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One of the things I never realised when I first decided to try and find an agent/publisher was how often I'd end up in the post office packaging up my submissions. I did realise I'd spend a fair bit of time waiting on the postman to bring news - but I never thought about the sending out process beyond writing my book and covering letter/outline. I never guessed I'd spend so much time printing out covering letters, chapters and outlines - nor imagined the amount of paper and ink cartridges I would need - not to mention printers! Then there's al the time spent tracking down up-to-date names and addresses, not always easy despite the internet - although more agents and publishers have their own websites now. I rushed to my local post office yesterday (I love the fact they are open on Sundays) minutes before closing. I have my routine finely-tuned - buy large envelopes (I always seem to have run out or mislaid them) - write my name and address on the return envelope (grimace at my handwriting) put it inside another with the editor/agents details on with my submission package. Then I have to have the whole thing weighed and get the correct postage twice, remove the SAE and put the stamps on put it back in and put the stamps or pre-paid postage label on the main envelope and seal it all up before handing it over. You need about six hands to do this - and I nearly always get in a tangle with those peel-off seals. At this point I usually panic that I've forgotten something or put the wrong date on my letter - but it's off on its way and I can feel pleased with myself for a minute and daydream that this time I will get a yes reply.

Close your eyes for a second and a whole year can whiz by, that was 2007 for me.

It started out with a trip to NY, taking a class with Tomie DePaola and ended with a weekend retreat with Jane Yolen. My demanding bead business kept me so busy last year, it felt like illustration was a fools' hope.

So looking ahead, I have some tough questions to ask myself. Is this a hobby or do I want a career as an illustrator? Do I need to experiment more with my style, possibly expanding beyond printmaking? Or do I need to just get off my rear and submit like there is no tomorrow? (Well that I need to do no matter what.)

The good thing about a new year is that you can stop, take stock and make course corrections if you have wandered off. Thank goodness for my pbj's for keeping me tethered to the world of illustration while I have been growing and exploring in other areas of my creative life!

Looking back
I had some nice firsts last year - illustrating my first picture books and my first story for Ladybug magazine, went to the NY SCBWI conference for the first time, and lined up four more books to illustrate. It was a very challenging year professionally and personally. Like my buddy Janee, support from good friends and a beautiful family helped keep me in the saddle. Love them all!

Looking ahead
I'm very tickled to be in the middle of illustrating two books right now. My creative goal this year is to keep it fresh, keep growing, refining, improving, and expanding my art. Just to keep looking.

Here are snippets from my favorite assignments last year.

Looking ahead , I plan to do at least one new illustration for my portfolio a month. That will give me 12 new pieces and that excites me!

Looking back at 2007, it's hard to remember the high points. We found out that my husband is ill and that kind of overshadows everything else.

The high points that really stand out though are all the instances where my friends picked up the load for me. The PBJs took over the promotion of my book for me when I just didn't have any time or energy to spare for it, my online groups have sent good vibes, prayers, and wishes, and friends and family have taken me to lunch, sent cheery care packages, or listened to me freak out for hours on end.

Looking forward at 2008, my focus is going to be on time-management, working on projects that bring me joy, and paying some friends back for being there for me. :-)