New Pet Portrait--Pupper Pair

I just finished editing this picture despite sending the original off in the mail a couple of weeks ago. It felt like the camera captured every bump in the paper.



Panpastel and pencil crayon ::: 8x10" ::: 2024

My next published short story--Trapped on Tragodia

For some reason, I thought I had already shared that one of my short stories was published this year! It's called Trapped on Tragodia and it's an exciting tale of friendship, adventure and journey into the unknown!

Odie is just a regular space trucker until a forced landing changes everything. I don't know how much to reveal about the story without spoiling it, LOL! I spotted the submission call from < a href="https://www.perennial-press.com/">Perennial Press in fall 2021, which seems forever ago. The anthology would contain stories and poems about arthropods--kind of a unique subject, IMHO. Now, this is why you always hang onto rejected ideas, because there could be a day when they fit perfectly. The idea I had hanging around was from a horror anthology submission call. I enjoy mild horror and tried my hardest, but liking something and creating something are two different things. I cannot write a horror story to save my life. However, I have a strong belief in the power of friendship and just let my authentic voice speak.

Inspired by childhood memories of movies like Mysterious Island, I changed the setting to a wild place where giant insects rule. If you know me, you'd be seriously surprised I wrote a story that doesn't contain birds or horses, but I was up for the creative challenge. Arthropoda was edited by JW Stebner, who also edits Hexagon, a speculative fiction magazine.

It was a long wait until I had a physical copy in my hands, but it was such a great moment to open the box and see my ideas made real, especially the gorgeous cover by Stephanie Lane Gage of Martian Press. Order your copy today--you won't be disappointed.

Pet Sketches...Astrid

Still working away on pet portraits over here, including sharing them! Astrid is an over the rainbow bridge soft-furred rat who enjoyed chilling in her coconut. After chatting with Astrid's human, I decided a three-dimensional paper picture was the right choice.

1700+ Etsy Sales!

Next year will be 20 years of having my Etsy shop--where has the time gone? And how much the craft/handmade/online selling world has changed in 20 years!

I'm glad I stuck with it as it's too easy to quit before you find a product or idea that really sticks...and in my case, it's been digital downloads. Each 100 sale marker still gives me a thrill!

Pet Sketches...Pascal

This picture was fun and challenging at the same time!


Ink, pencil, and pencil crayon ::: 2023

Pet Sketches...Beckham

Can you believe I'm still working on pet portraits from last year? Unfortunately I had some health challenges through the fall and a tooth pulled in December, which caused some delays. I still work full-time, but the list of portraits is winding down. I've been so busy I'm finally sharing the pictures in all my other online spaces.

I first drew Beckham as a puppy years ago and it was delightful that his person came back to give me an update and order a new portrait in 2023.


Marker and pencil crayon ::: 2023