Happy Friday, my friends! It’s Thursday afternoon as I type this and it’s hailing. Massive amounts of raindrops are thrashing against our window panes that don’t seem up to the task and thunder and lightning and sunshine are adding to the confusing yet exciting mix. By the time you read this (if it’s Friday), I will be headed out of town with M and K for a little weekend getaway in Roslyn. Let’s hope the weather gets better.
So! May 5th is not only Children’s Day but Little Kunoichi’s 2nd birthday!! How amazing. I am currently up to my eyeballs with sketches and illustrations for my next book that will be published in 2018, and yesterday, an advance copy of Chibi Samurai Wants a Pet arrived on my doorstep. I still have a hard time believing that this is all happening.
I did not get my act together enough for a fun giveaway or celebratory post, but I wanted to acknowledge this special day somehow. I remembered that last January I had taught a watercolor class to a group of elementary school kids and about a month later, I received a big envelope stuffed with wonderful thank you cards from the kids. I became very emotional – they’re brilliant, just brilliant! What better way to commemorate my very first book than by sharing these special cards inspired by Little K?
There were so many cards and because the names weren’t all entirely legible, I chose a few that I could decipher and that I felt captured the energy of the kids.
I love how fearless children are about making art. How do we allow them and encourage them to keep that fearlessness?
It’s been a dream-like adventure since Little K flew out into the world. I don’t think my self from five years ago would recognize my current self that is whistling away and drawing cute ninjas and samurais. I feel like I’ve somehow regained a tiny little bit of fearlessness. I like it.
Anyway, I’ll be celebrating away this weekend (and sketching/illustrating like crazy) and I hope you all have a terrific one too!
Two years go by quick
There’s much to appreciate
And that includes you*
* I don’t think it’s possible to thank you enough. Although my postings are far less frequent, I’m so grateful that you stop by and preserve that sense of community that I love so much. Thank you, thank you!
These drawings are so heartfelt. Little kids are the best!
They really are! Their enthusiasm is contagious! 🙂
Congratulations bigtime and thank you for posting those delightful art works. There’s a quote by rum that I love, which your post made me think of;I may have already shared this with you but anyway today’s another day!
Live where you fear to live.
Destroy your reputation.
Be notorious.
I’m working on being notorious myself but yu seem to be well on your way:)
Love that Rumi quote! Yes to notoriety!
I would say quitting the corporate world and a reliable income to help yourself heal, begin a blog and reimagine your career in numerous creative ways is very definition of fearlessness. What a wonderful example you are modeling for K as she discovers her strengths as well.
Hope the three of you are having a lovely weekend away and that the weather is cooperating with you:)
It was a great weekend, Lucinda! The weather was perfect and we got to do everything we wanted: swimming, biking, eating (lots of good food), and general hanging out-ing :-). As for the whole life changes, it’s been a wild ride!