What's not to like?

[This is a self-portrait my daughter made in kindergarten, 2009]

Did I mention how beautiful my daughter is?

I do hope McDonald's doesn't come after us for copyright infringement for that nose. But otherwise the emerald eyes are enchanting; the hair has that trendy tousled look -- just like Meg Ryan (she's still relevant, right?). Just look at the bewitching blush of those cheek apples! And the teeth. The teeth say, "Why yes, I did just move here from England."

I like you too. Very much.



Jenny Appleseed

This art project was the catalyst for this blog. My 6-year-old daughter brought home the above from school, in honor of Johnny Appleseed's birthday, and well, it planted a seed within me.

I've begun looking at her homework and projects -- once relegated to our fridge and then banished to storage -- with a fresh eye. I would like to thank whomever decided to place those nipples rivets where they are on Jenny Johnny. To quote the contemporary poets known collectively as Chicago, you're the inspiration ...