I did it! I made a QR Code for my site! As I prep for an upcoming Artisan Bazaar (Details Here) I decided that I needed to be with the times and add one of these funny little barcodes to my signage. You can generate your own for free here:

I’ve been absorbed lately with life outside the cloud and my new passion for designing clothes for my daughter.  Some of which may soon be available for sale either fully made or as a collection of patterns. I’m participating in an Artisan Bazaar in April so if your in the area stop by and check them out along with my glass pendants!

We love the new My Little Pony Friendship is Magic series, I admit I’m a bit of a Brony and look forward to the weekly episodes as much as the little one. My favorite character may be Twilight Sparkle, it’s hard to choose since they all have endearing qualities, but I love her passion for books and learning.

Anyway, I love making little pockets for my daughter to stuff her toys in since she gets such a kick out of it, and I had this idea of making a hot air balloon. Of course as soon as my 2 year old saw the purple topper she exclaimed “Mommies making me a twilight ballooooooooon!!!” and ran to get her Twilight and Spike.

It wasn’t my original plan, but like most of my work it evolved past it’s original concept.

Now if only Hasbro would make the Baby Cakes toys…. Oh wait, I digress.

National Adoption Month

The blog has been quiet lately. I’d like to say because I’m knee deep in my new dino book but I’ve actually just been laying off the biz side in favor of focusing on my munchkin and the monumental task of turning two and taking on potty training.

I’m not completely bereft of projects though, and in honor of National Adoption Month I helped the good folks at WACAP with this little logo design.

More about WACAP:

The World Association for Children and Parents (WACAP) is celebrating National Adoption Month in November. WACAP assists families in adopting children from nine countries, including U.S. foster care, and believes that every child has the right to a permanent, loving family.

Each November, a Presidential Proclamation launches activities and celebrations to help build awareness of adoption throughout the United States. Thousands of community organizations arrange and host programs, events, and activities to share positive adoption stories, challenge the myths, and draw attention to the thousands of children in U.S. foster care who are waiting for permanent families.

WACAP takes National Adoption Month a step further, by not only advocating for children currently living in U.S. foster care, but also for children who are waiting for families in eight additional countries around the world. WACAP currently has information on children in Bulgaria, China, Ethiopia, India, Korea, Russia, Taiwan, Thailand and the U.S who are in immediate need of permanent families.

Swing on over to The Book Faery Review for a new guest post/interview with yours truly HERE.

A short excerpt:

“Since I was a young child I have been entranced by the written word. I devoured every book set in my path and always saw myself someday creating my own books. It wasn’t until recently that I finally found the motivation and inspiration to achieve those dreams. I had left a successful career in graphic design to raise my daughter and together we explored the world through books and outdoor adventures at our local zoo. Facing my mortality after a cancer diagnosis I wanted to focus my energy on creating something lasting for her to remember our time together.”

Here is a clue…

I’ve also been stewing in ideas and suggestions for the next I See… Animals book about Dinosaurs. It’s still in progress so you have time to comment and enter to have the dedication written to your child (or you!) HERE

1.  Tell us a little about yourself?
I am a full time mom, part time author, graphic designer, and artist. Wait. That’s too many hours a day right? Ok. Well, I’m a lot of different things depending on the time of day, but one thing I’m not is bored. I went to school for an A.A.S. in graphic design and worked in the corrugated packaging business for nearly a decade. While doing fifty-plus hour work weeks I managed to squeeze in a full load of college credits to earn my B.A. in Arts & Letters. Being a mom is definitely the hardest and most important job I’ve ever had and deciding to leave my 9-9 to raise my little one was by far my best decision. I love spending time teaching her about her world and sitting back letting her teach me all the things I’d forgotten. Our favorite past time is reading together.

Teddyree over at The Eclectic Reader had this to say about I see… Savannah:

“A very cute, entertaining book with simple phrasing and colourful illustrations. Perfect for pre-readers, for parents or grandparents reading to littlies and for early readers to read to younger siblings. My niece thought this was a wonderful way to teach her soft toys about African animals.”

For the full review check her out here.

Tomorrow she will be posting an interview with yours truly and a chance to win one of five free copies, I’ll post the link once it’s up!

See your Favorite Dinosaurs in my next book!

How would you like to see your child’s favorite Dinosaur on the cover of my next book, and win a free copy when it’s released? I’m starting the planning phase of the next installment to my I see… Animals series, and it’s all about Dinosaurs! Like it’s predecesors, I see… Savannah and I see… Serengeti, the book will feature five unique animals that your child will discover through a series of clues.

One lucky child (or parent) will have their favorite Dinosaur featured on the cover as well as a mention in the dedication page. I’ll even throw in copies of my other two books! I will choose a winner randomly in the next few weeks and announce them here.

To enter just leave a comment about what Dinosaur you’d like to see, your child’s first name (for the dedication), and a way to reach you if you win. If you leave your comment using an email or URL with contact information that works best.

Looking forward to those Dino-riffic suggestions!

P.S. I’m planning a little surprise for everyone who enters, so there’s no way you can’t win!

Mortimer’s Sweet Retreat is the story of a young boy who befriends a ferociously friendly Boo Woolly named Weave. After his initial fright at being lifted off by the Boo Woolly, Mortimer comes to a wondrous land made of candy and treats. While exploring, his new friend is Woolly-knaped and Mortimer must venture off to rescue him. Available in print or ebook version.

At first glance, I wasn’t sure how this book was going to be. I’m a little picky about what I read my daughter, she absorbs so much from books, and was not sure a land of sweets was going to end up morally endearing or just cause a toothache. I was also a bit concerned that in the description it mentions Mortimer trudging off with his “marshmallow shooter”, which sounds harmless but I try to avoid gun-like violence at this age.

I was more than surprised then, to discover not only a charmingly told tale of friendship, but some rather whimsical rhyming reminiscent of Little Miss Muffet. Simple and fun yet full of delicious details, my daughter and I loved this story. We especially had a great time giggling about the chocolate commode!

I also became enamored of the coloring book style illustrations, which at first may seem rudimentary, they go on to include some photo touches and layout that shows the attention the creator gave her characters and their world. I think the drawings actually are perfect for the target audience. Many books for kids forget they are actually for kids. Having a childlike style, colored pencil and line art, can connect with a young reader inspiring them to make their own books even.

While I was still a little put off by Mortimer taking up marshmallow arms to rescue his friend, the book was darling and I will read it again. I may even splurge and order the hard copy!

*No compensation, other than a review copy of this title, was provided for my review.

Artist Nina Paley created a set of DRM-Free logos at ReadersBillofRights.info

DRM, or Digital Rights Management, may seem like a good idea at first glance. It is an encryption process that makes files un-sharable, files like ebooks, music MP3s, and other multi-media. But does it stop Piracy of those files? Really?

I don’t believe it does. I believe pirates know how to strip, copy, and distribute pretty much any file type. What I do think it does is restrict the usability for honest users who have purchased their copy. Why punish your readers by making them unable to copy your work from device to device? I price my books very affordable, and in my opinion they are quality works. I believe and trust my readers will pay me accordingly. I for one have chosen to NOT encrypt any of my ebooks. Do I want them pirated? Of course not. Do I want them read and enjoyed? Yes!