Searching For A Starry Night Goes to the 4th Grade!

Cara Gorr, the 4th grade teacher at Nash Elementary School in Kenosha, WI, graciously chose Searching For A Starry Night, A Miniature Art Mystery for a three-week reading project in her class.

Mrs. Gorr and her students have been reading one to two chapters each day for their reading time. They also discuss what they've read and do writing exercises designed to meet certain educational requirements such as making connections with what they're reading, comprehension, visualization, etc.

(Mrs. Gorr holds up a hook fashioned by a blacksmith at Old World Wisconsin.)

It was interesting to see how a word or topic led to other topics. So, Grandpa Sylvester's letter and inventory list (in the book) dug up by Petey led to a past discussion on jobs unchanged by the Industrial Revolution (horseshoes still being made by hand) and the modern name, a ferrier.

I stopped in to say hello to the class last week (as a visitor) and went for a full visit yesterday. Mrs. Gorr had wanted to surprise the kids so we kept my identity as the author secret until yesterday's visit. What fun! As the majority of kids had never met an author before, many were surprised at our surprise.

The fun was hearing the kids' questions about the book and about being a writer. They had some great questions, such as:

* Were Sam and Lita (my Searching For A Starry Night characters) real (and based on anyone real?) (That led to a few comments on inspiration, using real people as characters, and the possibility of being sued.)

* What inspired the story? Why was Mrs. Drake (the housekeeper and an important character) so mean?

* Did I have a dog like Petey? What kind of car I had? How much money I made? (Which led to a few comments on talking about royalties, advances, and how most writers are not rich unless they are ultra-famous and sold many books like Stephen King or get a big break, like Charlaine Harris's vampire mysteries being filmed and airing on HBO as the True Blood series. And I mentioned, many (most?) writers do have other jobs.)

It was a fun 1 1/2 hour visit. They enjoyed seeing part of my collection of dollhouse miniatures (fast food this time), but the miniature Starry Night painting (just like in the book) was a big hit. Seeing is believing, and they were amazed at the detail in such a small painting. I also read a short you-solve-it mystery featuring my characters, Sam and Lita, and gave them a word search puzzle with words from the book (I'll be putting it up soon at my website.)



Next week, the kids will finish reading the book, so it'll be interesting to see what they think, and if they solve the mystery of who stole the miniature Starry Night painting!

I'll share some of their writing and some of their art in coming posts. (They made their own small versions of Van Gogh's Starry Night in class, which were very creative!)

A Thank You for Great Miniatures!

I wanted to share the amazing broom and witch hat made by Kat at Kat the Hat Lady's blog.

I swapped her some Halloween food for the Halloween broom set. My miniature witches will be fighting over who gets to wear it!

Guess I'll have to design a matching color dress! Funny as I was thinking only of traditional Halloween colors, so this will be an interesting challenge to think of mixing pastels in. The detail is wonderful, better than the photos. Thanks, Kat!

The Dream Child, Short Fiction from Dragons Composed

Today, I'm sharing an excerpt from my story, "The Dream Child," included in the recently published anthology, DRAGONS COMPOSED, from Kerlak Publishing.




Excerpt, "The Dream Child"
By C. A. Verstraete

"Margriet, you have to do something with the boy." Lionus Van Der Straete slugged down the rest of his ale and belched. "Another cup, woman, and a hunk of that bread."

A feeling of dread hit Margriet as she grabbed the pitcher of ale and walked across the room to the table. "Yes, yes, I will talk to him again." She filled the mug and sighed, wishing the answer on how to control her youngest was as easy as sidestepping her husband's groping fingers. Something she should have done six children ago, she thought.

The youngest boy, Bernardus, had come out of her womb nine years hence screaming, with a full head of hair, fists flailing. "Ach, a lively one he'll be," the midwife had remarked.

Margriet had cursed the woman and her prediction ever since.

The knife made a pleasant thunk against the wooden board as she cut a chunk of bread, making her think of things that she'd be too ashamed to tell the Father at this week's confession. She dropped the bread on the man's wooden trencher and went back to kneading the few coarse leftover grains and flour to make a new loaf.

His meal done, the man rose and gave her a pointed look as he fastened the heavy cloak about his shoulders. "Talk to the boy or I will."

She nodded and watched her husband pick up his tools and head to the market square in hopes of being chosen for a day's labor. She hoped he'd get something to ease his surliness, and their worries. They needed the coin to supplement the few pennies she earned from sewing lace under the dim light of a candle late into the night.

