings mostly as a way to raise funds for various causes,
including a two year speaking tour throughout England, Scotland and
Wales on behalf of World Wildlife Fund; and a two year+ tour
throughout South African on behalf of the National Cancer Association
of South Africa. These tours led to being written about in over 50
South African newspapers, appearing on three radio programs
and on the television show, "Good Morning South Africa" and Great
Britain's show "Pebble
Mill At One."
To listen to
a recent interview with Nancy with radio show host Lillian Brummet
from Conscious Discussions, please double click the Play button below:
More
About Lisa:
Lisa was raised in Kenya,
England and South Africa, having left the states at 1˝
years old. Her lifestyle in these countries has given her a very open
and inquiring mind, a love for travel, wildlife and natural places,
and a passion to protect our planet and it's inhabitants.
She is a keen photographer, a musician, songwriter and
singer, a writer, editor, and is the "social secretary" or marketing
director of Big Blend Magazine.
Her love of music led her to starting a band, "Human Spirit" that
played in the San Diego area for 3 years, until the time constraints
of running a magazine requiring a lot of travel, made it impossible to
do both. Now, as co-host to Champagne Sundays, she loves to interview
other musicians and give them the opportunity to be heard.
Our Mission:
Our Mission: "Big Blend Magazine is a company based on the belief that education is the most formidable weapon that can be waged against fear, ignorance and prejudice.
It is our belief that education starts at
home and branches outward. Education leads to travel, and
travel leads to understanding, tolerance, and appreciation
of cultures and customs different to our own, and ultimately
to world peace. Our company is further based on the
principle that networking, communication, and helping others
to promote and market themselves leads to financial
stability; thus paving the way to better education, travel,
and the spirit of giving back to the community."
QUICK LINKS TO OUR ONLINE RADIO
& TV--TUNE
IN ANY TIME!
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This site developed by Big Blend Magazine™. copyrighted since 1998. No part of it may be reproduced for any reason, with out written permission from Big Blend Magazine, P.O. Box 867, Green Valley, AZ 85622.Opinions expressed by contributors are not necessarily that of this publication or any of its staff. We reserve the right to edit submittals. All subject matter is intended for general information only and not to be take as personal advice in any matter. Although every effort is made to be accurate, we cannot be held responsible for inaccuracies or plagiarized copy submitted to us by advertisers or contributors.
Living
in East Africa and
working for Joy Adamson of "Born Free Fame," gave me the
opportunity to study
wildlife up-close and personal in their natural habitat. My job with Joy
was to follow Penny, Queen of Shaba, who was fitted with a radio
collar. I tracked her movements every day, noting her behavior. I was
also responsible for shopping in Nairobi for supplies. Our tented camp
was located in Shaba Game Reserve just outside Isiolo, Kenya. 
