NY SCBWI Conference

I don't know if I'll write a recap about the NY SCBWI Winter conference. I just want to say that what a treat it is to meet people in person after getting to know them online. How wonderful to have a base line for friendship of common interests, mutual passion and shared dreams. I have a favorite show of all time, Northern Exposure. There's an episode where the young Shaman Ed, takes Dr. Joel Fleischman into the woods at night and shows him a clearing covered with phosphorescent mushrooms. He explains that why they glow is that under the soil- they all share the same root system. - every single SCBWI conference I think of this episode. - Because we are connected we all glow a little brighter.

Old Dog - New Tricks

Yes- you CAN teach an old dog new tricks. BUT - expect it to take a long time and lots of treats. I have been trying to learn WordPress with the intent of consolidating my online "presence". Oy to the Vey!! You can watch the carnage over at kellylight.com. It's slooowly taking shape. When the time comes, dear Blogger, we shall part. So heads up! Prepare for the move. Start packing up around here. I'll let you know when it's done. - Kelly

Ada walks on.

The back of the picture reads "Ada Boardwalk 1915"

I find stories in old pictures. I rescue these forgotten moments in time.

Was Ada walking away? Was she leaving? Escaping?

Or, was Ada walking towards something?  

From the looks of that sturdy gait and jaunty hat,

Ada had a plan. A goal.

Ada knew where she was going.

I see her as a strong individual. Able to own who she is.

Filled with the confidence that can only come from knowing who you are.

Ready to move on from people, places and things that were

feeding off of her. She would not let them.

She had places to go.

Walk on, Ada.

2012 arrived- and I could not give 2011 the finger!

Yup. I'm kinda happy 2011 is gone. I felt like crap all year. The holidaze came and found my right hand, the hand I draw with- shriveled. My middle finger decided to turn into a cooked shrimp in my palm. All of the tendons tightened and it locked in and out of place along with a lot of pain.

Thing about the ever useful middle finger is- it drags it's neighbors down with it.

I could not draw. I tried. I got frustrated. I drew the holiday card down below by taping the wacom pen to a splint.

Good times!

Not being able to draw is inconceivable to me.

So - I have had some health issues for a very long time. I have been to many many doctors who have pretty much told me I was nuts. I chose to go to a doctor that was non traditional. She told me I was not nuts. This week I went on thyroid medication. As a result, my finger uncurled.

My finger is now free to flip the bird.

Yes - 3 days and it moves and doesn't lock up! Such a small movement- allows you to do or not do so much. Couldn't braid my daughter's hair, open a jar, go to the gym.... such a small body part caused all kinds of frustration and worry and now.. relief. Ahhhhhhhhh....

If you see me and I flip you the bird, take no offense please. I'm really just rejoicing in the motor skill freedom I have regained!

So I doodled today for the first time.

Who else is watching Downton Abbey!?!?!?  Who else freakin LOVES it?  It has got to be a cut above the average historic costume drama- cause my husband usually runs screaming from them to the safety of his sci fi movies. He's hooked. My Mom's hooked. So many friends are hooked.

And out of all of this Turn of the Century British Greatness- rises the greatest of all. Maggie Smith.

I love her and always have but- she seems to get better and better.

So I doodled her. It's what came out of the hand- maybe I'll take it further, but I am rusty. I usually don't show stuff this rough but- today, I am thrilled by the act of drawing- and don't care a fig about the results!!

I hope we all have healthy , happy, productive, art filled - 2012's !!!!