Lineanongrata

they think it's funny, I think it's funny (2012 calendar)

(Swan lake. They think it's funny.)

(Would you mind telling me where you got the négligée?)

Right now...

(I told you he's hanging with the wrong crowd!)

Right now I'm really glad I have these illustrations to post that are already done.

Because there are so many other things that still aren't done. Things I need to make or draw for Christmas. Things that I had thought of in August already.

And that are still not done.

(Henry, it just said to 'please turn around at the next possible opportunity!')

But right now I'm thankful for all the things I have already gotten done. For a little sister who's helping me every possible way. For my parents who put up with me every weekend at the moment (and dad, we have a golf date tomorrow, as soon as I arrive). For so many other things that I can't remember right now because I'm so tired I can't see straight. I'm thankful I can sit in a big heap of christmas ornaments and christmas preparations before Thanksgiving and know I won't tire of Christmas until it's over.

Did you know I sing Christmas songs in July when I don't feel good?

Meet Walter and the unruly mice (more calendar illustrations)

 

(I told you weeks ago that there must have been some kind of mixup, Walter!')

a first (2012 calendar preview)

(He calls it 'back to the roots'. We're hoping it's just a phase.)

Please note that this is a first. I've never so far shown any cute cats on this blog. It might also be the last time. I wouldn't want to be mistaken for the cute kind.

And I would like the record to reflect that cats hate me. When I meet one I give my very best. An outstretched hand, kittykitty noises, I shower them in compliments ('what a pretty cat you are'... ) and - WHAM - they hit me with claws outstretched for maximum effect. Or run away. Or pee into my shoes. Does anyone remember the time the Minus cat on the winery peed into my grandmother's porcelain cup?

(Marty, the next time you push your brother into the compost heap, you get to clean him, too.')

This one is for my brother and my sister. The day they played in - and fell into - the silo with rotting clover is still a memorable one.

Finally here: The 2012 Calendar

I know. You're going to ask 'who is this woman and what is she doing on the Lineanongrata blog?!'

I'm Julia, I'm an illustrator and I haven't been posting here regularly for a long long while.

Sorry. And thank you for all those who wrote emails and asked if I was ok. I appreciate it very much.

I am ok and very busy preparing things for the Christmas markets at the moment. Before that I was busy teaching and thinking about the kids (if they read this I'll be able to hear the howl of protest all across Berlin: 'Kids!!!') Young adults.

Shall we pretend nothing happened?

Throughout the next couple of days I'll show you the illustrations that make up the Lineanongrata 2012 calendar. Which is now - finally - available in the shop.

And then? Well then it'll be Advent time soon enough and the Advent Calendar Giveaway will start all over again. You'll have posts every day for 24 days then! In the end you'll probably be sick and tired of my stories.

Yes, ok. I admit it: I'm trying to bribe you.