Update on Abby's Book

I just wanted to give everyone an update on the progress of my children's book I'm writing for my niece, Abby's, birthday.  If you remember from my previous post, her birthday is February 26th...I'm a little late, obviously.  But, writing a children's book is harder than I thought it was going to be, so it's taking a little longer than expected.  Plus, coordinating with my sister, who is doing the illustrating has been challenging.  She has a full time job with 2 kids so her free time has been spent drawing, painting and arranging the pictures.  I appreciate her hard work so much!  In updating you I also wanted to share some of the wonderful illustrations that will be going in the book.  I realize not all of you will be able to see the finished project, so I thought you'd appreciate a little taste.

The picture above is of our main character, Abigail.  Isn't she cute! The picture to the right is of the entrance to the castle.  I love the affect she did for the stone wall.  It's a paint splatter over watercolor.  Very cool, plus the guards are awesome!

Oh, and I forgot to tell you the best part!  The book will be printed like a real book, hard cover and everything!  Kinkos is affiliated with a pay to print company that has created a program that lets you put your book together and then submit it to them and they print it to your design specifications.  Copyright and everything. It is the most awesome program.  I may use it to print my first book.

All that is left to do is enter in the last few illustrations and then I can send it off to the printer.  Hopefully by the end of the week I will be able to announce that the book is done and 7-10 days later it will be in my hot little hand.  You have no idea how excited I am to see my name printed on a book....

An Ode to Matt Donovan

Photo Credit: CW Network

A few weeks ago, when I posted about my favorite TV characters, it pained me to leave out Mr. Matt Donovan.  I already wrote about another high school football player character (also happened to be named Matt, Matt Saracen from Friday Night Lights) so I felt like I couldn't include Mr. Donovan.  But, I have come to the conclusion that Matt Donovan (from The Vampire Diaries, in case you didn't know) is in a category of his own.  I have called it the, "All Around Good Guy Who Get's The Short End Of The Stick" category.  Now, Matt Saracen could also fall in this category but he played on a winning football team.  Matt Donovan's team had to forfeit most of their games because their coach got malled by a "wild animal" and I guess they couldn't find a replacement?  Who knows...I wouldn't want to live in that town if I were a teacher/coach, either.  Their life expectancy is a little short.  So, Matt Saracen will have to be counted out of this category.  In conclusion, Matt Donovan deserved a little recognition so I came up with a little poem for him.  The poor guy needed some love since he missed out on another intimate moment with the girl he loves because he got interrupted, again ("Not now, Dana!").  So, without further ado...

An Ode to Matt Donovan 

Matt Donovan’s not your average guy.

With his lack of funds, he pays attention to what he buys

He works hard for his money,

Even missing out on events with his honey.

He’s romantic, but doesn’t know it.

Endearing and sensitive, but doesn’t like to show it.

He’s the type of guy who would never jerk your chain.

He’s loyal to his friends, even when they’re a pain.

His mother’s not around because she’s kind of a whore.

His sister died last year, so she’s not around anymore.

You can’t help but feel bad for him, but he keeps plugging away.

His day in the spotlight will come some day.

Sure, he may not know about the things that go bump in the night,

But he’s always true to himself and does what he feels is right.

Knowledge of his mysterious town will come soon,

I’m sure it will be during a full moon,

But with a guy like Matt,

No matter what you are, he’ll be there for you, like that.