Her fists pounded the dough, the force of her motions putting healthy dents in the moistened mass. Her mind raced as she wondered how to get the thickheaded boy to see reason, to make him stop his foolish storytelling.

She partly blamed herself.

She would never have let him hear all those fanciful tales of dragons, soothsayers and the like as a little one if she'd known how much he'd take them to heart.

Margriet mulled over her brood as she placed the raw loaf into a cloth-covered bowl and set it inside the still warm stone oven to rise. She had nothing but praise for her more sensible older children. The eldest, Alexander, though quiet, had outgrown his moodiness and was courting the cobbler's daughter; a good match.

She said a silent prayer, thanking God for her four daughters, especially Maria and Constancia, who at thirteen and twelve were well-versed in cooking and cleaning, helping make the endless chores a little easier. They were good examples to the two younger girls. She regretted the coming day when they would leave her hearth for families of their own.

One of the problems, she knew, was as the last to be born, Bernardus was too many years removed from his older brother, and the younger girls had no patience for his dirty fingers grabbing their few playthings.

Left on his own, he often found troublesome ways to amuse himself. The boy was lucky not to have been jailed after he set fire to a neighbor's barn the year before. Margriet had barely been able to contain her husband's rage when the boy insisted he was only trying to burn the dross from the hay so it would turn to gold.

"Alchemy?" Lionus had yelled, grabbing a sturdy switch off the tree outside their door. "The boy has crazy ideas instead of doing his chores? I'll give him something to dream about!"

Margriet had long feared the boy was soft, that he'd been injured coming out of the birth canal. When he began coming home bloodied and bruised, his sisters crying that he was ruining their future chances for being wed, she knew he had to be kept even closer to her apron.

But more worrisome were the boy's increasingly elaborate tales.

She tried to keep this from his father, fearing fatal harm to the child, but she wasn't sure how long she could keep it secret. Even his sisters began calling him het droom kind, the dream child, harkening to the bedtime story she'd told them about a child saving the village from a dragon. She remembered her own mother reciting the tale to her while she learned to sew and make lace as a little girl. Her own children had enjoyed the story, too, but they had outgrown it. Her youngest, though, still found it fascinating...

(c)2009 C. Verstraete, published in Dragons Composed, Kerlak Publishing - http://candidcanine.blogspot.com

* Order: Amazon.com

Miniature Cigar Box Room

Thought I'd share a neat roombox that hubby found at the local flea market.

This General Store is set inside an old wood cigar box. It looks to be about half scale. It's a fascinating room as most of the items were probably handmade. It's one of those projects that has a lot of detail in a small space and every time you look, you're sure to see something new.

What's neat is that there are some really creative items in here. The hanging lamp was made from a Christmas tree bulb. The wood stove is a wood cylinder that was painted. "Jars" and packages on the shelves were formed with pictures on wood blocks for depth. There are all kinds of little metal doo-dads to simulate those odds and ends you'd find in a general store.

The sad part is that it is signed and was given as a gift in 1992 to a nephew. Obviously the maker Chuck Och of Illinois made quite a few as this one is labeled #119.

I'm not sure why the box ended up in a flea market, but Mr. Och can rest assured that his work lives on and is being enjoyed by myself and others who love miniatures and appreciate the craftsmanship he put into it.

Coming Blog Stop: Frankie the Walk 'N Roll Dog

On June 24, I'll again be hosting Barb Techel, author of the charming children's picture book, FRANKIE THE WALK 'N ROLL DOG. Be sure to stop by as she shares her Top 10 Reasons Living with a Disabled Dog is a Blessing.

Here is some information on the upcoming tour:

Frankie the Walk 'n Roll Dog Virtual Book Tour - June 2009

Frankie the Walk 'n Roll Dog, an Inspiring Story About Overcoming Adversity, Tours Cyberspace


In June Barbara Techel will tour cyberspace to promote her multi-award winning picture book, FRANKIE THE WALK 'N ROLL DOG. The book tells the true story of her dachshund, Frankie, who was paralyzed by an injury. Frankie recovers, thrives, and keeps on rolling with the help of a custom-fitted wheelchair.


About FRANKIE THE WALK 'N ROLL DOG

The story is told from the point of view of Dachshund Frankie, who survives the normal challenges of puppyhood, including a struggle with house training, after Barbara and John adopt her.

After a spinal injury, her human family nurtures her through a long period of rehabilitation and buys her a custom-fitted wheelchair. It takes a while to adapt to her new wheels, but soon she is joyfully rolling and playing.

