Lemons & Rainbows

Note from the Character Factory: Lemons & Rainbows

Life sucks, but sometimes it smiles. That is the theme of this page. I created the Lemons and Rainbows Motif several years ago, not realizing how often its sweet and sour spirit would inspire me. Sometimes it can be cynical. Other times it's a playful reminder of how life is. At it's best, it's defiant hope amidst darkening clouds.

Though I'm writing the introduction to this page, you'll find that most of the imagery and musings come from Jellybean's Notebook. I would like to say she stole the idea from me. It's hard to believe that someone so young can be so lemony and cheeky, but the more I peruse her Notebook, the more I realize that her dark heritage has shaped not only her destiny but her disposition as well.

You'll find out more about Jellybean Reds as the months and years go on. I have notebooks filled with the things I've gleaned from her life and everyday I'm learning more. The portal to her world will stay open as long as I'm alive. I believe you'll come to love Jellybean like I do. She is the embodiment of the Lemons and Rainbows Spirit. She is everything I want and hope to be when I grow up.

- Tessla Queen, lemon drop aficionada

Excerpt from Jelly's Notebook: Mushroom Envy

I like to draw mushrooms. I don't know why. Maybe it's because they make great canvases for my designs. Anyway, one day I drew this mushroom with a big rainbow wrapped around it. Then, so it wouldn't be lonely, I drew a smaller mushroom by its side. That's when I realized that maybe the smaller mushroom might be jealous looking at the bigger mushroom, especially since the bigger mushroom wasn't just bigger, but it was ribbed and striped as well. That's when I decided to put a blurb above the little mushroom's head. The blurb, directed at the bigger mushroom, said: "Show off! Just because he's bigger, he thinks he's better."

My mom went "Jellybean!" when she saw it.

"What?" I said. "I'm seventeen, I know about mushrooms."

She wasn't amused.

- Jellybean Reds, age 17

Excerpt from Jelly's Notebook: Take a Bow

My father wasn't just a magician in real life. He also played one on stage.

Born in a trunk. That's me.

I know theatre, but I must admit that the theatre would very much like to not know me. I don't have my father's style. Not by a long shot. He could enthrall an audience. I just make them laugh. That being said, there have been a few moments on stage when I've actually been good. Not great, mind you, just not awful.

Anyway, the purpose of writing this isn't to complain about my lack of stage presence. I'm comfortable behind the scenes, lurking in the shadows.

My father always said that being in the shadows is a good place to be because they never see you coming. Now I don't know who THEY are, though it always sounded just a bit sinister when he said it like he knew something that I didn't.

This isn't new. But before I get entirely off track, just let me say that while my father shined in the spotlight, I shine in the ghost light, creating characters that I shove out into the spotlight in my stead.

That being said, I do have one stage fantasy involving me, several buckets of paint and a dearth of clothes. But, like I said, I create in the ghost light so I offer you this fantasy with one of my creations instead.

- Jellybean Reds, age 17