BEA (Book Expo America)

This was my first time at the BEA and I thought it 

would be overwhelming, but it actually was so

organized that it was easy to maneuver.  It was held 

at the Javitts Center in NYC which is conference 

friendly. 

I signed books for an hour for Raven Tree Press 

and met many librarians, teachers and other 

authors/illustrators. 

There is so much posted about this event that I'll

link a few.  One is on Flickr, another on BEA

site.

I flew with two friends, Cricket and Mary Kay,

and we had an amazing time! Stood in line at 

Times Square for half price tickets, took bike ride

through Central Park and wined and dined.

On the flight home we were delayed on the runway 

for over an hour because Obama was "in the sky."

All air traffic ceased in the area until he landed.

We made the best of it and got to know the flight

attendant who supplied us with free wine and snacks.

Love Jet Blue!

Here are a few pics from my camera.  Mary Kay took

many, so when I get those I'll add more.

Can't wait to go back to NYC...love that "town"!

This is the Raven Tree booth.  J.D. Smith, author of The Best Mariachi

In The World followed me for his one hour book signing.  The next pic

is some other publishers booths.

Eli, a music student, chauffeured us around Central Park.  Here we are below

enjoying the beautiful afternoon at the Park's many attractions.

Seneca Falls Library 

Children's Book Fest

On Saturday, May 9th, I gave a presentation to

the children that earned M.I.R.A awards ( nominated by

their schools in Seneca Falls area as most improved reader).

The mayor of Seneca Falls, Diana Smith, passed out the 

awards. I shared the process of creating my picture books

and showed examples of my illustrations. After the award 

ceremony, I engaged the kids in flamingo crafts.

  

Every student who earned awards received a copy of my 

book, Marco Flamingo, and a copy of Marley and Me 

(the theme of this years festival). There were other events 

as well.  Jill Fogel engaged the kids in musical fun, there 

was a book basket drawing (look at these magnificent 

baskets below), and donated books were available for 

10 cents!

Thank you, Jackie Grey (director), for inviting me.    

I was very impressed with the programs and events 

hosted by this library---very creative and dedicated staff.

Gretchen Koch, board member of the library, assisting with the book sale.

Danielle and Devin

My husband's cousin, Karen, has two granddaughters

who are readers, writers and illustrators.  Danielle at 

age 10 has written and illustrated more stories than 

anyone I know!  She is destined for publishing.  Her

work is personal, humorous and complex for a girl 

her age.  Although she loves to illustrate with colored 

pencil, her computer art designs are dynamic.  Devin,

Danielle's first cousin loves to read and do art work too.

On my blog, I love to promote children's art and

writing.

Visit to English Village 

Elementary School

This Elementary school is amazing!  It is a signature 

school that implements a dual language program. 

Children are immersed in both English and Spanish 

throughout the day.  Students K-2 learn to read, write, 

listen and speak in both languages (50% of the daily 

instruction is in English; 50% in Spanish).

I did a presentation of Marco Flamingo/Marco Flamenco 

on  April  27 and discussed my amigo flamingo. I showed

the process of creating the book.  One of the two teachers, 

Erica Wesley, was my student at Gananda Elementary.

I linked her website and if you can read Spanish you're

prepared to understand!

I seriously have to wear something new to these visits. 

You'd think this was the only blouse I have....well, almost! 

Here I am (wearing famous blue blouse) with Erica.

Grandkids Artwork 

with a Little Twirling Thrown In

Taylor Twirling

                                                                 Anna's Drawing of Mom (Emily)

Taylor's Drawing of Sister (Anna)

Anna's Composition

Cat Story

One day I started feeding and sheltering, 

(on my porch, in home made igloos) three 

starving feral cats (it was winter). 

One I named Smokey (he was a solid smokey grey), 

the other Grizzly (thick, matted grey cat with no ears

---well stubs--his ears had been frostbitten, and the 

last cat (who showed up months later) I named 

Hunter.  

Smokey, disappeared after the summer

of last year, Grizzly ( in the care of a baby sitter)

disappeared three weeks after my husband

and I left for Charleston for the winter.  We don't 

know Smokey or Grizzly's fate, but Hunter has 

become an adorable pet.  He doesn't scratch or bite

(he has FANGS), and is very affectionate.  He has 

his own spot in the house, complete with bed, 

scratching mat and toys.

We try to keep him in the house as much as possible 

because he is a KILLER, more so, I believe, than 

most cats because he had to survive without humans.

I had contacted the Feral Cat Society in our town and

had each trapped.  FYI it costs $30.00 to have feral

cats neutered, administered shots and wormed.

The downside is that the vet cuts the tip (quite a bit)

of the cat's left ear so it is recognized quickly as being 

neutered and free of rabies.  Feral cats are not adopted, 

but returned to the person who brought the cat(s) in

or returned to their original location or colony. 

So now we have a pet with a clipped ear as you can 

see in the photos below.

I am teaching Hunter how to "catch and release"

because if anyone knows me well, I am a bleeding heart 

when it comes to animals.  I can't blame Hunter for his 

instinct to hunt, but I see a trend of him now bringing 

the prey into the house and releasing for me to take care of!

Hunter has inspired a children's book!

Gardening Tip

I've lost many bird feeder saucers.  They've shattered from the

weight of squirrels knocking them over or high winds blowing 

them over. I even tried ceramic glue to attach the saucer back 

on the pedestal without success.  So, finally I thought of a great

use for the base.  Invert it and plant it about 9 in. into the soil,

fill with dirt and use as a planter.  It worked beautifully in my 

herb garden.  I like the tapered shape and the ample root space

for the plants.  I think I'm more creative in the Spring than any 

other season.  How about you?  I do more writing and painting

then too.