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Alessa Ellefson

@alessaellefson.bsky.social
255 followers 196 following 170 posts

Writer & illustrator of books for kids from 2 to 102 🖋️🎨 95% of posts are of my dog Pax, apparently 🐾 alessaellefson.com

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Alessa Ellefson @alessaellefson.bsky.social · 14/09/2026
I haven't been super active on social media lately, b/c I've been busy working on new stories, including the 4th book in the Mighty Pax's Misadventures series! Here's a close-up of the line art I did for page 3. #MightyPax #kidlit
Close up of the line art of one of the early pages for the 4th book in the Mighty Pax's Misadventures series. We see Pax looking up, and he clearly looks like he's about to cry.
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Alessa Ellefson @alessaellefson.bsky.social · 08/07/2026
Frog mode activated. Happy 🐪 day!
Pax the French bulldog is lying flat on the floor. His front paws barely reach his ears, and his hind legs are splayed behind him in a way that reminds me of frog legs :)
It's getting hot here, again, as we gear up for our third heat wave of the year...
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Alessa Ellefson @alessaellefson.bsky.social · 03/07/2026
Happy Friday!! Ever since his back operation, Pax cannot climb up and down any sofa or large chair on his own anymore. So instead, we got him a ramp! PS: I was trying to go for a slightly different art style this time. #kidlit #kidlitart #illustration #MightyPax #adogslife
Illustration of Pax, hero of the children's book series Mighty Pax's Misadventures, is on top of a sofa chair, and in front of him is a ramp, which he needs to use to climb up and down the sofa/chair.
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Alessa Ellefson @alessaellefson.bsky.social · 02/07/2026
Now is your best chance to find my entire Morgana Trilogy ebook series for a promotional price at @Smashwords as part of their Annual Summer/Winter Sale! You can find all my on-sale books at www.smashwords.com/profile/view... #SWSale2026 #Smashwords
Smashwords The Summer/Winter Sale is on! Find my book at smashwords.com/sale Then Cover of the Morgana Trilogy Book 1, Blood of the Fey, is displayed.
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Alessa Ellefson @alessaellefson.bsky.social · 28/06/2026
We've gone through a pretty brutal heat wave this past week, but today Pax is finally able to enjoy being a potato on the patio past 7 am again, and I'm getting ready to send out newsletters with new goodies! Hope you're all having a good Sunday 🩵 #adogslife #mightypax #littlethings
Pax, my French bulldog, lies splat on the patio's tiles, taking a nap while a light breeze plays around in the trees in front. Quite a difference from last night when the heat storm continuously lit up the sky and threatened to flatten every tree around!
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Alessa Ellefson @alessaellefson.bsky.social · 23/06/2026
Working on a new story (outside before 6am, because of the heat)-- so of course Pax decided to help! #writinglife #MightyPax #frenchies #adogslife
Pax, the French bulldog, is in his basket sleeping, his little head barely poking out from under his favorite cover (and because this is the coolest hour of the day, he still gets to sleep under it for now, which he loves!). The basket is on the patio outside. You can see in the corner of the pic the edge of the table with some colorful post-its, which are a wonderful tool when developing a new story!
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Alessa Ellefson @alessaellefson.bsky.social · 21/06/2026
I frankly can't believe it's already summer! And summertime means fun activities to while the long days away. So I've created a booklet with 12 printable activites available for free when you sign up for my newsletter, for you and your kiddoes :) Hope you have fun!
