One week ago I returned from what was probably the best vacation I ever had. My husband and I flew down to Gran Canaria for a week. We were “stranded” for an extra 1½ days, thanks to Eyjafjallajokull. But really, how could anyone feel stranded in Gran Canaria? Especially when the agency you flew with is putting you up in a super nice hotel with free meals? Anyway, it was absolutely lovely. It was warm and we went swimming every day.

When we returned I had SPX almost right away (which was great!). But, during the lulls of the festival, I was able to finally sit with my Moleskine and work on a little drawing. This one was inspired by my trip. It doesn’t depict any specific scene, but just incorporates a few things from my trip. The main thing being the dunes. At the southern tip of Gran Canaria is a large area of massive sand dunes which were created by the sands brought over by the winds from the Sahara. They take a long time to navigate, but are a LOT of fun.

I hope it’s not too long before I return.

I started working on this last weekend and have only had time to work on it for small intervals throughout the week. I have a jam packed 2 weeks ahead of me so I’m glad I was able to finish tonight.

I really think I’m developing my style the more I work in my Moleskine. And I’m having a blast doing it. In fact, it’s SO much fun that sometimes I struggle with having to choose my comic over it some days.

Physics? Wuzzat? My husband took one look at this and said “If I ever go to an amusement park and see a rollercoaster you’ve designed, I’m not riding it.”

Drawn in my moleskine with pencil and then inked with micron pens 01, 02, 03, & 05.

Chaotic and messy. But it’s Hell, so … why not? Could have probably done better though. Oh well, it’s a constant learning experience, isn’t it?

Drawn in my moleskine with pencil and then inked with micron pens 005, 01, 02, 03, 05 & 08.

A few years ago I created a little character, digitally, called “Lil Miss Death.” I loved her, but wasn’t sure what to do with her. So now I’ve returned to her, but with my latest pen & moleskine obsession. I’m going to try drawing her some more from time to time. I adore her to death (pun intended).

Drawn in my moleskine with pencil then inked with micron pens 005, 01, 02, 03, 05 & 08.

When I was around 4 or 5 my family took a road trip across the US from NJ to Cali (and back) in our Winnebago in just 2 weeks. Even though I was so young, I remember many key moments of the trip. Riding the elevator to the top of the St. Louis Arch, powerful thunderstorms & my first rainbow while driving through the plains in Oklahoma, breaking down in the Mojave Desert, riding down a raft on the Colorado River in the Grand Canyon, walking the crooked road and riding a trolley in San Francisco - to name a few. I also have specific memories of my sister, Karen, teaching me the Lollipop Tree song while sitting at the Winnebago’s kitchen table, driving somewhere through the plains.

Even though the full song depicts a tree that has lollipops growing on it that you can pick, I always pictured a tree made out of lollipops like the one in the illustration. The final verse of the song is about the tree yielding ice cream cones in the winter, and again I thought of a tree made from ice cream cones, instead of a tree where you could pick ice cream cones. Only the first verse and chorus is included for space reasons. Maybe I’ll continue with the ice cream verse another time

Excuse my handwriting. I have terrible handwriting to begin with, and even trying to write slowly doesn’t work so well!

Also, I found these lyrics online, and the version Karen taught me might be a bit different.

Drawn in my moleskine with pencil and then inked with micron pens 005, 01, 02, 03, 05 & 08.

Once upon a time there was a puppy who, at 3 months old, suddenly found himself riding in a car on the lap of a stranger, far away from all his brothers and sisters. He lay quiet and still, only shifting his eyes to take in his surroundings. A stark contrast from the lively puppy who was running around at the breeders just an hour before.

He was about to start his new life.

It only took a couple of days for the new puppy to become accustomed to his new family. He saw snow for the first time, bit the ear of his new “dad” in excitement, not knowing the strength of his new little teeth, and started to spend his days with his new family at their job. Soon enough he was a part of the family, and could not be separated from them.

The years went on and the little dog went everywhere with his family. On vacations, to work, and on road trips. He rode on planes and in motorhomes and traveled to many places. He met many new people and loved everyone. He even turned those most scared of dogs into dog lovers. He loved to lick peoples ears, and gently bite people’s toes - all signs of his love. He was a dog who knew nothing but love, and had only love to give to everyone he met.

At ten years he lost his best friend, his “dad,” and was never the same again. He aged after that, leaving much of the puppy he once was behind him. He still loved to run and play, but not with the same gusto as before. He was, after all, entering his senior years.

At the end of his life, disease swooped in and took him away quickly, allowing hm to suffer for as little a time as possible. At thirteen he’d lived a full and happy life. And now it was time for him to go be with his best friend again. He’s left behind many who have loved him, and whose lives he’s touched. He’ll never be forgotten, and we’ll all always be grateful to have had him in our lives for those 13 years.

R.I.P. Pookie baby. I love you and miss you so very much.

Drawn in my moleskine with pencil and then inked with micron pens 01 & 02.