Cheers to the new year!

Speak from your heart even if your voice shakes. Be bold in what you stand for yet careful for what you fall. Always remember before there can be courage there has to be fear. Stand straight, walk proud, have a little faith, hold out. We shall be free.

The past few months have been exciting and unforgettable. I finally finished illustrating Squiggle Squirm. Kiwanis made it possible to have the books printed – the news left me in a complete catatonic state for several days. And the events that followed were more surreal. First, we had a book signing in Hooray for Books, an independently owned children's bookstore in Alexandria along King Street. Five kids showed up to the event but my family and friends all came to show their support and we sold 11 books that day – I felt like luckiest anthropoid on the planet!

Thereafter, I received an e-mail from the author, Katie Bryden to join her for a television interview with Emerald Planet. I have never been on tv or dreamed of being televised. I was a nervous wreck in front of the camera despite of the amiable atmosphere and engaging host. It's safe to say that I was a complete mess but entertaining nevertheless. I've only shared this video to a handful of people but I thought I should share this with everyone to introduce the significance of this campaign.

We've all done something we regretted but our mistakes do not define who we are, we just need to learn from them. I had a month to prepare but did not take advantage of the time allotted to do research. If I had to do it all over, I probably would have given them similar answers except for one – the lesson I learned from the book. After numerous bathroom visits and sleepless nights, I have found the answer. I realized that it had nothing to do with being obedient, the lesson was about finding courage and not losing hope despite of life's encumbrance. 

This book not only teaches children to cultivate strong relationship with friends and family but also teaches them about charity.

Squiggle Squirm is currently available in Whole Foods Market Old Town for $15

Get you copy today and make a difference.

Dandy Lion

Dandelion: Hello, what's your name?
Dandy Lion: I'm Dandy Lion.
Dandelion: Me too!
Both: Nice to meet you Dandelion! (chuckles)
Dandy Lion: How come I've never seen you before?
Dandelion: Oh, we just moved here a few days ago.
Dandy Lion: I'm sorry but have to go soon. Will you be here tomorrow?
Dandelion: Yeah, I'll be exactly where you found me.
Dandy Lion: Great, then I'll see you tomorrow!
Dandelion: Alright, bye Dandy Lion.
Dandy Lion: Bye!

And both waved goodbye. And that's how Dandy Lion and Dandelion became best of friends.

Fin.

This is probably the most unoriginal idea but I thought it would be fun to draw a lion with a dandelion mane. I'm not exactly sure what's gotten into my head yesterday, I must've been uninspired and hungry to be thinking about dandelions during work. Perhaps gardening season is fast approaching and soon dandelions will be in everyone's garden including mine. These charmers may cause disdain and distress to some but they're quite nutritious. They are rich in iron, potassium and zinc and a good source of vitamins A, B complex and D. Dandelions are great in sandwiches, salads and teas. Their roots are used to make wines and make a cheap coffee substitute – yum! Good thing lions don't find vegetation appetizing, they would've never made best of friends.

If you're interested in trying some dandelions this spring, check out this website. It's a great resource for all things dandelion. I hope to try one of these recipes soon and I hope you enjoyed my story. Have a happy winter!

“Each friend represents a world in us, a world possibly not born until they arrive, and it is only by this meeting that a new world is born.”

~Anais Nin