it's may!

...and I just bought the same sneakers I'm pictured in here, only a few sizes larger.

Something about this month makes me very happy. Sure I've got a couple of extra reasons to be happy this year; but, for me, May always seems special...like a fresh beginning. I love it.

Do you have any special things you are looking forward to this month? How about traditions or events you take part in every year around this time?

stop and smell the springtime

Who knew I had ESP at six?

This is exactly what I've been doing this afternoon...looking at tulips...or at least their first sprouts, emerging from the ground. Today feels like spring and I'm so eager to see what becomes of last fall's massive bulb planting; that is if our ravenous squirrel neighbors don't get to the fruits of our labor first.

P.S. Please forgive my scan quality. If only I'd know the merits of drawing with pen back in 1986. You'd think I would have planned better...especially with my sixth sense and all...

butterflies

This illustration was inspired by the first kicks [or flutterings] of our babies-to-be. We are so happy for every milestone we reach...but this one is extra special.

See more new releases and Valentine's Day Specials HERE!

from my studio to yours

May the next few days find you happy, spending time with those you love...and as cozy as a three-year-old in a jordache jogging suit.

Best wishes always---

Suzanne

a lifelong illustrating storyteller

...with bad spelling.

Translation : My gazebo once fell down, but me and my daddy fixed it.

I'm won't be around tomorrow as I'm heading to an on-location assignment at the National Storytelling Festival. [Can I just tell you how excited I am to write that?!?! ..."an 'on-location assignment!"] I will be working on telling my own story of the Festival for an upcoming issue of Storytelling Magazine....only rather than using words, I'll be using drawings. Eeeeeek!

Anyway, as this is the case...I'm trying to try to pack as much inspiration into today as possible as a way to say 'thank you!' for all your amazing support. Without it, I'm certain these opportunities wouldn't be possible.

goodbye summer

Summer 1983 : Myrtle Beach, South Carolina

Taking off a bit early this week as I head out of town to join my sister and folks for a Labor Day tradition: the flea market in Hillsville, Virginia.

Here's wishing you a happy end to summer, filled with your own traditions!

See you on Monday!

i've got a feelin'

...that today's gonna be a good day! Here's to a third decade of life!

Speaking of which, I love this. Happiness guaranteed.

putting the pedal to the metal

November 1983 : Same haircut.

Thanks for stopping by. I'm off on a mini-roadtrip with the girls in celebration of my sister's birthday. Be back in a few days! Yee-haw!

popping in

February, 1985 : being mischievous at my godmother's house : haircut...different ..or is it?

...to let you know I'll be back to posting soon. Been doing a bit of traveling for work, and now a bit of recuperating for fun. I get to see Edgar today (who has also been away the past two weeks for work) and am so excited!

the jetta went down to georgia

First Day of Kindergarten : August 1985 : Same haircut.

I won't be posting anymore this week as I'm heading out of town today to a conference in Athens, Georgia. My friend Debbie [who, like my sister in 1985, also happens to drive a Jetta] and I are presenting about the ways in which design thinking applies to all community-based projects. We're hoping the presentation we make can turn into a series of workshops to share with schools, non-profits and community organizations elsewhere. Do you represent one of these groups? Have any interest in learning more?

It's all very exciting...so let's see!

Also, this is my first time in Athens. Any recommendations on where to go, what to see...what to draw?

restful

I don't know if it was the worry dolls under my pillow, or your kind words of encouragement, but I'm sleeping much better. Thank you.

August 1983 : Same haircut.

We're going through some changes at school--changes that may mean I'll need to turn the page to the next chapter quicker than I had anticipated. But, as a wise friend reminded me, now is a perfect time to ask the question : 'What would you attempt to do if you knew you could not fail?'

let the housewarming begin!

July,1983 : Note the haircut. The more things change, the more they stay the same.

I've always been interested in housekeeping. Not cleaning house mind you, but keeping a house. And now that we've finally unpacked all the boxes [it only took four months] and created a punch-list like no other, I'm excited to get started doing just that. I plan to share the inspiration, desperation, questions and progress here. So please, take off your shoes...or your shirt (as I seem to have an affinity for doing!)...and stay awhile!

Also, if you haven't done so already, I'd love for you to become a follower of my home away from home...or is it my home at home? Either way, seeing your little heads in my sidebar inspires me!