Almost three years ago I started writing a prelude novel to my ten-years in the works trilogy, "The Loreafloris Chronicles." At first it was meant to simply set the stage a bit for the "real" story, but it soon became clear that 'The SkYsles of Wyn'Auren' would be a lovely story of it's own, and in its own right. A few days ago I closed my computer, emotions a mix of contentment, relief, and anxiousness to move forward. To have others read it, to find an agent, to make some headway on the sequel, Anything!

Meanwhile, I'm still staying busy as a mama, and homeschooling the six older children. I know the Lord is helping me, as there is simply no way I could do this on my own. My sweet husband has been working two jobs (one full, one part-time) for over a year And working towards his Masters; and while he's held up bravely, it's clear that he's getting burnt out fast. At this point, I am beyond anxious to help him achieve some of his dreams as well (he also longs to write as a full time author), but am unsure how to go about doing that. All we can do is Hope, and Pray, and trust in the Lord.
He's has been teaching part-time at BYU-I online, and this was the job he enjoyed most (he loves to teach!). Unfortunately, his contract is ending this month and they've informed him that at least the next semester or two they can't renew it. My first thought when he told me was, "Really?! The ONE thing he does that he gets anything good out of is disappearing just when he's struggling the most??" Then my second thought was, "When one door closes another door opens. Have faith, God knows what He's doing." We are currently still at the "doors closing" portion of our journey, so please keep your fingers crossed for us!

On another note, our youngest, Elora, who is one and a half, LOVES to have me read books to her- over and over and over again. ^___^ She never gets tired of it, and when I try to stop she cries and keeps trying to give me the book to read Again, saying "Read it, mommy, read it! Boot, boot? Booooot?" It's so very endearing, even when it's exasperating ;) her current favorites are 'Amelia Bedelia' and 'Amanda Pig.' It's pretty incredible how precious and unique each child is, how they each have their own little spirit, their own interests, personalities, and quirks. Nothing could ever be so fulfilling as being a mother, unless it's being a father- or an aunt, uncle, grand-parent, god-parent, mentor, teacher, etc. ;) I count my many blessings, and see how truly rich we are in all the ways that matter. God Bless!

  I've just finished my classes for this semester at BYU-I, and am feeling the need to not take anymore classes until my kids are all in school, or... grown. As much as I enjoy the learning, I cannot consciously ever bite off so much more than I can chew again! That being said, I feel a little wiser, closer to God, and a lot more in-tune as an Artist. The painting above was my final for my Principles and Elements of Design class, and I'm quite fond of it. ^___~
  This semester I've realized how important it is to me not to paint or draw anything that doesn't convey something meaningful. This piece is close to my heart, and tells a part of my husband and I's love story. I'm toying with the idea of turning it into another children's book. =)

   I am delighted to have the opportunity to publish my first children's book with Neverland Publishing. I wrote and illustrated this book originally to be a gift for my cousin Adam, who just so happens to be one of my best friends. While this is a book for children, it's also one that peoples of all ages can enjoy- it's about self-discovery, self-acceptance, and friendship. You can now find this book on Amazon.com, www.NeverlandPublishing.com, or you will be able to order from this website as soon as I get around to setting it up! ^___~

I am currently planning my book tour, so if you have a school or event you'd like for me to visit, now's the time to let me know! I would be happy to try to work it in =)

Happy Reading!

~Diana

I've always been fond of unique and interesting things since my littlehood. My folks would often bring curiouso back from where'er they'd been, be it a trip to the market or, in dad's case, from abroad; and had they spied some little thing with character, they'd grace me with this souvenir as my latest treasure. I'd be just as pleased with a polished acorn found on the sidewalk as I would be with anything they could buy- as was my delight in nature's bounty.

 When I was about 12 years old, my mother gave me this tiny little book, with tiny little pages of paintings and poetry all about cats. How fun! I was entranced making out the poems, when I stumbled upon one in particular that hooked me with the first line.
 "I and Pangur Ban, my cat,"
What a funny name for a kitty! Or for anyone at all, really. I decided immediately that I loved it. As I read on, I was transported to a little stone dwelling, in which this humble Irish monk must live. I could see his small, simple writing desk in front of the open window, which would let in the perfect breeze at any hour. I imagined this sweet, round-faced monk, idly amusing his pet cat with a feather pen on the table. And thus being inspired, bent over a fresh parchment and dipped the feather into the inkwell.
 I felt I so well related to this anonymous fellow, that I was certain we may have been friends in another life; and I memorized the words. Because whenever I felt blue, just reciting it to myself made me feel considerably better.

 When I first created my feline character Pangur Ban over 10 years ago in my Loreafloris Chronicles, I didn't realize just how famous the poem was, and I didn't think anyone would know where it had come from *lol* When I saw "The Book Of Kells" animation I died of sadness in a way, being brought out of my ignorance so thoroughly. Since then I've changed the spelling to Pangyr Ban, but oh well. I know everyone will know the poem that inspired me, and that's okay. It's my tribute to the unknown Irish monk that I felt such a connection with. You can see the painting of My Pangyr Ban up above.

 For those of you who've never read it, I very much hope you receive the same great pleasure in its discovery that I did back when. Enjoy!

Pangur Ban

I and Pangur Ban, my cat,
'Tis a like task we are at;
Hunting mice is his delight,
Hunting words I sit all night.

Better far than praise of men
'Tis to sit with book and pen;
Pangur bears me no ill will;
He, too, plies his simple skill.

'Tis a merry thing to see
At our task how glad are we,
When at home we sit and find
Entertainment to our mind.

Oftentimes a mouse will stray
Into the hero Pangur's way;
Oftentimes my keen thought set
Takes a meaning in its net.

'Gainst the wall he sets his eye
Full and fierce and sharp and sly;
'Gainst the wall of knowledge I
All my little wisdom try.

When a mouse darts from its den.
O how glad is Pangur then!
O what gladness do I prove
When I solve the doubts I love!

So in peace our tasks we ply,
Pangur Ban, my cat and I;
In our arts we find our bliss,
I have mine, and he has his.

Practice every day has made
Pangur perfect in his trade ;
I get wisdom day and night,
Turning Darkness into light.