GraceLinBlog

fortune cookie friday

2012-01-27T09:00:00.000-05:00

"All things at first appear difficult. "
-Chinese Proverb

oranges mean gold

2012-01-25T09:00:00.040-05:00

Here, in New England, it is a bit gray and cold:

But somewhere in Arizona, where I visited once upon a time, there is a warm green and gold paradise,

my librarian friend Mary is picking oranges for the Chinese New Year:

I know this, because in the mail I received a box of gold from her:

YUM! Thank you, Mary!

Fresh, delicious oranges for the Chinese New Year! I think this year will be especially sweet!

in the news

2012-01-24T08:00:00.002-05:00

A couple weeks ago, I did a lovely school visit in Bristol, RI and there was a lovely article about it in the East Bay RI newspaper. My favorite part is the photo gallery where the photographer captured the students intent on drawing the rabbit. Of course, now I have to start teaching students how to draw the dragon...

Because it is the Year of the Dragon! The Washington Post listed Dumpling Days as one of the books in their article Children's Books for Chinese New Year. Read it while eating your lucky, get-rich dumplings!

Happy New Year and Thanks for Coming!

2012-01-23T09:00:00.005-05:00

Phew! I made it!

It's the Chinese New Year, which means I had my Dumpling Days Book Launch! If you haven't noticed, the postings on this blog have been a bit spare lately (I have many things I want to post about, I'll have to do a bit of catch up in the next few weeks). That is because every spare moment has been used to make over 100 Pocket Pacys:

the two large pocket pacys are the special "winning" ones; the people who got them won an original piece of art at the book launch

These are the special edition Pocket Pacys I did just for the launch. They are all wearing pink dresses because in Dumpling Days, the three sisters are forced to wear matching pink dresses when they travel to Taiwan (to make it easier for their mother to keep her eye on them). This is based on a real-life experience:

We put one of each of these Pocket Pacys in the booklaunch goodie bags, along with a red envelope that had a special URL to download exclusive deleted chapters and a dumpling recipe card. Because the Pocket Pacys were a bit time-consuming + having even less time then usual (work, visits + Rain Dragon!), I wasn't able to bake special cupcakes this time around. In fact, the baking had to be given up altogether and replaced with Japanese gummy candies.

And after assembling 100 bags (much thanks to my sister, niece & Sasquatch) I was a little worried to wake up on book launch day to snow. The most snow we've had all winter! Would people come?

Yes, they did!

I talked a bit incoherently--I did not prepare my talk as well as I would've liked (those Pocket Pacys took a long time!) and I admit I am more self-conscious than usual with my baby bump:

But it was lovely to meet so many of you! I think most people liked the Pocket Pacys so making them was definitely worth it! I hope to see many Pocket Pacy travel photos in the future!

Thanks so much for coming! Happy Year of the Dragon to all!

fortune cookie friday

2012-01-20T09:00:00.000-05:00

"If you get up one more time than you fall you will make it through. "
-Chinese Proverb

Don't Forget!!

2012-01-18T08:30:00.001-05:00

The Dumpling Days Book Launch is this Saturday, at 1 pm EST (not PT).

You do NOT need a ticket to come. Please tell your friends and family! The more the merrier!

I've been mad at work preparing for it and I have a sneaking suspicion that this will be the last book launch that I do. My publisher has been talking about sending me on tour for "Starry River of the Sky" (which will come out in October) and with Rain Dragon coming, I think my time for planning big parties with elaborate goodie bags might be over. So, I'm trying to make this one a good one (I've made over 100 pocket pacys!) and I hope everyone comes!

booktalk tuesday

2012-01-17T08:31:00.007-05:00

Ruby Lu, Brave and True by Lenore Look

IndieBound Description:

Most days the best thing about being Ruby is everything. Like when she's the star of her own backyard magic show. Or when she gives a talk at the school safety assembly on the benefits of reflective tape. Or when she rides the No. 3 bus all the way to Chinatown to visit GungGung and PohPoh.

And then there are the days when it's very hard to be Ruby. Like when her mom suggests Chinese school on Saturdays. Or when her little brother, Oscar, spills all of Ruby's best magician secrets. Or when her parents don't think she's old enough to drive!

Join Ruby Lu on her first adventure and discover your own best things about her!

My Thoughts: I love the Ruby Lu books! I admit I am a tad jealous of Lenore Look and her ability to write these books, as well as the Alvin Ho books. When I met her a long time ago, I was hoping some of her brilliance would rub off...

on my desk monday

2012-01-16T09:00:00.002-05:00

I'm making an army of Pocket Pacys to put in the goodie bags of this weekend's Dumpling Days Book Launch! Come and get one (you do NOT need a ticket)!!

fortune cookie friday

2012-01-13T09:00:00.000-05:00

"Even if you live near a forest, you should not waste firewood."
-Chinese Proverb

booktalk tuesday

2012-01-10T08:28:00.004-05:00

The Case of the Goblin Pearls by Laurence Yep

Indiebound Description:

What would you do if your famous movie-star aunt asked you to be a jar of ointment in Chinatown's New Year's parade? And what if disaster struck in the middle of the parade and someone stole the priceless Goblin Pearls right in front of you? Worse still, what if your great-aunt still thought she was the famous action heroine Tiger Lil and decided to catch the thieves? What else could you do but become her sidekick?

Lily is excited when Auntie Tiger Lil comes to San Francisco to arrange the Lion Salve float and marching unit for the New Year's parade. Most famous for the Tiger Lil series of action movies, she's now dabbling in publicity, and the Lion Salve account could finance her movie comeback. The float is sure to be the centerpiece of the parade, especially since Miss Lion Salve will be wearing the ancient Goblin Pearls that day.

The Goblin Pearls have always been trouble, and the day of the parade is no exception. When they're stolen in broad daylight, Tiger Lil isn't about to let some punks ruin her plans -- if the cops can't catch the thieves, she will. But everything is not what it seems, and Tiger Lil and Lily soon find themselves in the middle of a plot worthy of one of Auntie's movies. Will this be the end of Tiger Lil and her trusty sidekick, or will they live to sleuth another day?

My Thoughts:
A fun read to prepare for the Chinese New Year! I love mysteries and this is a good one!

on my desk monday

2012-01-09T09:29:00.001-05:00

Leftover sketches and reference from Dumpling Days! I'm using it to make the special deleted chapter & behind the scenes PDF for the special red envelopes I'm giving away at the Dumpling Days Book Launch!

Sunday Chinese School

2012-01-08T09:30:00.000-05:00

Welcome to Sunday Chinese School, where we learn a Chinese word (or phrase) a week with my mom!

Today's word is:
chocolate
qiăo kè lì

fortune cookie friday

2012-01-06T09:00:00.000-05:00

"In the midst of great joy, do not promise anyone anything. In the midst of great anger, do not answer anyone's letter."
-Chinese Proverb

more dumplings!

2012-01-05T16:51:00.001-05:00

I'm getting more and more excited for the Dumpling Days Book launch! Though, unfortunately, my attempt to get a headcount using tickets is not working so well. I think many enthusiastic young fans from places like Florida and California misunderstood that this was for an actual event and signed up for numerous tickets and I don't know how to adjust the ticket availability. So, even though it says tickets are sold out, please still come!

I plan to make extra goodie bags, just in case! Because of the limited quantity, goodie bags will be given to children first, adult ticket holders second, and everyone else after. Thank you for your understanding.

