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The building of Mount Rushmore was a remarkable feat of engineering. It is a mountain literally made of granite and the only way to carve it was with dynamite. They loaded the TNT into the granite was to drill holes that were then packed with wet sand and dynamite. Thousand of holes were honeycombed into the rock. Workmen dulled hundreds of drill bits a day that had to be sharpened again and again. Pictured are a few bits, hammers and chisels used in the process.
This year's Printz winner is The Astonishing life of Octavian Nothing. I must admit it was a heavy read. The language was so weighty I almost didn't finish it, but I'm glad I did. We are introduced to Octavian, who leads a life of a privilege son of a princess. Brought up and classically educated by a group of philosophers, we learn everything about Octavian, except one astonishing secret.
Continue reading "The Astonishing life of Octavian Nothing - M.T. Anderson" »
Everyone wants to write for kids. Whether I am at a black-tie dinner or walking on the beach I am cornered by the potential authors to be. I feel like the bearer of bad news dispelling their usual misconceptions of fame, fortune and speed of publication.
But I do offer hope by suggesting they join the SCBWI. I am a writer because of this fabulous organization. This is a photo of folders from Writers Days, retreats, National confrences, writing classes, novel retreats that I attended over the many years. And these are just the ones I saved!
More stretching tips from my yoga instructor
Jeri for all of us chained to our computer.
This is a good neck stretch. Sit straight and drop your chin towards your right shoulder. Hold for 3 long breaths. Roll your head slowly to the left. Hold for 3 long breaths. Slowly roll your head clockwise 5 times, then reverse and roll your head 5 times counter clock wise.
Whenever a new Richard Peck book comes out I know I'm in for a treat. On the Wings of Heroes, is more of a banquet. Mr. Peck describes a patriotic town dedicated to helping the war effort in any way they can.
It is the touching story of young Davy Bowman growing up in world that has been turned upside down after the bombing of Pearl Harbor.
I know I should be blogging about the inspiring speakers, the motivating workshops and the amazing camaraderie at the SCBWI National Conference, but the last question asked when I interview is "What is your favorite dessert?" You're looking at mine. The Rushmore Kid is really the Cupcake Kid!
Every year they have a dessert bar for the autograph party at the end of the conference. I squealed at the mountains of cupcakes offered up. I ate two on the spot and took one back to my room and ate it for breakfast. My buddy, photographer Sabina Rascol, did an impromptu photo shoot in front of my treasures. I had to remember to first wipe the icing off my sugar buzzed face.
You are looking at the winners of the Silvery Moon Ball costume contest. Greg Trine, Me and Yuki Yoshino. I was determined to win and delighted that my buddies agreed to play along. The party lasted into the night
with authors, illustrators, editors and agents.
I managed to get a picture with my former editor Mark Mc Veigh, art director Laurent Linn, Newbery winner, Linda Sue Park, who also dressed up, the Disco Mermaids, John Green, Roxyanne Young and many of my local author friends. Check out the photos by Alexis O'Neill on the following page for all the goofiness that is the wonderful SCBWI.
All my friends know that I will continue my Cat & Dog series until I'm in my grave. I can't resist the little varmints. So I am sent many, many photos of the little darlings in the hopes that I will paint them. This is how Rex and Buster got added to the series.
With these boys I aimed to capture the soft cuddliness of cats enveloped by a bedspread.
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