Spaghetti Toes

Last year for Father's Day I was contacted by the amazingly talented and hilarious Alyssa Limperis. She said she wanted to produce a video of me and Harper for "The Scene". Alyssa is currently killing it all over the internet (seriously.. check her out) and has a solo show called "No Bad Days" based on the life and death of her sweet dad. The video she did for us was amazing so I thought I'd pay her back this year with a piece of art.

Here's what Alyssa said about what I did for her:

"Last year for Father’s Day, I made a video at the scene featuring Martin’s (Spaghetti Toes) artwork where he illustrated his daughter Harper’s words. I told him afterwards that their relationship touched me because my dad had passed recently. He told me his dad had too. He then asked about my dad and what he liked. I opened my email headed into this tough weekend to find this. Martin drew me and my dad. Days sometimes feel long and I feel like I’m lost without my dad guiding me and this artwork reminded me that he’s still ahead of me, holding my hand, leading the way. Thanks Martin, Harper's a lucky kid!"

Thank you Alyssa!!! It was truly an honor to do this tribute to your father!

My Dad was not a large man physically, but he was a giant to me when I was growing up. Some of my most vivid memories of him are from when he would pick me up and throw me on his shoulder and I would think I was on top of the world... because I was!

As I go through the incredible journey of fatherhood with one child, I'm reminded daily of what a true giant of a man and father he was to support a family of eight! We've missed him for almost five years now but the best memories remain and I will always remember him as my giant of a dad.

And I bet y'all thought I never yelled at Harper.

She kindly told me the other night that I have: "Two kinds of 'Yells'... A 'Relax-y yell’, and a yell that makes you think 'FIRE IS COMING!!!!!'"

At least I'm versatile.

One of the very sweetest quotes and stories I've ever gotten to work on. This one comes from Monica Cooley and her daughter Ripley, who was having a hard time with her dad being on a business trip. Monica overheard Ripely saying this to her dad on the phone before bed. So very sweet. I hope you two found each other in your dreams and were quickly reunited outside of your dreams as well!

This quote comes from Wyndi Rejniak of Seattle, Washington and her son. I'm pretty sure every single parent ever can relate. Here's the story straight from mom: My son is 2.5 and loves riding bikes with dad. Dad built a dirt bike track in backyard (a small one) for the kiddo. Most days at home start with this.... "Dad! Wanna ride bikes with me? Want to? Wanna ride your bike? Let's ride bikes. Get your bike dad! "

A giant Happy Father's day to all the dad's out there. This one is very fitting for what we, as dads hear every single day and it makes every second of being a father worth it. The quote comes from one of my most loyal and amazing customers Zhennaa Thompson and her daughter Isla, of Sudbury, MA. She originally gave me the super sweet "Superhero Mama" print (and several others) that I've absolutely loved. Thanks Z and Isla, I think most dads would dress up as kings (and ballerinas) for their daughters!