In the meantime, I've been enjoying reviews of Dumpling Days! At Jama's Alphabet Soup, there is particularly delicious one! Yum!

interview about Anne

2012-01-04T09:32:00.001-05:00

Recently, the LM Montgomery Society interviewed me for their Shining Scroll newsletter. Just in case you aren't familiar with the name, LM Montgomery* is the author of Anne of Green Gables, maybe my favorite book of all time. Needless to say, I was honored to be a part of it! Here is an excerpt:

As you continue to write, do you notice any other opportunities to return to Montgomery for inspiration?

From a technical standpoint, I continue to look at her writing as inspiration for writing description (most recently, I've been studying how she writes sunsets) but her overall work and her thoughts as an author also inspire me.

A lot of children's/young adult books these days are "dark" and many feel as if that gives them more weight and seriousness. So every once and a while, I'll worry if my work is not dark enough. But then I will think of the Anne books and Montgomery herself, who (in response to reviews of her work) wrote, "..one which sneered at my ‘sentiment.’ The attitude of some English critics towards anything that savors of sentiment amuses me. It is to them as the proverbial red rag to a bull. They are very silly. Can’t they see that civilization is founded on and held together by sentiment? Passion is transient and quite as often destructive as not. Sentiment remains and binds."

And I will remember that a book with a true heart is the one most worth writing.

You can read the rest HERE!

*Lucy Maud Montgomery is such a favorite author of mine we were considering naming Rain Dragon Maud. Then, we realized that with my last name, she would be Maud Lin....maudlin...we'd have to have her room Edward Gorey-themed...

booktalk tuesday

2012-01-03T08:00:00.023-05:00

Dumpling Days, by Grace Lin

Sorry for the shameless self-promotion! But I'm so excited about having a new novel just come out, I couldn't resist! And here's the brand new book trailer:

Hope you like this one!!

IndieBound Description:

There was no day that dumplings couldn't make better.

Pacy is back! The beloved heroine of The Year of the Dog and The Year of the Rat has returned in a brand new story. This summer, Pacy's family is going to Taiwan for an entire month to visit family and prepare for their grandmother's 60th birthday celebration. Pacy's parents have signed her up for a Chinese painting class, and at first she's excited. This is a new way to explore her art talent! But everything about the trip is harder than she thought it would be--she looks like everyone else but can't speak the language, she has trouble following the art teacher's instructions, and it's difficult to make friends in her class. At least the dumplings are delicious...

As the month passes by, Pacy eats chicken feet (by accident!), gets blessed by a fortune teller, searches for her true identity, and grows closer to those who matter most.

on my desk monday

2012-01-02T09:00:00.000-05:00

I received my author copies of Dumpling Days!! The book is now available, but the book launch is on Saturday, Jan 21st! I'm hard at work prepping for it (I'm hoping to make enough pocket pacys for everyone), please come!

Sunday Chinese School

2012-01-01T10:21:00.001-05:00

Welcome to Sunday Chinese School, where we learn a Chinese word (or phrase) a week with my mom!

Today's words are:

10: shí
9: jiǔ
8: bā
7: qī
6: liù
5: wǔ
4: sì
3: sān
2: èr
1: yī

last day of the year

2011-12-31T14:01:00.001-05:00

2011 is ending! I plan on starting my resolutions and yearly conclusions at Chinese New Year (to give me some extra time) but today, I feel I must...

answer my mail!!

I really do love hearing from readers and it's important to me that if a child actually sat down and wrote me by hand that I should do the same*. However, it is time consuming and I've been letting the letters pile up since the summer. I'm a little horrified at myself for not responding sooner for requests for bookplates meant for X-mas presents (I'm just opening some of the letters now). SO SORRY! I've dedicated this entire day, the last day of the year, to write back. I will get this pile done before the new year...I hope!

*helpful hint if you want a response: Please make sure you write your return mailing address on your letter--sometimes I lose/mix up envelopes and can't figure out where to send! Apologies to anyone who does not get a response at all, it means I misplaced your return address.

fortune cookie friday

2011-12-30T09:00:00.000-05:00

"The water a cow laps turns into milk.  The water a snake licks changes into poison.  What do things that you touch turn into? "
-Japanese Proverb

the first gift

2011-12-28T09:00:00.002-05:00

Many lovely people have offered baby things for our upcoming Rain Dragon. We are happy to accept but have been putting off the receiving of them as our place is already crammed with our own adult stuff (we have to look into moving soon!). But, for the holidays, the Sasquatch got me (us) a special gift that I had to make room for.

Those of you that have read Year of the Dog, might remember that the main character has a teddy bear named Butterscotch:

That is because in real life I really did have a teddy bear named Butterscotch. I loved him and still have him. His name is Butterscotch because when I first got him he was butterscotch colored. But now he is so old, he is grey (and tattered):

So, the Sasquatch did some internet searching and found a Butterscotch family member:

Which I can't wait to give to our Rain Dragon!!!

Butterscotch and Caramel

the cake we bought

2011-12-26T09:00:00.006-05:00

The first question people ask after they hear about Baby Rain Dragon, is "Is it a boy or a girl?" Well, we wanted to tell our families the answer in a more fun way than usual so (borrowing the idea from my friend Elaine--who just got her first picturebook contract, by the way!)when we got our ultrasound we had the technician write the sex of the baby down on a card and place it in a sealed envelope.

This sealed envelope we brought to a bakery. We asked the baker to make the cake chocolate if it was boy and vanilla if it was a girl and to ice the whole thing in white. This cake we planned to take to the Sasquatch's family for Christmas to cut Christmas morning--all of us finding out the sex of the baby at the same time as our holiday gift!

Of course, in the meantime, I tried to guess by just looking at the ultrasound photo. But I couldn't tell:

However, finally, Christmas morning came and with the magic of technology I skyped my parents and sister's family in for the grand cake cutting...

And it was....

Vanilla! Rain Dragon is a girl!

I checked the card just to make sure:

Hello, Rain Dragonette!

Sunday Chinese School

2011-12-25T10:26:00.000-05:00

Welcome to Sunday Chinese School, where we learn a Chinese word (or phrase) a week with my mom!

Today's word is:
gift
lǐwù

christmas tree

2011-12-24T09:00:00.001-05:00

Everything has been a blur! I've been so busy with all my different projects that I haven't gotten to do all the fun holiday things I usually like to do.

But we did get a tree! Since I didn't have time to think or create a new decorating scheme, we used old ornaments from christmas past, like my origami animals (found them in a hidden box in the closet!):

And last year's birds (I have far less as many were "liberated" over the year by visiting friends):

However, the Sasquatch and I did make one new ornament for the tree:

It's a peanut baby! Even though our baby is in utero, it's rain dragon's first Christmas so I thought we should have something for him/her.

I think it's our nicest tree, yet.

Happy Holidays, all!

fortune cookie friday

2011-12-23T09:00:00.000-05:00

"If there is beauty in character, there will be harmony in the home. If there is harmony in the home, there will be order in the nation. If there is order in the nation, there will be peace in the world."
-Chinese Proverb

all is even brighter

2011-12-21T08:48:00.001-05:00

Some people know Christmas is coming when the mall brings out the Santa Claus or you get a Christmas tree. But, I know it's Christmas when the house down the street lights up the night. Year after year, this house makes me smile every holiday season:

I'm trying to imagine how they'll fit more lights next year...

booktalk tuesday

2011-12-20T09:00:00.000-05:00

A Girl Named Faithful Plum: The True Story of a Dancer from China and How She Achieved Her Dream By Richard Bernstein

IndieBound Description: In 1977, when Zhongmei Lei was eleven years old, she learned that the prestigious Beijing Dance Academy was having open auditions. She'd already taken dance lessons, but everyone said a poor country girl would never get into the academy, especially without any connections in the Communist Party of the 1970s. But Zhongmei, whose name means Faithful Plum, persisted, even going on a hunger strike, until her parents agreed to allow her to go. She traveled for three days and two nights to get to Beijing and eventually beat out 60,000 other girls for one of 12 coveted spots. But getting in was easy compared to staying in, as Zhongmei soon learned. Without those all-important connections she was just a little girl on her own, far away from family. But her determination, talent, and sheer force of will were not something the teachers or other students expected, and soon it was apparent that Zhongmei was not to be underestimated.

