Farmer's daughter tour of Crystal Bowersox....

Today we were bathed in a beautiful sunshine...it looked warm even if it wasn't, Just having the sun return to our little city made the smiles pop out on every one's face. I made my Easter cards today and met with my visitors as they came in for a quest in their curiosity. I explained that this is my space to make my art...I; for the first time make each day my own. I am surprised how much I enjoy my small workshops with all ages and different mediums. Today i played for awhile making special cards for my family and special friends so tomorrow I will put them into the mail ...hopefully the little surprises will remind them we are all connected with heart strings.

Tonight I attended the Ohio farm girl's concert ...American Idol's second place winner from a year ago...and an amazing singer and song writer ...Crystal Bowersox. I was fortunate enough to work the special VIP meet and greet photo shoot before the concert and my heart responded to this genuine concern for her fans and she wanted them to feel welcomed. At the end I asked her to sign a special poster for Maya , Sabrina and Hannah. She even wrote "be good for Grandma" at the bottom of the poster and I am sure the three girls will love this as part of their Easter gifts. The audience was full to the brim and the as diverse as the American population...down home folks who came from near and far to see and hear this beautiful child spirit entertain and delight everyone in the room. I am not sure how long the fans waited in the theater for her to sign autographs because the line went completely around the circumference of the theater. I was very blessed to meet this young strong woman up close and personal.

This afternoon I had an unexpected gift of a visit from a young artist "Maylor" who now lives in Connecticut with her husband Don and wonderful rescued Lab pup. I realized Meredith Taylor ...her official birth name... has been in my heart for over 12 years. She has been an incredible force in my journey and to see her smiling face walk into my studio...I could have cried. She is home for the Easter break and hopefully to be HERE when her brother John arrives home from Afghanistan. The miracle of this family's love and support is a beautiful miracle to behold. I am so proud of her journey and graduation from the Columbus College of Art and Design. Thank you Taylor for giving me grace...she is Marcia's daughter and the apple does not fall far from the tree. Marcia is the director of The Works...a center of History, Art and Technology located here in Newark, Ohio. She begins her day at 5 am in the morning and does not stop until she drops into the bed...still thinking about the next day's focus for our community!

Imagine and Live in Peace, Mary Helen Fernandez Stewart