Thank you dear God for protecting my younger brother....

I have had my mortality in my face last night...first I learned that a dear man who lived for his family and his dedication to the arts died from an apparent heart attack after shoveling the snowfall from his driveway. I met with his wife and three children and shared how I was always touched by his patience and fairness for all involved in making board decisions. Then my sister called to inform me that my brother was in intensive care in the cardiac unit awaiting news if he had thrown a clot...had another heart attack... had a stroke... or needed a surgical procedure. My sister and brother were together with my sister-in-law during the intense day of numerous testing. He is still in the intensive care unit due to an elevated blood pressure and constant fluctuating levels that are in the dangerous levels with possible deadly consequences. I could not sleep and my mind would not shut off... my brother has worked hard his whole life and should now be close to enjoying his family and life in a slower lane in a few short years. I love my brother Michael and will continue to keep him and his family in my heart and my prayers.

"To live now, as human beings should live, in defiance of all that is bad around us, is itself a marvelous victory." "The problem is our civil obedience." "Free thinkers are dangerous" These are some of my favorite quotes from a man I have followed and respected since my years at Kent State. Howard Zinn was a historian, playwright, intellectual, political scientist, civil rights leader and firm believer that a WAR is never the answer. "There is no flag large enough to cover the shame of killing innocent people." His most famous book he has written is A People's History of the United States and you can hear activists and artists reading this text out loud at http://wwwthepeoplespeak.com. Yesterday was the first anniversary of his death and living his dream is the highest tribute I can give this man and I just wanted to sing his praises and invite others to investigate, maybe question the status quo, ask for further clarification of our nations global policy and become more aware of our choices we have available to make and vote for. I miss you Howard and your smile still radiates in my heart. I wish you Peace. "You can't be neutral on a moving train."

I am gathering some information on a possible art program where I will guide a preschool group of young artists in a journey of color exploration and creative play. The number of students could depend on their attendance with up to 15 students. I am very excited about this special honor to work with the future painters and artists and it will help me pay the rent for the month. I spoke briefly with the director this morning and I will put together a couple ideas and possibilities for our future session.

Tomorrow we are having a special performance of Mystic Drums at The Works from 1 to 2 pm... a special preview of the family evening performance at The Midland . I have invited the kids over for a break and global entertainment. I am hoping the weather will cooperate for a safe journey to Newark...it is snowing once again tonight. I am working on the sewing machine that was donated by my dear friends Kathy and Tony...and today I had the straight stitch running smoothly and bought a few more bobbins to have on hand to work on a simple lessons plan for an artsy apron...complete with zebra, cafe Au lait design elements and a variety of accent fabrics. Have a great restful evening and remain safe and warm! Imagine and Live in Peace, Mary Helen Fernandez Stewart