Zhongmei became a famous dancer, and founded her own dance company, which made its New York debut when she was in just her late 20s. In A Girl Named Faithful Plum, her husband and renowned journalist, Richard Bernstein, has written a fascinating account of one girl's struggle to go from the remote farmlands of China to the world's stages, and the lengths she went to in order to follow her dream.

My Thoughts: This is the book that I reviewed for the NYTimes!!

on my desk monday

2011-12-19T09:00:00.023-05:00

On my desk is a copy of the Sunday NY Times Book Review, where the review OF the book is written by me! A little change of pace to be on the other side of a book review, but proud that I can say I was a book reviewer for the NYTimes!

Sunday Chinese School

2011-12-18T10:16:00.001-05:00

Welcome to Sunday Chinese School, where we learn a Chinese word (or phrase) a week with my mom!

Today's words are:

silver: yínsè
gold: jīnsè

fortune cookie friday

2011-12-16T09:00:00.001-05:00

"If you light a lamp for somebody, it will also brighten your own path. "
-Chinese Proverb

Let's make this a happy holidays for bookstores, too!

2011-12-14T08:37:00.004-05:00

Every year I post a plea to think about buying books for the holidays but this year, I'm adding an additional thought. Please think about where you purchase those books, too.

I love online shopping, I do it all the time. And I actually don't have any animosity towards Amazon either. My books are often considered niche and aren't usually in stores. If it weren't for Amazon, many of my books probably wouldn't be sold.

But, this recent promotion of Amazon's is rather a low blow (paraphrasing from the ShelfTalker blog):

The promotion: quite simply, to walk into any store, take a picture of the item with the price with your Amazon price checker app, and get $5 off on that item when you order it from Amazon. You’re allowed to do this three times on Saturday.

So, Jeff Bezos has decided or at least approved this scheme that all bricks and mortar stores should be visited, left empty-handed so folks can shop on Amazon while giving them price info from other stores. Wow. The thoughts I’m having about this promotion cannot be printed here. If I weren’t so riled up, I’d be despondent at such a horrible attack on stores. Perhaps folks will go to chain stores, and not arrive at small, independent stores, scan a QR code and leave.

As much as I love online shopping, I also love bookstores. And as an author, I need bookstores. I've seen one of my favorite bookstore go out of business and I'd hate to see more. Local bookstores pay taxes, donate to schools and keep the love of books and reading alive on a true grassroots level. I shudder at the thought of Amazon wiping them away--it's quite dangerous when there is only one entity selling your books.

So, please keep your local stores around by shopping at an independent bookstore, toy store or giftshop. Or, if you are so inclined, help me to help keep my local bookstore alive and kicking: if you are interested in giving any of my books as holiday gifts, instead of clicking on Amazon, click HERE! I am happy to add a personalized autograph. And, if you pre-order my book Dumpling Days there, I'll include a red envelope with an exclusive URL to read deleted chapters and behind the scene images (and maybe even more goodies from the launch party!)

Happy Holiday Shopping, all!

booktalk tuesday

2011-12-13T09:00:00.000-05:00

Flicka, Ricka, Dicka and Their New Skates by Maj Lindman

IndieBound Description:
Early one Christmas morning in Sweden, Flick, Ricka, and Dicka opened their eyes. Soon they would have their Christmas gifts! For the first time in over thirty years, this classic holiday tale returns, in a deluxe hardcover edition. Longtime fans of the series will delight in revisiting the story, and new readers will find fun and excitement as the girls must save their friend Bertie after an ice-skating disaster.

My Thoughts:
This is a bit younger than the books I usually recommend on Booktalk Tuesdays, but I was SO excited to see that this book has been reissued--with paper dolls!!! You might remember how these books directly inspired my early reader Ling & Ting, made Ling and Ting paper dolls and how I dreamed of being an ice skater...so put all those things together and you can imagine how much I heart this book!

on my desk monday

2011-12-12T09:00:00.000-05:00

Where the Mountain Meets the Moon was given the Beehive Award!!! This award is given by the Children's Literature Association of Utah. Winners are chosen from the nominated books by the children of Utah, who vote for their favorite books.
Thanks so much, Utah!!

Sunday Chinese School

2011-12-11T10:13:00.000-05:00

Welcome to Sunday Chinese School, where we learn a Chinese word (or phrase) a week with my mom!

Today's words are:

black: hēisè
white: báisè
grey: huīsè

December Kid's Review: Year of the Dog

2011-12-10T09:00:00.000-05:00

This month's Kid's Review is of Year of the Dog:

*If you have a review of one of my books that you would like to share, send it to Gracelin.manager@gmail.com! Multimedia (audio clip, youtube link, etc) is encouraged but not necessary.

fortune cookie friday

2011-12-09T09:00:00.000-05:00

"If you want your children to have a peaceful life, let them suffer a little hunger and a little coldness."
-Chinese Proverb

Get Your Ticket!

2011-12-08T08:30:00.002-05:00

I know we are all consumed with December holiday shopping (don't forget you can order autographed books from Porter Square Books (617-491-2220 or online--put to whom you wish the books to be autographed to in the special comments section) but there's something January I'd love for you to keep in mind, too...

Dumpling Days, as I may have mentioned once or twice, is coming out in January. With Tex Lin on its way, this might be the last public event I do in a while so we're going to make this one a big one!

So, please come celebrate Chinese New Year and the book launch of my new novel, Dumpling Days! It's going to be a grand celebration!

The you-don't-want-to-miss-goodie bags might include:

-a red envelope with an exclusive URL to read deleted chapters and behind the scene images (find out what was true and what wasn't!)

-special edition Pocket Pacys (www.pocketpacy.com)

-a chance to win an original piece of art (by me)

-and more!

Tickets to the book launch are FREE! But please obtain one so that I know how many guests to expect. Even if you don't sign up for a ticket you are still welcome to come (but no guarantee for your goodie bag!).

WHEN: Saturday, January 21st at 1pm

WHERE: Porter Square Books (617-491-2220), 25 White St. Cambridge, MA

HOW: Obtain your tickets HERE. These tickets are FREE, but getting a ticket helps me know how many goodie bags to prepare!

**Are you not local? Not sure if you can make it? If you pre-order your book from Porter Square Books (617-491-2220 or order online--make sure you write to whom you wish the book to be autographed to in the "special comments" section), I'll autograph it at the Book launch PLUS include the red envelope exclusive (and maybe more!)

back to work

2011-12-07T09:00:00.034-05:00

My events are winding down but there's no rest for me! Now, I'm working on the illustrations for Starry River of the Sky! It is scheduled to come out in the fall 2012 and I've got to really start focusing to make that happen... it's so soon! eeks! But so far, at least in terms of effort, I feel pretty proud of what I've done. It's just a matter of keeping that effort up during the illustration phase.

