MISTY
TAYLOR
Children's Book Author and Illustrator
ABOUT
ABOUT ME
My first book was a children's prayer book by golden books. I remember, even at 3, I felt touched by the images and words, especially those of a prayer on the very last page. That prayer left my lips almost every night before bed long into my teenage years, bringing me comfort and peace. Books have a magical power, the right message at the right time, can make a lasting impact. That is the heart and essence behind what I do.
WHAT I'VE DONE
On my latest project I was primary editor, cover designer and illustrator for the 1st english edition of Kelenoh: The Last High Priestess of the Temple of Hera, a novel originally published in Dutch by Ms. Hillie Kuipers.
Kisses from the Wind : Love Poems and Rhapsodies from My Heart to Yours is a crystallization of Laurine McMahon's commitment to her spiritual path. It was my first collaboration. I was both illustrator and cover designer.
Both books are now available on Amazon. Before the wonderful world of books, I worked as a journalist for a Dining and Entertainment Paper that serviced the Portland Metropolitan Area.
WHAT I DO
I produce children’s books and educational materials that impart life lessons, build character through universal virtues, celebrate traditions and values of all cultures, and honor the time tested wisdom of the world’s religions.
PORTFOLIO
Book 1
Working Title:
"A Special Son"
32 double spreads
307 Words
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We come together this day to celebrate a Special Son!
What do you mean a Special Son? Not just anyone?
Oh, no. This is a very Special Son.
Who could this be you ask?
Ah, words nearly fail me, but I am up to the task.
He came from realms of glory, with the desire to serve the light.
You see, blessed ones, there was much darkness in the land.
But this Son said, "I'll go, send me, I'll continue to stand."
"No matter what comes, I'll choose the way above all ways."
What is the way above all ways you say?
Ah! Why its more beautiful, more magnificent, more real, more true. Than all the other ways that most are used to.
Its the way of kings, saints, and sages of old.
Yea, it is written in the greatest stories ever told.
Come! Tell us! All right. All right.
Its the way of the stars and the moon at night.
It's the way of the sun, brilliant in the day.
Both casting their radiance to illumine the way.
But that's not the way.
Ah, just seeing if you are listening, because its the most important thing you will ever hear.
And you know what? This Special Son, lived it all his years.
And in doing so, darkness fled the land!
Choirs of angels sang accompanied by heavens strong band.
This Special Son lived the way of highest delight.
Giving first glory to God, then all in His sight.
Then all in His sight.
Love and devotion is the way above all ways.
Receive this my dear hearts, when you feel heavy or sad, remembering to live the love of this Son,
Allowing your hearts to unfold and expand.
Oh, do we give thanks for the Son on this day!
For it was this day, he came to show us,
Loves Way!
Final page with image of dog character unfolding hearts light.
Color Illustrations were done in collaboration with Boris Stoilov, presently with Illozo Agency.
Color Illustrations were done in collaboration with Boris Stoilov, presently with Illozo Agency.
Full Text for A Special Son:
We come together this day to celebrate a Special Son.
What do you mean a Special Son? Not just anyone?
Oh no, this is a very Special Son.
Who could this be you ask?
Ah, words nearly fail me, but I am up to the task.
He came from realms of glory with the desire to serve the light.
You see, blessed ones, there was much darkness in the land.
But, this Son said, "I'll go. Send me. I'll continue to stand.
No matter what comes I'll choose the Way Above All Ways."
What is the Way Above All Ways you say?
Why, it's more beautiful, more magnificent, more real, more true.
Than all other ways that most are used to.
It's the Way of kings, saints, and sages of old.
Yea, it is written in the greatest stories every told.
But that's not the way.
Ah, just seeing if you are listening, because, it's the most important thing you will ever hear.
And you know what? This Special Son? Lived it all His years.
And in doing so darkness fled the land!
Choirs of angels sang accompanied by heavens strong band!
This Son, blessed ones, lived the way of highest delight,
Giving first glory to God,
Then all in his sight.
Love and Devotion is the Way Above All Ways.
Receive this my dear hearts when you feel heavy or sad, and remember to live the love of this Son,
Allowing your hearts to unfold and expand.
Oh, do we give thanks for the Son on this day!
For it was this day he came to show us,
Loves Way!
Book 2
Working Title:
"On the Eve of Lux Invictus"
A Winter Solstice Celebration
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Excerpt from Lux Invictus Eve:
In five days my family and I and much of the rest of the world will celebrate the birth of Jesus the Christ.
I love Christmas!
Tonight, however, we are readying for my most favorite holiday event of the year.
Fiat Vestel Helicon! Lux Invictus! We will celebrate the birth of Christ in us all!
My fine linen tunic have been laid out and pressed. Everyone wears white on this day to signify that the pure Christ Light is who they really are!
My mother braids and pins my hair as I like it best. I am more excited than ever because I get to be the incense bearer. A diadem of laurel leaves is placed atop my head to show my special role in the festivities of the night.
Just before leaving the house, we come together before our family altar and say a prayer to the Great I AM asking that our home and hearts be filled with light and that all peoples be blessed with love and the remembrance of their Divine Heritage.
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Book 3
Working Title:
"The Tao of Kittens"
With kittens Wu and Wei
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Excerpt:
Little kittens looking on at a dragonfly, butterflies circling about in the sky
A tiny grasshopper on a blade of grass, a snake in the garden slowly going past
Patiently waiting for a mouse in its hole, or a bird overhead warbling high and then low.
Awe and wonder in little kittens eyes, the beauty of the Tao's gifts abundant with surprise.
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Book 4
Working Title:
"LiLu and the Little Wooden Buddha"
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Excerpt:
There are Buddha's of all kinds, of every shape, stone, color, and size
Large bellied Buddha's with wide laughing smiles
Female Bodhisattvas, tall and slender, in dress of the Wei Jin styles
Buddhas carved from a bright green jade, adorned with jewels and gold inlay
Buddha's sitting in lotus position, eyes closed, focused, enlightenment the mission.
But then there was a Buddha that caught her eye, a little wooden Buddha no more than 3 inches high.
His cheeks were round, his chin a little square, and clearly he had not one strand of hair.
His eyes were squinty yet smiling, and his mouth stretched across his face like the peace of an eternal sun shinning.
"Om adi a, if I were to stay, the Buddha is my peace each and everyday.
Om adi om, if I were to go, the Buddha is in my heart, and my heart is my home."
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Book 5
Working Title:
"Love like Sun"
Book Concept:
Love like Sun is a book concept that celebrates Native American culture and the One Great Spirit in all of the Life. How does Sun love? How can we love like Sun? How does Water love? How can we love like Water? How does Earth love? How can we love like Earth? How does Wind love? How can we love like Wind? We follow the footsteps of a young girl trekking the land, embracing the elements, letting them be her teacher and guide.
Sample Work of Commissioned Projects
