Sleeping Cat

Gus Gus has taken to sleeping under my desk these days. So cute, right? There are a few things I would love to post but I am not able to share them yet (oooh, how suspenseful!). So, here is a cute cat photo for you. Hope that you are happy and healthy! Stay cool!

Spiffy

Hello, There! There has been a lot going on at my house as of late. I read a post over at Andi Butler's blog and it put a little idea in the back of my mind. A short while later, I got a catalog in the mail and saw this lovely green cabinet. It snowballed a little from there into a couple new pieces of furniture and much-needed new carpeting for our four-season porch (my "studio" is tucked away in a corner). Here are some pics for you:

The green cabinet replaced an old sideboard that I had been using to store supplies. Much more storage space. Didn't take any photos of *inside* the cabinet because I still have some organizing to do... Things are almost back to normal around here.The cabinet is almost the exact same shade of green as the wall color. Cool, huh?Here is my new little bookshelf! I parked it right behind a chair and it actually helps frame my space. Just finished reading Turtle in Paradise by Jennifer Holm, it was spunky and charming. I loved it.The new carpet is Gordy and Gus Gus approved! They are becoming better friends every day. This is just about the cutest picture ever! I am excited to create more art in our spiffy "new" porch! Getting ready for a new postcard mailer... Thanks for reading! Happy Monday!

Buckaroo

Just about to make strawberry shortcakes and homemade lemonade (and wondering if it is going to rain...). Happy Memorial Day!

Sneak Peek!

I cannot remember if I posted this version of Gus the cat in sketch form, but here it is in color! In my attempts to document the cuteness of said cat, I disturbed him the other night whilst he was sleeping to get his markings right (like anyone would notice except for my sister!). He purred, licked me, and then bit me. It was my own fault for bugging him, and he didn't break the skin, so it's all good. That old saying: "Let sleeping dogs lie" should also apply to cats.

Poor George

Looks like George Harrison is lagging behind in the polls..... This is a sketch that did not make it into the book, but does represent how I am feeling today. Happy and relaxed (except I am not a cat and will have to wait another 3 or 4 months before flowers arrive again up here in MN). I found out that the painting I submitted to Alma Little (as an example of the color palette I plan to use) not only went over well, but there is a good chance it will be on the cover of the book! That was a great, huge, wonderful surprise and I am feeling as close to elated as a Midwesterner can muster!

Howdy

I realized that this poor cat is missing his whiskers! Don't worry, I'll remember them in the book!
Had a nice talk with Karen at Alma Little yesterday. They put my sketches in with the text and now I have some rearranging to do, but the call went well. Luckily, Karen is super nice . I worry too much and want things to go well and for people to be happy...Even though they are patient with me because this is my first book, I still don't want them to think I an a knucklehead.
Next comes the cover, I will start on that as soon as the kids start quiet time (not always quiet, but whatever!). Mailed our Chistmas cards, need to print up thank-you cards for my cousin (I should blog the cake I drew for her), and have a few other irons in the fire. Here's hoping next week will be less crazy, but at least I haven't crashed my minivan into anything yet!

Meow

Hey, people! My youngest daughter (who is catching a cold) has been all about her stuffed kitty this week. This is another bloggie from the book sketches. Our van is back from the shop and looks much better, and we got an estimate on replacing our garage door. Whatever. I hope to finish the house I am working on today, have been addressing the envelopes for our Christmas cards, and putting out Christmas decorations this week. I think that they are putting the sketches into the book layout with the text now, so it will be cool to see how it all comes together and find out what I need to change so things flow better. I still can't believe that it is December and that another year is drawing to a close. Have a great weekend!

Henrietta

Here is another bit from a sketch for the book. Possibly the cutest horse I have ever drawn. I finished a marathon drawing session yesterday- seven horses! I'll post a bit from that sketch next time. Oh, yes- that is Gus the cat again!

Tiny Gus

Well, we survived our trip to Virginia and had a nice time at the wedding. I did not get any sketching in, but did get to read on the plane (2 magazines and a few chapters in a novel). This is our cat, Gus (who is really my sister's cat who is our roomie because her husband has allergies). Gus is going to be in the book! He really is the cutest cat with the longest whiskers I have ever seen. I was able to draw today and finished another sketch, so hope to make more progress tomorrow. I wish I could post everything! Mum's the word...