Julia in Cleveland

Julia Kuo is a dear friend of mine and a terrifically talented illustrator. She has embarked on a project called 100 Days in Cleveland in which, for one hundred days, she draws one of the many local places she loves. It's a treat to see so many familiar corners of Cleveland conveyed as colorful illustrations; ink-and-paper snapshots seen through the eyes of someone who appreciates the special nooks and quirky details of her community.

I'm honored to share that Julia included our home as one of her favorite Cleveland places, which is super awesome. To see our living room through the eyes of another artist is pretty rad.

Follow her progress as she completes her 100 Days project here or purchase a print of all her Cleveland favorites here.

Remember...

Lately, I've been feeling a little down in the dumps. But then I saw a news story about an elderly lady who lost her house and all her belongings to a tornado. Two of her tree cats found their way back to her shortly after the storm cleared, but her third cat had been missing for nearly a month. During a reporter's interview with the woman in front of her demolished home, her third cat, bedraggled but alive, wandered into view. She scooped him up, held him close and whispered, "I have everything in the world, now."

I was touched. And I was reminded that I'm fortunate to have a home and a little family. With good health, some sunshine, fresh springtime air, the occasional croissant and the love of others, I have everything in the world.

Snow Birds

Three new cut-paper designs.

Feathers in the Sky

One of my cut paper birds - Black acrylic painted on 2-ply Strathmore paper.

Made with Love

A sweet card for Grandma that not only plays music when opened, but allows you to record a special message just for her.

By American Greetings, for Mother's Day. Available at Target.

Best Friends

For Mother's Day, available at Wal-Mart. Illustrated by me for American Greetings.

Sunny Spirit

For those free spirits who grew up chasing butterflies through the grass, a bright and merry card celebrating Mother's Day. For American Greetings.

Sunny and Cheer

A joyful little card I illustrated for American Greetings.

Inspired

Another one of my favorites! Shiny gold accents and a sleek pink ribbon for Mother's Day.

Illustrated by me for American Greetings.

Home is Where the Heart Is

A charming little house-shaped card that actually reads as a tiny booklet celebrating encouragement and unconditional love. Happy Mother's Day!

Celebrating Mom

One of my favorites!

Illustrated for American Greetings, Mother's Day.

Mother's Son

A sweet but not-too-sappy card I illustrated for Mother's Day.

American Greetings.