and the young will lead the way....

Ken teaches a remarkable young woman who is wise beyond her young age...she is what we call an old soul and hopefully I will be able to ask her permission to share one of her poems on one of my posts. She is in the 7th grade and sees and feels her world around her with a maturity and sincerity that will often surpass those of us who may have a few years on her. I will make my request on her blog tonight and hopefully she will allow me to share her generous heart and soul.

I worked on a mixed media watercolor project that was inspired by Jean from "Bluebirds living in the meadow" posts where jean is sharing her teacher skills and setting up some excellent watercolor exercises for her followers to experiment and play their way through what often appears to be too difficult to find success. First I created a small watercolor paper with a wash of colors, layered my with matte medium, sprinkle my paper scrap confetti on the medium and finally printed a large assortment of heart stamps I have been collecting since the 1980's. The truth be known...I was playing colors and a acid free spritz of reds and silver. Now doesn't that sound like fun. After drying the paper...my experiment sheet I arranged my art stuff to take home for further "Play" at home.

I visited my Goodwill for my senior discount day and found all kinds of wonderful treasures for my studio and for inspirations for a few ideas I am collecting my design elements for already. I always have a great time at the "Will" and when I spend my few dollars I feel that I am helping a part of my community continue to live independent productive lives. I found the most beautiful teacup that I will share next Tuesday for my Tea for Tuesdays. I found a small child's antique apron to work into one of my "Women's Work" exhibit...a possible mixed media piece that will have text and photos layered on to the surface with a veil of mystery with antique laces. I also found some brand new long sleeve tees for my studio work ...for $2.99 before my discount! They had the original tags and labels so I feel as if I almost stole them....I love wearing great clothes from the Goodwill.

I went to refill my gas tank because the temperatures are dropping once again and when it is this cold I try to keep the little 14 year old car in tip top shape. I am going to work in my home studio space for a little bit of time tonight. I hope you enjoy the photos from today's visitors...the young man is Cooper who is in love with my stuffed teddy bear hat! Imagine and Live in peace, Mary Helen Fernandez Stewart