Most of the time I seem to choose the right illustration to post for Illustration Friday. I think the person who was decorating this room couldn't decide what to put in these frames, so many choices! But I do choose to unveil this youtube by my good friend, musician David Tobocman featuring my artwork. You can see the video here. Enjoy!
Finding Neverland has an excellent toon on the topic of blogging reviewers. It cuts to the chase!
I have had a chuckle reading the discussion at Roger Reads about the role of blogger reviewers vs print reviewers (currently 63 comments and climbing.) The comments evolved into a multifaceted conversation about the motives of blogging reviewers and swag and cupcakes.
With family members who are journalists I have been aware of the supposed tension between the "news professionals" aka "journalists" and the "amatuers," aka "bloggers in pajamas" for some years now. (I am fully dressed thank you, although, I am wearing Ugg slippers, oops!)
So the question of professional vs amateur (DO pronounce it with a French accent) their motivations, agendas, and gushings etc. have been well hashed out in other blogging realms.
This has been fun to read though and there are many very thoughtful posts and comments about why we kidlitospherians do what we do.
As usual, Roger made a point in the discussion that resonated with me.
I'm guessing that most blog reviewers would say, "I review what I want to review." That's fine, too, and attractively anarchic. But I find, anyway, that those reviews tell me more about the reviewer than they do about the book. And I hasten to say I've met some pretty interesting minds this way.
8:35 PM, April 17, 2007
This comment is exactly why I enjoy kidlitosphere reviews. They do tell us about the voices in this community. I have never heard any of their voices, (well, actually , I have the voices of
Chris Barton and
Cynthia LS and
Fuse #8 (on NPR) but
Miss Erin's perspective is different than
LizB's and
MotherReader makes me laugh and
Jen is often focused on literacy and reading and
Kelly always has an insight that never occured to me and
Indefatigable Kelly just does it all.
Michele is who I would probably be if I had been born in Angleterre and
Sheila always finds a book my girls and I need to read as does
Susan . There are new blogs and voices to add to my blogroll everyday.
A few years ago, there was a big push to teach 4th graders about "voice." Fourth grade is the writing test year here in Texas. The teachers were always in search of novels with a strong "voice." Well, ok. I don't know what the writing pedagogy flavor of the month is this year. I daresay it is something new.
I asked a student once if they could tell me what "voice" was and the child answered, "It is the sound I hear when I read a book."
I do hear the "voices" of the kidlitospherians when I read their reviews.
Wow! I could really live in a place like this. Do they have any pets? Love. Bad Dog
Beautiful scene, Val! When you click on it to enlarge, I really like the ivy!
Glad to see the finished housescape, too...nice! (wish I could see inside)HAPPY 4TH!!!
It is beautiful. Anyone who lives there should be happy and blessed and even more so now that you painted it. What a beautiful work by a beautiful artist.
Your grapes will never go sour Valgal. You are berenauslese!
Wow, beautiful house! It is HUGE! Your work is amazing.
Your house looks so much more lively and comfortable to live in (it is a wonderfully sweeter rendition than the original house) I think!
i like your valgalized version.... you've done a nice job with the shimmering gold on the walls.
and the finished version of the house is great.
Bellissimo!
I do like the way you've balanced the sweet and the sour - very neat!
Val, these are really terrific locations/homes....and you have made them even more special with your unique style.
Good to see the finished version of the Wide House.(Like you, I'd find the cleaning a bit daunting!)
I love your Venice, it's so evocative!!!
...wonderful wide, I would like to spend there my holiday :o)
Nice! No sour grapes here!
that just looks like a wonderful place to visit! dot
i lovvvvvvvvvvvvvveee the tiled floor in venice! bellisima! :)))
Valgal,
I have so many fond memories of Venice. Remember all the gondola rides we took? I know they're a tourist trap but I love 'em!
Just wanted you to know that I'm thinking about you right now and am so sorry about little Ratty. He was the best friend a girl could have and a one of a kind guy. I have many fond memories of him and right now the world feels a little emptier without the presence of his little soul.
Thinking of you.
xoxox
--dd
makes me want to go there right now!
Aaaahhh! In life we must have sweet and sour to appreciate both! Lovely imagery!
www.indigeneartforms.blogspot.com
Wow! Beautiful entrance decorated with grapes and vine! Love the blue of the sea and all the unique houses at the other side!
give me sweet rather than spur anytime...too many sour people at work every day!
Oh, Valerie, your work is absolutely amazing! I loved blowing it up and admiring all the whimsical and beautiful detail. Looks 3D, even! I think I'd much rather visit your Italy than the real thing.
And such a beautiful home, too. A bit cliche, but so true: I love what you've done with the place!!!
Awesome work, Val! Cool to learn about your process too.
You have Wonderful blog!
great work!!!
Tiina, from Finland
I love the moon and the setting you have created in the piece. The archways are really inviting along with all those lovely grapes.
Lovely!
NICE I would love to visit such a place! The moon and its reflection are a great touch.
The Wide house turned out wonderfuly! I like your changes to thier landscaping. =)
Jennifer
This would be wonderful painted as trompe-l'oiel on a restaurant wall. Love that little gondola!
Wow wow WOW!
Thanks for all the inspiration and creative fun that you provide. Check out my site, I have selected you for a blog award.
so lovely val, and i love your word, "valgalized" so perfect!! hope you had a happy fourth, doll!
a : )
Beautiful illustration!
I have an award for you over at my blog. Love your work!