My Children’s Book Grandfather Died –

Remembering Maurice Sendak & His Books

I own nearly every book Maurice Sendak illustrated.

I have used his books for inspiration, guidance, amusement and sometimes simply to cheer myself up when I needed a little joy.

I shared his work with my classes, sometimes having a “Maurice Sendak Day”.

My copies are lovingly worn and smothered with stickies!

I’ve attended his talks, art shows and an off-Broadway production with his set designs.

I have several autographed books and one really neat, signed New York is Book Country event poster.

Just a couple weeks ago for my 50^th birthday, I received a copy of his latest and last book, signed by the director of the Rosenbach Museum- the museum that houses Maurice’s archives.

I met Maurice and knew his work very well.

He didn’t know me but I was greatly influenced by Max, Mickey, Jenny, Rosie and his other characters whether I was trying to emulate them on paper or in the flesh.  These characters were brave and funny and quirky and very loveable…just like Maurice.

I’ve been illustrating children’s books since 1988 and Maurice has been on my bookshelf (and by my side) the whole time. I’ll miss this man I consider my children’s book grandfather but his books will still inspire, guide and amuse me.

And they’ll make me smile forever because they are bursting with joy!

Some good Maurice quotes-

“I felt that books were holy objects, to be caressed, rapturously sniffed, and devotedly provided for. I gave my life to them- I still do. I continue to do what I did as I child: dream of books, make books and collect books.”

On eBooks: “I hate them.”  “F**k them is what I say. I hate those eBooks. They cannot be the future.”  “It’s like making believe there’s another kind of sex. There isn’t another kind of sex. There isn’t another kind of book! A book is a book is a book.”

Am I really FIFTY?

This month I will turn fifty years old.
I do not feel fifty years old.
I feel like a girl.
I am still discovering new things about myself everyday.
When I think of the word “grown-up”, I think of some one who is responsible, older, respected, accomplished and distinguished.
I am most of these things but I do not feel “grown-up”.
I do not feel like an “adult”.
Webster’s defines “adult” as “ fully developed and mature”
“Mature”? I make art for a living and I am happiest when I am painting or playing with clay just like in fifth grade art class.
When I think of the word “woman” I picture a “bosomy” older female with experience under her belt.
I have had many life experiences but anyone who knows me knows I am not at all “bosomy”!
Webster’s defines “woman” as “an adult female person”
There is that word “adult” again!
I still feel like a kid.
Webster’s defines “kid” as “a young person”
I DO feel like a YOUNG person…with an old soul.

When I was little, I loved looking at my grandmother’s photo albums filled with pictures of her as a child.
I would stare at the wrinkly face of my grandmother standing before me and contemplated the youthful child in the pictures.
I developed an early awareness that life goes by really fast.

Now I am becoming the old woman.
I will continue to contemplate the bizarre nature of aging.
I will also continue to be ME… a “kid” in a middle-aged body…a girl, artist, friend, daughter, sister, auntie, teacher, listener, life lover, hugger, “Jersey girl”.

FIFTY?…really?!!

Quotes For The Week:
I love quotes. I have them written on white boards in my studio, on a chalkboard in my kitchen and on stickies on my bathroom mirror. I bring a “quote of the week” into my classroom. Some quotes inspire me. Some keep me from taking myself too seriously. Some just make me smile.

“I look in the mirror and wonder what is this 12 year old boy doing in this 93 year old body.”
- my friend Larry’s father

“The age of a woman doesn’t mean a thing. The best tunes are played on the oldest fiddles.”
-Ralph Waldo Emerson

Goals-

I am very introspective and serious about self-growth but I am also playful and love excuses to celebrate life. I no longer make New Year’s resolutions but find the beginning of spring the perfect time to plan goals, for business and for my personal life. I am always optimistic this time of year- for change and for my future. I love my life already but wonder… what projects, adventures and surprises are ahead?

Here is a photo of my “Goals for 2012” sheet. I jumped enthusiastically on to an 18 x 24 piece of paper and had fun dreaming and planning. I noticed I had many more ideas, “to-do’s” and dreams in the personal places like “travel”, “spiritual growth”, “play” and “clay” than I had plans in my business places. The growth and play feed the work so I won’t be too hard on myself about that aspect of my sheet! I also included “surprises” because I believe the universe has plans for all of us that we can’t anticipate. I will TRUST that I am exactly where I am supposed to be and going in the direction where my best path leads. I know I have some control of my choices but know some surprises will always show up along the way.

Quote For The Week:
I love quotes. I have them written on white boards in my studio, on a chalkboard in my kitchen and on stickies on my bathroom mirror. I bring a “quote of the week” into my classroom. Some quotes inspire me. Some keep me from taking myself too seriously. Some just make me smile.

Life is a shipwreck but we must not forget
to sing in the lifeboats.
- Voltaire

There is something you must always remember. You are braver than you believe, stronger than you seem, and smarter than you think.
- Winnie the Pooh