Hero’s Art Journey

Posted on October 17, 2013 by MaryALivingston

I’m all for sneaking bliss, but sometimes you gotta’ just reach out and grab it with both hands. I just found out there’s room in Hero’s Art Journey! We’re only a few days in and I am ecstatic to be along for this expedition in art filled bliss.

The fabulous Mira Reisberg and dynamic Maya Gonzalez are leading the way along this artist road of bliss. It’ll be easy to jump right in, so go ahead treat yourself to an early holiday gift.

Registration ends Friday. Click here for a Super Secret Hero’s Art Journey e-Course Special and brace yourself for a bliss filled treat.

I’d love to see you there!

Just in case you missed the link, click the image….

Hero’s Art Journey

Percy Wins Book Award!

Posted on October 4, 2013 by MaryALivingston

Gold Medal
Inspiration and Motivation

I can’t even begin to say how excited I am. The more I worked on the art for this book, the more I fell in love with little Percy. It was the first picture book I illustrated, and I feel so blessed to be a part of its making. I worked with two wonderful women, Patricia Schetter, the author and Kandis Lighthall, the educational contributor from ABTA Publications and Products. My illustration group from Make Your Splashes – Make Your Marks was invaluable for critiques and points of illustration wisdom. And of course my wonderful Tim (The Forester Artist) is always encouraging. I just can’t stop smiling!

The ABTA Publications and Products children’s picture book, Percy Learns to Fly, has been awarded the 2013 Gelett Burgess Children’s Book Award for outstanding contributions to children’s literature. A Gold Medal was awarded in Lifestyle: Motivation and Inspiration category.

Author: Patricia Schetter, M.A., B.C.B.A., Woodland, CA
Illustrator: Mary A Livingston (ME :D) Anderson, CA
Educational Contributor: Kandis Lighthall, Redding, CA

Percy Learns to Fly tells a heartwarming story by Patricia Schetter of fitting in while being different. Everyone can see Percy is different. He tries hard to fit in with his friends and do well in school. Join Percy in this heart-warming tale with moments of disappointment, excitement and joy as Percy Learns to Fly.

A page from Percy Learns to Fly

Includes an exceptional Teacher and Parent section with resources.

Hardback ISBN 978-0-9844660-1-6
Paperback ISBN 978-0-9844660-2-3

Here are a couple of websites with the book:
ABTA Publications and Products

also at
redtail.com (discount for the Red Tail site is code BLOG15 edit cart in checkout 😉 )

Meet Percy

Posted on October 3, 2013 by MaryALivingston

I’d like to introduce you to Percy. He’s a love. The poor little penguin is hatched to a pair of gulls. Don’t worry, Percy has heart, lots of heart.

Percy is hatched to a gull family. Character development for Percy Learns to Fly. ABTA Products and Publications. Schetter/Livingston 2013

I met Percy through author/educator Patricia Schetter. Patty is an all around awesome gal who has followed her bliss. She is a Behavior Analyst and Autism Specialist and she teaches fellow educators. You can find out more about Patty here.

Percy Learns to fly was the first book I illustrated. Lucky me! To study for Percy, I went to the San Francisco Zoo and observed the penguins. You see, we don’t have penguins in the wilds of Northern California, so the zoo was pretty much my best option for a hands on look at the movements and behaviors of a penguin.

In Percy Learns to Fly, Percy faces danger.

As I poured over the story and got to know Percy, I fell in love with his personality and strong heart. Percy teaches a lot about persistence and how in the right environment, we too can soar.

So how about you? What’s your environment for bliss?

I’ll have more to post on Percy in the coming days…yes, that’s a tease, so stay tuned!

Mrs. Hatcher comforts Percy after a long day. Percy Learns to Fly

Pursuing Bliss

Posted on October 1, 2013 by MaryALivingston

It’s been a pretty full summer as I have been pursuing bliss. Just over a year ago I signed up for an outstanding online course and critique group over at Make Your Splashes, Make Your Marks. Through this awesome course with Mark Mitchell I connected up with Picture Book Academy.

Growing in bliss is addicting!

One final plug about pursuing bliss, don’t miss Marsha and Mira’s Best Character-Driven Contest!!

Best of luck to you all!