Sneak Peek

I've been a little busy, lately! BUT that doesn't mean I've forgotten about finally starting those illustrations.

I've gotten around to starting some rough sketches for Our Little House on the Great Big Hill. I've got a few ideas down, and I'm planning on working on some more as soon as possible. (Maybe I'll even start some serious line work tonight!!!)

This book is going to be an examination into the ART of being 'grateful.'

Being thankful for all that we DO have can be extremely trying sometimes. Especially if you work REALLY hard and don't feel like you have much to show for it. Like I do. Sometimes, even if you have a fantastic job, and a great family, and budget your butt off... you still struggle to keep your head above water. 

But what truly matters isn't a flashy house. One needs to find joy in what they do have, even if it's not exactly what they want. 

Our family lives in a teeny, tiny trailer. It's a three bedroom single-wide that's nearly as old as I am. It wasn't well built to begin with; there are broken doors, cracks in the linoleum, poor insulation. I've been desperate to move for years, but we just cannot afford it. The house is feeling smaller and smaller as my boys grow bigger with each passing year. 

I've discussed with the eldest my desire to move-- whether we buy a new house or build one. That conversation is the basis of this story. When I spoke with my son, he was almost distressed.

This teeny, tiny, little house is the only home he's ever known. It's all his memories. 

And he's content with it that way.

I can't say that his answer surprised me. To him, this house isn't just a soda can perched on the top of a steep hill. It's where he bakes impromptu cookies at 2am when Mom gets off work. It's where he plays video games with Dad. It's where he and his brother laugh and play while Mom is busy cleaning. It's where he learned to create, and where he learned mistakes are alright. It's not the HOUSE that makes it all so wonderful. It's the love and the memories.  

You know, children can be the most wise of any of us. 

I'm trying to learn to be thankful for what I have. Sometimes it's hard, and I'm not perfect. But I'm trying to be more like my son every day. He's such and inspiration to me, and he's growing into such a smart, caring, well-rounded young man. I'm so proud of him. I hope that one day, he'll be proud of me, too.

Always Keep Adventuring,

Rachel♥