Cachibachis

at 7:04 AM

Today is back to school day for our kids. I just watched the youngest get on the bus with some trepidation...on both our parts, since he's a bit sensitive.
It's always an exciting time, tinged with sadness for me as they grow up. It's also a time of new beginnings for me as an artist each year. Today even feels fall-like, with a cooler temp and a few yellow leaves spiraling down.

Does Autumn do that to any of you? It's a time of inspiration for me and hope for new beginnings.

I've been adding a few books to my Amazon.com shop. I have many art related books listed. Amazon makes it easy to sell books. Check it out if you have books around that you've enjoyed, but no longer use.

at 4:44 PM

My dear, talented children's illustrator friend Ginger Nielson awarded me this touching artist blogging award this weekend. I am blessed and honored to have been awarded this, and especially from Ginger, who fits the bill for the award so well herself. Read the history of the Bella Sinclair award here on Ces's blog.

It was created by Ces in honor of her friend, Bella Sinclair, who tragically and suddenly lost her husband. Here is what Ces says about the award:

I designed this award to celebrate art in the blogs and to honor the value of friendship, sisterhood, sharing and caring. It is to be awarded to the gifted, accomplished, eloquent and talented blogger whose friendship and influence inspire us to do our best. That I named it after Bella Sinclair is because she epitomizes all of these things. She is an inspiration to many of us.

My thoughts and prayers go out to Bella, who inspired this, and deep thanks to Ces for starting it. I am looking forward to reading Bella's blog and seeing some of the art mentioned in Ces's wonderful art blog. (Ces's art is amazing)

Thank you so much Ginger. You are always so kind, industrious and encouraging and your art shines your personality through and through.

I'm prepping to send this to other women artists as soon as I get a chance. We just arrived home from our family vacation at the Outer Banks of NC...what a beautiful time we had..and a much needed rest and time together as family.

at 10:36 AM

Check talented illustrator, designer, hand lettering expert Nate William's blog. He has a new post up about a methodology for creating new ideas. Great stuff.
I found this from Michael Nobbs on twitter.

at 10:58 AM

Check Jennifer Zoeliner's blog for this Mail Art Call, due August 2009.

at 12:43 PM

Check out Kate Harper's blog for some good info, tips and links about the Greeting Card biz, and licensing.
I found this through twitter..lots of good resources there if you have the time to search and connect. I've been connecting through twitter, which makes it much easier.

at 10:27 PM

Terrible Yellow Eyes is of blog of a collection of works inspired by the beloved classic, Where the Wild Things Are by Maurice Sendak.

at 9:37 AM

Another valuable resource for art licensing and print issues for artists can be found at Barney Davey's blog here.

at 9:26 AM

An important resource for artists everywhere: Beth Russell's blog Art Law for Everyone.
Beth is an Attorney in: copyright, trademark, web development, arts and entertainment. She also has classes in these areas.

at 1:38 PM

Just found this article about some new celebrity children's books out. Authors include Michael Phelps, Dolly Parton, Julianne Moore, and Whoopie Goldberg.

at 1:36 PM

Check out the Children's Book Insider

at 10:35 AM

I've been pulled in many directions..all of them vital and unavoidable, but am bringing back the focus to painting this week. ( I have been painting all this time, but also have been called away from it often due to end of the year events)

Working in oils is such a joy. I'll be taking a class at The Art League at the end of June with painter/instructor Ed Reed. I can't wait.

at 3:12 PM

I created a brand new "Twibe" on twitter for children's illustrators. Please come join if you are at all interested.

at 4:58 PM

Picture Book Originals is a site where original children's illustrations are sold. Check it out.
I have been way too busy with things to blog lately, and have missed it. Today has been the perfect day to mulch, weed, run and hang out with my family. It is gorgeous here in Virginia.

