My First Snowman (and second snowman)

I made my very first snowman ever today (I grew up in southern California.)  Yes, my first one even though I have lived in Utah for over 4 years now.

When I looked out my front door this morning I found this:

So very pretty.

I went in to my wife's class today to help with their Christmas party and help her clean up and organize and such for the new year.  And during recess I took advantage of all the snow to make my first snowman.

I had a few dozen 5th-graders help me make a wobbly snowman that was about 8 feet tall.  Rocking.

But then I wondered what I could really make with this new found medium of snow with a little more time and planning.  So, with the help of my good friend Jason, a different sort of snowman came to life.  We didn't finish until after dark.

Look familiar?

I hope it snows this much again this winter.  I've got more ideas that require attention.

One of These Things Is Not Like the Others

Some early character sketches for a story I'm working on with a friend.  (click to enlarge)

Yeah, a real story, with a real friend too.  The story is called "I'm Not Afraid of Bunnies" and it was written by Rick Walton.  I'll keep you folks updated on the progress of this book.  I'm already having fun with it and I've only just begun sketching.

Monster Drummer

Requested by a 5th Grader named Joe.  Here you go, Joe.

Animal Math - New Creative Writing Prompt for C.K.C.

Let's get to it.

Yeah, I like animals doing silly things.  When I'm stuck for something interesting to draw or write I usually try to take something normal and add something unusual to change it up.  Interesting stories often follow.

I find this prompt to be especially fun on the illustration side of things.

For an example of this type of story come to fruition, check out David Shannon's "Duck on a Bike." It's super fun.  And I LOVE David Shannon's illustrations.