What I've Been Up To

Hello everyone!  If you haven't been visiting my other web journal, Another Perfect Day 365, you may have been wondering what I've been up to!  I thought I'd show you my illustrations for the first Chapter of "Gabriel's Tale."  I have spent much of the month of January drawing, redrawing, painting, repainting these illustrations.  Plus, I've done research on layout, learned how to use my computer's software better, and watched drawing tutorials on perspective and snow, to name a view.  I've checked into printing and the needed specs.  Read up on the pros and cons of self-publishing and the various ways to do it.   I came to the conclusion that this project may end up being just for my grandchildren,  printed on my computer, and hand-bound by me.  But who knows....maybe by the end of chapter 14 I'll have had so much practice that my illustrations have improved dramatically and I'll have learned all the tricks of the trade to produce a professional-looking book!  You could say I'm sharing a "before" picture so that when I get to the end I'll have something to compare it with.

I'm only including the text that goes with the illustration so the story will not make any sense to you.  Hopefully, though, it will peak your interest and you'll want to read the whole story by the time I'm done. . . .

❤️ ❤️ ❤️

The story begins when Gabriel the Snowman realizes that his best friend, Poetry the Calico Cat, has moved away.  He wants to go look for her but, being a snowman, he has no legs!  So he wishes for a way to find her.  His wish is granted, and instead of a carrot for a nose, he now has a tail in the shape of a carrot.  The adventure takes him from his home, a ride to Baltimore, a trip across the ocean to England, a walk through the Lake District where he meets several Beatrix Potter characters, and eventually ends in Edinburgh, Scotland where he has no idea how to locate Poetry.  But, not to fear, Poetry has her own inspiration. . . .

Chapter 1 - The Discovery 

The next morning the frozen snow sparkled with sunlight.  As Gabriel’s eyes slowly opened to this scene, he heard footsteps crunching toward him. 

The night sky was clear.  The air was crisp.  The moon and stars illuminated the landscape.  Gabriel twitched here and there as he began dreaming once again about his Fairy Godmother, and as he did a miraculous thing began to happen.

Early the next morning Gabriel was awakened by his own barking!  In his  excitement he ran to the glass door at the back of the house to see his reflection.  He could hardly believe his eyes!  He looked like a little white dog.  He was a little white dog!  Now I can look for Poetry!

 

Suddenly he felt a heaviness in his heart and wondered, Will I be able to find her even with my new legs?  Wearily, Gabriel lay down by the fire and fell asleep.

 

Then the old man attached a leash to the collar.  As he opened the back door Gabriel bounded for the outside, but the leash stopped him before he could get very far. Trapped! 

I appreciate the food and your kindness, but I really must be on my way.  He tried to communicate this to the couple with a wag of his tail and soulful eyes, but they just smiled at him, patted him on his head, and said, “There, there, boy, everything will be all right from now on.  We’ll take care of you.” 

Startled awake by a slamming door Gabriel’s head shot up.  His ears stood at attention as his mind cleared.  He got up to investigate.  Climbing up to the windowsill above the couch he looked out and saw the couple getting into a car.  This is my chance! 

The real Poetry & Gabriel. . . .

❤️Take Joy❤️