Bluebird from the Past

I recently visited my family in CT when I attended the 2013 NY SCBWI conference this past February. I stopped over my dad's house with my sister-in-law to say hi and check in. Somehow, we all three ended up cleaning out my old bedroom closet and dresser. I'm glad it was a group effort - there were a lot of emotional items tucked away in the dresser - photos, childhood toys, old artwork. I actually don't have very many photos of my adolescence so it was mainly documented through my artwork.

I came across this bluebird that I carved and painted from a 2 x 4 piece of lumber. I'm guessing I was between 12-14 when I made it. I was really proud of this piece and gave it to my mom as a gift. As I look at it now, over 20 years later, I'm still impressed by the care I took in making it and maybe...just maybe...if I have the time I might start woodworking again : )

How Big Are Your Dreams?

Mo Willems speaking at the 2013 NY SCBWI Conference

Several days after the NY SCBWI conference has ended - I find myself still pondering some thoughts of Mo Willems' from his keynote speech. I would say the one piece of advice that stuck with me more than anything else was his statement about his goals as a children's book author and illustrator. He advised on making your goals BIG - as big as you can.

"I've dreamed that everything I write will change the world for the better."  Willems said.

Now that is one damn bold statement. I would say that is about as bold as you can get. His dream wasn't to just be published, or to be famous, or to make x amount of dollars per year. But to CHANGE THE WORLD FOR THE BETTER.

So naturally, the first question I ask myself is -  "Are MY dreams that big?". And this is how I answered that question:

* If I was published and no one read my books - would I be satisfied?

NO

* If I was published and every single one of my books were read, but it didn't affect anyone - would I be satisfied?

NO

* If I was published, my books were read AND they created a positive change in the readers - would I then be satisfied?

YES


So the second question I ask myself is - "Am I worthy of such a dream? To change the world for the better?"

I think I have been telling myself "NO" for a long time. But what good is that going to do for me or anyone else? So my answer has to be "YES".

And now I ask YOU the same question..."What are you dreaming?" And do you feel you are worthy of those dreams?"

Bon Voyage From Your Entourage

Either I am an incredibly lonely person that needs to invent characters that will send me cute little poems or I'm letting my imagination blossom - I'm guessing it's a little bit of both : ) About to shove off for the SCBWI Conference that starts this Friday. Pig the Baker and his assistant The Baker-1000 have something to say:

Prepping for the SCBWI Conference in NY!

Back/front cover of my portfolio book

This February, I'll be going to the SCBWI (Society of Children's Book Writers and Illustrators) Conference in NY. I decided to display my portfolio pieces as a picture book - after all that is where these illustrations would most likely go : ) I finally sent my new portfolio off to be printed yesterday so I'm excited to see the hardcopy come in the mail. Then I can show my roommate why I lock myself in my bedroom so much - because I am actually working!

I also wrote a silly little poem on the back cover and added a bar code (which is fake), just to give more of a book flavor.