Speaking engagement: AIIKC

   This morning I had another opportunity to present my research on & my passion for Japanese character design to a Japanese Pop Culture class at The Art Institutes International of Kansas City. This was my third or fourth presentation there in the last couple of years, and I'm thrilled that they keep inviting me back! It's a great chance for me to practice presenting, to "try out" what it would be like to be a teacher, and great motivation to continue building on the deck. It has grown a LOT since its humble beginnings in 2010, when I created it for the Japan-America Society of KC.

   This class responded well and had great questions, particularly about how to learn the Japanese language. I LOVE being able to encourage and influence students to learn more about something I love so much! Thanks to Jason Smith and Barbara Brooks for having me out yet again.

Tributes to my Lil' Buddy

   Kelly was with me the day I picked out Atom—he's known him as long as I have! He posted this sweet tribute and awesome illustration on his blog:

   I've received some cards from friends this week—thanks to all. I especially love the "angel Atom" that Charlotte drew for me. I have the best friends ever, and I really appreciate your kindness. (That goes for Atom's vet as well.)

   Coincidentally, Thursday's KC Star had a story about the famous old Katz drug store, whose mascot looks a little familiar...

(Much more than) One Bite

   Today was the annual focus group/taste test at One Bite Japanese Grill, one of my very favorite local restaurants. I went with Mickey & Patty, Andy, Madeline & Chieko, and we were served four delicious courses: Jalapeno teriyaki + cream cheese dip, veggie gyoza, chicken katsu, and steak with jalapeno teriyaki sauce, chopped jalapenos & bok choy. It was an absolutely ridiculous amount of food, and SO, SO GOOD! Our group of 6 had a blast. It made me wonder why more restaurants don't adopt this idea? It's an ingenious way to gather feedback and to build loyalty with customers.
   I am privileged to be working on a project with Erika, the owner of One Bite, to design mascot characters for the restaurant that correspond to her dishes & sauces. I spent much of the day yesterday drawing, and it was so enjoyable...

Ric Rac Roundup!

   Today was the 2nd annual Ric Rac Roundup hosted by Bon Bon Atelier in Westport. (Not to be confused with being Rick Roll'd, which is altogether more unpleasant than a craft fair.) It was soooo hot & humid that the Fresher than Fresh snow cones trailer was a welcome sight! Kelly & I got in line as soon as we arrived, and enjoyed a delectable lemon prickly pear treat. (Other flavors included watermelon basil, lime mint, blackberry lavendar, green tea pear, pineapple serrano pepper, espresso Mexican cane sugar & the mysterious daredevil special.) They were also selling very cute buttons & t-shirts. The trailer moves around town, but can always be found from noon-7 on Sundays in the park at 17th & Summit. I kind of want to move there. blog

   There was a ton of cool stuff (and several Hallmarkers' booths), but almost all of my purchases were from Tara Tonsor / Seek Design. She creates cool jewelry with new & vintage charms, unique shapes, and found objects. Also, she couldn't be nicer.
   Afterward we enjoyed lunch in the cool air conditioning at Thai Place. I'm a sucker for pad Thai anytime, even if it's 1000 degrees outside.

Tail Waggin' News!

Nothing geeks me out like opening the newspaper & unexpectedly seeing my artwork! (Okay, that's kind of a lie. Lots of things geek me out: video games, going to the zoo, really amazing food...) Anyway, Jana at the Humane Society, who is an incredibly talented artist in her own right, continues to use my characters from Art Unleashed & Dog-n-Jog art to perk up ads for HSGKC. And it makes me so happy to know that people like them and that they are helping to gain attention for pets in need.

You're going down, KC Wolf!!!

...at least, that's what Aki says. The Chiefs' mascot kept coming in & out of that door and taunting all the dogs, who clearly wanted a piece of him. Not sure if it was his googly eyes or his pointy nose, his clown pants or the faint smell of vomit that riled them up. It was so incredibly, miserably, freaking hot, that guy must have been dying in there.

"That's the biggest dog I've ever seen!"

Okay, now he's just asking for it:

The showdown:

Success! She chased him off!

Pack of wild shibas in action: