Thomas turns 12

 It's crazy to think we have a twelve year old! Time is a thieve, but I really have enjoyed the pre-teen years, I just don't think I'm old enough to have a 12 year old.

Sisters

 Just playing with my new camera FINALLY, I've just been so busy getting my illustration portfolio ready (previous post) that I haven't really had a chance to play with my new camera. I still have a lot to learn but I love it so much!

Children's Book Conference

 This past year I worked really hard to have a solid portfolio so I can start looking for an agent and start working in the publishing world as my kids get more independent. One of the best ways to break into the industry and meet people is to go to SCWBI conferences. I went to one four years ago and I got a lot of feed back, took all the advice, took some more art classes, said no to most of my social life and worked between motherhood this past year, that when I won best portfolio at the conference it was so rewarding, to feel appreciated and to be recognized for my hard work. This time my feedback was that I was totally ready to be in the publishing world and I will have no problem to find an agent (I just need to knock on their doors) and now that I know all the art rules so well, now I should try to break them and just play and she what I can create.

Anyway it was so good and I'm ready to take on the art world! Next year my plan is to look really hard fro an agent and hopefully get an agent and start working full time as an illustrator. Wish me luck!

Halloween 2022

 

We had a great Halloween this year. This was the first year some of our kids went Trick-or-Treating with friends and ditched the family, it's fun to see the kids growing up. I was pretty busy during the month of October because I was getting ready for a children's book conference (more on that later) so we didn't do too much Halloween crafts, we did decorate sugar cookies and carved some pumpkins last minute.

October Activites