“Give,” said the Little Stream. But please…no armpit hairs on the deoderant. :)

November 24, 2009 at 11:46 am | In Uncategorized | 2 Comments
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So I am running about this past week, just wondering if we could just somehow push a fast forward button and get to say, about December 23. Like every human on the planet right about now, I am extremely overwhelmed. Really have zero right/time to be sitting here trying to sort out all these thoughts I have been running around with lately.

The laundry list rattling in my head might sound familiar, so feel free to fast forward past the italicized stream of consciousness to get to the good part:
Make money-Make- the -home- a home including- getting -all -the- nagging- dog -hair out of- the- corners -once- and- for- al-Get kids to and fro (basketball, scouts for boys, scouts for girls, Church activities for both, homework, after school music,,,,when do we eat? drive drive drive drive some more-…..breathe……
Plan and help with various group activities and dinners, etc…find social security card….oh,
Actual laundry,finish paintings, work on portfolio pieces, paint the walls, clean closets, do I still have a turkey roaster?-volunteer at the school oh tomorrow, sure thing…we need tires. i’m tired. wait i don’t have time to be tired- small town politics ugh- world wide politics ack -all is well though, life is good, will i be able to make everyone feel loved and welcome on Thursday? we don’t need curtains for that, right? just glad we have windows and walls and a roof—it all works out. for real. all good. these are all small things-what about all the real problems people face how can i help???am i teaching my kids enough how to help? ……

I did do the wise thing and just stop, be still, pray, and listen. It helped. Lots. The song that popped into my head after this morning’s prayer was Give, said the little stream. It’s worth a listen. Promise.

I just unpacked the rest of my husband’s suitcase from a short trip he just had to make. I totally got a great big heartfelt smile out of putting the deoderant away. Why? (this is the gem of the whole post):
Because of the conversation I had with my ever-so-honest 9-year-old son while helping my husband pack:

Me: Jake, can Dad take your new deoderant on the plane since you showed me yours is “travel size?”
Thinking first, Jake humbly said: Ok. But can you please tell him not to get armpit hairs on it?

That’s good stuff, people. See, all is well. Truly, truly well.

IF: Illustration Friday: UNBALANCED

November 13, 2009 at 1:06 pm | In IF, flyfishing, illustration friday | 10 Comments
Tags:

fish n ships

Fish n Ships Cafe


Patrons swim from leagues around to dine at the Fish n Ships Underwater Cafe. The catch of the day is (almost) always fresh. They don’t boast a menu full of completely balanced measl, but guests manage to get a daily dose of Omega-3, and a hefty helping of hospitality.
fly in soup

Check, please!


“How is the soup du jour, Miss Goldie?”
Twitching her fins, Goldie politely gasps, “Check, please! I think I will try Fuddrudders for lunch today, after all.”

Actually, I think fishy will head to the DOODLE DINER…to catch up on other news and mingle with an artsy crowd.

Fall 2009 SCBWI Conference at UND (with a side of turkey)

October 15, 2009 at 11:12 am | In scbwi | 4 Comments
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1010091437

A few highlights from last weekend:
Shown above left to right: Molly O’ Neill, Laurie Knowlton, Andrew Karre, Janet Spaeth
2009 SCBWI Conference at UND

Laurie Knowlton If ever I met someone who lives in and makes the most of every moment, it is Laurie. She fed our minds and tickled our funny bones with her presentation The Bones of Your Story. She taught about story structure and we know she lives by her words…For example, if you give a mouse this author a cookie, she will want to eat it like this:

c is for cookie

c is for cookie...Laurie Knowlton and Yvette LaPierre

Molly O’ Neill
Molly gave a fabulous, well-prepared presentation titled What Makes Editors Fall in Love? She had us at “hello” and brought the message full circle with clarity, heart, wisdom, and perfect examples.

At dinner, she entertained us with a true story about a turkey. Yes, a turkey. Real. Frozen. Ready for adventure, turkey. Those of us privy to this kind of inside information, now know why it is imperative to wrap frozen turkeys thoroughly before transporting them via the NYC subway system.

Andrew Karre
Andrew is a walking source of information. Among other things, he shared with us Ways to Survive the Social Networking without Losing Your Shirt. He is the editorial director at Carolrhoda Books, and is particularly passionate about YA. His wealth of knowledge and wit paired with his ability to prioritize and to know what he likes are a perfect combination.

We look forward to many more exciting books from the hearts and minds of Molly, Andrew, and Laurie!

