Mary Helen Fernandez Stewart

Happy Wednesday...and excitement too!!

2012-02-01T21:56:00.003-05:00

I was working on several small projects and preparing for my Days of Creations at St. Francis Elementary School tomorrow. I have to gather all my supplies and make ready for the short trip ... I am setting up stations for the each step in the demo for creating layers of textures and printing simple collographs. I am thinking about a Valentine theme in bright, vivid colors. I plan on rubbings with different crayons, torn edges, and then planning the printmaking steps to create design elements for a unique creation. I am also scheduled for my mammogram in the afternoon. Whew this is going to be a crazy day for all of us.

Tonight we made small acrylic paintings in a very impressionistic approach and immediate response to the changing colors of the evening skies outside the studio. We were experimenting with a watercolor effect ...but as the evening progress each brushstroke took their own direction and depth. This is exciting to do and to witness. Not every one wanted this assignment so they worked in the colored pencils to recreate World War II episodes that had been told to them about their grandfather behind enemy lines. We were celebrating birthdays and valentine cupcakes plus ice cream cakes. All in all the place was a happy happy place to be tonight. Doug is turning 50 today!!!

I was suddenly made aware of thick billowing dark smoke blowing through the common area in our courtyard. A van had caught fire and I was told three children were inside and quickly rescued. The fire department and our police were on the job almost immediately and even though the van's owner was visibly shaken no one was injured and the fire was under control almost immediately. There is never a dull moment.

My dear friend picked up the special collage for her Art Auction. She came out even though she has been plagued by severe headaches over the last couple on months. She made a wonderful contribution to my studio costs and I nearly cried in appreciation. I told her I could stretch it for at least 4 or maybe 5 weeks. I am so amazed by the kindness that has been given to me as I continue my journey being visible for all to enjoy seeing how artists work daily. I also sold three Valentines ...for some very special recipients to hopefully enjoy. I invited her and her beautiful daughter to come visit me when I am dyeing and painting my fabrics for the Dawes installation!

Have a wonderful time in your life being an artist. We are so lucky to be living our dreams and making beautiful marks for the world to enjoy. Dream Big!!! Blessings and peace, Mary Helen Fernandez Stewart

Tea for Tuesday with my special Monkey Man Infuser....

2012-01-31T21:46:00.004-05:00

I seemed to find myself being easily rattled this morning. I went to the studio after beginning my order to Jacquard fiber and paint supplies. Then I received the call for my appointment on Thursday at 10 AM at Dawes Arboretum. I think I am ready...supplies are lining up, I need to see my workspace area and check the washer and dryer facilities, and walk through the proposed layout for the installation. The sun was shining bright and for the last day of January the temperatures were near 60. I am taking this as a sign, an affirmation that all is going well. I am praying that next Thursday will be just as beautiful as we make our rounds in preparation for the actual beginning of the collection of hand painted and hand dyed fabrics. I now have my silk screen materials ready to work and "play" with as I create my design elements. I will be ordering my first bolt of cotton on Thursday ...and it should give me enough time to cut and wash the first ten yards. I am beginning my sketches ...first and rough as they are but I will begin to share them with my viewers. Baby steps ...making the most effective preparations to increase the success rate for my desired colors and images.

Last night I did something ...I had the audacity to order my blog posts as a book with a soft, laminated cover in living color. This was expensive but I am hoping just having it in a solid physical book...I will be able to share my journey as an artist with my lectures and demonstrations. It will be two weeks before it arrives so I will save judgement until I can hold it in my hands.

I had the most wonderful visitor today ...Michelle Channel stopped by the studio and we had a small amount of time to catch up and hopefully make plans to go out for dinner and maybe include Kathy Anderson. Michelle has a new position , plus she is taking her classes at COTC, and raising Reyna and Owen! She looks absolutely beautiful and I am so proud of her. She is learning in her leadership role, continuing her education process and maintaining her family rituals and duties. Her eyes were filled with optimism and a sense of commitment. Her schedule is busy to say the list but her confidence is growing. I am so proud of her and our friendship.

Tomorrow Sharon will be picking up the collage "The Life you ordered has arrived." Working small...and quick is a reward in itself so hopefully I can process my thoughts while I continue my thought preparations and review my recipes ...I need to retrieve my Ann Johnston's books for a renewal of the steps I need to take. Ken is going on antibiotics tomorrow. I made a spicy beef vegetable soup tonight for supper and cupcakes for tomorrow night. I will frost and decorate them tomorrow as we celebrate a couple people's birthday surprises. have a great week in your studios and be brave....make it work!!!! Peace, Mary Helen Fernandez Stewart

Monday and ready for Monkey tea tomorrow....

2012-01-30T20:07:00.011-05:00

I was driving home from the studio and was met by my favorite UPS truck ...the driver had just delivered three new paperbacks and my little monkey man Tea infuser from Amazon. The photo is not very good...the flash is not cooperating with me so I will try to take another picture tomorrow in the sunlight...yes, we are expecting the sun to come out tomorrow!!!! I feel better already...Ken went to the doctor's office this afternoon and is slowly recovering from bronchitis and probably a virus. I went in late ...it is good to be your own boss and make the time schedules! Smile! I worked on a couple of interrupted works..."leave your fear at the door".... a collage I got distracted from with all the holiday hoopla! Then I framed a small collage for a donation for an art auction for the Welsh Schools in Granville. Its title is "The Life you have ordered has arrived!" Yes, it is small but I think it is powerful...I can only see giving small works away because I have two major commissions due this Spring. Check this image out and let me know what you think!!! I would not mind too much if the people who ask me for a donation would at least stop by and make a small paid contribution to maintaining the costs of having a public studio. Jingle this is for you...."Just saying!" The last UFO is a canvas I began the first layer of foundation for a mixed media work with a portrait of an anxious woman alone in her thoughts and worries and prayers.
I am calling "Waiting"...a portrait of a woman waiting for her husband, brother, or son or daughter to arrive home safely. The Merry Christmas illustration is from a dear artist Susie Shie who lives in Wooster, Ohio and sent this to me at the Holiday time.

Tonight we went to Bob Evans and I have enough for lunch tomorrow. I need to continue my work on the written proposal for my installation. I have about 8 good friends having their birthdays this month/week and it does not seem possible that some of these wonderful people have been with me for over three decades. I do not feel like I am getting older the the gray in my hair at the temples betrays my denial. I have three new books to peruse tonight under my quilts. Ken says he is going to work tomorrow...bronchitis ...yeah right!!!

I need to get to work now while I am still awake. I have already done my time on the elliptical
machine...yes for my fellow heart conscious artists I am still on this band wagon. No I have not done enough to lose a lot of weight...but I hate to admit it I am feeling stronger. Could Ken have been correct??? Exercise is actually good for you :0)!!! Have a wonderful week in your hopefully sunny and warm studios!!! Peace, Mary Helen Fernandez Stewart

Lupus won today...but I will be back tomorrow....

2012-01-29T21:48:00.004-05:00

I have had a slow quiet day. Ken was ill with his cold but I think it is a sinus infection...he is going to the doctors tomorrow. I slept in and watched old movies on TMC...Father of the Bride... with Spencer Tracy. I slept most of the afternoon away ...and have caught up on the blog post tonight. Rosie has a new hair cut ...I am not sure she likes her short look. We got a light snowfall today but tomorrow the temperatures are going up and the warmth will once again confuse the natural plants and creatures here in Ohio. I am very inspired by so many of you...this weekend you have shared some wonderful works and processes. Thank you all! Peace, Mary Helen Fernandez Stewart

The Sun came back today!!!!

2012-01-28T19:11:00.004-05:00

I am thrilled to say that the morning began with a wet light snowfall and gray skies. But with a little patience I waited the time it takes to drink a cup of coffee the weather had begun to change so i prepared to go into the Studio. Poor Ken is just so sock with congestion and fatigue...he should have stayed home on Friday but he has made lesson plans for Monday if he is not better so he can go to the doctor's office. I have never felt so sorry for such a sick but dedicated teacher...we are both swingers because we were asleep and in bed by eight last night.

I worked in the studio reorganizing the Ikea table top...yes I did actually see the wooden table today. I put the ribbons, valentine design elements , cards and tissue papers on the second table...piled high but the elements are all there! I am sure this small step for mankind will help Monday go a bit smoother! I also brought home some pearl embellishments and beads I had thought were here in my home sewing studio. Small baby steps...remember I did see the wooden table top!

