A trip South, Pupsocket, Chanukah updates, and a cat-loving couple!

Sunday, October 3, 2021

Hello from Asheville, North Carolina! Why am I down South? A few months ago I signed up for a "Soul Writing" retreat with best-selling author/artist Mari Andrew. It was impulsive, expensive, and far — in Boone, NC, so wasn't sure about my decision. 

But then, the next morning, I went out for an errand and walked out of my way to get home so I could pass a cute cafe. And, right there, sitting outside, was Mari Andrew! Ah! I took it as a sign that I should go to this retreat.

It's next weekend (10/8-10), but I decided to go up to NC for the week to make the most of the trip. And because technically, I don't have my own apartment right now, so why not?! All my stuff is in storage while I wait to move into Manhattan later this month. 

I've been busy with some challenging (in a good way) custom work and my Chanukah book. See below for art, go loco for Coco the dog, help with Chanukah, and wish my beautiful friend Kristen a happy birthday.

Enjoy!

If you're new to Danielle in Doodles, welcome! I publish this newsletter of my latest doodles and updates most Sundays, and you can see archives here.

Art in Asheville

It's only day two, so I haven't seen much art. But, there was an "Art in the Park Market," and I got a little hand-bound watercolor notebook — my blank slate for the retreat. And I saw fun pottery that I plan to order later! My birthday is this month so maybe a gift to myself!

A personalized PupSocket for a very cute dog

A couple of weeks ago, I introduced a new product — branded Danielle in Doodles and personalized PopSockets. My friend took me up on it and ordered a PopSocket for her dog, Coco. Coco wasn't sure what to make of it, but us humans loved it. It's so cute, and handy, I hope to do more of these! 

Happy birthday, Kristen!

Kristen and I met in college at University of Delaware. Despite me being a very irresponsible member of our group project in an honors English/theater class (I didn't want to memorize my lines!), we have remained good friends! She's incredibly patient, sweet, and smart! For her birthday (it was on 10/1), I doodled her, her boyfriend (also a UD alum), and their two cats. Happy birthday!

Chanukah is lighting up — book updates

In case you missed it, I'm working on a Chanukah book! And I've gotten very into making gifs of myself... It's going to be a guide for Jews and non-Jews of all ages with fun, diverse ideas for the holiday, a reminder of the story, interesting facts, and of course, the prayers. It's really coming together and I'm super excited. Plus, I'm working with Alice Blanc, my French artist friend who co-drew my Haggadah with me. And, I've been reaching out to people to contribute recipes and more to the book. For example, Chef Andrew Steinberg of Berg's Pastrami, who I wrote about last year for Boro Mag in Queens (I freelance for them), is sending a brisket recipe, yay! 

I could use your help, too! You can reply to this email with any thoughts (some of you already have). 

• Title preference: 

1. Chanukah or Hannukah: An 8-day guide to the festival of lights

2. Get Lit: A Chanukah story and guide to the festival of lights

3. Ultimate Chanukah: A nightly guide in cartoons

4. Or suggest another

• Any special holiday traditions you have:
• What recipes do you want to see in it?
• Do you have an original recipe you'd like to contribute?
• Should I offer pre-sales?
• If you're not Jewish, would this interest you?

Want to read the intro? I have the first draft done here (it is a work in progress!) 

I'm also thinking of turning some of the drawings into cards, too. And, I might do an event. Or maybe I just partner with existing events. This book seems like it will be a lot of work on its own, especially since I'm gathering content from other resources. But it's very exciting!

Thanks for reading! I'm working on a doodle about apple picking for next week, and I can't wait to share more about the retreat later this month.

xo

Danielle (in Doodles) Brody

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