I also wanted to give a heartfelt thank you to all the veterans and those who have served our country in military service this Memorial Day Weekend. We would not be able to enjoy relaxing weekends like this without the sacrifice and service given on our behalf.

at 10:02 AM

While researching theater curtains for an illustration I am working on, I found this wonderful blog. Die Sonnenblume. Scroll down and enjoy the beautiful photographs.

at 1:44 PM

NaPiBoWriWee.....is Paula Yoo's new creation and challenge to children's picture book writers to write 7 picture books in 7 days. (based on the idea of NaNoWriMo)
The challenge starts on May 1, and can be registered for on Paula's Blog. All details are listed there.

at 4:11 PM

Check out this wonderful blog about books called Seven Impossible Things Before Breakfast.

at 3:59 PM

Take a little while to listen to this interview on Just One More Book with Paul O. Zelinski.

at 3:40 PM

If you haven't been to read any of Seth Godin's books on marketing and biz, check out his blog. I receive his daily bloggings by email. They are thought provoking and very insightful...as is this one today.
I'm eager to read his book on Tribes...

at 3:28 PM

I am addicted to this ezine, Art-e-zine about altered art and other collage and vintage work. Check it out.
Sorry I've been lax in blogging lately. It's been easier for me to post things on facebook, due to the Share on facebook button. I wish they had one on blogger, so that upon finding anything of interest, you just click the share button and it pops onto your facebook page.
Spring is finally blooming in Northern VA and I'm enjoying fragrant lilacs on my kitchen table. What a joy.

at 12:58 PM

Take some time to look at Tara Reed's Art Licensing Blog. Tara is an expert in the field.

at 8:46 PM

Powered by

* Please note, the sender's email address has not been verified.

This is amazing

Click the following to access the sent link:

Magical murals that move*


Get your EMAIL THIS Browser Button and use it to email content from any Web site. Click here for more information.

*This article can also be accessed if you copy and paste the entire address below into your web browser.
http://www.cnn.com/video/?/video/tech/2009/03/19/tuchman.magical.murals.cnn

at 10:34 PM

This message was sent using the Picture and Video Messaging service from Verizon Wireless!

To learn how you can snap pictures and capture videos with your wireless phone visit www.verizonwireless.com/picture.

Note: To play video messages sent to email, QuickTime® 6.5 or higher is required.

at 7:09 AM

Check out Reading Rockets, they are blogging about Blogs about Reading. (How's that for a confusing sentence). There are links for teachers, parents, reading resources, tips and much more.

at 9:25 PM

at 7:07 AM

For a few more options to network or get the word out about what you're up to creatively, try JustTweetit and add your illustration site to the illustration list. (or whatever specific list your work applies to)
Another option to place a free online portfolio is Warmtoastcafe. Then of course, Twitter, Facebook, and Coroflot for another free portfolio option.
Another site to market handmade goods for free is 1000markets.com

at 5:05 PM

If you make handmade items, sell art, crafts, any sort of jewelry or knitting, paper goods etc. and are looking for additional places online to sell them...here are two more besides ETSY (my favorite)
IndiePublic and MadeItMyself.

at 2:47 PM

Check out Indie Publiic

at 11:21 AM

FADA, the Father and Daughter Alliance is a new non-profit organization founded by my husband Pedro. It's goal for the first year is to microtarget and help 5,000 girls get back to primary school in 5 countries from geographic areas with stubbornly low rates of completion of primary school by girls. The above photo is of my husband and our daughter on their recent trip to India to speak with the founder of an organization that is currently helping girls to stay in school.

at 8:26 AM

Take a look at Adora Svitak's website. She is an incredible young girl who writes and offers exceptional classes for adult teachers to help them teach in a more effective way.

at 12:21 PM

BOOK BY BOOK: the making of a monkey man from Jarrett Krosoczka on Vimeo.

at 9:11 AM

I LOVE this...gonna do it too....with a laundry pen, since Artsyville says the laundry pen didn't yellow.
Check out her Journal on a T-shirt.

at 11:25 AM

at 12:52 PM

Illustration Voice published by Serbin Communications, is an informative online resource. You can subscribe to it on the site. Great stuff.

at 11:52 AM

Here's a colorful, fresh inspiring blog I just found while discovering loads of European art sites and possible marketing venues. It's in French.

at 11:08 AM

My husband and daughter are in India working on a non-profit organization that my husband has begun. It is called the Father and Daughter Alliance, or FADA. FADA will appeal to the father’s heart in other men in traditional/religious developing countries so they can help their daughters and other girls enroll and complete primary education and then access the same educational, economic and societal opportunities as boys.
Check it out and get the word out. There is much need, and much interest and support.

