7-Imp’s 7 Kicks #452: Featuring Moira Birch Swiatkowski
October 4th, 2015 by jules
Hey there, dear kickers. I had a post lined up today, saying that I’d be taking a week-long blog break. A couple months ago, I received the James Marshall Fellowship from the University of Connecticut. That means I’m going to head up there to look through the papers of author-illustrator James Marshall. (Big fan here of his work. I’m excited!) I was going to do that this week, but plans have changed. My father is actually on hospice and is, I think, nearing the end. So, I’ll do that trip another day, another time.
But that sudden change in plans left me with nothing to post today, especially since I’m out at my parents’ house. You all know it breaks my heart to put up a post without any art. I decided to ask the talented Moira Birch Swiatkowski, a regular kicker herself (and an artist previously featured here at 7-Imp), if she could share some art. She gave me permission to pick whatever image I wanted from her site, and I thought the above image was fitting. As you can read here, it’s all about breakfast and all about fathers.
Since I’m around this week after all, please do leave your kicks, if you’re so inclined.
[Note for any new readers: 7-Imp’s 7 Kicks is a weekly meeting ground for taking some time to reflect on Seven(ish) Exceptionally Fabulous, Beautiful, Interesting, Hilarious, or Otherwise Positive Noteworthy Things from the past week, whether book-related or not, that happened to you. New kickers are always welcome.]
Sending lots of love and light to your family.
I will remember your family in my devotions, particularly your father.
Let me just get right to the kicks
1. My dad
2. My family
3. The Public Library
4. Friends who care about you
5. Comfort of warm drinks like, coffee, warm cider and earl grey tea
6. Health
7. Getting to draw everyday
xo
Jules – sending you and your family love and prayers.
Moira – thanks for sharing such lovely art – the warmth of the moment really shines through.
It’s been a rough week here in Oregon – and I am sure elsewhere – so I am going to leave my kicks to remind me of the good.
1) Small unexpected acts of kindness,
2) Realizing I’ve made a difference in a kid’s life – it’s humbling and joyful all at once.
3) Seeing someone turn their life around – just inspiring.
4) Meeting up with a good friend who is going through a lot of changes in many areas of his life – and is still able to see the positive in it, and keeps moving forward.
5) Daisy and her unconditional love and silliness.
6) Long-distance laughter.
7) All the helpers in the world, who rush forward in times of crisis.
8) Waking up to sunlight streaming in the window, a snoring dog, and a new day.
Sending my wishes for a peaceful coming week Imps.
Yes, please do leave kicks, all. Spread some sunshine, especially when needed.
Rachel, thinking of you and everyone in Oregon. Kick #2 is particularly great.
Moira, thank you again for the art!
Pam, thanks.
LW: love to you.
Love and best wishes to you and yours. Here’s my version of sunshine. You might notice a theme.
1. Fritos.
2. Cheetos.
3. Doritos.
4. Tostitos.
5. SpaghettiOs (with meatballs).
6. Oreos.
7. Oreo ice cream sandwich.
8. Double stuffed Oreo-even though that borders on sacrilege.
Stacy, that’s one serious junk food high, which sounds pretty great right about now. When I was pregnant with my second daughter, I survived on mostly Fritos during the morning sickness stage. Fortunately, she doesn’t have two heads or anything.
Dear Jules:
I am sending you and your family warmth, hugs and loads of love. It’s hard to let go of those you love but even harder to see them struggling with life.
I love your art Moira. I miss being able to see your daily paintings on Twitter. Your kick about warm drinks could have been one of mine.
Gosh Rachel kick 8 brought tears to my eyes. Looking at my sweet old girl right now thinking every day she is here is a miracle.
Your comfort food list made me smile Stacy.
My kicks are all the same this week. So grateful to have my beloved Xena still with me. I do believe she is getting better each day.
Wishing you all a week filled with love.
Margie -Why can’t you see my daily drawings?
Margie: So glad to read Xena is getting better each day. Love to you both.
I sat to leave a comment or kicks or anything – but just sat here for too long. But i won’t give up because I remember when I was going through a rough time saying goodbye to loved ones, even one small kind word from a stranger helped me. Lots of love and thoughts to you and everyone.
Oh, thanks, Aram. That’s very kind.
Wishing you presence of mind in this pivotal time, kindness to yourself, and love all around.
Stacy’s kicks are a hoot.
My kicks: poems, tea, new songs, old songs, dog bellies, soup, and a comfy bed.
Tabatha, those are some pretty great kicks. All cozy-warm, each one of ’em.