Barbara wrote this book to offer hope and inspiration to people who face challenges. A lifelong animal lover, she realized Frankie's paralysis was an opportunity to spread a positive message.


The book's themes include:

* Teaching children and adults about compassion

* Helping readers learn to overcome adversity

* Providing encouragement to children with disabilities and their families

* Helping people see challenges as a way to learn and grow.

* Showing animals with disabilities in a positive light

* Helping dachshund owners (and many vets) understand disc disease in doxies and know that a wheelchair is a viable option


About author Barbara Techel

Barbara is a writer and animal lover. Her column, "For the Love of Animals" has appeared in the Depot Dispatch. Frankie the Walk 'n Roll Dog, her first children's book, was awarded the 2008 National Best Book Award (children’s picture book soft cover) from USA Book News, the Merial Human-Animal Bond Award from the Dog Writer’s Association of America, and the Editor’s Choice Award from Allbooks Review. It was also a finalist in the 2008 Indie Excellence Awards. Frankie was inducted into the 2009 Wisconsin Pet Hall of Fame.

* See the tour schedule

* For more information see Barb's website

* Check out Frankie's news at Barb's blog

* Get the book at: Amazon.com

Halloween in Miniature Early!

Remember my little witch I shared earlier? Well, she has company!

I make no claim as to being a great doll dresser, but it is fun to do. For a real kick, check out the amazing miniature Halloween dolls made by other contributors from the Mini Doll List. The costuming and imaginative details are incredible!

The dolls will be displayed at a miniatures museum. I'll share the details as soon as I find out more.

Anthony Nominated Short Mystery Stories

The annual Anthony Awards for books, short stories and other mystery categories will be given at the 2009 Bouchercon in Indianapolis in October. Several of the short story winners can be read online, so enjoy. See the Bouchercon site for other category nominees.


"The Night Things Changed" by Dana Cameron, Wolfsbane & Mistletoe (Ace)


"A Sleep Not Unlike Death" by Sean Chercover, Hardcore Hardboiled
(Kensington)

"Killing Time" by Jane Cleland, Alfred Hitchock Mystery Magazine -
November 2008


"Skull and Cross-Examinations" by Toni L.P. Kelner, Ellery Queen
Mystery Magazine - February 2008


"Scratch a Woman" by Laura Lippman, Hardly Knew Her (William Morrow)

"The Secret Lives of Cats" by Kristine Kathryn Rusch, Ellery Queen
Mystery Magazine - July 2008

Duckling Rescue

The story was shared on ABC News and is posted all over, but it's so cute I just had to share it. Guaranteed to make you smile! Aren't they adorable?

Writing Tip: Flat vs. Fluffy

Back to adding a new writing tip each week.

The question: Is your writing flat - or fluffy?

The little bear on that Snuggle fabric softener commercial has the right idea - fluffy is better.

How do you get fluffy writing, you ask? Simple.

1. Describe. Give the reader a mental image, but don't overdo it.

It's easy to just write and fill in the blanks, watching your word count pile up, only to end up with serviceable, good sentences that are kind of blah. They're flat on the page.

2. Fluff up your writing by reading authors you like, and even a few you don't like.

Watch other authors' word usage. Remember: a car isn't just a car in fiction - it's a gleaming red hot rod or a burgundy-striped clunker. Flat: car. Fluffy: color and type.

I started thinking about fluffy writing as I'm reading one of Elaine Viets' latest in the Dead End Jobs series, CLUBBED TO DEATH. No criticism meant; I love her books. (Elaine, I mean fluffy as a compliment. Her book was the one at hand at the moment. Any examples of hers are in quotes.)

I'm enjoying the story, but when I read I always take note of the writing, too, in this case, the descriptions. Example: hair isn't just hair: it's "long, chestnut hair."

3. Another example: give a mental image of the person - Flat: He strolled. Fluffy: "...had a bulldog walk..."

When you're writing, it's sometimes easy to forget this and rely on those tired old favorites. (Mine is walked, and sometimes nodded.)

4. Use a fine-tooth comb.

As a few other writers have mentioned, it's a good idea to go back and do a search in Word for your favorite over-used phrase or word. See how many times you used it, then think up a few fluffy new examples. Your writing will only be the better for it.

* Your Turn: Ok, writers admit it: What's your tired old favorite word or phrase?

The Good, The Bad and the Revisions

Reading a recent post on first drafts by author LJ Sellers had me glad that I was on the right track, at least in some ways.

