#AtoZChallenge Creating iPad Art Sketches ‘N’ + BoTB

For more words of hope and inspiration, visit McGuffy’s Reader for more “Sparks” tidbits. Have a sparkletastic day!

Hello, Kitten & Dawgs, I hope y’all had a relaxing weekend.  That’s my time to unplug from Cyberville while I relax with DH.  Can you believe we’re midway through this month? If this is your first time dropping in during the A2Z Challenge, I’m resuming my quest to become a better artist after finally overcoming my fears last year to pick up my pencil to create art sketches. You’ll find a complete list of my posts, here, except this time around I going high-tech in creating my artwork using my iPad, Apple pencil, and Procreate (drawing app) and today’s letter “N” I created ‘Naptime for Baby’ and it also works well for ‘Nite Nite, Sleep Tight little one’!

A Lullaby for My Children
©1988 Cathy Kennedy

Sleep little baby
Sleep through the night
Angels are with you
Right by your side
Outstretched arms
A fortress strong
Of love and mighty power
To keep you from harm (repeat)

I often sang, “Jesus Loves Me” to my wee ones and my late MIL sang “Swing Low Sweet Chariot”.  What songs did you sing to your babies?  

Hopefully, sharing my sketches every day will encourage you to do something that interests you that you’ve put off because like me you just didn’t think you could do it. My advice is, just do it! Maybe, you’ll be surprised at what you can do like me!  

It’s “freebie” pick on Monday’s Mewsic Moves Me and you’re invited to hit the dance floor with my co-hosts, XmasDolly (Party Coordinator), Stacy, and filling in for Colette (taking a break due to illness) is our pawsome friend, Michelle!

 

But wait… it’s also time for another BoTB. In keeping with today’s artwork theme I using lullabyes for this showdown with two somewhat new-to-me tunes. I think I just forgot about them is all. Hey, I’m entitled since these songs are more than 25 years old.  

Contender #1 Sir Elton “Blessed” (1995) penned these words with a child just a twinkle in his eye. This is for everyone wishing for God’s favor to shine on them or those who are expecting.

 

Contender #2 Bette Midler released “Baby Mine” in 1988, the same year DD#1 was born. Did I mention that my baby is having a baby? Yep, it’s true. It looks like I’m going to be grandmother. I’m too young for this! Okay, I’m not but I like to think that I am. Anyhwo, where was I? Oh yeah, I fixing to turn the floor over to Bette.

 

 

Contender #3 Billy Joel recorded this song written for his daughter in 1993.  I received good news later the same year that I was prego with DS. Of course, I didn’t know if my baby was a boy or a girl. All I wanted was a healthy, happy baby. Sing your song, Mr. Piano Man!

 

 

How to play BoTB steps:

  1. Voting is OPEN TO EVERYONE! There is NO wrong vote, except if you DON’T vote.
  2. In comments, tell me which artist you like best and why (optional).
  3. Tell your friends that you voted (optional).

It’s that simple with only ONE requirement – to VOTE. Hey, you’re here so make your voice be known. Got it? 😉   Next week same place, same time, I’ll announce the winner and tell you which artist got my pick.  

Who gets your vote, will it be Sir Elton, Bette, or Billy?  

You’ll find more awesome battles underway at some of these blog listed below (not everyone is doing the bi-monthly showdowns now) and if you’d like to be included in the fun, then contact Stephen requesting to be added to the list.

Angels Bark (Michele),  Cherdo on the Flipside, Book Lover (Donna),  The Doglady’s Den (Debbie),  Your Daily Dose (Robin),  Jingle Jangle Jungle (Mary), Mike’s Ramblings,  Righting & Editing (Janie),  STMcC Presents BoTB (Stephen, BoTB Manager),   The Sound of One Hand Typing (John), &  Tossing It Out (Lee).  

