Lydia Johnson Huntress, Author & Artist

Deep Roots Fresh is just around the corner from me, ready to fill your body with a scratch-made, locally-sourced meal and your hands with my book, The Colors Danced, as well as many other beautiful products from local artisans. Open 10-2 Thursdays to Sundays.

Look what this friend of mine has done! Erin writes in a totally different genre than I do, and she has gotten a story published in a totally different way than I did. And yet we have still done some work together, beta reading, proofreading, and encouraging, that has helped both of us move forward in our writing goals.
Check out what Erin shares here about her first published story, and consider getting a copy of this anthology for yourself.
Congratulations Erin; I am thrilled for you! ❤️

Well, we are officially a week out from Mood Reader's release, and we are getting more excited as the time ticks by. Our anthology is currently available for pre-order at most online retailers such as Amazon, Wal-Mart, Barnes & Noble, Books-A-Million, and more. So, make sure you add it to your TBR list! 😉📚

Now, for our next highlight, introducing:

Erin Slegaitis-Smith
WHAT THE CATCHING WOOD CAUGHT, Fantasy/Suspense

Q: What moved you to write that story? What was its inspiration?
A: In a rather unremarkable way, this story started a year or so ago as a one-paragraph backstory for a D&D character I was going to play; geeky, I know. However, aspects of the character’s personality kept nagging at me even though I never ended up using the character and very little of the original character is in the story in the end. I became attached to the notion of having a valuable but dangerous secret and some other minor things *no spoilers* that morphed into the short story that is at home now in Mood Reader Anthology. I often combine character ideas with questions to create a story. The question for this story was; what makes us feel isolated from others? The answers in the story are the boundaries we place around ourselves and the roles we submit ourselves to for others.
I look forward to you experiencing my main character, Enialis, walking through this question and how you choose to walk through that question for yourself.

Q: Why did you choose that particular story to submit?
A: It had a lot to do with the main character matching my feelings towards submitting to the anthology. At the beginning of the story, Enialis feels rather uncomfortable, and by the end, he has accomplished something important and is stepping into a new world. I had never submitted work to an anthology before, and so I was feeling awkward about it, but I was hopeful that by the end of the process, I would have the same result as Enialis. Because I drew this odd parallel and the story was polished enough for me to consider submitting it, I did, and here we are in a new world.

Q: Through your story, what do you want our readers to know about you?
A: I hope that readers will see my inquisitive nature. My writing is about creating and answering questions, sometimes in unconventional ways. For me, writing and reading is a form of exploration. Nowhere else can you travel to so many worlds or so profoundly dive into the human experience’s diversity. It is a beautiful and haunting ability to learn about yourself and others.

You can also find me: on TikTok, YouTube, Twitter and Instagram

Finished up this beauty today, in a little girl’s Lowville bedroom. Close-ups to come!

Working on a mural in a little girl’s bedroom these couple of weeks!

Local friends: it’s also HERE! Can you spot it?? These copies are signed by the author 💛

Canandaigua and Finger Lakes friends: you can find a copy of my book, The Colors Danced, on the shelves at Unique Toy Shop, Main Street Canandaigua! It's a fabulous place to browse a curated collection of toys, books, costumes and craft kits. Go on your own to plan out your gifts in peace--or bring your kids, knowing a "souvenir" will be required 😁

Guys, it's 1:45am and I've finished the "Things to Notice" flyers that will accompany the murals. Use them to learn something new about our plants and animals, and to spark conversations and get you wondering with your kids!
Now I can go to bed and freely enjoy celebrating my oldest son's birthday tomorrow, as we officially begin "celebration weekend!" I haven't gone to bed this late in a LONG time.

The murals are up! 11:00am on Saturday, the softball tournament will pause for an official ribbon cutting on the Port Leyden Flora and Fauna Murals! Be there, search the mural details with your kids, and bring home some chicken BBQ for lunch 😁.

Last day of painting pictures for this project!!! The blueberries challenged me (this whole project has been a learning experience)—and they just kept getting better 😍.

I’m so excited about these!

Stop in on Markham Street anytime the garage door is open for a sneak peak of the Port Leyden Flora and Fauna Murals!
And plan to be at the Port Leyden Community Park on JUNE 19, 11AM for the unveiling event (plus BBQ and softball)!

Hey folks! I’m beginning the FINAL PANEL of this 8-part series. Save the date of June 19th, 11am for the grand “unveiling” of the Flora and Fauna mural project! Stay tuned for preview photos over the next few weeks—and I hope to see you at the Port Leyden Community Park on event day: murals, softball tourny, AND chicken BBQ. Don’t miss it!

Hey Flora: two seasons down, just two to go!

Who knows which month gives us the greatest variety of mushrooms and fungi?

Quick poll regarding the Port Leyden Mural Project: would you rather see a traditional sap bucket on Winter’s sugar maple, or a more modern plastic bucket, bag, or tubing?

Hey there! Guess who will be reading tomorrow's virtual story? THIS GIRL! The Colors Danced, read by the author, Saturday morning at 10:30 (Eastern) here on Facebook Live. Join us! 🌷

“Stopping By Woods On A Sunny Morning”

Watercolor and paper-cut, inspired by the woods from my backyard, just for fun ❤️

I am finally taking a look at my book specs on Amazon, and am laughing at this description of my ranking:

"This format of "The Colors Danced: A Creation..." is currently ranked #512,483 out of over 8,000,000 books. (updated hourly)"

Clearly it's a big, big pond. But all things considered that ranking looks pretty good to me! 😂.

THANK YOU so much to those who have purchased The Colors Danced. Your support is so very encouraging. If you've read it, please consider sharing a short review on Amazon with your opinion (or your kids'!).

This is really happening! First printing of my book has arrived so please fill out this form if you would like a signed copy... even if you have told me that you want one before. This would really help me keep track. Thanks! https://forms.gle/xqYXiUVdxi5YceKw7

Lydia Johnson Huntress, Author & Artist added a Shop on Website button to their Page.

Folks! As a fun teaser for The Colors Danced: A Creation Tale, we've put together a coloring page download. Print it for your kids, let them go color crazy, and post a photo of their finished work in the comments below. My kids will choose their favorite entry to receive a free, signed copy of the book!

Deadline Monday 9/7. Tag a friend so their kids can color too 😁

https://drive.google.com/file/d/1P4Z-gflMc0heDP3kvMRgR4QYzmG9q1ul/view?usp=sharing

Coloring Pages The Colors Danced.pdf

Who has two thumbs and her first children's book is available Monday on Amazon?

If you don't want to by the book through Amazon and you live nearby... and/or would rather have a signed copy: comment below and I will save you an author copy from the first printing [same price but no shipping].

Please consider commenting below and share with your friends, otherwise Facebook will only show this to two people. Thanks.

MY BOOK IS DONE!!! AVAILABLE MONDAY ON AMAZON [Sorry. It's really loud in my house with all the kiddos and I didn't realize I was yelling.]

Spread the word by sharing this post or just SHOUT like I did.

Current insect color pallet. OH, they’re just so gorgeous!!!

I’m painting to the rhythm of rain on the roof and singing to Jesus. What do you get to do that enriches yourself and others at the same time?

Guys! I did a ton of mural painting today, AND hubby and I re-finalized The Colors Danced. New proof copy on its way!

I use regular paint brushes in my work, but I also use some “weird” things depending on the shape or texture I’m going for. I imagine what I want, and then see what I have on hand to make it happen!

Area people: I've gotten 12 responses so far. Help fulfill my grant requirements and tell me what YOU'D LOVE TO SEE in the upcoming murals at the Port Leyden Community Park!

Then help your kids fill it out. Then share on your own pages to reach a wider audience.

Thanks so much :)

Port Leyden Flora and Fauna Murals COMMUNITY FEEDBACK Through the vision of Mayor Collins and Darci Byrne of Port Leyden, Lydia Huntress applied for and was awarded a grant to paint community murals showcasing our local flora (plant life) and fauna (animal life). A VITAL PIECE OF THIS GRANT PROJECT IS FEEDBACK FROM YOU! WHAT DO YOU WANT TO SEE FEATURED...

Lewis County friends! If you ever go to the Port Leyden Community Park, please fill out this survey.

I will be painting murals at the playground, and your feedback plays a part in what I include in the paintings. Take it, then have your kids take it, then share it with local friends that I don't know yet. Thank you!

https://forms.gle/qeeMGHf8EhXEZHi4A

Port Leyden Flora and Fauna Murals COMMUNITY FEEDBACK Through the vision of Mayor Collins and Darci Byrne of Port Leyden, Lydia Huntress applied for and was awarded a grant to paint community murals showcasing our local flora (plant life) and fauna (animal life). A VITAL PIECE OF THIS GRANT PROJECT IS FEEDBACK FROM YOU! WHAT DO YOU WANT TO SEE FEATURED...

Cover reveal for The Colors Danced, and the story behind it!

Cover Reveal for "The Colors Danced" - Lydia Johnson Huntress New cover art for "The Colors Danced," a debut picture book in the style of Ashley Bryan or Debra Frasier, from author-artist Lydia Johnson Huntress.

Guys! Guess what! I HAVE A PROOF COPY OF THE COLORS DANCED ON ITS WAY TO MY MAILBOX! I'll share a cover reveal with you soon

Favorites Friday!

This week's picture book should equally inspire you and your primary/elementary listeners. Alice Rumphius grows up to fulfill some big dreams, but her real legacy is in how she answers the charge from her grandfather, "You must do something to make the world more beautiful." As a child it was my favorite in a stack of picture books under my grandparents' coffee table, and it has stood the test of time; I have recommended this story to others on repeat. Check out The Bookshelf for a little more on the importance of this book. https://lydiajohnsonhuntress.com/the-bookshelf/

I love to learn new things, but it is hard; the process is often slow and patience-testing. Today, with the patient coaching of my hubby, I persevered and began to learn how to use GIMP for coloring hand-drawn illustrations. Here's what I worked on, a sketch to use in part of the Port Leyden murals. If you're local, look for the survey in the coming weeks to gather your feedback on what YOU want to see in these murals!

Favorites Friday!

I'll start with the littlest: Aliza's first favorite book was Goodnight Moon, by Margaret Wise Brown. Take a peek at https://lydiajohnsonhuntress.com/the-bookshelf/ to see why we love it here.

What is a favorite book of one of your kids?