SCBWI Dakotas upcoming conference

September 29, 2009 at 11:52 am | In scbwi | 4 Comments


Once upon a time...

Once upon a time...


Click here for details.

SCBWI Illustrator News

September 29, 2009 at 10:36 am | In scbwi | Leave a Comment
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I just got this email:
Just this evening (French time) received a surprise email from the SCBWI Romania RA, Alina Darian.
She has a last minute opportunity for published SCBWI illustrators.
She has just found a digital printer in Bucarest Romania who will print out work for an exhibition THIS Sunday.
We are assured the print quality will be good.
Alina apologizes for being so last minute, but it’s an interesting opportunity if you happen to have a digitized illustration that fits with the exhibition theme. o You are welcome to contactl PAL illustrators in your regions about this.
Details below.
Published illustrators are invited to submit by email Alina with a low resolution THUMBNAIL of a published illustration.
Alina’s email is : alinadarian@gmail.com
There is limited room so the first come, first selected illustrators will then be asked to send a higher resolution picture as specified below.
DEADLINE – THIS THURSDAY OCTOBER 1Any queries should be addressed directly to alinadarian@gmail.com

I’d be interested to know on Illia how many respond at this late date!
Good luck!
Bridget
International Illustrator Liaison

Exhibition Title: IMAGINARY JOURNEYS
Period: 4th -15th October 2009

Location: Carturesti Bookstore (No 13 Arthur Verona Street, Bucharest, Romania)

Organizer: SCBWI Romania

Partners: Carturesti Book Stores, Mons Medius

Exhibition’s ThemeOne of the most appreciated themes in children literature all around the world is The Journey – Traveling to far-away places, exotic ones (North Pole, Asia, Africa), space travel, Imaginary Travel (The Other Lands, Dwarfs World, Ice Queen Palace)

Participants

Open to published SCBWI members worldwide.Each illustrator can participate with one illustration.

To submit, please first send a low resolution thumbnail to alinadarian@gmail.com
of the illustration you propose with the title, and book in which it was pubished.

The final illustrations should be sent as jpg, CMYK or RGB, dimensions 70 x 100 cm or 100 x 70 cm, at 100 dpi resolution.
They will be printed on matte paper and fixed on foam billboards.

What does SCBWI represent in Romania?

SCBWI is represented in Romania since March 2008 and among its objectives is to offer the authors and the illustrators of children’s books the perfect setting for a good work and cooperation environment, several annual project presentations and international workshops. Another objective is to present the children’s illustrated books situation around the world by organizing exhibitions for children, their parents and teachers.

Until present time, SCBWI Romania means:- participation at the International Children’s Book Fair and SCBWI Conference in Bologna, April 2008- an exhibition of foreign illustration for children’s books at GAUDEAMUS – November 2008 ( inauguration of SCBWI Romania)
- a workshop with the author and illustrator Doug Cushman – February 2009- a Show and Tell workshops at Carturesti with interested professionals in June 2009- the intention to have an annual SCBWI Exhibition.
Every fall, SCBWI Romania intends to organize an international exhibition of illustration for children’s books. The public can get a feel of the work of original authors, unpublished in Romania, with different styles, varying from watercolor and gouache up to graphics and collage work.

What is “Carturesti”?- Carturesti represents a chain of cultural stores in which one can find books, tea, music, art exhibitions and very often one can meet some of their favorite artists and authors.- Since the first library opened in Bucharest, Carturesti has become one of the biggest engines that grow the Romanian cultural market, offering alternative ways to present books.
Exhibition Details-
Estimate number of visitors – from 2000 to 3000 persons
- The possibility to include the exhibition in the Gaudeamus Book Fair (end of November)
- Very good coverage in national press

Illustration Friday:Modify

August 6, 2009 at 7:18 am | In IF, Momentum, dorothy, friends, illustration friday, princesstomato, steampunk, wizard of oz | 7 Comments

timefliesdorothy1

timeflies1brown

Steampunk Dorothy is ready for a ride over the rainbow. With a little help from her friends, a little courage, and a lot of heart, she realizes that wisdom is still far greater than rubies…and that there is still no place like home.

