Princess Kate

This is a painting I made for a little girl who worries that wearing glasses means she could never become a princess. Glasses aside, I do fear that it is terribly hard to find an actual prince these days, so it is most likely that she never will become one... Statistically speaking, that would probably be more geographically-based and have very little to do with having 20/20 vision. Maybe slightly better odds that she will become a princess than actually meet a unicorn, let alone feed him an apple.

Invierno

Happy Friday! Here is a new coloring page for the kiddies! I am in charge of planning the winter party for my daughter's first grade class next week, so I hope they like it. Here's to winter, snow, hats, mittens, snowmen, scarves, and penguins!!!

Please Mr. Postman

This rather largish stack of postcards went out on their merry way on Monday (that is a golf ball for scale). Here's hoping they make it to their intended destinations and don't get chucked immediately. My secret wish for them, should they not get a parade when they arrive, is that they get filed away to look on later or else recycled if they are not a favorite. They are my little lottery tickets... I buy them knowing full well that I might not win, but the happy dreams that they might keep me going. This is all part of the happy mystery of children's books. If it is meant to be, it will happen. When it happens, it is magic!

There's No Place Like Home

First of all, this has nothing to do with The Wizard of Oz. It is about a magical place called Kansas...My dear friend, Amanda, moved to Kansas a while back. Amanda is a native Minnesotan, and we've been friends forever... She is a busy mom and marathon runner and a very talented lady with a darling shop on Etsy where she sells her Felted Fun Creations. Look at the adorable napkins rings she made! Aren't they sweet? Almost as sweet as she is...
Amanda is friends with Christy (who also lives in Kansas). When I was first trying to get information about illustrating children's books, Amanda put me in touch with Christy. I was blown away by Christy's kindness, support, and the incredible amount of information she gave me. Christy is an accomplished author and illustrator of books for kids (along with also being a busy mom) and also creates beautiful paper goods at The Petite Press. Her artwork is wonderful, charming, and absolutely beautiful. This is one of her books:
I found Aimee's blog when visiting Christy's blog one day. Aimee (another busy mom in Kansas) creates fabulous artsy doodles and is an absolute riot. I have been having a great time getting to know her! This is a photo of the gypsy that hangs over my desk. I look at it and feel inspired every day! Visit her Doodleshop on Etsy to see more of Aimee's work! Love it!
So, I hope that one of these days I'll be able to click my ruby slippers together and grab a cup of coffee with the three coolest chicks in Kansas!

Here Kitty Kitty

These are the cats that live at my friend Sharon's house. They are VERY cute, and quite good at trouble-making. You can see more of Sharon's lovely work here and here. How the heck are ya? I'd really love to know! Are you having a good day, on your 3rd cup of coffee, going to the grocery store??? I am about to have a nice cup of tea. Cheers!