Farewell to Maurice...I will carry you in my heart

Today a short Jewish man who change the world of children's literature early in the 1960's and was a companion in my classrooms and with my own children.  Maurice Sendak died today at the age of 83 after a stroke and I listened twice to Terry Gross's interviews today and had to fight to keep the tears from flowing.  Maurice was a champion for all children and knew who complicated being a small child was.   "Where the Wild Things and "In the Night Kitchen" still delight me when I return to them on a quiet afternoon maybe with my grandchildren.  Over the decades he has been renewing my faith in humanity with the wit and wisdom he shares in his not so simple books.

I worked until about 7 pm tonight in the studio and then went to get some special supplies for tomorrow's Mother's Day card event and I want to make a special "chicken" theme get well card for Justin ...he had his appendix removed two days ago and is still in a precarious health situation.

I took the ADD adults outside today when they had finished planting their petunias and special tomato plants with Jenny and JennyLyn.  We walked over to the new garden space and I shared their test panel hanging high in the tree.  They seemed so pleased to see the hand work in the very beginning of the exhibition high in living trees. I am passionate about ART being for everyone ...not just those who can afford it or have the opportunity to be in a system that stills offers the Arts.  These adults may seem childlike in so many ways but their wisdom is there if you are to listen..Mark reminded us all that we all need to love and be loved.  The hugs and laughter and holding Julie's hand ...this was a great day for my heart.  I hope you enjoy the photos...now back to work!  Imagine and Live in Peace,  Mary Helen Fernandez Stewart

p.s.  Roxie made a new friend today...her very own toad.  I picked him up carefully and set him outside the studio  door.