Projects!

It was a nice relaxing Thanksgiving Holiday in Orlando with the folks. The weather was beautiful, and it's always nice to see my parents. We went to the Sanford Zoo and saw lots of (venomous!) snakes of the world, cheetahs, kangaroos, leopards, and one dinosaur. The favorite of the 2 year old...LLAMAS and the mini choo choo train!!!

Finally, some of my hard work is paying off!! I have 2 freelance illustration projects going on. One is illustrating paper dolls for a certain demographic, which I think is going to be fun. I'll post pics when I get approval from the client. The other is a toddler book for a self publishing author. Should be cute! So, all of a sudden, my plate is a little more full and I feel a little less stressed about the future. I also have a painting to finish for my cousin that is a challenge. I haven't used real paint and brush in quite a while...I can't tell you how many times I've tried to press Commmand+Z!!! It's funny how your brain adjusts to digital ways.

Ups and Downs

So this unemployment journey is a rough one. Full of indecision, doubt and fear. One great thing to come out of it is a lot of learning. I've been taking classes like crazy trying to soak up as much new info as possible. I've even signed up to be a real curriculum student at our local community college to get my certificate in Web Design. Since I've only been neck deep in the illustration side, I didn't diversify my skills. But honestly, I can't think of anything else I want to do, but illustrate. I'm trying really really hard to reinvent myself. Not an easy feat with a spirited toddler wanting a lot of my attention.


Also, I've recently become a published member of the society for children's writers and illustrators!

smokey mountain boy.

smokey mountain boy.
Originally uploaded by starleneg

Fall is the best time of year, I swear. I always feel so excited when the air starts to nip at you a bit and the leaves show their stuff. We recently went up to the (higher) mountains to visit some family that I only get to see once a year at most. It was hours of outside time for Ro, which he thrived on, lots of games of dominoes and the best homemade pickles by Uncle Bill.

Spice Pickles....mmmm....mmmmm....good! I need to make those next year. This year I made bread and butter pickles. Those fresh cucumbers floating in that brine are so pretty. Too bad, I didn't take a photo.