Dragon Art has moved. Our new location has a gallery. We are looking for other artists who want to participate in a co-op experience.

So, I was hired to illustrate a book. I am starting some practice sketches, to start playing with characters and working out the concept. None of this will make the finished book, but it is nice to have a purpose to play.

This past month, has consisted of secret creating. I finished many custom secret projects. Today, I find myself at the Brownsville Art Center getting to quietly sketch and plan some future projects. It is very relaxing. I will be here today and tomorrow.

The Brownsville Art Association consists of an art co-op and craft sales. This sweet little town, is a perfect fit for the Keppol's art. We love the warm inviting atmosphere. Though we each only work 1/2 a day each month, our items can be found there during regular business hours for now on. The town has a holiday celebration coming up!

We are at Jayne Smolley Studios today, with some of our work. We also have work in two other shows right now. Too fun.

I was excited to see that one of my latest illustrations made the cut for the November/December issue of the Newsworthy. The Oregon chapter of the Society of Children's Book Writers and Illustrators puts out the Newsworthy every other month. I am thrilled to have an illustration chosen for it.

My whole family is participating in the Last Resort Players productiin of Annie. I snuck away for a few minutes, and went to the art show tonight to take pictures of my pieces for this blog post. When I got there I found out that I'd won third place.

Today Karylynn, Jessalynn, and I all moved art into the Brownsville Art Gallery. We have card holders and a display for tiarras on their way, but otherwise it went smoothly. The wonderful ladies that run the gallery were extremely helpful and kind. I think we will love it there.

The following is the link to Susan Hill's web site contest.

https://susannahill.com/2017/10/27/the-7th-annual-halloweensie-contest-aahhhrrrooooooooo/

​I found out about the contest this morning and thought it sounded like too much fun, not to play. Also, when given the words that had to be included this rough draft almost wrote itself. Please note this is the first version and that I had to include certain words and could only have 100 words plus a title. See the site for full rules. Also, I am an illustrator. What fun this will be to paint!

​My idea stems from my day job as the EL teacher in Florence, OR. I work with students from all different cultures and we usually have conversations in October about the differences between Day of the Dead and Halloween. This story is more about Dia de Muertos, because my students need more children's stories for them. Part of my job is teaching them to write, and I love encouraging them to write stories about their traditions. Someday I hope several of them will write children's books from their perspective.

In the mean time here is my attempt:

On Halloween Night


 We’ve been preparing,
for Day of the Dead isn’t for scaring.
They’ve tricked or treated gathering candy
but, I’m spending November second with Granddaddy.
Our celebration has no monsters it’s true
though, I also like scary parties with you.
There’s a picnic with sugar skulls treats,
not  just candy corn but traditional sweets.
My families in the cemetery to play, to dance,
to honor relatives this is our chance.
After weeks planning our altar display,
we’ll gather around it, tell stories, or pray.
Dias de Muertos isn’t a shadowy meeting,
instead it’s a remembrance though too fleeting.