Sometimes timing works out. Today is the day I am allowed to announce my next illustration project - The Rose Without A Name - which, coincidentally, is an inspiring story of survival. Today is a day I needed to think a bit about the future and survival.
Plus, I’m excited, because I’ve been DYING to tell you guys about this one, and can’t wait to have it in my hands.
Written by Nancy Rust and Carol Stubbs, and published by Crimson Dragon Publishing, it is based on the true story of the Peggy Martin rose - you can read more about that rose here. Hurricane Katrina flooded Plaquemines Parish, but weeks after being totally submerged in saltwater and mud, the rose miraculously emerged and regrew. This rose is tough as hell.
The Peggy Martin rose has become a symbol for survival, strength, and regrowth around the country - growing in fire-ravaged California, the dry heat of Texas, and of course, the swampy subtropics of Louisiana.
This little frog is one of the many creatures that interacts with our rose in The Rose Without A Name.
As I write this, I am struggling to control my rage and despair. I’m still lucky; my loved ones are healthy and we have shelter and food. Many around us are now in those floodwaters; my rage and despair is coming from watching those who can help callously choose not to. They choose to deny their pain, deny them resources in an impossible situation, and to deny them even an INTENTION to fix the problem.
It’s not new, but it’s intense right now, and it’s hard to come to terms with.
While that sentiment is making the air thick for me today, I will try to remember the Peggy Martin rose, how she held strong and was able to hold steady until she could breathe again.
Stay tuned for more sneak peeks and information about the book in the coming months.