.

2012

2011-12-27T14:41:00.000-08:00

My partner and I are off to Peru for a couple of weeks,
and will be spending New Year's Eve at Machu Picchu.
I am very excited about the journey, meeting some
friends near Cuzco and making some new ones!
Wishing you Peace, Health and Happiness in the year to come.
Namaste
Darren

I'm back! lol

2011-12-20T14:48:00.000-08:00

We sold our Quaker farmhouse and are now temporarily residing near Port Stanley, Ontario.

It's been quite awhile since I posted so thought I would update now that the dust has settled!

Just getting ready for the Winter Solstice and Christmas holidays.

My partner and I are off to Peru for a spell after Christmas so I should be

inspired to create some new pieces when I return.

Wishing you a Happy Winter Solstice , Merry Christmas, Happy Chunukah and Kwanzaa.

Ya know....this is a good way to say 'Happy Holidays' because it encompasses all the

festive greetings!

Crickets Studio Gallery

2011-03-04T09:24:00.000-08:00

There has been many changes going on in my world the past
year, and haven't been posting much for awhile. :)
My partner and I are getting ready to move this fall
and are looking forward to new beginnings.
My studio gallery Crickets, is now officially closed but please
feel free to stop by for a visit this spring or summer!
Thanks again to all my friends and clients for their patronage.
I will continue with my website and blogsite, and will keep
everyone informed with our future plans!

Thanks,
Darren

Winter Solstice

2010-12-20T04:45:00.000-08:00

Wishing You Peace and Happiness throughout the Year

Dalai Lama and World Peace

2010-10-18T09:22:00.000-07:00

i am really looking forward to
seeing, hearing and being with the
Dalai Lama in Toronto October 22nd.
(tickets still available from ticketmaster)

New Dawn

2010-09-29T07:24:00.001-07:00

A beautiful image that i took today while standing in the middle of the road in my housecoat and rubber boots

100 Mile Finds

2010-09-28T15:22:00.000-07:00

check out this amazing website!
They are based out of Toronto promoting
and supporting local businesses in and around
the city of Toronto and the region of Southern Ontario.
There are 100's of vendors on this site, including
The Little Alphabots!

http://www.100milefinds.com/

A letter about the Little Alphabots, I love this!

2010-09-27T14:24:00.000-07:00

Thought you’d enjoy this – my son, being seven, made a game out of your book where the creatures on the opposing pages battle using the tools they have visible – ie; the ink blot guy tried to blind the jumper on the opposite page but got defeated because the jumper jumped on his head so his ink all squirted out and he lost his power. In any case, I played this game for about 30 minutes in the car and was, as always, amazed the incredible and insatiable creativity of children. Your book is very creative – you must still have much of the child in you (and this is a compliment).
Please keep in touch!
Adine

Glimpse Reviews The Little Alphabots by Julie Biljardt

2010-09-25T15:04:00.000-07:00

http://glimpse-reviews.blogspot.com/2010/09/little-alphabots.html

Little Alphabots
I know: there are TONS of alphabet books out there! I've just discovered a new one, that both my kids are interested in! Jonathan is nearly 5, knows all his alphabet and is interested in finding words that begin with the particular letter or writing words and sounds. Daniel is just barely 2, loves looking at pictures in books and recognizing familiar objects. It's pretty rare to find a book for both of them!...con't.

Posted by Julie Biljardt

Hillebrand Winery

2010-09-02T19:26:00.000-07:00

Hillebrand Winery will be hosting an 'Artsy Event' which will be held on

September 18th from 4pm until 7pm in Niagara. Previous winners of

the Artist Series Wines will be displaying their art.

Please come and visit us!

Details and tickets info at Hillebrand Winery.

http://www.Hillebrand.com/

Almost September!

2010-08-24T14:27:00.000-07:00

It's been almost 2 months since i have posted and i hope everyone has had a great summer!
Been busy 'painting' my house and tending to the gardens

and my hammock too.

I had lots of visitors to Crickets Studio Gallery,

most visiting from outside of my local area.

new friends

2010-06-06T11:56:00.000-07:00

I had a wonderful visit today from my new friends Barbara, Robert and their daughter Zoe from Toronto.
They are such an amazing family and the afternoon went
by way too fast!
They are a reminder to me how much i love to be an artist
and have people come to my home and studio!

gratefully
darren

crickets patio and friends

2010-06-04T15:07:00.000-07:00

crickets studio gallery is now open wednesday until sunday

from noon until 5 pm.
i would love to have some company!
so please come by for a visit and have a coffee or tea with me

Little Alphabots International!

2010-04-12T13:33:00.001-07:00

A Little Alphabot T Shirt for Annie
is on its way to Moscow Russia!

white Robin

2010-04-07T19:35:00.000-07:00

A partial albino Robin is nesting on my property this Spring.

quote from A.W. Tozer....

“Humility is as scarce as an albino robin.”

Spring Update

2010-04-07T11:34:00.001-07:00

finally updated my website photo for spring!

Easter

2010-04-06T06:32:00.000-07:00

What a wonderful Easter Weekend!
There were lots of people
out enjoying the beautiful sunshine.

I had some more friends and clients drop by for a visit, as well as some new friends!
I really am grateful .

Hi Zoe!!!

Totem mask

2010-04-03T07:17:00.000-07:00

This is a mask that that the Late Naturalist/Artist, Bill Corner carved and painted.

I had the honour of restoring this piece which is now on display at their nature habitat.

You are welcome to view the totem mask as well as walk along the many paths

along the ponds and forests. The spring flowers will soon be here and it is a beautiful

place to experience. Their address is 45045 Fruitridge Road just north of Sparta Ontario.

visit

2010-03-31T07:17:00.000-07:00

Thanks Jan for coming out to my place for a visit!
It was good to see you and sittin out on the porch enjoying a chat and the sunshine!
I love having company !!!

Emily

2010-03-30T18:23:00.000-07:00

Please meet Emily from Holland,

the newest Little Alphabot reader!

Chapters North London

2010-03-30T10:18:00.001-07:00

Chapters in North London, on Fanshawe Road, will begin carrying The Little Alphabot Book

and colouring book beginning in April! It is a wonderful store, great new children's department

and a friendly staff!!

I am very happy to be included with Chapters!

winter wonderland...

2010-03-29T15:50:00.000-07:00

I have to get around to taking a spring photo of my crickets studio gallery
for my website!!

welcome!

2010-03-22T10:59:00.000-07:00

hi Tracy and Line,
thanks for joining in!
i will try my best to occassionally have something
interesting or new to post!
hugs
darren

Happy Spring Equinox

2010-03-22T10:48:00.000-07:00

i had a great weekend at my crickets studio gallery and saw lots of friends and clients!
Spring is definetly here

March Break

2010-03-18T17:36:00.000-07:00

I have enjoyed the March break right here at home and my studio gallery Crickets. There have been lots of people driving and biking around,

some coming in for a visit. It was a little quiet the past couple of months,

and it seems that we are all coming out of hibernation.

Whatever the reason, it is good to see my clients and friends!

I have met some new friends recently who both have purchased some of my art,

and I was very touched by one woman who chose a painting that reminded her of her mother who had just passed away.

I am honoured when I am able to connect with another person on this intimate level through my art.

It is a reminder and affirmation to me that I am on my right path.

Take care

darren

1967 GTO Convertible

2010-03-09T20:05:00.000-08:00

This is a commissioned illustration

that i have just completed for my Dad,

of his 67 GTO Convertible that he had

restored.

Little Alphabots International!

2010-03-08T09:26:00.000-08:00

I am really enjoying, seeing the orders coming in from Ontario, Quebec and British Columbia, Canada.
As well as the U.S., England, Holland, Germany, and Korea!
Spring orders have begun and the Little Alphabots are ready to go!
Looking forward to seeing some new destinations!

2012

2010-02-19T11:05:00.000-08:00

Crickets Studio Gallery

2010-01-18T14:26:00.000-08:00

well , it's been a month since i have posted,
and hope that everyone had a good holiday
and wish you a happy and prosperous 2010.

i am finally moved back into my Crickets studio/gallery
and will be open most weekends 12 to 6...
but if you are driving by or want to call ahead , then
just come on in anytime!

william street gallery relocating to Crickets

2009-12-19T20:39:00.000-08:00

After being open for two years in Port Stanley,
this will be the final weekend for the

william street gallery.
My art will be relocated to my

Crickets studio gallery
in the New Year which will be open

most weekends and by appointment.
The Windjammer Inn, located in Port Stanley,
will also display some of my art this winter.
The william street gallery will be open

until Wednedsay December 23rd.
Thankyou to everyone who has visited

my gallery in Port Stanley,
and hope to see you at Crickets,

located just west of Sparta.
Wishing you Peace and Joy for the Holidays
and throughout the year.
Darren

http://www.darrenthompson.ca/

Little Alphabot Books and contributions for Christmas Care

2009-12-03T15:54:00.001-08:00

I am so grateful to everyone who has

contributed towards the books

going to Christmas Care.

