Book Bag

My neighbor made this book-purse for me, from one of my books, Absolutely Normal Chaos.  I'm not sure the photos will do it justice, but it is just quirky enough and funky enough to suit me.

She also made one for Karen Hesse from her book, Brooklyn Bridge, and one for Kate DiCamillo from The Tale of Desperaux.

Layers

Like many children, both of my grandchildren get up in the morning and start layering. They often begin with 'regular' clothes (shorts or skirt, a shirt) and as the morning moves along, they add layers: boas, an extra skirt or leggings, gloves, necklaces, ribbons, hats.  Each new adornment requires a shift in mannerisms. The blue gloves and purse above prompted an instant "la de da."  In The Unfinished Angel (Sept '09), the character of Zola dresses in multiple layers, just like my granddaughter.

Adornments

At top, granddaughter Pearl with her various adornments, and below, grandson Nico in a 'Spidey' costume. We are having a grand time with Pearl and Nico and all their cousins and aunts and uncles. Much eating, running, jumping, swinging, swimming, singing, falling, bandaids. These are our annual Creech Weeks. Ta da!

A Good Summer for Roses


We've had a good combination of rain and sun here in western New York this summer, and the plant life is thriving.  The roses seem especially lush.  I swoon.

The Japanese beetles have descended upon the lone blackberry and raspberry bushes, though. Don't want to use the beetle traps which seem to attract more than they repel.  Any suggestions?

Young Creechers

Above are some of the young, fun, buoyant Creechers:  one boy holding his own in this group among five especially cool girls. 

Yesterday, the children selected rocks from the lake, decorated them, added messages, and placed them at the base of a maple tree which we've planted in memory of my brother Dennis who died in January.  The kids made this a sweet, joyous occasion. We sprinkled a little tobacco over the earth because my brother was a smoker and would have appreciated the gesture.

Playhouse Girls

This is one of my favorite photos from last summer: my grandaughter and two cousins in the playhouse, dressing up.  They were completely engrossed. I didn't have my camera handy last night when four of the young cousins ran to the playhouse and came out a half hour later decked in everything from a jazz costume to Batman.  More photos of playhouse and kids (from real time) to come. 

Marker Faces


My grandson has a thing about markers. Loves them. They feel good on his face.

The top photo is from two years ago. Check out the look on his mother's face.

The photo at right is from last week.  He and his sister were being witches.

As the angel in my upcoming book would say, "Ah, childrens!"