A very slooowwwww start..

And hello from a Magical Turtle!

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Happy New Year or Próspero Año Nuevo!
I’m off to a very slooooowwwwww start, and enjoying it. Which made me think of this magical turtle comic I had done based on a conversation with my friend’s 3 year old daughter.

At this moment in time, I am embracing being a magical turtle. 🐢

Meaning that I have been slowing down, and just thinking a lot about everything at this point in my career as my author debut ¡MISTACO! is coming out April 1st. Which has been my goal for many years, and seems surreal now.

Usually, I feel like I need to rush rush rush,
but instead I have been pausing at the station to ponder inside my shell.
Asking myself questions…

Like what do I want from my art, my writing, and my time?
Am I spending it how I want to, or am I doing things because I feel like it’s what I am supposed to do? Who am I even trying to keep up with?
What brings me joy, stress, or meh?

I’m very lucky as there are no looming deadlines at the moment. So I’m having time to breathe, think, and I am so grateful for it. Also, very privileged as I can afford this break as there is no need to rush to another job right now. Finally, given the current state of the world, I am so fortunate as well in countless ways. (That I would list, but I would lose my calm, and my head would explode.)

I know eventually I will speed up again, but at this moment in time I am slowly slowly slowly figuring out what I want this whole year to look like for me?
Not just next week...
And I’m excited about that!

What about you? What are you excited about?

BESIDES MY FUTURE FAST TURTLE RIDE?!

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Some amazing authors, and illustrators put together an auction to help raise funds for many LA communities that have been impacted by the wildfires. I am participating, and donated original picture book art painted for the book "Mamá's Magnificent Dancing Plantitas", (Las Magníficas Plantitas Bailadoras de Mamá)

You can Bid here!!

I don't sell my original art as I love it too much, but I love so many people in LA even more. There are countless amazing auction opportunities for Art, Author AMAs, Agent/Editor critiques, and more! Check it out!

Anywho, slow down, take a breath, and know that I’m sending you joy where ever you are.