Cover the Mighty Pax's Misadventures - Activity Booklet, with beneath it happy children playing together. Written is: Summer's Here! That means time for games and activities, and Pax has just the thing for that... website: www.alessaellefson.comThree pages of activities (coloring, collage, maze, with a promise of plenty more). Above is written Pax's activity booklet. Beneath: Receive 12 free activities to keep your kiddo entertained these long summer days when you sign up for the Mighty Pax's Newsletter: www.alessaellefson.com
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Alessa Ellefson @alessaellefson.bsky.social · 21/06/2026
Je n'arrive pas à croire que c'est déjà l'été (même si la forte chaleur me prouve bien le contraire) ! Mais qui dit été, dit activités pour faire passer le temps et le livret d'activités à imprimer du vaillant Pax est disponible gratuitement si vous vous inscrivez à ma newsletter :) #vaillantPax
Couverture du livret d'activités du vaillant pax, sur une image illustrée d'enfants jouant ensemble. Le texte lit : L'été est là ! ça veut dire plus de temps pour de chouettes activités et Pax a exactement ce qu'il faut pour ça. . .3 pages d'activités du livret de Pax sont présentées : une page à colorier, une activité de collage, et un labyrinthe. Le texte promet encore plus d'activités, puis "recevez 12 activités gratuites pour tenir votre enfant occupé.e lors des longues journées d'été lorsque vous vous inscrivez à ma newsletter : www.alessaellefson.com
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Alessa Ellefson @alessaellefson.bsky.social · 21/06/2026
Is that a fantasy new series profiling itself on the horizon? Why yes, yes it is! Meet Ophelia Devorst, a 21st century witch who is struggling mightily at her day job, and things seem to only be getting worse...or are they? alessaellefson.com/newsletter/ #fantasystory #modernwitch #shortstory
Cover of The Godstone Curse, which shows a concrete rose with warm blood dripping off its petals, and thorny vines growing on the sides. Surrounding the cover is text that says it's a short story prequel to the upcoming Ars Arcana: The Rose Cycle, it's set it modern-day Brussels, Belgium, its genre is fantasy, you should read it in a hidden nook, and it will be available for free via my newsletter, so sign up at www.alessaellefson.com
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Alessa Ellefson @alessaellefson.bsky.social · 19/06/2026
Happy Friday! Though we going through a heat wave over here in Belgium, Pax is always up for a game! In this instance, a squishy ball! (This being his last one, he has to be extra careful😅) #MightyPax #funfridaypaxfacts #kidlit #kidlitart #adogslife
Illustration of Pax, the French bulldgo and hero of the kidlit books Mighty Pax's Misadventures, stands among his toys, looking cheekily over. In his teeny, widdle mouth, he holds a squishy ball! Yes, he is inviting you to chase him.
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Alessa Ellefson @alessaellefson.bsky.social · 05/06/2026
One of the things that really drives Pax nuts is the sound of bells--phone, doorbell, elevator*... Doesn't matter. He doesn't like any of them! What's one thing that drives you pet crazy? *He's really scared of the elevator "dings"😶 #MightyPax #funfridaypaxfacts #kidlit #kidlitart #adogslife
Illustration (done by yours truly) of Pax, the French bulldog, jumping up barking like crazy because the phone, set on the table next to a large lamp, is ringing.
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Alessa Ellefson @alessaellefson.bsky.social · 15/05/2026
No Friday Pax fact today, as this is our first day on vacation! So here's Pax admiring the view (a safe distance away from the shoreline), while we're enjoying a rare moment of sunshine!
Pax, the French bulldog, is staring out at the calm, early morning Lake, which reflects the blue sky. He's standing on a rocky shore, bathed in sunlight.
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Alessa Ellefson @alessaellefson.bsky.social · 08/05/2026
It's Friday, time to get cozy! Pax LOVES getting cozy, particularly under soft, fluffy covers. Even if it's just a piece of one :) #funfridaypaxfacts #MightyPax #kidlit #kidlitart #adogslife
Illustration done by yours thusly that shows Pax, the French bulldog sitting next to a bed (it's a close up, so you don't see the whole bed, just part of the side). He's staring out from under the edge of the cover which he crawled under (yes, this is based on a true event--he was that desperate to get under the covers!).
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Reposted by Alessa Ellefson
Rae Radford @raeradford.bsky.social · 02/05/2026
I can think of many books that have ‘stayed with me’. Can you…. #BookSky
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Alessa Ellefson @alessaellefson.bsky.social · 01/05/2026
Pax is slightly paranoid when we go on walks. The second he feels someone behind, no matter how far, he has to stop, and wait for them to pass us (keeping an eye on the person the whole time). This makes our walks 3-4x longer 😏 #FunFridayPaxFacts #MightyPax #kidlit #kidlitart #adogslife
Series of illustrations of Pax, the French bulldog. Pax's radar's suddenly up! He knows something's up...and suddenly turns his head around. Gotcha! He knew that random stranger was there all along!! (Said stranger is 500m away, though).
