My mother usually comes for a visit in the Spring, but this year she is here a little early to watch my kids while I go to North Light Books for my book's photoshoot. So this year I am especially grateful, but nervous now she is here because her presence means that I am really doing this!
It is one thing to write here at home and make projects with steps that I like to do, it is another thing to show them to the world and say 'here, why don't you buy my book and do this too'! Going with my art and words to Cincinnati is the first big step in my coming out of the cocoon of creativity, where I have been surrounded by my supportive friends and family. Phew! What will the world think? But more pressing: what will the editor, photographers, book designers and whoever else is on the team think?
But stage fright nerves aside, I am excited about this pending trip: I know I will learn so much about the book making process, I am going to meet many cool and creative people, I get to fly alone for the second time since I moved to the States (without a diaper bag and snacks and sippy cups), I get to show what I know I can do, what I like to do and be paid for it.
I am looking to those positives to help me forget that I am leaving my babies and wonderful man for a whole week. But take a look at that photo, my kids are in great hands: my mother's. She spent the whole day today, jet lagged from a 24 hour trip, playing with the kids, doing crafts, wrestling on the bed, watching their 'show' (You Tube video coming soon), walking up to see the horses in 40 degree weather and on and on it goes. She is the best granny my kids could have. She has hit the ground running so that I can do my thing.
