I sensed this wouldn’t be just any old press event when three giant cupcake-mobiles came rolling toward us. Only in Dallas and only at the Neiman Marcus debut of its 2009 Christmas Book would such whimsical, over-the-top motorized confections be the norm.
Known for its fantasy gifts and experiences, this year’s Neiman Marcus Christmas Book offers other remarkable forms of transport: the Icon A5 “His and Hers” amphibious aircraft (flying lessons included, good thing); the Mission One electric motorcycle that not only is environmentally correct but also a thing of beauty to behold; and a limited edition Jaguar XJL. As for the Custom Cupcake Cars, these ingenious techno-art vehicles that were introduced at Burning Man™ offer almost as smooth a ride at 7 mph.
Why would someone from First Book be at this press event? First Book is the featured charity in the Christmas Book. When Neiman Marcus gave us the chance to dream up our own literary fantasy, we were excited to come to the table.
Or more accurately, The Algonquin Round Table. We have created a once-in-a-lifetime experience for a generous person who loves books and wants to ensure that all children have that same opportunity.
The Algonquin Hotel is a literary landmark in Manhattan where ninety years ago, Dorothy Parker, Robert Benchley and other leading writers and theater people began weekly meals at what became known as the Round Table.
We have created a contemporary Round Table with an astounding guest list of the best and wittiest, including: Christopher Buckley, Roz Chast, Delia Ephron, Nora Ephron, Malcolm Gladwell, Henry Louis Gates, Jr., Adam Gopnik, John Lithgow, Anna Deavere Smith, George Stephanopoulos and Ali Wentworth.
The person who takes us up on this offer will enjoy an intimate dinner party with at least eight of these luminaries (though scheduling the actual date may require some changes in the guest list). We are grateful to our friends at The Algonquin Hotel who will provide accommodations and what promises to be a spectacular meal.
This dinner party will have lasting benefit for children in need because First Book will honor the generous purchaser with a donation of 10,000 books in his or her name.
This priceless evening can be yours for $200,000, with all proceeds supporting First Book’s mission. Even Dorothy Parker would approve.
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Just beautiful! The detailing knocks my socks off.
great piece of work.. very intricate
This is just too good!! I love looking at all the details in your illustration! :)
*I love Richard Scarry too!!
Your work is so whimsical. I loved Richard Scarry when my son was little . Your illustration would do him proud.
I love the detail of pen and ink. It's amazing. It's a blend of rigid discipline and free flowing imagination! I'm not sure which I envy the most, the discipline or the imagination.
Glad you brought this one back....I love it!
I love it Ronni (Sarah, byot)
I like this so much. Love to look at everything going on in this picture:)
Great piece! Love all of the action going on.
This is my favorite piece of your so far! Excellent work. I hope you do more like this.
Wow Ronni,
That is a really neat world you have created!
Wow is this incredible or what!?! The detail is incredible! Great job!
It must have taken a long time to do this. The line work is exceptional!
Hi Ronni! I just love this and was thoroughly surprised by it too! It's different but I see the thread as well. Wonderful animals and buildings!!!
Hey, thanks everyone. I appreciate that. I don't think I will be doing another one like it soon. It WAS an enormous amount of drawing and detailing, yet fun and calming. I don't think my eyes are as good as they were then when I drew this. I might make my eye doctor upset!
Amazing depth and detail. I can see how it would time consuming.
this is awesome...so many details! great work!
Hi Ronni, thanks for your comment about my work, I love to hear back from people. I'm glad you liked it. I have to say your piece is amazing. Such intricate use of line, it must have taken you ages. I love the detail in the image, I enlarged it just so I could see in every window at all the things that are going on. Brilliant characters too, you can really get the feel of each one, even though there are so many. I like that about images when you can look at a character or characters and imagine the rest of their story that isn't depicted in black and white.
Your detail is awesome and the way you have characters up close and far away like you are taking a picture is great!
Beautiful line work and detail! Very imaginative.
Wow! This is quite an amazing piece! It has this vintage feel to it. Keep up the great work!!
WOW! What amazing detail!! Fantastic work!
Hey thanks! Do vote for me. :)
I'm amazed at the amount of detail in this piece. I mean, WOW! Very cool. I especially like the fact it is black and white. makes it even more dynamic. Fabby!