A Special Reunion

When I was 10, 11, 12 years old, my favorite friend was a freckled strawberry blonde named Claire. We shared many playdates, sleepovers and birthday celebrations. We also worked together on a mystery novel of sorts - me the budding writer, and Claire the developing illustrator

We lost touch as we went on to high school, though I heard snippets of how she and her family were doing - her father's continued success as a directing animator for Disney, their years in Paris, marriage, children.

Claire is now a respected artist in her own right, with a successful Disney career of her own. This past Saturday she hosted a launch party for her first illustrated children's book.

I was honored when she reached out to invite me to attend, and further touched when she rushed over to give me a hug, some 20 years after we'd last seen each other.

The launch party was packed, with fans of Claire's art, her family's work, Disney, and other longtime friends filling the upstairs at the venerable Vroman's bookstore in Pasadena.

Claire started by drawing some quick pictures as she described the process of coming up with the inspiration for her beautiful book, "Once Upon a Cloud."

Violet certainly enjoyed the talk beforehand, raising her little hand to answer the questions Claire posed to the children. (Cora wasn't able to come, as she was out with Grandma and Grandpa on a whale watch.)

Claire then read an oversized copy of the book, with a couple of dozen children in front, on tiny chairs and on the floor.

 We combined our afternoon in Pasadena with a family get-together with Jenny, Jim, Callie and Jonah.

Their children also had a fun time at the book release and signing party, with a drawing activity, bouquet-making (which ties into the book's storyline), and nibbles.

Vroman's is a very cool bookstore, with this beautiful tile mural outside. We walked down a few blocks to Old Town Pasadena for dinner; it was a thoroughly enjoyable day.

Thanks to Jenny for sharing her photos of Claire's drawings!