Hello February

Love is still learning!

Feb 14, 2026

Growing up, I wasn’t particularly fond of this month. Living in the Midwest, February could be frigid and icy. Girlfriends were busy setting goals that included a boyfriend by Valentines Day, or vowing to stay together just until Valentines for a special bouquet of roses or something cool. I was never one of those girls who received the bouquets—or the boyfriends.

Being married for 33 years has definitely reshaped my understanding of what love really is. In high school, I thought love meant finding someone “perfect.” But I know that I’m far from perfect myself. Love isn’t about performance—do this for me, and I’ll do that for you. It’s not about what you wear, how loud you are or how much attention you draw. Love is showing up everyday. It’s doing things when no one is watching. Sometimes it’s the words you say or what you choose not to say—that makes love felt.

My husband and I have a tradition we jokingly call our “silent retreat” on long car rides. We’ll sit side by side for an hour . . . or two . . . or three—no talking, just music softly playing in the background. That quiet time feels like a gift. A respite above the noise and chaos of life.

But love is more than quiet companionship. As the verse in I Corinthians reminds us, love is kind, patient, and selfless. Love can outlast a life. Though my parents have both passed on, I can still feel their love, care and presence—much stronger in someways as the time goes on.

Celebrating our 33rd wedding anniversary, wearing red,

at my alma matter—University of Arizona basketball game

As a creator, I think about how love weaves its way into storytelling. Many in my writing or illustrating group would agree that creating books for children is an act of love in itself. My characters have emotions, and navigate friendship, conflicts, responsibility and sharing. Children discover love by those around them modeling compassion, bravery and courage. Sometimes they fall but get back up and try again. In getting back up and trying again is what spurs Fancy into finding friendship where she least expects it.

Fancy Flamingo Makes Friends is available next week in its Second Edition. Fancy is a young flamingo who is constantly told that she’s “too little” and “doesn’t know how to do anything.” She feels the ache of being left out. But instead of giving up, Fancy ventures out beyond what’s familiar and discovers friendship in unexpected places. At its heart, Fancy’s journey is about love expressed through kindness, persistence and acceptance.

Cover Reveal

This new edition reflects thoughtful refinements while holding onto the heart of the story. Fancy discovers her superpower—helping others, and never giving up.

My hope is that Fancy’s story finds its way into homes, classrooms and bedtime routines—not just as a book, but as a time to bond and celebrate love and friendship. I hope it provides a time to pause, engage, celebrate and bond together with a friend, a parent/grandparent, hero, or loved one. May it be a reminder that friendship and love stays, doesn’t give up and accepts others exactly where they’re at.

Love is not boastful or envious—that’s not an easy command for any of us. In whatever walk of life, sometimes the feeling of inferiority prevails, or doubts of our own self worth creep in. I feel that especially when viewing the work of other artists. But the truth is, there is room for all of us to shine and to lift one another up.

Take a look at these amazing picture books! Both books touch upon the topic of love.

Like So, written by Ruth Forman and illustrated by Raissa Figueroa celebrates families and nature. Just as the sun loves the day, the moon loves the waves and the night sky loves the star glow . . . so is our love for each other: innate, wondrous and infinite.

BELONG written by Mary Rand Hess and beautifully illustrated by Nina Mata depicts the beauty of our uniqueness and belonging.

I think it’s appropriate to close with a quote by Vincent Van Gogh, “What is done in love is done well.”

Thank you for being here this month. I’d love to hear what you’re working on and the things you love. Thank you for sharing your journey. Together is better. I also encourage you to check out my colleagues at Illoguild and their Substack for other illustration updates. May you find love in unexpected places and may it bring you joy. Happy Valentines Day to you and all your loved ones.

Until next month,

All the best,

Noreen Anne

In closing, Ray Bradbury reminds us:

“Love is the answer to everything. It’s the only reason to do anything. If you don’t write stories you love, you’ll never make it. If you don’t write stories that other people love, you’ll never make it.”

The Creative Canvas by Noreen Anne

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