DID YOU VOTE? What’s that? You can’t leave this page until you do or else your computer will self destruct. 😂

Thanks for making me apart of your day. Don’t forget to leave your footprints in comments with your signature (URL) so I can find my way back to you. Please let me know if you’re a new follower, so I can do the return favor. I realized the importance of building social networks. You might find me participating in my usual daily blog hops but right now I’m heading off to link up with other fellow AtoZers and you’re invited to come along. Join me tomorrow for more Creating iPad Art Sketches!  X💋X💋,Cathy

In case you missed a previous A2Z post this time around, here is a quick link to each one:

A, B, C, D, E, F, G, H, I , J, K, L, M, N, O, P, Q, R, S, T, U, V, W, X, Y, Z

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44 comments

  1. Wow, not only a sweet child drawing but a very sweet poem. Great entry and a great BOTB. Elton John’s was just meh for me and got boring after a while. I shouldn’t have watched the video of Dumbo…made me cry and Bette Midler’s song touched my heart but I am going for Billy Joel who’s song seemed sweet with a hint of sadness but it was so good in the style and the instruments used so that gets my vote. My mom used to sing German lullabies to my Brother but she couldn’t even remember which ones nor could she recall what she sang to me. I did hear her sing Brahm’s Lullaby to my black lab once…Katie. It was funny and cute.

  2. I said “don’t let the bed bugs bite” to Winter the other night in saying good-bye late. He said who says that? I laughed when I saw your picture, I’m glad I’m not the only one who says that.

    1. Mary,

      I think most of us old enough say this little phrase and hopefully, our kids will pass it on to theirs to keep it going for generations. 🙂

    1. Mimi,

      I feel a little partial to the drawing. It makes me think of mine when they were little. It’s funny how you miss them when they aren’t tiny like that but you’re also happy they are not. Isn’t that just weird? Thanks for voting!

      Sir Elton – 3
      Bette Midler – 5
      Billy Joel -4
      Patti Smith -1 (write-in)

  4. P.S. Wanted to tell you that I love your sketches, and this one in particular is very sweet! Have you ever thought of illustrating children’s books?

    1. Kim,

      Yes, I thought about illustrating one of my children’s books after last year’s challenge but when I attempted to do it, I felt a bit to pressured and the thrill vanished. Maybe, I just need more practice and confidence. I haven’t given up on the idea but it is on the shelf for now. Perhaps in time, I’ll try again. Thanks for you sweet encouragement and kinds words.

  5. The Piano Man gets my vote! I love Elton and Bette, but dang it, the Dumbo video made me cry! Good selections, though. And congratulations on expecting your grand baby!

    1. Kim,

      Thanks for the congrats, the dance, the visit, and the vote for the Piano Man, my friend. Have a tunetastic day!!

      Sir Elton – 3
      Bette Midler – 5
      Billy Joel -3
      Patti Smith -1 (write-in)

  6. Cathy, your site is eating the comments I try to make on my iPhone; I’ve tried to comment several times over the past week and get a message that the form is not secure (?) and then – poof! OK, here goes – lullabies to my baby son were mainstream – among them Brahm’s Lullaby (I am no singer, but baby son didn’t mind). Nice drawing. BoTB – Sir Elton. In fact, this is the first time I’ve heard that song. Now, I don’t know what I’m going to do if your site eats this comment, which I am doing on my computer.

    1. Alana, I’m using Safari on my iPhone to see if I get the same error message.

    2. Alana,

      Okay, my test comment from my iPhone using Safari did not give me an error message of any kind. What browser were you using? I wonder if that could’ve been the problem or was it simply a host site or WordPress issue. If this problem happens again then if you can think of it do a screenshot and send it to me then perhaps I can if I need to do something on this end or at the very least ask my host site. So….I’m sorry for your difficulties commenting BUT I sure do appreciate your persistence to keep at it until you got one left.

      I don’t think babies mind when mommy sings to them. They love the sound of mommy’s voice period. Growing up makes kids stupid. That’s when they think mom sounds horrible or maybe they’re just being a silly teen who secretly loves mom’s singing but can’t admit. 😀

      One more thing is commenting ever bombs again, you can always send me an email. 😉 Thanks for sharing this dance with me and for your vote for Sir Elton.

