I think it's time to share some good news.  Though I haven't yet officially signed the contract, I have been tapped by the good folks at ArtWorks for the biggest commission of my career thus far.  I have been asked by Children's Hospital here in Cincinnati to create 12 custom pieces of artwork to be installed in the newly renovated neurology unit! 

This commission is not only special because of its scope, but because it gives me a chance to make a mark on a place that has made such a difference in my life.  My little cricket has epilepsy, and at one point, her seizures were so out of control that we thought she'd be severely brain damaged or worse.  Children's Hospital saved her life on more than one occasion, and she has been seizure-free for nearly a year and a half.  No number of words or works of art could ever express my gratitude, but that doesn't mean I shouldn't try, right?

So I embark on this crazy mission with my cricket in mind.  The theme that Children's has asked for is "Wishes, Hopes and Dreams in Nature."  I've come up with three concepts for their consideration: 

Each concept involves incorporating the actual written dreams, hopes, wishes, and prayers of patients, family and Hospital staff directly into the artworks. 

So which do you like best?

Last night, after being turned away at the movie theater door because Brave was sold out, I racked my brain for how to ease the crushing disappointment for Cricket (everything is a big deal when you're 6).  Being summer in Kentucky, and in a very Catholic part of town, little festivals are popping up nearly every weekend through July.  So, we decided to hit one near the airport where the Dungeon Master and I worked and first met.  I wish I could describe the delighted squeal that came charging out of her mouth when we rounded the corner and she saw all the spinning rides and blinking lights.  "Memmy, we go dere?  You tate me dere?!!!"

Homegirl was in heaven.

The night was perfection: dance contests, pony rides (where she was so very brave), ferris wheels, free ice cream (for winning the dance contest), bumper cars, and getting a cool prize when her strong daddy swung the mallet and nearly broke the bell... that last  one might be an exaggeration, but that's how I'm choosing to remember it.  And I want Cricket to remember it, too.  I want her memories full of summer nights of such unwavering, joyful perfection.

Here's to many more :)