This month’s animal drawing sheet idea is courtesy of my good friend and fellow author/illustrator Nina Crittenden. Thank you, Nina!
Should we talk about the New Year? I know I’m not the only one that is just too tired for resolutions and goal-setting. I listened to a lovely podcast that confirmed I’m not alone in struggling this year. I can’t even muster the strength for Storystorm this month. And I LOVE doing Storystorm.
I don’t often get too personal here, but I think it’s important to share that my sister Michelle passed away in late November. It’s been incredibly hard for our parents, her children, and everyone she left behind. To be honest, it’s still a little too hard and complicated for me to talk about. But Michelle was an enthusiastic champion for my books. She would ask for them at libraries, share them with her friends, and travel far to come to events. Some of you met her, and I’d like to share her obituary.
So maybe the resolutions are late this year. And maybe I tackle Storystorm in February. It’s OK to not charge into a new year at full speed.
I had a lovely school visit this week. I even shared a sneak peek at The King of Books for the first time. And smartly put Hank into the presentation as my ‘co-worker’.
In early February I head to Providence, Rhode Island for Kindling Words East. I attended back in 2020 before the world went sideways. I’m excited to gather with so many talented authors, editors, and illustrators. It’s been too long!
And on February 7th, 2024 I will be participating in World Read Aloud Day. I’m only committing to a few slots, and I didn’t register on Kate Messner’s list. Signups can be found here.
Watching: The latest season of Fargo. I adore Juno Temple but the whole cast is amazing. I’d love to know why Jennifer Jason Leigh’s character has that accent because she’s so amazing in it and probably had her backstory all worked out. And that No. painting! - go check out the artist here.
Listening: The Big Dig podcast. I grew up driving the Central Artery. My father worked in some of the tunnels before I was born. When I moved out of the Boston area I thought the Big Dig was never going to end. It spanned the years that I lived in Somerville, Cambridge, and Newton and then some. This podcast is a deep deep dive, but it was very interesting and well done.
Reading: I’m still reading The Stand by Stephen King. But I’m getting close to the end!
Sending you so much love, Gina. I hope to see you at some point this year and give you a big, squeezy hug. ❤️
I'm so sorry about your loss. Sending warmth to you and your family.
(Thank you for the adorable opossum drawing sheet.)