Join the Facebook group as well to show your support. It is called I Am a Girl and I Should Be In School.

at 10:36 AM

For a breath of fresh air, calm and inspiration, see Julie-ann Bowden's gorgeous mixed media art on her blog at Heavenleigh Art. She also has an etsy shop, but I haven't found the link yet. Her art is also for sale on Zazzle. Here is more at Cristus Gallery

at 10:27 AM

I spotted VintageNiki's wonderful mixed media art someplace, maybe twitter first and fell in love with her art. Take a look at her blog and etsy shop.

at 4:32 PM

Check out Linda Lawler's brand new art blog. Linda is a very talented artist who lives in Northern VA and taught an oil painting class that I took awhile back. I'd love to take more classes from her sometime in the future.

at 12:47 PM

Ironically one of the google ads that is generated by Google on my blog was one of interest to me. I'm not sure how long it will last there, but at the moment it shows up to the right >>>>>>>>

and is of Steven Noble's scratchboard art. I have always enjoyed creating and viewing scratchboard art. I want to create more asap. I'm making a note to dig out my scratchboard supplies this afternoon and get some designs in the works for it.
Another resource for scratchboard is Ruth Lozner.

at 12:42 PM

The Illustration Cupboard is a site that specializes in Contemporary Picture Book Art around the world. They also have a blog

at 1:08 PM

Check out the Total Art Licensing Magazine online.

at 3:16 PM

TEAWINGS: DESIGNFEST - Digital Image Bank
Check out the Teawings blog..great info in this post and more great links and things on the side

at 8:10 AM

Check out Illustrator James Gurney's blog and a wonderful monthly challenge called Art By Committee for illustrators to take a phrase that Gurney chooses from a science fiction manuscript each month and illustrate it. The next illo is due by February 12th at 10:00 am.

at 8:02 AM

Take a look at Gurney Journey's blog highlighting Winnie the Pooh illustrator E. H. Shepard's academic background in art. Shepard's figure drawings and portraits are unsurprisingly gorgeous. I had never seen that side of his art.

(off to dig out my Winnie the Pooh books and Wind in the Willows books to study his pen and ink work.)

at 3:03 PM

Amazing software called NVIDIA (In Spanish envidia is jealousy..and VIDIA is somehow a root of To See or Be Seen...so it's a well thought out name)

anyway...when I saw this link I was already captivated, but here's a woman who creates animations and illustrations with it.
Look at the gallery.

at 2:54 PM

http://jeanevogel.blogspot.com/

at 10:46 AM

Ok..I'm going down a rabbit trail of great links and am just going to post the URLs for now since I have to get offline...
(I have some serious painting to do and should not be on the computer, but these sites are inspiring..so it's justifiable)

Pieces Of Me...Mixed Media ATC artist.
Art With Moxie...Mixed Media Artist..tons of wonderful links as well as the gorgeous art...and a wonderful selection of jewelry on her ETSY store.
After Midnight Art Stamps....distressing techniques, stamps for creating mixed media art and way too much for me to look at right now..but I'm saving the link for myself with this post.

on a side note...
do any of you get a sort of shot of adrenaline that brings on a bit of ADD type art craziness...where you want to do everything and you can't stop yourself? At the moment I am in the midst of creating illustrations for a wonderful story by Mayra Calvani..and when I'm not doing that, I bring one of my 5 knitting projects with me everywhere I go to keep myself happy (in waiting rooms at the dentist or in the car waiting for my kids etc.)
I'm in the midst of knitting scarflettes, arm warmers and other small projects of various types of yarn. I can get away with it since they are small and easy..but the results are wonderfully satisfying.

at 10:40 AM

Check out Artsyville, a colorful fanciful blog by artist Aimee.

at 12:50 PM

Check out Alyson Stanfield's wonderful Artist's Resolutions. Take some time to check her site for the resources and wisdom she shares for artists.

at 1:20 PM

at 10:36 AM

Check out Kahn and Selesnick's amazing work. Staged photographic panoramas unlike any you've seen before. geniuses....

