a new piece…

Another piece for the book set in Gambia for my UK publisher. The
fabric is all tiny bits and bigger bits of paper.

I just have to share…

I am a busting out proud momma. What can I say. This weekend, our son
(who is almost 4) drew this entry for the Chirp magazine Draw yourself
contest. He did it all by himself, name and everything, and well –
while it may not be extraordinary to anyone else, it completely blew
my mind. Little kids are amazing.

I love independent bookstores!

This weekend I had a reading at the Kent Bookstore in Lindsay. Like
Greenley's in Belleville, they had decorated the windows up with big
gerbera daisies, and a GIANT almost 4 x 4 foot blow up of my
cover… it was a hot, hot day, but the kids that came were
enthusiastic and it was actually really nice. It was the first event
where I got to spend almost all my time with the kids, doing silly
little drawings and talking about all the other books they love… I
got a great view into the heart of a pre-teen reader who loves
fairies. It was a great visit, and I will be going back there again in
the winter when in the snow launches in November. DId I mention they
sold 35 books? Fun stuff. Those places make me wish I worked in an
indie bookstore.

Book review Wednesday – JULIUS – the baby of the world

Ok, at first I have to say I was troubled by some of the language in
this book – particularly the word ' hate'… but I have to say that
now I love it. I really do. We are expecting our second child, and our
son is almost four and having a bit of a struggle with the idea of
sharing his parents with anyone. he has come up with all sorts of
plans involving rockets, fire trucks and police cars – oh yeah, and
tape. None of them violent ideas I might add, more just the relocation
of the baby once it is born in nice safe vehicles. He's being quite
crafty actually, and I should commend his creativity.

Anyway, this book is hilarious.

My little sister was born when I was four, and I remember how I felt
so distinctly, still to this day – 30 years later, that Lilly antics
just crack me up – and our son too. Warning pregnant mouse-ladies that
they will live to regret that bump under their dresses… the magic
tricks, the stories… if you have a good sense of humour, and can
remember what it was like when a new sibling came along – this is a
very funny book to read to help prepare for the inevitable.

Then and Now – my own private Jungle

Gardens truly are miracles. I am not a weeder, unless it is greatly
interfering with my progress, but you know, everything is doing
marvelously well. The deer still come by for the odd nibble, but this
has been taken care of by my sweet son, who is happy to pee in the
garden whenever is suits his fancy…