IF "Clandestine"

"High above the city, they found a way to be together".

Works in progress....

I've missed illustrating the last few IF topics, and believe me, I would have enjoyed them very much! Happily, however, I have been swamped with work!! No complaining here, mind! Especially as a freelancer!!! I've posted a few sketches for a series I'm working on. It's times like these when I'm really busy, I have to say it's hard to believe I can be paid to have so much fun!!! I've also posted one of my wee gran, Libby. She and I spend Wednesdays together. What a love!!!

IF "Balloon"

IF "Opinion"

IF "A Packed Pack"

Whew!  The birdhouses completed!  Akela can sign off number 5!  

IF "Clique"

IF "Island"

It was instinctive!  As soon as the flooding occurred, they took refuge on the island.  Now, all that remained was to wait for rescue...

IF "Clutter"

IF "Memories"

IF "Detach"

IF "Sail"

IF "Canned"

Mrs. Kilpatrick's cats unanimously preferred the canned.

IF "Baby"

I've had babies on my mind for quite a while now......and no wonder, as just last Sunday, my oldest son and his wife gave me my first grandbaby, a beautiful wee girl!! "Liberty" ("Libby" for everyday).  She was named for my son's service in Iraq with the Marine Corp.  I've included her photo, along with an illustration for a book I am working on about families.  

IF "Worry"

This is the opposite of "worry", and when one is a wee babe, perhaps the only time in life completely worry free.

IF "Wide"

IF "Electricity"

IF "Seed"

grandpa

IF "Wrinkles"

IF "Primitive"

                                                      

A primitive tool with today's digital creations (but still my favorite).

IF "Fail" ?

This is what happens when I'm in a hurry!  I misread this week's topic, and illustrated "Fair" instead of "Fail".  Ah well......here it is all the same.  Hopefully I'll find time to illustrate the correct one later this week.

IF "Save"

IF "Homage"

In homage to "Motherhood", I honor all women who choose to be mothers among all the alluring career choices today.  I especially honor those who sacrifice so much to be home with them, not only meeting the demanding physical needs, but the emotional, spiritual and intellectual needs of little ones.  It's a daunting career at times, but so very worth it.  Now as my children are becoming adults, and parents themselves, I recognize how important my work here has been.  I honor my own mother who continues to love all 7 of us!! 

This illustration is from a book about families I am currently working on.

IF "Pet Peeve"

One of my pet peeves is the overindulgence of some parents! 

IF "Heavy"

This is a fast one, but I like to use IF as an exercise in quick thinking.  

It's fun to work the brain.

IF "Garden"

IF "Leap"

Can't pass up a quick illustration on this theme.  I've thought quite a bit lately about the "Leap of Faith" required for a woman to have a child.  No parent receives real training on giving birth, and beyond, (which incidentally can be overwhelming).  Yet, each of my six children have been a welcomed blessing.  There's a wonder that belongs solely to a mother, as the life within her "leaps".

IF "Multiple"

IF "Choose"

My youngest daughter has discovered the joy and heartache of having so many admirers.  She loves all the attention, but is learning that someone invariably gets hurt.  One such admirer sent her a tender note.  "What can I do mom?" she asked me one day.  "I just want to stay friends, but I think if I say that, he'll be embarrassed and mad."  I wish I had an answer for that one.  She's right.  Love is confusing at times, and Cupid's arrows can be quite painful.

IF "Blanket"

IF "Tales and Legends"

"I have many beautiful flowers," he said, "but the children are the most beautiful flowers of all."

(From "The Selfish Giant" by Oscar Wilde)

IF "Plain"

"Yes.....the flowers were pretty, and Winston did have the nicest birthday parties, but there was something in Daniel's gentle smile, and the way he held that one plain little flower..."