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Che carino! Un caro saluto Aris.

А-ха-ха-ха-ха!)))))))
Какая прелесть!))))))

grazie Erika :) buona giornata!!

Jatka...ona vsegda prelestnaja koshka!! ;P

Ciao mi chiamo Tiziana, sono arrivata qui dal blog di Erika e per dirti che sono molto teneri i tuoi disegni. Ti aggiungo nei miei fav. Ciao Aris a presto.

Ciao Tiziana :)
Grazie e Benvenuta!!

Persino la natura prende ispirazione dalle tue splendide tavole... Un salutone.

:) in realtà il "montaggio" l'ho fatto io... nel senso che mentre la gatta dormiva ho preso il tartaruga e l'ho posizionato comodo comodo sul pelo morbido... in genere è lei che gli sale sopra ;P
...è che a volte sono un po' birichina dispettosa...

...non saprei scegliere fra la foto e il disegno... ;)
bellissimi!

Grazie Mati...
beh, entrambe le cose hanno i loro pro e contro:
il disegno non miagola e non vuole le coccole :(
ma l'originale graffia, infatti dovresti vedere che tatuaggio che ho oggi ;) fresco fresco di giornata :D

Ха-ха-ха-ха-ха!
Чемоданный кот?)))))))
))))))))))))))))))))))))))))))))))))))))))))))))))))))))))))))

Wow... mi colpisci dritto al cuore. Quella gattina (nonostante i baffoni ho idea che sia femmina) ipnotizza di tenerezza, e non solo. Potrei parlare dell'ombra da Catwoman dietro di lei, come da quanto lo scatto evochi l'intera stanza... In realtà non riesco a liberarmi dall'influsso di quello sguardo, che mi mette un po' a soggezione. Dopo le donne, il gatto è l'essere che m'incanta di più. :) Ciao.

@Jatka moja! :) eta odna iz moich kotek :) Kak vidno, ljubit chemodan, kotoruju u menja est' v komnate (eto imenno moja komnata v fotografii)

@Doc!!! eh sì, è Bijou, e non è certo una gattina qualunque!
Ama viaggiare, sempre clandestina in valigie zaini o borse, e ovviamente su treni e autobus non paga mai il biglietto. Per non parlare poi della sua ombra, che te la ritrovi ovunque, lei stessa ne è intimorita a volte.
Ma la cosa che ama di più al mondo è dormire sui cuscini o sotto le coperte ;)
Insomma, una maestra di vita!

P.S.
Stavo quasi per dimenticare: la sua grande passione è la cioccolata, anche se si accontenta delle patatine.

è una foto molto bella aris. e quanto tempo è passato dalla mia ultima visita qui. sono uscito un po' fuori dal mondo credo e ora ci sono rientrato. e intanto fuori ha cominciato a piovere. tu come stai? cosa fai? (a parte i tuoi soliti bellissimi disegni). e soprattutto hai un grande ombrello colorato nella valigia col gatto? :)

un abbraccio

Una fotografía tan curiosa como el propio gato.

Grazie Sergio :)
la fotografia l'ho fatta col telefonino :)
non è male.
smak

Lilius il poeta :)
fuori dal mondo è la mia condizione "normale" ;) come la tua, come quella dell'arte, come quella di bijou pronta a partire nella sua valigia dove, certo, ci sono anche gli ombrelli colorati, per la pioggia fuori, ma quest'anno invece della pioggia piovono bottoni colorati, di tutte le dimensioni, dovresti vederli lillo! E' una meraviglia! :)
per il resto adesso sto illustrando più di un paio di progetti ...ma sono top secret, e scrivo il mio libro... "Sulle Nuvole", immaginazioni e poesia per bambini e per grandi che si conservano bambini (nello sguardo). Magari poi ti scrivo qualche dettaglio ;)

bacissimo e abbraccissimo mio caro poeta ;P

So proud of you! I can't wait to own this one. It looks lovely, Kate.

How excited you must be! Great job.

me proud too!

Great review Kate! Let us know when we can get a copy. It is on my wish list for sure! Congrats! I've seen a couple of the illos, it looks wonderful!

That is an awesome review! I really do believe your paintings bring the ant's story to life! The colors are so vibrant and the composition, which the reviewer mentioned, is perfectly suited for reading to children. Telling the story of a teeny tiny ant in a very large world through images must have been a challenge (I seriously do not know how you did that!) but you pulled it off brilliantly! Can you tell how proud I am of you!?

Well done Kate, you must be so proud :)

Great job!!! Looking forward in seeing this in my local book store so's I can buy one for myself! Wonderful review, too!!! :)

Congrats, Kate!

Yes big congrats from myself as well. It's a great review. Good to see your talent is appreciated!

cheers

andrew

Kathleen- congrats!! On a lovely book and a great review- can tell it will be greatly used and poured over in classrooms and at home!

