Hello there!
Today, I'm going to share a book that I absolutely love. It's written by Sophie Blackall who is an Australian author and illustrator based in New York.
I was first introduced to her work in her book, Missed Connections. She illustrated stories she found in the "Missed Connections" postings on Craigslist. It started out as a blog and then became a book! Here's a sample:
"Owl Lady in the Red Dress: We both purchased owl statues today.
You are the classy looking dame in a red dress.
I am the mustachioed gentleman. I think we should meet up and
discuss further wildlife decor."
I love how Sophie Blackall drew how these people would have looked in real life. She captured the feelings of attraction, regret, and hope -- maybe, these people would meet again after reading the postings. Wouldn't that be romantic?
Sophie Blackall wrote and illustrated another book for grown-ups called "Something to Look Forward To." She worked on it during the pandemic with this premise: Everyone needs things to look forward to -- big things and small things, on good days and on bad days; things that will buoy our spirits and make us laugh and help us feel alive.
Item Number 2: Coffee "When I ask people what they look forward to in life, the answer I hear more than any other is coffee. Coffee is the boost we need to get going -- and to keep going." |
Item No. 4: Baking Something for Someone "We have carpenters working on our barn, and I look forward to baking them muffins...I've noticed the muffin days are always more productive. For me, that is." |
Item Number 11: Drawing on Eggs "If you have an egg in your house, you can draw a face on it. No one will stop you. Then you will look forward to opening the fridge. You will amuse yourself no end." |
Inspired by these thoughts, I made my own list, too:
I look forward to SPRING FLOWERS |
I look forward to GOING TO A BOOKSTORE and browsing each aisle, with extra time at the magazine section |
I look forward to WEEKEND BRUNCH |
I look forward to SENDING AND RECEIVING SNAIL MAIL |
"Things To Look Forward To" by Sophie Blackall is a feel good read and a thoughtful gift for someone going through some challenges. This book might just turn their day from "blah to TADA!"