Book Signing at Explore! the Book Store 

On Saturday, Dec. 6,  I joined two other area authors, Sharon San Angelo, The Lightening Within, and Sherry Ebel, Cassie's Magic Door for a morning book signing event.  The owner, Anne Mancilla, opened the store (18 East Main Street/Clifton Springs, NY 14432) in the Fall at an old book store site.  See info on the book store at news.shelf-awareness.  We had a wonderful time and Anne discussed having the event again in the Spring.  I teased her that I would make her a flamingo costume and have her strut up and down Main Street luring customers to the book signing.  Her reaction wasn't positive, so no way is that going to happen!  Any takers?!?

My friend, Sherry, stopped in to visit.  She lives in Clifton Springs and had just come from the gym.  She teaches Art at Penn Yan Academy.  We had taught together at The Harley School.  She is zany and always cracks me up---I believe she is Bette Midler's twin. She went to Morocco on a yoga retreat---go warrior pose!--and rode a camel.  Kudos to the camel who had to deal with her antics.

Still More About Last Summer

It's winter and I still need to mention a few events from last summer.  My husband Gary carves shorebirds (and other water birds too).  I love the effect of the staining he uses for the surface treatment on the shorebirds.  His shorebirds are for sale at Artizanns in Naples, NY.  He did a demonstration in August for the craftsman series at the shop.  Below is Gary at work at Artizann's and some of his work.

Some Favorite Photos

Both Gary and I love the ocean...some shots last winter on the Florida Panhandle's Emerald Coast.  The grandkids came for a weekend.  Fishing with Grandpa was a highlight for Gary.  Some of my favorite photos of the girls...little Taylor is in love with Minnie Mouse.  When they come to visit us in NY,  Riley and Connor come to play.   Anna and Riley look forward to their yearly reunion.

Cousin Gerry, who has lived in Italy for over 25 years, came for a visit and stayed with us for two weeks. He has been working on children's books so we had a lot to discuss---usually over dinner (bring out the good olive oil and vino!)

Rochester Children's Book Festival

Nov. 8, 2008

This was my first experience as author/illustrator at this event. I was a volunteer for many years and loved being part of the excitement.  But, this year was different for me. What a thrill to sign books! This year topped them all for the number of people who attended. I was delighted to see many people that I had worked with years ago.  My camera was out for repair, so I don't have my own photos to post-- I have linked some other authors blog sites who have a marvelous record of the day---Vivian Vande Velde and Michelle Knudsen.

Thanks to all for organizing, setting up and attending to my every need. What a treat to be so pampered!

I did a reading and also a presentation. I brought paint and the kids mixed all different intensities and values of PINK.  Many participated in a group flamingo painting and did individual art pieces.  Two examples below.  One by Sydney, age 5, Pittsford, NY and the other by Sumaya, age 6, Clarkson, NY. 

Upcoming Events

11/6  - Appearance on R-News in an interview with Virginia Butler.  

Opportunity for me to talk about the Rochester Children's Book Festival

at M.C.C. this Saturday and my excitement in participating for the first time

as author/illustrator with the debut of Marco Flamingo.

11/8 - Rochester Children's Book Festival, 10am - 4pm.  I will be reading 

my book at the Read-to-Me-Corner at 11:40am.  My friend Maria Boyle 

will be reading the Spanish edition Marco Flamenco.  From 2:30 - 3:00pm 

I will be giving a demonstration on drawing flamingos and engaging kids 

in color mixing.

11/12 - I will reading at the Macedon Library, 30 Main St., Macedon, NY 

(315) 986-5932 ext 3) at 4pm for kids ages 3-7 and providing a few craft 

projects related to the book.

11/22 - Book signing event from noon-4pm at The Bird House, 

3035 Monroe Ave., Rochester, NY 14618 (585) 264-1550

Signing also on 12/21 from 11-2pm.

12/4 - Participating at the Pal-Mac Elementary School's "Literacy Night"

from 7-9pm. Also visiting K and 1st grade classrooms from 9-11am to

read my book and engage the students in discussions about the book.

12/6 - Holiday Book Signing event (9:30-1pm) at Explore The Book Store

in Clifton Springs, NY with other local authors and illustrators.12/13 - Barnes & Noble (Pittsford, NY) Holiday book signing event with other local authors and illustrators from 1-3pm.

12/22 - I will be reading at the Victor Public Library, 15 W. Main St. 

Victor, NY 14564 (585) 924-2637 at 11am for kids ages 3-7.

Past Events

10/15 - Did four presentations at the Kindercare Learning Center in 

Farmington, NY.  The wee ones really enjoyed the puppet show!

Also participated at their Open House on 10/22.

10/16 - Presentation to 4 Classrooms at Rochester City School, 

Nathaniel Hawthorn School #25, 965 Goodman St., Rochester, NY.

The puppet show was a hit again and I loved the flamingos the students 

drew in the interactive illustration event. (Photos to come)

10/26 - Article in the Democrat and Chronicle (Rochester, NY)

Author Spotlight.  I was thrilled that it happened on my birthday!

10/17 - Day long event at Penn Yan Academy in Penn Yan, NY.

I discussed the development of my book from first manuscripts to 

the final edit, plus the illustrative process from dummies to final art.  

The high school students were very engaged and had many questions.

Having an author/illustrator in the classroom motivates students to see 

the results of effort and creative problem solving as it relates to their 

high school art classes.  My friend, Sherry Lutzen, is the art teacher

and I thoroughly enjoyed the day and the lunch she provided!

Some Family Stuff

Marco Flamingo is dedicated to my grandchildren, Anna and Taylor.

They are a hoot!   Here are some special moments of their visit in July. 

Both had birthdays this summer.  Anna turned 5 and Taylor 3. 

They live in Atlanta.  They both love painting, singing and dancing!  

It's in the genes.  

  

Kick Off Party for Marco Flamingo

Marco made his debut on September 28th at The Children's Garden of Farmington, NY.  Thank you Kathleen Seabolt for hosting this event.  Balloons, streamers, flowers, kid's activities, live music and a buffet of Spanish foods--and many pink treats--made a festive celebration.  My family and friends helped set up and my illustrator critique group FLiES--for little eyes--helped in the activity room.  I created some fun activities related to the book, flamingos and PINK!  The kids loved rescuing flamingos from the ice block, pink shaving cream play, pink play dough, and making flamingo stick puppets.  The event included a book signing and readings (I read the English edition and my friend, Maria Boyle read the Spanish.  The kids loved the translation of "Wow!" The book can be ordered at raventreepress.com.  Also at major book chains, indies and on-line.

 

Summer Art Classes for Children

I taught Clay and Sketchbook drawing in July and August.

The students, aged 5-9, were delightful and enthusiastic. 

Creations included carp, sling pots, drape pots, tiles, coil bowls 

and birds.

We sketched outdoors on the screened in porch, by the woods

and by the pond.  The students especially loved "blind" drawings.

Here is Colette's "blind" drawing of me!

Photos of Collete work, plus group photo in my studio.