Then I went to locate the widest 100% white cotton for my big project....and I think I have found the quality and weight that will serve this installation well. I am going to present the proposal in the next 10 days and locate the actual places for this proposal due for completion on June 1 this year. I am excited and exhilarated at the same moment... I will become the Material Girl of Licking county with this hand painted installation. I have been cutting and collecting stencils and textures to make rubbings for the layers of color I will be applying. I am hoping to meet with Jenny the educational director to line up some family participation activities so each willing participant will be able to make their mark on this collaboration. I will keep you posted as the materials begin to come in and I will install my work stations in the education building! This is so exciting!

Well I am headed back up to continue quilting on the baby Benjamin quilt... hopefully the binding will go on tomorrow! Stay safe and have a great weekend in your studios. Peace, Mary Helen Fernandez Stewart

Whoops i forgot to take the "after photo" and Rosie is showing her "before" shot at the dog groomers.

I did work quietly today ...

2012-01-26T21:46:00.004-05:00

I did work quietly today in my studio creating 10 more individual Valentines to share with the shut-ins at a nearby assistant living center...in a quiet afternoon moment... with music drifting in and out of my consciousness I felt myself remembering my childhood Valentine Day. The time I was spending making these simple gifts to women I may never meet... I thought gratefully about how we celebrated this small holiday when I was with my mother decorating a shoebox with cut outs and ...well whatever my mother could round up for us to paste, glue, sew on to our individual boxes. My Mother Rose Marie was a mother of invention... my hero!!! We did not have a Hallmark store on the corner nor could we even afford whatever they might have to offer. She would often make a paste from flour and water and tempera colors and simple crayons were our main instruments of our love notes and sweet messages. Yarns, fabric scraps and strings dipped in food coloring...boy I was cooking a creation then! Thank you Mom for all the time you gave us to express ourselves ...even if we were messy...there were 6 children at her kitchen table! No wonder I do feel so adventuresome at times...my mother always believed in the "what if?" aspects and guidelines!!!

This morning I attended a celebration of a friend's artistic life...Vivian Smith's family, friends and neighbors gathered around the kitchen table to break bread and share stories about her works displayed all through her home. Quionah was so excited when I walked in the door...her Art Lady was here! She gave me a personal tour of Vivian's studio and the works displayed. I met Elijah...Vivian's grandson is now a handsome grown man. Janet, Marsha and Penny plus myself were the only artists present for this open house but I felt so honored to have been able to be there. I did not take my camera to record photos of her studio but hopefully I will be able to return and document her sacred space.

Tonight I attended a Toastmaster meeting celebrating Judith Allee's retirement from her 14 years as a mental health facilitator. She has been working on three passions...Adoption Today...Bridges out of Poverty....and homeschooling here in Ohio. I may not have the names of these programs exactly correct but you get the idea ...she never takes the word NO for an answer to a problem no matter how difficult the situation may be. The meeting room in the Newark Downtown Library was full to capacity and there were personal tributes from associates and friends and clients who have worked with Judith during the last 14 years. Our community is a better place because of the dedication Judith has demonstrated and provided for our community. She has taught us all to "pay it forward" ... one small kindness act from everyone can change the outcomes of many families living here in Licking county. I am tired but I do feel that I have been very blessed today. Peace, Mary Helen Fernandez Stewart

Gentle spirits on an icy and sleet night....

2012-01-25T21:56:00.006-05:00

I worked with the little ones...or should I say they worked me tonight. I put many different papers, punches, glue sticks, stickers, borders on the work table and let the magic begin. I only asked them to make a special Valentine for someone they love ...and well that was all was needed to be said. I think the familiarity of knowing one another plus a recognized awareness of working with the design elements and art materials has made this group of young artists confident enough to work together and even share their personal assemblages. One of my youngest artists lost her beloved great grandmother last week suddenly (her grandmother was a wonderful artist) so tonight I could see how tender the other artists were in working with her. She did not want to leave....the art making and freedom to choose her own designs was a release from the loss and pain she was experiencing. So many changes...so many adjustments ...the funeral rituals... almost too much for such a small soul to comprehend. I am going to try to attend the open house reception tomorrow...if the weather allows me to get down my driveway. Somehow if I am there ...she will know how much she is appreciated and loved for her joyful abandonment she shares with us when she is making her ART! Art truly saves Lives!

I was hoping beyond belief that somehow I would get to see a physical response to the amazing solar flares erupting on the sun today. I have been mesmerized by the aurora lights ever since
I was introduced to them as a child ...in my neighborhood we even had an astrology club. I have enjoyed the news coverage but I am sure that seeing them in real time must be a life altering experience. I captured a photo from the Internet ...but the solar flare is a miracle in itself.

Enjoy a quiet night in the safety of your home. Embrace the serenity of the quiet house. Simple gifts and simple blessings. Blessings, Mary Helen Fernandez Stewart

Sorry I am having technical difficulty ...I can not upload today's photos....maybe it is the solar eruptions ....hehehehe!!!

My companions and a hot cup of tea....

2012-01-24T19:58:00.003-05:00

The studio was hopping today with new and old visitors....I received an invitation to come and speak to a fellowship group from a church and a presentation for their assisted living home next month. Gail brought in her work in progress...so peaceful and her stitches are improving with every new work. I would love to share some of your feed back with Gail so feel free to make a comment for her. Gail is working intuitively in her works and with each step forward she creates an authentic visual poem. She took a new visitor...a guy through the projects here in the studio while I wrote down and firmed up plans for my February luncheon talk. This gentleman is fairly new to The Works and their individual volunteer program and has plans to work as a wood worker in the Wood Shop with our own Wib Mock. Before I knew it the time had run out in my day here...I reapplied the final coat of gel medium as a glossy varnish on the bookmarks from last week's evening. I began to put the first layer of a simple collage to celebrate the last 12 Christmas celebrations of my friend's son Jared. I have the paper design elements cut and selected for the next couple of layers. I am not sure how I will finalize the framing process for this young man who helps us on Wednesday nights, I need to think in a manly way and not so delicate like my other works I have previously created this past December.

I am working on the Monkey Quilt by machine stitching the work. I think this is more durable and will with stand multiple washings and trips to the park with Mom and Dad! I just found out that my friend Angel is having a baby girl this summer! I have several ideas for her baby quilt...a colorful garden of pansies and maybe butterflies....lots and lots of pretty soft colors. Stay warm and enjoy your week in the studio. Peace, Mary Helen Fernandez Stewart

A blue Monday...embrace the light breaking through the grays....

2012-01-23T20:29:00.004-05:00

We have had a roller coaster day of colors in the sky around here today. Maybe my body was reacting to the loss of a friend but the grays in the sky were heavy like a woolen blanket on my heart. When I began my drive into the studio I looked up to see a white light breaking through the dense gray sky and shining down on my face. The warmth of the sunlight seemed to open my spirit and free me to embrace the day. When I arrived the sky was open to the possibility of clear blue skies.

When I carried my "stuff" into the studio my ears heard a sweet curious youthful voice call out my name ...Mary? I turned to see my two year old boyfriend Cooper as he ran and jumped into my arms. Am I lucky or what? I held him for quite awhile...I am not sure who held on the longest...the little one or me the big one. Cooper is a white beam of light radiating pure, soft energy and a joy just to be around. We shared lunch with Nana Julie and his mommy Amber...and I know I should have been working but there are moments in our lives when we need to stand still and breathe in the joys of being young.

After they left I sat down for a quiet afternoon of making more Valentines and listening to music from the 1980's. The solitude felt just right for me and before I knew it was 4:30 and ken was calling to tell me he was already home. I made an errand to pick up two more boxes of wedding invitations and then stopped by to see my grand daughters so they could finished their Thank Yous from Christmas. They were tired from a busy day of school and just waiting for the dinner to come out of the oven. Ken and I cleaned out the refrigerator and I put the roast in for the dinner tomorrow. Now it is time to close for my day and do my duty...my time on the elliptical machine...exercise calls my tired body! I have enjoyed checking the posts from today...so many creative minds united in making their sacred marks. I also ordered two new books from Amazon....The Illustrated life by Dan Gregory plus The Art of War by Stephen Pressfields. I think I must Amazon's best customer! Peace out! Mary Helen Fernandez Stewart

Monkeying around on Sunday.....

