So much has been happening over the last few months and I've done a bad job reporting it. Some might say, I've been living in the moment. And sometimes living in the moment keeps you from stopping to make a report. So, here's a quick breakdown of what's been happening in the crazy life of The MoMeMans.

We started the year with a big bang attending the humongous NYNOW show here in NYC at the Javits Center. Some, I don't know, 20-30,000 people attended. It was a BIG deal. I couldn't believe we were a part of such a big thing. I had four days to meet amazing clients and fellow vendors, learn, reflect and take it all in. It was ah-maze-ing. I'd never even been to a trade show much less participated in one. I had no idea what to expect but I'm so glad we were there.

It was an intense four days with one day to restock, reorganize and breathe before attending another intense 3-day conference. I attended the Society of Children's Book Illustrators and Writers Winter Conference. Thankfully it was here in NYC because I didn't have to travel. I mean, it might've broken me if I'd have had to travel. Instead, it made me grow. There was a gala, an opening keynote speech from non-other than Justice Sonia Sotomayor that brought me to tears with love and compassion for children and their future. Honestly, every keynote was so profound and all of them inspired me more than I could have imagined. And, they def made me and everyone else in the room teary at various points. Moving and beautiful speeches for sure. I also participated in a portfolio review, attended workshops, met with other fellow dreamers such as myself, met published illustrators, met published writers, got some books signed and had a lot to reflect on after the week was over. Phew! 

And after it was all over, all I wanted to do was sleep. But I couldn't. There was so much to keep up with, orders to fulfill and people to follow up with. Taxes to catch up on and more adulting to do. But I also did give myself a little break. I stopped working til 2am every night. I tried to be more present and just do what I could do when I could do it. So, here I am. I'm on a pause from another something that I thought I was going to be doing tonight and my husband is putting our sweet daughter to sleep (and maybe himself), so I thought I'd finally get to this newsletter update. So here I am. Updating.

My last bit of news is that I've joined an organization called We Are Women Owned. WAWO for short. They are hosting a pop-up at Artists & Fleas in Soho location later this month. Save the Dates! April 26 - April 28 from 12-8pm Friday and Saturday. 12-6pm on Sunday. Come and see us! Address is 568 Broadway at the corner of Prince Street. Support women owned businesses, tell all your friends and keep the fever alive in all of us! 

So much love,

Monica
p.s. And as always, if you're not in the NY area, please remember us when you or your friends have babies or baby showers or birthday parties. We have super cozy gifts that are always a hit. Plus we have the wrapping paper and cards. It's the whole package!