a day of gratitude and sweet surprises....

I went in and had a quick lunch with my intern Candice as we made plans for the printing of my fabrics...as soon as I learn a thing or two about this printer.  We reviewed last night's events and the power of providing young artists with worthwhile experiences to fuel their futures.  My calligrapher friend Barbara Clagget came in for a surprise visit and we rejoiced in her recovery from Breast cancer and a mastectomy last November.  She now lives in Utica so we do not get to see her very often...I must get up to see her in her new surroundings and possibly have a quick lunch. 

Then I met my police officer and his companion specialist dog Ike dropped by with Officer Tim and his new charge Bear.  I am half through my sketch of Ike and then we went out photograph a very eager Bear.  He is well trained and charged out of the police vehicle ...ready to report to duty.  These animals serve and protect their masters in investigations and criminal activities.  The breed is a Belgium Malinois and they are intelligent and dedicated animals...we should be proud of the men and dogs  who serve our community to keep us safe.

George Leach a painter friend...and lawyer by day ...stopped  by to invite Ken and I over to the Short North for the pre-Gallery Hop in the Short North.  The way the week is going ...I probably won't be able to attend ...I am waylaid by my works in process and March is Friday!!! Where did the month go???

I am continuing to work on a the collage for Larry and darah when I looked up...Larry came in with the wall hanging for the new baby's rooms.  I told Larry I would take it home ...cut the fabric and make a sleeve to attach by tomorrow.  It was easier than trying to explain how it should be done...this new father to be is getting the room ready for family to view this weekend for the shower.  Larry is getting a bit anxious ...with just weeks to go. 

 Barb is a true survivor and a beacon of pure white light....

 she is such a tiny woman with a heart of pure courage...

 here is Reagan with her parents... she may be a messy monkey in April...

 Dave is studying the beginnings of my sketch...Ike is his charge as a police dog...

 this is my new portrait subject...this is Bear and he is rather large...

 he is a beautiful dog...

 Candice and George had a quick chat...he keeps asking how many photos do  need?  He is such an inspiration....

 bear is still waiting to be called to duty....

 that is Larry peeking out from behind the quilt...









and here is the continuation of my progress of the collage...

Ken and I had delicious peppers and onions, tomatoes, provolone cheese under the broiler with chicken breasts and sausages on top of whole grain breads.  Delicious on a cold, sleeting night of rain mixed with snow!!  Now I am off to continue to quilting.  Imagine and Live in Peace,  Mary Helen Fernandez Stewart