You can see more photos of this here: LISTING

Winner, Winner Chicken dinner…oh, and Steampunk Dorothy listed

July 25, 2009 at 6:14 pm | In Momentum, follow your heart, time | 1 Comment
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timefliesdorothy1

Well, now that ball season is over for both kids, I have been able to get lots more work done! I have been needing to sort through all the numbers, posts, facebook adds, etc in order to see how many entries came in for the June contest I held. (see the june 1 post for details)…
In all, there were 415 entries. Here is how I broke it down:

1-137 Mailing List–i am including these because they have been with me since I started, basically. I cannot exclude them just because they are not following the new technology, sites, etc!!! I also found it impossible to count the 450+people on Facebook. I have no idea who is there or joined because of the contest. I figure those that wanted to be counted have joined the Facebook group for Princesstomato…where they are counted/entered
138-334 Princesstomato group members on Facebook
335-352 June 1st blog comments (subtracting my own)
353-370 June 1st blog comments counted again. I did to give those who left a comment there an extra entry. I really appreciate the comments. :) It is nice to know people read, etc…so thank you!
371-393 Twitter adds (the ones I could track…)
394-411 Etsy adds
412-416 mentions on blogs and/or mailing lists

THE RANDOM NUMBER CHOSEN by using Random.org is……..352!!!! Looks like this is the last post on the June 1 blog entry, so I will need to look up who that is after I publish this entry. This person will win the $100 credit with princesstomato!…Number 352 is Jennifer Paganelli! http://www.sisboom.com/Wow, no pressure!!! LOL :)
I am also selecting an additional winner for a surprise package, just because!!! This number is …. 187. 187 translates into number 49 on the facebook group/list. 49 as of today is….Valerie Walsh. Valerie will receive a surprise gift from my goody closet.

Whew, I feel better having this done! It was harder than I thought it would be to keep track of all the numbers, but I learned something for next time! :)

Now for more fun news. I have a new listing up. It can be seen here:
STEAMPUNK DOROTHY

This is part of a group launch. You can see all the other amazing creations by searching STEAMPUNK BOUTIQUE on ebay. You can also win some serious prizes by bidding. Here are the contest details. Contest is for all bids through July 29.

steampunk contesttimefliesjacketwtote

Ok, that’s it for now! Thanks to all who entered! You are ALL the BEST!!!

Illustration Friday IF: DRIFTING…Enterprising Pearl

June 19, 2009 at 7:31 pm | In Momentum, flyfishing, follow your heart, gemini, girl | 5 Comments
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pearlspetservicefrontmoste

This is a sneak peek of my listing that will be part of an ebay launch called “k9Qt”. Tune in Monday, June 22. This post has been updated~~ (here is the link…click this line)link to the full color version and a host of many more K9Qt’s. :)
Also, be sure to leave a comment here to win a princesstomato painting.

Illustration Friday: CRAVING

June 9, 2009 at 1:43 pm | In Birds, follow your heart, friends, illustration friday, princesstomato | 19 Comments
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page 25

page 25

Birds are craving the crumbs. Bird Lady just wants the birds to be happy. As we all know, true joy is obtained by giving and sharing.

This illustration is done in a collage style that I am enjoying very much. It is for a book I am working on. More about that can be found here.

Also be sure to enter to win my blog giveaway. I am giving away a custom painted pair of jeans/denim valued at $100. Six ways to enter.

Big Giveaway! Happy Birthday to me!

June 1, 2009 at 12:18 pm | In Momentum, butterfly, follow your heart, friends, gemini, princesstomato | 23 Comments
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I just feel like today is special for some reason. With an abundance of gratitude, I realize it is time to get back to my usual outgoing self, and come out of “hiding.” In my little hiatus, I see that things have really taken off at etsy, and I would like to really start selling there. So, for the 100% shameless promotional part of this post, I want to offer a ONE HUNDRED DOLLAR giveaway!!!!!!! :

There are several ways to enter this giveaway: (you get one entry for each of these things…yes, you can have six entries each)

1. Post a comment here on this giveaway post
2. HEART ME on etsy!!! I am new and lonely over there!
3. Follow princesstomato on TWITTER
4. Remain or Add me as a friend on FACEBOOK
5. Join my FACEBOOK GROUP (this may end up replacing my regular mailing list in the future)
6. Promote this giveaway on any of your sites, blogs, etc!!! (you will have to let me know if you have done this so i can add your extra entry!!)

So, start posting!and adding me! I will use a random number sorter to give away this $100 PRINCESSTOMATO gift certificate good toward painted denim on June 30.

Today I am filled with so much gratitude. It has been a long and painful year and a half…filled with many, many ups and downs. I was just looking through some photos from the card in my camera,,,,and I nearly started crying. Just so many, many things I have to be grateful for. My life is really full of more blessings than I probably deserve, and I hope to make the most of it!

