Belated Hong Kong post: Temple Inspirations

Last time I was in Hong Kong, I visited the Tin Hau Temple. I remember being completely captivated by its unpretentious, haphazard reverence. It was, though I didn't know it at the time,  the initial seed of Where the Mountain Meets the Moon.

So, I was eager to see it again! There was a bit crowded this time but the temple still had its charm:

And I said hello to an old friend:

Can't place him? Think of those red ribbons as red threads...

This fellow might show up in my new novel...

though Rain Dragon would probably prefer this character:

We'll have to see...

Luckily, there's plenty of inspiration to choose from!

belated Hong Kong post: seeing the big buddha again

Before I got so sick in Hong Kong, we were able to one fun thing--visit the Big Buddha! Seeing the Big Buddha was definitely a highlight on my last trip so I'm really glad I got to go again, this time bringing the Sasquatch and Rain Dragon!

It was a lot colder and mistier than last time though:

But that just gave the Big Buddha more ambiance: 

Last time, I was wearing a short sleeve shirt and was looking much more stylish:

But I think I accessorized better this time:

And when I went up last time, I had a lot less weight to carry:

But I think I carry that extra 20 pounds or so pretty well, don't you think?

I think the Big Buddha was happy to see us! I know I was really happy to see him again.

Because he has a beautiful view:

It's inspired what I think may be the title of my new novel! But, I won't share it just yet...

Right now, I'm going to keep it a secret between me and the Big Buddha.

on my desk monday

Recently, I've been enamoured with the work of Francoise Seignobosc, a French-American children's book author/illustrator who died in 1961. I found her work in, at all places, a knitting store (they had this book on display) and I've been slowly collecting her books one at a time (they seem to be all out of print!)

Her work is so charming and so joyful, I just heart it.


It's hard to say how studying her work will influence mine, but I do know one way in which it's influenced my life. The Sasquatch and I have made plans to go to...


Yes, Paris! Since it looks like we are going to stay married, we decided it's time to go on a honeymoon. Oh la la!

on my desk monday

China fortunes given to me by my friend Anna Alter. I hope they inspire my writing fortune!

on my desk monday

I've been gazing looking at my photos of last Saturday's super moon! My photos aren't as impressive as others, but I'm still hoping it gives me inspiration for my new novel!

masterpieces at the met

So I finally took my research trip to the Met to see their special display of Chinese Art. It was my last bit of procrastination research before starting "Return to Sky."

But it was very helpful. I think one of these objects might make a possible cameo appearance in my story! We'll see...



Of course, after seeing the Chinese exhibit, it was great fun just to wander around the Met itself and see all the great master paintings and sculptures. Every time, I saw something beautiful I felt inspired. I kept thinking of new ideas for new books--when I saw this famous Degas sculpture of a 14 yr ballerina:

I kept thinking, someone should write a children's novel from that 14 yr old girl's point of view! That would be fascinating--like Girl with a Pearl Earring, but for kids. Well, I looked it up and there IS a novel about that 14 yr dancer, but after reading the descriptions (I guess i should've figured that ballet had a dark side) I don't think it's for kids...

Regardless, I have to admit the most exciting sight of the day for me was actually outside the Met. Because parked in front of the museum was a CUPCAKE TRUCK!

Yes, instead of truck selling ice cream, it sold cupcakes. I was so excited. It's opened my eyes to all new possibilities in terms of my cupcake dreams. If I can't afford a bakery, maybe I could just have a truck! And this works so well because the Sasquatch is studying to become a diesel mechanic, he can fix my truck for free!

SO, here's the idea for my future:

Plan A: children's book author/illustrator
Plan B: Cupcake Bakery
Plan C: Cupcake truck.

I'd still really, really rather Plan A work out, but at least the back-up plans could be sweet...

gathering snow

It's a winter wonderland here in New England and I love it. For traveling and all practical things it is a pain, but the sheer beauty of it is breathtaking.

I guess one of the reasons that I like it is because I've always kind of seen it similar to the writing process. Tiny snowflakes falling everywhere are like the ideas and experiences all around you. And when it comes time to write, you gather the snow and build.

So to me, it seems fitting that the snow is falling now because presently I am in the "gathering snow" phase of my work. Right now I am just trying to experience things that may inspire something in my writing later. Like seeing Cirque Du Soleil's Dralion:

And visiting the Peabody Essex Museum's exhibit on the Forbidden City's Treasures:
Next on my list is a Shen Yun Performance and then the Met's Special Exhibit on Chinese Art (though I have to figure out when I can get down to NYC). I don't know how exactly any these things will help with my work but if they do, I hope they help me create something beautiful.

rainbow luck

I've been really busy! My revisions for "Dumpling Days" are taking more time than planned, I need to start sketches for "Li Na's Lily" (as well as the art for "Dumpling Days") and my school visit schedule has begun. Ack! I'm not really sure if I can keep up. But on the morning of my recent school visit in Colorado, there was a rainbow to help guide me:



and when I turned around, there were two:



that has to be a good sign, right?

go fish

Just wanted to let you know I am still being tormented by fish. Even though I am at a loss of what all these fish want from me, they continue to invade my presence. You'd think while I'm biking, I would be safe(because you know how much a fish needs a bicycle). But witness this recent photo of me, taken just a mere five days ago. See anything fishy?



Fish, fish, fish...there's a caldecott somewhere in there. Or a trip to the psychiatrist.

grace and the giant...

Recently, I've been rereading one of my favorite children's books James and the Giant Peach. Since then, I've had many a giant fruit sighting. Perhaps something is calling me to write...

Grace and the Giant Orange? Don't like that? How about...

Grace and the Giant Strawberry?

Too bad I wasn't able to get a photo of the giant pineapple.

tormented by the subconscious

Recently, I have been obsessed by goldfish. For some inexplicable reason, I am drawn to them. I feed them at the lake:



I spend too much money buying decorative paper with goldfish motifs:



And I eat goldfish crackers as if I'm starving:



Usually, this means there is a story idea brewing. The last time this happened was when origami animals seemed to envelop me. They kept appearing and reappearing (even though I couldn’t fold a paper crane to save my life) until I finally gave them their own book in “Lissy’s Friends.”



So now, obviously, there must be goldfish swimming in my subconscious that are demanding to be set free. Of course, I don’t know how to do this. Any ideas? Do you guys ever suffer the torment of an idea wanting to be formed?