Marty is visiting Sacramento CA and brought along a few copies of Chagall all of them sold or are reserved. Rumor has it the City of Sacramento is ordering copies for their reading program to put in kids backpacks.
Showing posts with label Chagall. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Chagall. Show all posts
Thursday, October 22, 2015
Wednesday, November 12, 2014
From the author: Rainy days
It is summer here and the rains come every other third day or so. Last
night it rained through the night until early morning just before we
got up. Before it rains you can see the steam in the air that hangs
like smoke. It is the moisture caught in the air.
We are doing well and keeping busy. Also getting around the local area
to see Gods Window and other sites.
Some people have asked about Chagall dragons are not big in stories
here. It is more hippos and elephants with an occasional giraffe. So,
I would not expect it to become a best seller, but I plan to share some copies.
night it rained through the night until early morning just before we
got up. Before it rains you can see the steam in the air that hangs
like smoke. It is the moisture caught in the air.
We are doing well and keeping busy. Also getting around the local area
to see Gods Window and other sites.
Some people have asked about Chagall dragons are not big in stories
here. It is more hippos and elephants with an occasional giraffe. So,
I would not expect it to become a best seller, but I plan to share some copies.
Friday, December 13, 2013
Press Release
Chelmsford artist illustrates conservation-themed children's book
Chelmsford —
Teaching youngsters the vitality of conserving energy and resources to
guard the planet is "Chagall, the Recycling Dragon," a newly published
children’s book. Chelmsford native Christine Reale is the illustrator
behind the 60-page picture book, which is authored by Marty Strauss, of
North Carolina. Despite their long-distance collaborative approach,
Reale put her composite photography skills to work to meet Strauss’s
educational tale about saving the earth.
"The challenge was the distance between Christine Reale and myself. I lived in Northern California and she in Massachusetts. We met in person through my nephew and liked working together," said 61-year-old Strauss who relocated to the East Coast over a year ago. "It was exciting to see Christine's vision of my words and see the images come to life on the page. We worked well together communicating back and forth as the story and illustrations came together."
Strauss said he spent 30 years managing landfills and transfer stations. During that time, he implemented recycling and hazardous waste programs and waste-to-energy projects.
After all those years, Strauss set out to educate future generations through a fun and fictional story about a dragon preserving and protecting his homeland.
Published Oct. 21, 2013, through CreateSpace Independent Publishing Platform, "Chagall, the Recycling Dragon" is about a 300-year-old dragon living in a canyon near a village. Piles of garbage dumped into his home threaten Chagall. A viable solution to his problem is needed so Chagall isn’t forced to relocate.
Sold through Amazon, "Chagall, the Recycling Dragon" offers a colorful and amusing look into the innovative and cooperative recycling process. Examples on where to sort materials after they’re collected are also given. The book is Strauss’s third published book. His other books are "Ice to Fire" and "Tale of the Golden Whale."
Get the picture
For the 29-year-old Reale, "Chagall, the Recycling Dragon" is her first published picture book.
Growing up with a mother who painted and sewed, Reale was always considered the artist child of her family. In 2003, Reale graduated from Chelmsford High School.
"The art program at Chelmsford High School was a real door opener to what I wanted to do. It’s been a very supportive community, primarily with education. It’s a great place to grow up with diverse weather and community," said Reale, explaining the wide demographic in town helped her gain perspective.
Reale earned a photography degree from Rivier University in Nashua, N.H. in 2008. Not long ago, she had a job crafting leather. On the side, she continues costume making.
It all started when Strauss, who is Reale’s boyfriend’s uncle, held an artistic callout among friends and family two years ago to choose a partner for his new children’s book. Reale was selected.
"Christine Reale showed a genuine interest in the story and wanted to work on the story with me," said Strauss.
Initially, Strauss sent Reale a manuscript with film direction designed for an hour-long cartoon. The two took their time editing down the cartoon video into a children’s book. Aside from condensing, the final design of the dragon was also a challenge, said Reale. The young artist used photographs of family, vacations, and nature scouting trips for the book’s illustrations.
"I put old photographs from my childhood in there, so a lot of the kids are actually my brother, my sister and I. There are some pictures that show my sister at three different ages, so I kind of think that’s interesting... It’s kind of a personal project as well as an educational project."
Reale used her Nikon V80 camera, her Android camera phone and Photoshop CS3 when bringing Chagall’s story to life. She used photograph pieces of her two fish and compiled them into one image to make Chagall. The dragon’s ear is a fish fin, Reale said. To lessen the sharpness, Reale drew in some shading, but the book’s artwork is primarily made of photographs.
Using e-mail as a main means of communication, Reale would send sketches to Strauss, who would reply with feedback. Reale said Strauss gave her a lot of leeway.
"He was actually a very great person to work with," said Reale, who added more detail to illustrations with each read through. She even hid a photo of Strauss’s wife when they married, along with other little treasure art throughout the book.
Strauss and Reale are now working on another educational children’s book.
"The challenge was the distance between Christine Reale and myself. I lived in Northern California and she in Massachusetts. We met in person through my nephew and liked working together," said 61-year-old Strauss who relocated to the East Coast over a year ago. "It was exciting to see Christine's vision of my words and see the images come to life on the page. We worked well together communicating back and forth as the story and illustrations came together."
Strauss said he spent 30 years managing landfills and transfer stations. During that time, he implemented recycling and hazardous waste programs and waste-to-energy projects.
After all those years, Strauss set out to educate future generations through a fun and fictional story about a dragon preserving and protecting his homeland.
Published Oct. 21, 2013, through CreateSpace Independent Publishing Platform, "Chagall, the Recycling Dragon" is about a 300-year-old dragon living in a canyon near a village. Piles of garbage dumped into his home threaten Chagall. A viable solution to his problem is needed so Chagall isn’t forced to relocate.
Sold through Amazon, "Chagall, the Recycling Dragon" offers a colorful and amusing look into the innovative and cooperative recycling process. Examples on where to sort materials after they’re collected are also given. The book is Strauss’s third published book. His other books are "Ice to Fire" and "Tale of the Golden Whale."
Get the picture
For the 29-year-old Reale, "Chagall, the Recycling Dragon" is her first published picture book.
Growing up with a mother who painted and sewed, Reale was always considered the artist child of her family. In 2003, Reale graduated from Chelmsford High School.
"The art program at Chelmsford High School was a real door opener to what I wanted to do. It’s been a very supportive community, primarily with education. It’s a great place to grow up with diverse weather and community," said Reale, explaining the wide demographic in town helped her gain perspective.
Reale earned a photography degree from Rivier University in Nashua, N.H. in 2008. Not long ago, she had a job crafting leather. On the side, she continues costume making.
It all started when Strauss, who is Reale’s boyfriend’s uncle, held an artistic callout among friends and family two years ago to choose a partner for his new children’s book. Reale was selected.
"Christine Reale showed a genuine interest in the story and wanted to work on the story with me," said Strauss.
Initially, Strauss sent Reale a manuscript with film direction designed for an hour-long cartoon. The two took their time editing down the cartoon video into a children’s book. Aside from condensing, the final design of the dragon was also a challenge, said Reale. The young artist used photographs of family, vacations, and nature scouting trips for the book’s illustrations.
"I put old photographs from my childhood in there, so a lot of the kids are actually my brother, my sister and I. There are some pictures that show my sister at three different ages, so I kind of think that’s interesting... It’s kind of a personal project as well as an educational project."
Reale used her Nikon V80 camera, her Android camera phone and Photoshop CS3 when bringing Chagall’s story to life. She used photograph pieces of her two fish and compiled them into one image to make Chagall. The dragon’s ear is a fish fin, Reale said. To lessen the sharpness, Reale drew in some shading, but the book’s artwork is primarily made of photographs.
Using e-mail as a main means of communication, Reale would send sketches to Strauss, who would reply with feedback. Reale said Strauss gave her a lot of leeway.
"He was actually a very great person to work with," said Reale, who added more detail to illustrations with each read through. She even hid a photo of Strauss’s wife when they married, along with other little treasure art throughout the book.
Strauss and Reale are now working on another educational children’s book.
Tuesday, November 26, 2013
Sunday, November 24, 2013
From The Author: Thanksgivukkah
Suzanne and I feel blessed by the support and prayers from both old and new friends for our safety and well being as we prepare for our departure to South Africa as Peace Corps Volunteers.
Our prayers have been answered by helping to provide our needs as we purchase supplies, complete medical exams and continue to study language and online courses related to what we believe will be our assignment.
On January 21st we are scheduled to leave for staging some where in the USA. Then two days later we leave for South Africa and if all goes well we will be there 27 months.
Meanwhile, Suzanne has her jewelry at the Pickett Fence/Corner Story in Etowah on Highway 64 and Brickyard Road in front of the Etowah Public Library. Her jewlery will be there until the end of December. So if you go that way stop by and at the same time discover great fresh vegetables and eggs. And yes, "Chagall, The Recycling Dragon" is now available on Amazon.
