I’m beaming like the ray of sunshine streaming into my studio for two reasons.
The Sunshine Award
Joan Y. Edwards sent little old me a Sunshine Award! 
This prize is given to bloggers who positively and creatively inspire others in the blogosphere. Wow, Joan, I’m honored! You must have known how much I love getting awards! I’ve added this one to my sidebar. The list is growing. Yay!
As an award winner, I’m supposed to follow three rules.
- Thank the person who gave me this award. Check!
- Answer the questions that go along with the award.
- Pass on the award to 10 fabulous bloggers, link their blogs, and let them know.
Because I’ve already done something similar before, after you read the rest of this post, click through to find out more about me and other fabulous bloggers who inspire me.
Now onto the second reason.
For months, I’ve been sworn to—
Matilda
Tracy’s Marketing Maven
SECRECY! Yup, that’s right, people. Tracy’s been squirming like a stuffed pig.
Spsst. Crash. Ker-splat.
Tracy just spit out the apple that was stuffed in her mouth. What a mess! There’s apple shrapnel everywhere. Sheesh!
Okay, Matilda, I’ll take it from here.
Yes, children’s author Susanna Leonard Hill contacted me and asked to purchase a piece of my art.
And nooo, it wasn’t to start her own Tracy Campbell Collection of Whimsical Works of Art, but she did want a piece for her new Making Picture Book Magic course.
Susanna unveiled her magical course on January 9th.
And of all the days she had to choose from, she picked Tracy’s brother’s 50th birthday! Now that’s super-duper!
Susanna Leonard Hill’s Making Picture Book Magic is for anyone interested in learning how to write a picture book for children, and then two, or maybe three.
I’m dying to reveal what I’ve contributed, but—
Tracy doesn’t want to spoil a thing. So…if you want to feast your gaze on Tracy’s newest whimsical work of art, you’ll just have to sign up for Susanna’s course!
Oh, and did I mention Tracy will be rubbing shoulders with nine other super, talented illustrators who’ve contributed works of art for Susanna’s course?
No? Well, I just did, so puh-leeze visit the sites listed below:
Rounding out the lineup is Martha South, who’s in hiding. Apparently, she’s been drawing ever since she can remember, and diving with lively interest and imagination into all kinds of books. She studied art at Brown University and the Rhode Island School of Design, and has been designing greeting cards and painting storytelling pictures for fifty years.
If you’ve dreamed of being a children’s author, pop on over to Susanna’s website and sign up today!
You know the drill—if you want to receive Tracy’s free posts by email, just enter your email address in the box under “Sign Me Up!” or check off the box after you leave a comment. And puh-leeze, share her post by pressing the Email, Digg, StumbleUpon, Reddit, LinkedIn, Twitter, Google+, or Facebook doohickies.
P.S. Click on the banner below, and you’ll be swept into Tracy’s Whimsical Shop!
Thanks for putting up with Matilda!
1
Congratulations on having your art featured in Susanna’s new class!
Tina Cho recently posted..The Next Big Thing Blog Hop and a Give Away!
Thanks, Tina. I’m thrilled for the amazing opportunity. It’s a real boost.
Tracy! I’m so excited for you. How cool to have your adorable artwork featured in Susanna’s book. Way to go, lady
Laura Bennet recently posted..What Would My Characters Do?
Thanks so much for cheering me on, Laura! It is very cool, not to mention, I’m honored that Susanna asked me.
Wonderful! Congratulations to you and the other illustrators… I’m thrilled to read that others will soon enjoy the zany brilliance of your creative hand.
Eliz
ElizOF recently posted..Inspiration: Acceptance…
Hi Eliz,
Thanks so much for stopping by and leaving such brilliant comments that are making my brain swell. LOL
Tracy,
Congratulations on the Sunshine Award. You deserve it.
Getting your art featured in Suzanna Leonard Hill’s picture book course is such an honor. I’m so happy for you! Terrific news! I checked out Suzanna’s site and the course sounds awesome. I may decide to sign up myself. Keep shining brightly, sunshine.
Thanks for the congrats, Linda!
You won’t be disappointed if you take Susanna’s course.
She’s not only an excellent writer, she’s very approachable.
Have a lovely weekend!
Awards !!! Published Art !!! That heartfelt sunshine must be heating your home this winter! Congratulations, the best is yet to come!
Hi Terrol,
Yup, my house is getting warmer by the minute. Thanks for always encouraging my dreams!
Congrats on the Sunshine award, and also getting featured in Suzanna’s picture book course. That’s fabulous news!
Sherry Ellis recently posted..Chocolate Chip Latkes
Hey Sherry, it sure is super-duper, fabulous news! Thanks so much for chiming in!
Dear Tracy,
How exciting! Isn’t it wonderful to have other people love your work? It’s even better when they want to buy it to help them teach other people about great art work! Oh my! I am very happy for you.
Celebrate you!
Never Give Up
Joan Y. Edwards
Joan Y. Edwards recently posted..Why Is Sleep Important for You?
Thanks again, Joan for bestowing the Sunshine Award on me. You make me smile!
First, congratulations on your award, Tracy – much deserved, you are very sunshine-y
! Second, thank you for being such a terrific secret-keeper all this time and for shouting out the news now to help spread the word! I’m so grateful for your help, and even more grateful for your art contribution! Thank you thank you 
Susanna Leonard Hill recently posted..Perfect Picture Book Friday – A Is For Musk Ox
Awe, sunshine-y. Susanna, I love the words you come up with.
I sure did have a hard time keeping my trap shut, but I did it! Yay! It’s a pleasure to spread the word. I know anyone taking your course will not be disappointed!
Thanks for the amazing opportunity too!
Congratulations my dear!! Well deserved
petit4chocolatier recently posted..Rosemary Cupcakes with Marshmallow Creme Icing Topped with Chocolate Covered Sunflower Seeds
Thanks, Judy! Have a wonderful week.
Congratulations, Tracy. Go for the gold!
Marylin Warner recently posted..TWO FACES, BRIGHT EYES, AND LONG TOES
Marylin, you always come up with such lovely phrases. Thanks for the encouragement!
Congratulations on the big news!! I am so proud and excited for you. Also, you are totally worthy of the sunshine award. You send sunshine from every direction, and it shines through in everything you do.
Amberr Meadows recently posted..How NOT to be a Good Employer
Thanks so much for your uplifting comments, Amberr!
That’s so awesome she is using some of your art! Congrats!!!
Thanks, Peggy for stopping by and cheering me on!
Congratulations Tracy!!! Well deserved…I’m very happy for you…Keep up the good work…
karenlee recently posted..‘Letting Go’…
Thank you, Karen! I can’t wait to view your art at Coffee Culture!
You are our Sunshine, our only Sunshine, you make us happy when skies are gray.:)
Congrats on the Sunshine Award, Tracy…you are a ray of sunshine and so is your art work.
And hip hip hooray for being one of the talented illustrators Susanna picked for her course…I am so very proud of you.:)
Vivian Kirkfield recently posted..Honoring Dr. Martin Luther King with Music and More
Thanks for making me smile, Vivian! Your singing is beautiful.
Congrats
Long Life Cats and Dogs recently posted..Life’s breezy with Easy – World Cruise Day 2
Susan, thanks so much for popping in and for the congrats.
I`m not surprise Tracy .You deserve to have it my friend congratulation
jakesprinter recently posted..2013 Logo a Review
Thanks, Jake. You’re very kind.
Congratulations, Tracy! Very well deserved. Your blog is fun and delightful
valentina recently posted..Freight Turned Pizza Truck is a Visual Feast
Thanks, Inez. I appreciate your comments.