Why an Artist should try to be a Fruit Tree.

Sometimes thinking of your self in a new way can lead to kindness...and peach jam.

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Long time, no update, eh?
Between finishing up final art for two pictures books AT THE SAME TIME,
traveling with family, traveling for work, and school visits…I was braindead by the end of May. (Probably more like end of January, but let’s pretend not! Wheeeeeeee)

And the thought of being dormant like this fruit tree kept playing in my mind. As I just wanted to be Mole from The Wind in the Willows, and slowly adjust a picture frame forever and everrrrrr.

( Also, shout out to Kate for this other awesome Mole Book! )

So I have decided to embrace mole energy, and I’m currently on sabbatical!
I have to finish some final art for my author debut, but otherwise I’ve been trying to do nada. zip. nothingggg.

BUTT, it’s been hard shutting down after going at a Tornado speed for the past few months, which honestly put my anxiety through the roof. :(

So I’m using this time as well to figure out new work habits, and what are my rules going forward for how much I can truly handle.
Being an Author/Illustrator is wonderful, and so so so very hard at same time. You have to be by yourself for long periods finishing books, and then switch over to suddenly being in the spotlight doing the promo song n’ dance.
It’s a lot to juggle, and I truly did great this spring!
Except…… all my mental health balls rolled under the couch.

And I’m still trying to get them out from under there..
but drawing, Paper Planes, and Hacks are currently helping immensely. So I’m happily on my way to gathering, and being my silly self again!

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Recently, I did a presentation for Somos Escritoras which was my first time speaking with middle schoolers. I LOVE THIS LOCAL ORGANIZATION SO MUCH! All the kids were awesome, I taught them to make zines, and it really filled my cup to have so many of them come up to me afterwards to say how much they love me. If I can make teenagers laugh, I can take on any audience for sure. Thanks so much for inviting me to the awesome Dr. Tracey T. Flores!

Andy J. Pizza, a brilliant artist & friend, gave me a shout-out on his legendary podcast Creative Pep Talk. Thanks Andy, and hopefully we’ll see you at Thanksgiving soon!
Alsoooo, BUY his latest book!!
Unfortunately, no ice cream inside, BUT there are gorgeous illustrations, and a great story!

Finally, I’ll be at ALA in San Diego this weekend!
A sabbatical break to receive my ALA Pura Belpré award!! And an opportunity to hang out with some other amazing illustrators, and authors.
You can catch me and my wonderful author Jesús Trejo signing at the Astra Book Booth on Sunday at 4pm! Here’s more info below!

The booth will have stickers, and bags celebrating our new book
Mamá's Magnificent Dancing Plantitas (which is available for Pre-ORDER)
So definitely stop by!!!

Talk more soon, and Take Care my fellow fruit trees!
e