Exciting news!  For my manuscript consultation during the SCBWI Western WA conference I will be meeting with author Rosanne Parry.  When I came across her website, I was delighted to learn that her dream as a child was to be a circus flyer- what a perfect fit for the story I submitted, Fabien the Circus Flyer! It just felt like such a good sign that our meeting was meant to be.  She is the author of Heart of a Shepherd, Daddy's Home, and the upcoming Second Fiddle.  Check out her website http://www.rosanneparry.com/  and you can follow her on Twitter @RosanneParry



One of my favorite photos of Nellie and me reading together



Inspiration Wednesday...

  In honor of Inspiration Wednesday (thank you Tina Hoggatt! http://tinahoggatt.wordpress.com/) and a wonderfully rejuvenating SCBWI meeting last night led by Janet Lee Carey and Grace Wong, I'm posting an old Disney favorite to brighten your day...

"When there's a smile in your heart
There's no better time to start
Think of all the joy you'll find when you leave the world behind
And bid your cares good bye-
You can fly! You can fly!
You can fly! You can fly!"

  In your creative process remember to let yourself breathe.  Get back in touch with your inner artist/ storyteller/ creative center, she needs to be continually embraced, nurtured, and Loved  :)

  Wishing you peace in your process, whatever form it may take

"Some days there won't be a song in your heart. Sing anyway."

~Emory Austin

Toddler Story Time

  Ever since Nellie was a baby we have been attending the NE Library's toddler story time in Seattle.  It is one of the best (and most crowded!) around, and we just love the children's librarian, Erica.  She brings fun and enthusiasm to every story and song, and can keep a roomful of kids entertained.  Its a great way to introduce reading as a fun, special time for you and your child. 

Interested? Story time takes place most Tuesdays and Thursdays at 10:15.  Check out the website for exact times and other branches near you
http://www.spl.org/default.asp?pageID=branch_open_events&branchID=20

  I just mailed in my submission for the SCBWI Barbara Karlin Works-In-Progress Grant for unpublished picture book authors.  Send all your positive thoughts and goodluck wishes towards Cali on those Santa Ana winds, and bring me back a win! Here's hoping!

  Also mailed in my First Pages (Session A Picture Books) for the SCBWI Western WA Conference in April.  As well as my picture book for my  personal manuscript consultation.  Feels good to get things done and off in snail mail. Makin progress on the way to achieving my goals!

Happy Birthday to You, Dr. Suess

Today is Dr. Suess' birthday! Celebrate Read Across America Day :)

"So we'll go to the top of the toppest blue space,
The Official Katroo Birthday Sounding-Off Place!
Come on! Open your mouth and sound off at the sky!
Shout loud at the top of your voice, 'I AM I!
ME!
And I may not know why
But I know that I like it.
Three cheers! I AM I!'"