Hey, you! So nice of you to click to learn more about me, Kristina Henson.
I live in Upstate New York with my daughter, a Golden Retriever, and two cats. Before writing and illustrating my two books, One Hundred Birds Telling One Hundred Little Stories and Letters to Lily, I maintained a blog and regularly published personal essays while working in the graphic design industry by day and devoting the majority of the rest of my time doing what I love the most — writing and creating books. I love everything about books. With all that’s inside of them—the things I can learn, the places I can travel to, the characters I can fall in love with—what isn’t there to love?
I can define myself by being so many things: a mother, a daughter, a sister, an artist, an author, a designer. But most importantly—and what I remind myself of often—is that I am a woman who needs to create. 
I hope you enjoy a peek into my studio and life. 
Kristina 

Red-bellied Woodpeckers Unite

Red-bellied Woodpeckers Unite

kristina henson

It was business as usual a few days ago as Jazzy and I set off down the sidewalk on South Street for our daily walk. My thoughts bounced around from one thing to the next:

What should I make for dinner?

Did I blow that candle out before I left?

Did I respond to that email from a friend, or did I just THINK about responding?

When I got to the Sycamore tree a few houses away, I heard a familiar cha cha cha, and I stopped to look up and see if I could spot the red-bellied woodpecker. Then I heard another cha cha cha and was surprised to see another woodpecker on a branch a few feet up. Then I saw another and another. I started counting 2, 3, 4, 5, 6! Six!!! I have never seen six woodpeckers in one tree before. I looked around to see if anyone else was nearby. I felt like I needed a witness. Someone to say yes, I see that too, and isn't it so beautiful and unusual?

Red-bellied woodpeckers are generally solitary or seen in pairs. Could this be a family unit? What were they saying to each other? Was the chattering back and forth telling one another where the best bird feeders were? Are they happy I refilled the suet cages with their favorite woodpecker blend? OR maybe they were there together to tell each other how much love they had for one another in their little woodpecker hearts. Did the parents round up all the kids for a family meeting to address some adolescent woodpecker shenanigans?

So many possibilities...

I was grateful that the sycamore tree was bare of her leaves, so I could watch and wonder what was happening. The tree stands strong and seemingly unbothered by the frozen ground, sub-zero windchill, and the snow piling up on the top of her branches—such grace.

Maybe the Momma bird called her kids over to tell them how much she loved them. I like that premise the best and hope you have many people to call on and share some Valentine's love with.

xo

My Political Hangover

My Political Hangover
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