2012-01-22T21:33:00.004-05:00

I have had a very quiet day and spent time with a young bride helping her order her wedding invitations from Michaels while they were on sale and I had a bonus 25% off coupon. I now have 120 invitations...two boxes are coming tomorrow from Columbus....two boxes are coming from the Easton store so we have a total of 280. The young couple needs 250 for sure so we have a few extra in case i make a mistake. I am using a computer lay out to print the invitations and then applying a classic black and white photo image of the couple on top of the printed dates, church, families uniting etc. She has 105 days until the wedding ...she is very excited and this makes one more step of preparations they can mark off their list of things to do in a timely manner. I then picked up a couple more design elements for the valentine's project as my outreach program this month. Ink pads in pink and little tiny Hello Kitty Stamps to play with ...me included!

Sadly I have lost two artist friends in the last week. Vivian was a member of the LCA for her whole lifetime and died from complications of heart issues and then a major stroke. I have been working with her great grand daughter on Wednesdays for months now and she is a totally delightful child. She is going to inherit all of her grandmother's art supplies....a thread of spiritual connection from one generation to the future artists in the next generation. I also learned the passing of Donna Stader, a member of the Art Quilt Network and one incredible artist and teacher. She lived in Greenwood, IN with her mother and had a short illness. Donna was always a mentor for those of us who were a tiny bit younger than her...a gentle, gracious contributor to the art of learning criticism...expressing what one sees in works...techniques... and she found many ways to be generous and gentle in her critics. I will miss both of these wonderful women who have been in my circle of artists and guiding mentors.

I completed the final baby quilt composition for baby Benjamin. Remembering Father Larry's encouragement to "embrace your inner monkey" inspired this simple sweet baby quilt. I will try to baste the quilt tomorrow and complete it as soon as possible. I need to complete some paperwork tonight and email information about a short demonstration and my lecture about "Art and Literacy". The second lecture is a playful presentation of "Recycling in Art Making". I have a list of items to collect and sort for a Days of Creation project . I also need to complete my donation to the Mardi Gras Art Auction ...this is absolutely the last donation ...I need to learn to say NO! Have a great week in your studios. Blessings. Mary Helen Fernandez Stewart

Hello and almost good night...

2012-01-21T23:38:00.004-05:00

I came home from the studio a little early on Thursday with a feverish sweat and the beginning of temperature so I went straight to bed. To make a long story short I sleep through most of the day on Friday...we had snow, sleet and ice all day so staying home was an easy choice. Today I rested and worked on a few small projects like a baby quilt for my youngest brother's newest grandson Benjamin Charles. I also opened a couple envelopes that sent me through the roof with excitement. A month or so ago I had won a contest drawing and they will just make your mind go wild with ideas. They are works of art in themselves so I will take a moment to decide how I am going to employ these sacred gifts. Judith DeMilo Brown you have given me one of the greatest gifts...your beautiful sacred cloth. I am truly honored.

I am still under the weather a bit and I am going to exercise a short time before I take my shower...I am really trying to make this an important time in each of my days. I may move slowly but already I can feel the strength coming into my legs. I also opened a beautiful belated but just as beloved Christmas dove from my dear friend Gabriela....peace on earth to hold and cherish with each Christmas season. Then I had ordered an older book about altering books and the many avenues and variations one could experiment with. Well I apologize for missing a couple days ...but that is life. I am still here! Stay warm and I do not know about you but our weather is warming up tomorrow. Peace, Mary Helen Fernandez Stewart

p.s. I found this Retro Sewing book at Goodwill for $2.25...what a deal! I think this will be fun to play with some of the oldies but goodies. The price was pretty great also! Imagine and live in Peace, Art Lady!

Playing with markers and glitter and wooden bookmarks...

2012-01-18T23:02:00.005-05:00

I have to share some photos of the outreach Valentine cards for shut-ins ...mostly women in a nearby assisted living program. I still need to complete about 25 more but even as I know I will not meet these gentle souls I know how excited they will be receiving a handmade card just for them. Tonight we just relaxed and played with wooden bookmarks and a couple different types of markers. Tomorrow I am going to apply a glaze with a sprinkle of mica and glitter to add a sense of glamor and pizazz for years of reading enjoyment. Tomorrow I am attending the beginnings of the 2012 "Hats Off" celebration and fund raiser. This is the ground floor preparation meeting ...and I need as much inside information and the examine what the expectations will be for this community endeavor. I am keeping this post short and sweet but the photos can say it all much more effectively than searching for the correct words. Be warm and snuggle in to keep warm with someone you love. Blessings, Mary Helen Fernandez Stewart

Tea for Tuesday was ...Iced tea on a very blustery day

2012-01-17T22:28:00.003-05:00

This will be very quick because I have had a very busy day. I had the Professional Business Women's group from Licking County!!! for a valentine making party for the shut ins in one of the homes for the elderly. I was also surprised by two dynamic speakers from up North near Berea...one spoke of a legacy for assisting the elderly women find a good retirement plan and home in their final glory days. The other discussed public speaking and learning from workshops where the facilitators are totally interested in the woman succeeding. Then the ten of us began working at a feverish speed to create individual Valentines using punches, stamps glittering gems, and sweet beautiful ribbons! I truly enjoyed offering them a chance to be child like once again and I do think they had a ball!!! I was there until 9 pm which is late for me in the studio but they did make a delightful donation to my rent fund and the Wednesday night movie night in the central gallery!! I forgot my camera in the studio... so photos will come later. I did do my exercise and honestly I am trying not to miss a night. Last night I fell asleep on the couch under an antique woolen quilt...pure comfort zone for a weary body and soul! It is frigid tonight ...and the bed is calling. Peace be with you! Mary Helen Fernandez Stewart

Happy Birthday to Miss Morgan Elizabeth

2012-01-15T21:34:00.007-05:00

The sunshine was so beautiful and belies the fact that it was only in the teens today. Ken and I headed over to celebrate the third birthday of my sweet princess Miss Morgan Elizabeth Spalding. Just being with you and your tiny princesses and castle collection is a heart memory for me. Erin Elizabeth made an incredible comfort food... beef stew ...with a creamy whole rice seasoned perfectly with onion and chicken and beef broth. We were served a crusty Italian bread and butter ...the perfect collaboration in comfort foods on a cold winter's day!! Thank you Erin and Chance for hosting some "weak" spoiling grandparents :0)! There is nothing I love more than spending time with family and spoiling the grand children...including the beagle too! After the dinner Mom and Dad had to run out and get another cool air humidifier ...the children all have colds and terrible coughs and a returning temperature when the Tylenol wears off. A small little germ cannot keep me away from my beloved grand babies!!! We played with new Play-Doh to create creatures from the deeps of the seas. Morgan made a beautiful squid and we both made a dough birthday cake! Cole made incredible snakes and snake like creatures with sharp scales and baby snakes. Ken made an adorable Morgan penguin but he put a blue hat on her...Morgan told him girls wear pink hats! I made a funny bug with Morgan's nose...this made her laugh once again... and wings and a stinger...who really knew what it was but we were having a great time at the dining room table! Oh I almost forgot the most delicate beauty treatment...I received a manicure and pedicure from both Cole and Morgan. Cole chose purple polish and Morgan chose a delicious hot pink...sorry girls this is a special beauty treatment reserved for Grandma! Morgan sat beside me at the kitchen sink as I did up the dishes for Erin...she is tired from the little ones having irregular sleeping habits this week. Morgan made sure every spoon, knife and fork was washed properly and if she thought we were going to be finished too soon she added some of the clean dishes back to water! I love my tiny princess... my words are totally inadequate when I try to express my JOY whenever I am with my grand children. Hey how do you like my silver and jeweled tiara??? For a couple hours I was a Princess Too! Happy Birthday Morgan!

I am watching the Golden Globes and have finished my exercise time on our new health machine...I am slowly beginning to feel more comfortable doing this physical activity each day. I am up to four minutes now...I won't be trying out for the Olympics this summer but I hope to be a stronger woman so I can keep up with the little ones!!! Have blessed week in your studios...I will try to share some photos of the baby quilt tomorrow. Peace, Mary Helen Fernandez Stewart

I love an accoustic performance...

