Mother's Day

I do a lot of reflecting at this time of year, I am not sure why - though it probably has something to do with spring and all it brings. The lilacs are in the air and the kids are CRAZY. Maybe it's just that we need to adjust to each other again, and find our routine...

On the eve of this mother's day, I am not feeling particularly motherly. I had a wacko 7 year old and a very whiny 3 year old today without reprieve. I also did not get enough sleep this week, a product of lots of projects and a weird addiction to Mermaid World. Today I lost my cool - a few times. Today, for part of the day - I JUST WANTED TO BE ALONE. So while I reflect on what it is to be a mom, I need to take into account all the madness as well as the sweetness. It all ended in snuggles and cuddles and deep thoughts - and thank goodness for that, but in many ways today felt like a planting day (for those of you who have done this job - you understand!)

However, enough complaining - what I do WANT to talk about are the amazing new momma's in my life.... this past year some of my favourite people entered the world of motherhood. My littlest sister, who is amazing in so very many ways, had a little girl who is the most beautiful little bean I have ever seen (next to my own - but I am supposed to say that), and IS AN AMAZING MOMMA. She traveled from Lindsay back to KENYA with a 5 month old - all by herself... it is incredible to watch her as a mom. I knew she'd be awesome, but she is amazing. My cousin-in-law, who has had an incredible journey to motherhood - now has a beautiful baby boy that I cannot wait to meet. Then there is my long time friend, who had TWINS! After a long, difficult time she is a momma to two perfect babes, and is incredible to behold. These new mommas, and all those others I hold so dear - near and far, are my roots - some fresh and new, others solid and unwavering. My friends and family teach me so many things on a moment by moment basis it keeps my head spinning.

I come from a long line of strong, beautiful mommas... and most days I strive to live up to the expectations I have as a mom. Some days I rock it, other days - not so much. But I love my kids more than anything, and the feeling I get when I look at their sleeping, relaxed faces, sweaty sleeping hair - arms and legs all akimbo - their beauty and grace makes me well up, and I forget the insanity of the day, and look forward to a fresh start.

iPad art

I've been exploring possibilities, and thinking of developing some app e books... Working in procreate here are some new pieces, created all on the iPad.

The Next Big Thing

The Next Big Thing is a global blog tour, started in Australia, to showcase authors and illustrators and their current work. I was tagged by the lyrically talented Lizann Flatt. Thanks Lizann! I wasn't really too sure what I should talk about or show - my work has been in flux, and developing at a rapid rate this year in all sorts of directions... but I have LOTS of projects on the go, so I'll share one of them here.

So now I'll answer some questions, then pass the Q&A along to a few others who'll pick up the tour next week.

1) What is the working title of your next book?

I, ASTEROID

end of book

2) Where did the idea come from for the book?

My daughter proclaimed at dinner one day that she was an asteroid. I asked her if she knew what that was - she said, "yes. It is a princess who won't sit still at dinner." She has a wild imagination and makes me laugh constantly, and this is where the idea was born. My son is a non-fiction guy (raised on Lizann's books!) and facts... so that aspect factors into the story as well.

3) In what genre does your book fall?

Picture book for silly, wierd, intelligent kids.

4) What actors would you choose to play the part of your characters in a movie rendition?

It would have to be animated, I am not sure who would do the voices... but I SO LOVED the animation for the Fantastic Mr Fox, or anything Tim Burton - that style would be awesome.

5) What is the one-sentence synopsis of your book?

Inspired by a book her brother reads to her, a little girl wakes up the next morning and being super crafty (with her brother's help) becomes an asteroid.

6) Who is publishing your book?
To be Determined.

7) How long did it take you to write the first draft of the manuscript?

Not too long, I was doodling on my ipad and it just flowed on to the page... I've been using Paper by 53 and it is awesome for getting ideas out fast. 

