An Uncommon Life

“Cedar was beautiful, multi-talented and extraordinarily funny. I anticipated sharing her life for years to come, eventually growing old and cantankerous under her watchful eye.” In a few poignant phrases, author Merry Rosenfield describes the relationship she enjoyed with her daughter, who passed away in 2001.

An Uncommon Life: Surviving the Loss of a Gifted Child details the unconventional upbringing of young artist Cedar Rosenfield and her older brother David. There may have been no television or white sugar allowed in the home, but Cedar’s childhood was anything but tedious. From traveling across the country with her family in an old laundry van as a toddler, to experience in drawing, dance, writing and theatre as a home-schooled child, Cedar’s life sprang from the fertile soil of a loving and unorthodox family.

Merry Rosenfield’s sensitive writing style combined with her daughter’s beautifully executed and often humorous illustrations creates a profoundly enjoyable read. An Uncommon Life is a touching window into the penetrating bond among a family of creative people forced to deal with unthinkable tragedy. It details how their individual spirits eventually triumph over grief—a powerful reminder that joyful lives can be rebuilt after an occurrence of devastating loss.

After I finished writing my book, I had to locate a competent design and layout artist.

Eli and Merry

I wanted to work with someone local, so I could actually meet him or her in person. The search was a little daunting since I am very picky concerning anything  to do with aesthetics.

Enter Eli Blyden of Crunchtime Graphics. He was recommended by our printer, who said “He is a great artist.” My reaction to that was, I will be the judge of that. Coming from a family of professional artists, I can be a little snooty about that sort of thing.

So Eli drove to our home to meet us one evening. He showed me some  beautiful work he had done for other clients, and we talked. For hours. Then we showed him some of Cedar’s artwork and told him a bit about our daughter. I could tell he really got it.

Eli proceeded to design a cover that both my husband and I fell in love with. He even let me help a little. (Several weeks later, he brought his computer over and we worked together on some of the font and layout ideas.)  It was Eli’s idea to feature Cedar’s artwork in my book. Brilliant! It was the finishing touch.

Eli is a talented young man, and I am already looking forward to my next project with him! Plus, he actually likes my weird vegetarian cooking!