But, I feel like I'm juggling so many different things now--holidays, local visits, and my upcoming book release of Dumpling Days as well as the rain dragon. I know I have to be realistic about what I can achieve ("You can have it all but not all at the same time!"), however I also can't bring myself to lower my standards for this book. So, I'm trying to think positive and believe that I can do it, for now at least (it all changes after the rain dragon arrival, I know)...and, luckily, I have a very supportive Sasquatch to help.

Above is the sketch for the cover, final painting to come.

booktalk tuesday

2011-12-06T09:00:00.000-05:00

Matilda by Roald Dahl

From Publisher's Weekly:
Matilda is an extraordinarily gifted four-year-old whose parentsa crass, dishonest used-car dealer and a self-centered, blowsy bingo addictregard her as "nothing more than a scab." Life with her beastly parents is bearable only because Matilda teaches herself to read, finds the public library, and discovers literature. Also, Matilda loves using her lively intelligence to perpetrate daring acts of revenge on her father. This pastime she further develops when she enrolls in Crunchem Hall Primary School, whose headmistress, Miss Trunchbull, is "a fierce tyrannical monster . . . ." Adults may cringe at Dahl's excesses in describing the cruel Miss Trunchbull, as well as his reliance on overextended characterization at the expense of plot development. Children, however, with their keenly developed sense of justice, will relish the absolutes of stupidity, greed, evil and might versus intelligence, courage and goodness. They also will sail happily through the contrived, implausible ending. Dahl's phenomenal popularity among children speaks for his breathless storytelling charms; his fans won't be disappointed by Matilda. Blake's droll pen-and-ink sketches extend the exaggerated humor.

My Thoughts: Most people hear the name Roald Dahl and think James and the Giant Peach or Charlie and the Chocolate Factory, but he also wrote Matilda--a great, smart girl classic you shouldn't miss!

on my desk monday and calendar event in Ohio

2011-12-05T08:28:00.003-05:00

On my desk are the Red Thread Calendars! The COFCC did a beautiful job making them and I'm so glad I was able to go out to Columbus to help launch the sale (you can still buy one now! 100% of the proceeds go to help orphanages in China).

The event in Ohio was my last non-local event for the year. I'm sticking close to home until February (when I go on another whirlwind of school visits), it's going to be a nice not to travel for a little while. But I was glad to attend the Ohio event, it was great fun! A professional photographer, Michelle Raines, was at the event and took these lovely photos. Kind of makes me wish I had a professional photographer at all my events!

I did a small presentation:

To a really LARGE crowd:

Like I said, it was great fun!

As a small thank-you to the organizer, I gave her daughters an advanced reading copy of Dumpling Days (this photo taken by me):

She stopped reading when she got to page 23 because she said it was making her too hungry! I hope she finished it after she got something to eat.

Thanks so much, COFCC !

Sunday Chinese School

2011-12-04T10:11:00.001-05:00

Welcome to Sunday Chinese School, where we learn a Chinese word (or phrase) a week with my mom!

Today's word is:
winter
dōngtiān

Red Threads Calendar Now Available!

2011-12-03T08:00:00.034-05:00

It's December, which means it's time to buy a new calendar! Why not buy this one? 100% of the proceeds (after printing costs) will go to assist orphanages in China!

I'm proud to have my art featured along with happy faces of adopted children in the lovely Red Threads Calendar, a product of the Central Ohio's Families with Children from China chapter. I'm so proud that I am actually in Columbus, Ohio right now! We're having an event to celebrate the calendar's release. If you are local, come on over:

WHEN: TODAY, December 3rd from 2:30 PM - 4:00 PM
WHERE: Orange Library in Delaware County, 7171 Good Blvd, Delaware, OH

Free and open to the public!

Books and calendars will be available. If you can't make it today, but want to have something to be personally autographed to be picked up later, call Fundamentals at (740)363-0290. Not local, but still want a calendar? Order HERE!

fortune cookie friday

2011-12-02T09:00:00.001-05:00

"Better the cottage where one is merry than the palace where one weeps."
-Chinese Proverb

booking through bookfairs

2011-11-30T09:02:00.002-05:00

Finally catching up with things! I'm hoping to start regularly posting about current topics but here's one more about last month's events.

My last two events were book fairs. One of the fun thing about book fairs is that I get to see and meet other authors. At the Ct Book Fair I saw/met these delightful people:

Allison Paul, me, Susannah Richards, Salley Mavor and Matt Tavares

And I spoke to a room full of people and signed books for a lot of them, including the lovely ladies of the blog The Secret DMS Files of Fairday Morrow who just wrote this nice review of Where the Mountain Meets the Moon.

Then a couple days later I headed of to the Miami BookFair where I snuck into the children's book authors Boy's Club:

Jonathan Auxier, Gene Luen Yang, Dan Santat, me and Matt Phelan

At this point, even though I was trying to keep the surprise under wraps so we could tell the family at Thanksgiving, I felt like I was starting to show. So I let the secret out (also, it was hard to explain why I couldn't eat sushi) and Dan dubbed the baby as "Tex Lin." What do you think? Nice ring to it?

At the Miami BookFair, I spoke to a group of 700 kids, each of them receiving a copy of Where the Mountain Meets the Moon!

Many students had already read it. One girl brought in her book project on it:

Isn't it GREAT?

It was a super fun time...but onward I go! For my last event of this year, I'll be in Central Ohio to celebrate the release of the 2012 Red Threads Calendar! Come and get a calendar and some books signed for holiday gifts!* Hope to see you!

*Don't forget, you can order personalized autographed books from Porter Square Books (617-491-2220)

booktalk tuesday

2011-11-29T09:00:00.000-05:00

Charlotte's Web, by EB White

IndieBound Description:
This is the story of a little girl named Fern, who loves a little pig named Wilbur--and of Wilbur's dear friend Charlotte, a beautiful large grey spider who lives with Wilbur in the barn. With the help of some friendly farm animals, Charlotte saves the life of Wilbur, who is Some Pig.
A timeless tale of friendship, loyalty, and truth.

My Thoughts:Another amazing classic (for some reason November seems to be the month where I want to pull out the classics) that I was surprised I hadn't featured before. This book Is timeless and wonderful. If you haven't read this, you are truly missing out. If you have read it, take some time to reread it and love it all over again!

on my desk monday

2011-11-28T09:36:00.011-05:00

The last piece of the cake we made (don't miss the surprise!). Squatchie ate the gingerbread baby!

Sunday Chinese School

2011-11-27T10:10:00.001-05:00

Welcome to Sunday Chinese School, where we learn a Chinese word (or phrase) a week with my mom!

Today's word is:
food
shíwù

the cake we made

2011-11-25T20:04:00.004-05:00

For Thanksgiving, my mother asked me if we could bring the dessert. The Sasquatch and I had thought about making pie but I saw a recipe in Martha Stewart's magazine for a gingerbread cake. It looked yummy, so we made that:

We decorated it with gingerbread cookies (that is the Sasquatch's specialty. He makes amazing gingerbread cookies).

And we added a surprise....

Surprise!