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Alessa Ellefson @alessaellefson.bsky.social · 24/04/2026
As a puppy, Pax always intervened whenever he thought dogs were playing too roughly with one another. Back then, he really bore his name well :) #FunFridayPaxFacts #MightyPax #kidlit #kidlitart #adogslife
Illustration of Pax the French bulldgo as a puppy, sitting with a smile on. Leaning against him is a HUMONGOUS sheriff's star (and a special star it is, because the bone on it shows it's meant for dogs ;) ).
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Alessa Ellefson @alessaellefson.bsky.social · 17/04/2026
Pax is a hyper curious dog. Whenever something new pops into his field of vision (or hearing), he's got to go investigate. Even if it means investigating other people's houses 😅 #FunFridayPaxFacts #MightyPax #kidlit #kidlitart
Illustration of Pax, the French bulldog hero of the children's books Mighty Pax's Misadventures. Pax is poking his head from around the neighbors house wall, looking up curiously. Above his head are the words "What you doin'?"
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Alessa Ellefson @alessaellefson.bsky.social · 10/04/2026
Pax LOVES to sleep. He's got at least six beds, not including the sofa! His trick is that he will slowly turn around in his bed, until he ends up on his back. That's when the snoring really starts! #MightyPax #dogstories #kidlit #kidlitart
Illustration of Pax, the French bulldog, sleeping in one of his beds. He's under a fluffy cover, on his back, head hanging out of his bed, his toys sleeping all around him!
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Alessa Ellefson @alessaellefson.bsky.social · 03/04/2026
Whenever Pax gets excited or stressed out, he'll have an attack of the mlems, where he keeps trying to lick something--if nothing's around, he'll "lick" the air. Constantly. Does your dog have a tick linked to stress? #FunFridayPaxFacts #MightyPax #kidlit #kidlitart #dogstories
Pax the French bulldog (and hero of the Mighty Pax's Misadventures) is sitting down, looking up and sticking his tongue out (attack of the mlems).
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Alessa Ellefson @alessaellefson.bsky.social · 27/03/2026
Pax does NOT like wearing a harness at all (though he growls a lot less about it now that he's older). Younger, he would simply stop moving entirely if he had one on him (so we're forced to use a regular collar for him). #MightyPax #kidlit #kidlitart #dogstories
Illustration of Pax, the French bulldog and hero of the children's illustrated book series Mighty Pax's Misadventures. Though Pax is wearing a beautiful, brand new harness, he's looking not at all confident in his getup, and refuses to move. Hence the word FREEZE above him :)
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Alessa Ellefson @alessaellefson.bsky.social · 20/03/2026
Happy Friday! If you're like Pax, you'll be spending your weekend chewing on snake toys (it's his favorite passtime besides sleeping and eating) 😊 #MightyPax #kidlitart #FunFridayPaxFacts #Frenchbulldog
Illustration of Pax, the hero of the Mighty Pax's Misadventures series of illustrated books for children (inspired by my real bulldog Pax). Pax is lying on a fluffy carpet, chewing on a rubber snake (tail first), its sinuous body held firmly between Pax's front paws. He's already managed to chew off a couple pieces (which he either spits back out, or delicately places aside--both ways mean a lot of saliva) :)
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Alessa Ellefson @alessaellefson.bsky.social · 13/02/2026
Pax has his own royal carriage. An absolute necessity when going on longer walks, ever since he had to be operated on for a herniated disk (which had made him lose the use of his hind legs!). #MightyPax #FunFridayPaxFacts #kidlit #kidlitart
Pax, the French bulldog, is in his fancy three-wheeled stroller. He's looking straight ahead, leaning with both front paws on the edge of the stroller's basket.
This is actually a piece of a larger illustration from the illustrated children's book, Mighty Pax's Misadventures: The Big Booboo (which depicts the whole scary event of his losing the use of his hind legs, and  his slow recovery after surgery).
