When you have a song in your head...

.....you just have to get it out sometimes. : )
Here's my ode to Train's If It's Love. Some of the lyrics that got to me and made me smile:
I wanna buy you everything except cologne 'cause it's poison.
~
I love you from your toes to your face.
~
I love the creativity of lyricists/songwriters - I have such an appreciation for well-written songs, and another for plays (my daughter is in her very first play this year). I say, if you're inspired, pick up a pencil/pen, a stick, draw in the dirt - have fun and be in the moment.
I am trying to do so each day on this journey called life.

Thanks everyone for all of your kind visits - and for indulging me with this post (if you've read this far!)...you're the best! ~ Shirley

The Sketchbook Project 2011: Berry and Monsieur Olivet

Hi everyone - I've had some time to sketch these past few nights and here are the first two spreads - only 35+ spreads to go! : ) I chose the theme "A Day in the Life," and so here are a few days in the life of Monsieur Olivet, and a little "Berry" girl bear, which I had the fun help of my daughter Noëlle. She art directed and told me what "Berry" should do in her day.

Hope everyone's well! I am working on some promotional mailers now, and am looking forward to updating all of you on that when it comes to life. Thanks everyone for your kind visits..I really love them and appreciate your having taken the time to do so. ~ Shirley

Happy weekend, everyone!

Just a quick illustration to wish you all a fine weekend ahead. : )

Have you read a children's book lately?!

Star gazing...and lasso'ing the moon.

I just happen to LOVE Pink's song, Glitter in the Air....any other fans out there?
I am definitely in need of practice when it comes to opaque watercolors...this was a challenge!
Have a great week everyone!

Illustration Friday: Caged?......she thought not.

“Life is either a daring adventure or nothing. To keep our faces toward change and behave like free spirits in the presence of fate is strength undefeatable.” ~ Helen Keller

Illustration Friday: Nothin' artificial about it.

Many of my fondest childhood memories revolved around good ol' fashioned candy stores. In California, Sam's Town (which closed in 2001) was "It." Our family would visit Sam's Town as a pitstop on our way to Lake Tahoe, and one of our favorite things to do was eat fried chicken and grape soda, then head out with a bag of candy from their awesome old-fashioned candy saloon. The sights of the candy jars all within arms reach was something I'll never forget...and to leave with a sack o' candy was the best!

Back then, I'm hoping all of the candy was made of real sugar and flavorings...and nothing artificial. It's a stretch for this week, but I had fun walking down memory lane. : )

Have a great rest of the week, just made if for this week's IF, whew!!

Happy August - those dog days o' summer are upon us..

First and foremost, I want to thank you, my dear, dear friends of this blogosphere, for all of the kind feedback and great suggestions for my new site. I am SO pleased to hear of your kind words and know that I take every comment to heart..

I really appreciate it, so a very heartfelt thanks to all of you!

~

Welcome August!

Here is my contribution to my group blog, We Love to Illustrate for Children, "Dog Days."

I wish I had a little more of the "lazy-days of summer" kind of summer, but I can't complain at all. We just wrapped up a huge 70th birthday party at our place for my mother-in-law, and she exclaimed, "that was the best party I've ever had." Kudos to my husband who whipped this place into shape, and for all of the partygoers who helped with the party - they even brought some of the food! : )

We have 2 weeks left of summer 'til school starts, so we plan to enjoy it to the fullest. It was a tough illustration to come up with for some reason, but since I have a lazy pup lying around the house a lot, I had a little help with the concept. : ) Ha! Please do check out the wonderful illustrations the group came up with here if you have some time.

Thanks everyone for stopping by! Til next time ~ Shirley