I love independent bookstores!

This weekend I had a reading at the Kent Bookstore in Lindsay. Like
Greenley's in Belleville, they had decorated the windows up with big
gerbera daisies, and a GIANT almost 4 x 4 foot blow up of my
cover... it was a hot, hot day, but the kids that came were
enthusiastic and it was actually really nice. It was the first event
where I got to spend almost all my time with the kids, doing silly
little drawings and talking about all the other books they love... I
got a great view into the heart of a pre-teen reader who loves
fairies. It was a great visit, and I will be going back there again in
the winter when in the snow launches in November. DId I mention they
sold 35 books? Fun stuff. Those places make me wish I worked in an
indie bookstore.

Book review Wednesday - JULIUS - the baby of the world

Ok, at first I have to say I was troubled by some of the language in
this book - particularly the word ' hate'... but I have to say that
now I love it. I really do. We are expecting our second child, and our
son is almost four and having a bit of a struggle with the idea of
sharing his parents with anyone. he has come up with all sorts of
plans involving rockets, fire trucks and police cars - oh yeah, and
tape. None of them violent ideas I might add, more just the relocation
of the baby once it is born in nice safe vehicles. He's being quite
crafty actually, and I should commend his creativity.

Anyway, this book is hilarious.

My little sister was born when I was four, and I remember how I felt
so distinctly, still to this day - 30 years later, that Lilly antics
just crack me up - and our son too. Warning pregnant mouse-ladies that
they will live to regret that bump under their dresses... the magic
tricks, the stories... if you have a good sense of humour, and can
remember what it was like when a new sibling came along - this is a
very funny book to read to help prepare for the inevitable.

Then and Now - my own private Jungle

Gardens truly are miracles. I am not a weeder, unless it is greatly
interfering with my progress, but you know, everything is doing
marvelously well. The deer still come by for the odd nibble, but this
has been taken care of by my sweet son, who is happy to pee in the
garden whenever is suits his fancy...

Been a long time - but we've been busy!

So much of summer is already gone by, and this summer, we have had a
lot of time with our pals. It has been great, several canoe trips,
beach trips, parties and BBQ's. Here are some of my favourite pics
from the past month or so. I am back to my freelance work after the
extreme exhaustion of first trimester, and anticipating the next 6
months with happiness and a bit more energy...

Almost ready...

Awaiting approvals on epic round of roughs for book set in Gambia -
here is one piece of final art, all the clothing is paper, fancy stuff
I've been collecting for years, am excited to got this one done... a
lot of work, but fun too.

the Space Shuttle

Last night was very special, my son and I (who is almost 4) did the
countdown, and after many days of waiting, we watched the Shuttle
Launch into outer space. This is a sight that never ceases to amaze
me, the power under those astronauts and the fragility of the
situation - and the fact that they are going into space. Watching his
eyes light up as the engines started, and the moment of blast off - he
was hooked, just like I was when I was a kid. Now he wants to be an
astronaut, and he may well be - the sky is the limit.

Been Awhile....

I've been busy. This is the time of year where friends take a front
seat, and we've been serious social butterflies and having a lot of
fun. I was off last week, and it went by so quickly, filled with
birthday parties, beach days and lots of work in the garden. I have
also been battling first trimester sickness and exhaustion, which is
putting a kink in my style, since I can't keep my eyes open past 10 pm
- usually my prime work time. But I have been working - albeit slowly,
still on the Gambia project for www.cornertolearn.co.uk, here is a
rough: