Wow. Stop doing something for a few months and it becomes hard to get into the habit again. I meant to pick up the daily doodle again after finishing the art for Smoky, but you know what they say about good intentions.

I guess I should not be so tough on myself. It’s not as if I haven’t been trying to put out all the fires that started while I was working so single-minded on the book art. My to-do-right-now list was several pages deep. I am finally seeing a light at the end of the tunnel, but it’s the train of my book signing tour coming to whisk me away from the studio for much of the rest of the spring.

I start out with a trip down to Texas, a new state as an author/illustrator. I’ve been there twice before. I have a cousin and her family living in a suburb of Houston. I thought about giving her a call and trying to meet up with her, but the logistics are just too hairy. I will be about an hour north of the city and without my own vehicle.

If you are in Texas, I’ll be at the CMA Beltane celebration from April 13-18. I will be out of the studio longer than that as it’s a couple days drive down and back. My poor husband quipped that I am abandoning him. I’m sure he’ll be fine.

In other news, a writer friend of mine put out a call to other middle grade authors. I was one of the 2 dozen writers that answered her call. We are banding together to form a web site focused on the middle grade audience. For those who are unfamiliar with that designation, it refers to books for the 9-13 old age group. Charolette’s Web is a famous book in this bracket. I had the total audacity to volunteer to be the webmeister. So in the time between now and my travels, I will be throwing together a multi-layered web site to promote the wonderful books aimed at younger readers. More info as it becomes available.

Next post will have some photos of the masks I have been feverishly working on to take with me to Texas. See you then!

Did you see the Full Moon last night? My husband pointed it out to me as we were returning home from dinner. We went to Bob Evens because we hadn’t been there in a while and we were tired of all the other options (limited) in town. After biting into my dinner, I remembered why we don’t go there very often. I still have a bad taste in my mouth and it’s nearly lunch time. Bleh.

After I finish posting this I climb into my trusty Casper and head out to Booneville, Missouri. Ozark Avalon is hosting their annual Harvest Home Gathering. They are als having an anniversary celebration for the retreat. I can’t remember the exact number of years, but it’s impressive.

I will be giving two workshops, two story times and signing books all weekend. If you are any where in the area, come out to see me. The more the merrier. There will be musical entertainment every evening, so it looks to be a good time.

Needless to say (but I am saying it anyway) there will be no daily doodles until after I get back. Lack of electricity and internet access can do that!

Wish me luck and good book sales. After being in hibernation most of this year, I can use it!

I am bringing my camera. Hopefully, I will remember to actually get it out and use it and have lots of pretty pictures to show you when I get back.