In some ways, Alden is her father’s daughter. She likes to plan. Her world makes sense when there are lists and agendas and calendars. She likes to anticipate the exciting things ahead, counting down and looking forward.

Recently, she has designated Sundays as special days for making stuff. Sewing Sunday is next week, in case you’re wondering. Yesterday was for quill pens.

Which brings us to the ways in which Also like her mom. She loves to make stuff out of nothing, whether a construction paper piggy bank or cardboard trap for catching little brothers or a doll made from yarn and popsicle sticks. She also loves to draw. And lately, she has taken note of Robbi’s pen and ink creations.

Alden wanted to try it herself.

And so she did.

If you’ve never tried pen and ink, it’s tough. The nibs require a light touch. It’s tough to control the flow of ink. In a practiced hand, the possibilities are exciting, but there is a learning curve.

Alden was undaunted.

Robbi warns me that one day she might get tired of drawing pictures. And I worry this might happen before I get tired of writing stories that need illustrations.

Which is precisely why I am so in favor of the training of the next generation.