Happy Thanksgiving, everyone!

fortune cookie friday

2011-11-25T09:00:00.001-05:00

"Let us rise up and be thankful; for if we didn't learn a lot today, at least we learned a little, and if we didn't learn a little, at least we didn't get sick, and if we got sick, at least we didn't die; so, let us all be thankful."
-Buddha

Thanks

2011-11-24T12:16:00.001-05:00

As we all rush off to turkey dinners (or in my case, most likely, some sort of sushi or Chinese fried fish), I wanted to take a quick moment to thank all of you for being my readers! I know I haven't been good about blogging lately, but I DO appreciate your interest and support. And most of all, I wish all of you a Happy Thanksgiving!

feeling welcomed

2011-11-23T09:00:00.002-05:00

Still behind on this blog! Earlier this month I did a round of school visits in Arlington, VA and they made me feel so welcome that I had to post about it (if a bit belatedly):

And how could I not feel welcomed? In one school, a Thanking the Moon display greeted me:

I loved the little dishes and the jar top "mooncakes"

Food also welcomed me:

As did a plethora of dragons:

I almost took this one home (2012 is the Year of the Dragon!):

THANKS SO MUCH, Arlington Schools!

booktalk tuesday

2011-11-22T09:00:00.000-05:00

Anne of Green Gables, by LM Montgomery

IndieBound Description:
As soon as Anne Shirley arrived at the snug, white farmhouse called Green Gables, she knew she wanted to stay forever... but would the Cuthberts send her back to the orphanage? Anne knows she's not what they expected -- a skinny girl with decidedly red hair and a temper to match. If only she could convince them to let her stay, she'd try very hard not to keep rushing headlong into scrapes or blurt out the very first thing she had to say. Anne was not like anybody else, everyone at Green Gables agreed; she was special -- a girl with an enormous imagination. This orphan girl dreamed of the day when she could call herself Anne of Green Gables.

My thoughts:Maybe my most favorite book in the whole world, I was actually really surprised I hadn't featured it before! It completely has ingrained itself in my life, Anne is one of my best friends. I'm posting the cover that I had, but there are hundreds of different editions to choose from--so no excuses for not reading this book.

on my desk monday

2011-11-21T09:00:00.008-05:00

I was thrilled to see that Ling and Ting was listed on the MA Book Award's 2011 Must Read Titles! Even the 2011 is coming to a close, I just got these posters:

Ling & Ting is in pretty good company, don't you think?

Sunday Chinese School

2011-11-20T10:08:00.001-05:00

Welcome to Sunday Chinese School, where we learn a Chinese word (or phrase) a week with my mom!

Today's word is:
Thank
xièxie

fortune cookie friday

2011-11-18T09:00:00.000-05:00

"In every family's cooking pot is one black spot."
-Chinese Proverb

travels

2011-11-17T15:22:00.000-05:00

I've been so behind on this blog! I've been traveling around so much that I haven't had time to update this as much as I'd like. But the trips have been worth it! I visited Tulsa, OK for the first time ever as part of the Books to Treasure Program:

Featuring my book, Lissy's Friends, the library gave a copy of the book to every child participating in the program (with a bookplate) plus they made a special library card featuring the book. I SO heart the library card!

During the day, I visited schools that welcomed me with large origami animals:

And origami cards:

And at night, I was special attraction at the Library's auditorium:

With a loooooooong line of people for booksigning. I wish I could give away my books for free more often!

After such hospitality, I didn't want to leave. So, I left a little me behind:

Yes, there's a Pocket Pacy in Tulsa, OK:

Hope someone finds it!

vote!

2011-11-16T09:13:00.001-05:00

Remember the Bookie Woogie's video review of "Where the Mountain Meets the Moon" (also on my sidebar over there)? School Library Journal has chosen it as a finalist for the 2nd annual Trailee Awards! The winners are selected by public vote. You can see all the finalists and vote for your favorites in 6 categories HERE!

Voting ends December 16th!

booktalk tuesday

2011-11-15T09:00:00.000-05:00

A Wrinkle in Time by Madeleine L'Engle

IndieBound Description:
It was a dark and stormy night; Meg Murry, her small brother Charles Wallace, and her mother had come down to the kitchen for a midnight snack when they were upset by the arrival of a most disturbing stranger.

"Wild nights are my glory," the unearthly stranger told them. "I just got caught in a downdraft and blown off course. Let me sit down for a moment, and then I'll be on my way. Speaking of ways, by the way, there is such a thing as a tesseract."

A tesseract (in case the reader doesn't know) is a wrinkle in time. To tell more would rob the reader of the enjoyment of Miss L'Engle's unusual book. A Wrinkle in Time, winner of the Newbery Medal in 1963, is the story of the adventures in space and time of Meg, Charles Wallace, and Calvin O'Keefe (athlete, student, and one of the most popular boys in high school). They are in search of Meg's father, a scientist who disappeared while engaged in secret work for the government on the tesseract problem.

My Thoughts:I thought this would be a good book to bridge October to November. This is a great book--children's book fantasy, science fiction at its very best!

on my desk monday

2011-11-14T09:00:00.000-05:00

I've been buying these postcards one by one from my favorite bookstore. I've been completely charmed by these images by Serge Bloch and whenever I see them they make me smile. Simple joy! I only just found out that the artist has also done books:

I placed an order for this one and can't wait to see what it's like!

Sunday Chinese School

2011-11-13T10:07:00.000-05:00

Welcome to Sunday Chinese School, where we learn a Chinese word (or phrase) a week with my mom!

Today's word is:
cold
lěng

fortune cookie friday

2011-11-11T09:00:00.000-05:00

"The older the ginger, the more it bites."
-Chinese Proverb

full swing

2011-11-09T09:00:00.011-05:00

My school visit season is now in full swing! It's quite a dilemma, school visits. I enjoy doing them--nothing is more fun then actually seeing my book in use--but sometimes I find my schedule more dedicated to talking about books than actually making them.

But it's not something I feel like I should really complain about. I know how lucky I am to make books and talk to kids who read them. Plus, seeing what my books inspire is really priceless...like this fortune cookie fortune:

Ha ha!

booktalk tuesday

2011-11-08T09:00:00.000-05:00

The Case of the Missing Marquess: an Enola Holmes Mystery, by Nancy Springer
IndieBound Description: When Enola Holmes, sister to the detective Sherlock Holmes, discovers her mother has disappeared, she quickly embarks on a journey to London in search of her. But nothing can prepare her for what awaits. Because when she arrives, she finds herself involved in the kidnapping of a young marquess, fleeing murderous villains, and trying to elude her shrewd older brothers--all while attempting to piece together clues to her mother's strange disappearance. Amid all the mayhem, will Enola be able to decode the necessary clues and find her mother?

My Thoughts: Oh, I love Enola Holmes! I am addicted to the whole series and if you read this one you will be too! These books are just a tiny bit older than most of the other books I recommend (not a lot though), mainly because this contains real thrills of murderous villains, etc--but that's the fun too!

holiday shopping

2011-11-07T09:00:00.005-05:00

So Halloween is over and I've noticed that the stores have moved right on into holiday shopping decorations--some even bypassing Thanksgiving!

Well, before you shop at the mall, I just wanted to let you know that I'm teaming up with Porter Square Books again to offer my books personally autographed books for the holidays! How does it work?

Simply call the Porter Square Bookstore at 617-491-2220 (you can also order online) and ask for a signed or personalized copy of ANY of my books from Where the Mountain Meets the Moon to Ling and Ting. (You can browse all my available books HERE).

You pay for the book(s), shipping, and handling, and the bookstore will ship signed stock in time for the occasion, even gift-wrapped if requested. Remember, if you want the books personalized, to provide the name of recipient to bookseller. I will be going in to sign until Dec. 21st, so this is a great opportunity to get books specially signed for the holidays (as well as support a great independent bookstore)!

Sunday Chinese School

2011-11-06T09:30:00.000-05:00

Welcome to Sunday Chinese School, where we learn a Chinese word (or phrase) a week with my mom!

