One day in the Palace of Versailles there grew a tremendous buzz in the air. Causing such alarm, the ladies and gentlemen quickly disappeared. But not so Madame Pomp who spoke: Oh cher, panrqusi oe sauvent? Its sant oeulement des sbeilles!
Well, here is the first official illustration for my next moleskine sketchbook called 'Cornucopia'. Not sure what inspired me to do this except the other day I was reminiscing about a childhood incident.
The Incident . . .
It happened in North Carolina when I was about eight or nine years old. The day was hot and I was outside playing on my swing. Something I loved to do was see how high I could go up into the air. There were times I would go so high I'd imagine doing a flip around the swing set. Of course an impossible feat. Eventually swinging down to earth for the last time that day, I ran off to play in the vegetable garden. But it wasn't long before I found myself chased by a swarm of bees. Crying and screaming, I frantically tried to outrun them. But they were like an angry tornado. Several times they managed to sting my head and bare arms. Fortunately, my father came to my rescue. Running close behind, he was swatting at the bees with a broom. A few times he'd accidentally struck my head. Although they were hard thumps, I didn't mind. Better a broom then bee stings. And I remember seeing out of the corner of my eye, my mother and siblings running a few yards back in the distance. One or two of the siblings whom I won't name, were laughing hysterically.
Eventually we managed to dart inside the house. Meanwhile the bees had disappeared. Once the stings were treated and I'd calmed down, I began giggling with my brothers and sisters. I suppose it must have been quite hilarious to see their sister in such distress. And also their father thumping her head with a broom. H'm, just like siblings.
So that's my little experience with bees. As for Madame Pomp I wish her all the best!
The incident with the bees deserves another loud "ouch"! But the drawing is beautiful and a wonderful first page for the new moleskine.
Posted by: Mariana | Monday, June 04, 2007 at 03:40 AM
Mariana,
Again, thank you so much for your wonderful comment. Greatly appreciated!
Posted by: June Parrish Cookson | Monday, June 04, 2007 at 08:00 AM
Ouch! I cringe just reading about the swarm of bees. You were lucky that you're not allergic! Your story was very sweet and funny and your illustrations are lovely. Thank you for sharing with us.
Posted by: BookWise | Friday, July 20, 2007 at 01:04 PM
I really enjoyed reading your blog and your illustrations.
Being from Paris myself, I always loved Mme de Pompadour.
Posted by: Cat | Saturday, June 21, 2008 at 04:04 PM
Beautiful and inspired!
Posted by: Catherine Moore | Saturday, July 26, 2008 at 02:25 PM
I love the illustrations and I myself am a French enthusiast,and horror author as you can see from my site. I ventured to France (Paris,Chartes,Fountainbleu,and Versailles) about 4 years ago and plan to return asap! I am thrilled to have found your blog. I have one on fox2's website and another floating in cyberspace(frencheuphoria). Please get well so we can compare French notes.
Ciao.
Posted by: Saiida M Stoakley | Tuesday, August 26, 2008 at 08:04 PM
Wow, this is WONDERFUL!!!! I just found your blog, you are so very talented!
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