Wow! What a great review!! So happy for you! Congratulations on FINALLY being able to hold this wonderful book in your hands!LOVE it!

those are so pretty! I don't have luck with Tulips because the deer munch on them. (I know... deer in Des Moines? No, its not Chicago... but its still a city!) I plan to take some pics of some flowers in the yard soon. Very very lovely! I hope to see some sketches from these maybe?

I'll tell you what got my attention. I've used that phrase "as big as my head" all my life and I thought "where is she from?" And the photo is gorgeous with the reds and the blue and the lighting.

haha true, they look as the size of your head! lol.

They are beautiful Kate.. so colorful :o)

Yeppers! Makes me want to bust out my colors and paint, paint, paint! They are gorgeous and would make me so happy if they were in my yard. The flowers are almost as lovely as you are Kate. :)

Kate,
You are far more beautiful, but you are right, the tulips are lovely. Growing up in Utah the tulips were my favorite, because they sounded the alarm for spring. I still love them. And now we have miles of tulips at the Carlsbad flower fields...but somehow, tulips at the beach don't have the same effect. Anyway, you got me, consider me inspired!

Thanks everyone!

Hey Lindsey and Joan, I would LOVE to see you both paint them in watercolor!!!!!

The colors are amazing!! You look happy Kate. Life is good!

Thanks for sharing your tulips! They're my favourite flower and your lovely blue top goes really well with those colours!

very pretty

oh wow Kathleen!!! those are some amazing tulips!!! I love flowers and they sure can inspire...

They are beautiful just like you Kate! ;o) One of my favorite flowers, too!

I SO wish I had time to paint them!! You have no idea! They are SO pretty!

Thanks Phyllis.

HI Kathleen! How are you? Just wanted to drop by and say hi! Cool new posts!

Beautiful! Tulips are one of my favorite flowers! I've started keeping fresh cut flowers in my bedroom (something I never used to do). It's amazing what they can do to a room!

So glad things are going so well for you.

This is a beautiful flower! Very colorful! In my country we don´t have, uhmmm! but exists others, for example the orquídeas.

Well Kathleen, come back for more inspired. I love this blog for all talent that you have.

Many hugs from Guatemala!!

Ale

Lovely range of color. You've had a lot of fun bookish things going on.

Hope you are well and that life is good.

I just all the color! They are beautiful!! Great picture of you I might add! They really are large blooms.

The tulips blend in so well with your blue dress Kathleen.
How are you doing, hope you are fine?
I miss your posts!

cool! Im glad to hear you sold lots of books! Thats what I like to hear!

You worked hard well done! I hope I can make childrens books one day!

Fantastic Kate, you look so happy and the book is surely a winner! Hope you don't decide to give up chilly Chicagoland for Sunny CA.

Safe trip home!

Congratulations to you both! It looks fabulous.

Such a great picture! I can't wait to get my copy! Thanks for signing it, both of you.

Congratulations Kate! that is so exciting

I wish I was there! What a blast it must have been for the kids ... and for you and Teresa! Great job Kate! I'm wishing for more like it!

oh how wonderful!!! so thrilled it went so well!!!

I was looking for the book at Amazon...what book stores is it in?

What's a great success Kate:)
Hope the book sale will be better and better....that you guys can go for 2nd, 3rd edition print...:)

great! congratulations for your book!

congrats again - very exciting!

Yay!!! Coooool!!!! I'm sooooooooo happy for you :)

((((((( A BIG HUG))))))))

Kimberly

How exciting Kate! Well done.x

Thanks everyone!

Diana, right now the book is only available at the website by clicking the icon on the upper right corner of my blog. But we are working on getting it at Amazon and in bookstores and yoga studios.

Great stuff Kate! You are truly an inspiration. Thanks

Hi! Hope all is great!! I just wanted to say hi and let you know that I have bestowed upon you the Sisterhood Award for great attitude and gratitude. Check it out! It's on my blog:
www.bohomarket.blogspot.com

There you'll find the steps too.
Have a great weekend!

Great! I'm so happy for you!

congratulations kate!!! we are all enjoying the book so much! xoxo lin

Wow how wonderfully exciting! Yay. Am I still able to get a signed edition? I want one for myself, no kids involved I'm afraid :)

Congratulations Kate..this is amazing! You look beautful too! bravo

Hi Kathleen!!! wonderful shot....you should add this to your website....

You have been so busy with so many wonderful pieces for the new book!! very exciting!!!

and yet- you look so damn serious:)
nice studio shot

I agree with Goobeetsablog...serious is right. How ironic that you're likely painting something entirely antithetical to anything serious. We just know it's your job you take serious and your underlying current is one of whimsy and delight. I love the photo, you look fabulously consumed in your work.

i really love this! I think every great artist needs a good studio portrait!! nice!

