the gift of my day....

I am sorry to say I did not post yesterday after my evening with family night ...I came home with a terrible headache and it has been my constant companion for well over 24 hours.  Could it be the barometer ...storms coming in...a migrane trying to erupt....I just do not know.  I will try to give you a brief summary and share some photos...a thread of connection with others who attempt to create while under the weather.

I had a quick lesson using watercolors...snazzy scissors, circles and cut outs, sparkle pumpkins...and it is all heal together with white glue.  The paper we used was all recycled or re-purposed and the additional design elements were from the studio stash.  The zig zag cuts on the scissors reminded the children of frozen french fries...that worked for them.  The noise level was extremely high last night so I  came home and collapsed into bed.  I think they are very creative but I am not too sure many had really sen a living turkey.  You can just enjoy their efforts.

Today I took my time and when I arrived Laura and Meagan were just finishing their lunch break.  I shared my optimism in participating in an art exhibition at the APGA conference.  My head was throbbing but I did make it in ... and I was determined to make the most.  I had water...Advil...Greek yogurt so I had taken preparations to make my energy sustain.  I had a visitor who is also trying to start a new business and possibly going to be going through a divorce.  I could only listen ...I have no wise words of guidance to give her... I could only listen.  My energies were low myself but maybe by just listening I could ease her burdened heart.

Now you are probably wondering...where was the gift in my day?  I met a family visiting here ...escaping the weather rages in New Jersey.  This young mother (who was on crutches recovering from surgery four weeks ago) was having lunch with a friend and her three children were drawn into my studio.  The youngest son has a birthday on Monday and the other two were wondering when and if they would be able to find a special birthday present and card.  I invited the two eldest to come on in...and we found a special watercolor set with instructions with 32 lessons and a pad of watercolor papers included.  Then they carefully wrapped and signed the Rodeo birthday card for Michael... I may never see these wonderful people again but to see how a family comes together in strength and love warmed my heart. 

 My friend Olo and the DEA team took time for lunch at the Grill Deli!

 Newark's skyline i s so peaceful...

 Gobble gobble gobble ....fat little funny turkeys...

 Justin experiments with the zig zag scissors...

 Colin shares his newest toy...

 Sophia begins contemplative painting...for her feathers...she has missed most of the Fall season..

 decisions...

 the mothers share Mom stories... Ruth is still healing from her surgery and hopefully will have the pins removed on Friday

 Ari is deep in concentration...mixing which colors...

 Bella shyly approaches the table...this is her first time....

 hey this is FUN!

 gobble gobble....

 my family from New Jersey... creating a birthday surprise...

 big brother places the tape in just the right position...

 this is the birthday boy....Michael loves to draw dragons...

 heading home soon so the children can regain some normal schedules with their schools...






I have been blessed....

I have to stop for tonight and pray that sleep will relieve this pain.  Celebrate your small gifts.  Imagine and Live in Peace,  Mary Helen Fernandez Stewart