Hello…. It’s us; Mister C and Me…

Hiya! Friends and pets really do mean the world to us!… What would we do without friends, pets (and children)? With the trying times we have all endured these past months (sending lots of love to my family in Melbourne- I know you are doing it tough right now: M & J.T); it is imperative to find what makes us happy, not just mediocre happy, but excitedly happy (what sparks us JOY!). For me it’s animals, writing and illustrating; what’s your JOY?…

About two weeks ago, I was able to catch up with some close dear friends in ACT; for a dear friend’s fortieth birthday celebration (hiya BJ, M & M- thanks for having us!) … Of course, everything always falls on the same weekend (isn’t it always so?). Husband had arranged a couple months prior, to catch up with a few friends and his brother (hiya M.M & D.L- thanks so much for coming up!); and it was the same Saturday as my trip to ACT. Having written that, there’s always a solution to things (as with past experiences); so, I put on my thinking cap and we came up with a good plan, where everyone could do what they wanted. I was to take the girls and Mister C with me to ACT, as Husband was to meet his dear friend in Bungendore (as the first plans were to go). A long story short, Husband’s plans did change, but it was still necessary for me to take the kids this time. The girls and Mister C love my friends, and it was wonderful for them to relax and spend time together too (thanks again!) … It was a busy time with Widy driving down (she did very well- I might add); while juggling the kids and having to drive back later (oh the Mother’s life). Next time, I think I will pop down on my own for some (alone time as Husband calls it) needed friend company, minus the children (love you dearly though) …

A lot has happened in our world since last week… I have found an AMAZING new and local format designer, who has agreed to assist with our second book. It will be really nice, not to worry about different time-zones (and delays); like the previous format designer in the USA! Funnily, at the fortieth birthday gathering two weeks ago, I met an interesting person, who said she was a librarian working at The National Archives in Canberra. We got chatting (as we do); this person gave me a lot (I mean a LOT!) of feedback regarding my first book (some of it I appreciated, some I did find confronting). It got me thinking (not again!) and I decided (after a chat with Husband- thanks my rock!) I didn’t have to put up with mediocre design services in order to get my work published. I will say thank-you to this person; as it did open my eyes to some fresh ideas (isn’t that what being a writer and illustrator is all about?); even though I was quite unsettled for days later…

Anyway; good news, I recently signed a contract to begin right away; of which I have an exciting meeting next Wednesday with the new designer and her team (thanks Husband for agreeing to this new designer- as is more expensive than the US counterpart). I am very much looking forward meeting the new team; while also to discuss new ideas and concepts for our logo ‘brand’ and the second book cover (in person too- WOW!). Fingers crossed we shall ‘nut’ this all out shortly, and the second book will be available by the end of November (just in time for Christmas- like I promised!). I was hoping to organise a small book signing gathering before Christmas; what do you think about that?…

On top of this, I drove past Fife’s feed stock (the best place to get your feed!) about two weeks ago or so, to purchase some more scratch mix for our remaining seven hungry girls. I put my name down to purchase a few new layets (chooks), but hadn’t heard anything as of yet. I rang the store on Monday, and there were to be chooks available Wednesday- YAY! I popped in on Wednesday afternoon with Mister C and Flossy; only to be told the chooks were all sold! (must sell like hot cakes at present?) Our faces dropped with sadness; I turned around and saw another cage with four white smaller chooks (a mix- most likely leghorns), then asked about those ones (thanks for all your help Fife’s!). They were smaller and required more care (about fourteen weeks old); we instantly fell in love with the four girls (hopefully they are all girls). There is no guarantee unfortunately due to their age; only time will tell at this stage; but we will love them all the same, and if one happens to turn into a boy (rooster), we can give it back (thanks!) …

So, we now have four new little girls to care for (why now I hear you say?) Well, we have to seize these opportunities, when the chance jumps out at us; such a gluten for punishment, I know… In my experience (little- but still have some) it’s best to raise baby chooks before it gets really HOT in Summer. Wish me luck fully integrating them with our old chook girls (probably not for about four weeks); this job can be tricky, especially when they are older like mine…

SO, introducing our new chook girls: ‘Cloudy’ (Mister C named his chook after, ‘the white clouds in the sky’!) ‘Wynter’ (Flossy named her chook after the beautiful Dolphins in ‘Dolphin tale’- is a true story!) ‘Hope’ (I named this chook after ‘Dolphin tale’ too- we all need some HOPE in our lives, don’t we?) and “Justine’ (well, Husband named one!)… Husband commented, “Well, it’s the female opposite name of Justin, my middle name! If it turns into a boy, we can call it Justin then; and return it!)… Our hearts are once again warmed…

A Word from Mister C…

Mister C and Flossy helped bring our four new chooks home on Wednesday. We opened the box and saw the cute chooks looking back at us, waiting patiently together. I handed Mister C his chook; he squealed with delight and said, “I hope this chook doesn’t bite me, Mummy?” … “Oh no, my son,” I replied; “Chooks are calm creatures, they won’t bite us.” … “I’m going to name mine ‘Cloudy’!” Mister C proclaimed; “She is soft and white, just like the fluffy clouds in the sky!” … Flossy giggled with delight, as she held her new chook; “I’m going to call mine ‘Wynter’; she is sweet like the dolphin from the true movie, and white like a Winter Wonderland!” … “Well,” I smiled; “I will name this one ‘Hope’; we all need a little hope today, don’t we? Let’s ask Dad to name the last one; who knows what he’ll come up with?” …

Stay tuned…

Blog is a bit light this week; apologies… I have had to focus most of my attention on the illustrations for our second book this past week; in order to get them finished in time. So much work, but worth it in the end (hopefully!). Stay tuned for more Mister C silly stories; nearly into 2018; soon I promise!…