Yearning for the smell of D-I-R-T

By now my sister-in-law in Upper New York State must be imagining (yearning for) the beauty that exudes from the soil in her garden. Years of work from her talented hands and the planning of decades will eventually flourish over their "lush estate." In the meantime, they keep shoveling that "lake effect snow."

Oh for the days of gardening to return! (I remember Crayola even had a "smelly color" named "dirt".) Are we there yet? Now, the end of February and we Eastcoasters (along with the rest of the country other than Southern California) are overtired of winter. This happens every year, doesn't it? The newscasters report that March 20, the 1st day of spring, is close. That is not some "magic day," but a glimmer of hope that we are just weeks closer to seeing the tips of tulips, daffodils, crocuses, and hyacinths peek out from under possibly the last bit of snow.

(To hold me over, maybe I will open that bag of potting soil and take a whiff!)

Temporary Custody

Due to my daughter Allison's car accident on January 2, 2014, I have "temporary custody" of her animals, from the clean out of her totalled car. While she is laid up with a broken kneecap, I get to draw and paint the precious "Kitty" who could possibly become the subject of a new book. No cuddling or feeding necessary, but these shabby fabric pets became a nice surprise for an additional illustration needed for the soon to be published (February 2015), new children's picture book, Three Tales, Four Dogs. "Kitty" and "Sock Monkey" are strewn on the lawn with Tank's "mess".

How wonderful is this? By using these things in my illustration, they become a recorded legacy of my daughter's childhood treasures.  I think about Marc Brown's illustrations of the Arthur books and how those precious nooks of his house and scenes of the neighborhood must mimic his own environment and will document memories for years to come. This seems so simple a concept, but may end up being a goal in later books that I illustrate. (Marc Brown even hid his children's names in the labels of the objects and places in his books!!!)

Guinea Pig for a Day?

This past Thursday I was a guinea pig. It was my first time as a client at Warren Tech Cosmotology Department. After twice cutting my own hair, I decided to try out these "salon experts in training". I had scheduled only a haircut, but because there seemed to be time enough, I opted for some highlights as well. Under the tutelage of "Mrs. T", Marissa and Holly "foiled" my hair.  Because my hair "bleached" out really quickly, some toner had to be applied and time trickled away. My "junior color gurus" told me they really LOVE doing color and had known since they were young that this would be their passion. It was great to be in this estrogen-infused environment, and it reminded me a bit of when my girls were younger. After Marissa was called to some other task, Holly, a high school junior, proceeded to layer my hair with cautious fingers and scissors, snipping off 1/4 inch at a time. With eyes on the clock at 2:40PM, there was little time left. "Mrs. T" took over as Holly dashed to the bus. I paid and was out the door.

One Small Step for (WO)man...?

I'VE BEEN PUBLISHED!!!! The illustration appears on pg 35 of the SCBWI Bulletin for January/February 2015. Art Director thought the illustration print-worthy & I even got paid!
"Now that's validation!" I say, as I hang on to a smidgeon of hope for a future illustration career.
I procede onward (and upward?), as I complete the illustrations for new book written by Roz Silva (working title Three Tales, Four Dogs) planning to be published by Dayton Publishing soon.

Stop and smell the chicory?

Really just a twist on the "stop and smell the roses" adage, this question pushed me to ask WIKIPEDIA if chicory has a smell. I read all sorts of info about chicory, but I will really have to wait til summer to see/smell for myself! That's kind of really where I was going with this...

A walk to the post office to mail a package to my son makes me yearn for the warmer weather. He and daughter live in the Southern Hemisphere and happen to be going to the beach today, while I bundle up in New Jersey. The weather has been kind to me so far, but a chilly winter has started to become an expected reality.

This entry today was to also remind myself (and anyone who reads this) to appreciate the simple things about this Christmas season. Don't make it all about how much money you spend. Just the camaraderie of getting together with family and friends, making Christmas cookies (I saw a great recipe for a twist on the Linzer Tart today–perhaps for a future entry!), sending a card, or maybe you have "some old thing" in your house that you know someone would treasure.

Make some memories and have a wonderful holiday season!!!!

HEY, Muffin!

Winter is upon us in New Jersey. It's Comfort Food/Carb Season and here come the holidays! Followed by New Year's resolutions...to lose those that 10 pounds brought on by "just a taste" or "it's the holidays". The MUFFIN TOP wins out and the "fat pants" come out of the closet again. Salads just don't have the same appeal when the wind is whipping, and the cold just about freezes your hands off when you run out to get the garbage cans from the curb. Walks are a bit harder to initiate. OK...barely night and it's dark out. Another day without a walk, and dinner is ready. Time to eat again!

"My dogs are hurtin' me"

I have started a walking regimen and walk about 20-25 minutes everyday with the goal of continual improvement of my plantar faciitis...as well as getting rid of the "muffin top". Imagine these are the personification of my feet–ooooh, the pain in their faces! (I am exaggerating, of course, but sure would like to be 100% again.) Is this what one means when they say "my dogs are hurtin' me"???? The next thing you know I could be drawing muffins!