2012-01-14T22:56:00.003-05:00

The weather is frigid here but the theater was filled with warm hearted people to celebrate the courageous songwriter and performer Richard Marx. His debut "Don't mean nothing" and self-titled debut album kicked off his solo career in 1987. his talented guitar and piano performance plus total interaction with the audience made this a memorable evening on a Saturday night here in Licking county. As a volunteer I was assigned to his merchandise ...a CD package with another CD and a DVD for $15.00 plus one could but one with his signature for $20.00. He had two sizes of his tee shirts small and extra large...we sold out of all but 4 tees at the end of the night. He also had two photo shots that were signed for $10.00 each and three lithographs of his handwritten song lyrics and personally signed. Yes, it was hectic after the show when supplies became scarce but I do think everyone who attended tonight enjoyed their evening at the Midland Theater. Richard has worked with Barbra Streisand, Jeff Groban, Vince Gill, Luther Vandross, Kenny Rodgers ,NSYNC, and She Daisy. Lately he has collaborated with Leann Rimes, Travis Tritt, Daughtry, Emerson Drive , Paulina Rubino, Kenny Loggins, Michael Bolton, Hugh Jackman and last summer with Keith Urban. He has explained working as a songwriter has kept him fresh and current instead of touring piano bars and small venues. I have to agree this was a totally enjoyable night with memories from the last 25 years flowing in my heart. It is funny how hearing songs from decades ago can trigger personal journeys and relationships we hold dear in our hearts. Live music in an intimate theater is so good for the soul! Peace and Happy Birthday to Miss Morgan Elizabeth tomorrow you are 3!!!!! Snuggle down tonight with someone you love!!! Mary Helen Fernandez Stewart

my quiet day of solitude....

2012-01-13T21:40:00.003-05:00

The snow has arrived and the black ice is far more treacherous than a couple inches of snow. I stayed inside and had a perfectly quiet day. I slept...I think I needed it. I made a simple oatmeal breakfast with hot coffee. I began a simple knitting project and I do mean simple but the meditative repetition was soothing to my aching hands and gentle loosens the tension on a cold winter's day. I selected cotton fabrics to make baby Benjamin a simple playful baby quilt. I made a couple Cuffs to play with my scraps and later embellish as simple bracelet project. I collected my at home selection of cards for making Valentines and played with a new punch so I can take it in on Tuesday for my shut-in Valentine project. I am slowly catching up on simple mundane chores and the laundry is almost finished for the week. I read my before performance information about Richard Marx who will be here in Newark to perform at the Midland tomorrow night. I payed close attention to the weather predictions ...we are due to have near zero temperatures tomorrow and the snow is beginning once again. Ken is just walking in the door...he stayed for an evening basketball game with a former student tonight. My family is all safe and sound now and hopefully this Friday the 13Th will pass uneventful. I am keeping a dear friend in my prayers ...she has last her son over 11 years and we exchanged our condolences and shared our whispers from our hearts. I am wishing you peace, Mary Helen Fernandez Stewart

The snows are coming....sleet...thunder...hail... now snow is here

2012-01-12T20:58:00.004-05:00

We live in Ohio so we are really used to the fluctuations in our changing weather fronts...but today was totally perplexing. Right now at 9:00 pm we are receiving the snowfall that could bring us a variety of predictions in how many inches. I have been very lucky lately so I will see "what will be...will be" and go with the flow. If my old precious paid for car can make the trip down the hill and down to my studio safely I will go. I do have a great back up plan so ...I may work upstairs and have a snow day /work day!!! I have an apron to finish and some small vintage pieces to work with and clean and dry for use in a possible purse design. I promised Ken I would use my common sense....and we shall not panic right now.

I worked on my selection of premium Valentine cards with a new special touch for the five senses. I have beautiful laser punches and pretty romantic colors but this year I have added fragrance to my cards. I found scented rose petal papers in a vintage print and have incorporated this into my designs. I asked my lady friends if they could actually smell the soft rose fragrance and surprisingly they were delighted! I do not have any idea how long the fragrance will actually last but packed in their acid free plastic slides I think they should last for the next four weeks.

My sister fell today and has a slight concussion and is terribly bruised...she hit the ice when she was walking between her high school buildings this morning. She spent the most of her day in the emergency room and is finally home for now. She lives alone so I am a little concerned...I am hoping she will be home tomorrow so her body can rest and find time to recuperate. This is when I do wish we were living closer... a five hour drive divides us and I won't be able to just get up and go over and fix her lunch. Say a prayer ...and I keep you posted! Be safe and embrace the day...it may be frosty white here!!! Imagine and Live in Peace, Mary Helen Fernandez Stewart

rainy day blues and soft pastel drawings...

2012-01-11T21:36:00.003-05:00

I had an on and off day today but tonight with the visitors to the studio we made beautiful drawings exploring soft...soft pastels. Collaboration is the key to removing the uneasiness one might experience when you begin with a different new medium. My experience is that one artist is either going to love the power of soft chalk pastels...or one might hate the feeling on your fingertips. The children began sharing their experiences and gladly telling their individual stories of their own personal chalk preferences. Abby and I just sat back and enjoyed the experiments and different blending tools...a q-tip...a small brush...or better yet your finger tip. There is a communion of dialogue and acceptance of each students unique styles and preferences...after the familiarity of working together and the willingness to share their point of view or assist in teaching one another. This is the most important lesson of many that I am the proudest of. I facilitated the time, place and environment where growth and companionship are nurtured. Art truly saves lives!

The weather is changing and the snows may begin to enter our county over night. I will gather the information in the morning and take the necessary precautions on driving into the studio. I have transplanted some of my plants and still have about five more to take care of. I love having live plants in my space...there is a sense of calm and I really do believe that it makes for a more healthy environment. The plants are work in maintenance and yet they work for me ...and the simple sharing of cuttings for friends and visitors.

I have completed my evening exercise so I want to work on a couple small hand work stitches ...I need to slow my mind's racing down and meditate with slow, purposeful stitches in and out of the sandwich of colors. Whenever I begin a new quilt in the hand quilting...I realize this is my mind's escape from the day and embracing the present moment. Peace be with you all. Blessings, Mary Helen Fernandez Stewart

tea for Tuesdays ...iced tea in the sunshine

2012-01-10T20:40:00.004-05:00

I have had a very busy day and wonderful surprises with visits to the studio. I began with a visit from two year old Cooper who wanted to draw with the Art lady! He is just fascinated with his left to right and then right to left hand mark making! I am encouraging him to work on the paper and not Mommy's walls. Then Chris Lang came in to give me a very special gift... a monkey puppet made by her mother years ago when her children were small! my favorite saying ...years ago I adopted this attitude.... Embrace your inner monkey! Whenever I am in a tough spot health wise this quote from Father Larry has saved the day for me. I know this will come in very handy in the near future as I entertain my grandchildren in the studio soon! Thank you Chris for sharing this joyful little creature with me and my future visitors.

We walked over the the gallery at The Works to check on the installation of the "Off the Wall" exhibit that opens this Friday. Unfortunately nothing is happening yet....so I will have to check back later to capture some individual photos to share for some unusual inspirations. I did include some of the central gallery exhibit quilts made by Tammy P. Wallace. She is an artist I met about five months ago and is living in Delaware county. Her daughter is a geological student from Wooster College in Ohio. I also took some photos of Larry Tuber's newest glass creations in The Works Gift Shop...today was a sunny day so the glass just sparkled in the light. Beautiful works Larry...you are rocking the glass studio.

I returned to my studio to make some new cards for birthdays and such. Tomorrow I am making some sympathy cards ...a quiet, peaceful selection for those who have lost a loved one. The winter has been a cruel loss of loved ones and the families trying to regain a steady footing. I collected some special pink papers for my valentines party next Tuesday...we are making special cards for the shut-ins in a couple nursing homes. I want to make some funny and sweet little memories to share a moment from the past loves in their lives...I may never meet them but it does not matter. Tuesday night we will have a picnic with boxed lunches and play like we were back in the fifth grade! Imagine and Live in Peace, Mary Helen Fernandez Stewart

Monday's renewal...

