Summer finally managed to arrive in Michigan...kicking and screaming. We've had enough rain to make a grown farmer cry. But the good Lord takes care of the world and we've had a steady breeze for the last several days. Everything is finally drying out and the farmers are beginning to get their crops in.
I used my rainy day time to create a Facebook page for Moonshine Fine Art Studio. If you check it out and click the "Like" button I'd be eternally grateful. I have some mighty fine friends who have done it already and I'd love it if you did too!
I've also had time to finish my children's chapter book. There is a funny thing about being done with a creative project-- every time I call it good and done, I go to sleep and wake up with something to change, add or do better. I'm sure that I am not the only artist to find imperfection in everything they do but it sure does feel that way sometimes.
I am at the point of tidying up my manuscript and writing my query letter. Then I will send it out to publishers with the hopes of it being published. My fingers (and toes) are crossed.
The main character in my book is Liberty Lil, a young lady who knows exactly who she wants to be when she grows up...the President of the United States of America. Nothing can stop her except her own insecurities and the announcement by her rival that her dreams can not come true because she's a girl. Lil doesn't take the news very well and lands herself in the principals office. With the encouragement of her best friends, Josey and Scout, Lil runs for class president. Though she is the perfect choice, her opponent shows Lil that politics are never easy.
Along the way, kids will learn about America's history and it's politics as well as life lessons too. Liberty Lil is a funny portrayal of the insecurity we all feel, friendship we all want, and misjudging people, which we all do.
I'm still working on the illustrations for Liberty Lil...when I am finished, I will post her image. I have a magnet on my refrigerator that reads "I could do great things if I weren't so busy doing little things." Certainly the things that keep me from creating art and writing are not little things by no means, but I do wish there were more time in the day to do it all and money to fund it.
I find that when I publicly post what I have rattlin' around in my brain it helps me conquer my procrastination condition. If I tell you I'm going to do it then I will get it done, but if I don't...well...it stays rattlin' around in my brain and never gets done. Simple as that!
On a different note, my latest artwork is added to the bottom of my blog. I did a caricature for our local FFA chapter which my son, Marcum, is a member. It was auctioned off to benefit the members at their year-end awards banquet.
I just glanced at the clock...I have to go! My husband will be home soon and I should make it look like I've done something besides write today. I make him sound mean, but he's absolutely not. Just the same, I better go do a few dishes and holler at the kids to quit arguing.
Take care!
-Christine
(Artist for Hire!)