(found through a link on facebook from DD's page.......Facebook does have it's benefits. I have found links, info, networking and friends from 20 years back that I never would have found otherwise )

at 10:11 PM

Simply Licensed is a website that allows artists and manufacturers to find each other. At this time it is available for free. Interested in licensing your art? Check it out.

at 4:44 PM

I'm working on blogger's newer format. Please excuse any added confusion. The holiday/Christmas season probably isn't the best time to do this, but I've been wanting to have access to the easier template format, and finally did it.

at 3:25 PM

Check out children's illustrator Don Tate's new Angel Divas scrapbooking set. It is adorable. Tell your scrapbooking fanatic friends about it.
( I love angel themes, and this one is fun, fresh, upbeat and inspired)
If I was a scrapbooker, I'd snatch these up, but I've got to control myself as far as what new areas I venture into creativity wise..there's only so much space and time in my crammed life)

Congratulations Don on your new line and this adventure of licensing.

at 10:34 AM

As Christmas approaches it is fun to read children's Christmas books. Here is a link to some rare old children's books about Christmas.
I can still remember my parents reading T'was the Night Before Christmas and the Bible story from the gospel of Luke. What rich memories those stories and images bring.

at 12:42 PM

at 10:07 AM

Take some time to check out our amazing group of children's illustrators at The Picture Bookies. Such talent....I'm honored and privileged to be a part of such an amazing group of artists. We also have a blog.
Not only is each of the artists talented and experienced in the field, each one is also a person of character and generosity.

at 4:53 PM

The Affluent Artist...check it out. Great articles and links on this blog..and one look at his art shows why he knows what he is talking about...

at 11:15 AM

The holidays are coming. I love this time of year.

at 5:41 PM

My new cafepress store
http://ping.fm/OulE2

at 11:12 AM

http://ping.fm/AfubD
check out my new cafepress store and items. More to come soon.

at 12:49 PM

http://ping.fm/1SNnS

at 12:49 PM

Check out my etsy shop. I added a handmade Xango item and leather cuff bracelet.

at 7:13 PM

Carbonmade.com is another free online portfolio venue. It is nicely designed and easy to navigate and use. I'm in the process of uploading images there now for my own portfolio.

at 2:42 PM

Take a moment to listen to Alison Stanfield's Affirmations for Artists video.

She is a motivator with encouragement and practical advice for artists.

at 5:09 PM

Look at this blog. Penny Plain Twopence Coloured. It's a blog about a Toy Theatre Novice. The images got me hooked. (I'm researching Victorian theatres for an illustration in Mayra Calvani's book that I'm in the process of illustrating.
Here's another fascinating site about paper theatres

at 7:43 PM

http://ping.fm/DPqdT

at 9:58 AM

Check out my wonderful children's illustrator friend Sherry Rogers' interview here.
Not only is she a fantastic person, but her work shines with joy and professionalism.

at 7:48 PM

If you are a freelance artist or creative person, check out LinkedIn. The possibilities for connections and jobs and networking are endless there.

at 12:55 PM

Check out Alison Stanfield's amazing newsletter and blog. She is a whiz at the art biz and consulting with artists. Just this message alone leads to many sources and possibilities
or artists to further their biz as artists. Her links are here below

Web--> http://www.artbizcoach.comBook-->
http://idratherbeinthestudio.com
Blog--> http://www.artbizblog.com
Twitter --> http://twitter.com/abstanfield
Facebook --> http://facebook.com/profile.php?id=725081176

If you no longer wish to receive communication from us:
Cancel

To update your contact information:
Update

Instant access to the latest & most popular FREE games while you browse with the Games Toolbar - Download Now!

at 11:06 AM

http://ping.fm/9qyuo

at 7:30 AM

http://ping.fm/I7DKW
Check out our collaborative illustration blog.

at 8:36 PM

http://www.change.org/
Here is a new organization that helps non-profits to network

at 8:30 PM

http://ping.fm/1xA3D

4:04 PM · at 4:04 PM

Check out the Children's Literature Author and Illustrator Booking service if you qualify.

at 2:10 PM

"This is fascinating. It is at Ponoko, created by an amazing artist."

Thirty-nine layers of plastic are sculpted into a fluid form inspired by the morphology of orchids. A stainless steel cable threads through the entire piece, underlining the simple stacked constru...

