Purpose.

My roots run deep. In my life, I have been blessed to love and be loved. I desire that my stories take root in my readers. Meaning that, I want the words that are written and the pictures that are beheld to become anticipated traditions and fond memories. I write to capture precious moments of time and to inspire more of the like to encompass the lives of my readers. I have high aspirations for many to enjoy my books. Moreover, my passion is to gather what I gain and purposefully give to those whose roots have been shaken or destroyed. All would be done for the hope that they might have a chance to love, laugh, and feel deeply rooted again.

A Different Kind of Card

I often make personalized cards for my friends and family. It's a creative outlet and one of my thrifty habits. However, for this Mother's Day I am giving my mom this blog. Oftentimes, I want to tell the whole world how wonderful she is! Now with the internet at my fingertips, I will.

My beloved mother, Dee, has the very fitting nickname of "chickadee." The chickadee bird has a beautiful song that many admire. When its melody is heard for the first time after a harsh winter, one knows that the joy of spring is soon to spread. Those who have been brought low by winter's dreary days will quickly feel a flicker of spring's promises upon hearing its sweet call. In the same way my mother has a way of uplifting me. She possesses a special gift that helps her turn my day from ordinary into extraordinary. Oftentimes, picking up the phone and hearing her cheery voice can change my disposition altogether. Also, the daily encouragement she offers continues to inspire me to write and illustrate. Her vigor to celebrate life and its simple pleasures is much to be admired. Her laughter and special touches, like hand-picked flowers, sprinkle the atmosphere with joy. I know God made the chickadee's delightful song and I know my mom's overflowing joy comes from knowing Jesus. Thank you, Mom, for your love for me and for all of the sacrifices that you have made through the years. Happy Mothers' Day! I love you dearly.

Read all about it...in the Alhambra Newspaper

While at Monterey Highlands, the director of public relations for the festival asked if he could write about me in an article for the newspaper. I was more than willing to disclose more information and have pictures taken! The finished product is below.

*In order to read the article, please click on it for enlargement.

More Please!

Participating in the author's festival was a valuable experience! I was assigned to a school called Monterey Highlands with four other authors. I conversed quite a bit with Rozanne Lanzak Williams, who has written numerous books for beginning readers and teaching resources. She even travels around the world sharing her books! All of the staff and students at Monterey were very sweet and I could tell they were excited to have us. I conducted four presentations which involved teaching a song, reading my book, talking about being an author and illustrator, doing a little group activity, and answering questions. For those of you that know me, I had no problem being very animated to keep the attention of my little audience! While walking to my car, I couldn't stop smiling as I reflected on the day. This "gig" was right down my alley and I would certainly be willing to do more of them!

Two for the Price of One

In the Fall, I received a letter in the mail from the Alhambra Educational Foundation. They invited me to participate in their biannual Authors Festival on February 11th in L.A. county. Over fifty authors, illustrators, and storytellers are participating in the event this year. Before we share at the schools, a special breakfast is being held at the Alhambra Civic Library for everyone to connect. Hopefully this time will allow me to get to know some others in this line of work. I have been assigned to a specific school and will be sharing my book with all of the first and and second graders there. When I talked on the phone with the school representative, she seemed very excited to be getting two for the price of one, with me being the author and illustrator. Kids can ask or say the funniest things when given an open forum, so I am trying to prepare myself as best as I can. I think I will also bring the original copy of my book, so that they can see what it looked like before it went to press. I always enjoy spending time with the little ones because what is said or done could influence them for years to come. Perhaps I could even be the one to inspire the next Eric Carle!

Steppin' Out

Jamie Lee Curtis read her book, Big Words for Little People.

Here are some pictures from the Orange County Book Festival. I have the most amazing friends and family! Thanks for coming out to show your support!

Getting Noticed

As I was driving around the other day, the name Jamie Lee Curtis caught my eye on an electronic advertisement board. I know that she has recently written a children's book, so I prayed that the light would stay red a little longer so I could read more. Before zooming off, I learned that Ms. Curtis will be participating in the Orange County Book Festival held on October 4th at the Orange Coast College campus in Costa Mesa. This fantastic free event is in it's fifth year!
Later that week, I e-mailed the event organizers and they replied swiftly. They were very nice and wanted to help me out. Now it looks like there's a chance for me to sell Family Flower there too! In addition, I look forward to meeting and greeting the booksellers, authors, and illustrators. This fantastic free event is in its fifth year, so click on the link below for more information and come join me!

http://www.kidsbookfestival.com/attendee.html