Awesome’s Year In Review

My first week home

Hey!!! I saw that Mom and Dog both posted about their year. Dog seems a little upset about me being here. Don’t worry my dear blog visitors, I will get Dog to like me yet!

Okay, so my year…

It was awesome! And why wouldn’t it be!?!?!

At the beginning of 2010 I was just chilling with my brothers and sisters, sleeping in crate thing in this lady’s kitchen. I woke up from a nap, my head shoved between a sister and the water bowl, to find these two people looking at me. These people, who I didn’t know at the time, were my Mom and Dad. They hugged me and looked me over then just before they left they put me back into the crate thing. I was confused, but knew something big was gonna happen because my Dog Dad peed on Mom’s leg just before she left. THAT meant something. And guess what!! Mom and Dad came back for me!!!

In 2010 I learned that Mom makes mad faces when I try to eat rocks and leaves and dirt. She also made happy faces and she liked to carry me around, even though I knew I was too heavy and that my legs clearly were in working order.

But Dog was another story! I don’t think Dog liked me at first, and I’m not sure Dog even likes me much after all this time. Every morning I am so excited to go visit Dog in her bed. I bring her toys and talk to her, but she doesn’t seem to like it. Mom likes me visiting her in the morning, she always has a sleepy “Hi” and pets me. Maybe Dog and Dad are a lot alike, because Dad doesn’t like me saying hi in the morning to him. He covers his head with a pillow. I don’t think that is a good sign.

What have I done in 2010?? So much, I learned to chew and not chew, I learned I love the water hose, I went hiking, and for walks, and to the dog park. I also have mastered 3 tennis balls in my mouth at once and I discovered it’s rather cool to sleep through the night!

But 2010 was the best because we went from one house that was cool to another house that was cool. I am most grateful for the huge water bowl outside! It is so refreshing after I play with Dog. Yet Mom still yells “NO POOL WATER!” If I could get a human voice I would yell back at her, “It’s not pool water Mom, it’s a WATER BOWL!!” Maybe some day she will figure it out.

What else?? Well not much, it was just a great year!! So what are my new year’s resolutions going to be….

To stay awesome! And why not?!?! That’s my name after all.

A few weeks ago

Dog’s Year In Review…

I noticed Mom posted about her year, so I figured while she was out paying all her attention to Awesome, I will post my own year in review.

2010 has been disastrous! Why Mom and Dad every thought I wanted a playmate was beyond my comprehension! Puppy, or I guess as he now goes by, Awesome, (Really?!?! Come on blog readers!!! Maybe I should call myself Amazing!?!?) is not the playmate I wanted. I was hoping for someone less furry and more statue like…whatever that would be.

I have slept very little in 2010, because of Awesome, who insists on waking me in the morning by dropping a toy in my bed. Oh, I’ve tried to ignore his antics, but then he gets all Chewbacca on me and starts making those Chewbacca noises. Even then I ignore it, but Awesome, won’t let me be and so he gets really close and his tail starts wagging and he lets out barks one right after another right into my ear! While my paws let me type, apparently they do not know how to slap!

In 2010 we moved to a new house. That was a good thing. I have grass and more grass, but the big lake like pool thing creeps me out and I still get leery around it. Awesome often comes running up to me when I am near this big lake like pool thing and I swear his big body is gonna bump me right in the dang thing.

The new place does have a lot of different smells though and lots of people to bark at outside. I think I feel more calm here. All the rooms are nicely laid out and every once in a while I manage to hide from Awesome.

My new year’s resolution for 2011 will be…more sleep…more sleeping in…more sleeping outside…more sleeping inside. And possibly find a way to bump Awesome into that big lake like pool thing.

A Year in Review…

Tis the season to make resolutions, or so that is the tradition of most. A time to look back and realize as to whether you messed up a lot or only slightly. A look back to see if you accomplished a great deal or nothing much at all.

2010 for me, was that of…having everything, yet having nothing at all.