      Sir Elton – 3
      Bette Midler – 5
      Billy Joel -2
      Patti Smith -1 (write-in)

  7. [*Hmmm…. My comment / vote does not appear to have posted. Lemme take another swing at it here…*]

    HiYa, CATHY!
    I’m happy to see you participating in BOTB after all. I was looking for ya yesterday but figured you were out this time due to A2Z overload.

    That is one very contented looking sleeping baby you drew. Good job!

    In this Battle, my vote definitely goes to BETTE MIDLER. I love the old Disney classics and even own ‘Dumbo’ on DVD.

    Have you ever seen ‘SONG OF THE SOUTH’? That’s not just my favorite animated Disney movie (well, HALF animated, anyway), but it’s one of my 25 favorite movies of all time.

    ~ D-FensDogG
    STMcC Presents ‘BATTLE OF THE BANDS’

    1. Stephen,

      I decided to not do BoTB on Sunday. I’d rather not do anything in Cyberspace on the Lord’s day if I can keep from it other than a little dabbling. Thanks for the compliments on my sleeping baby and for your vote for Bette. I noticed you commented twice, so I will remove the first one to keep down confusion. It seems WP likes this sign in info and didn’t throw it into the SPAM folder. I don’t recall if I watched the movie ‘Song of the South’ or not but I do love those old Disney classic animations. They are light years better than this new stuff they are producing.

      Sir Elton – 2
      Bette Midler – 5
      Billy Joel -2
      Patti Smith -1 (write-in)

  9. Okay, I started a message and then POOF! it’s gone! My computer does not like me today and time and my back doesn’t like me today either. Love, love, love, and love some more your picture… it’s the cutest ever! My favorite lullabye out of all that you placed is… yep, you guessed it, “DUMBO” my vote is Bette – it’s awesome! It’s too cute & almost makes me cry every time. I use to sing that one to my babies along with one of them that you do, which is Sweet Chariot. Now I had another it was a lullaby I heard Danny Thomas sing in one of his movies & it just stuck in my head!!! HAVE A ROCKIN’ WEEK, MY FRIEND! Luv ya! HUGS

    1. Marie,

      You’re the only one to respond to my silly warning to vote or computer will self-destruct. 🙂 Thanks for boogieing and voting, my friend.

      Sir Elton – 2
      Bette Midler – 4
      Billy Joel -2
      Patti Smith -1 (write-in)

        1. Marie,

          Thanks for sharing the YouTube video of Grace VanderWaal winning AMERICA’S GOT TALENT. I’m not sure why you keep typing American Idol unless THAT show is just stuck in your brain. 🙂 I do stuff like that all the time think one thing and say/do anything.

  10. Such a nice peaceful way to spend a Monday morning. If I had my way, I’d stay in bed until Tuesday 🙂 congrats on the new grandchild.

    While my inner voice is shouting at me not to vote for Mr John (my ex-husband was a fan, so I naturally want to defy and vote against) I do believe he is who I am going to give my vote to. Bette and Billy were both pretty good as well, but not quite good enough to garner a vote.

    ~Mary

    1. Mary,

      There are times when I’d like to stay in bed all day but my body aches if spend too much time laying down so I have to get up and at ’em. Thanks for spending some peaceful moments with me but not so peaceful that you nodded off to sleep. lol

      Sir Elton – 2
      Bette Midler – 3
      Billy Joel -2
      Patti Smith -1 (write-in)

    1. Cathy,

      I should’ve known you were going to be a rebel. lol Thanks for the Patti Smith song intro. I had not heard it before today. 🙂 One write-in vote for Patti Smith. 😉

      Sir Elton – 1
      Bette Midler – 3
      Billy Joel -2
      Patti Smith -1 (write-in)

  12. Aw, your sketch is sweet and good job, Cathy! My vote goes to Bette Midler’s “Baby Mine”. It’s short and sweet and seems more like a lullaby than the others.

    1. Eugenia,

      Napping babies are always sweet and adorable, aren’t they? Thanks for visiting and for your vote in this showdown!