So far there are 115 books

being donated to the kids!!!

Thankyou

nap time

2009-12-03T07:10:00.001-08:00

I love these guys!

Caring about Christmas Care

2009-12-01T19:03:00.000-08:00

I would like to thank

Linda Hibbert,

The Lake Erie Beacon

www.lebeacon.ca

and

Francie Dennison,

http://www.portstanleynews.com/

for their support

and getting the word out for

The Little Alphabots and Christmas Care.

Thankyou so much!

Port Dover Book Fair

2009-12-01T17:52:00.001-08:00

I really had a great time

at the first annual Authors' Book Fair!

The show was so well organized

by Susan Bennett and staff.

I met alot of wonderful authors and

some new friends too.

I can't wait for next year's event!!

Moon Bear Paintings

2009-12-01T14:29:00.001-08:00

Colleen puts the finishing touches on her

Moon Bear painting

after our workshop last week...

We had a lot of fun painting together!

Colleen is a volunteer

representing an organization

that protects and cares for

rescued Moon Bears in China.

www.animalsasia.org

Authors Book Fair

2009-11-23T19:29:00.000-08:00

I will be promoting and signing my books
at The Authors Book Fair
at The Lighthouse Festival Theatre
in Port Dover
Sunday, November 29th
from 10am until 5pm

Christmas Care and The Little Alphabots

2009-11-22T14:19:00.001-08:00

Please help me get the Little Alphabot Books

to Christmas Care and the kids

in the St Thomas and surrounding areas.

Make a $5, $10, or $20 contribution at the william street gallery, Port Stanley, Crickets studio gallery, Sparta,

or PayPal from http://www.darrenthompson.ca/

and I will donate The Little Alphabot Books (at cost)

to Christmas Care...

there are alot of families this year.

Thankyou so much,

Darren

upcoming articles

2009-11-19T17:49:00.000-08:00

I just finished two interviews with

St Thomas/Elgin Weekly News: (Super Shopper's Paper)

article by Nancy Sadler/Photo by Samantha Glover,

and the Aylmer Express, article and Photo by Rob Perry,

about The Little Alphabot Book.

Both articles will be out the last week of November.

New store locations!

2009-11-17T17:42:00.000-08:00

The following stores will now be carrying

The Little Alphabot Books!

Four Seasons Gifts & Home and Garden,

Parkhill, www.fourseasonsgiftsandhomedecor.com

The Village Bookshop,

Bayfield, www.thevillagebookshop.com

Please drop in and have a visit!

Little Alphabots in England

2009-11-17T17:34:00.000-08:00

Here's my friend's grandson Colby, in England,
checking out The Alphabots

The Little Alphabots are invading the Libraries!

2009-11-15T12:15:00.000-08:00

The Little Alphabot Book from A to Z will soon be available at the Libraries

of Elgin, Middlesex and Huron counties!

Little Inkers meet Little Alphabots!

2009-11-15T11:58:00.001-08:00

My friends from Greenprint Studio, British Columbia, have used my Little Alphabots on their

Spring/Summer Catalogue, including a feature page too!

Please check out their website at www.littleinkers.ca

The London Toy Shoppe

2009-11-15T06:43:00.000-08:00

I was promoting The Little Alphabots at The Toy Shoppe of London on Saturday
and got to meet some parents and kids.
Clyde has a great staff and I enjoyed spending some time with them!

The Little Alphabots in Korea

2009-11-15T06:39:00.001-08:00

Here is a picture of two Kindergarten children,

Amy and Eddie, in Korea,

looking at The Little Alphabots!

My friend's daughter teaches

at a school in Seoul.

Children's Trunk Show

2009-11-15T06:16:00.000-08:00

Had a great time last week at The Children's Trunk Show in the Distillery District, Toronto.

The kids ran right up to the booth

and would take a copy of The Little Alphabot Book and read it!

One little boy named Carter made himself

comfortable right in the middle of the show to look at the book!

It was wonderful to see the children's reaction to The Little Alphabots as well as making some great con

tacts at the show with other vendors!