View >>

at 1:13 PM

WOW...have you heard of Photomake-Ponoko? This has amazing possibilities, and you can sell what you make there too, sort of like Cafepress. I can't WAIT to try this out.

at 9:34 AM

http://ping.fm/ijmkd

It's National Library Card Month. If you don't have one, get one. It's one of the best cards you can carry with you.

at 11:00 AM

The following is an article sent to me from Eric Higgins, who works with the new Crime Museum in DC. I am looking forward to visiting this museum asap myself! Thanks so much Eric for informing us about the new Museum.

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

If you’re planning a trip to the nation’s capital, you have to check out the latest addition to the Washington DC museum scene—the National Museum of Crime & Punishment (NMCP). Fun for the whole family, the NMCP takes you through interactive environments highlighting the history of crime, methods of punishment, and law enforcement. Other specialized exhibits include crime scene investigation and the America’s Most Wanted studio.

Beginning with the Middle Ages and moving on through the Colonial times, Wild West, post-World War I era, and into the present day, “A Notorious History of Crime” showcases the evolution of crime spanning centuries in America. The weapons and technology used to commit crimes may have changed, but the motives have generally remained the same. Discover the stories of famous outlaws and mobsters that drove the police crazy, and learn about some of the most distinguished criminal events on record. Don’t forget to get your picture taken with your head and hands locked in the pillory, a rare example of punishment nostalgia.

At the “Punishment: The Consequence of Crime” display, find out firsthand what it’s like to become a criminal as you tour a replica police station. From being booked and getting your mug shot taken to life inside a cold concrete jail cell, you’ll get an understanding of our country’s prison system and why it’s a place no one in their right mind would want to be for any length of time. How cool can you perform under pressure? Get hooked up to the lie detector and test yourself.

Working in the line of law enforcement is not for everyone. The “Crime Fighting” gallery outlines what a career as a crime fighter entails, the tasks of various law enforcement agencies, and how each division works together. Observe the uniforms, weapons, and equipment that law personnel must familiarize themselves with, and even rate your skills as a gun slinger at the shooting range simulator.

Are you a fan of the hit television shows CSI: New York or CSI: Miami? If so, the “CSI Experience” will not disappoint you. Smack-dab in the middle of a murder mystery, see if you have what it takes to uncover the clues at the crime scene and analyze them back at the lab using common forensic science techniques. Next, move on to the morgue to learn the ins and outs of an autopsy, or browse through files from some of the most notable cold cases.

Everyone has watched America’s Most Wanted, and now, the longest-running series in American television history has made the NMCP its new home. Discover why host John Walsh started the show and how successful it has been in bringing hundreds of fugitives to justice. Bring your children to the Cross Match Technologies booth to have them fingerprinted. It will be an enjoyable experience for them, but it will also be for a good cause, since all prints will be entered into a nationwide database for future reference.

Whether you are young or old, the National Museum of Crime & Punishment has something interesting for all ages. Located in the heart of the city directly across from the Verizon Center, the NMCP is a “can’t miss” attraction on your Washington DC tours list.

at 11:31 AM

My thoughts go back to that fresh sunny morning 7 years ago. My prayers go out to all who grieve and have suffered from the tragedy that day.

I remember clearly that I was in a Bible study with dear women at church, when our pastor came downstairs to ask us to pray due to an airplane crashing into one of the World Trade Center Towers. We gathered in a circle and began to pray.

Several minutes later he came back down and gravely told us that another plane had crashed into the other tower. We all sank to our knees to pray more. Later on, he returned saying there were rumors of planes above DC, and a rumor that a building in DC had been hit, and again with the true fact that a plane had crashed into the Pentagon.

The husband of a woman in our circle was working there at that moment. Many of us had close friends who worked at the Pentagon and neighbors as well.

We left to see what to do to support our neighbors and to see about removing our children from school. (many of our husbands work in D.C.)

I removed my three young kids from their elementary school and tried to reach my husband. It was a harrowing time. I remember that my husband could not get through on his cell phone and that the trains and metro situation and the whole city of D.C. was in a state of chaos and shock and wondering how to get back home, or what to do. Some govt. folks were told to move to different sections of their buildings.

The shock of it all is still fresh. One of the strangest things that I remember is the beauty of the day that morning, how clear the sky was, the temperature so perfect, school had just begun and it was a fresh start. I pray that for those who lost loved ones, and are still suffering the loss, or still suffering from the mental anguish and shock, that they will find peace and comfort, and know that they are not alone.

at 11:01 AM

I'm learning all about Ping and the connections between twitter, facebook, blogger and others.