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Alessa Ellefson @alessaellefson.bsky.social · 06/02/2026
To my utter surprise, Pax decided a couple of years ago that he preferred to tear apart the boxes and wrappers of his presents than the actual presents themselves! 🎁 #FunFridayPaxFacts #MightyPax #kidlit #kidlitart
Hand-drawn digital illustration of Pax, the French bulldog. He's sitting proudly inside a torn up cardboard box where his new toys are (a snake, balls, and a stuffed chicken). A red ribbon, undone, curls around the box, on top of the ripped-up wrapping paper. Inside his mouth is a piece of the torn wrapper.
Pax is the hero of his own picture books series (illustrated by yours truly), Mighty Pax's Misadventures.
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Alessa Ellefson @alessaellefson.bsky.social · 01/02/2026
Pax reminding me that even in an upside world, it's important to rest. #TakeCare #MightyPax #ItsAFrenchBulldogLife
Pax, the French bulldog, is in his comfy bed, covered in his favorite winter blanket,  his head hanging out sideways outside his basket. He knows he's being pictured, but can't be bothered :)
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Alessa Ellefson @alessaellefson.bsky.social · 30/01/2026
One of the 1st operations Pax had was on his nose. His nostrils were so thin, it made it difficult for him to breathe. He now has beautiful nostrils that allow him to breathe properly, while still letting him snore as loud as he wishes! #FunFridayPaxFacts #frenchbulldog #kidlit #MightyPax
Digital illustration of Pax, the French bulldog (and hero of the children's picture book series Mighty Pax's Misadventures). He's sitting, a contented smile on his face, while his nostrils widen as he breathes in the delicious scents of chicken, carrots and potatoes!
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Alessa Ellefson @alessaellefson.bsky.social · 23/01/2026
Pax requires to be hand-fed, or he won't eat his food. Even when he's mightily hungry! #FunFridayPaxFacts #MightyPax #kidlitart #frenchbulldog
Digital (but hand-drawn) illustration of Pax, the French bulldog (and hero of his own illustrated children's tales, Mighty Pax's Misadventures), is opening up his mouth, all attention focused on the food he's getting hand-fed by a woman with a high pony tail. The woman's sitting on the floor, legs crossed, and holding his bowl of dry food. She's smiling while watching him eat.
PS: In reality, he eats a LOT faster than that, and will nudge your arm or hand to feed him faster! (Leave the bowl in front of him and he won't touch it though. Same if the food's left on a plate. Perhaps he enjoys this as a bonding moment :)
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Alessa Ellefson @alessaellefson.bsky.social · 16/01/2026
Pax doesn't like to drink twice from his bowl if his water isn't fresh. If we don't notice it needs to be changed, he'll stand in front of his bowl and stare at it. For as long as it takes. He's very patient for that 😅 #funfridaypaxfacts #MightyPax #kidlit #kidlitart #frenchbulldog
Illustration I made of Pax, the French bulldog (and hero of his own adventures: Mighty Pax's Misadventures, a series of illustrated children's books). He's looking away, clearly disgusted, while he pushes his bowl of water away from him--sloshing the water in the process. All because there is--gasp!--a single hair of his in it!
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Alessa Ellefson @alessaellefson.bsky.social · 09/01/2026
The first time we took Pax out on a walk as a pup, he suddenly stopped moving and just wouldn't budge anymore...because he'd seen his shadow and was scared of it! He has no issues with it now--in fact, shadows fear him 😉 #FunFridayPaxFacts #MightyPax #kidlit #kidlitart #FrenchieBulldog
Illustration (done by yours truly) of Pax, the French bulldog and hero of his own illustrated children's books Mighty Pax's Misadventures, when he was a pup (around 3 months old--he was so tiny then!!). He's wearing a brand new collar with a tag in the form of a bone, on which his name is written: PAX. He's staring down, looking scared, at his looooooong shadow, petrified.
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Alessa Ellefson @alessaellefson.bsky.social · 02/01/2026
Pax, like most French bulldogs, had issues with his spine (a vet said that it looked like his spine had been drawn by a 5-year-old child). He must always be carried up and down the stairs (though he really doesn't mind this one bit)! #FunFridayPaxFacts #MightyPax #kidlit #childrensbookillustration
Digital illustration of Pax, the French bulldog and hero of the Mighty Pax's Misadventures illustrated childrens' books. He's sitting with his back to you, but looking questioningly over his shoulder at you. Hanging in front of him, is the result of his x-ray, which shows his crooked spine.
