Scribble Picnic: The Giving Tree

This little illustration came about a few days ago since I knew we were traveling back from California for the holidays and wasn't sure I'd have time to complete it after arriving home. Scribble Picnic's current theme is generous and how fitting for this holiday season.

My little woodland creatures are on a special journey to bring gifts to a little family of squirrels who lost their home during the recent winter storm. Everyone is traveling with gifts in hand to the giant village Christmas tree where a new home was made for this tiny family. Isn't it wonderful to have friends to count on?

Life seems so full of sadness and tragedy lately so my goal this holiday season with my work is to create illustrations that will stir the heart to give more love and kindness to those and the world around them.

OK, I'm off to grab a basket of mixed nuts/berries to drop off to the little squirrel family and some hot mulled wine for our picnic over at Michael's humble home.

Celebrating the season

We put up our Christmas tree today. Yes, a tad early but seeing that we'll be in California next week for Thanksgiving, and then off to the mountains a few days after we return for our wedding anniversary, it seemed fitting. (Typically, I put it up and decorate the evening of Thanksgiving Day.)

So much is going on this holiday season. We'll be traveling way more than I've traveled these last 46 years I've been living on the face of this earth! Ha! There'll be a lot of memories built this year and it's incredibly exciting. We'll be visiting Michael's family for Thanksgiving, celebrating our 4 year anniversary, heading to the cabin for a few days with the children for our annual "Christmas in the Cabin" and then off to Kentucky to spend Christmas with my family for the first time in 13+ years! In fact, Michael will be meeting my family for the very first time. Exciting....as my mother is also remarrying!

With that said, I'll be busy rolling out of bed in the wee hours of the morning and working very late the next several days in order to meet deadlines. I'm getting a bit nervous! Cross your fingers! For now, enjoy a little peek at our Christmas tree, shining brightly in the corner of our living room tonight.

Finding JOY amidst struggles

It's been a rough week for us but we're doing our best to rise above and push through...thus where this sweet little illustration came from. It's Friday so we're doing a little dance of joy! How about you? What's your dance to overcome obstacles of life?

Scribble Picnic: Unwrap The Gift of Love

Yesterday was a hard day and somehow, I still managed to put together this tiny illustration to represent "unwrapping the gift of love" for this week's Scribble Picnic hosted by the fabulous Mr. Toast (aka Michael). This world is so hard lately. Heartache. Death. Tragic things happening on what seems to be a daily basis anymore. What could be more fitting than sending out a message to give the gift of love to those around you. It's so simple and goes so far.

Michael and I love to give to those struggling with homelessness here in our town. Most of the time, we're supported...sometimes, we're frowned upon. Regardless, it's one simple act of kindness that brings a much needed HOPE to people in this world.

May this little illustration brighten your day and bring to your heart any hope, love, or courage you're in need of today or in the coming days. ♥
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Oh, don't forget there's still time to order my beautiful Christmas cards created from my hand-painted watercolor illustrations. They're beautiful and perfect for sending off to those you love. You can order them via my Etsy link or on my sidebar. Right now, they're only $2.50 each (marked down from $3.50 each!)

English Robin Collection & Good News!

For the month of November, I've been doodling English robins every day for my "warm-ups". Here are just a few. To see my entire collection thus far, please visit my Instagram art page.
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As for the good news I've been waiting to share with you, I've 2 brand new books coming! What's extra special? The second one is with an official traditional publisher!

MEAGAN'S WISH
I've teamed up once again with the wonderful author, Charlotte J. Rains, and our next book, Meagan's Wish, is set to launch at the end of this month.  It's been a long time coming and a wonderful story about a little girl's wishes coming true.

THE RIPPLE
Last week I signed a contract with my very first "official" publisher - Clear Fork Publishing. I'll be illustrating a darling book titled, "The Ripple". This sweet children's book is set to launch Fall of 2018 and is a journey about a little boy who learns just how far the simple act of a smile can reach.

Alright then. I'm off to get to work. I've loads to do in the next few weeks. I promise to check in often.

Scribble Picnic: Gingerbread Cookies & Tea

I sadly missed Scribble Picnic last week but am happy to hop back on board this week! And what's better than a cute little mouse bringing gingerbread cookies and tea to our picnic?! Yay!  There's still a lot to do on this illustration but it's a pretty good start.

The next few weeks are going to be extremely busy for me as I've several projects needing to be completed by the end of this month. So, cross your fingers they'll all get completed on time.

OK, I'm off to the picnic myself. It's been quite chilly here so a hot cuppa is in order, for sure! Hmmm....any guesses as to what snack I'll be bringing to Michael's picnic gathering this week?

Hello, winter!

Hello, winter! A little puppy love on this chilly wintry Tuesday. I'm off to knock out work on this very cold morning....and hopefully, Scribble Picnic this week as well. I sadly missed last week due to finalizing the cover for the next children's book I'm illustrating, Meagan's Wish. It's an utterly magical story and will be available for the holidays - a perfect gift for a loved one!

Oh, and I've some more awesome news to share....so stay tuned!