2012-01-09T21:14:00.003-05:00

I have had a busy day...not doing what I had planned but spending the time renewing a friendship with a dear artist who has been traveling for the last three years as a pianist for a cruise line. I have always envisioned a glamorous and free spirited way of life. The reality is that it is work and a wee bit lonely living in a small quarters with a roommate you may not really know. But there are exotic places to visit and experience wonderful cultures and delicious foods. I am so happy to have had a good visit with her and will treasure every minute...she is such a talented musician and a truly loving spirit. After she left i began to hustle to remove extra boxes and leftovers that were useless ...I need to clear the large wooden table so that I can hand quilt my third Australian work. Just retrieving it from my wicker storage made me want to be able to begin my solitary process. The day was slowing disappearing from view with a brilliant pink orange melody of colors. I made some quiet progress and I need to get back in the studio early so I can make some sympathy cards for Pat's request for a special catering tomorrow. I also have to schedule the rest of the week's needed materials and be prepared for the upcoming exhibit for the "Off The Wall" Exhibit opening on Friday night.

I arrived home and had a quick dinner and answered my phone calls ..and then I attempted to begin my new physical exercise goals. I only lasted three minutes...and I will try to build up a bit at a time. No I will not be able to participate in the upcoming Olympics but hopefully my heart will begin to build up some strength. I think when I climb on the machine...well it reminds me of a huge movie transformer character. Enjoy the photo documentation of my humiliation and go out to howl at the beautiful full moon. Peace, Mary Helen Fernandez Stewart

Sunday in the sunshine and 45 degrees....

2012-01-08T21:05:00.003-05:00

I slept in this morning and enjoyed CBS Sunday Morning ....the Sunday ritual in our home with coffee and warm quilts and surrounded by our loving dog and cat. Ken finished putting together our new exercise elliptical machine. Hopefully Ken is getting every thing set up and I will be able to begin a slow steady built up exercise program. Yesterday we had an exciting day...I went to the studio and then received a call that our dear Don (he is 86) had fallen and could not get up. This may be funny on a TV commercial but trust me there is nothing funny when a dear friend is compromised. Then Don and Betty told us about another friend Marie had fallen on Monday on the black ice and broke her leg in tow serious places. Somehow I count my blessings having such loving people in my life but the final years are somewhat precarious so begin each day with gratitude and as I am attempting to do put only what is good, pure and natural in our bodies. The exercise machine may be a real blessing if you can see a difference in my bone density and overall strength. I did make some improvements in my progress of reorganizing the studio but when I rushed out to check on our friend ...well people are more important than organization right now. we attended calling hours for our Bruce Baird and it was a celebration of this gentleman's life. The line of callers went out the door and around the building. God bless you Bruce and know you have made a difference in all our lives. His life recalled by former students, farmers, family, board members, educators and church members all shared their individual relationships and life stories with each other as we waited in line.

I came home and made pork and sauerkraut and pork roast...plus a second meat loaf to serve with mashed potatoes ....two meals and sandwiches for our lunches. The house smelled wonderful and we both enjoyed a warm dinner with Rice Krispie Treats for dessert. Yum Yum Yum!!!

I am quilting by hand now and the peaceful rhythm is slowing my heart beat down...serenity and quiet are wonderful companions on a winter's night. The full moon is simply gorgeous and the trees are bathed in moonlight...another sign for serenity. I hope you have a wonderful week. Peace, Mary Helen Fernandez Stewart

Farewell to Bruce Baird...

2012-01-06T21:25:00.004-05:00

Licking county lost a loyal and steadfast gentleman to ALS this week. Bruce Baird served his community both publicly and privately...but as the mayor of Pataskala for ten years. He needed the power of collaboration and compromise as this city is located between Newark and the big city of Columbus. Bruce could mediate the differences where the urban population could merge with the rural community yet still help this growing community continue to expand with wisdom and education for future generations. He sought a fair balance of community, industry, agriculture for all concerned in this community. He was married to his loving wife Judy for 51 years and raised three beautiful, productive daughters and one son Jay who succumbed to brain cancer in 2006. jay had served as county commissioner for our county for six years before his illness curtailed his dedication to his community. I served with Bruce on the LCCVB for the last five years and he attended our last meeting in 2011. On Tuesday night he swore in the newest member of city council Mike Compton for Pataskala...and died shortly after on Wednesday surrounded with his family in his home.

I had a glorious day in the studio with a couple of visitors from Dayton, nearby communities and young and old artists interested in my controlled chaos. I am beginning to replenish my new cards... they kind of ease me into the flow of creating and are fun to make. They are also a very small way of helping me pay my rent. I have a couple of orders for new baby boy cards plus some possible thank yous and now sympathy memorial cards. The owner of the Grill's Chophouse came in for a business meeting and his two young boys Carter and Cooper wanted to visit the Art Lady. I literally pick up scraps from my handy dandy zip lock bag and a couple of glue sticks and colored pencils and ....well they were easily amused making small collages with buttons-paper punches and special decorations. Children seem to really love investigating the layers of design elements ...art stuff ...on my table but I have to be very watchful so that the sharp scissors and the like do not hurt little hands. I think you did a great job boys!!!! After the meeting I was able to take a brief family photo to celebrate the moment.

My brain...is struggling to find the correct words and names this week. I want to apologize to the many people who I mistakenly misidentified this week ...the connection is fluctuating this week for whatever reason ...I get frustrated and embarrassed for my feeble capabilities. Creatively I still seem to be able to free associate but writing is essential and even making this post is crucial for my ongoing recovery. I need to be patient with myself...I want to make a small donation to an auction next Friday in the central gallery outside my studio. They are working to create funds for continued mental health issues that are near and dear to my heart. I have a donation to make for a days of creation day at St. Francis elementary school and finally the Mardi Gras auction for Welsh Hills. I may not be able to teach anymore ...but I can find a way to give back to young students through the Arts. Have a wonderful weekend and go and create something WILD! Peace, Mary Helen Fernandez Stewart

What a glorious day...sunshine and warm temperatures...

2012-01-05T19:26:00.003-05:00

I now have two red plastic boxes packed and Ken bought me one more...so Christmas is almost a fleeting memory. I made some new cards today to fill my rack in the studio...current and fun; like our sunshine in January in Ohio! a miracle in itself...did I mention the beautiful sunshine. I had a dear friend Bob stop by and we exchanged hugs of celebration. We are both survivors of brain surgeries and are both proud grandparents and strive to create a better world in our community.

I feel if I stay on track tomorrow I will be able to work on my assemblage ...my fingers are itchy to hold a paintbrush and swirl some colors. I am enjoying the posts with new journals in brilliant colors, collages for the month and special words to dedicate for the 2012 creations and inspirations. Time. Focus. Persistence. I am leaning toward Gratitude but...Risks....taking a plunge with a leap of Faith. I did some research for pet portraits ...and Southern Pop Dog Commissions offers a 6 x 6 gallery wrapped canvas for $85.00 plus shipping. Yes she is doing well so do not be afraid to ask a competitive price ...to cover materials and more important your time. I am receiving $46.50 plus tax for a matted 16 by 20 completed in pencil. If I work in color I might have to adjust the cost. I have received very complimentary remarks and hope to continue my skills and market. I am going to work on some of my household duties and maybe do some quiet hand stitching.

At the end of my day Sandy G stopped by the studio so we went to have a cup of coffee at McDonald's and caught up on the holidays and she shared a special commission she is completing for a new bank being built in Hebron, Ohio. Congratulations Sandy...you rock! The excitement was sparkling in her eyes and we shared how difficult it is to ask for a fair commission price. I am still completing the proposal and have materials, applications, technical and installation considerations to contemplate plus creating the actual fabrics and dyes. Whew...the first time is always the most difficult to estimate.
Have a great evening in your studios! Sorry I forgot my camera in the studio so photos will come later. Peace, Mary Helen Fernandez Stewart

Wednesday night and continued work with colored pencils s

2012-01-04T22:00:00.004-05:00

Thank you Abby and Justin for coming down for another lesson in burnishing with colored pencils to move forward to playing with fragile pastels and using the blunt paper tip tool the torichon , (spelling?) brushes, fingers, and then layers of pastel on top of pastels. I share a couple of special sketchbook and pastel resource books and we experimented with numerous colors and subjects. Everything from soft kittens and puppies to a sea turtle swimming in the oceans. The most difficult part of this lesson is requiring the person to study and really see their subject. We will finish up next week and discussed making some funky 6 inch rulers and transforming them into bookmarks for their school assignments and favorite latest reads. I have just ordered a new one...The Hunger Games...the older students are thrilled to be able to read the trilogy and see the upcoming movie being released in March 2012. I received the new Jenny Doh book The Creative Pilgrimage. This book is a fun exploration of Artful Gatherings and Discovery of Innovative Art Techniques with several artist. I have five friends coming in soon and wanted to sprinkle some new information into the afternoon of hot tea and friendship! I have ordered Seth Apter's newest book but I have not heard anything about the release date. Seth is a very generous artist who has organized many wonderful collaborations for artist from around the globe!