And like most of you, we have been busy in the yard doing fall clean up.
To all of you, we thank you and wish all a blessed holiday season starting this Thursday as we celebrate Thanksgiving. By the way, for those who want to know, Chanukkah and Thanksgiving arrive at the same time this year, and not again for another 80,000 years. So for those who want here is a chance to combine the foods of both holidays.
Marty
Our prayers have been answered by helping to provide our needs as we purchase supplies, complete medical exams and continue to study language and online courses related to what we believe will be our assignment.
On January 21st we are scheduled to leave for staging some where in the USA. Then two days later we leave for South Africa and if all goes well we will be there 27 months.
Meanwhile, Suzanne has her jewelry at the Pickett Fence/Corner Story in Etowah on Highway 64 and Brickyard Road in front of the Etowah Public Library. Her jewlery will be there until the end of December. So if you go that way stop by and at the same time discover great fresh vegetables and eggs. And yes, "Chagall, The Recycling Dragon" is now available on Amazon.
And like most of you, we have been busy in the yard doing fall clean up.
To all of you, we thank you and wish all a blessed holiday season starting this Thursday as we celebrate Thanksgiving. By the way, for those who want to know, Chanukkah and Thanksgiving arrive at the same time this year, and not again for another 80,000 years. So for those who want here is a chance to combine the foods of both holidays.
Marty
Tuesday, November 5, 2013
Now in Paperback !
We
are Happy to announce the Chagall is available on Amazon in both digital and print It was a lot of work and we thank all of those that supported us through the years.
Saturday, November 2, 2013
From the Author: departure date
It is November and we are approaching our departure date. Both Suzanne and I spent time submitting on line the medical requirements. Monday I have one more test and then my physical will be done and submitted. Then it is wait and to see if we make it through the final hurtle. If we pass the physicals we will be invited to staging in late January, and then if successful to training in South Africa for three months.
Today as part of our preparation for leaving Suzanne and I took a twenty two mile bicycle ride through the Blue Ridge Mountain back roads. We have been building up to this starting with shorter rides. The day was perfect for a long bike ride. The temperature was in the mid 50s to low 60s with a breeze to stay cool.
The leaves are peaking throughout the valleys making for beautiful vistas across the fields and mountains. The ride is slowed for the photo opportunities presented and remind us why we decided to move here.
Suzanne is busy preparing for another craft show later this month. She is designing some beautiful jewelry.
Tomorrow I will start to address some of the business needed to be gone for 27 months. The management of the house still needs to be outlined and how to continue to pay all the bills while away. Also, a will is something should happen while away. Needless to say preparing to leave home for an extended period of time is much simpler when younger, but still worth the adventure that awaits.
And of course, "Chagall, The Recycling Dragon", is now on Kindle and is being prepared for to be printed into a hard copy within a few weeks.
That is the report for the week.
Today as part of our preparation for leaving Suzanne and I took a twenty two mile bicycle ride through the Blue Ridge Mountain back roads. We have been building up to this starting with shorter rides. The day was perfect for a long bike ride. The temperature was in the mid 50s to low 60s with a breeze to stay cool.
The leaves are peaking throughout the valleys making for beautiful vistas across the fields and mountains. The ride is slowed for the photo opportunities presented and remind us why we decided to move here.
Suzanne is busy preparing for another craft show later this month. She is designing some beautiful jewelry.
Tomorrow I will start to address some of the business needed to be gone for 27 months. The management of the house still needs to be outlined and how to continue to pay all the bills while away. Also, a will is something should happen while away. Needless to say preparing to leave home for an extended period of time is much simpler when younger, but still worth the adventure that awaits.
And of course, "Chagall, The Recycling Dragon", is now on Kindle and is being prepared for to be printed into a hard copy within a few weeks.
That is the report for the week.
Friday, October 25, 2013
From the Author: The great outdoors
Suzanne's niece, Jenna with her 10 month old baby came to visit this week. They toured Asheville and Brevard, and had a wonderful visit. Suzanne enjoyed her company and seeing the baby, her grand niece.
I worked this week with my neighbor. We cut down trees threatening to fall on houses. Four of us cut down and split wood after loading the truck with chips and rounds of wood. It seems my life since leaving Sacramento has led me to the trees and addressing them. I am learning to recognize the difference between oak, hickory and sourwood. In a few weeks we will be looking at a giant cotton wood, about 36 inches at the base and 40 feet tall. The cotton wood has a value for furniture and is one of the softest woods.