Check out Ping. You can set it to automatically post messages to a wide variety of sites. I sent the first part of this blog message from Ping and it went automatically to Twitter, Facebook as well. Very cool.

at 4:34 PM

I've been swimming with ideas lately on and offline about networking, trends, marketing and other odds and ends. In between finishing up an illustration project and planning for a line of artwork to license, caring for my three active kids and hyperactive husband (I say that in the kindest way possible. He is a gem, but when the two of us get together to brainstorm, it is exhilarating and exhausting)

He is reading Microtrends, a book I can't wait to get my hands on. I have also been following some savy folks on Twitter (http://twitter.com/earthenvessel) and Facebook and gleaning great ideas from them. I'll try to post links soon. My PC is still down, meaning I'm dependent on my laptop, which is carrying the Lion's share of the family's online load these days.

I wish Blogger had a way to link blog posts to Facebook and Twitter. Anyone know if it does?

For any artists out there interested in licensing their art, I have started a group on yahoogroups for Critiquing art for Licensing, to help us hone our skill and succeed in that business. It's called Critsforartlicensing, and requires approval to join. I have also started two groups for Artists who license on Facebook. (I'm learning the biz, but am not an expert, but figure we can all help each other learn and find resources and ideas

at 1:56 PM

This morning I've been scouring the internet for more info about licensing for artists. I will include a few links to the best articles here.

A recent article in the New York Daily News By ELIZABETH LAZAROWITZ DAILY NEWS BUSINESS WRITER Monday, August 6th 2007, 4:00 AM

Here's a great one in BNET Business Network

at 11:51 AM

Check out Mary Englebreit's article on licensing for artists. She is the queen of licensing in my view in the illustration field. The woman knows her stuff.

Here is a quote from Mary Englebreit on the topic of licensing for artists:

On licensing agreements:

"You have to remember that you're the one with the talent who's offering the licensees the gift to be cashed in on. You're certainly bringing something to the table, too, which you're entitled to be paid for. Always try to keep your copyright. Retaining the copyright is crucial. Plus, it's important to sign the contract for the shortest time period possible. That gives you more control if the product isn't as nice as you had hoped."

at 9:23 AM

Check out Paul Fricke's Blue Moon Studios Blog. Along with his topnotch comics and illos, he's got a great post about freelancing tips.

at 11:58 PM

I recently came upon the book Show and Tell by Dilys Evans. It is a book that highlights the art of children's illustrators. Evans is the past art director of Cricket Magazine and is currently the agent and president of Dilys Evans Fine Illustrations. Here's an article about the book in Publisher's Weekly.

The book is a treasure trove. I plan to add it to my collection.

at 10:41 PM

I hope this works. My son plays electric guitar and found this video the other day. I loved the technique used in filming it.

This is the cool guitar video.

=2 0 Me messing around with my guitar

testing yamaha crunch distortion for metal and also a few video effects

at 4:01 PM

Hey, check out this cool animated movie I found on www.aniboom.com! It's called I Do Art.

I Do Art by Stelios Polychronakis

Plus, try Shapeshifter, a tool that lets you make animation online for free.It's fun and easy to use!
Cheers,
Amy Moreno

at 3:53 PM

Aniboom is a fantastic site like UTube, but with animations. Highly addictive. I predict it'll be a big hit! I just saw a fun animation I'll try to post here in a sec.

at 7:34 AM

Wordle says on it's site:
"Wordle is a toy for generating “word clouds” from text that you provide. The clouds give greater prominence to words that appear more frequently in the source text. You can tweak your clouds with different fonts, layouts, and color schemes. The images you create with Wordle are yours to use however you like. You can print them out, or save them to the Wordle gallery to share with your friends. "

It's fun. I haven't tried it yet, but plan to asap....

at 8:43 PM

This is So much fun...you can have your name placed on the LRO (Lunar Reconnassaince Orbiter), which will return to the moon. Do it by June 27th.
Join NASA's Return to the Moon! Names will be collected and placed onboard the LRO spacecraft for its historic mission bringing NASA back to the moon. You will receive a certificate showcasing your support of the mission.

at 9:36 AM

at 9:39 PM

Maybe that's what I should call this blog...the Negligent Blogger..... I've been way too busy lately...swimming along in the Northern Virginia pace of life. School has been over for a few weeks now and I'm enjoying having the kids home, but trying to juggle things at a different pace.