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Alessa Ellefson @alessaellefson.bsky.social · 01/01/2026
Happy New Year! May 2026 bring you health, happiness, and many wonderful adventures 🐾 What new things are you looking forward to discovering? Pax wants to find new places that sell croissants! 🥐 #MightyPax #kidlit #childrensbooks #illustration
digital illustration of Pax (the French bulldog hero of the children's illustrated book series Mighty Pax's Misadventures). Pax, wearing a party hat and bow tie, and blowing on a party horn, sits under three ropes of colorful banners. Despite the falling snow, there are fireworks up in the darkening sky, whose colorful lights are reflected on the snowy ground. Written beneath: Happy New Year
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Alessa Ellefson @alessaellefson.bsky.social · 27/12/2025
Self-belief (no matter how crazily-founded or materially divorced from reality) plus instinct plus grit may be the most powerful antidote to self-doubt. ~ Steven Pressfield And the crazy WWII story that went with it is worth reading: stevenpressfield.com/2023/08/self...
stevenpressfield.com
Writing Wednesdays: Self-doubt, Part 4
A story from WWII: In the early fighting in Southeast Asia, the Japanese were seriously kicking the British Army's butt. Things had reached such a desperate pass that an entire division, including its...
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Alessa Ellefson @alessaellefson.bsky.social · 24/12/2025
'Twas the night before Christmas, and Pax, confused by his bright red nose, got confused and crashed into all the presents! Hope you're all having a wonderful day! #MightyPax #kidlit #kidlitart
Illustration of Mighty Pax the French bulldog (and hero of his own children's book series Mighty Pax's Misadventures), has a glowing red nose (like Rudolph!), and fancy antlers. He looks confused as he's clearly crashed into a pile of presents. Above him is "Happy Yule"
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Alessa Ellefson @alessaellefson.bsky.social · 23/12/2025
Pax got to see Romeo for the holidays! No haunted mansions at this time of the year, and as they're both Very Good Boys and thus won't be visited by the ghosts of Christmases past, present, and future, either 🎄🎅 How are you spending the holidays? #MightyPax #dogsky
Pax, the French bulldog and hero of the illustrated children's tales Mighty Pax's Misadventures, is sitting in his stroller, looking toward you, and wondering if you're gonna give him a piece of that croissant.
Next to him in the stroller is Romeo (who was in the book Attack of the Fluffbutts), the long-haired dachshund who is very happy to be observing his surroundings from a higher vantage point!
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Reposted by Alessa Ellefson
The Whimsical Muse @whimsicalmuse.bsky.social · 07/12/2025
If you’re looking for proof that magical places still exist, I ask you to simply walk into your local library.
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Alessa Ellefson @alessaellefson.bsky.social · 02/12/2025
Most people have already started Christmas season, but I'm still holding onto these last days of fall. Time goes by too fast.
Sunset at the park, a final golden glow above the horizon line. Knotted trees rise straight towards the darkening yet clear sky, their roots covered by a thick blanket of leaves that crinkle beneath your footsteps.
All around, birds are singing of their day's adventures overhead one last time before tucking in for the night.
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Alessa Ellefson @alessaellefson.bsky.social · 21/11/2025
TGIF! Here's another pic of Pax sharing his (our?) plans for the weekend 😪 #dogsky #sleepydog #MightyPax #Frenchbulldog
Pax the French bulldog is all tucked in on the couch, tiny chin chin resting on another cover, widdle paws framing his sleepy face.