You're right where you belong ;)

hi Kate, you look very serious here!, but it is a nice photo. I like the mosaic mirror too! I love that freedom, where you can do what ever you like and nobody tells you whether it is right or wrong. I hope you have time later on in the year to get back into them for your souls sake!

kate, i have to tell u i love this shot. i have that same shirt..LOL! i notice you're a lefty too! cool!

Do I look serious? For me, art is serious. I do many kinds of art, not just children's books. I guess I felt this photo captured who I really am, and I wanted to give others a peek into my world.

Nice photo. It's so nice that you get to do something you love for your job. I should get off the computer and go to my happy studio and get creating:)

Yes, you look serious (I've only seen you smiling in other photos), however, with that said, I look the same when I paint.

I suppose lots of people probably assume childrens illustrators have silly smiles on their faces all day (like many of the children in our pictures)?

On a rather interesting side note: I don't know if I'm happiest when I'm painting. Perhaps instead I could describe the feeling as absorbing, all encompassing and yet ultimately freeing. I'm probably much happier eating an ice cream sundae or laying outside in the sun! Perhaps you can relate or understand what I'm saying? Either way though, the actual act of painting and drawing can bring great bouts of happiness!

Hhhhmmm...yes, Crystal, I can relate to what you are saying. It is no secret that this lifestyle is not for the faint of heart. I would be much happier doing a lot of other things with my time and making better money (or better yet, not having to worry at all about doing this for a living), but I guess I feel the most like myself when I am painting or drawing. I did not get to paint all week until today, and I was excited as I approached my easel and uncovered my gooey acrylics on their tray, filled my water cup and picked up my #4 sable brush.

Hi Kate, what a great picture of you!!! I think it should be included on the back cover of the books you illustrate. You look fabulous! ;)

Perfect-o! I agree with everyone ... website and book cover! : )

A lovely picture Kate, I like the way you look as though you're deep in painting and have looked up in the middle of it!x

Great photo, Kathleen! I think this should go in the jacketflap of all your books! :o)

this capture your magic world !

So glad that you are happy Kate:)

great to see you in your natural habitat!

Wonderful pic of you. How have things been going??? I haven't heard from you in awhile... that must mean you are very busy and that is a good sign of things going good! :)

Kimberly

Wow Great shot Kathleen....love ths pic

THis is SUCH a cool pic!

Marvelous photo, and I love that it's black and white!

Kate, how wonderful to see you at work. I had to laugh at how intense you look, everyone says I look like that too when I'm working.. as you say it's a serious business, congratulations on the book, your work is amazing..

Hmmm, was this the same praying mantis? I swear it must be your artist's "eye" but you seem to find the most camouflaged critters around! I woulda loved to have gone adventuring with you two ... or should I say dozens (of mosquitoes, that is)? Or have they already disappeared? Love the pics Kate. The purples in the top two photos are unreal!

Kate, your photographs are amazing !! I enjoyed reading about your time with your friend Joan and I visited her sweet blog as well. How nice that you two had a chance to spend time together.

WOW. The color on that praying mantis is amazing! Its also amazing that you saw it too!

Yes, I don't think I've ever seen a praying manits with purple overtones. How neat! (and clever of you for being able to see it).

Thanks TLC...I think the warmth of the late afternoon sun and the coolness of the shadows made it look even more purple. It really was beautiful!

Your fall photos are lovely. I especially like the yellow beetle. I would love to win one of your cute Halloween cards.

Fabulous photos. That spider is really something.

Your cards are beauties, please throw my name in the hat :)

It's always nice to leave a comment for you, especially for some Autumn treats...

great photos, and those are some really lovely postcards! i love the halloween illustration. consider this my entry for your giveaway :P

First of all, that spider creeps me out! It DOES look like a crab! And, that beetle creeps me out too cuz I know they bite (I've learned first hand ... sneaky buggers!). Now, the rest are adorable! I do love those red berries and the shadows they cast on the wooden fence. Your cards are great too! *fingers crossed*. Please give Sunshine a hug for me. I miss her.

Your cards look fantastic, the colors seem really rich and bright. Love the eyeballs in the pasta. Thanks for sharing.

I love that spider! (Recently took pictures of my own!) Amazing creatures.

Good to focus on the little, beautiful things, too... to take your mind off the big, incomprehensible stuff...

my boys and I were out hiking yesterday too. It was great walking weather. great photos
carli

Look at you!!! With Carol Brady!!! Hahahah you really have something with the brady bunch, don't you?

It is awesome to see this picture. very cool that you got to meet her.

I'm glad you posted, I miss your posts :o)

oh how cool!!! I used to watch the Bardy Bunch all the time....

