Inspiration
My daughter came home on her last day of kindergarten with an armload of the year's art projects. Out loud I said, "Oh, honey. This is all so beautiful. I especially love this one of the duck eating grass." To which she replied, "No Momma, that's you and your pretty hair." Well now I really felt bad for what I was thinking, which was what in the world am I going to do with all this stuff!! The fridge was covered, there was not an inch of wall space left in the playroom. One or two pieces would look great in a frame, but which to choose?
Well I work in children's book publishing so naturally it occurred to me compile all the pieces into a picture book. But I'm a word person and I wanted to add something more to the book other than simple captions of dates. Then I came across this poem and I got really excited about this project. Like the pairing of shabby and chic, Bohemian Rhapsody and rock music, and Lucy and Ricky, classical poetry juxtaposed with children's artwork is a combination that inspires me, moves me, and warms my heart cockles.
So I made above said book (and boy did I love every minute of it). And I showed it to a few moms (I'm a proud parent ok? You'd do it too). And people asked me to make them one. (But who has the time to shoot children's artwork and ponder over what piece evokes Kipling profundity or Lear whimsy all day?) Then something funny happened. People offered me money. And being a person who could use money, and being as how I loved making the first book so much, it occurred to me, maybe others will want me to make these books for them.
So here I am. My shingle is on the world wide web. After a year of development and lot's and lot's of learning, and the requisite blood, sweat, and tears I am open for business. I love making these books and I hope you find great joy in having them. Thank you. Really, I couldn't do it without you!