I would like to extend a note of thanks, mixed with a bit of apology out to my wonderful, wonderful customers over the years. You have been with me through it all, and I love you all! Your kids have “grown up” with me and my own kids. We have celebrated and prayed for each other, cried and rejoiced over many things. I know that I have not offered nearly as many items as I used to, and I have been a bit out of touch…not quite myself. Sorry about that, from the bottom of my heart. Thank you for your patience and patronage. I have used this time to complete some orders for you, but my “absence” was filled with time to work on a project that has been extremely fulfilling for me. (more on that later)…

I just feel like today is special for some reason. With an abundance of gratitude, I realize it is time to get back to my usual outgoing self, and come out of “hiding.” In my little hiatus, I see that things have really taken off at etsy, and I would like to really start selling there.

Happy Birthday, to me! And good luck on the drawing!!!
Here is a peek at my latest creation:

Center of Mia's World

Center of Mia's World


Mia with Chris Young on Music Row

Mia with Chris Young on Music Row

Update June 3 at 12noon: Looks like facebook is what most prefer! good to know! 138 members so far in the facebook group. Don’t forget to post a comment on this wordpress blog, and do the other items for more chances to win!!! :)

SCBWI 2009 Summer Conference L.A.

May 12, 2009 at 7:27 am | In scbwi | 2 Comments
L.A. Conference 2009

L.A. Conference 2009

Counting my pennies for this. If I don’t get to go this year, then I might cry…but then will shoot for next year! I have been to many regional SCBWI conferences, but have not attended a national one yet. Look at the faculty line-up for L.A. August 7-10:

Sherman Alexie, Jon P. Fine, Arianne Lewin, Jennifer Rofé,
Jim Averbeck, Barbara Fisch, Wendy Loggia, Susan Goldman Rubin,
Bonnie Bader, Sid Fleischman, Steven Malk, Nancy I. Sanders,
Jenn Bailey, Stephen Fraser, Krista Marino, Sarah Shealy,
Bonny Becker, Marla Frazee, Ed Masessa, Susan Sherman,
Betty G. Birney, Donna Gephar, Stephen Mooser, Erica Silverman,
Holly Black, Dave Gordon, Kadir Nelson, Kelly Sonnack,
Courtney Bongiolatti, Jeff Gotesfeld, Elizabeth B. Parisi, Melissa Stewart, Jordan Brown, Esther Hershenhorn, Lin Oliver, Dinah Stevenson, Eve Bunting, Ellen Hopkins, Linda Sue Park, Pamela S. Turner, Jamie Weiss Chilton, Jennifer Hunt, Ann Whitford Paul, Kris Vreeland, Karen Cushman, Allyn Johnston, Richard Peck, Steve Watkins, Sarah Davies, Elizabeth Law, Alice Pope, Andrea Welch,
Kathleen Duey, Ingrid Law, Frank Portman, David Wiesner,
Chris Eboch, Daniel Lazar, Michael Reisman, Dan Yacarino,
Connie C. Epstein, Arthur A. Levine, Anica Rissi, Lisa Yee,
Cecilia Yung

All this talent and knowledge in one place! Not to mention all attendees… Ok, must get back to counting my pennies!

Priceless…Past, Present, Future

May 11, 2009 at 10:21 am | In Uncategorized | 2 Comments
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Friday, Saturday, and Sunday…all three days packed with good news and memories.

PAST: Lewis and Clark 1804 and other SD history:
Friday, I got to go on my daughter’s field trip. We visited the W.H. Over Museum and Spirit Mound.

PRESENT: savoring the moments as they rush in:
As soon as my son ran up the steps after school, he could not hide his smile from me. I love that smile. :) From behind his back came the styrofoam cup filled with orangy goodness, accompanied by the colorful picture.

My daughter also made a card for me. Of course, she had to add something “complicated”…the rose pops up from the center of the card when the card it opened. I bet if I go dig up all the cards and papers she has made me, I would find at least half of them have a tendency toward 3-D. I love that she always puts her own spin on everything she does.

mothersday09

The other flowers and tomatoes were also from the kids, with my sweet mom’s help. :)

FUTURE:
The papers shown above came in the mail this weekend. I just found out that I received a three thousand dollar grant from the South Dakota Arts Council to use for my Bird Lady Watching book project.
I am overwhelmed with gratitude for all these things. Once again I am reminded of how all things are so related. Amazing.