Today's word is:
sleep
shuì jiào

November Kid Review: Bringing in the New Year

2011-11-05T09:00:00.000-04:00

This month's Kid Review of Bringing in the New Year:

*If you have a review of one of my books that you would like to share, send it to Gracelin.manager@gmail.com! Multimedia (audio clip, youtube link, etc) is encouraged but not necessary.

fortune cookie friday

2011-11-04T09:00:00.001-04:00

"In the coldest flint there is hot fire."
-Chinese Proverb

Thank you, 3rd Graders!

2011-11-03T09:00:00.001-04:00

I'm just starting to catch up on all my e-mails and notes and finally saw this:

Yay! It's another 90-second Newbery movie of Where the Mountain Meets the Moon (make sure you don't miss the others!)! Isn't it great?

Felix & company, please contact me via gracelin.manager@gmail.com; I'd love to give you some prints from my etsy store (as promised)!

pocket pacys in the US

2011-11-02T09:25:00.033-04:00

So there are three more Pocket Pacys:

And they have all found new homes. One I left them at statue in Seward, Nebraska, where I took part of the Plum Creek Literary Festival:

Another by an elephant, in Wilmington, Delaware, where I did a school visit at the Wilmington Friends School:

And the last was in Fresno, CA when I took part at the IBBY conference:

Where will the go from here?

BookTalk Tuesday

2011-11-01T09:00:00.000-04:00

Ramona Quimby, Age 8 by Beverly Cleary

IndieBound Description:
Ramona feels quite grown-up taking the bus by herself, helping big sister Beezus make dinner, and trying hard to be nice to pesky Willa Jean after school. Turning eight years old and entering the first grade can do that to a girl. So how can her teacher call her a nuisance?

My Thoughts: If you are past the age of 8 and have not read this, you have missed something very, very important as well as wonderful! Everyone should know Ramona, and this book captures her vibrant, very real personality the best. I'm still not a huge fan on these new covers, but it's probably nostalgia that is holding me back.

happy halloween pumpkins!

2011-10-31T09:00:00.001-04:00

It's been a bit crazy lately but I refused to give up our holiday pumpkin carving tradition. So, the gang gathered together again and we had a messy massacre of pumpkins guts:

But I think we are all getting better at carving because I think this was our best batch yet:

As usual, there was an eclectic theme ranging from Spiderman to bunnies:

The Sasquatch did a particularly charming Pac-Man themed pumpkin:

I admit I had a soft spot for the children's book ones:

Richard Scarry and Ed Emberly-inspired!

Because, of course, I carved some of them:

My older sister and niece came to the pumpkin carving for the first time and both did frogs:

What will we carve next year?

Sunday Chinese School

2011-10-30T10:04:00.000-04:00

Welcome to Sunday Chinese School, where we learn a Chinese word (or phrase) a week with my mom!

Today's word is:
scary
kǒngbù

happy feet

2011-10-28T13:10:00.000-04:00

There's a Chinese saying that all journeys begin with the first step. Well, I've been stepping and am glad to have hit a rest stop. Because The Starry River of the Sky manuscript is finished! I've been furiously working on revisions and now it's off to copyediting! Phew! I treated myself to a pedicure as reward.

But my pretty toes have got to start walking soon. Not only do I have to start the illustrations for the book, I have a full calendar of events coming up. Next week (Nov. 4th!), I'll be in Tulsa, OK as part of the Tulsa-County Library Books-to-Treasure event and then Nov. 19th, I'll be in Florida at the Miami Book Fair! Hope to see you!

fortune cookie friday

2011-10-28T09:00:00.002-04:00

"No one is more afraid of ghosts than those that don't believe in them."
-Chinese Proverb

Booktalk tuesday

2011-10-25T09:00:00.000-04:00

What the Witch Left, by Ruth Chew

From the Ruth Chew website:
Katy's aunt has left some very strange things locked in a drawer… Things that look ordinary but are actually magic! When Katy and her friend Louise unlock the drawer, they learn some very interesting secrets, but they also discover that magic causes a lot of trouble— especially now that Katy has lost the key! Her aunt is coming to get her stuff back, and if she's a witch, she won't be too happy.

My thoughts: I've written before about how much I love Ruth Chew books, but it's worth mentioning again! Her books are the perfect books to read at Halloween! They are all about witches and magic but they are NOT scary at all. This one is my favorite (I loved the magic gloves and how they went to Mexico in the magic boots).
Sadly all of Ruth Chew's books out of print (even though they should not be!) but you can probably get them from the library or find them used pretty easily.

on my desk monday

2011-10-24T08:51:00.000-04:00

Even though I meant to post about this much earlier that by no means diminishes the absolute thrill I had when I received this. Where the Mountain Meets the Moon was given the Sakura Medal! This is an award given by International Schools across Japan. Arigato gozaimasu!

down the rabbit hole!

2011-10-23T22:00:00.000-04:00

me and Alvina!

Lately, I've been horrible about blogging here. Truth is, ever since France, I've been completely buried.

Of course, it's a hole of my own making. When I was in New Orleans in June, I had my tarot cards read and the fortune teller told me that I seem to like to have a lot of projects going on...and I would have to start limiting them. Well, she was right--on both counts. I do have to start limiting my projects, but I also like all of them. I don't know which ones to choose! Ones that feed my soul, ones that pay my bills, ones that have the most people counting on? I think I might need a tarot card reading just to help me choose.

In the meantime, I am just trying to skirt by! Right now my editor Alvina (aka Melody from the Year of the Dog) and I are in Fresno, at the USBBY conference where we gave a talk on the author/editor relationship. I read aloud the first chapter of my work-in-progress, The Starry River of the Sky! I guess I was trying to multi-task and work on some revisions at the same time as giving a speech.

Sunday Chinese School

2011-10-23T10:03:00.000-04:00

Welcome to Sunday Chinese School, where we learn a Chinese word (or phrase) a week with my mom!

Today's word is:
ghost
guǐ

fortune cookie friday

2011-10-21T09:00:00.000-04:00

"Avoid suspicion: when you're walking through your neighbor's melon patch, don't tie your shoe."
-Chinese Proverb

booktalk tuesday

2011-10-18T09:00:00.001-04:00

The Devil's Storybook, by Natalie Babbitt

From IndieBound:
"Ten comic stories about the machinations of the Devil to increase the population of his realm...The stories are delightful in their narrative fluency, full of surprises, and frequently spiced with dashes of Saki-like mischief. A suitably wicked but hilarious drawing accompanies each tale."--Starred / The Horn Book

My Thoughts:This will be the preferred Halloween book for those who might have found Coraline a little too creepy. Short stories full of laughs and surprises, devilish but not scary--the way some people (including me) prefer their Halloweens.

on my desk monday

2011-10-17T09:17:00.001-04:00

I meant to blog about this ages and ages ago, but got squeezed for time. However, since the school year has started this seems apropo now, too!

Last year I did a Skype visit (I don't usually do Skype visit but I make exceptions for special cases) with the Al-Hamra Academy and as a thank you, they sent me this completely WONDERFUL book cataloguing their projects with Where the Mountain Meets the Moon!

Our Skype visit is even included:

And these pages just bring tears of joy into my eyes!

Thanks so much, Al-Hamra Academy!!!

Sunday Chinese School

2011-10-16T10:01:00.000-04:00

Welcome to Sunday Chinese School, where we learn a Chinese word (or phrase) a week with my mom!

Today's word is:
leaves
shùyè

fortune cookie friday

2011-10-14T09:00:00.001-04:00

"A single beam cannot support a great house."
-Chinese Proverb

on the way to the grocery store

2011-10-13T20:31:00.000-04:00

Someone is watching!

booktalk tuesday

2011-10-11T09:00:00.001-04:00

Coraline by Neil Gaiman

IndieBound Description:When Coraline steps through a door to find another house strangely similar to her own (only better), things seem marvelous.
But there's another mother there, and another father, and they want her to stay and be their little girl. They want to change her and never let her go.
Coraline will have to fight with all her wit and courage if she is to save herself and return to her ordinary life.

My thoughts:Neil Gaiman is the modern king of creepy/goth kid books, perfect for Halloween reading! I liked this better than the Graveyard Book, even though that one won all the awards. But both gave me shivers!

on my desk monday

2011-10-10T09:38:00.011-04:00

I'm continuing the Pocket Pacy project! Here are three new ones that will soon have new homes as I travel the US for my school visits. And, with this inspiration, I'm thinking of making some very similar looking Ling & Ting ornaments to sell at this weekend's RISD alumni sale!

Sunday Chinese School

2011-10-09T10:00:00.000-04:00

Welcome to Sunday Chinese School, where we learn a Chinese word (or phrase) a week with my mom!

Today's word is:
autumn
qiūtiān

fortune cookie friday

2011-10-07T09:00:00.001-04:00

"Don't poke holes in the paper of your own lantern."
-Chinese Proverb

booktalk tuesday

2011-10-04T10:30:00.005-04:00

Since I have returned from France, we now return to our regularly scheduled posts...welcome back BookTalk Tuesdays!

How to Eat Fried Worms, by Thomas Rockwell

IndieBound Description:Because of a bet, Billy is in the uncomfortable position of having to eat fifteen worms in fifteen days. The worms are supplied by his opponent, whose motto is "The bigger and juicier, the better!" At first Billy's problem is whether or not he can swallow the worm placed before him, even with a choice of condiments from peanut butter to horseradish. But later it looks as if Billy will win, and the challenge becomes getting to the worm to eat it. Billy's family, after checking with the doctor, takes everything in stride. They even help Billy through his gastronomic ordeal, which twists and turns with each new day, leaving the outcome of the bet continually in doubt.

My Thoughts: I remember my third (or was it fourth?) grade teacher reading this aloud to us in school and the whole class loved it! This book always kind of feels like autumn to me. Great book.

versailles and au revoir

2011-10-03T08:28:00.001-04:00

And then it was our last day in France. Our flight was at 7pm, so we thought we'd fit in one last sight before we headed to the airport. And that last sight was Versailles!

It was only after we got there that we realized what a mistake it was to try to see Versailles on our last day and for only a couple of hours. Versailles is enormous. There's the main palace, the numerous gardens, the canal, and then Marie-Antoinette's estate. You definitely need at least a whole day to really see it.

We made the mistake of starting with the main palace:

The reason why this was a mistake was because it was incredibly crowded and time consuming:

Though not without some neat visuals:

Marie Antoinette's bed!

The Sasquatch, a bit overwhelmed, at the splendor in the Hall of Mirrors

lots' o mirrors in the Hall of Mirrors!

But we soon realized that it was the outdoor gardens and the rest of the estate that we'd rather see.

I particularly wanted to go to Marie-Antoinette's Estate and see something labeled the "Temple of Love." I had one Pocket Pacy left and I thought that sounded fitting.

However to get there was rather confusing.

And instead of at the Temple of Love, we found ourselves at the Grand Trianon and out of time. So the last Pocket Pacy was forced to take residence there.

I thought her outfit looked rather regal! Fits right in, don't you think?

Au Revoir, Pocket Pacy! Au Revoir, France!

Sunday Chinese School

2011-10-02T09:57:00.000-04:00

Welcome to Sunday Chinese School, where we learn a Chinese word (or phrase) a week with my mom!

Today's word is:
teacher
lǎoshī

Pocket Pacy #7

2011-10-01T09:25:00.022-04:00

On the way back from Rouen, I could not help but notice that there was a town called...PACY!!!

There are only 8 Pocket Pacys but I am a Pacy too, so there are 9!

Well, Pocket Pacy and I had to go and visit our town! It's only polite.

Hey, look! We own a Creperie! Yum!

I better leave a Pocket Pacy to oversee the shop.

Don't eat up all the profits, Pocket Pacy!

Madame Pocket Pacy (#6)

2011-09-30T09:28:00.061-04:00

Other than Joan of Arc and having a bookstore with MY book, Rouen is known as the birthplace of Gustave Flaubert, the author of the classic work Madame Bovary.

I remember feeling slightly ambivalent about the book when I read it in high school, but upon rereading I found myself rather enjoying the romanticism of it. Regardless, Flaubert was a superb author whom I was pleased to find out had a museum dedicated to him. Voila la Musee Flaubert!

I have to admit, I was a bit surprised when touring the museum. I thought it would be about Flaubert, Madame Bovary and his writing. Instead it focused on lots of archaic and rather gruesome medical history. It seems Gustave Flaubert's father was a rather famous doctor and this museum is a record of his practice.

I've declined to show the photos of the more unsettling images (let's just say medicine has come a long way!) but the museum did show how Gustave Flaubert grew up with the harsh realities of life and death around him. Perhaps that explains the naive, extremely romantic character of Madame Bovary, he may have written it as a direct reaction to his surroundings.

apothecary jars of Gustave Flaubert's father, one of the more attractive of the displays in the museum...

However, interesting Gustave Flaubert quotes adorned the museum:

Literature. The occupation of the idle.

This quote was very apropos, considering the medical history surroundings:

I have a style abscess and a phrase itch

In the courtyard of the museum, there was a statue memorializing Madame Bovary. I thought she could use the company of a Pocket Pacy:

C'est Madame Pocket Pacy!

rouen

2011-09-29T09:27:00.055-04:00

From our place in Giverny, we were able to take some day trips. One day trip was to the city of Rouen.

Rouen is mainly famous for being the place where Joan of Arc was burned at the stake:

But it also the home of the Rouen Cathedral, made famous by a series of paintings done by Claude Monet (do you see a theme?)

I'm holding a postcard of one of Monet's paintings!

I tried to channel some of Monet's artistry by making my own sketch of the Rouen Cathedral:

I had a very "impressionistic" result at least:

There were many other fine sites to see in Rouen, which was a smaller and calmer city than Paris. Such as this very cool, ancient clock (you could take tours to see the inside):

And a sign signifying a whole street of pie! Yum! I imagine each house having its own specialty--apple, blueberry, cherry...

The Sasquatch says it doesn't really translate to Pie Street, but I don't care.

But instead of pie, there were frozen macarons.

I was not really that disappointed.

And there was this beautiful, old carousel that had just been restored:

I love the animals!

But I have to admit, my favorite place was going into the bookstore:

Because there I found...

Oh la la! Is it really my book?

a French copy of Where the Mountain Meets the Moon!!!

or as it's known in France as, La Ou La Montagne Rejoint La Lune!

C'est magnifique! J'adore Rouen!

me in monet's garden

2011-09-28T09:27:00.060-04:00

The big site in Giverny is, of course, Monet's Garden. We (Pocket Pacy and I) went first thing in the morning:

I particularly was excited about going because I loved the book Linnea in Monet's Garden. It's an absolutely wonderful book that brings to life impressionism more than my art history books...I remembered the details from this book much more than the details from my Gardener's Art Through the Ages. But that might be saying more about me than the book...

I brought this book with me to the garden!