This image is years old..and seems to fit the seasonal turning of children growing...mine are growing much too quickly..so I'm treasuring my summer with them. (the scan of the image is a bit funky, but I don't feel like scrounding around in my files for the better scan/image right now)

at 7:35 AM

Phil Noto's art is something wonderful. Check it out on his website. I found the link on Sidebarnation's blog...a group of incredible illustrators who create comics, concept art, and paintings.

at 7:12 PM

Mothers Day evokes the strongest blend of emotions. May your day bring peace, special memories, hope and an appreciation of the sacrifice, love and hard work our mothers give and gave for us. If you are a mom, let go of any guilt or feelings of falling short and take hold of the miracle of bearing a child, caring for them, having the honor of holding lives in your care for a short time and the privilege of impacting them for good.
God bless each mother out there!

at 5:08 PM

I am so lax in blogging lately. I've had way too much on my plate, and trying to keep up with it all, and rest and keep my sanity has been all I can do. I decided to post links to two of my favorite 'children's illustrator friends' who it is an honor to know and consider friends...
Ginger Nielson and Sherry Rogers...Their work and they themselves are incredible...take a look.

at 2:42 PM

Check out Wikipedia's April Fool's info...
here's another site with April Fool's stuff...

at 2:40 PM

Check out Google's Australian gDay with Mate...info a day ahead.

at 6:08 PM

Wow..It's been a long time since I've posted. It's been an especially busy season lately with various family and personal activities at home and around....school fun fairs, prep for Easter, church activities, and lots of art to do. I'll post some fun links I've found lately asap.

In the meantime...Spring is nearly here and feels like it's here in VA.
We've got a pair of birds building a nest in a birdhouse near our kitchen window, buds are sprouting, iris greenery is sprouting from the ground..the forsythia is starting to bloom and the weather has been beautiful lately...and Easter is nearly here already!

Tuesday, September 01, 2009

Monday, August 24, 2009

Sunday, August 09, 2009

Wednesday, July 15, 2009

Wednesday, July 01, 2009

Tuesday, June 30, 2009

Wednesday, June 24, 2009

Monday, June 22, 2009

Wednesday, June 17, 2009

Thursday, June 04, 2009

Monday, June 01, 2009

Saturday, May 23, 2009

Monday, May 04, 2009

Wednesday, April 29, 2009

Thursday, April 23, 2009

Tuesday, March 24, 2009

Friday, March 20, 2009

Tuesday, March 10, 2009

Thursday, March 05, 2009

Friday, February 27, 2009

Tuesday, February 24, 2009

Tuesday, February 17, 2009

Tuesday, February 10, 2009

Thursday, February 05, 2009

Tuesday, February 03, 2009

Friday, January 30, 2009

Wednesday, January 28, 2009

Tuesday, January 27, 2009

Saturday, January 24, 2009

Wednesday, January 21, 2009

Monday, January 19, 2009

Friday, January 16, 2009

Tuesday, January 06, 2009

Monday, January 05, 2009

Wednesday, December 31, 2008

Monday, December 22, 2008

Sunday, December 21, 2008

Friday, December 19, 2008

Thursday, December 04, 2008

Wednesday, December 03, 2008

Saturday, November 29, 2008

Wednesday, November 19, 2008

Tuesday, November 18, 2008

Monday, November 17, 2008

Sunday, November 16, 2008

Tuesday, November 11, 2008

Monday, November 10, 2008

Sunday, November 09, 2008

Friday, November 07, 2008

Thursday, November 06, 2008

Wednesday, November 05, 2008

Thursday, October 23, 2008

Wednesday, October 08, 2008

Tuesday, October 07, 2008

Wednesday, October 01, 2008

Thursday, September 18, 2008

Wednesday, September 17, 2008

Thursday, September 11, 2008

Wednesday, September 10, 2008

Monday, August 25, 2008

Monday, August 18, 2008

Monday, August 04, 2008

Friday, August 01, 2008

Monday, July 21, 2008

Sunday, June 29, 2008

Tuesday, June 24, 2008

Monday, June 23, 2008