Today I organized a few more boxes and hopefully tomorrow I will complete this objective and make a small canvas assemblage for a gift for Tina and her son. I am hopefully able to complete the proposal so I can set up a meeting with the board for the beginning of the work process. The sun came out today and warmed the winter temperatures but unfortunately I could not stay awake in the middle of the night to see the meteor showers...I was told the overcast skies prevented this shower of meteors from our visibility. I saw a great video presentation on The White Wolf blog spot along with the Northern Lights video that will inspire you to the end of the galaxy with the waving dancing colors. I hope you have had a great day in your studios. Imagine and Live in Peace, Mary Helen Fernandez Stewart

It feels just like a Monday but.....

2012-01-03T20:04:00.004-05:00

I am feeling a bit out of tune...the days have run together with all the holidays and truthfully the days of December felt like a blur and frenzy. I spoke to a dear friend this morning and we discussed how much pressure there is on celebration of the American dream of Christmas. She is alone since her husband's early death and her parents are gone and her only son lives now as an adult in another state. We both shared our hoarding habit of loving art supplies but now where to store it and FIND it when we need it. I need to get out there to her but with this new commission I am tied up for a couple of serious months of dying and printing large ...I do mean large sections of fabric. today I got another idea to try with the use of screen printing images and possible words ...the mind never sleeps. I miss my friend...we began our journey together in a Valentine activity at the mall for the Licking County Arts and have traveled together ever since. She knows more about me than just about anyone and still finds it in her heart to accept me with my strengths and weaknesses. The love of a real girl friend is totally priceless. When we do get together this year I want to make Art with her...pure abandonment of time requirements and pure play!!!! Quick marks, bright colors, immediate results to move forward to a collaboration we can return home with and hang in our individual studios or offices.

I had to stand in line with about 25 other people... at dinner time... waiting to pick up my prescriptions...every January the same dilemma reoccurs ...the reactivation of our medical coverage and the disparity in the costs of each medication and the co-payment cost. I take Celebrex and without coverage it would costs me $360.00 for one month. That is just one of my prescriptions I need to maintain my Lupus in somewhat of remission. The poor Pharmacist technician was near a melt down and she has only been the kindest of people to me. The store manager had another special cash register brought over to ring up the final sales but it was no one fault...except the duplicity of the medical coverage ...if one is lucky enough to have some. And the possible Greed the prescriptions and insurance companies are attempting to pass on to the poor souls who are in the disease complexity.

I am still working on my last "first house" commission for my friend Marco. It is not great Art but it is for a great guy and his family so I want to give him something to show my appreciation for all he does for us. back to work. I have seen some great motivational projects to get the juices flowing on several post today...my mind is beginning to wake up and reactivate ...smile. Imagine and Live in Peace, Mary Helen Fernandez Stewart

Happy New Year 2012...do you feel like sledding?

2012-01-02T20:22:00.006-05:00

Ken and I had our photo taken at the Walgreen's on route 79 yesterday with my friend Priscilla Rink. Just for the fun of it and today we had our first gentle snowfall. I prepared a very large pan of home made Navy bean soup with the ham bone from Christmas. I sauteed onions, carrots, garlic, and a little bit of celery. The kitchen smelled so delicious and I let the simmering soup come to complete fruition for over three hours. We made cornbread muffins and sweet butter and delicious blackberries. For dessert Ken supplied the creamy fudge and caramel corn which quickly disappeared into small tummies. Happy New Year!!!!

The snow is so peaceful and the laundry is almost done and tomorrow I return to my studio schedule. I have learned I enjoy and need a daily schedule of a place to go and do my work. Yes there may be interruptions from time to time but this is a destination and I appear to fall into a routine and restoration ready for my processes. I have had very little time here in the house because of phone calls and the computer distractions. I actually want to get back to my work...I think this is a good thing!!! Happy Creating for everyone!

Maya finished her report on Stephani Meyer, the writer of Twilight series and the beginning of the popular movie series. Sabrina and Hannah kept themselves extra busy investigating the art supplies upstairs ....I may never find my stuff again...well it will be a real scavenger hunt for sure. I seem to remember being a lot more patient in my younger years... I get pooped pretty easy and after a couple hours I am ready to take a nap even if the girls are still flying high. I wish I could bottle their energy when they visit Grandma's house and I do remember visiting my Grandma's house and how I was totally spoiled when I stayed there. Have a wonderful week and once again I want to wish you a very happy new year for 2012. Peace, Mary Helen Fernandez Stewart

The time to begin the new year with a thank you.....

2012-01-01T21:32:00.004-05:00

The winds are howling outside and the temperatures are dipping into the teens but we are safe and sound in our warm home. I have spent way too much time on Face book and catching up on my emails and such. So I just wanted to wish you all the happiest of possibilities with good health for 2012. Today I have taken some time to remember those friends who are now gone from earth but not my heart and thanking them for their gentle guidance in my life as an artist. ken and I went to to see "The Girl With The Dragon Tattoo" which is the American version with Daniel Craig and a young new unknown actress to me. It is an extremely intense movie with incredible twists and a very violent rape scene. I recommend reading the book first...it might help to follow this plot of intriguing relationships. Then Ken and I went to Walgreens to have my dear friend Priscilla take our New Year's portrait on the snowy slopes of ...well somewhere in her imagination. I will share this funny documentation as soon as I pick up the image and dvd. I know Ken was surprised but he went along with the frivolity of his crazy wife. Then we went to Red Lobster for the peach brandy barbecue shrimp and scallops....delicious but way too much food so we have a lunch for tomorrow. I am now putting together a big pot of bean soup with the left over ham bone...tomorrow with corn bread this will be a belly warming dinner when the girls come over so Maya can type her paper for school. I am not sure why the teachers gave the students such a large assignment over the holiday but it did put a hamper on their free time. I am sure some children will not be able to complete these assignments because their parents are busy and traveling or working a couple jobs. My day has been a constant reminder ...of the blessings I have received and how I am able to give back in small ways. Yes,I know I need to take time to stop and smell the roses ...but right now I can only smell the ham cooking down :0)! My friends and family on Face book are all celebrating their joys, families and the family have wonderful news of the arrival of Benjamin Charles Royer a 8 pound 15 ounce little boy!!!! Life does not get better than this. Back to stitching and writing my proposal. Imagine and Live in Peace and look for the possibilities! Mary Helen Fernandez Stewart

Time to say goodbye...and a time to say hello to a Happy 2012....

2011-12-31T22:20:00.007-05:00

Time ...is one of the fleeting gifts that we can choose to share or hold quietly in our hearts. Last night we had a wonderful dinner in the home of two dear artists who are beginning a new chapter of their lives together. Candle light and family heirlooms displayed. a huge beautiful Christmas tree in the living/family room and a smaller one near the family piano. I realized how grace is filled in my heart whenever I share an intimate evening with kind people like this. The music was playing in the background and the selections were like silver threads of memories remembered of past decades. Delicious foods prepared with such care and served on family china and a homemade pecan pie made by Ken earlier in the afternoon. No the weather did not reflect what we expect for Christmas or New Year's but the friendship and shared dreams and conversations from the heart ...priceless heart memories and one of the best meals I have ever experienced. Gratitude to you both for celebrating our lives and dreams for now and in the near future of 2012. True Blessings from the heart.