Writing is individual, of course, and everyone has their own method. Stories or books, I tend to do the same thing. I admit it; I'm an outliner.

1. Outline

Yes, not everyone's cup of tea. But once the idea comes, I like to write it out. I put down all the main events and can fill in the rest as I write. For a book, I outline chapter by chapter so I know where to go next. Things do change as you write, and things are added or deleted as needed.

2. Make a Plot Chart

I outline keeping a chart in mind that another writer had told me about - Make a chart of 5 boxes across with 5 rows. Keep turning points in mind for the 5th box (chapter 5), the 10th and especially the 15th. Initially I use the box method, then I write out the action and plot points per chapter and print it out.

3. Revise later

One thing I can't seem to do. A bad habit - I tend to go back and go over things. This is a rewrite, of sorts. I catch mistakes, change things, but it can halt your progress, too. A better idea: reread the last few graphs to get you back in the story and continue.

Resist rereading and revising until the end of the next chapter. (Even better, don't reread until you write The End if you are that disciplined. I confess, I'm not.)

4. Get Organized

LJ offers a good suggestion about making a character database. Good idea. I have things written in my outline and have them in mind since I'm still working on the book. Bad idea to trust my faulty memory. I'll have to work on this once the book is done since I won't recall everything later. A character chart will help in keeping everything straight for future stories.

5. Keep the flow going

It can be hard to pick up where you left off when you are writing a few days, then stopping and going back (hence the rereading habit). The outline helps keep me on track and writing even a few hundred words keeps me going. (Better than zero words).

What usually works better is to make a writing goal of a certain amount of words per day. Relocating to another area, like the library or coffee shop might help. A schedule change can help spur a better word count since time then has to be used more productively. Of course, some days it doesn't work. Sometimes writing out of sequence - getting parts down for a future chapter can help. You can always flesh it out later. And yes, sometimes it's best just to go write something else for awhile.

** Share your writing style. How do you keep focused? Do you outline? How do you keep going on a book or story?

Miniature Little Witch Girl

Thought I'd share a miniature doll I recently dressed that will be used, along with several other dolls, in a Halloween exhibit at a miniatures museum. Details to be shared later.


I saved these little dollar store dolls as I liked the simple faces and thought they'd be fun to re-dress. (And yes, aren't the outfits horrid?)



My miniature witch is dressed in black silk with black silk shoes. She has part of a beaded ribbon on the top of her dress and black net for stockings. This net also had some glitter sparkles in it. The black silk was a neat piece from a old women's bodice that had pin tucks in it so I kept the lines in for a design.

The silk hat was made from a witch hat pattern and tutorial by miniature doll maker Gina Bellous.

There is also a pattern for a witch hat at About.com.

Upcoming Searching For A Starry Night Events

I've got some fun things coming up in connection with Searching For A Starry Night, A Miniature Art Mystery.

* May 18: Beginning this week, Teacher Cara Gorr's 4th grade class at Nash Elementary, Kenosha, WI, will be reading Searching For A Starry Night as a class project. The students even made a wall mural and their own miniature Starry Night paintings! I'll pop in a few times to share my minis and join their discussions.

I'll share pix here at the blog.

* June 6, Printer's Row Lit Fest, Chicago; Come say hi at the Quake - Echelon Press tent!

* June - Date TBD. Book discussion and signing, Girl Scouts, Camp Alice Chester, E. Troy, WI.

* June 25: Schaumburg, Ill. Township Library, book discussion and kid's craft, Make a Dream Room. Kids working in miniature!

If you're in the area, please stop by and say hello!

Books and Reading Lists

I've been a big reader since I was a kid, the family "joke" being that the house could explode and I'd have my nose in a book.

Like other readers (and writers) I have a l-o-o-o-ng to-be-read list. I have several books going - one in my purse, three on the nightstand, and book piles everywhere. Then there's my own book in the writing process. So, I thought I'd share a few books I'm reading and have finished.

Books I've recently finished include:

Echoes - Danielle Steel
Susannah's Garden - Debbie Macomber

Books I'm reading now:

Dyer Consequences - Maggie Sefton
The Devil in the White City - Erik Larson
Mayhem in Miniature - Margaret Grace
Doomed Queens - Kris Waldherr


I'll share some reviews when I finish.

** Share some of your favorite or current reads. What's in your to-be-read pile?

New Miniature Finds and Surprises

Katie at Katie's Clay Corner sent me this cute pair of little bags. Thanks, Katie, a nice surprise (and now I'm even further behind on getting a swap back to you. haa! Well, things are being made, then I finish something else and try to get writing done and a story and...)

