Claudia Gadotti
How did she change my mind?
Claudia is more to me than just an amazing artist, she’s a very good friend. Truly, she’s a gem and a blessing.
She’s illustrated over 500 books over more than 20 years. I proud to say she’s done all the artwork for Oakwoods (5-book series of early reader chapter books), all the Emeline books (3-book series), and soon, all the work for Becoming Charles Sawyer (2-book series). To see her portfolio which showcases her versatility, visit her website. Here are just a few.
I invite you to watch our recent Zoom meeting. In eighteen minutes, you’ll learn more about her: her upcoming return to Italy, the part she loves most about her work, her favorites from my books, and how she changed my mind about the artistic technique for my upcoming book: Connection (book one of Becoming Charles Sawyer).
Right now, she’s working on the covers for both Connection and Purpose. They should be finished by the end of August. Can’t wait to share!
A casual meeting of the minds. Enjoy!
A Moment of Wonder
Not every lesson needs a classroom. Sometimes it begins with noticing.
The Shape of Thirst
By July, the sun lingers.
Fields fade to lighter shades of green. Creeks shrink back into their banks. The air feels heavier, and the land begins to show where it is holding less than before.
This is when thirst becomes visible. Water leaves the land quietly.
Heat pulls moisture upward, lifting it into the air through evaporation. Plants slow their growth. Leaves curl slightly, conserving what they have. Animals seek shade. People plan their days around wells, hoses, and water breaks.
Scarcity teaches attention. Long before forecasts and thermometers, people learned to read the signs.
Cracked soil. Lower water lines. Dust where mud once clung. These were reminders that water is not guaranteed—it must be protected, shared, and used with care.
July does not ask for panic. It asks for stewardship. Thirst shapes behavior.
It teaches restraint and gratitude. It reminds us that what sustains life must never be taken for granted. In dry seasons, every drop matters—and every choice counts.
The land does not complain.
It waits.
A Moment to Reflect
July reminds us that limits are part of living wisely. Thirst sharpens our awareness and helps us recognize what truly sustains us. When we notice scarcity, we also learn responsibility—and the quiet strength that comes from caring for what we depend on.
