February of this year, I decided that I wasn't going to wait any longer to start my picture book writing journey. I joined Julie Hedlund's 12x12 group (12 picture books in 12 months). I started writing, and thought, hey this is easy, I'm going to be published in no time! Then I began reading books on how to write and realized that no, it was not easy and I had no idea how to write for children!

I joined one critique group (and then another) and that has been so helpful, I'm lucky to have very knowledgeable crit mates!

I found Mira Reisberg's class "The Craft and Business of Picture Book Writing" through 12x12 and enrolled. Five weeks of daily lessons loaded with information. A Facebook group for asking questions of Mira and classmates, a smaller Facebook critique group (lucky again with more wonderful crit mates!) and a 1-on-1, 1 hour critique with Mira.

I'm still learning and writing and rewriting. One day, I hope to be a published author! I'm working on resources and writing exercises for aspiring children's authors. And I'll keep you updated on my journey!

Stella's Spring

My entry for Susanna Hill's "The In Just Spring Contest!!!"

It could use work, but I wanted to enter, so here it is. :)

(UPDATE: I changed it to just a snippet! Maybe you'll get to read the whole thing in book format someday! *Fingers crossed*)

Squirrels zip and zoom, stop to scold Stella.

“Enjoy the day,” the breeze whispers and caresses.

“Time to fly your kite!” dad says.

Stella knew Spring was really here!

This is for you Renn!

Thinking of you Renn and sending prayers for healing!

Big Sister, Little Sister, A Book Review

Just yesterday I read about Erik, an 11 year old who reviews AND writes books. He's a totally cool guy and I'm so excited to read more of his reviews. It gave me an idea though, I'd like to share the books that I have read and enjoyed with my kids, so here goes, my first review!

Big Sister, Little Sister, written and illustrated by Levyen Pham
Both my kids (3 and 1) enjoyed this cute picture book. It's a very simple tale that rings with truth about siblings. The illustrations are full of life and adorable. I love her style.

Juicing Journey

so far...

I watched Fat Sick and Nearly Dead last summer and thought vaguely about juicing. Then I recently watched Hungry for Change and it convinced me to try it. I'd been having a lot of cravings and nothing sounded or really tasted good, so when someone in Hungry for Change said we are starving on a cellular level when eating poor diets, it resonated with me. My hopes are that juicing will improve my energy levels and memory and perhaps help me (and therefore my family!) to eat better overall.

I'm using Drew Canole's book "Juicing Recipes." All have been good with a good, but distinctly veg taste, (I've added apples to all to sweeten a bit). We'll see if it really helps. I seem to be snacking less and eating better.

Day 1 Thursday got my juicer in the afternoon, and made pineapple juice (Drew's Aches, Pains, Sinus Drains recipe) - Kids loved it. Not sure it offered any sinus relief, since my sinus junk comes and goes.
Day 2 Friday made Drew Canole's Brain Juice recipe. Offered Peep some and she asked what kind it was, made the mistake of telling her. Brain juice, ewwww, I don't want brain juice! I explained it doesn't have brains in it, it's for your brain. ha!
Day 3 Parsley Pickup
Day 4 Pineapple for kids. Green Juice Energizer for me and Hubs. Then My Memory Oh My.
Day 5 San Francisco Fog Basher, Heaven Sent