On my desk monday

On my desk are some of the goodies I got while at the ALA convention in Florida:

Notice that beautiful thing on top? It's not a book, it's the program from the Newbery/Caldecott/Wilder Banquet that I was lucky to attend (did you miss Newbery winner Matt de la Pena's amazing speech? Go read it NOW.)

The program was created by the Caldecott winner, Sophie Blackall:

 

Isn't it gorgeous? I admit I was particularly thrilled when she won this year because I actually have a Sophie Blackall original.  Back in 20014, she participated in Robert's Snow and I bought her snowflake:

I think I made a good investment, don't you?

dear friends

For those of you who read this blog, you can probably guess that the word "extrovert" would never be used in a description of me. Even though I do a lot of public speaking, it is not something that comes naturally to me. It's taken me quite a while to be able to talk fairly comfortably in front of group and I am only able to do that after preparing and practicing hours ahead of time.

Having this blog does allow me to share and communicate more than I would in person. This is sometimes good, sometimes bad. During Robert's illness and death, I chose to let my personal life and emotions seep into the cyberworld-- even harnessing its power to create a fundraiser.

I know that these are things that I put "out there" and I do acknowledge that I have blurred the lines of public and private. However, those very things that I have chosen to share are difficult for me to discuss in a public forum. Yes, I have moved forward with my life and I live each of my days as fully and with as much happiness as possible. But that doesn't mean I ever forget about Robert or wish with all my heart that he could've lived the life we so desperately wished for him. There is never a day where I do not think of him, that is not tinged with the sorrow of a love lost.

So, dear friends, this is what I ask of you. I'm so honored and touched if you feel connection to my story--real life or fiction--and I am always happy to talk to you. But please do not ask me questions about Robert in a public forum in front of a large group, consider saving it for a one-on-one conversation afterwards. Or if you wish for me to speak about Robert's Snow to a group, please ask me ahead of time so that I can emotionally prepare myself.

And I will sincerely thank you.

on my desk monday

This is a painting I am doing for my friend (and amazing illustrator/author) Dan Santat's Eyewitness Auction to benefit 826LA. It's a great charity and I'm glad to be a part of it but I have to admit that participating in it has been a bit of a lesson for me.

Because this is my 2nd painting for it. My first one I painted hurriedly while in the midst of writing my first draft of "Dumpling Days." And it was bad. Really bad. But I just couldn't paint anything of quality while consumed by first draft concentration as well as schedule (I was already a month late). But it was such a great cause that I wanted to help with that I threw my subpar painting into an envelope and mailed it out.

But it gnawed at me. I realized it wasn't even that the charity deserved more (though that would've been a more selfless reason), it was a point of personal pride. I was embarrassed to think that people would see my name on that piece of artwork. As the days passed, it bothered me more and more and finally I asked Dan if he could withdraw my piece. Which he did quite graciously.

So, as soon as my first draft was finished (and after I bought my cherry sheets) I got to work on a new one. I'm glad to say I'm much happier with this one. It's not my greatest work (unfortunately. the subject matter of chaos & destruction is not my forte) but I am not ashamed of it and I'm proud it's a part of the project.

However, this was a learning experience for me. I love creating art for good causes, it's something I will always feel strongly about. But, I've also realized that I need to be able to do it right. I have to be able to devote the time to it or else it's better to decline. People have asked me if I ever plan to revive Robert's Snowflakes and while there are many parts of me that want to, I realize that all of me has to be dedicated for it to happen. And, right now, there are parts of me that want to do other things instead.

party

The Robert's Snow auctions ended on Friday, and even though I was not as involved with the project as before, I decided to continue the tradition of having the end-of-auction celebratory party. But I had a rather distracting week, so when Friday rolled around I had done nothing to prepare for the party except put up the tree.
But, lucky for me, I have some amazing friends; and faster than you can say blue rose girls...I had a party spread to be proud of...
for my many fine and lovely guests.
It was great seeing and speaking to everyone that came; and it reminded me how wonderful a community the children's book industry is and how fortunate I am to be a part of it. But I have to admit, the highlight of the party for me was when Ben (of Little, Brown) challenged me to a game of wii tennis. I think the exact conversation went like this:

Ben: Grace, I'm taking you down. I'm not afraid of you.

Grace: Bring it on, dude.

Ben: Oh yeah, take that!

Grace:I can take that. Can you?

Ben: HA! Got it! Is that the best you can do?

Grace: No, but this is.

Ben: What the *?%$@#* was that? Eeeks! Okay, I take it back, I am scared.

Poor Ben, he didn't realize that even though I may not prepare well for a party, a wii game is something I'm always ready for.