My first children’s book!

Tiki Learned to Trust is the title of my first children’s book. Ever since I was a little girl, I have wanted to create my own books that other kids and grownups would enjoy reading to themselves or each other. When I worked in school and public libraries, I daydreamed of having my books in their collections. Will that ever happen? I can’t predict the future, but I can strive for it. My first book (and hopefully more to come) will make its debut on this website in the near future. I am eager to share with you the sweet adoption story of my dear heart kitty, Tiki.

The pre-production process is in full swing. Writing and storyboarding; researching other artists for inspiration; combing through literally hundreds of reference photos and videos I have hoarded of Tiki on my phone, computer, Facebook albums and framed pictures on walls; wandering through warm memories and suffering through chilly ones; reminiscing with John about our first cat together; talking to Beaker and Thomas about their sassy Big Sis; visiting her candlelit memorial. It will take as long as it’s going to take. I started many months ago, but it was too sad and stressful. I struggled to sleep through the night and obliterated tissue boxes. Humbling. Sobering. Pulverizing. Shattering. The pain never leaves. It only lessens a bit, just enough to feel numb so I can keep going. Her story deserves to be told. She was a survivor who somehow was in the right place at the right time. A part-feral / part-friendly kitten living all alone on the streets getting trapped by a local cat rescue to being placed in a foster home then adopted into her forever home, Tiki Learned to Trust invites you to explore this special kitty’s early life. A life well-lived. She provided her family purpose and peace. I feel that this is the best way to honor her.