I miss you and your posts!!!!

Did you get my e-mail?

Heeeeey! When I was camping and getting sunburned and sand in my pants, you were cavorting with the rich and famous at the Air and Water show!?! lol. I think it's so so so cool you got to meet THE Florence Henderson. We used to watch the show ALOT as kids and The Brady Bunch was my mom's favorite show. She watched constantly! Thank goodness for reruns! :)

Hi Kate,
I thought it was a picture of you and YOUR mum at first! :)
I wish you well with your book projects, I do hope we'll be allowed to have a small peep at what you've been up to some day!x

wow, I had no idea he was your cousin! I saw him in the Village once(NYC) when I was in collage, I think he was doing some kind of play down there. You see you just never know!!

What a wonderful experience to meet Florence Henderson. I loved her show!
Glad to see you are so busy!

Wow, look at that! You could pass for mother/daughter too!

I loved the Brady Bunch! And to think you have such a connection.

I have had the same issue with all the "no show" art....can't add to portfolio either, so that's going a bit stale as well....I have a bit of a break this week so hopefully I can get something new out there. If I can stop blog surfing that is :)

How fun! I forgot you said that Robert Reed-AKA Mike Brady from the Brady bunch was your cousin! I bet Florence thought that was pretty cool, too!

Thanks for sharing and I look forward to seeing what you have been up to one of these days when it's ok to post the art.

I have a sweet award waiting for you on my blog!

Wow!! She is still so beautiful!

So, you could say that you and Florence are related in a funny TV sort of way. She played your cousins wife on television and that must count for something. ;)

I hope all is going well with your book projects. Take care buddy!

What fun! That is a great picture... always nice to meet someone you hold in high regard and have them be just as nice in person as you hoped.
Good luck with your ongoing book projects and thanks for sharing.

What a lovely and warm picture, Kate.

That's so cool! Hope you're well... hello to Sunshine! x

What a cool picture! What were you waiting in line for? I can see you ... is that Leon to your side?

Gosh, not only are your a great artist but you're a fantastic writer! I think it is wonderful that you can share your experience with others and perhaps help them weather those dry spells too. I've been there with you through part of it and I would say a heavy dose of optimism, like you had, is a good thing to have as well! :) You are my friend and you are my inspiration.

Aaawwww...thanks Jo! You are always so supportive!

Good stuff, Kate. I enjoy your writer's voice as much as your illustrations (a lot)!

This is great, Kate, really helpful... I'll bookmark that page to keep on coming back to it. It's really great to get insight from a professional illustrator like you, who has so much experience on the field (besides a LOT of talent...)

Hi, Kate! Popping in for a visit.

Congrats on being a regular contributor. I enjoyed your previous articles. I'll go take a look at the newest one. Thanks for sharing.

Thanks Kate... It's nice to know that other illustrators have gone through the same things I have. Very inspiring :)

Thanks so much Kate. I really appreciate the help you give, I feel very inspired by this, thankyou.x

hey, i recognize that bald head and those cute little ears next to you... LOL! :-)

oh I always love your articles Kate...I am just catching up and will pop by later to read it!!!

Wow! What an informative and helpful article! Great job, Kate!

I also love the photo...very cool! What were you standing in line for? Just curious...

Thanks everyone!

Phyllis - standing in line at the Chicago Air and Water Show at North Avenue Beach in Chicago. Boredom sometimes brings inspiration, if you look for it! I started fixating on the shadows and took about 10 pics while standing there. I need to post them to my Flickr site.

Your tips are so useful,Kate!
It's a wonderful article, thanks for sharing your experience!

Printing it out so I can read before bed...can't wait
Thanks for posting the link.

Oh wow! Is this a cicada? He looks like he'd be the muscle man of the insect world. Yay, another print to add to the collection! :)

I moved to the south when I was 26 and these guy still scare the cr@p out of me.

Beautiful illustration too.

Kathleen, fellow ribbon designer, hello! I followed the links from Caroline's blog and just wanted to say hi. Good job to you too! :)

Ohhh how beautiful! Nature is so pretty! Wonderful job at capturing it. :) *HUGS*
Angela

oh wow Kate...that photo is amazing and I love that art print you added...what a great piece...have you ever thought about sending your work to become a stamp...I can see this as a perfect one....

hugs
Diana

Great photo, Kate! And wonderful print.

I agree, this would make a perfect stamp. I love this illo! Great photo capture too, Kate!

I often put my images on large stamps at zazzle.com and give them as gifts. I ususally just give them to friends who still take the time to send cards and letters, like me :)

have a great weekend! Be that determined red balloon, Kate :)

he looks terrific!! i've been so anxious to see one and never do, your photo is faboo-lis!!

i have to stop into your "shop", the days get away from me! can't wait to see your ribbons though, next time we meet, k?

a : )

What a beautiful cicada. Those don't like to be seen, so what a treat you even got to take a picture!
Beautiful print too.