2010 started off better than 2009, only because 2009 was purely awful!

Puppy came into my life in 2010, which truly was a learning process for me, even though I already had Dog. I guess you never stop learning…patience.

2010 was also a year of renewal, although many may see it as losing a battle. Sometimes decisions are easier or more difficult than others may imagine them. Coming out ahead of the game or starting fresh is often a excellent reality check.

I am probably most grateful for deciding to continue my education and volunteer in 2010. Both were giant leaps for me. Often causing dreams of missing school buses and climbing stairs which had to destination or that I would fall from. My subconscious was working overtime for many nights, as I took my first steps into making these important decisions, wondering if it was the right move to make.

Surprisingly 2010 was a year that I didn’t really mess up too much, at least on an individual basis. Had Santa bothered to stop by he wouldn’t have given me coal, like I so deserved in 2009. But is that really a way to judge a successful or unsuccessful year?!?! If a imaginary character were to put imaginary coal in your stocking?!?!

Looking ahead at 2011, I hope to only capitalize on the great of 2010, and like everyone else, want 2011 to be better than 2010…but how can one really make that happen….I know I will have downfalls, I will not always stick to my resolutions, or change what I have said so many times to myself that I want to change. Somehow thinking ahead to 2011, it almost seems scary…

I often wonder what to expect, what my actions will lead to, if I can really make 2011 better…for me, a new year is as scary as it is welcomed.

Awesome’s Movie Review – Santa Buddies

Hi everyone, Awesome here.

Last night Mom turned on this movie for me. At least I think she did it for me because I couldn’t stop watching it!! It was amazing!!! The movie was called Santa Buddies and it was about dogs and puppies. I didn’t really follow the story because I kept having to go outside to play in the puddles from the rain.Yes it rained! And I was running around and making a wonderfully awesome mess! Oh yes, the movie…

I learned so much from the Santa Buddies movie. At first I sat and watched it, then I barked at those dogs, then I ran up and tried to go through the front of the TV to get to them. It didn’t work, the whole TV thing is rather confusing to me.

But these Santa Buddies taught me many things.

1. how to climb a tree

2. how to knock cookies off the counter and eat them (I didn’t know I could do that!)

3. how to bust a move

4. how to roll in dirt and shake it all over the house (And I thought puddles were fun!)

5. that dogs can talk

It’s true these dogs and puppies were talking. I don’t think Dog understood either, Dog just kept tilting her head, back and forth, back and forth looking at the TV. I can type, but talk?!?!

Anyway this movie Santa Buddies is my favorite movie of all time! Mom said the movie was baaaadddddd, but how could it be!! Santa’s Buddies know it all! I learned so much. I can’t wait to use all this knowledge!

Interview with Illustrator Megumi Lemons

Meet Megumi Lemons

I am pleased to welcome illustrator Megumi Lemons to Karin Won’t Stop Talking for a fun interview.

Please discuss the mediums you use in your work.

I use acrylic paints most of the time, but recently I’ve started using acrylic gouache paints as well.  On the last couple of paintings I started with acrylic then built up successive layers with the acrylic gouache.  Most of the time I’ll put in some details in colored pencil or Caran d’Ache crayons at the end.  The textures you see in some of the paintings are created with molding paste or clear gesso.

How is it you discovered your artwork was better suited for children’s illustrations?

When I first started looking for freelance work I intended on becoming an editorial illustrator.  I sent samples out to different publishers and publications with a reply postcard that they could send back to me with some feedback.  I got several back that suggested that my style seemed more suited for the children’s market.  At that point I took a good hard look at my work and realized that they were right.  I’ve always loved children’s books and my personality is more suited for that niche.  Shortly after that I enrolled in a children’s book illustration class at Art Center and tried to learn as much as I can about the business.

Do you find your Japanese heritage plays a part in your style? And do you feel it is as widely accepted as “traditional” to the American society?

