It started with the yellow jacket wasp I found in the street. Even though it was dead, it had such an animated quality, almost cartoon-like. I carefully cradled it in my hand and was immediately inspired to paint it. Soon cicada were emerging, leaving their scarab-like shell behind. Dragonflies were hovering about my head. My insect treasures mounted; firefly, butterfly, beetle, ladybug and more, arousing my inner scientist. The local library and bookstore provided my trove of compelling facts and educational information. A journal of bugs and insects took shape. What followed was a selection of bugs from a to z. I wanted to hold a special book in my hand recognizing the beauty of nature. So I created my own, Abecedarian Insectarium, Bugs and Insects A to Z.