The Dollar Christmas Plate

/ still a dreamer

christmasplateHow does one know the Christmas season has begun? Ignoring the fact that the onslaught of marketing for the holidays has now begun shortly after Halloween to make commercialism at an all time high of 7-8 weeks,  what happens in your home that says Christmas will soon be coming?

For me, it’s the bringing forth of two different Christmas dishes – my humble, dollar store plates and my bright red, green and white decorated, coffee mugs.  I’ll admit that perhaps why they are the first manifestation of Christmas is that they are conveniently at hand, as are all my dishes, right there in a kitchen cabinet. But there’s something about putting away my winter mugs and replacing them them with the festive red ones, and putting away my stoneware plates in a lower cabinet, their upper spot now taken with these simple china plates, that gets hopes and dreams to stirring.

No doubt the dollar store plates were made in China, too, (the mugs were made in Germany), so as befits this time of celebration, each year I bless those who made and painted them and thank them for this small joy that marks the beginning of the season for me.

Christmas changes as we grow older … once it was the excitement of opening presents under the tree in the morning; later, coming home from college and seeing family and old friends; then through relationships, perhaps children, and so it goes. Each year becoming a little bit different, offering some slightly different gift. Christmas steadily brings the exchange of warm wishes of family and friends, some who we barely have time to keep up with during the year. Cards are still sent and received, and though sometimes in too much of a rush, we get them out and delight at the treasure in our mailboxes.

Among our gifts may be something thoughtful from someone unexpected, new friends, the comfort and love of old ones, new music that fits us just right, the book that we need to read exactly at this moment in time, a candle scent carrying us back over time … riches, all.  The care, preparation, hopes and dreams of each of our Christmas or holiday seasons always begins with one simple thing … something as simple as a dollar Christmas plate.

Asleep at the Switch

/ still a dreamer

“We are most deeply asleep at the switch when we fancy we control any switches at all.” – Annie Dillard

emergencyswitchIt was my thought to delve into one of my favorite books, “Simple Abundance: A Daybook of Comfort and Joy” by Sarah Ban Breathnacht, for the month of December. But when I picked up the book and put the placemarker ribbon to the top, the book fell open to November 30th – a sure sign that this is what I was supposed to read. And the quote above was at the top of the day’s reading.

Of course, this was what I was meant to read. We all come through periods when it seems everything goes right – things get done with minimal effort; the results we desire are achieved; and all is well. We feel in control. And then comes a rough patch – a car accident; the furnace isn’t working; the oven dies; the furnace is fixed but the emergency switch is faulty and won’t turn the furnace off if there IS an emergency; the new stove fumes are so toxic they cause a severe allergic reaction; and on and on and on. It seems nothing is in our control.

But there is one thing we can control – our thoughts and our reactions. We will never be in control of all the things that happen around us; that’s just life. Believing we’re in control during the smooth patches becomes an illusion that is easily shattered when life deals out a whole bunch of crap. Learning to be in the moment and accept the things that happen and move through them without fear is a lesson we all can learn and/or practice. And why the book fell open to this page for me.

The switch at the head of the stairs is now fixed. I feel safer, but understand that the switch is no guarantee. It’s an interesting place to be.

Animal Artists and Authors Join for A Cause

/ still a dreamer

Do your gifts tend to have an animal theme? Then stop by and do some holiday shopping and support a great cause! Eight animal artists and authors, including myself, Jeanne Balsam, are participating in Paw Prints – an art and book sale fundraiser to help Animeals.  20% of all our sales will benefit this charity who delivers pet food, supplies, etc. to the homebound, indigent and handicapped, a kind of Meals-on-Wheels for pets. 

The following artists and authors will be participating:

Doris Ettlinger, children’s book illustrator
Andrea Gianchiglia, pet portrait artist
Mark Mueller, wildlife artist
Jerilyn Weber, Equine and pet portrait artist
JoAnn Dahan, dog trainer and author, Kids Training Puppies
Loren Spiotta-DiMare.  author, pet-reference books for adults and picture books for children
Diana Tuorto, Horse Columnist, Today in Hunterdon.  Author, middle-grade horse books for children,
and of course, yours truly, artist, author, and illustrator.

Date: Saturday, Nov. 8th

Time: 1:30 pm – 4 pm

Location: Clinton Community Center, 63 Halstead Street, (next to the Public Library) Clinton, NJ

I will be there with animal themed Christmas cards, blank note cards, prints, etc. Check out some more artists’ and authors’ offerings on the PAW PRINTS flyer.

Hope to see you there!

Children’s Book Glossary

/ still a dreamer

Whether a newbie at children’s book writing learning basic terminology or someone more experienced, it always pays to have a handy reference for the many terms in the field that we encounter. Have you found yourself wondering … What is back matter? What’s the big deal about Bologna? (And no, it doesn’t have a first name.) And what really is a graphic novel?

Wonder no more! Simply refer to Harold Underdown’s all-encompassing glossary of publishing terms and jargon from his book, “The Complete Idiot’s Guide to Publishing Children’s Books.”  In addition, Underdown’s web site, The Purple Crayon, will provide a wealth of information for you on writing and publishing in this field.

It’s good to find concise information in one spot!

Inspiration

/ still a dreamer

Where do we get our inspiration? How is it affected by our moods?  Though not the case today, once was a time when the sadder and more tragic my life was, the more I wrote. To this day, I’d say some of my best poetry came from a sad place.

But why not joy? Why not both? Why not the endless mysteries of life? I find my inspiration to write and draw comes from such a myriad of places … searching for a fall image in my clip art or on iStock, I find myself momentarily lost in the soft, misty photos of autumn trees and roads, and I know down that road lies a story. And I can tell you it’s a wistful one.

Looking at a wmv file of dolphins creating their own rings underwater and then playing with and bursting them with their noses, I see a tale of wonder. I know there’s a story of swimming with them, to really be among them, and share moments of our intertwined lives and ancient histories. It might first be a tale of wonder, then of empathy and joy and lightness. In shimmering, watery blues.

While I work at the computer, I listen to the radio through iTunes. I’ve rediscovered one of my very favorite music genres on FolkAlley.com.  I’m once again entranced by the simplicity of folk music, and struck by the endless stories complemented by six and twelve string guitar. The music takes me back to another time when feelings were alternately bright and shiny, rich and deep, overwhelming and frightening – living away from home for the first time and in New York City. I’m at home with folk music. While connecting me to the past, it remains contemporary. The stories it tells bring me images for illustrations and I’m dreaming in rhythm.

Some days I feel myself a portal for infinite possibilities … inspiration everywhere. How about you?