The Slumber Games

The Hunger Games- coming out this week to theaters. After much hesitation I listened to the whole audiobook series. Great "read".

You'd think fear of starvation, poverty, families on the brink, insurrection, oppression, the threat of death, obnoxiousness of cameras / reality TV with a self indulgent audience would be bad enough- but the Hunger Games took one more thing from Peeta and Katniss-
a good nights sleep.
Likely for the rest of their lives.

Hello Nathaniel

Well, folks at long last here's another sneak peek into my upcoming kids book "Nathaniel's Flippers"... nope I don't have a date set, still fine tuning and y'know.... writing it.
BUT here's my happy lil man with a lot of adventures sure to follow opening his new "shoes". Stay tuned!

mrrogersvalentine

As a child of the late 70's early 80's... I can vouch that a consistent presence of comfort and care came from a daily dose of Mr.Rogers Neighborhood.
I was lucky to have a great family, support system and lots of love- for those kids that maybe weren't as blessed I can imagine the impact of this special show was far more meaningful. A person that was there everyday speaking seemingly just to you about how wonderful and unique you are.

Illustration Friday (IF:) theme of the week is "popular" which I think could apply to v-day... and it doesn't take a genius to figure out why. The more "love"and attention you get- the more popular you are. I like Mr. R's approach- we're ALL special and deserving of care, credit and respect.

So on this most commercialized of all days- where if you are single you either a player or pariah... I'm kickin it old school lil kid valentines day and wishing you all a big hug from me- your illustrating neighbor.

IF: suspense

suspence, a photo by Kairn Design on Flickr.

This weeks 'theme' is suspense... while I had multiple ideas something about this concept stuck with me.
Is s/he bringing her a scrub brush for her back? a loofa on a stick? maybe even a plunger to fix some other plumbing in the bathroom?
OR
Could it be something more sinister?
I find the suspense is in not knowing... all the guessing and theories.
I'll leave the story to you.
;)

IF: Twirl

a photo by Kairn Design on Flickr.

This weeks Illustration Friday is "twirl".
There's something so sweet about a little girl being twirled by her dad, I remember wanting to spin and spin, feeling like a ballerina.

dragongirlCNY2012

dragongirlCNY2012, a photo by Kairn Design on Flickr.

Happy New Year one and all!
It's the festive year of the dragon.
Inspired by a doodle in a sketchbook from awhile ago I thought I'd create for your viewing pleasure a dream dragon- all fire and coziness taking it's pet girl up to the top of a mountain for a snooze and a snuggle.

(yes, I realize dragons don't snuggle... but hey... I'm hoping 2012 will be a gentle and protective dragon that makes for great luck and comfort).

knitting-prepare

knitting-prepare, a photo by Kairn Design on Flickr.

THIS week's *actual* illustration Friday theme is "prepare"...

One of my best gal-pals & college roomie along with her husby are expecting a lil boy next spring! Hurrah!
So I'm knitting them a baby blanket.
What says "prepare" more than a baby blanket? It's nesting personified!

During their bi-coastal visit her mom and partner threw a wonderful baby shower / open house. We've all gone down different life paths- starting with art and branching out- but it's such a treat to come "back to the beginning" and stay in touch with such great people. I finally got to meet a girlfriends baby and husband! Time really does just fly...fly...fly.

In that glowingly brightly hued and cozy spice scented house we all gathered to celebrate, laugh and help them prepare for their bundle of wonderful. Congrats Momma and Daddy! Can't wait to *meet* him- officially.