Illustrated Story Books Are The Best...

I love books. ALL types of books. Most of all illustrated story books. I ask you, "Where else can you read a whole book in one sitting, view beautiful artwork worthy of being hung in a gallery, get a good belly laugh (or good cry depending on the story), and learn a life lesson?" An illustrated story book of course!

Love. Love. Love them! I take the little guy to the library every three weeks and we check out about 25 story books...we read and re-read them until time to return them. On top of doing that there are still books I end up buying, so we have a nice little library of children's books I've collected over the past 23 years. Started the collection when we were expecting our oldest son. When the little guy "thinks" he has outgrown picture books I am positive my favorite pasttime will continue to be finding the latest children's books available to feed my creative soul. When my boys have children someday I will have an ever growing children's library from which they may read until their little hearts content.

Having drawn and painted my whole life I started writing when I was 12, and never stopped. It's always been my dream to write and illustrate children's books. Life however gets in the way when you let it. Add to that a non-belief in yourself, and it will derail you everytime. It's never too late though. Even if it is 25 years after you wanted to start living your dream. So...with a lot of confidence gained over the last 22 years I have set out on a journey. The one where I write and illustrate books and inevitably get rejection letters, but from which I will rise and try again.

You may be asking, "Where is she going with this?" Well...I'm leading up to a book we added to our collection..."Crafty Chloe" written by Kelly DiPucchio (an author new to me but who I will look for from now on) and illustrated by Heather Ross (I have been following her at heatherrossdesigns.com for a few years now). Shown here atop our "lounging" turtle. Which at any given time you can find the little guy laying his head to read a book.


A lovely story with beautiful and very colorful illustrations. It is a story I can relate to, having created gifts for family and friends through the years. The insecurities felt about anything you have created can be daunting, until the recipient opens it and gives their reaction. Add to those insecurities a negative influence and the self doubt doubles. Have I said enough to peek your interest? I hope so...this is a book to be read by ALL children, not just girls. Adults also will appreciate the story which may speak to their own insecurities. Hope you find it as enjoyable as we (I) did.

Until next time...try to live. love. learn...in the moment.

Random Peeks Into A Busy Saturday...

Just a little randomness on a Saturday. He is up way too early most days...was able to coax him into staying in bed until 7am this morning...woohoo! He was slightly excited for today to get here. Ball practice starts, soccer team party, library trip, oh my! Was great fun I have to admit...even though about a week ago I thought we were going to have a free day today, because there was nothing on the calendar. Then poof! The day is filled without me realizing what's happening...ugh! The running gets to me...sometimes.

Busy creating at all times...got to love it!

First ball practice of the season...first thing this morning...(yaaawn!)tired.

A basket full of picture books fresh from the library.

Just baked "Hot Choco Pots"...a Nigella Lawson recipe...a fantastic mix of brownie like goodness with pudding center...hard to control yourself not to eat them all.

Ending a busy day in a totally slow and relaxing way...storybook tea time.

It Has Arrived...

At last, it has arrived! Taproot Magazine...it is engaging, thoughtful and thought provoking, informative, and thoroughly enjoyable. I am so happy I subscribed. I gave it a quick once through this afternoon. Right now I am off to make myself a cup of hot lemon verbena tea. I just want to sit, read, re-read and savor every single word and photo.

A Moment To Remember...

My Friday photo of a moment to savor and remember...per www.soulemama.typepad.com...
A typical breakfast for him these days...a bowl of something and a dictionary or encyclopedia to peruse before school.

Backing Up A Couple Of Weeks...

Just wanted to back up a couple of weeks and post some pics of our Dr. Seuss weekend...made some treats to send to school with the little guy for his class to enjoy on Friday, March 2nd (Dr. Seuss's birthday)...went to see The Lorax that evening...and had green eggs and ham on Staurday for breakfast. Found the ideas for the treats online, but don't remember where I saw them...will try to find the link and post here later. The snack mix is "One Fish Two Fish Red Fish Blue Fish", made from popcorn, colored fish crackers, and dried cranberries. "The Cat in The Hat" hats are marshmallows on top of a melted white chocolate disc, then painted atripes with red food coloring. The kids loved them. So fun to make too!

We read every Dr. Seuss book we own that weekend and made up funny goofy rhymes all weekend. That somehow turned into talking in an Irish accent...have no idea why! Tee Hee Hee...

Closing Out The Season At The Ice Rink...

The National Archives serves as a beautiful backdrop to the ice rink...

The weekend has come for our favorite place to close for the season...The Sculpture Garden Ice Rink, outside at the National Gallery of Art in Washington, DC. We love to go there at night to skate, especially on Christmas Eve, but other times too. We went while it was still daylight yesterday and it turned dark while we were there. Ahhh, the twinkle lights, the trees all around, the shiny fresh ice reflecting the lights, the crisp air, the people, and the music...kind of a waltzing type music perfect for ice skating.

We had such a good evening skating and taking in the beauty that makes the city so magical. The rink is directly across the street from the National Archives building, a grand building which is lit beautifully at night. The cherry blossoms are already in bloom, but the rest of the trees and bushes are bare still. Such a wonderful mix of winter and spring all at the same time!

About 5 o'clock pm...

My little guy skating his heart out...

Waiting patiently for the zamboni to smooth the ice...6 o'clock pm...

Dusk is setting in...


Farewell until November...