Really lovely- I especially like the glistening skin of the frog-

Your artistic eye is perfect for photography Kate! I think it's great that you appreciate nature as much as I do! These are really gorgeous pictures! And I LOVE the bugs! :)

Thanks Joan. I do love taking photos. I wish my camera would cooperate more often, though.

I still have not felt like drawing...maybe because I feel the need to separate myself from my work right now. Photography is so relaxing for me....I can still express my creativity, but seperately from the work I do. And this actually was great "research" for the new book I am illustrating.

Great photos, Kate! Love the beetle doing "push-ups!"

Fabulous photos, Kate! You really have an eye for it!

Yes, and great research for your creepy crawlies, too!

Hi Kate, we had so much fun and great to see you again! Looking forward to fall, and see what comes to the Museum! Your bug pix are so much better than mine! There on Flickr, if you want to see! Wish I'd taken a pic of my "Oooh La La French Toast" though! ; )

I really enjoyed your photos. I keep grabbing my camera each time a new flower blooms. I especailly liked your black eyed susans!

The break from drawing and painting is so necessary ... I think it comes as a blessing in disguise and gives us a change to gather in all the beauty around us and save it for later...when we are cooped up in the cold winter and the dark surrounds us. Then you can open up that wonderful imagination of yours and let the colors flow!

oh what fun and how cool that you guys can get together...I wish I lived closer!!!

Holy moly macaroni. Your good with a camera too. Is there anything you can't do?

Well, the suspense is killing me!!!!

If I had to pick a favorite flower girl, it would be this one. She's just SO beautiful!

Congrats on your 200th post! I always enjoy visiting so keep it up, please!

You're a Brady? Your a Brady sort of.

I am SO jealous. Seriously.

What a bombshell. Just the right tidbit for your 200th post.

Oh, and congrats on the upcoming new store. I hope you sell, and sell big. 8 )

Here's a story, of a lovely lady, who just did her 200th post. (Sing that to the Brady Bunch theme song.) Now, try to get it out of your head. lol. Your flower girl is so cute and so is your dog.
Vickie

Congratulations! I *thought* that looked like Chicago in the background of your photo -- I sure miss that city!

So nice to see you and Sunshine enjoying Lake Michigan....looked like a beautiful Windy City day.

Your flower girl series is so charming and will be fabulous as cards.

Thanks for sharing the interesting facts, Miss Brady :) I think I must be an honorary Brady for the sheer amount of time spent watching when I was a kid.

Hi! I mostly lurk but I thought I would come out of hiding to greet you and your blog a happy 200th post! Haha :D (I feel like it's your birthday, of some sort)

Pandora doesn't work for me as I'm outside the US, sigh. Licensing constraints, they call it.. :)

You might want to check out http://www.foodgawker.com -- they have the best food photos ever! Drool :)

Anyway, hi and congrats, and goodluck on the upcoming online store. I love your work :)

-Reg

This post is like a little present ... beautiful drawing, lovely pics, fun facts, music, suspense, and yummy treats! What a great gift to us when we should be celebrating YOUR 200th!!! Thanks for the treat Kate! Happy 200th post! :)

Thanks everyone! I feel like I am having a little virtual "block party" here on my blog! Thanks for popping by. As Joan pointed out, there is plenty to do and see here. : )

First, happy 2ooth!

Second, LOVE Pandora - thanks for the link! Now if only I had internet in the studio (yes, I'm artisticly "old school" so no computer nearby - but we do have indoor plumbing).

Third - hi Sunshine. She (assuming) looks like there's Corgi involved. We have a Corgi mix - with what? Jury's out on that one - maybe German Shepherd. Best dog in the world, though!

all the best with the new store and congratulations on completing your 200th post!

Congrats on 200 posts, I've always thought you were very talented Kathleen and I've enjoyed seeing your work over the past couple of years! Good luck with the online store. I keep thinking about doing some stuff for Etsy but still haven't gotten around to it:)

awww you look so beautiful and so does Sunshine! Your flower girl is darling and i enjoyed your 5 things :)

OMG you are awesome, I want to be you when I grow up! Yes I'm still ironing out my schedule! But Jim Flora, here we come! I have an asst now just for the summer, to play with the boys while I work, so that means I'll get more done during the week, and THAT means more free time on weekends...Seems we need to make our appearance at Panera at some point?...

a : )

oh man, now i'm hungry! yum!

and i love the sweet little flowergirl too.

Congratulations! You are lovely and sunshine is beautiful. great beautiful flower girl collection. the 5 things are so cool-thanks for sharing

Kate!! This post is great!!
First of all you look so pretty and lovely in all the pictures along with sunshine who also looks very cute :o)

Second, congrats on the card! Wonderful idea by the way! can totally see them fling off the racks!

Third, congrats on 200 post!! Wow oh woo.

Fourth, Mike Brady is your cousin???!!! Ha, ha.. you gotta be kidding me... I grew up with the Brady Bunch. I saw all the episodes.. all of them. I just can't believe "Everyone's favorite and most perfect dad" is family.. Very cool.

And last but not least, the most important super duper secret of all.. I know you have to keep secret.. I know.. but I wish you the best of luck my friend!!!!!!

xo
Ali :o)

Wow 200th post!! Congrats! Just found you and love your drawings. I grew up a Brady wannabe! :o) Love your illustrations and I will come and visit often. Going to throw you in my favs blog roll now! :o) Amy

Happy 200th Post Kate! Thanks for sharing and I can't wait to hear your news. Sunshine is so adorable... give a big cuddle from me. x

Congratulations Kate! Wahoo for you! Can't wait to hear the news you are holding back.

Hey you look tall like me!

Congratulation on your 200th! You looks so graceful and Sunshine is beautiful.

Can't wait to hear your big news Kate!

You look so happy and healthy and Sunshine is ADORABLE!!

That pistachio thing looks awesome. Delish!!

I loved Robert Reed, and the Brady Bunch. It's etched in my childhood (and, er, adulthood)!

Happy 200th post, Kathleen! It's always a pleasure to see what you're up to on your blog. I love your flower girls. This one is my fave though. She's adorable!

Sunshine is certainly adorable too. I'll have to show her picture to my dog, Buddy. He'll think she's a real cutie!

I'll check back to read the reveal of the super-secret good news. Can't wait to hear about it!! I'm sure it's something awesome, because you deserve greatness. Enjoy every minute of it.

Hi Kate,

Happy 200th post!! Woohoo!! Congratulations on that!

I loved reading all of those interesting facts about you. Well the next time I hear you laugh I will certainly wonder if you are enjoying a joke or if you are in pain. I guess it's better to laugh when your in pain. It probably makes it go away faster.

So,did you know that you were related to Mr. Brady when you were a kid watching the show? If I were you I'm sure that I would have told all the kids on my block about it. Wow, Mr. Brady is your cousin. Cool!

You know what else is cool and so tasty looking? That Minty Florentin Ice Cream Sandwich!! Yum, Yum!!

Hi Kate!!! congrats on your 200th post...what fun!!!

Your photos are beautiful...you and Sunshine are so sweet together....

Your flower girl series is the cutest ever...I love each and every one of these cute little gals...

You will do amazing with your on-line shop...your work is so pleasing and warm...everyone will love it.....

Love your list...I love the smell of rain and lime peel too...

Pain makes you laugh...well I hope some of the things I say aren't that painful...lol

Thanks for the tip on Pandora.com...I will have to check it out....

oh my goodness...I am such a foodie too...I can look through all kinds of food magazines over a latte and enjoy each and every mouthwatering recipe....you have to go to my blog and check out one of the guys I visit ....his blog is called "Closet Cooking" and he makes the most amazing food and takes the most amazing photos of the food...then shares his recipes...yummmmmmmmm


and I love your sense of humour...lol....fowl...too funny ,you really "crack me up"! LOL....

Have a wonderful day and I will be back daily...now that we are back home...

hugs
Diana

What a great post! Lots of fun and interesting things to find out about you.

First of all, congrats on your 200th post. It's been a joy to follow you all this time. Oh and your and Sunshine look gorgeous in your photos... and really enjoyed learning these little tidbits about you.

Finally, I am, like everyone else, in total suspense. Can't wait to hear your news!!

200? You don't look a post over 199, really. I don't say that to all the blogs.

I zeroed in on the word "vegan" in that dessert. Can't wait to try it!

Happy 200th post day!
you look different from the profile pictures! you are a very pretty lady,
all the flowers girls illustration very sweet and beautiful illustrated!

Happy Snail! Can you imagine what that snail must be feeling? It would be like me standing on a giant chocolate chip cookie! Yes, this is a little jewel ... what pretty (but yucky) ornamentation for your strawberry!

How crazy. I never think to check my fruit that carefully, and I hate to admit it, but sometimes I pop one in my mouth without washing it! A bite of escargot with that?!?

Oh my gosh Kate!! That is the sweetest and somehow also really "yucky" thing at the same time! He, he!

He is soo cute. I'm so glad you didn't eat the strawberry my friend!

Why don't you do a tiny illustration about him? He is famous now :o)

Thats so cool-I really does look like a pearl!

They are brilliantly designed!!
He's looking pretty sweet, but oh... they do some damage in the garden!

This is incredible, but certainly not edible.

Escargot is pretty good, but never had it with strawberries. (Actually it has been about 18 years since I ate it in high school!) I am amazed that he was still alive; I assume you got those at the grocery!? :D

One the side, I would like to add you to my blog list if that's OK.

wow Kate...how cool is that and these photos are amazing...I once was eating a huge bowl of cherries and didn't notice that there were worms in them...oh man I thought I was going to fall over when I bit one in half just for fun...then out popped his head...yikkkkkkkesssss....needless to say I never eat a whole cherry any more...lol

What a cute little guy. Although I don't like what snails do to my garden, I think they're amazing creatures. Especially when they're tiny like that. He must have felt like he was in heaven on that big, juicy berry.

All of our snails end up in an old aquarium. My son makes a sort of terrarium filled with plants specifically for the snails. It's called of course, the Snail Farm.Great photo Kate!

Awwww....he must have been so tiny. Nice pics ~ :)

What a great story and picture. I too would have lost my appetite!

He is so cute though!

Although they're never a welcome site in a garden, I do love a snail. Great photo capture of the wee fellow!

Awww I love Sunshine's new picture!! She looks so sweet :o)

Oh my!! What pretty little living pearl just sitting on top of your ruby red strawberry. Such a beautiful image.

When others see snails; artists see a photo opportunity. ;-D Pretty picture, unique experience--spoiled appetite. Eeewwww. Thanks for sharing? ??? Ha, ha. Glad you saw it before taking a bite!

awwww what a wonderful find! that snail so cute!

Bless his little heart!! He's so tiny! I know snails are bad for the garden and all that but I just can't bring myself to hurt them...

argghh Kath! I'm speechless.. thanks for sharing, anyway we already live with that teeny weeny dust bug in our blanket.. too heeheee!

OMG, that is completely and utterly awesome! How sweet, and must be a sign of good luck!! Thanks so much for sharing it : )

a : )

I am always supised how small these things can get!

I adore strawberries ... you know?

Ok Kate! I am just realizing a SNAIL theme going on with you! LOL...your picturebook ad, this photo, your childhood art....interesting!
aren't snails just fascinating??

thanks for sharing the moment!

teri

I wonder what other beings are attached to the strawberries?

Querida Kate:
Aprender a decir "NO" es una de las cosas màs maravillosas!!!
No te preocupes, con tu talento nunca te faltarà trabajo!
Feliz 2008 para ti y tu familia.
Hugs,
Cata

I'm glad you got to relax a bit - everyone needs to recharge their batteries! I really can't imagine that the best work is done when we're ground down and overworked. I too turned down a really good PB opportunity that was way too short on time last month (must be something about end of year with publishers, does anyone really work this fast?) and it was devastating but the right choice. Sanity first, right? And here's to more good things to come in 2008!

I totally understand Kate. Sometimes is very hard to find a balance bewteen jobs and everyday life..
Is not easy to say no to a job offer, specially one that is very appealing... but to be able to stop and think of the outcome, it is going to be good enough with such little time? Are you going to be happy with it ? Is even more difficult and not eveyone can do it.
I'm sure it wasent easy but you were brave and did it.
So now enjoy your much deserved time to rest and your couch!
Don't worry I'm sure another book offer will come soon.. You'll see :o)

I totally understand Kate. Sometimes is very hard to find a balance bewteen jobs and everyday life..
Is not easy to say no to a job offer, specially one that is very appealing... but to be able to stop and think of the outcome, it is going to be good enough with such little time? Are you going to be happy with it ? Is even more difficult and not everyone can do it.
I'm sure it wasnt easy but you were brave and did it.
So now enjoy your much deserved time to rest and your couch!
Don't worry I'm sure another book offer will come soon.. You'll see :o)

I understand. This season was the first time in three years I did not sign up for hockey. It was hard but it was the right move.

Enjoy your cocoa!

ian

Well, I'm glad you told 'em no, cause those deadlines are just NUTS! I've been in the same boat once and obsessed over it for weeks. It's hard to find the balance, but sometimes time on the couch with the dog is more important.

Happy New Year!

Thanks everyone! I guess we've all struggled with balance in our lives!

I congratulate you on making a stand for yourself and those who are important to you. It's a hard thing to do, especially when we are talented and driven people. I'm happy you are seeking balance - keep it up!

you are not a machine.
health and sanity come first:)

Wow, wish I had some tough decisions to make, haha...

Glad you are keeping busy but balanced!

Oh Kate, that's a hard one. But letting go seems one of the essential things everyone has to learn. For freelancers it's just that much harder because we can rely only on ourselves and our time. But I agree with the other commenters: health and ballance come first.
Happy new year, by the way. I hope you started it well, and may it bring one good job after the other. Scratch your Sunshine behind the ear (the left one) for me while you're on your couch relaxing.

I love this post, you just reminded me, to try and relax a bit this year too!
Hope you had a wonderful New Years!
Sandra Evertson

Wow, Kate, talk about full disclosure! THANKS so much for sharing your struggle qwith us!! I can completely understand, and sometimes the most important decisions are so so tough like yours was. But you did the right thing, for yourself and also for the project. If you haven't enough to give to it, then you might not have been totally 100% beaming proud of it anyway. BUT, what you did took a lot of wisdom. There WILL be another book coming for you Kate, and when it does you will be in the right position to say YES!!!!

Thanks Kathy Weller and everyone else. I just want to take a moment to tell you all why I decided to post about this situation. I usually post to tell you all about new jobs because I am excited and love to share the good news. Likewise, there is the other side of freelancing, which many of you already know is difficult at times. In 2007, I had several book assignments which I held in my hands, which for one reason (or many reasons), did not work out. Of course, I had others that DID work out and I am happy about that. But I feel like it is only fair to blog about both sides of the coin...you know? I have my struggles like everyone else in this industry. I spent about 16 years as a freelance illustrator, designer and product developer, and I made a comfortable living. That all changed due to outsourcing and industry trends, and the last couple of years have been a big struggle. In a way, it has also been a blessing because the struggle has stretched me creatively and helped me to focus on what I always wanted to do anyway, which is illustrating children's books and teaching art. It also led me to start this art blog in October 2006, and it's been so priceless being a part of such a supportive blogging community with you all. But again, I feel like if I am going to present the good side of freelance illustrating on my blog, it is the honest thing to do to also share with you the harder side as well.

There will be other freelance jobs, and my Picturebook '08 ad comes out this month, so I am excited to see what sorts of jobs that brings.

Thanks for all of your comments. It's been nice to let go a little and find time to breath again!

Hey Kate, I'm glad you took some time off for yourself. I'm sure Sunshine was happy too. I consider you Wonderwoman but that schedule was just too ridiculous! Breathe woman! You deserve it. And thanks for sharing both sides of the artworld coin. It must be great to be surrounded by other artists who understand your situation completely.

Good for you Kate! Believe me, I TOTALLY know where you are coming from and just how hard it is to say NO to any type of work. But, its simply not worth it when you can't be 100% on top of your game.

You did a very, very smart thing. Not to mention the way time spent on the couch with a furry friends as fuel the creative spirit...

Dear Kate,
This post gives that much more creedence to to my post :) It is so hard to find the balance, but also to set boundaries which you did so well. I'm proud of you. We don't want to put out art that we're not proud of just to fill someone elses deadlines. I hope writing this has helped you on the freelance journey. I know your travels will take you far because you're doing what you love, and for all the right reasons! Lucky Sunshine and lucky you to have had that moment to share :)

I know what you mean about balance and sanity. Thank your lucky stars that you don't work at an agency that demands at least 60 hours a week. And have freelance jobs piling up all over the place. It's enough to only allow for 4 hours of sleep most days. And that includes weekends. I told my husband that the next time I would have to sit on the couch would be Christmas 2008. Seriously. Keep up the good work. You'll find a happy balance in there somewhere. And you'll see the work come along too.

It sounds like you found peace and contentment from your decision. And I bet it was a very tough one. Looking forward to seeing all of your wonderful art you have up and coming!

Teresa
xo

What a crazy deadline.
I'm glad you said no.
I had to do that a couple of months ago and it was soooo tough to let a job go by. =o(
But it worked out for the best.

Taking care of yourself,sifting out the "stuff" that doesn't feed your spirit is a great way to start off the new year Kate!

Wow!! Sorry that you had to turn down an assignment-- on the other hand, it's wonderful to be so busy you need to do that! happy 2008!!

Hi Kathleen....

Great read...thanks for sharing....
Oftentimes we just keep working and working...and I really don't think people appreciate all the behind the scenes stuff we do as illustrators...we are in a constant state of flux and we feel the pressure to constantly say yes ....

I'm glad that you're thinking about yourself and know that you have made the right decision...

You are so talented and it is so nice when it all comes naturally...with no major deadlines and not too much stress.....

Have a great week...

Cheers,
Diana

Good for you Kate! You deserve a break!! The couch and a blanket are a perfect way to recharge. Take care my friend!

Sometimes the best decision is the one that gives us time to spend on the sofa with a good book and a hot cup of comfort like cocoa or coffee. So glad you were able to contemplate and see what you really needed for yourself this time of year.

Best wishes to you this 2008. :)

I think you did yourself a huge favour in turning down the book assignment, Kate. Thanks so much for sharing the other side of the coin....I very much appreciate it. I'm sure it would have been pure bliss to break from your busy schedule and just curl up on the couch to relax and watch TV. Well deserved ~