However, before I ever jot a story down it's been spinning in my brain for awhile. It's like soup. All the ingredients go in, and eventually it tastes good (or not) and all comes together. If it stinks you order pizza and start over again.

8) What other books would you compare this story to within your genre?

Petunia, Olivia, Charlie and Lola (sort of)... I put myself in fine company here, haven't I?

9) Who or what inspired you to write this book?

My kids. They are weird. I love that they are weird. I hope they are always this awesomely weird. I hope they never try to fit in 'that' mold. They are quizzical, intelligent and riotously funny. They also drive me a bit crazy. They talk a LOT. My son (7) spends his screen time touring around the world on google earth finding volcanoes and tiny islands, and my daughter (3) fancies herself an acrobat/linebacker/mermaid and sometimes zombie - though she really has no idea what a zombie is.

10) What else about the book might pique the reader's interest?

Did you know asteroids hate asparagus?

Now I get to introduce some amazingly talented illustrators (and fellow SCBWI members) who will be posting on May 2nd, so stay tuned!:
Chris Jones

Chris Jones

Suzanne Del Rizzo
Danielle Arbour

I MADE IT!

I can breathe again... barely. My first FULL year of teaching is (almost) complete - at least classes are... and man, have I learned a TONNE. What has teaching taught me?

• It is almost more pleasurable to watch a student's aha moment, than to have one yourself
• It takes many kinds of people to contribute to a successful classroom
• I know my stuff - mostly - and the stuff I don't know, I figure out 
• how amazing it is to work with people who honestly tell you how it is
• there are so many people who do not THINK they are artists, and actually are
• I am GOOD at inspiring people to do GREAT work (I am working to get even better)
• how to manage drunkeness, apathy and fear in the classroom
• Many students have HUGE challenges, and watching them triumph (or not) is a spectacular thing to witness, and also heart wrenching when something BIG throws off the balance
• my students all come with something to offer, especially the ones who are afraid to offer it
• I LOVE teaching. I love it. It's a job I'll go in early for, and stay late... and time flies.
• knowing there is a break coming allows for a level of intensity I have not experienced since planting - where you work your butt off knowing you can catch up on everything else later
• I am LUCKY. 
• That I have room in my heart for all my students, even the ones who lack personal hygiene

Most days I feel like dancing out of the classroom, it has been so exciting to support so many students on their journey this year... not without it's challenges either, or the complete TERROR I felt in the beginning... all those faces looking at me for guidance; or the general feeling of fraudiness that pops up every once in awhile, since I think I may have the best jobs ever.

Now I get to focus on the other job... creating - hi ho, hi ho, its off to work I go!

Digital just keeps getting better...

Here is my first piece created in procreate... What an amazing app... Mre to come soon. Love love love having a digital studio right in my lap like this.

Royal Baby to see my pictures!!

So, I am not much of a Royal watcher, however I think it is incredibly cool that several (maybe all) of the books I've illustrated for Red Robin Books were presented to the Duchess of Cornwall to read to her grandchild. Neil Griffiths, the author visited Wiltshire Scrapstore and Resource Centre and a stack of bookish gifts were given.

tp 41633 Scrapstore Royal Visit
Pic 47 Duchess of Cornwall takes a close look at the gift for the royal birth
Pics Trevor Porter 41633 12th Feb 13 — at Wiltshire Scrapstore & Resource Centre.

Ideas, ideas ideas..

I wonder why it is, when you are the most busy, ideas flow. Teaching is fantastic, and time consuming, and fantastic, but I am a rookie and I am learning rapidly how to maximize my efficiency. How official does that sound?

Right now I am working on a few stories, this piece is a rough study for a dummy I am putting together... Developing the idea on the iPad, it is great fun and is allowing a free expression style I've been desiring.

Three more weeks and many of my students will be off on placement and I will have more time than I need to develop this stuff, and attend to some other projects as well.

We are also finishing up the maquette's in my classes, here is one of mine, with paint starting to go on. The next step is a 3D capture and then, who knows?