The only thing I love carrying more in my arms than a stack of library books is my five month old grand baby. I went to the library to pay a fine (I really am working on that!) and I wasn't planning on carrying anything out other than my receipt because my library choices are being made online tonight. But there they were right behind me--hundreds of children's books beckoning me. And ohh, I'm so glad I heeded their call. I always make new discoveries. I found The Girl Who Lived To Draw!
It's really not a bad thing to be hooked on books. I mean, it is reading and bettering my craft. It's not like a bar or something. Although, if I keep racking up fines, my husband may put me in a library book anonymous group!
Thursday, January 29, 2015
Wednesday, January 14, 2015
School Visit
I had the pleasure of presenting my books and talking about the process of illustrating a picture book to three high school art classes in Fredericksburg, Texas a few days ago. They were a wonderful audience and I had a blast! It was really fun to discuss my book that will be out this coming fall. The story revolves around a well known landmark near Fredericksburg called Enchanted Rock. So fun!! Hope to have pictures to post of the visit soon. This is a sneak peek at part of one of the illustrations from the book that I shared:
Saturday, January 3, 2015
New Year
New year, new projects, new submissions out tomorrow, new portfolio illustrations! I love new!
Virtual Dementia Tour
I had an interesting experience a few days ago at a place called the James L West Center here in Ft Worth. My brother, youngest son, and I took a virtual dementia tour. We were given thin plastic inserts with tiny spikes to put inside our shoes to recreate some sort of neuropathy. We wore garden gloves because most older people lose sensation in their fingertips. Then, we put on goggles that have a yellow tint and a cloudy spot in the center to assimilate older vision. The last addition were headphones with constant blurred background noise. Those with dementia have a hard time with background noise that the rest of us don't even notice. Also, many older folks wear hearing aides that many times make the issue with background noise even worse. After we had all our gear on, we were each given a list of instructions right before we walked in a room. The room had a bed, couch, dresser, etc and there we were to carry out the tasks. I could only remember partial instructions. I could remember something about folding three pairs of white socks but I could not remember what I was supposed to do with them. I could remember to sweep something and I found the broom but I could not remember what to sweep. The feelings of confusion, even anxiety were very real. I also felt stupid and somewhat embarrassed that I could not remember what to do.
It was a very helpful experience to realize how the world looks to those with dementia, like my dad. It made me want to work harder to help him live life as full as he can right now, especially communicating with him in ways that build his self esteem and give him the dignity he deserves.
A helpful website about tools and toys for those with dementia: Alzheimer's Store
It was a very helpful experience to realize how the world looks to those with dementia, like my dad. It made me want to work harder to help him live life as full as he can right now, especially communicating with him in ways that build his self esteem and give him the dignity he deserves.
A helpful website about tools and toys for those with dementia: Alzheimer's Store
Wednesday, December 24, 2014
Christmas Thoughts
Christmas is so beautiful, so special. I suppose that is why it is one of the strongest memories for most people and can be a very painful time for those suffering in some way, especially with grief. This year I know several people who have lost a loved one this past year and my heart and prayers go out to them.
I have spent every Christmas Eve my entire life at my parent's house. My husband calls it a Norman Rockwell Christmas. We sing carols around the piano and read the bible story. Presents are packed under the tree with a very impressive train that goes around it. Many of the ornaments on the tree are intricate wooden ornaments made by my dad. We all have them hanging on our own family trees too. My loving and generous parents make it a very memorable time for me, my siblings and their families and my children. Every year, my dad takes a family picture of everyone together. He has always been a photography buff. He also is famous for his incredible fudge that he gives away to everyone and anyone my parents know. The last few years have been different, though. My husband now takes the family photos because of my dad's degenerative eye disease which has left him legally blind. This year, my brother and his daughter made the fudge and my dad said he doesn't remember making it. He doesn't remember a lot of things. He has actually been diagnosed with Alzheimer's. Our Christmas is now different. I miss my dad's input. He loved it so. He still sings the 12 days of Christmas with all the men in the family as they have every year since I was married 27 years ago. He actually remembers the words pretty well. We all work together to keep alive the traditions we enjoy and it is working okay. We all are learning to be a little less selfish and a lot more grateful. In certain ways my mom is alone now and that makes my heart hurt. But the sadness I feel at Christmas is mixed with a thankfulness and joy of all the wonderful Christmases I am so very blessed to have enjoyed.
Relationships are the real gifts and the memories we make with others are the ribbons they are wrapped in.
I have spent every Christmas Eve my entire life at my parent's house. My husband calls it a Norman Rockwell Christmas. We sing carols around the piano and read the bible story. Presents are packed under the tree with a very impressive train that goes around it. Many of the ornaments on the tree are intricate wooden ornaments made by my dad. We all have them hanging on our own family trees too. My loving and generous parents make it a very memorable time for me, my siblings and their families and my children. Every year, my dad takes a family picture of everyone together. He has always been a photography buff. He also is famous for his incredible fudge that he gives away to everyone and anyone my parents know. The last few years have been different, though. My husband now takes the family photos because of my dad's degenerative eye disease which has left him legally blind. This year, my brother and his daughter made the fudge and my dad said he doesn't remember making it. He doesn't remember a lot of things. He has actually been diagnosed with Alzheimer's. Our Christmas is now different. I miss my dad's input. He loved it so. He still sings the 12 days of Christmas with all the men in the family as they have every year since I was married 27 years ago. He actually remembers the words pretty well. We all work together to keep alive the traditions we enjoy and it is working okay. We all are learning to be a little less selfish and a lot more grateful. In certain ways my mom is alone now and that makes my heart hurt. But the sadness I feel at Christmas is mixed with a thankfulness and joy of all the wonderful Christmases I am so very blessed to have enjoyed.
Relationships are the real gifts and the memories we make with others are the ribbons they are wrapped in.
Sunday, December 21, 2014
MERRY CHRISTMAS
A time to set aside my pencil, computer, and paintbrushes and celebrate with my family this most blessed time of year. Merry Christmas!
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