I think my heritage does influence my style.  My painting style doesn’t look like traditional Japanese art, but people have pointed out that when I paint children, they always look kind of Asian!  That being said, I think if you didn’t know my background, it wouldn’t be that easy to tell that I was Japanese based solely on my art.

If you could re-illustrate one children’s picture book what would it be and how would you make it different?

This is a really difficult question to answer!  It’s hard to imagine my favorite books with any other illustrations than the original.  It’s not a picture book, but I’ve always wanted to do some illustrations of Alice in Wonderland with my own twist on it.

You are a member of SCBWI (Society of Children’s Book Writers and Illustrators), how have they been helpful and a part of your journey?

Being a member of SCBWI has been invaluable.  I have learned so much from attending their conferences and workshops, as well as the networking opportunities.  I’ve also made many friends as a result of being a member.  It’s always great to have a group of people that you can bounce questions off of about the business, art techniques, etc.  It’s my support group!

What keeps you motivated to keep illustrating? Are your goals to become a children’s book illustrator or magazines?

I know it sounds like a cliché, but I keep illustrating because I need to.  Nothing makes me happier than when I’ve created something on what was once a blank piece of paper or canvas.  I’d like to illustrate both children’s picture books and magazines and am interested in licensing my work at some point.  I like writing as well, so writing and illustrating my own picture book is another goal.

What makes “Happy Ice” your favorite piece?

This is my favorite piece mostly because of the girl.  I really like the way she looks and the warmth of the expressions on her and the dog.  There’s also a lot going on – it tells a story.  It always gets a good reaction when people look at my portfolio.  I’m thinking about writing a picture book story about them.

If you could attend a conference or talk to young artists what advice would you give them?

I would tell them to learn as much as they can while they are in art school.  Use that time well, because once you’re out in the real world, time becomes a luxury.  I would also advise them to draw everyday and carry a sketchbook, to continue to sharpen your skills through workshops and classes.  You don’t stop learning after you graduate from school, it’s a lifelong process.  It’s also important to be aware of everything around you – movies, books, travel.  Have a curiosity about the world; you never know where something you’ve seen will inspire you!

To connect with Megumi and discover more of her illustrations please check out the following!

Website: www.megumilemons.com

Blog: www.megumilemons.blogspot.com

SCBWI: www.scbwi.org/MemberProfile.aspx?u=106319000288543

You can follow her on Facebook, where I was lucky enough to win a one of a kind illustration.

Facebook: www.facebook.com/home.php?#!/pages/Megumi-Lemons-Illustration/112519345461985

Christmas Mail

Delicate crystal like flakes fell slowly onto her hat as she carefully stepped out to get the mail. Oddly the mailman made it through the snow to deliver those last few Christmas cards on Christmas Eve. Of course she could have cared less if the mailman made it to her mailbox.

She sifted through the pile, mailbox lid still open, catching snow.

Glancing over as she heard crunching in the snow. A neighbor had come out to fix his blow up snowman who had taken a turn in the wrong direction.

“Merry Christmas!” he yelled with holly-jolly in his voice.

She smiled, and waved, by no Merry Christmas was coming from her lips.

As she turned back to close the mailbox lid, she noticed there were more letters. How did she miss these, she thought, and added them to the pile in her hand.

“Watch out lady!” A teenage boy yelled as he flew past her on his sled. A little boy was chasing after him. “Santa is coming tonight. I hope you don’t get coal lady!” the little boy yelled as he tried to catch up to the boy on the sled.

Covered in a spray of snow from the sled she brushed herself off and went to close the mailbox lid once more, only to find the mailbox full again.

“Well for Christ’s sake!” she blurted.

“Yes, Merry Christmas, and may Christ bless you too,” a woman said running past, obviously trying to catch up to the two boys that flew past moments ago.

Slamming the mailbox lid closed, and with a pile nearly too big to carry she crunched back through the snow, snowflakes falling thicker than ever.

Once inside, she unloaded the mail on the table, noticing they all were addressed to “Santa.”

