cover art

i asked my momma if she would paint a picture in watercolour for the cover art of my novel _40 weeks_. This is what she came up with & i love it for a million reasons.

i love the fall colours of the leaves on the trees - i love the simplicity of the balloon that is a symbol for the teeny lost babe- but most of all, i love the message that she wanted to portray with the imagery of the pregnant woman standing in front of the government building (the painting is of the parliament buildings in Edmonton, Alberta).

My heart sentiment that a change in the laws of our nations will only follow the softening of hearts is so sweetly captured in this gentle picture. i'm so glad my mom was able to so eloquently state just exactly what my vision was in writing a book in the first place...

i'm so close i can taste it - & i'm really excited about it.

Here is what my mom wrote about her painting:

I was inspired to paint this simple picture, by all the bereaved women who participate in the annual Walk to Remember at the Alberta Legislature. I was struck with the fact that legislation alone will never effect the change in public opinion about the value of children. The gentle act of a bereaved mother releasing a balloon…with a name attached…accompanied by a prayer…kindly spoken or written words…shared tears…these are both poignant and powerful tools.

Shirley Sloan