Days like this

Some days as an artist are more rewarding than others. There are the days that most of us know, days when it seems like our work will never see the light of day, that sending submissions to publishers is like dropping an envelope off the edge of the world. There are days when it feels incredibly self-indulgent to think that we, of all people in the world, deserve to follow our fancy and have satisfaction in our work. Days when no one is telling us to keep going.

Then there are days like this, when the universe seems to be saying YES. Keep going. In the mail today I received samples from two different licensees, of two of my different product lines that are coming out into the world. One had the Laini's Ladies desk calendars for 07 which will be in stores in the fall, these first samples fresh from the factory and they're gorgeous. I adore them! Next came the box of faerie greeting cards and they, too, are just as perfect as I could wish. I love these days, when proof of my art's journey through the world comes back to me!

And it doesn't only come in boxes of 'shwag' -- more importantly it comes in emails and comments. Thanks to Erin for her wonderful comment to my last post. I LOVE hearing stuff like that! It validates everything to know that I'm connecting with unseen women out there leading their own rich and gorgeous lives. And Liz Elayne, thank you too for the incredibly touching email last week. To know that my art strikes a chord in people's hearts, it makes me feel so warm and lucky. And to have found this forum where I can connect with some of those people -- it's great. Thanks for all the beautiful words of encouragement from everyone. In turn I encourage you all to keep putting your art in the world because after all the hopeless days, there ARE days like this!