Finding more Joy

I’m not an event planner, however, I did find myself planning a few events this year, and I must say that they were a success. The thing that I liked the most about them is that we did what we wanted, we did what felt playful, joyful, and surprising.

I’ve realized that I’m looking for more of the above in my life. More play, joy, and surprise, more of doing the thing because I want to do the thing.

Working on picture books brings a lot of play and joy, and sometimes frustration, as almost any new creative project does. Ultimately, I hope the books bring play, joy, and surprise into the lives of others of all ages.

While the description may say that a book is best for kids in grades 1-5, I don’t totally believe that. I believe that a good book is a good book for all ages. There’s a pile of 20 picture books sitting on the floor beside me, and they’re just for me. They give me inspiration as to how to make a picture, organize a page, and explore font. They’re playful and fun to look through. Picture books are perfect for curious kids, and I believe that you can be a curious kid at any age.

Take CJ Hendry’s exhibit, Plaid, where she created a playground, and based on the context, adults slid down slides, jumped on a trampoline, spun on swings, and slipped into a ball pit. The room was filled with joy.

As we head into summer and plan the next birthday party, fireside chat, or girls’ night, ask yourself what “rules” you want to abandon and what joy and surprise you want to bring in.

I’m so excited that The Ice Cream Mill is almost ready to share. It launches May 19th, and should 100% be a party favor for your next event, because research tells us that our homes should be filled with books. It’s a bit more detailed than that, but you get my point, books are fun, important, and playful.

Download the file and get them printed as placemats for your next party, or use as a fun invitation.