Haven't been blogging as much since I'm trying to keep the ideas focused on the book I'm trying to finish. It's coming along, though not as fast as I'd like. I won't even say when I started this!

Thought I'd share a miniature find. Found this neat cabinet at a garage sale. It has acrylic panes and lifts off to hold a plant, but gee, why would I use it for that? I'll add a floor and put in some half-scale furniture. Thought it'd be nice to do a matching yellow/green scheme. Yeah, add it to the list of someday projects. (The list is getting longer.)

** Make me feel better. Share a few of your someday projects.

Summery Miniature Dolls

Since summer is around the corner here in the Midwest, I thought it wasn't too early to share a couple of summer-inspired dolls I've dressed.

The first, my flamingo lady, was made as part of the "Fanny" doll contest and project at the Mini Doll List. (You can see more of the dolls at the website.)

There was a free tutorial to make the flamingos. I made mine from Model Magic Clay which I painted and clear-coated. I had the idea of dressing the doll as a retiree out spending a day shopping. The doll is the Maisy mold from Cynthia Howe dolls, I believe, and was originally painted by Dana of Miniature Art.

I gaudied up some of the doll's face and added more color as I wanted her to be a little more flamboyant to match her summery outfit, made from part of the provided dress pattern. I designed the jacket and capris, and made her sandals.

The half-scale mermaid was made and painted by Bonnie Glasier. This was the first half-scale doll I did. Yes, she is so tiny! (Only about 3 inches tall!)

It was fun figuring out how to dress her. I gave her to my sister as a gift last year. You can see some of Bonnie's miniature dolls and her doll kits for sale at her Webshots site.

** See more of the miniature dolls I made at my miniature dolls page at my website.

Meet Patty Clark and her babies - Happy Mother's Day!

Move over Octo-Mom. Doll artist Patty Clark is a mother many, many more times over - and she couldn't be happier.

Patty's babies may not technically be real, but anyone catching a glimpse of her original miniature doll sculpts can't resist the urge to reach out and cuddle one.

Patty has been sculpting her one-inch scale dollhouse babies and toddlers for almost five years now. She's made at least a few hundred dolls already and hopes to keep producing even more babies for years to come.

"Sculpting a baby and then dressing them is a thrill," she says. "I still love everything about it! It is so much fun to have the finished baby in my hand and seeing a tiny little face looking back at me."

Children of the Heart

Who can resist any of these chubby-cheeked little wonders? (Pictured: Baby Elodie)

The dolls come in standard dollhouse size (1 inch = 1 foot) and are hand-sculpted of polymer clay. They sell for around $265 and up.

She also sells occasionally on eBay under the name czechrosette or on her website, Patty-Clark.com.

Patty has since progressed to adding cute little toddlers to her line (1 3/4" to 2 3/4" tall) and has achieved artisan status with the International Guild of Miniature Artisans (IGMA).

For her, the best part is coming up with new ideas. She loves sculpting and continually works at improving her skills.

"There are still some challenges and still so much to learn with this art medium," Patty says. "I discovered over the last year that I am having so much success with 'series' baking. I always start with the head first when I am starting a new sculpt. I spend up to two hours on that alone.

"After the first bake I will add a touch more clay to the cheeks, bridge of the nose, and then build the forehead up. It is amazing to see the transformation after the second bake. At that point I can see if I have a baby girl or boy and proceed from there."

New Challenges

Patty is not one to rest on her past success, however. She likes to be challenged and has begun making more of her own clay props such as baby carriers, toys and bottles - and, not that she needs to - she just keeps improving.

She next wants to continue working her way up the age scale. "I am looking forward to trying my hand at children that are the age of five or six now that I have become comfortable with making the toddlers," she says.

(Pictured: Toddler Gracie)

Another change she's had good results with is posing her dolls to look like they are interacting with each other.

"I recently made two toddlers that looked like they were discovering something together," she explains. "The customer that bought them is thrilled to have them join her other toddlers and babies in her nursery. I have had a couple of customers decide that their dollhouse was for babies and children only after purchasing a couple of my dolls. It is very sweet when a customer falls in love with my dolls as much as I love them! It makes me want to sculpt even more."

Of course with all these motherless children around, Patty has been asked if she intends on sculpting a mother doll. She is considering it, although she admits it is a bit daunting.

"I have had a couple customers ask me when I will try to make a mother for some of the babies which made me realize I need to attempt to make an adult," Patty says. "It's so easy to get settled into a little corner doing what you feel comfortable making. This will be so good to step out of the box and experiment more! This will be a goal for me this year."


