WOYWW - Mini Tea-themed calendars

It's been quite some time where I've been able to participate in Julia Dunnit's weekly challenge, WOYWW, and I'm excited to jump back on board this week.  What a great way to start the new year!  So much unfolded in 2014, specifically the terrible car accident I was in, leaving myself and my hubby in a place of great loss, forcing us to re-arrange life and everything in it.  For awhile, it was quite challenging but I'm thankful we're finally in a place today where things seem somewhat normal again - or as normal as life CAN be!

Although I/we suffered great loss from the accident, it has brought some unexpected and joyful things along the way - like my illustration world blossoming into such wonder, I couldn't be happier.  Although I don't understand why things happened the way they did, I'm very lucky to be alive and am blessed to be where I'm at today.  I'm more than thrilled to be illustrating for several different children's books which are scheduled to publish early in 2015.  Keep an eye out for the announcements!

With that said, let me close this post, grab a perfect cup of tea and make my rounds to all of the other beautiful ladies who are a part of Julia's WOYWW.  Happy Wednesday and Happy New Year!

A little hello note...

Life is beginning to get back to normal in our cozy home (still decorated with Christmas lights and such until January 6th)!  Today was the first day I sat down to doodle and paint since week before last. It felt incredibly good.  My creative soul worked away at the table for a few hours before turning off the lights and settling in on the sofa next to Mr. Toast with a perfect cup of tea and English muffin in hand.

The next week or two will be busy as I work away at illustration deadlines I've unfortunately fallen behind on a little due to being poorly for so long.  Thankfully, I'm working with some incredibly patient and understanding women/authors.  (Let me tell you just how grateful I am!) I promise to post sneak peeks here and there when I can.  Until then, make sure to pop in over at my Facebook page to say hello - this is where I post regularly.  I'll also pop in to say hello at your lovely bloggie homes as well.

Sunday Sketches

The sun is now settling down behind the snow packed mountain peaks here in our cozy Colorado town.   On Christmas Day, little flakes began to tumble down and soon blanketed our entire town in 7 inches of the most incredible fluffy and magical snow!  Yes, Mr. Toast and I had a "White Christmas".  It couldn't have been any more perfect than the way everything turned out.  Snow and surrounded by our children on Christmas for a wonderful holiday meal.

Above is the first thing I've painted in over a week and clearly says if you see no artwork posting, you know something is truly wrong as I don't usually go a day without posting something on my pages.  Oh my!  I do think I'm finally on the uphill towards better health at last! Yeah!

Happy SS!  I hope everyone had a lovely Christmas holiday and am looking forward to catching up with all of my lovely peeps!

Grab the Sunday Sketches button here.

This week's participants: Please sign-up below to submit your sketch for this week, which will also allow others to visit.

Sunday Sketches

Hello, my wonderful bloggie peeps.  I'm still having a very rough week this week and started a second round of antibiotics tonight after having a bad allergic reaction to the first round.  I'm feeling quite discouraged tonight, as one can imagine.  There's so much work on my studio table to do and each day that passes with work uncompleted leaves me that much further behind.  Not to mention, leaving me exhausted and unable to do things with Mr. Toast and the family.

Please do leave a little note and I'll make rounds with everyone as soon as I'm physically able and up to it.  Thank you for your understand and prayers.

Grab the Sunday Sketches button here.

This week's participants:
Please sign-up below to submit your sketch for this week, which will also allow others to stop and visit.

Creative Tuesdays: Scottie Love

This round of Creative Tuesdays was to simply choose our favorite CT contribution from this year and then share as to why it was.  I chose the "Holiday message" theme where I had these three adorable Scotties, playing with Christmas lights and bunting.  It really couldn't be more fitting for myself and my life with Mr. Toast.  We both love tea, bunting, Christmas - and the little guy shown above. 

For those of you who know me,  Scottish Terriers often pop in and out of my illustration work and is inspired by the one and only (above), Brendel Joseph - our incredibly precious, loving and playful Scottie.  This little doggie has been through thick and thin with me.  He first entered my life shortly after my cancer surgery back in 2006 and it was then I called him my miracle puppy - and that he is!  This little guy is at your side when you're down or feeling sickly, shoving his head under your chin to get as close to you as he can.  He's also a ball lover, leaf chaser and the best snuggler in the world.  Hee

Happy Christmas, everyone!  May peace and love fill your world this holiday season. :)

Sunday Sketches - Very ill

My wonderful bloggie friends.  Please forgive me for not posting and no notice.  I've been in a lot of pain the past few days.  So much, that it has made me so sick to where I've been unable to keep any foods or liquids down.  I'm planning to be up and about for the next round, so please do return this coming Sunday.  Here's a quick doodle from the sofa today.

Miss everyone very much and chat with you soon!

Sunday Sketches

This week's post will be short as Mr. Toast and I are away for the weekend with our first Christmas trip with the kids to a cabin in the mountains - and we're loving it!  As soon as we return home, I'll be visiting everyone!  Until then, happy December! :)

Grab the Sunday Sketches button here.

This week's participants:
Please sign-up below to submit your sketch for this week, which will also allow others to stop and visit.

Creative Tuesdays: Dreams of December

The current theme for this round of Creative Tuesdays is "Dreams of December" and I had loads of fun illustrating this one.  As a children's illustrator, my heart is always dreaming of ways as to how I can create magic for those in my life every single day, whether in person or virtually through my blog, art page, etc.  My heart's desire is to help individuals view the world around them with a child's heart, allowing their dreams and imagination come to life.  

For me, I love the snow in Colorado...and pressies!  Uh huh.  Hee   When I combined my heart's desire with some of the things I love, this precious illustration unfolded right before my eyes.  I can't tell you just how much my heart is bubbling over from this little gang, inspired by the fabulous 2013 John Lewis Christmas Advert - "The Bear and The Hare".  May each of these furry little friends touch your heart this holiday season.

For more Creative Tuesdays contributions, please visit here.