Dreams + Books

I’ve had many dreams and aspirations in my 39 years - most revolve around creativity and my love of history and story. I have (with the ever present hyper-fixation of my ADHD brain) pursued A LOT OF THEM. Many I’ve loved for a short time, others for much longer. If you asked me 10-20 years ago what I thought I’d be doing as I inch towards 40, I’m certain I would never have said I would work as a graphic designer + illustrator. But here we are and I’m head over heals in love with what I do. (Though every few months I like to day dream about going back to school to become a historian or archivist, and of course finally publishing my novel…)

About a year ago, Jen (dear friend who happens to own the company I design for) came to me with an idea. She wanted to begin adding her own take on some of histories most amazing people by publishing children’s books of her own to coordinate with the amazing curriculum she offers in her shop. She would write them, I would illustrate them. First up would be, King Alfred.

This happened to drop into my lap just after I had my own idea for a children’s book begin to brew within my soul. More on this later…

Jen had this really lovely book written in no time, I would be the one to hold up the process. Truth be told, I have fought a lot of insecurities over the last year in my illustration work. The undertaking of an entire book (children’s picture book at that) has felt bigger than my capabilities, but the aforementioned book idea of my own and Jen’s sweet encouragement has kept me coming back to this entire idea. Pushing myself, and remembering so many who have gone before me doing hard things, challenging things, even coming to find their calling later in life. If Julia Child could learn to cook at age 37, and Vera Wang would design her first dress at 40 - I can certainly do THIS.

So begins the start of documenting one driven mama with big dreams, and the bringing to life of a book, or two, or three. Thanks for coming along for the ride.

My hope and prayer is that this may bless someone someday - perhaps you’ve had a dream of your own that felt far too big and out of reach. Allow me to walk beside you reminding you that you, are, capable.

Ready? Let’s go.