Suzanne has been working on her jewelry and baking. The Blue Ridge has inspired her and her designs are coming out exquisite. To her delight I am not the only one who thinks so. People compliment what they see and buy it too for themselves.
Next week we go to public health for another round of shots required by the Peace Corps. I will pick up the lab work and paper work from the doctor's office. Then together Suzanne and I will submit our medical paper work. This is the final step to decide if we get to go or not in January. If all goes well we will be leaving for South Africa the end of January. We are both excited and looking forward to starting the adventure.
"Chagall, the Recycling Dragon" is being well received. The electronic version can be found on Kindle and the hard copy will soon be available. Both will be on Amazon. If you have checked out the electronic version wag your wings. If not, join the many others who have already done so.
That is it for this week.
Marty
I worked this week with my neighbor. We cut down trees threatening to fall on houses. Four of us cut down and split wood after loading the truck with chips and rounds of wood. It seems my life since leaving Sacramento has led me to the trees and addressing them. I am learning to recognize the difference between oak, hickory and sourwood. In a few weeks we will be looking at a giant cotton wood, about 36 inches at the base and 40 feet tall. The cotton wood has a value for furniture and is one of the softest woods.
Suzanne has been working on her jewelry and baking. The Blue Ridge has inspired her and her designs are coming out exquisite. To her delight I am not the only one who thinks so. People compliment what they see and buy it too for themselves.
Next week we go to public health for another round of shots required by the Peace Corps. I will pick up the lab work and paper work from the doctor's office. Then together Suzanne and I will submit our medical paper work. This is the final step to decide if we get to go or not in January. If all goes well we will be leaving for South Africa the end of January. We are both excited and looking forward to starting the adventure.
"Chagall, the Recycling Dragon" is being well received. The electronic version can be found on Kindle and the hard copy will soon be available. Both will be on Amazon. If you have checked out the electronic version wag your wings. If not, join the many others who have already done so.
That is it for this week.
Marty
Friday, October 18, 2013
From the Author: "Chagall, the Recycling Dragon" is available on Kindle
Hello:
Another week passed and the federal government opened for business. Suzanne and I can now scan and send in our paper work on medical exams and be closer to leaving for South Africa in January, if they don't shut down again.
That is one of our questions we want to talk to the Peace Corps about, what happens while over seas and the federal government shuts down. Considering the last few years and budget issues this is a very real scenario to consider. We are scheduling a call this week to discuss this with someone.
Suzanne has been inspired with design and making more beautiful jewelry. She has another craft show coming up the end of November and is selling through a local corner store. I share her self satisfaction in being accepted by others and her talent being shared. We have met some very talented people here and enjoyed sharing with them.
On my part I announced this last week that "Chagall, the Recycling Dragon" is available on Kindle and will soon be available in hard copy via Amazon. It is being well received to date. It has not gone off the charts but people are looking at it and some are down loading it.
We have some more shots to get the end of the month, but hopefully none that will do what the Yellow Fever shot did to us.
We have been taking bike rides and going to the gym on a regular basis. This exercise and working around the yard keep us both busy and in shape.
That is it for this week.
Marty
Friday, October 11, 2013
From the Author: another busy week
It has been another busy week. While waiting for the federal government to go back to work Suzanne and I continued on with completing what needs to be done. Our lab tests are back and so far we are both pronounced to be alive. We go back to public health the end of the month for the second round of immunizations. If and when the federal government goes back to work we can send our paper work in and request reimbursement for a pittance of the out of the pocket cost. We are hoping these expenses are tax deductible, but that is another time-next year. Our departure date is still the latter part of January, but dependent on the feds being open for business.
Suzanne has her jewelry back in the store. She spent many hours repairing the damage done from chocolate milk and rough handling.
I spent two days helping a neighbor who owns a tree service. My role was the ground crew pulling and raking the debris into the a pile, putting it through the chipper and loading the wood into the truck. After many years of education and hard work I can now risk my limbs in a dangerous industry while breaking my back for a wage lower that seen in a long time. But the weather was warm and the breeze was steady, the company good. Definitely one of the workers gets his information from Fox News while the other through a fog of smoke. The night ended early for me with sound sleep. But it is good to find out I can still do such work without keeling over. I may do some more next week, but also need to do much the same around our own house to prepare for winter an get a jump on the spring growth that will come through next summer.
If all goes well, "Chagall, the Recycling Dragon" will soon be loaded onto Kindle Direct Publishing for all those who want to download and read or read with their children.