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Alessa Ellefson @alessaellefson.bsky.social · 20/10/2025
A new tale of Pax's misadventures is here: Attack of the Fluffbutts!🎉 Pax must look for his friend inside a haunted house, where he also meets other creatures... I had a blast writing and illustrating this new kids' book (for 2 years old & above), so I hope you like it too😄 #kidlit #mightypax
Cover for Mighty Pax’s Misadventures book 3: Attack of the Fluffbutts. It shows Pax climbing up a hill toward a fenced-off haunted house (and what is that at one of the windows? A ghost?!). In the foreground, the trunk of a tree that’s losing its leaves, and inside a hole in the trunk, an owl is observing you, dear reader!!).Pax, the French bulldog (and hero of Mighty Pax's Misadventures illustrated children's books) says goodbye to his friend Romeo who's going to visit the haunted house on his own. Romeo's wearing a pear of bat wings for the occasion. There's a big pumpkin before Pax's house. The illustration is surrounded by Halloween decorations, including three cute little ghosts who seem a little worried...Pax looks over his shoulder, while before him rises the imposing, and run-down haunted house. A massive full moon rises behind the house. There's a border of cute Halloween decorations all around the illustration (and one of the elements depicted is none other than Arabella, the fashionista (jumping) spider, who's also in the story!)Pax and Romeo, surrounded by all of their newfound friends, which they made during the tale of Attack of the Fluffbutts, are wishing you a Happy Halloween! (so are the ghosts, who are clearly having fun around them)
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Alessa Ellefson @alessaellefson.bsky.social · 05/10/2025
Yesterday, we were hit with the tail of a tempest, which meant lots of rain. This is one of Pax's many raincoats. Unfortunately, he hates it as much as all the other ones 😅 #mightypax #frenchie #dapperdogs #barkingintherain #dogsky
Pax, the French bulldog, is sitting on a carpet, wearing a raincoat with a hoodie that covers his long ears. He doesn't look impressed. Still, better this than be soaked to the bone, since he doesn't like getting wet. Right? 😅
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Alessa Ellefson @alessaellefson.bsky.social · 17/09/2025
Taking a short break from illustrating Pax in his latest adventure to share a pic of the real Pax...also working hard! 😄 #frenchie #dogsky #itsadogsworld
Pax, the French bulldog and hero of his own series of children's books Might Pax's Misadventures, is lying on the couch, head resting on one of his many blankets. His bat-like ears point up, toward the last rays of the sun streaming gently through the window above. His eyes are slitted open, and he's looking at the photographer, wondering why she isn't finishing up his book quicker!
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Alessa Ellefson @alessaellefson.bsky.social · 29/08/2025
The skies above Brussels this evening.
Above the trees whose leaves frame the right side of the picture, the sky is half clear, its cool evening blues giving way to a fiery, cottony cover of clouds. On the other side, a long trail of darkening clouds, like the train of a forlorn bride running after the last touches of the setting sun.
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Alessa Ellefson @alessaellefson.bsky.social · 17/08/2025
There's nothing quite like diving head first into a book!
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Reposted by Alessa Ellefson
Ethan M. Aldridge @ethanmaldridge.bsky.social · 19/07/2025
I think nearly the entire Horror genre boils down to the idea that it is worthwhile to fight until your very last breath. Even, and maybe especially, when there is no hope.
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Alessa Ellefson @alessaellefson.bsky.social · 14/07/2025
I'm working on a new children's book! Pax doesn't know it yet, but this is the setting for his newest adventures, hence his nonchalant air 😉 #MightyPax #kidlit #writerwanderings
Pax the French bulldog (and hero of the children's book series Mighty Pax's Misadventures) is in his stroller, squinting in the sun while I take this picture. 
Behind him stands a gorgeous beast of a derelict house with tons of tall (and broken) windows, patio that goes around a half tower. It's historically classified, so even though it's housing tons of wildlife, including rats, it can't be torn down. Which is part of the reason I love it :)
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Alessa Ellefson @alessaellefson.bsky.social · 13/07/2025
When you take a stroll through a patch of nature inside the city, and someone's clearly marked a bees' nest so you don't disturb them 🥰🐝 #Brussels #beeterritory #donotdisturb #writerwanderings
A pile of straw, dead leaves, and small branches. Totally unassuming, until you find the pile has been staked out all around, and a sign placed which reads: "NID D'ABEILLES" (French for bees' nest).
Young trees grow all around, protecting this temporary home from the harsh summer sun.
