Thank you Veterans for all you have done and given to us all.

I have had a warm, sunny weekend  and with the realization that this may be the last Hurrah for great Ohio weather!  On Saturday I went early in the morning to the COTC annual craft exhibit...they were totally packed but I only bought a small bag of vintage wooden spools and a few buttons.  I went in a hunt to evaluate the costs and prices and even the quality of products presented...mainly for my own research.  I then went to my Hobby Lobby store to pick up a few more things for the children's Christmas party where I am working and ran into Sue Kosak, Paul Hamilton and Abby and Justin Longshore...then I checked into Joann's veterans sale and Finders Keepers HOLIDAY open house.  Sandy Gartner's cards and things looked great... I found a vintage child's dressing gown that I spent the afternoon washing and restoring it to its beautiful soft form.  I also found some mother or pearl buttons...so many projects and too little time.  I went to the studio to paint originally ...but I ended up collected a felting project and sorting through my Holiday supplies.  When I came home I feasted on some homemade vegetable soup and a roasted chicken sandwich.  I lazily spent the evening cuddling with Ken as we watched a funny movie on the TV.  All in all it was a day filled with thoughts and actions to pause ...reflect and gather...  my focus. 

Today Ken graded the complete set of his classroom papers and added them to the computer logs.  I did laundry and moved "stuff"round... I can not say it was cleaning.  We discussed going home to be with his mother...for the Thanksgiving holiday ...even if she does not remember who we are.  We then went to a grand opening celebration...a holiday open house with live music, great demonstrations, studio views and exhibits and a renewal of old and new friendships.  We met Bonnie Mosely a jeweler who made our wedding rings for us 28 years ago... she looked great and seemed so happy to renew our friendship.  Meredith's Sunbear Studio features 30 local Ohio artists with glass , jewelery, wearables, sculptures and stained glass art and wood and floor sculptures ... as you will see in the photos there was JOY everywhere!  Downstairs there is an antique shoppe, more demonstrations and sweet treats!   Upstairs I shared the studios of the pastel exhibit and the continuing demonstrations...there was color and light everywhere and the artists were eager to share their processes.  This was a real community here and Meredith made plans to get together for lunch... if you have the opportunity stop by and check out this historical building filled with new life and creations.

 This beautiful woman is PJ O Neil's mother and aunt...PJ...aka Phillip dated our Tina when they were freshmen at Newark high school....she is the original Christmas house decorating queen!

 another very funny baby turkey...running for his life away from the dinner table...

 my beloved trees are now whispering in a softer voice...today's blue sky was so outstanding...

 Ragamuffins is the new coffee shop right next to the Sun Bear Studios in downtown Alexandria...bravo!

 Bonnie Mosely made our original wedding rings almost 28 years ago...

 two young jewelery artists... demonstrating their trade and sharing their love for beads....Lilac Renegade ...unique bead creations...Lizz Beck

 photography and prints were premiere ...and so affordable....

live music ...this place was jamming with the 60's era sounds....I do not know who they were but they were great!

 the stained glass lamps and beautiful silk scarves were so desirable...I will be returning....

 Meredith's pastel work was a major prize and fund raiser for the Licking County Humane Society...you just supply your favorite photo of your beloved pet ...

 i fell in love with these mixed media stained glass installations.... my photo does not do them justice....

 Diedre A Pifer...free lance artist... made my necklace...hidden by my wrap shirt...but one of my favorites...she is awesome!!!  I think you can see it in the later photos...

 Sheree was giving free Origami demonstrations and allowing the children to make their Christmas cards...she gave me infomation on special black paper for black Scotties and references for child friendly card making...she looks very festive in her colorful crown!    Sheree Green artist...she was working with a young man on a mission...he made four or five cards while I was there watching!

 this enthusiastic retired teacher...is now a writer and publishes her own books ...she graciously autographs each and every purchase for the child in your heart.... Sheila Dobbie

 here is a very shy stained glass artist demonstrating and help a student create her own work of art for the holidays...

 of course...Mr. Ken ran into a student from his past Chad Redmon ...he seemed excited to see Mr. Stewart once again...

they were in Susan Hobbins Alexandria Antiques wonderful shop...

 the antique shop downstairs was filled with inspirations and an old fashioned Christmas tree embellished with vintage ornaments!

 take your pick...dolls...view masters ...antique china dishes...a holster for your favorite cap gun....

 the great music continues...does anyone out there know these guys???  I would love to have their connection...I will ask Meredith...

 some of the many door prizes!

upstairs studios...filled with pastels and the exhibit is wonderful!!!!

 more demonstrations...a light delicate touch and yet the beginning of such a beautiful rendition of a photograph...

 Katie works full time for Tim Horton's corporate headquarters...she is a splendid pastel artist and was generously sharing her murals  she creates....

 here was the winner of the pastel exhibition....a mother there to show her passions for details and colors...

 some of Katie's sky works...

 Grandma Mary...daughter and grand daughter Emma...all share a studio off the main studio space at Sun Bear....such a delightful family creating together!  I think the daughter was Katie but I can not be sure....

 Lisa Owens has the studio next to the the three generations...she was tired  but receptive to sharing her appreciation for having her own studio space....the group of interactive artists provide energy to risk to try the next step...

I just love bulletin boards ... I seem to document them every where I see  one...

 How about these two jolly Santas???

 the front window is so inviting...felted hats and scarves to die for.... great for a winters chill...

 tah dah...check this studio out....

 benches to check out the latest news...









someone's back yard vignette..a great composition to make a reference to in the near future....

Ken and I had a "whale tail sandwich" at Pappy's Key Largo style restaurant ... way too big to eat but delicious all the same.  I am stilled too full to even consider eating dinner...maybe later a last bowl of vegetable soup.  Now I have fabrics to wash...a quilt still developing and a small collage piece to send over the ODC for a special anniversary banner.  Yikes...not enough time in my day!  Imagine and Live in Peace,  Mary Helen Fernandez Stewart