Kids and Dreams

Children participating in the kids program for the Martin Luther King, Jr Breakfast Celebration in Portland, Maine enjoyed lots of games and activities on Monday.
The annual event is sponsored by Portland's NAACP.

I began by reading my book, David's Drawings. In the book, a young boy draws a bare winter tree, and then welcomes crayon contributions from his classmates. The result is a joyful collaboration of friendship and imagination. Program participants made their own collaborative drawing, played cooperative games, made collages, and created their own inauguration hats ( it was, indeed, a two-event day!) They also wrote their hopes, wishes and dreams on paper leaves and added them to our "I Have A Dream" tree. Locals who visit the Portland Public Library can visit the tree and add their own leaves starting tomorrow, January 22nd.

Winter Wonder

T'is the season! Greetings to all!

Wishing you a year of wonderful stories.

No Platters, Please

Tis the season... These wild turkeys strut their stuff in Gobble, Gobble. 

Pond views

Turtles were out yesterday on the first sunny day after many days of rain. Color is creeping into the leaves.

Local Food

Great Blue Heron at the pond the last two days. This gorgeous creature is the master of patience--rewarded by a tasty bullfrog.

Hurrah! Hooray!

Jumping for joy! I have finished the art for my new book, Rainbow Stew, and delivered it to my editor at Lee & Low Books. It will be released next Spring!

Dragonfly Metamorphosis

I've been seeing these strange creatures on our little cabin. They look a bit like a cross between a cicada shell and a spider. All of them are hollow (as in not alive) and have an opening on their backs. Finally, finally, the mystery was revealed! They are the remains of dragonfly nymphs. Here are some photos of one "hatching" this morning. The process is truly amazing.

And here are two other dragonflies, in various stages of their transformations: