Findlay, Ohio 

Why were we in Findlay? For the Mazza Museum of course. A little gem of a museum dedicated to picture book illustration. I have seen other illustrators posting about it and when the hubs asked me if I wanted to see anything in particular in Ohio, I knew just the place. 

We took it easy at the hotel after breakfast because the museum didn’t open until noon. 

11am- headed to The Jolly Dipper for pre museum brain fuel and a pup cup for Cosmo 

12:30 – At the Mazza!

My awesome friend and fellow author/illustrator Katie met us at The Mazza along with her lovely daughter. We introduced ourselves to the staff and met Ben. Little did I know that Ben was about to give me one of the most fun connections of my career. While we were walking around and admiring all of the amazing art (and hidden magic room) I spotted a piece of art that I share in every school presentation. 

Me under Monster Mama (and other amazing art) by Stephen Gammel 

When I was a wee university student in the Studio Art program, my watercolor professor brought in this picture book as an example of possible careers, From that moment on, I was hooked. I have been a huge fan of Stephen’s from his Scary Stories to Tell in the Dark illustrations to all of his picture books. To say I was excited to stumble upon this exhibit in an understatement. Ben heard my excitement and called Stephen! I got to speak to Stephen Gammel for a good 15 minutes where I giggled and gushed and told him how much his work meant to me. It was just so unbelievable and amazing and just WOW.

After I calmed down a bit and bought some great merch from the adorable book/gift shop, Ben asked Katie and I to sign the wall. THE WALL! It’s where so many talented illustrators have left doodles and declared their love for The Mazza. To be asked to do that was definitely a thrill. (For anyone who is curious, I drew Maya from Maya was Grumpy since she started my career.) 

We then went to lunch with Katie and her daughter and then…got on the road again. 

3:30 pm on the road- Destination- Chicago 

7:30 – Arrive in Chicago 

9:00 pm- Hubs and kids go to TILT, where they are literally tilted out of a building over the Chicago skyline. 

Miles traveled: 261

Start to Bed: 3pm- 10:00 pm with fun things in between