A flashback to 2016

 

 

I’ve been enjoying the nostalgia of looking back to 2016. This was the year my first two Hello, World! books Solar System and Weather hit the shelves. Making Hello, World! ten years old!

 

 This project with Random House Kids, Doubleday books changed me in the best way. As I’ve mentioned before I never considered myself a writer. Being dyslexic I shied away from writing but somehow, I would always find myself adding words to my surface designs wanting to tell a story. The words in these first two simple, non-fiction board books took me longer to craft than the art. Art seems to flow out of me, words are not always the same case. Making these books is a fun, sometimes scary challenge that has helped me grow in lots ways. I feel honored to have my books shared and loved by many. ♥️

I’m so glad that shy, convinced I couldn’t write, me took this opportunity when it was presented. Take a chance… you never know! 

We need more love. 💙

Spread love and kindness— A couple quick ideas...

-Offer help in a small way, holding a door, reaching for a high up item, saying, “HELLO”!

-Write a letter or text to a family member you’ve been thinking about.

-Let someone cut in front of you in line if you can see they’re in a rush.

-Share your favorite uplifting book or podcast.

-Bake something & give it to a friend.

-Be kind to yourself and know that you’re showing up in a time when the world feels harsh, with an abundance of bad news.

 

Love and kindness can be a soft spot to land or at least visit a couple times each day. 

January

 

Winter, when the days are shorter, the shadows longer and the color quieted by it all.

 

 

 

Nonetheless, there's a beauty to it. Somehow, I thought these two went together well.  

Done Chillin

 

The winter is long and cold, the holidays are over, and who really knows what day it is anymore?

Here's to finding your way back into the routine this week.

(Watercolor on Arches cold press paper with a few real flowers from my garden sprinkled in.)

Happy New Year

 

I believe this is true! ↑

I'm looking forward to the upcoming year. 2025 was one of the toughest years of my life but...

I made it through & it has showed me I'm strong! 

In 2026 I'll make friends with the crows that flock to our block.

They are clever, and resilient just like me.

I'll continue to paint, draw, write and QUILT! My favorite new skill I learned in 2025.

 

I hope your year journey has handled you with care, taught you a few new things

and opened you up to what could be next. 

 

 

Joy & CHEER

 

It's that time of the year!

(this art was sold to a gift wrap company) 

What gets you through DECEMBER?

I feel a little guilty for not liking December. It's cold, for an already responsible person the demands ramp up, up, up. I'm an introvert & the ongoing activities drain me. I thought of a view of my favorite things in December- the one I keep on repeat!

Forgot one... please imagine a bright red amaryllis in this print.