IF: Teacher

I am thrilled with this weeks topic of teacher. Because the teacher I want to feature is my dad. Love the man. And what's more is that twenty years ago today he passed away (just a month before I turned fourteen.) What a great day to remember him.

My dad was a farmer. He grew in Montana plowing, planting, herding, and fixing. He also played the accordion. I remember banging on tin pans as his percussionist while he practiced in the basement. My brothers and sisters and I loved to dance to his lively jigs.

One of my favorite memories was when I was five. He took me with him to harvest. I sat with him in the cabin of the combine looking out the windows. Now this may seem boring, but I loved it. It was just me and my dad. And then for lunch he let me eat a whole tomato. A whole tomato all to myself!

He read to us. I loved gathering around him as he read, "The Little House on the Prairie", or Dr. Sues or the scriptures.

My dad set such a good example to me. He taught me hard work. (I'd have to get up at 3:30AM to help milk cows.) He taught me the worth of an individual is great. (He never set himself up as the center of attention for any kind of gathering, but he'd often find one person and find out how that person was.) He taught me faith. (Every morning and evening he gathered his family together for prayer.) He taught me to forgive. (If I fought with any of my siblings he would sit us in chairs facing each other. There was only one rule. We weren't allowed to laugh. I think I broke first pretty much every time.)

Here's to my dad. Dad, I love you.


       

Happy 4th of July

Here is a coloring page to commemorate our nation's independence. Have a happy and safe fourth of July. (Please, don't burn up my town or home.)

I'm looking forward to teaching my little Mary a little bit about the Declaration of Independence and the flag today.

The World. Coloring page.

This is a drawing I did a while back.

I had always wanted to do illustrated maps (for fun.) I loved making these (bellow is another map.) Whenever I see a color picture or technique I always want to try it. Even if its way different than my usual stuff.

 

Have fun coloring!

Vikings!

I love getting jobs. It gives me kind of an electric boost. I've had two the past coupe of weeks. The thing with getting jobs is that I don't take time to do personal things. (You should see my laundry.) So I haven't written on my story for two weeks. I haven't updated this blog either. I haven't even activated my new phone that I got in the mail.

Here is a coloring page for those who are anticipating another one. (I know there are hundreds just waiting for this.) It was the preliminary sketch for one of the jobs. I had a blast coloring this I hope you do, too.

Intorducing-Zuzu

Sorry, about the long break between posts. I don't have a really good excuse, just sorta bad excuses. You know; cleaning house, yard work, working on a job, wanting to make the next picture really cool. The list could go on and on.

Here is a character from a story I'm working on (she's a super hero). Her name is Zuzu. This is a younger version of her. In the story she's around twelve. I'd love to hear from you. What are the stories that come to your mind when you see this picture? What are your guesses to her powers? (Btw, there are no clues as to what they are in the picture, so let your mind go crazy.)

Enjoy this weeks coloring page.

click on the picture to enlarge to print.

Children's Book Week

Last week was Children's Book Week. The Provo Library hosts some great activities and panel discussions. Tuesday night authors Kristyn Crow, Jessica Day George, Tess Hilmo,
E.J. Patten, and Rick Walton lead a panel discussion. They answered questions about their favorite books, where they write, where they get inspiration. Loads of fun. Afterward they signed books.

So, I love mid grade fantasy. I could safely say its my favorite genre. Those of you out there that share this passion should read E. J. Pattern's Return to Exile.  In fact go buy it right now.  

Thursday's panel consisted of illustrators Guy Francis, Nathan Hale, Julie Olson, Jake Parker, and Will Terry. I'm always so inspired by my fellow illustrators. Its fun to hear what they're working on.

You should take a look at Jake Parker's Kickstarter project. Its awesome. Today is the last day to back his project (In case anyone is interested.) 

Finally, the moment you've all been waiting for... A brand new coloring page! This time its "Little Red Riding Hood." Have Fun! 

 

Coloring Page 2, Goldylocks

Here is coloring page number two. I've had a busy day so I'm finally getting around to posting this Page.
(P.S. I just heard my three year old playing by herself. She said, "You killed my father." "No! I'm your father." That's my girl.)