I like to think that when I paint something I am creating a story. Because to me, stories and art go hand-in-hand. When I was a little girl, before I could even really write, I would sit and write and illustrate stories through dozens of thick college notebooks. Most of them were pioneer adventures, stories about hopping in the covered wagon and going off across the prairie. I'm not really sure what it was that drew me to that genre-- watching too much Little House maybe, or perhaps I was inspired by the Kirsten doll I received for Christmas in the second grade. She came with a set of her own beautifully illustrated books....art telling a story.It seems like the stories you read as a kid stick with you in a deeper way than stories you read as an adult. Of course there are books I love as an adult-- but I can always remember the shivery spookiness of books like A Doll In The Garden, Stone Words and my all-time gradeschool fav-- Prominent American Ghosts. All of these books I still have!
And although I'm always reading (and Audrey is too, the little sweetie) Words have recently come back into the picture and reminding me how much I enjoy writing. A good friend and former editor of mine asked me to do home features at a local magazine and its super dreamy. Opening up the ol' Microsoft Word inspired me to open up a story I started writing last June and I was surprised to find...it was a good story. So I think I will finish it...someday. I wont think about finishing just yet ;) I'm also dreaming up plans to combine words and my own art. Something I've been wanting to do since I opened up my first notebook at the grand age of 5. Maybe those kitchen table dreams do come true???
At any rate, I'll have plenty of time to scheme about it next week when we head off on a desert adventure. I'll be tagging along with my husband on a business trip to Phoenix and plan and bringing the laptop and lots of books to read.
So far my books I'm bringing include More Than You Know (recommended by Alyson when I was looking for something very spooky set in New England) and The Sugar Queen. Its by the same writer as Garden Spells and Im hoping it will be whimsical and sweet. Good poolside reading, right?
Anyhow...I cant wait to share these little projects with you in the future. Hopefully they will come to fruition. But there's no harm in dreaming, right? That's what its all about~
11 comments:
Books my very best friends, my the places we have gone.
How are you sweet friend, I see all the paintings are just as beautiful as always.
Love Renee xoxo
Hi Heather! I love your blog so much! I started reading it after my little girl was born and I still check it daily, even though I'm not a frequent commenter. :) I'm always so inspired by your words AND your art. Also, The Sugar Queen is a really great book, but the title is perhaps a bit misleading, because I think this book is a bit darker than Garden Spells (which I read after seeing it on your blog by the way!) I think I actually like it better, but it isn't quite as sweet as the title would suggest. Still great poolside reading though. Hope you enjoy your trip!
Hi, Heather! I finished The Sugar Queen a couple of weeks ago. I loved it just as much as Garden Spells. I am so looking forward to her new release which is due out next year. It is called The Girl Who Chased the Moon. Enjoy your trip. Happy reading!
i loved the book garden spells! please let me know how sugar queen is. i have been wanting to read it badly but havent been able to since my local library doesnt have it and i am trying not to give into temptation and purchase it.
Hi Heather!
It's been too long, but alas I am surfing the web this summer. :)
I read "The Sugar Queen" and was a fan. I am already looking forward to her next piece. Have you heard of "The Godmother"? It's a cheeky British novel about ahem, a godmother, but it made me laugh a lot about 2 years ago.
Have a great time on your trip! xo Eileen
I can't wait to see what you have coming.
I read the Sugar Queen..It is such a good book.. I wish the author would come out with more. I read Garden Spells too. I love your blog.
Katelen
Oh my gosh, A Doll in the Garden was one of the first "chapter books" I ever read by myself as a kid. I remember balling my eyes out at the end. I was obsessed with the writer until I was about 11. It's so neat that you loved that one, too.
(Kirsten was my favorite American Girl, too. I had Addy, who was my second-favorite.)
I think it 's a wonderful idea. I love to write little stories for each of my paintings. Keep that dream alive Heather!
Hugs,
Cathie
I love books, and envy those that have the ability to write. Writing is NOT my gift.
I recently found your "good reads" spot on your blog and picked up Outlander and our little local library, I loved it! I'm now almost done with Dragonfly In Amber which in my opinion is good, but not quite as good as Outlander.
Thanks so much for the recommendation.
Those books sound interesting...must borrow later. :)
I've finished the first two in the Wicked series and they are great.
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