I was sketching randomly today (sort of my version of a warm-up for the final phase of book illustrating, which is like a creative workout) and remembered when a friend asked me whether I'm researching other children's book illustrators, and I told her that I purposely avoid it. Instead, I look for inspiration in other forms: traditional museum paintings, clothing designs and colors, old school album art, retail store advertisements, interior design, nature, everything. A lot of it has to do ... Read more
No-Bake Energy Blasts
It's hard to believe, but I've continued with my daily green juice for nearly a year now. It helps jumpstart my day, but I must 'fess up to still being hopelessly addicted to my beloved coffee. Maybe it's the coffee voiding the green juice, but by mid-afternoon I usually need an energy boost. I made these no-bake energy blasts (named by one of K's friends who happened to be over while I was typing this up) and they live up to their name. I slightly modified this recipe by replacing the ... Read more
Unusual Creatures
This is a leafy sea dragon. There really is such a thing! I got so excited when I saw it in a book I checked out from the library a few weeks ago - it's the sort of unexpected, delightful and unnecessary information I gobble up. I was pondering this lovely creature in the back of my mind, and then when I was running errands at a bookstore yesterday, I saw the same book in the bargain sales section. I'm not sure why, but I took it as a sign to paint the sea dragon. You can see that I took some ... Read more
Monday Outfit: “Artist” blouse + Cargo half-pants
Good morning! We hit a milestone this weekend! K had her very first non-relatives sleep over, and it was a roaring success. My friend and wonderful neighbor took it upon herself to entertain five girls on Saturday night and generously offered to captain K's maiden voyage into the land of sleepovers. Since they live only two doors down, I fully expected a call or knock in the middle of the night, but nope. K made it! You could see the confidence brimming in her when she returned ... Read more
Happy Friday + Randomness
Happy Friday! Just a quick tolerations update: March was on the lackluster side. I accomplished the easiest possible tasks such as "Donate bags in car trunk to Goodwill", "Eliminate K's shoes that don't fit" (which were in the bags in the trunk), "Organize pantry" (it's a tiny pantry), "Clear off bedside tables" and "Move yellow art cabinet to basement". I'm down from 75 tolerations to 70. Ah well, progress, right? ********************************* K's take on dreams, which I ... Read more