Realizations

So, this blog started out years ago from a desire to connect with other illustrators. It became a "message in a bottle" across the wires that stretch from here to there and beyond...then a couple of years ago when Fred and I got together as a couple and Fred came with old baggage and a child, it became a place where I vented about the politics and underhanded yuck that came with that...it also became a place where I worked out what it meant to become a mother and all of that in a blended family where there was an ugly continuous litigious threat and lots of stupid game playing....it has been a bit of a life line...I've never really been able to tell the whole truth on it- just give a very diluted and sanitary account ...This blog during the beginning of my romantic relationship with my husband took us from Tristam the troubled child (who was on the verge of being kicked out of preschool) to now, Tristam the child whose teachers are excited about his future as we are...Anyhow- You're going to being reading a lot less about Tristam- you'll see fewer photos of our famliy I'm starting a new blog for family and friends that will have to be signed onto and will be very candid about our life and will keep the flies out....This blog will shift back to connecting with fellow illustrators, writers and the like...Illustration, writing and other creative pursuits will return to being front and center...I may gush a little bit though about my best friend of the last 10 years- my hubbie.

airplane sketches

Photos

My parents, my sister, me....my Oma....it's a very connecting experience seeing the generations in photos going back....

Hiatus

Our annual trip to Minnesota took place over the 4th of July holiday. Summertime in Minnesota is the quentessencial American summertime experience. Tristam had so much fun hanging out with his cousins and being immersed in family. My in-laws (Kris and Tom) came out from Delaware to join us. They got to see The Prairie Home Companion Radio Show on the 4th- I'm jealous- I love that show...The Larsons (my sister's family) came up from Rochester and we all got together at my parents' cabin on Prior Lake. The kids fished, buried each other with the sand on the beach, floated around on the lake and watched fire works. It was a perfect 4th.

From Last Weekend

Chris Raschka, Once Upon a Book

m.i.a.

I've been absent for a few days...last weekend I had some sort of flu/cold thing that had me pretty useless for a few days. Then there are the deadlines...I'll be up and post again shortly. I just wanted to say that I'm still here- and I played with construction paper today.

The Good Life: Series 1 Episode 2 (Part 1 of 3)

I'm sure our neighbors are looking at us like Margot and Jerry...next goats and chickens?

Did You Know?

Thanks for sendng this along, Susan!

The Garden

Progress on the garden- all due to Fred's hard work. Last night we planted a few plants in one of the beds. We're doing companion plantings and building a worm bin and a compost pile and are going to work hard on keeping this organic.

Emiliana Torrini Sunny Road

A beautifully done video.

Monday Warm Up Sketches

What a Night to Forget My Camera!

When Fred got home from work on Friday, we went for a walk. We walked up onto a bluff that overlooks the ocean. As we sat on the bench there, the sun was setting and cast this amazing warm light on over everything. The water was calm and glassy. Then, just out past Pirate's Cove, whales! Dozens of them, breeching and spouting water up into the air. The acoustics were such that we could hear the water being pushed out of their blow holes. When the sun went further down we started to head back. There were bunnies everywhere on the trail! They almost posed. It was really maddening...whales, gorgeous sunset and bunnies and no way to capture the moment other than to remember it....

Performance

Tristam's end of the year show at school was charming. The kids spent weeks writing short plays, rehearsing songs and making costumes. It was a really big deal to him and he did great playing the part of "super bee". He had to battle the "4 bad robots" and sting them. The play was written by his friend and fellow classmate, Nicolas. Tristam was so proud and excited, but also really sad...he had invited someone important to him who he thought would come because they said they would. They had forgotten. ...Anyhow, he had a blast and Fred and I were very proud and most impressed by our kid.

Treat

Click here to hear and see something truly great.

Windy Monday

The leader of our flock, Kiwi. Sprouting veggies for the garden.

Maira Kalman, Once Upon a Book

Found at Children's Illustraion- link to the right under "diversions"

Good Things

All kinds of really amazing things to report...THIS gorgeous, amazing, wonderful, whimsical, fabulous, original, genius work cam in the mail from a very favorite genius virtual studio colleague across the pond and way over yonder. When it arrived I was bouncing with glee and joy. Fred was in total awe too- we're having this masterwork framed...a Viviane Schwarz original.

We went to Tristam's school for a parent/teacher meeting. For the first time in (3 years?) we had a perfect meeting...everything was positive. His teacher saw a HUGE turn around since the early days and sees a kid that could have a really bright future who she is really excited about. Fred and I are so proud. We floated out of there.

Lots of work this weekend...book covers, finishes...more sketches...I'm truly grateful for all of the really great opportunities. Claire, you were right- 20 years. I wonder if I added up the time if it would equal Malcolm Gladwell's 1000 hours?

Good things all around- our good friend Dom is also full of good news. He's in Nicaragua surfing at the moment- more good news!

Good things for Fred an I too. People, marry your best friend...it's the best thing ever. No compromises, just all mutual respect and good stuff and continued support and mutual growth...lots of love...not to say we don't have our moments- but hey are moments...in 10 years there have been very few of them. Fred was in a relationship that he thought would kill him by the age of 50 a couple of years ago...we're hoping to be healthy centenarians. healthy life style, quality human realationships, love...genes...fingers crossed.

Time of find some wood.

Time

June Carter Cash

Kadir Nelson talks about Change has Come

Milk

Last night we saw Milk. Really GREAT film...what an amazing man that Harvey Milk was....

Digging the Day

I had the best tasting nectarines today. When I was at the grocery store I had to buy them because even in the aisle, they smelled delicious. And they were organic to boot.

That's Fred from Sunday working on the garden...

I've been inside my studio all day with the windows open and pandora tuned in. I had a whole big shake up with my classical music likes and dislikes. I have thought for years that I'm a Mozart girl...not so. I'm more of a Haydn, Handel, Dvorak and Schubert sort of a gal....who knew?? I just love the internet....

We had the most beautiful day. There were some sprinklings of rain. The clouds have been very dramatic and the temperature just perfect...I'm watching birds circle around the hills from my studio at the moment....pinch me!