September is nearly here, and the summer days are slipping away. It’s been a whirlwind—full of activity, laughter, and life—none of which has led me back to this website. Time has been swept up by family, friends, adventures, and the simple joy of living. And honestly, I wouldn’t trade a single moment!
There is one thing I’ve been quietly chipping away at: finishing the illustrations for a new children’s nonfiction book that dives into the composting world of the black soldier fly. Most of us grew up recoiling at the sight of maggots, but truth be told, as a child I saw them as tiny invitations to explore. They led me to my microscope, to the rich decay of onion skins, potato peels, and to bog water—to a fascination with the hidden life in rot. Who would’ve guessed that early curiosity would one day bloom into a book about composting maggots?
In my illustrations, I’ve had to confront the deep-seated aversion many people feel toward maggots. Let’s be honest—most recoil at the mere mention of them. But these tiny creatures are essential to the health of our planet. They’re not pests; they’re processors. Maggots are nature’s tireless factories of transformation, breaking down waste and turning it into nutrient-rich soil.
We don’t need to love them up close—but we do need to respect their role. From a comfortable distance, we can celebrate the outcome of their work: clean, fertile soil that nourishes our gardens, sustains our food systems, and supports entire ecosystems. It’s time we shift the narrative—from disgust to appreciation.
And now, the next adventure begins: finding a publisher. If you know someone who might be interested in partnering with Daphne and me to bring Who’s Marvin? into the world—a children’s information book that celebrates the composting magic of black soldier flies—please drop a note in the comments. We’d love to connect and explore the possibilities!