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Alessa Ellefson @alessaellefson.bsky.social · 12/07/2025
Pax has 3 modes of drooling, depending on circumstances: The bubble: when he's so excited he starts breathing through the mouth. The faucet: when he reeeeaaaaally wants a treat. The shoelace: mostly when he's out on a walk and has caught a real nice scent... #mightypax #dogsofbsky #illustrations
Mighty Pax, the French bulldog (and hero of the Mighty Pax's Misadventures children's stories), staring intently ahead, oblivious to the bubble of drool that's formed on the bottom of his flappy lip. Behind him are images of dog treats in the shapes of bones, with the word 'cookie' written on them. Title: The bubble.Mighty Pax, the French bulldog (and hero of the Mighty Pax's Misadventures children's stories), staring intently ahead, drooling profusely like a leaky faucet (there's a small puddle at his paws). Behind him are images of dog treats in the shapes of bones, with the word 'cookie' written on them. Title: The faucet.Mighty Pax, the French bulldog (and hero of the Mighty Pax's Misadventures children's stories), staring intently ahead, a thick cord of drool hanging down from his round jaw (looks like he's swallowed a shoe!). Behind him are images of dog treats in the shapes of bones, with the word 'cookie' written on them. Title: The shoelace.
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Alessa Ellefson @alessaellefson.bsky.social · 12/07/2025
Went on a recce for my next Pax book which I hope to publish prior to Halloween (🍀), and it's just so perfect that this beast of a tree is nearby the "shooting location"😊 #bookplanning #writing #MightyPax
One upon a time, in a park close to what will be the setting for my haunted house...
...within an enclosed space, the gate broken down, in patch of overgrown weeds and grass...
... stands an ancient tree. Many of its limbs have been sawed off. The others no longer bear leaves. Yet it remains standing, proud, a refuge for any creature who needs sanctuary in the bustling city.
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Alessa Ellefson @alessaellefson.bsky.social · 07/07/2025
Interesting episode on the Choiceology w/ Katy Milkman podcast about finding our life's meaning through the telling of our own Hero's Journey: podcastaddict.com/choiceology-... #storytelling #inspiration
podcastaddict.com
Choiceology with Katy Milkman - A Hero's Journey: With Guests Ethan Gilsdorf, David Fajgenbaum & Kurt Gray
Listen to Choiceology with Katy Milkman - A Hero's Journey: With Guests Ethan Gilsdorf, David Fajgenbaum & Kurt Gray by Charles Schwab on Podcast Addict. Luke Skywalker, Frodo Baggins, Katniss Everdee...
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Alessa Ellefson @alessaellefson.bsky.social · 05/07/2025
It finally started raining, so some bumblebees on my street found refuge inside the flower of a hollyhock 💛
Pale flowers open like a chiffon skirt, the pistil protruding out like an antenna, rough undulating leaves covered with dust. The hollyhocks gave grown tall this year against the houses' brick walls! And inside one of these flowers are two fluffy bumblebees cuddling.
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Alessa Ellefson @alessaellefson.bsky.social · 03/07/2025
These archival records are made with parchment, so animal skin (mostly goats, sheep, and calves). It's no wonder grimoires are considered a must-have in the witch's toolkit! Note the cover still has fur 😶 #books #history #BrusselsArchives
A beautiful register from the city of Brussels that dates back to the Middle Ages. Flowery illuminations in the margins of the page on the left, as well as the illustration of two men wrestling inside what I believe to be a giant A (I admit I can't read this 😅).
Because the pages are made of skin, they will keep on changing with time. Hence the need for claps to keep the wooden covers shut right around these pages so they won't umdulate.This book is closed to display the rough fur of its cover (so it seems like this used to be a goat 😢)
The metallic protuberances in top of each of the four corners are there because back then books were laid flat on shelves, stacked on top of each other. These then protected the books from those above them, as well as allowed air to pass through (reduces risk of mold).
As you can imagine, these books were expensive, so were often kept on chains to prevent theft (you can see on the bottom of this book a little book where the chain used to be).
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Alessa Ellefson @alessaellefson.bsky.social · 02/07/2025
A roster for the Amigo (a jail where Verlaine spent some time), and a police profile of Karl Marx (Charles, here), considered a potentially dangerous man (the sheet includes the notable trait that he speaks English well). Karl Marx moved to Brussels in 1845. #history #Brussels
The registry, on the left, shows a long list of prisoners, including their ages (lots of 18 year olds), place of birth and home address. To the right is the police memo on Karl "Charles" Marx, professor of philosophy.
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