Book Review – The Truck Murderess: Winnie Ruth Judd

It’s official, I have read a book! Not that I have not read before, but it has been nearly four months since I have had the chance to read a book that did not have equations or statistical facts in it. Luckily, my first “back at it” book was an excellent read!

I was at the library doing research for a class and noticed The Trunk Murderess: Winnie Ruth Judd by Jana Bommersbach on the shelf and remembered it from  my book list. The book was first published in 1992 and then again in 2003.

Truthfully I was not sure what to expect, as I have never read any true crime types of books. And I was thrown, when flipping through the book, that the author had pictures taken with the so-called murderer in the photo section.

Not only was the book so well put together with rich detail and much truth, but Ms. Bommersbach weaved a great deal of history on Arizona and Phoenix into the story. I have never known so much about Phoenix until now.

The story follows Winnie Ruth Judd as the murder happens, her involvement in it, her life during the trial and elsewhere, and finally her life after the events. This book hits on a fact that is still relevant today: The criminal system’s faults and flaws. Which they are reluctant to ever admit.

While you can probably easily find information on who Winnie Ruth Judd is and the murder case itself, chances are you will not find the correct news on her and the murders unless you find it in Ms. Bommersbach’s book. As even today there are unanswered questions.

The answer…to what is Christmas?

A few days back I posted about what Christmas was, or is, what it has become, the meaning….

Well I do believe I have discovered what Christmas is…Little Drummer Boy drum roll please….

Christmas is: interior and exterior design.

Let’s break it down.

Decorated trees, lights on the house, in the windows, stockings, presents under the tree. It is all about design. Even if no one else sees what you have done for Christmas, you do, you have decorated, you have added decor and changed decor.

When you think of Christmas you, most likely think of: snow, stockings, hot cider, Christmas cards, Christmas trees, Christmas decor, lights, Christmas presents. It is all about decor.

The snow outside is landscaping (exterior design). A Christmas tree decorated with wonderfully wrapped presents (interior design). Even the Christmas clothing you wear and the items you bake, all are about design!

Christmas is a Tim Allen competition mixed with The Next Design Star and Martha Stewart.

Happy Decorating!!

What is Christmas?

Is it wrong to not know the answer to this question?

I have yet to decorate my place, yet I have watched three Christmas movies thus far, and still do not feel the need to unpack the plastic tree and gently hang ornaments. I’ve been all for burning Christmas smelling candles, but I think I would be regardless of the season.

My neighbors have decorated, but I don’t feel like the odd place out, oddly.

As I watch Christmas movies I wonder, what really is the point of Christmas? The joy of the season?

I do not want to make this a religious birth of Jesus debate…so lets look at Christmas as Christmas.

Why put up a tree if presents won’t go under it? Okay because it is what you are supposed to do, decorate a tree, presents or not. I can understand that, hell I’ve been an adult long enough to realize Christmas is not about gifts.

Next, why decorate your home, all Christmas”y” festive? Because you are supposed to, because that is what you do at Christmas time. But why, no one will be coming over to see it, no family, no friends, no holiday parties. (For those of you with visiting in-laws, no we may not trade places, nice thought though.) Okay so maybe you decorate for you.

But what is the joy and point of Christmas other than a change of household knickknacks for a few weeks?

What is Christmas…giving? Many of us cannot afford to give this year. Joy, many of us are not joyful, but stressed. Time with family, what if we don’t want to or can’t spend time with family for numerous reasons. And even then, why is it the only excuse to get together, simply because it’s Christmas?

While this post may seem negative and depressing, it really is a valid question, and not meant as a sad post.

So what is Christmas, if it is not joy, giving, family, or Jesus?

December’s Book and Music List

Book list additions:

• Bird Cloud by Annie Proulx

• The Chemistry of Calm by Henry Emmons

And for children:

• The Christmas Cookie Sprinkle Snitcher by Robert Kraus

 

Music: