Life as I know It

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San Luis Obispo, California, and South Bristol, Maine, United States
Author ~ Illustrator ~ Lecturer

Wednesday, July 15, 2009

Racing (Slowly) Toward the Finish Line



When the weather is stormy, I am happy to stay indoors and paint or write, but give me a perfect day (like today), and I long to be walking along the cove in search of mermaid's tears. I am thankful to be working in the peace and beauty of our little island. Today when I read my morning poems, I found this bit of rhyme from an old Rachel Field book called Taxis and Toadstools.

If Once You Have Slept on an Island

If once you have slept on an island
You'll never be quite the same;
You may look as you looked the day before
And go by the same old name,

You may bustle about in street and shop;
You may sit at home and sew,
But you'll see blue water and wheeling gulls
Wherever your feet may go.

You may chat with the neighbors of this and that
And close to your fire keep,
But you'll hear ship whistle and lighthouse bell
And tides beat through your sleep.

Oh you won't know why, and you can't say how
Such change upon you came,
But–once you have slept on an island
You'll never be quite the same!

I have only about 20 more small spot illustrations to be done and then the package of art work will be sent FedEx to Workman Publishing in New York. Awaiting the arrival of the art is Amy Trombat, the talented, young designer who is laying out the pages.



This book took nearly 2 1/2 years to complete with thousands of hours spent testing, growing, drawing, and photographing along the way, but what a wonderful thing it is to make a living doing something you love. I can sit in my tiny studio on this magical little island and draw faerie foods and houses and a host of other small things that make life so beautiful and magical.



Blessings from our little green island,

Sharon

9 comments:

Unknown said...

I can't wait to get my hands on your new book!

Anonymous said...

I'm looking forward to your new book with. Your paintings lift my day.

Sharon Lovejoy said...

Marilyn, I don't have an address for you so hope you see this. Thank you for the wonderful words.

Sharon

Aunt Jenny said...

What a perfect place you have to work! Lucky you! I can hardly wait to get the new book. Lucky us!!

Alina Klein said...

I just saw in the SCBWI newsletter that you had started this blog. I'm thrilled! Your books have a place of honor on our gardening shelf, though I'll admit they're smudged here and there with soil. I can hardly wait for your next book! Care to give us an idea of the focus?

Thanks for starting a blog. I can't wait to read the rest of the posts I've missed so far.

Sharon Lovejoy said...

Dear Alina, I am HAPPY to tell you about the new book, but first, thank you for the wonderful words. I am tickled that your books are smudged with soil.

My new book is Secrets of a Magical Granny, but I feel these are things for anyone who loves children. My chapters include cooking, nature by day and nature by night (in your own back yard), Learning from Leftovers (garbage gardening indoors), art, rainy day projects, and more. A labor of love.

I didn't realize that SCBWI was going to mention the blog, but I am glad they did. Are you going to the conference in October?

All best to you,

Sharon

Laura @ Our House Of Joyful Noise said...

You are blessed indeed! Oh how I would LOVE to have a little studio of my own, separate from my house, to get back to my illustrating days.

Your new book sounds WONDERFUL! I am sure you'll let us all know on your blog when it is on store shelves!

Alina Klein said...

Thanks for your kind response, Sharon!

Unfortunately I won't be traveling to any conferences this year. I hope to when my kids are a little older, though. It would be great to run into you at one and have my books signed--soil and all!

I'm actually hosting an SCBWI event at my house this weekend for the local chapter. If I can't go to them I'll bring them to me! :)

Your new book sounds perfect both for me and for gifts. I know a couple of grannies that I think would appreciate it.

Your grandchildren are so lucky to have you (and you them, of course). There was a woman who lived across the street from me when I was too small to form many other memories. She was 90 years old and had a wonderful lamp that had a dish at the bottom that held treats. She always had a special surprise for me and my sisters when we ran over to see her. To me SHE was a magical granny and the model I've always hoped to follow. With your book I'll have some extra nuances to add to that model. Can't wait!

Susan Moorhead said...

I love that poem - have had islands on my mind lately having listened to an old Carly Simon song the other day about going to an island.
Your studio is lovely.