Say Hello to Hiro Nakamura!

      Beep Beep! Move over! We got our own little Japanese car. Almost all cars in Japan are on the smaller side, (especially compared to America) partially due to the narrow streets and no need for a high powered speedy engine. We were debating about a car and whether we would honestly need it. Some things persuaded us a little but the biggest thing was hiking. When you take dogs on the train they must be in  a carrier. That's fine but I really didn't want to have to lug around a carrier on the hike or rent a locker there. And what if Danny is gone and I want to go hike with the pups? Am I seriously supposed to lug 2 dogs in carriers, and a hiking bag onto a train before the hard work of the trail? I think not! So hiking with the dogs was the biggest persuasion. We purchased a 2000 Honda Capa. It's a periwinkle silver, has lots of storage, good on gas and there's a dvd player. Oh and it has a name. We named our other car too. It was Pepper... as in Pepper Pots because of my love for Tony Stark and Danny wanted it to have a girl name. This car of course needed a Japanese name so I fell back to a favorite of mine from a beloved show. Our car is Hiro Nakamura ! ( From the TV series Heroes.) Danny is insisting to call it Nakamura because he says Hiro sounds like "hero". I'll call it Hiro. Needless to say we are enjoying the drive and we're excited for the adventures this little guy's gona take us to.

My Illustrated Life...in Japan

     My Illustrated Life continues! Even though my posts have been sporadic things are finally getting in order for this massive move. There are abundant updates to be made. We found a rental house and met our lovely neighbors. We've settled into our traditional but updated Japanese home along with learning how to operate all of it's gadgets. We are in the process of getting a cute little Japanese car. It's a periwinkle little cube lookin thing and this is the one place that doesn't stand out as odd. We've been celebrating the New Year like the locals and immersing ourselves in all that we can.
     Ardent Prints has been full force too! It's still fully running on Etsy and the updates are almost fully completed. There's new business cards on the way and "Goodnight Fox" is adorning the cover. I figured why not represent my art with my art. Soon to come as well is full scale choreographed marketing that all matches such as stamps, packaging, etc. Like I said all in an overhaul. I've completed a custom piece of work for the Sharrow's and their little "Rowboat" to decorate their nursery. While in Japan I'm using my talent and education to help the next generation and pay it forward to the art world as I am now offering art lessons. As I am more than qualified with education and experience this is a great opportunity for all involved. I can't wait foster creativity and expand the world's knowledge of Ardent Prints. Thank you for those giving me the opportunity to inspire and encourage.