_______________________________________________________
Now, not to ruin the moment…but I wanted to mention that I caught the last part of Celebrity Appentice last night (I know, not the most reverent thing to watch on a Sunday!), and I am so glad that the talented-but-mean Annie Duke was fired. I really respect that Joan Rivers says what is on her mind and then is willing to eat crow when necessary. I really don’t see why Annie thought is was so admirable to “not bash anyone in the boardroom” but felt it was ok to go around bashing them all over the place everywhere else. So, thank you, Donald, for showing the rest of the world that to get rich you really don’t have to walk all over everyone. :)

Fairy GodSisters, Ink Scholarship Deadline

April 15, 2009 at 11:42 am | In scbwi | 3 Comments
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Today is the deadline!
The benevolent Fairy Godsisters, Ink are hosting their second annual scholarship. The lucky, lucky winner will get $1500 to attend SCBWI L.A. 2009 in August.
If you have been thinking about entering, do it now, before it is too late!

SCBWI Conference 2009 in South Dakota

April 15, 2009 at 11:38 am | In scbwi | Leave a Comment
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dinner Friday: Jean Patrick, Tim Gillner, Chris Browne, Lori Walsh, Nancy NL Sharp, Susan Underdahl

dinner Friday

Above photo: Jean Patrick, Tim Gillner, Chris Browne, Lori Walsh, Nancy Sharp, Susan Underdahl

Sometimes I must admit, that here in the sprawling cornfields of South Dakota (which also includes North Dakota and Minnesota, if that gives you a better idea of our chapter’s demographics) –where authors and illustrators are few and far between, we get a little jealous of the big cities where SCBWI members can meet each other for coffee at the drop of a pen.

At the same time, we are also proud of our independence and determination.

Our 3rd Annual Spring Conference was scheduled for April 4. Who would ever think that a blizzard would really happen on that very weekend…especially when we had record numbers of registrants committed to come? We are blaming it on Jean Patrick, of course. She, our fearless coordinator ,is the author of If I Had A Snowplow, after all.

Our speakers, and all the attendees each showed what they are made of by getting to the conference…and some did not get to leave until a day later, after the roads and skies were clear. Even with several cancellations, we had 68 attend, not including the speakers. Of that 68, 16 were artists.

The following photos are compliments of Chris Browne:

Dinner Friday

Dinner Friday

scbwidinner5abJean Patrick, me:), Tim Gillner

The day began with a nuts and bolts for writers given by Mary Scarbrough.

Tim Gillner then enlightened us with A Picture Book: Conception to Birth. I love that Boyds Mills just does what they love to do, without trying to predict what is “marketable.”

At 11, Martyn Beeny from SDSHS Press wowed us with a presentation about this amazing press. Though small, the number of award-winning books they create is impressive! Go Martyn!

Susan Underdahl shared her story with us. I love that every person who creates books comes is on a journey all their own. Just love it.

Dr. Mark Geary taught a break-out session on making book trailers.

All this along with critiques, panel discussions, topped off with a great lunch and tons of door prizes made for a perfect way to spend a weekend in South Dakota–blizzard or no blizzard.

IF,Illustration Friday: Poise

April 1, 2009 at 7:38 am | In IF, The Doodle Diner, follow your heart, girl, illustration friday, juggle, jumprope, mabel, princesstomato | 4 Comments

Mabel at The Doodle Diner

thedoodledinermabel


I am so happy to announce that the Doodle Diner is open! Mabel here may spill more bubble gum and hot peppers than she serves, but she always remains POISED. She may not even bring you what you ordered, but she is sure to make you smile. Mabel doesn’t sweat the small stuff.
doodledinerminibanner
Each Doodle Diner member was asked five questions. You can see them all here throughout the day: THE DOODLE DINER
1. Your studio… used to be the library of the brick school house we live in.

2. What is the first thing you remember drawing? Obviously, I drew lots of things before this, but I remember looking at a ballerina on my jewelry box. My family was waiting for me to come out of my room so we could go somewhere. (First things first! heehee) When I came out, I showed them what I drew, and they could not believe I did it without any help. I tried to draw it again soon after, and it didn’t turn out so well. Sigh.

3. When you go to a diner, what food would you be most likely to order? Something with ranch dressing. And I will still want to taste whatever you ordered. Unless what you ordered a reuben. You are safe with a reuben.

4. Is there a certain person from your childhood that especially encouraged you to pursue your love for art? Lots of people—art teachers, parents…but especially my grandparents. My grandma used to make sure I signed and dated my artwork. It really made me feel like a real artist, and like the art was important and official. One more example: my parents knew I liked to color. Once they woke me up in the middle of the night just to have popcorn and COLOR with me.

5. Is there something in your artistic life you take for granted? Yes. My thumbs.

I am so glad to be a doodler! Woohoo!

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