Favorite Faces

While Patty loves all her children, she admits that a recent favorite was her new pair, Martin and Daisy, along with her newest little baby, Mia.

"I loved how both of them looked so good together and I also loved the little outfits that I made for them," she notes.

"Everything just seemed to work so well with both of them. They were sporting new hairstyles and I finally made pairs of pants that fit well! That was great fun having them turn out the way I pictured them in my mind.

(Pictured: Baby Mia)


"Another one of my favorites is my most recent baby, Mia. I loved how she turned out and her little outfit. I also experimented for the second time making a carrier and was very happy with the outcome."

Even more fun was the cute little Trick-or-Treater dressed as a bumblebee that Patty made for a Halloween-themed miniatures museum exhibit being organized by Tammy Shoup, a member of the Mini Doll List. (Details to come.)



Talk about realism... Patty laughs and says, "one of my neighbors wanted me to email a picture to her. Along with that I emailed pictures of my cousin's babies for her to share with her husband. When he was looking at the letter, he thought my Bumblebee was one of my nephew's kids! Of course, his wife corrected him!"

* Visit IGMA Artisan Patty Clark's nursery to see more of her babies and children.

(c) 2009 C. Verstraete http://candidcanine.blogspot.com

Dancing with the Stars RIP OFF!

Boy the shocker on Tuesday's Dancing with the Stars voting show had to be about as bad, if not worse, as when Cheetah Girl Sabrina Bryan was voted off.

I'm not a rap fan, but Lil' Kim is a cutie, fun to watch dance and was great on the dance floor. I thought she was definitely a top contender, if not the winner. I love this show but this was a real travesty, that's almost made me lose interest. I'm not sure I'll watch the finale.

No offense to Ty Murray, who seems like a nice, charming guy. He has improved and is trying his best, but he should stick to dancing with his wife. I bet all his cowboy, bullriding friends kept racking up the votes just to keep him on the show. Sorry, Ty. In this case, nice guys (should) finish last.

Working for a Living

Katie at Katie's Clay Corner challenged readers to blog about the various jobs they've held. She mentioned three. Well I surely can beat that. ha!

Since I wasn't born with a silver spoon, I began working at a young age for extra money. I babysat for years when I was younger. I was around 15 when I got my first "real" job. Since I grew up in Chicago, it was easy to take the bus or walk almost anywhere to go to work. This job required only a five-minute walk down the alley where I worked for a small caterer. I don't remember much about the job other than having to decorate pretty little sandwiches.

Other high-school jobs included working at a dry cleaners (creepy boss, creepy phone calls); Arthur Treacher's Fish and Chips (loved the fish, but, ugh, your hair and clothes smelled from all the frying!); and Dairy Queen (can't beat ice cream!). Oh, there was the factory job too where you all you did was load plastic forms in the machine, pull down he handle and vacuum seal bicycle repair parts in plastic. Bo-ring! I also typed letters for an insurance agent, played gopher and typist to some self-indulgent pr execs, and did other office work.

Later I began waitressing, went to college, waitressed again, did some other freelance jobs, and then got into newspaper work. Then it was back to waitressing and freelancing (hmm, there's a pattern here. ha!) Next was fiction writing and authoring, plus other freelance work.

That's not every job, of course, but most of them. Needless to say, I have a lot of eclectic skills from office work to web building and various writing including pr, fiction and nonfiction. Btw, I'm always open to freelance work, so feel free to contact me!

** Your turn: Share some of the jobs you've had. What were some of the worst and best?

Happy Cinco De Mayo, miniature Mexican room

Cinco de Mayo (The Fifth of May) marks Mexico's victory over the French Army at the Battle of Puebla in 1862.

To celebrate, I'm sharing my Mexican-Southwest Corner. The small room is made of foam core board covered with lighweight Spackle that was painted yellow. The floor is matboard with strips cut out to resemble tiles.

The majority of decorative items came from other miniaturists in a group swap. I made the chair from a punch-out furniture kit. I made the sideboard from wood pieces and painted it with acrylics. This was a fun project and being small, a good way to get something done (though I swear even the smaller projects take as much time to do because of the detail.)

I love the bright colors used in Mexican decorating and eventually would like to make a Mexican-styled room or a cantina.

I think one of the most fantastic structures I've ever seen is the half scale cantina by miniaturist Bill Lankford. The detail is incredible.