Today Ken and I both enjoyed quiet time with our three smallest grand children Cole, Morgan and Lyndon. It was a dreary day outdoors so we could not really take our Nature walks down to the pond and the little ones all had a slight cough and rattle in their chests. So we cuddled on the couch and had fruit snacks and watched a great family movie "Dolphin's Tale". This true story can be visited at seewinter.com for the latest updates on her continued recovery and good health. Even the youngest of children could see the dilemma that both the humans and the dolphin were in and the actualization that Believing in yourself and never giving up is a powerful motivator. Then Morgan and I made macaroni and cheese from the box (see pics) but we added extra cheeses and real butter for a delicious comfort dinner. Then we made our individual ice cream sundaes for dessert complete with whipped cream. We had an imagination station game...something we sort of made up on the way and did their individual "school exercises" and jigsaws and letter recognition activities. Then we made popcorn and started our second movie for cuddle time... African Cats. An honest and beautiful portrait of life of Africa's wild cats and the circle of life . Their mom and dad arrived home and it was time to say good night for the year.

On Friday I worked with my young world traveler Sophia as we continued our progression of hand stitching/quilting on her Italian quilted wall hanging. There were many visitors interested in seeing what exactly we were working on. All the while there were family members decorating the central gallery for a family member's 50TH anniversary. I so enjoy working quietly with Sophia..she is a gentle, loving child who explained to me she enjoyed the handwork as she felt it to be relaxing for her. She has had a very busy and physical week of celebrations and family and friends with sleep overs and new fantasy books to read late into the night. Sophia had spent a week with me this summer hand painting and sun printing and stamping her very own designs on her fabrics and now she is anxious to complete and hang her work in her bedroom. Thank you Sophia for visiting me and teaching me a thing or two about creating art.

I want to wish you all a very Happy New Year in the soon to be 2012. I am eager to hit the bed and just relax tonight and tomorrow. I have dreams and great possibilities for the new year of creating in my studio and off site in a public art collaboration. I have to finish my proposal and outline for a board of eager committee members and finish my non toxic art materials list and installation procedures I am presently investigating. I know I am going to learn and grow with this new and exciting project. Imagine and Live in Peace for now and 2012!!! Blessings to you all! Mary Helen Fernandez Stewart

Gratitude for living another year with my white wolf....Lupus.

Thursday and Christmas is beginning to disappear in my studio....

2011-12-29T20:35:00.005-05:00

Ken brought down two cheery red plastic containers to sort and store my Christmas supplies and papers and art stuff. He is trying to ease my pain of rearranging my studio space for storage. I will clear a larger space on my work table tomorrow but I have a student visiting me at 1:00 ...I am not too sure what we are working on ? Her quilt? a painting? or a possible collage? So I hope to get in early to pack the two boxes to clear the floor space. I am already missing Christmas...many are rushing to take down their lights, or the trees, the mantle decorations ; but I am not sure I am ready to end this season so soon. I do understand the time factor and how limited the time actually is for regaining a normal schedule once again. I was kind of looking forward to sitting by the light of our tree on New Year's Eve but the living room has returned to preseason normal arrangements. I have had a holiday candle burning ...Wassail Cheer so the fragrance is filling the room with a gentle reminder that the season is changing and the new year will be arriving very soon. The skies are clear and the temperatures are dropping but still we have not had the white fluff...a soft snowfall that the children are all waiting for. I am working on Marco's first home ornament for 2011. He and Peggy and his son Carlos are now settled in their first home ...in this economy this is quite a remarkable accomplishment. I am hoping you are having a wonderful week and are ready for the last weekend of 2011. If we try real hard we can all discover or recall the blessings we have been given and look forward to gifts of our tomorrows! Imagine and Live in Peace, Mary Helen

Am I headed in the right direction?
Which ideas, dreams, hold the most meaning for me?
Did I act on my dreams?
These are three questions that Lesley Riley shared in her blog yesterday. I feel they are pretty good food for thoughts and affirmations.

community service...we all can make a difference....

2011-12-28T21:17:00.004-05:00

I had my beautiful grand daughters last night for a sleep over...but first we all made a trip to spend some of their Christmas money on art supplies, yarn and crochet hooks and a new scrapbook. Then we had dinner at Olive Garden and snow was beginning to fall in big wet sloppy snowflakes. So we headed over to find good walking, sledding and playing in the snow boots for the three girls. Believe it or not if I had bought them before Christmas I never would have been able to afford the costs of three pair of boots. Then we came home to make homemade fudge, caramel corn and pop corn so we could watch a wonderful movie..."Dolphin's Tale". Before we knew it it was midnight and the smallest one fell right to sleep but the two older girls played Checkers and went through some of my art supplies until 2:00 AM. How do they do it? This morning we went to the kitchen to have banana blueberry pancakes with bacon and orange juice and milk...but no snow this morning. After we finished we headed down to The Works and they went over to meet the guest painter who specializes in Civil War and Gettysburg paintings. Sorry his name eludes me right now but they had a blast and came back to report they really liked the 1960's aluminum tree in the Days of Yesteryear Holiday exhibit in the museum. We ended up having lunch with Tony and Kathy along with Ivy and her daughter Hannah and my family. The Grill has been rocking this week with customers for lunch and information about upcoming possibilities at Whispers and Echoes Studio. How did I get so lucky to have this location back again... I am home in my element and love working with the generations who come in to see what is happening.

Ken made a video that you see here on this post of my dear Natasha Wortman ...my favorite Black Hawk Pilot and med vac specialist. She has blessed me and I am enjoying creating a special mixed media work to honor her service she has given 13 years of her young life. My Women's Work II exhibit is growing as I begin a new journey with a public art commission. Tonight I worked with the older students working on colored pencil works and practiced the art of layering and burnishing with colored pencils. It is work and one kept asking for an eraser...but this is the beginning of the sketching process so next week we will move into pastels. yes I am tired now so I will cut this short and wish you a happy week in your studio! Peace, Mary Helen
Fernandez Stewart

A special Monday with my husband....

2011-12-26T20:30:00.005-05:00

No work today. We went to breakfast Ken and I, together... at Bob Evans...buy one and get one free...and this was a one day special. So it goes to say there were many families chiming in for some nourishment before they went out to attempt their exchanges. We ran into some dear friends and made plans to go to dinner real soon! Then an 86 year old young man came to my table to sing Bing Crosby's "White Christmas". I think he just wanted to be with other people but had a sweet smile and his voice was charming. Ken kept laughing quietly after the gentleman left our table to perform for another table. The crew at Bob Evans did not seem to mind so I gave him a small gift card to cover his lunch or dinner. Christmas is still ringing in my heart! Then I went to see Kim at Great Clips...she is due in three weeks with her second baby girl. I gave her a big tip to cover the costs of the new baby diapers and a couple of new sleepers for the newest princess. Kim is such a hard working young mother ...it felt great to be able to help her out a tiny bit during these hard times economically. Cash is the gift that keeps on giving...only she knows what they need the most. Then I met Marco's in-laws who were waiting to get their hair cut also! What a small world! I discovered a great discount store in my neighborhood...Ollie's....and they had their after Christmas half off sale as well as some great Art books to use with my children on Wednesday night. I know others have recommended this store t me but this is the first day off I have had from the studio in ...well I do not know when I last took a Monday off :0)! Then I had a special coupon for Michaels and picked up some of their bargains for next year and the supplies needed for several art projects. I ran into a couple more artists ....and before I knew it it was getting dark! Now I am sorting and getting ready to get to bed early...well trying to get to bed. Have a wonderful week!!!! Peaceful dreams of a light snowfall for the New Years. Peace, Mary Helen

Merry Christmas to you all...

2011-12-25T20:45:00.003-05:00

Today has been a very blessed day with visits and breakfast with the children and grandchildren....toys and trampolines and a big basketball game for the big kids. Then we headed down to serve Christmas dinner for the Newark community with 1200 dinners delivered to those who can not get out to attend the dinner. Volunteers were in high demand to deliver all over the county and people of all ages were serving the dinners with desserts and they all shared great big smiles and hugs. My Black Hawk helicopter pilot came with her mom and dad to help serve and deliver...in her uniform! I love this kid! We dropped Maya and Sabrina off after a special delivery to Richard the can man's apartment ...a very special delivery of a Christmas present that will allow him to have a hot meal at The grill where his niece Cindy works...across from my studio. Merry Christmas to all who worked today to give someone we do not know personally...a very special Christmas memory for their hearts and stomach! I had a honey baked ham with my homemade macaroni and cheese bake for a very quiet and peaceful dinner with my sweet sexy Kenny! Imagine and Live in Peace, Mary Helen

Christmas Eve is here....

