Up and Away

“Up and Away” by Melissa Fassel Dunn

About Up and Away

In 2010, I received a cold call. From an author and savvy businesswoman. She wanted me to illustrate a book! I nearly fell off of my chair when I spoke to her. Karen Boes Oman, successful businesswoman and founder of Time to Breathe, was vivacious — infectiously so — smart, a whiz with words.  We began drafting a children’s book together, going through several iterations and discussion the paintings that would go with it. I moved rather slowly on the painting side of things, as I had a job, and my kids were 2-1/2 and 1 year old, at the time. In the middle of our work, Karen discovered she had cancer. And, unbeknownst to me, it was pretty bad. We were never able to finish the book, as Karen left this world in early 2011.

One of the paintings we imagined together was this one of kites. Every time I look at it, I think of Karen and her colorful spirit.