 Finger puppets, born yesterday. Courtesy of The Princess, Elizabeth St Hilaire Nelson, and the Detroit Institute of Art. My life is not my own. These are hard words to spit out, being that I am a total, over-the-top, control freak. But it is the truth. I can't tell you what I did yesterday, but at any given point I can tell you what I'm doing in 5 minutes, 5 hours, and 5 days. And, yet, despite my calendar, things are not playing out as I anticipated. And that's because of my kids. This last week, my life has become theirs. I am coordinating carpools, planning team meals, delivering forgotten bits of uniforms, volunteering behind the scenes, and cheering maniacally from the sidelines. School starts on September 4th, but until then, I have my kids (mostly) undivided attention. I say mostly, because they are also focused on marching band, football, and dance, along with squeezing in as much time as possible with friends. And sleeping past noon. But let me tell you, I show up unexpectedly with slurpees for all, and they do pay attention. Don't get me wrong - it's extremely difficult for me to not be at the easel. Painting is my mental health. But I am also a work-from-home Mom so that I can flex around my kids' calendars. And now, they sorta want me (or maybe it's the slurpees, but don't ruin the illusion). So I plan on working it. Fondly, Kim, who is ok with disillusionment, at least for today |
The cover of "A Dog Named Blue," now available from Blurb publishers. When I first painted Amelia I never imagined that she would be re-christened "Blue" and inspire a book. In her defense, Amelia had a number of other partners in crime - animals who's portraits seemed to fall into a specific color category and prompt color-centric names. In typical ADD fashion, my brain started spinning 100mph. What if I turned those muses' paintings into a picture book for animal loving kids? I shared my idea with three friends in the industry, and they eagerly offered their expertise. I am truly indebted to them. Illustrator and author Matt Faulkner and children's book author and literacy expert Kristen Remenar edited an early version of the draft. They suggested key plot/conceptual changes that made it oodles better. Designer Elizabeth St. Hilaire Nelson worked her magic, pairing the images with perfectly color
So poignant and well said. My 18 year old "baby boy" is off to college in 5 short days. It all goes by in a flash...savor each moment.
ReplyDeletecongratulations, Laurie, on ushering him through childhood!! I wish him all the best - and hope that your household adapts swingingly to the transition.
DeleteIt gets even better, Kim...as the years roll by, those kids have kids. And when they grow up, as a grandparent, you are even more "wanted." Enjoy them immensely...slurpees & all!!
ReplyDeleteVonnie, enjoy your grands!! :) and thank you for the advice!!
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