That is all for now.
Marty
Suzanne has her jewelry back in the store. She spent many hours repairing the damage done from chocolate milk and rough handling.
I spent two days helping a neighbor who owns a tree service. My role was the ground crew pulling and raking the debris into the a pile, putting it through the chipper and loading the wood into the truck. After many years of education and hard work I can now risk my limbs in a dangerous industry while breaking my back for a wage lower that seen in a long time. But the weather was warm and the breeze was steady, the company good. Definitely one of the workers gets his information from Fox News while the other through a fog of smoke. The night ended early for me with sound sleep. But it is good to find out I can still do such work without keeling over. I may do some more next week, but also need to do much the same around our own house to prepare for winter an get a jump on the spring growth that will come through next summer.
If all goes well, "Chagall, the Recycling Dragon" will soon be loaded onto Kindle Direct Publishing for all those who want to download and read or read with their children.
That is all for now.
Marty
Thursday, October 3, 2013
From the Author: I can truly say we were poked and jabbed
Hello
Well, this week was medical immunizations and lab tests. Suzanne and I can truly say we were poked and jabbed. For those who do not know, the Yellow Fever vaccine knocks you out for two days. We slept a whole afternoon.
So far my physical looks good. There is one question left to be answered by Peace Corps medical. I need to know if they will require me to have a test that is not due until next June and is within five years of staging, but six out of 27 months into the program. Also check to see if our insurance will pay for the test early and how early, if they will.
Suzanne does her physical the middle of this month. Her lab tests and immunizations are already started. She is also preparing for a fair where she will demonstrate how to make jewelry and sell what she has already made. Her jewelry has been successful. At a fair last weekend Suzanne sold and the local store where she has her jewelry it sells. As an artist it is always rewarding to see your creations appreciated by others.
Myself, "Chagall, The Recycling Dragon" is finished and waiting to be loaded onto Kindle Direct Publishing. We are waiting on a friend who wants to help us market it. It has been a process over twenty years to complete the story and I hope those who choose to look at it like it. So far those who have heard the story and/or seen the illustrations have liked it. Christine, the illustrator did wonderful.
It is fall and the leafs are turning. The brush wants to be cut down and bushes trimmed. The leafs want to be mulched. Nothing there has changed except there is more of it to do.
Tomorrow Suzanne and celebrate our anniversary. We will be celebrating five years married. I can honestly say I treasure the five years and wish to share my life with Suzanne, the lady who said yes when asked to share her life with me. It is getting better every day sharing with Suzanne.
That is all for now.
Marty
Well, this week was medical immunizations and lab tests. Suzanne and I can truly say we were poked and jabbed. For those who do not know, the Yellow Fever vaccine knocks you out for two days. We slept a whole afternoon.
So far my physical looks good. There is one question left to be answered by Peace Corps medical. I need to know if they will require me to have a test that is not due until next June and is within five years of staging, but six out of 27 months into the program. Also check to see if our insurance will pay for the test early and how early, if they will.
Suzanne does her physical the middle of this month. Her lab tests and immunizations are already started. She is also preparing for a fair where she will demonstrate how to make jewelry and sell what she has already made. Her jewelry has been successful. At a fair last weekend Suzanne sold and the local store where she has her jewelry it sells. As an artist it is always rewarding to see your creations appreciated by others.
Myself, "Chagall, The Recycling Dragon" is finished and waiting to be loaded onto Kindle Direct Publishing. We are waiting on a friend who wants to help us market it. It has been a process over twenty years to complete the story and I hope those who choose to look at it like it. So far those who have heard the story and/or seen the illustrations have liked it. Christine, the illustrator did wonderful.
It is fall and the leafs are turning. The brush wants to be cut down and bushes trimmed. The leafs want to be mulched. Nothing there has changed except there is more of it to do.
Tomorrow Suzanne and celebrate our anniversary. We will be celebrating five years married. I can honestly say I treasure the five years and wish to share my life with Suzanne, the lady who said yes when asked to share her life with me. It is getting better every day sharing with Suzanne.
That is all for now.
Marty
Wednesday, June 19, 2013
Welcome
Chagall is a fun look at the recycling process through the eyes of a
dragon including examples on where your sorted materials go after they
are collected, with a twist.
This publication is a fun educational book for children, teachers and their parents encouraging problem solving innovation and cooperation.
This publication is a fun educational book for children, teachers and their parents encouraging problem solving innovation and cooperation.
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