      Sir Elton – 1
      Bette Midler – 3
      Billy Joel -2

  13. I love that song–and the sketch. I did sing to my children, though my voice is terrible. Of course, they didn’t know that until they were older!

    1. Jacqui,

      I seriously doubt your voice is terrible and if they contradict what I’m saying then they are just being silly kids. That’s what I always said about mine anyhow. lol Thanks for visiting.

  14. Awww on the sketch of that baby taking a nap with its bear. Adorable.

    I choose #3. Blessed is amazing

    Have a fabulous day and week, Cathy. Big hugs. ♥♥♥

  16. I have to go with “Baby Mine,” because the other two seemed to go on forever.

    Very nice picture. I always thought that poem was kind of cruel, especially when you’re about to plunge the room into total darkness…

    1. John,

      I hadn’t thought about the whole plunging into darkness thing being cruel but I guess it could be to a small child, especially one who is afraid of the dark. I remember DD#2 was scared of the dark for awhile even with a night light and sleeping with her sister. I usually had to lay beside her until she drifted off to sleep. Thanks for voting.

      Sir Elton – 1
      Bette Midler – 2
      Billy Joel -1

  17. The baby drawing is so cute.

    Congratulations on the coming grandchild. I’ve now got 6 with one more on the way. It’s hard to believe, but it’s pretty cool.

    Those less of a lullaby than the other two, my song preference is “Blessed” by Elton John. I don’t remember that song (or the others), but I like it.

    Arlee Bird
    Tossing It Out / Battle of the Bands

    1. Lee,

      Thanks for the visit and congrats. I’m not sure that I’m ready to be a grandmother just yet but if things go accordingly then that’ll be a new role for me to step into this November. With your vote, now all three artists are in the running. Thanks for stopping by!

      Sir Elton – 1
      Bette Midler – 1
      Billy Joel -1

  18. Very nice drawing and I definitely choose Billy Joel. I had never heard that before. I love the Lullaby you wrote for your children. I used to sing Soft Kitty to my great niece when she was a baby, but as soon as she was old enough to tell me to stop, she did. Anytime I try to sing now she tells me to stop 🙁

    1. Ellen,

      I’m glad you like the little lullaby I penned for my kiddies. I’m not familiar with ‘Soft Kitty’. I’ll see if I can find it on the Internet. I remember once when DD#2 was small. It was bedtime and I always settled into the living room rocking recliner to get her to sleep. I’d sing to her and when I began getting sleepy, I always removed my eyeglasses so I didn’t have to worry about that after I laid her in the crib. On this particular occasion, I started to take my glasses off and she put her little hand up to stop me. She wasn’t ready for bedtime apparently which nearly cracked me up, so I left them on until she fell asleep. lol Thanks for voting in this round of BoTB.

      Sir Elton – 0
      Bette Midler – 1
      Billy Joel -1

  20. Hi, Cathy!

    That’s a wonderful drawing of Nap Time for Baby or Nite Nite, Sleep Tight. It brings back memories of earliest childhood. When they tucked me in at bedtime, my parents always said, “NiteNite, Sleep Tight. Don’t let the bed bugs bite,” and I remember my dad’s voice singing “Jesus Loves Me.” Surprisingly, I don’t recall sleeping with a teddy bear or any other stuffed toy, only my favorite blanket.

    Hey, congratulations on becoming a grandmother, Cathy. That’s exciting news!

    In your BOTB, I vote for Bette Midler’s song “Baby Mine.” It’s short and sweet and it resonated with me more so than the songs by the famous male vocalists. I can picture Bette singing that tender song to a baby.

    Thank you, dear friend Cathy, and have a great week ahead!

    1. Tom,

      I don’t remember sleeping with any favorite toys or blanket nor do I recall my anyone singing to me but I have to think that my memory is failing me. I do remember the good night phrase and we said often to ours. In fact, I still use it. Sometimes, I’ll send our kids a good-nite text quoting it. Thanks for the congrats on my grandbaby mews and for voting in this round of BoTB, my friend.

      Sir Elton – 0
      Bette Midler – 1
      Billy Joel -0

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