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

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