I’ve written before how moms are often inspired by the funny things their kids say. Today’s featured mom, Gretchen of Chichiboulie, has taken her inspiration to her illustrations. She’s also written her own post today, outside of the normal interview format (oh, how I LOVE when my featured moms mix it up!) So have a read!

Welcome Gretchen of Chichiboulie!

There are days when I just want to lock the door and shut them out. Unfortunately my studio doesn’t currently have a door so that’s not physically possible. Besides, I suspect they would find a way in. They always seem to. The fact that they outnumber me doesn’t help me in my defense. Where one fails, another most certainly will succeed.

And who are they? “They” are my children. Three in all. Ranging in age from 2 years to almost 9. And “they” have a way of keeping me on my toes. From adding extra touches to my (in my mind at least) finished paintings when I’m not looking to rummaging rather messily through my freshly organized ribbon box oohing and ahhing at the colours, there is very little chance that I will, even for a minute, forget they are about.

But as much as their innocent antics can on off-days be a bother to me, they also have the benefit of being a huge bonus. Lacking in inspiration? All I have to do is sit back and watch them for a few minutes and something is bound to strike. But my favourite part? Not just watching, but listening. Because there are some truly brilliant thoughts that come out of children’s mouths.

I’ll admit that the 2 year old hasn’t had that much to offer just yet in terms of quotes. He’s still trying to figure out the difference between “Maman” and “Papa.” But my 6 year old definitely makes up for it. From telling people she’ll be there “in a jippy” to sleeping in “junkbeds” (and I hate to admit that she may be on to something there…we didn’t pay very much for them and it shows), my 6 year old is a treasure trove of silliness and I love every minute of it. She originally named our solid black fish Spot and Spotty, but has recently decided they need a name change.

“But Mummy, it’s okay if we change the names of our fish.”

“Oh really? Why’s that?”

“Because fish don’t have collars.”

The logic is fabulous and really makes me giggle. I generally don’t argue with her or offer up examples such as, in this case, people not having collars. It would ruin it and take away the magic.

My 8 year old has been known to have her moments as well. Like when she was shocked that her baby brother “was born with that thing!” I’ll leave it to you to figure out what “that thing” is.

I just love the thought process. I love the freshness of their ideas and the innocence with which they are spoken.

And it’s a whole lot of fun illustrating such thoughts.

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