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3/4 of Southern NH Illustration Critique Group: (left to right) Me, Natalie and Sheli. It's been nearly 2 weeks since leaving the the New England SCBWI conference... Still giddy, but I'm recuperating from all the activity. I've been puttering around trying to clean up some non-picture book illustration works. Some "works" include writing out THANK YOU notes to those whom assisted me at the conference from critiquers, to workshop faculty. Here's a mini digital dose: Also I wouldn't be doing my job if I didn't thank the ladies from our monthly illustration critique group: Sheli Petersen  and  Natalie Curtiss . (Go look at their websites!) Extra kudos to Natalie for driving! Also THANK YOU to the insightful Skia Lawrence who's the 4th member from our critique group; whom was unable to attend this year. Thank you! ~Samantha

Toys coming to life assignment snippet with my portfolio. A few weeks have passed (THREE) since going to Ruth's Studio , so I want to be sure to post a THANK YOU to Ruth Sanderson and Denise Ortakales for their portfolio critiques. I feel as though I have a very clear direction for my body of work now. It's refreshing to have some unbiased eyes peeking at my work, outside of the monthly group sessions. Some mini renovations have already taken place on my portfolio space . For curious eyes, below are a few cellphone shots from the day:  Ruth Sanderson (center in red) browsing our sketches from the assignment. Assignment sketches spread for quick critique. The assignment (while we waited and listened in on critiques,) was "lively"... Living toys! I would like to explore the concept a little closer. It was tough to concentrate on drawing upon the assignment while eavesdropping on everyone's critique, but there was a LOT learned from the experience. 

Zoom-Zoom, NYC - February, 2013. Pleased to be home from the Society of Children's Book Writers and Illustrators (SCBWI) Winter Conference, while still trying to recover from my busy weekend. This year's commute is brought to you via Greyhound bus service... not a sponsored post, but yes I was pleased with the commute. I both recommend the bus as a transporting system from Boston to NYC, and will be using them again in the future. Fingers crossed I can return soon. The light of Central Park upon leaving. I was little hesitant about the visit since I was both nervous and excited about attending the Writer's Roundtable this go-around. In short: It made my trip. I got a LOT of great feedback from fellow Roundtable guests. This was an experience to be had. I only wish I had the opportunity to indulge in both the Writer's Roundtable and Illustration Intensive activities! The story for my picture book is currently in "RE-Draft-Mode," thanks to the love