I am going to try to see if anyone has a finished interior to share and if so, I'll see if I can post some photos and details here soon.

Congrats to the 2008 Agatha Award winners!

The Malice Domestic mystery conference is but a memory to those who attended this past weekend - and an even better memory to this year's Agatha Award winners. Named for mystery writer Agatha Christie, the Agatha Awards celebrate traditional mystery books and stories reminiscent of her style.

Published works eligible to receive an Agatha Award are defined as mysteries that don't contain explicit sex, excessive gore or gratuitous violence; usually have an amateur detective; take place in a confined setting; and have characters who know one another. The books are generally more "cozy" and may feature police or private detectives, but cannot be classified as "hard-boiled."

The 2008 winners of the Agatha Award are:

Best Children’s/Young Adult
“The Crossroads,” by Chris Grabenstein (Random House)

















Best Non-Fiction
“How to Write Killer Historical Mysteries,” by Kathy Lynn Emerson (Perseverance Press)


















Best First Novel
“Death of a Cozy Writer, by G.M. Malliet(Midnight Ink)


















Best Novel
“The Cruelest Month” by Louise Penny (St. Martin’s Press)













Best Short Story
“The Night Things Changed,” by Dana Cameron (Penguin Group)


See the Malice Domestic site for the full list of winners.

Margaret Mitchell Awarded Pulitzer Prize

Today in 1937, author Margaret Mitchell received the Pulitzer Prize for her sweeping saga of the south, Gone With the Wind, published in June 1936.

One of my favorite movies starring Clark Gable and Vivienn Leigh. They were Rhett and Scarlett!

** Check out Tara, Scarlett's plantation - in miniature! Gone with The Wind dollhouse

* Have a favorite scene (or most hated scene) from Gone With the Wind?

Starry Night Miniatures

I thought it would be fun to show a few different items that I could find, preferably in miniature, relating to the theme of Van Gogh's Starry Night.

Check out this wonderful Starry Night miniature bed by Deb's Minis. (The description reads black and gold though the photos look navy blue.)




For a change of pace, how about a pattern to make a 5 X 7" cross-stitch picture of Starry Night and other masterpieces?



This gorgeous Kevin Chen enameled teapot is slightly larger than dollhouse scale at 5 3/4 w, but it's too pretty to pass up.

Chen also has a 3 x 4" enameled hinged box with a Starry Night picture on it.

Meet Frankie the Walk 'N Roll Dog and Barbara Techel

Welcome to Wisconsin author Barbara Techel, who faced a difficult situation when her beloved Dachshund Frankie became paralyzed.

It began when Frankie, a fun-loving, playful dog, jumped up onto a food container. It fell and so did she. The jump itself didn't cause the injury. Instead, Barbara learned that Frankie had Intervertebral Disk Disease (IVDD), a disorder common in Dachshunds.

After surgery, Frankie was given only a 10 to 30 percent chance of being able to walk again. Despite therapy, it wasn't to be. Frankie was paralyzed.

Once Frankie was fitted with a rolling cart (a dog wheelchair), Barbara decided to write about the experience. Her children's book, FRANKIE, THE WALK 'N ROLL DOG, (Joyful Paw Prints Publishing) shares the little Doxie's story of determination and spunk.



"I decided to write the book because I was so inspired by Frankie, watching her as she healed and then adjusted to her new way of getting around with wheels," says Barbara. "I also was inspired by children who were fascinated by Frankie as I started taking her out in public. They were curious about her and wanted to know why she was in a wheelchair."


Inspiration

Not long before Frankie's injury, Barbara was devastated by the loss of her Labrador, Cassie, to bone cancer. To cope, she began writing a monthly newspaper column about dogs. Losing Cassie, she says, "made me search for more in life and want to find a way to give back."

Then Frankie was injured. Despite the costs for surgery and the wheeled cart... despite the heartbreak... and despite the adjustments, Barbara knew she couldn't give up on Frankie.

"I was uneducated in Intervertebral Disk Disease," she says. "When Frankie suffered her injury I was very scared. I couldn't imagine what her life was going to be like if she didn't walk again. How would she get around? Would she be depressed? I also wondered how I would take care of a handicapped dog. I was told about the dog carts ('doggie' wheelchairs) by the surgeon and was assured if Frankie did not walk on her own, the cart would give her a quality life and help her get around.

"By writing her story I hope to educate others about this disease, while at the same time showing that animals with disabilities really can live a long, happy life if given a chance."