So seeing the pink house, the sunflowers and the garden in real life was incredibly enchanting! I hadn't realized how large the house or the gardens really were.

I had always thought Monet's pink house was a small cottage...it was not!

the garden was quite expansive, rows and rows of blooming flowers

Linnea in Monet's Garden come to life!

But my favorite part was going to the water lilies! After seeing so many of Monet's water lily paintings it was magical to go where he actually painted them, the scene that inspired his masterpieces:

I tried to draw it myself with an impressionistic flair:

It was such an enchanting place. I didn't want to leave. So, I decided to leave a Pocket Pacy here in my stead:

Maybe she will be a part of someone else's impression of Monet's Garden!

giverny

2011-09-27T09:26:00.102-04:00

Our next stop was Giverny!

Even though I was thrilled about going to Giverny, I got too busy to plan the details of this part of the trip. So the Sasquatch took over the planning, booking our lodging. I didn't really know what to expect.

But after a brief search (the place was a bit challenging to find) I found that he had reserved the amazing Le Maison Baudy for us:

The Sasquatch looking deservedly proud of the completely awesome place he found for us!

Giverny is the home of Claude Monet and impressionist movement. Apparently, artists in awe of Monet, flocked to Giverny making it a kind of artist haven. This would have happened if it were not for an enterprising grocer's wife, Madame Baudy.

There was no inn in Giverny, but she transformed her husband's small shop into a hotel. This was quickly filled to capacity and she began to rent out her house as well (only to a privileged few to whom she began to know). This house has stayed in the Baudy family and now we were staying in it too!

the plaque on the outside of the house that explained its history

To be completely honest, we were not staying exactly in the Baudy house. The current Madame Baudy lives there and occupies the whole building. But they renovated the Baudy house barn/stable (that is connected) into a guest house. And that is where we stayed (whole cottage to ourselves!):

the inside was all modern and amazing, I wanted to live there forever!

it was separated from the main house by a steps and black dog

The original Le Maison Baudy (where the current Madame Baudy lives):

The original house still has some of its original decor:

the bright blue trim was very common in Giverny, Monet-inspired!

And the current Madame Baudy was kind enough to explain some of the historical photos on the wall:

This photo shows the original Madame Baudy with a tableful of guests. Paintings on the wall are paintings given to her by the artists when they could not afford to pay for their rooms:

There were also photos that artists used as photo reference, posed model photos. I was actually kind of surprised that the impressionist used photo reference--I just assumed they all painted from life. This makes me feel a bit better about my own ~~cheating~~ use of photo reference for my paintings.

But I can see why the artists came to Giverny. It was beautiful. The lush landscape and the silver light was breathtaking.

our "backyard" in the morning

I wish I had thought to draw the cottage in that light. Instead I drew it in normal daylight. It looked like:

I already miss it!

Le Maison Baudy
3 chemin Blanche Hoschedé Monet
27620 GIVERNY

Chartres and Pocket Pacy #5

2011-09-26T09:26:00.095-04:00

From Tours, we were on out way to Giverny (Monet's gardens!) but as I looked on the map, I saw that the town on Chartres was on the way.

Chartres...it sounded so familiar. Like it was important...yes, there is a very famous and important church there! We learned about it in art history class! Thank you, expensive art school education.

So the Sasquatch and I took a little detour to see this very famous and important church (yes, he's a French-Canadian Sasquatch who rented a car and drove me all around France!). This is what it looked like:

it was in much better condition than Notre Dame

There were hundreds and hundreds of carvings all over the church. That is one of the reasons it was in my art history book:

And there was amazing stained glass:

the stained glass was also intricate! I liked how they told biblical in the panels.

And there was a maze! It was loosely based on the famous labyrinth that is inside the church (that we didn't get to see).

What was interesting about Chartres to me, compared to Notre Dame, was that it seemed to be a much more narrative church. From the hundreds of sculptures to the stained glass, it seemed like everything was telling a bible story--which makes sense. I'm guessing most commoners did not know how to read and, if I remember correctly, sermons were in Latin. It would be through these visual illustrations that stories would be shared.

But when it came down to sketch, I found the church and all its details overwhelming and I ended up drawing what I saw coming down the church steps:

and enjoyed the serenade of street beggar. His song gave me a strange sense of timelessness. I imagine a similar song must have been sung in front of this church for centuries and would probably continue until the end of time.

And I thought, perhaps, a Pocket Pacy might be a good witness for some of that.

Sunday Chinese School

2011-09-25T09:55:00.000-04:00

Welcome to Sunday Chinese School, where we learn a Chinese word (or phrase) a week with my mom!

Today's word is:
school
xuéxiào

Not touring Tours

2011-09-24T09:25:00.073-04:00

The whole reason why we left Paris for the Loire Valley was not for the chateaus or its wine, but because the Sasquatch has relatives there. Yes, he's a French-Canadian Sasquatch which is why this trip is so absolutely delightful for me. I have my own walking-talking-French/English dictionary and translator with me 24/7!

The Sasquatch's relatives live in Tours, France. They also live in a house that is made from a cave:

it's like a hobbit house for big people!

It is really quite magical and surprisingly homey and cozy. There is kind of a neat blurring between the indoor and outdoor. The Sasquatch's young second cousin spent the afternoon riding his tricycle around the dinner table inside, then out the door around the courtyard and then back again.

So cute!!!

what must it be like to grow up in a home like this?

Since the house is built in solid rock, it has an elevator to go to the lower level. Even though it was built for practical reasons (it's easier to have an elevator built than to build stairs when you live in a mountain) there is a certain luxury when you say you have an elevator in you home:

the Sasquatch coming out of the elevator!

That was not the only luxury. Here in Tours, with the Sasquatch's family, I got to experience how a real French family lives. Can I just say dinner went on for 3 hours? They filled the table with delicious plates of salad, meats, bread, and cheese and I completely gorged, thinking that was dinner. No, that was just the appetizer. There were 2 more hours still to go.

And that is the shorter meal of the day. Lunch was 4 hours!

So with all that eating, we didn't really do much else. It was a wonderful time, even though afterwards I rather felt just like this:

the pig is carrying a ham!

le chateau of Pocket Pacy #3

2011-09-23T09:24:00.078-04:00

Here I am, have a cup of chocolate chaud in front of my chateau:

the Chateau at Azay-le-Rideau, in the Loire Valley of France

Oh, would you like to come in?

There's plenty of room:

it even makes the Sasquatch look small!

And the view is lovely:

Oui, my chateau does look like something out of a fairy tale, does it not?

What? There is another chateau that is really from a fairy tale? And it is nearby? In fact, it is right on the route we are going? Well, I must see this place.

Apparently, this is also the castle Disney used as a model for their theme parks

Chateau d'Usse of Rigny-Usse, also in the Loire Valley

This castle was the inspiration for Charles Perrault's fairy tale of the Sleeping Beauty!

Sleeping Beauty statue

Which the owners have decided to capitalize on:

There is a Sleeping Beauty Tower you can go see!

at the top of the tower there is a glassed in tableau of...

La belle au bois dormant!

It is actually quite funny! Ah, the French! Their line between romance and cheese is different than Americans. Perhaps that is why the fromage is so good here, though...

I don't think Prince Charming and Le Belle would mind the company of a Pocket Pacy, do you?

this convenient place in the stone wall was too good to pass up!

Pocket Pacy, La Belle dans la Poche!

Chemin de Ronde La Belle au Bois Dormant (Tower Room of Sleeping Beauty)
Chateau d'Usse
37420 Rigny Usse
Rigny-Usse
France
02-47-95-54-05