Feeding the artist child

It's just past Christmas and old man winter has us in his icy grip again.

Although yesterday was a dull, cold and slushy-bus Saturday in Ottawa, it didn't bring down my inner child nor the artist in the family.  

The illustrator recently celebrated a milestone age. She was happy, nay excited for me to take her on a birthday shopping trip to one of our favourite art supply stores, to pick out sketch books, pencils and other tools. 

It made me happy to see her so happy while browsing the aisles of creative potential.  It brought back memories of my young adult days, my creative escapes - and my own Mother's appreciation of my art. 


The illustrator holds two English Lit. degrees and has reverted back to her first love of drawing while waiting for the perfect career to drop onto her lap. 

She has created an online comic series that chronicles the travels of a human girl and her alien companion as they visit every habitable planet in the galaxy. She is expressing her creativity, her need for exploration and escape.  Didn't we all have a need for escape once or twice in our lives?

A few days ago, she finally produced three more Chinese Zodiac illustrations for the next edition of the novel.  These will cover her share of the rent for December.

The Year of the Snake will soon meander away.

- and the Year of the Horse will soon gallop in.

Some day, I think she could illustrate a beautiful children's book.  As a toddler, she was an inspiration for some of my drawings and whimsical sketches while I still had the time.

Realistically, I would like to see her and the other promising young people living with me succeed in education, career options - and eventually move out.  

So, while she's looking for gainful employment and arting around, perhaps you would like to purchase a framed print of one of her creations?  Help her save up for her own apartment and not be held ransom by a mother who forces her to produce drawings in lieu of rent.  

Do you want to know more about The Year of the Rabbit?  

• Drop by the novel's domain;
• Read some excerpts;
• Download a few free chapters from Smashwords;
• Read comments from others;
• Like the novel on Facebook;
• Stick around for a few years as we work on the second edition.

Thanks for dropping by.

T

Ontario Wine Country Tour and Research

The author went on a wine country tour last weekend.  

One of the objectives was to perform research that would enhance wine related mentions in the second edition of the novel.  It was hard work with all the wining, dining, pairing and taking notes.  

By day 3 of the tour, I was in no condition to taste any more wine.  I reviewed my notes, attempted to improve my understanding of wine terminology plus learn more about the history of the Niagara on the Lake wine country.

It will be a bonus if this hard work pays off to enhance the novel.  Otherwise, it was a good opportunity to test out one's travel legs, to purchase "souvenirs" for family and friends.

If you feel like exploring, please drop by the domain for The Year of the Rabbit, a novel about Fate, Family and Forgiveness.

Cheers!

T

Commissioned art

I have engaged with a talented young artiste to provide illustrations for the second edition of the novel.


The objective is to provide representations of the paintings gracing the booths at the Red Hare restaurant.  I am also planning for a new cover design.

The artiste will provide twelve Chinese Zodiac illustrations over the next four months. 

Here are samples of the first two works:

 

I think they are very lovely.  You can view these and more of the artiste's creations at her Arting Around blog.

To read up on the novel and related activities, please visit www.yearoftherabbit.ca.


T

Her sister's secret

It's Pride Week.  

Communities are hopping with events to celebrate in loud, proud and colourful displays - or to celebrate in a quiet and dignified manner. 

In this excerpt from The Year of the Rabbit, Sera finds out that Amy and Dela plan to leave town, taking baby Harry along.  She also confronts them about their relationship.  

A community's reaction to homosexuals in 1975 would not have been as accepting as present day.  We are witnessing a balance between pride and dignity, with youth taking more leadership roles.

 T