Grace Lin's Blog, page 54
February 18, 2013
on my desk monday
It's a star-patterned onesie--something I searched high and low for so that I could have Rain Dragon model for me. That Star Baby book idea is bursting to be born...
February 15, 2013
fortune cookie friday
"Love is an eye that doesn't see anything."
-Chinese Proverb
February 13, 2013
living on in stories
I've made an annual visit to a local Wellesley school and it's always lovely (I hope I can continue to visit even after the move!). The students never fail to impress me with their beautiful storyboards of their favorite "small story" from Year of the Dog. This year, I was particularly touched by how many of them chose "Uncle Shin and the Special Cake."
That's because my Uncle Shuin, who is the Uncle Shin in the book (I thought that was the way to spell it when I was a child which is why I kept it that way in the book) passed away in August. Despite his greediness as a boy, he grew up to be a highly respected surgeon, a loving father and truly compassionate human being. Some might think that his naughty deeds as a child are the best way to remember him, but he also had a pretty good sense of humor. I think he'd be pretty amused to see his childhood mischief in cartoon form. I know I was.
Thanks so much, Wellesley students!
That's because my Uncle Shuin, who is the Uncle Shin in the book (I thought that was the way to spell it when I was a child which is why I kept it that way in the book) passed away in August. Despite his greediness as a boy, he grew up to be a highly respected surgeon, a loving father and truly compassionate human being. Some might think that his naughty deeds as a child are the best way to remember him, but he also had a pretty good sense of humor. I think he'd be pretty amused to see his childhood mischief in cartoon form. I know I was.
Thanks so much, Wellesley students!
February 11, 2013
on my desk monday
It's the sketch for the Children's Book Week Bookmark I am doing! I am extremely excited about this project, stay tuned for more!
February 10, 2013
Happy Chinese New Year!
It's Chinese New Year! I hope everyone drew a dragon yesterday to welcome in the New Year!
I had every intention of getting greeting cards made this time. In a bag of hand-me-downs from Luke and Ranida, there was this beautiful Chinese silk snowsuit--perfect for Rain Dragon's first Chinese New Year. So even though it was a little large, on our first snow day we bundled her in it and let her see the snow:
These were the photos I meant to use for our cards! But didn't get around to actually designing, printing or sending them. Sigh. But, we wish you a Happy Chinese New Year, anyway!
I had every intention of getting greeting cards made this time. In a bag of hand-me-downs from Luke and Ranida, there was this beautiful Chinese silk snowsuit--perfect for Rain Dragon's first Chinese New Year. So even though it was a little large, on our first snow day we bundled her in it and let her see the snow:
These were the photos I meant to use for our cards! But didn't get around to actually designing, printing or sending them. Sigh. But, we wish you a Happy Chinese New Year, anyway!
February 9, 2013
Goodbye, Year of the Dragon!
Tomorrow is Chinese New Year, the start of the Year of the Snake and the end of the Year of the Dragon!
It's been a lovely year, I can't complain. Sure, there were some disappointments, but they were pretty minor compared to the wonderful gift I've received. So I wanted to say a fond farewell to the Dragon by sharing this little activity. This is actually a bit of a sneak peak to the Children's Book Week Bookmark I am creating, but it's also just a fun, simple way to celebrate the New Year!
Draw your dragon on a red sheet of paper and hang it for good luck!
It's been a lovely year, I can't complain. Sure, there were some disappointments, but they were pretty minor compared to the wonderful gift I've received. So I wanted to say a fond farewell to the Dragon by sharing this little activity. This is actually a bit of a sneak peak to the Children's Book Week Bookmark I am creating, but it's also just a fun, simple way to celebrate the New Year!
Draw your dragon on a red sheet of paper and hang it for good luck!
February 8, 2013
fortune cookie friday
"Love for a person must extend to the crows on his roof."
-Chinese Proverb
February 6, 2013
dual day
On my first school visit of the year, I was especially nervous leaving Rain Dragon. Would she be okay without me? To calm my nerves, the Sasquatch sent me occasional photos throughout the day.
As I began with my first presentation:
Sasquatch took a grumpy Rain Dragon out for a drive:
she was particularly mad that he wouldn't let her drive
And while I shared my book "The Ugly Vegetables"
Rain Dragon had a bagel and cheered up:
And while I showed the students how to draw a dog:
The Sasquatch took Rain Dragon for a walk:
And when I finished,
Rain Dragon was asleep!
A good day for all! Here's hoping all my school visit days go like this!
As I began with my first presentation:
Sasquatch took a grumpy Rain Dragon out for a drive:
she was particularly mad that he wouldn't let her driveAnd while I shared my book "The Ugly Vegetables"
Rain Dragon had a bagel and cheered up:
And while I showed the students how to draw a dog:
The Sasquatch took Rain Dragon for a walk:
And when I finished,
Rain Dragon was asleep!
A good day for all! Here's hoping all my school visit days go like this!
February 5, 2013
the upcoming Year of the Snake
The Year of the Snake is coming! Last Saturday, the Anita Silvey's incredible Children's Book-A-Day Almanac featured Where the Mountain Meets the Moon as a book prepare for the Chinese New Year (Starry River of the Sky was featured for National Folklore Month!) and I, of course, think it was an excellent suggestion.
Rain Dragon and I, however, are planning to share Bringing in the New Year and maybe one of the simple Chinese New Year crafts I have. I'm going to try to do as many of the traditions as I can that bring in a lot of luck. Unfortunately, this upcoming year is supposed to be a challenging one for me (Tiger). But maybe if I prepare enough, I'll be ready for the Year of the Snake!February 4, 2013
on my desk monday
Finally starting work on one of the portraits of a winner of my Starry River of the Sky contest/giveaway!
I've had a lot of interest on portrait commissions which I hope to offer in the spring. My biggest hurdle is trying to figure out the cost. So while I'm working on this, I've been trying to clock the hours to help figure it out. Hope that works...and that the portrait comes out well!
I've had a lot of interest on portrait commissions which I hope to offer in the spring. My biggest hurdle is trying to figure out the cost. So while I'm working on this, I've been trying to clock the hours to help figure it out. Hope that works...and that the portrait comes out well!