The Silver Lining



"There were many lessons I learned from Frankie," Barbara says. "The biggest one was about challenges and realizing I always have a choice when I am faced with a challenge. Frankie overcame adversity with dignity and grace. It made me realize I can always choose to be positive when facing tough things in my life. I decided I wanted to really teach that to other children and felt I could make a difference with Frankie's story."

And Frankie? The dog, whom Barbara calls her "tweenie weenie" since she surpassed the Miniature Dachshund size of 9-11 pounds but at 13 pounds is smaller than Standard size, laps up the attention.

"Frankie is a determined little dog," says Barbara. "She has a very sweet personality and is very good around children. This is my mission in life that I have been called to do. I consider it a great honor to be Frankie's mom and to share her message of hope and inspiration.

The book received the Merial Human-Animal Bond Award from the Dog Writer's Association of America. Frankie also was inducted into the 2009 Wisconsin Pet Hall of Fame.

But beyond the awards, the best part for Barbara is taking Frankie (who will be 10 in August) to visit local nursing homes and schools.

She'll share some of those adventures in the sequel, to be published next year. FRANKIE, THE WALK 'N ROLL THERAPY DOG VISITS LIBBY'S HOUSE will again be illustrated by fellow Wisconsinite Victoria Kay Lieffring.

"Frankie has inspired oodles of children around the world, some with physical challenges," Barbara says. "She forms a special connection with them. She gives kids hope that they can face their own challenges by having a positive attitude. I'd have to say that is a pretty wonderful silver lining."


** A portion of the book sale proceeds will be donated to the Rolling Dog Ranch Animal Sanctuary in Montana.

Ranch owners Steve Smith and Alayne Marker left careers as attorneys to "follow their dream" and care for animals with disabilities. The 160-acre nonprofit ranch, begun in 2000, is now home to dozens of disabled animals including 20 blind horses, dogs who are blind, disabled Dachshunds, and 10 cats.

"I chose Rolling Dog Ranch because they followed their hearts," says Barbara. "Both Steve Smith and Alayne Marker left great paying corporate jobs to follow their hearts and take care of animals with disabilities. I think the work they do for physically challenged animals is so remarkable." **



** Buy from Amazon


** Visit the FRANKIE, THE WALK 'N ROLL DOG blog

** See Frankie's video.

Preview: Meet a Special Guest!

Petey the Dachshund from Searching For A Starry Night, A Miniature Art Mystery is barking excitedly about Candid Canine's special upcoming guest!

Come meet Frankie the Walk 'N Roll Dog and author Barbara Techel right here tomorrow!

Reading the Fantastic

The big word for 2009? Twilight.

While vampire stories used to be strictly considered horror, lines between genres seem to be blurring. But Stephenie Meyer's Twilight still didn't make the top 25 with fantasy readers. (It came in at #31.)

According to this list of the Top 100 Fantasy books, the real favorite was -
Ta da! The Lord of the Rings, which ranked at #1.

I admit, I didn't read many from the list either. How many did you read? (Well, seeing the movie counts for something, right?)

Here's the top 10 Fantasies with older and some new authors:

1 Lord of the Rings - JRR Tolkein
2 Harry Potter series, JK Rowling
3 The Hobbit - JRR Tolkein
4 Wheel of Time series - Robert Jordan
5 A Song of Ice and Fire - George RR Martin
6 The Lion, The Witch and The Wardrobe - CS Lewis
7 The Belgariad Series - David Eddings
8 Wizard's First Rule - Terry Goodkind
9 Magician - Raymond E. Feist
10 His Dark Materials Trilogy - Philip Pullman

** Your turn: What's your favorite fantasy book? (Or movie?)

Replicating a Scene in Miniature

Dutch miniaturist Christa Chayata shared some photos showing the steps she took in duplicating a favorite painting from her childhood that she calls "Snotnose."

Follow along to get an idea of how to pose the miniature dolls and plan your own miniature scene.

1. Choose doll faces that resemble your photo or painting as close as possible. (These doll heads are porcelain, 1/12th scale (1 inch=1 foot)

2. Pose and position the dolls so you know how they will look.


3. Fashion stockings and shoes using natural fabrics like silks and cottons that will glue.





4. Begin fashioning clothing by shaping fabric around the doll. The girl's skirt is formed and glued.


5. Drape, glue and sew pieces of cloth where applicable to form the boy's costume.


6. The boy's costume completed, hair is applied for his wig and his hat attached. The girl's hair is applied, and the dolls posed in final positions. Add props.

Thanks to Christa for sharing her fantastic project!

* Visit Christa's blog.