2011-12-24T21:01:00.003-05:00

The time has arrived...the actual celebration of the birth of Baby Jesus is here. We have finished our wrapping...ordered our pizza dinner...a tradition for our family on the Eve of Santa's arrival in the wee hours of the morning. I have feasted on sweet treats almost all day....energy booster for stamina. Now I am writing my actual Christmas cards to loved ones and enjoying my Ovaltine hot cocoa...stamina is important when one does Christmas Cheer activities all day. I am wearing my special jingle bell and ribbon necklace and feeling very grateful for my life shared right this moment. We went over to Tina and Ryan's to share a quiet evening of laughter with the movie "Elf" and pizza ...then we enjoyed the girls as they opened their gifts and made plans for a sleepover on Tuesday. The sun was out today and the deer were grazing outside my back door...they seem to know they are an extended part of the family here on Stewart's mountain...mountain is poetic license during this Christmas frivolity.

I am watching the corny Lifetime movies ...I forget how many Christmas and Holiday movies they have shown during the last 24 days. Tomorrow we will get up early to have Christmas with Erin and Chance and their family. I do not get up easily at 6 AM for many but for my grandchildren I will do almost anything! Then we are helping the Salome Family Free Christmas Dinner for our community. I spoke to carol this afternoon and they have over 1200 dinners to deliver tomorrow...this is the largest dinner ever so they need many elves to deliver the gift of a warm Christmas dinner : turkey, ham. mashed potatoes with gravy, dressing,green beans with ham, hot rolls with butter and an assortment of desserts with coffee and tea. Yum Yum!!!! Now you know why I am praying for stamina for the next 24 hours :0)!

I am so grateful for so many experiences and people in my life. I found something I wrote earlier this year and thought it might be something to repeat tonight.
Open your eyes
Open your heart
See the sky
Really see the sky
Practice gratitude
See the faces of the people you meet
Listen for the whispers from ancestors
Know that Life flows together
Open your heart
Gifts and blessings from our eyes
Smile and touch
Celebrate the quiet moments
Create a soft place to land
Share your quiet space
Embrace the simple gifts we are all given each daily
Be present in your living
Open your eyes
Open your hearts
See the sky...really see the miraculous miracle in the moment
See the faces you meet each day
Listen for whispers and echoes you receive
Remember those who came before you
Cradled you
Blessed you and witnessed the beauty that only you have to share
Blessings.
Merry Christmas to you all and to all a good night!

Happy 10th birthday to Sabrina Leigh!

As Jingle put it so elegantly ...Christmas eve eve...

2011-12-23T23:17:00.004-05:00

Wooo.... I have had an incredible day in the studio and completed the last of the commissions. Ken came down and we made our annual progression to visit some special people in their 80's ...youthful but sort of fragile during this damp rainy weather. We delivered to a very special pair of newlyweds who have both been in need of Holiday cheer and presented them with their Christmas slate hand painted by our dear friend Abby Longshore! She did an awesome job and they look as cute as could be sitting in their Christmas sleigh. Merry Christmas Don and Betty! Then we were off to deliver a special request for a very special gift certificate to Kris Goummas at the sweet smelling candy shop....Socrates you are a magician!!! They were very busy and appreciated a personal delivery for a very special and unique Christmas present...Merry Christmas and thanks for the sweet chocolate. Then Ken's fancy Pontiac sleigh headed over to the Thedos to make a special delivery of Ken's magic fudge, caramel corn and Erin's delicious caramels and a hand crafted Christmas card with a dancing snowman to put a smile on their faces! Then we went to Skip's chicken place for wings for nourishment before we headed over to our friend of 25 years ...Helen for her special Christmas yummies and sweets to share with her son and his wife. Finally we drove over to welcome Natasha Wortman home for the Holidays at her open house...did I say I was feeling a little tired? Natasha is a dear friend who is also a Black Hawk helicopter pilot. Her mother is behind the Support Our Troops movement where we send care packages to the men and women serving over seas to protect the American way. I am creating a work of art that honors Natasha's "Women's Work" for the next installment of my latest works. It was a house full of great friends and relatives that were all celebrating Natasha's homecoming. She is really my Hero! God Bless all of our Service men and women who cannot be home with their families...because they are sacrificing for us in America. I came home to meet my next door neighbor Mel as she shared a healthy and sweet basket of treats from Harry and Davids. Now I am writing my Christmas cards that I created in the studio.. a small gift for my family and friends...yes I realize they will arrive late but I wanted to take the time to write a personal hello in each one. I know what the cards and photos mean to me when they arrive in my big black mailbox at the end of my driveway... this may become a dinosaur tradition in the near future but I will continue this traditional ritual as long as I can. Have a quiet evening and know you are making a difference in some one's life when you create from your heart. I am so blessed and grateful for all who have made my year so successful in my little studio. Peace, Mary Helen Fernandez Stewart

Thursday night and I am feeling a bit strange....

2011-12-22T20:35:00.004-05:00

We had our secret Santa gift exchange today ...and red velvet cake...jello shots (no I did not partake there but they were so pretty to look at)...silly and wonderful gifts and just a n hour to share friendship for a year of hard work. Pat gave me a serenity fountain for my studio...and as soon as I clear my mess I promise to install it for quiet calm it will radiate. Marco gave me a super bag of stickers to replenish my stash for the studio. I am now completely ready to begin anew with creativity for my newest card creations. Yes, the cards are small ways to pay the rent ...and get warmed up when I arrive early in the studio. Thank you my dear friend Marco...I love working with you. I went for a couple of errands in the pouring rains.... at least it was not sleet, ice and heavy snows. I came home drenched and went to bed ...I am feeling a little under the weather . I do not have time for a stomach upset right now. I still have two more projects to finish tonight.

I delivered the finished commissions ...and then had them approved for my client. Then I wrapped them in silver and gold papers and added a special home made card to go along with the presentation. They have supported me as an artist ...they gave me a spa certificate for Christmas. I think I need to go for now...I am feeling a little green...I did not have a jello shot. Imagine and Live in Peace, Blessings to you all. Mary Helen

A party atmosphere for all who attended....

2011-12-21T23:31:00.004-05:00

Today I completed my commissions for pet portraits of Bean, Roscoe, Clark and Miss Gabby. Tomorrow I have to place them into their individual mattes and deliver them to my client ...I am hoping she will be pleased with my renderings. I found this exercise to be very relaxing and a way to making sacred marks to honor our four legged friends. I also began a last minute collage for a young mother who is working a couple of jobs this year to give back to her family. Ken transferred the photos to the computer and then printed them on Lutradur, TAP papers, and finally Silk Organza from Jacquard products so tomorrow I will be able to collage them for a last minute gift for her youngest son. I am also finishing a small fabric ornament for a tree in their new home this Christmas season. But since I did not get back to bed until 3 AM this morning I am now running on empty. I will try to make this a brief post and share the gifts of my day.

Tonight in Craft night we stenciled "wish list Christmas paper" and then decorated gingerbread and sugar cookies to top with the extreme jimmies, sprinkles, trees and tiny gingerbread figures. If a little is a good idea then carefully placed piled high...more is totally better. I gave each child a small Santa bag with candies, candy canes and small travel art pencils or pastels or specialized drawing pencils for their Holiday travels to relatives. I am tired but I do feel great about the relationship that is growing with these young persons...I admonished the older girls that they were on the naughty list last week for their wild escapades. Tonight we all giggled that the little ones were leading the way to Christmas...blessings from tiny people.

I have to attend a funeral early tomorrow as a dear friend lost his mother this week. He happened to say goodbye to his beloved wife a few years back during this time of year so this has to be a hard time for him and his family. Prayers are felt for all who say goodbye this time of year... I am praying for grace and serenity for all concerned. I need to go to bed now so I am sending you sunshine on the New Winter's Solstice tomorrow. Blessings and Imagine and Live in Peace, Mary Helen

not all those who wander are lost: playing the blues

2011-12-21T23:10:00.000-05:00

not all those who wander are lost: playing the blues

Quilt or Dye: And the Winner Is... Mary Helen Fernandez Stewart

2011-12-21T01:58:00.000-05:00

Quilt or Dye: And the Winner Is... Mary Helen Fernandez Stewart