on my desk monday

Hope you had a great holiday! Ours was quite enjoyed, as evidenced by what is on my desk today:

Even though the house is now in shambles, it was built with a great deal of care. This year, instead of just being a critic, Rain Dragon was quite an active participant.   She helped with the construction:

(one marshmallow for the house, one marshmallow for my mouth)

to the decorating:

(it needs more jellybeans, more, more, more)

and, of course,  the finishing touch:

yes, now it is finished!

fortune cookie friday

"The snow goose need not bathe to make itself white. Neither need you do anything but be yourself."
- Lao Tzu

topping off christmas

Every year, I have this idea that we will create the most picturesque, Pinterest-worthy Christmas. So far, it's never quite happened. This year is no exception.

However, this year, we were determined to have a Christmas tree topper. The tops of all my trees of Christmas past have been bald because I've never gotten it together to make something to my liking. But a million years ago, when Rain Dragon was still a secret, I met the incredible artist Salley Mavor and got her book, Pocketful of Posies as well as her crafting book Felt Wee Folk.

So using that as an inspiration, the Sasquatch and I began making our little family. Here we are bald and as wizards:

Salley uses acorns for hats, but it's not acorn season! 

But in the end, we opted for hair and being Muggles:

Of course, we had to do this at night while Rain Dragon was sleeping and only finished this morning, so she got a Christmas Eve Morning surprise:

But the tree is fully decorated for Christmas!

Happy Holidays, all!! Wishing you a merry and joyous season!!!

tree!

Oh my, it's Christmas Eve tomorrow!

I'm deep in my novel, which, unfortunately, makes me extremely absent-minded. So the days to the holidays have just slipped by and I haven't done half of what I wanted to do. Sigh!

But we did get a tree! We cut our own again, like last year! This time, Rain Dragon was quite excited:

And wanted to us to take all of them:

But we finally decided on one and let the Sasquatch do his manly duty:

And let Rain Dragon do her perceived one:

all the ornaments on the bottom of the tree, toddler-height!

I was tempted just to leave the tree decorated this way!

on my desk monday

I've sent out Christmas cards! Of course, I just sent them out on Saturday, so people it's a toss-up on whether people will actually get them before Christmas. Still, aren't you impressed?

Though, I guess I really shouldn't be that proud. The only reason I was able to get this together was because Rain Dragon's pre-school had what I think was the smartest fundraiser ever--they had a professional photo shoot/holiday card package that parents could sign up for. It made things so convenient that even the most disorganized and absent-minded of parents (yours truly!) were able to get their cards done. But, pretend to be impressed anyway, okay? Think of it as my Christmas present!

fortune cookie friday

"Better than a thousand hollow words, is one word that brings peace."
- Buddha

return to rituals

The art for the fourth Ling and Ting book is finished (have you read the third one? hope you liked it)!

the board in now empty, as compared to before!

Before Rain Dragon made her appearance, I used to make a special art folder every time I began a book. I love pretty paper and it was an excuse to buy and use it; but it also became kind of a ritual--a way to focus before starting work. 

I haven't made an art folder for a couple of years now because I just didn't have the time. But with the art for this Ling and Ting book finished, my plate is finally cleared to plunge into the novel completely without any other work distractions. And I am a little nervous!

So, to procrastinate to clear my mind, I decided to make an art folder:

the outside is rainbow colors!

the inside is rainbow balloons! 

I think it turned out well! Hope it's a good sign for my next project....

on my desk monday

Christmas shopping! You never go wrong giving books!

fortune cookie friday

"Good advice is like bitter medicine."
- Chinese Proverb

on my desk monday

Signing bookplates! I have to sign a huge stack of these for an upcoming school visit. Should be fun (the visit, not the signing)!

If YOU want books signed by yours truly, Broadside Books  can make it happen--just make sure you say you want it autographed in the comments section! If you want the books for the holidays, order soon!

fortune cookie friday

"To chop a tree quickly, spend twice the time sharpening your axe."
- Chinese Proverb

memory pearl

Rain Dragon loves jumping in puddles outside when it rains, so when she is inside and there is no rain she jumps in "sun puddles."

she even has to run to put her boots on before she jumps

It makes me smile every time.

on my desk monday

Prints for my etsy shop! I'm all set for holiday shoppers! Hello cyberMonday!

Of course, the prints from my etsy shop are on the small size and are not archival. If you are looking for a large size museum quality archival print for a super special gift, I am happy to announce that updated-and-improved Child at Heart Gallery has some available. While you are there, check out the other amazing artists' work!  I completely covet this Trina Schart Hyman print...

Also, if you want books signed by yours truly, Broadside Books  can make it happen--just make sure you say you want it autographed in the comments section!

Happy Holiday Shopping!