a day of optimism..........changes are coming.............but that is called living.....

Today Ken had another doctor's appointment...and then we spent the day exploring new horizons.  It was exhausting but we ended up having a wonderful spinach salad with our Erin as I picked up some more salty caramels for a special present.  The three little ones came in the front door bearing special books and gifts from Nana and Papa... it is always an exciting day at the Spalding house.   We kept smelling smoke...and it did remind us that the crisp Fall days are just around the corner...but this time ....the smoke came from a camp fire at a neighbors that had rekindled.  The wonderful fire department came to check this out...and put the fire out for good.  The young firemen invited the kids to come and see the firetruck ...there is never a dull moment with these three little spirits.  We came back to their own backyard that is very much like a private park and swung on their swing set.... life just does not get better than today!

there is nothing like a new Thomas the Train coloring book.........Nana is working on a Lego watch for Cole .....

 Cole also has bubble gum too!!!!!!!

 Morgan is opening her My Little Pony magnet/reading book....

 little Lyndon is already working on his Thomas the Train..........

 and see Grandma...I have a new reading light ...yes I can too read!!!!!

 the work table is now in total motion...everyone has something to work on and create....

 and YES Grandpa did take time to read to my Lyndon from his newest book............

 thank you Mr. Fireman....we love the hats...........

 Station 161 has my vote for the next levy for the fire department.......

 Mr Lyndon is so proud of his trophy...his own fire hat.......Thank  you Truro Fire!!!!!!!!!

now back to the swing set for some super heroes flying in the air..........

 on Saturday I took the girls to the Teen Department of the Newark Library for the unveiling of Mary Skrenta's 1950's inspired mural...rock and roll!!

 Mary explains her process...and collaboration with three young artists who helped her continue this theme out into the Library.............

 Mermaids for Sci-Fi and Fantasy........Hot mermaids....

 Cool Mermaids..........created by another librarian who works at the Emerson Library............

 Halloween is just around the corner here.........welcoming Steven King fans............

 I really enjoy process photos...and Mary's gentle ways of explaining her inspiration....perspective.........composition......

 on Tuesday evening Mary teaches FREE sketching lessons to all who show up............

 My three loved seeing Mary's work...Maya Rose and Sabrina Leigh are going to try to attend more gatherings at the Library.......Hannah Marie was very giggly during this photgraph........

 one of COTC's students Alex help give Mary some more input and added words that seem to melting off the wall.............

another young artist......listening to everyone of Mary's words.........





"The only person you are destined to become is the person you decide to be."
Ralph Waldo Emerson


Imagine and Live in Peace,  Mary Helen Fernandez Stewart

transformative...............Art from our intuitive hearts................

 Every day we are witnessing miracles......I made a quick stop by the courtyard for the picnic planned to celebrate the opening of Jim Arter's collaboration with the youth here in Licking County.  Janice LaRoso was instrumental ...along with about 20 other people ....to make this night happen....

 Jim Arter is an artist who recognizes the voices of those who might be overlooked ...due to their economic circumstances...or maybe abilities.... of educational opportunities.  Jim is living in bright color every day!!!










This exhibit is up until October ...and a celebration for all who worked together to make this happen....I need to go back...in the quiet to study...observe .... and take in all of the marks and word messages...........

 RESPECT.....model this affirmation...share ....give.....donate your very being.....mentoring is contagious.....ART Saves Lives!

 Jim grew up in Newark....he knows what it feels like to be on the outside....a bit different.... to hear his own distinct drum.... his heart 's generosity continues to grow ....

Fused glass collaboration created with Larry Tuber in the Glass studio... Peace for all...I think this printed on its side....the message is clear........

 When I arrived that evening.....John Lennon's "Imagine" was playing on the radio....the Yes Club created this wonderful Imagine  sculpture.........

 just IMAGINE.............















Peace is for all.................

 I kept returning to this painting.....the eyes are waiting.........

 this installation will take about an hour to absorb...

 We may have a future Jackson Pollock here............ one never knows.........

 Jim Arter has just arrived....he is my Hero in so many ways...............

 another portrait ...the questions are just below the surface.........

 Aren't these watercolors just wonderful???   transformative mark making  make a powerful statement

 what do you see?

 How do the pieces fit??? So many tumultuous lives...often just footsteps away from the main path................do you see?   Will you see?   How can you make a difference???









Now to the Learning Garden....a new place for everyone at the Dawes Arboretum....the miracle has begun and the first phase has bloomed.............

 Wonderful music...soothes the soul as you enter the new garden..........

the view is unveiling as you walk up the new paved sidewalk...now wheel chairs and their participants can all enjoy the miracles in the garden............. 

 the weather was just perfect...............

 The Zand Educational building is beginning its transformation.............. it is a living breathing space for creation..............

 Luke Messinger ...he is a proud and capable leader...he allows his staff to Dream...plan.... draw up landscape designs.....and Create for all.....

attentive patrons listen carefully to the expansive  plans for phase 2 and phase 3...........

 the gifts of many ...provided the funds to begin this dream.............

 Jenny Pope and her loving husband Doug ponder the new lessons that will grow in this raised garden...........Thank you Jenny!!!  I learn from you each time we work together..........you create with your heart...............

 Jenny Lynn and her brother Peter Lowe will work together for a few more days..........she has received her first teaching position in Middle school art....Jenny you will continue to touch the future and SHINE................

 Luke is  sharing his ideas for a continuing Learning Garden.............the studio will be very alive each day when creations take form here..........

 Connie hawk from the Licking County Foundation and Boeing made the beginning of this dream come to fruition............

 Jenny Pope is a beautiful spirit both inside and outside..........she is a " transformative " thinker.............with a passion for equality for all to come here and enjoy Dawes Arboretum........... the time is now.................

 Jenny Pope and Laura and Jerra share a thought or two about my artists and gardeners........

 keith is making plans for a Bonsai project in the near future..............

 I asked the conservator of Cleo's will to know how much as an artist it means to me to have my making ART here so close to Nature...............

 the crops are doing so well..........

these peppers are looking good.....I think this Friday we are making a salad  and have a tasting picnic.......

 a pergola is set up for future shade..................I am not sure if I have this spelled correctly..............

hand planted ...coleus plants transplanted into hand painted terra cotta pots ...a parting gift to plant in our home gardens............

 herbs.......

 oregano and dill seasoning...Katie painted these delightful plant identification labels..........

patrons Don Gunnerson and Betty Schaller chat with Mrs. Bolon ....they are all retired and live at Kendall in Granville...............they are the ones who will help make this garden continue to grow...........

 Jenny Pope and Laura Appleman discuss the future and possibilities...............two courageous women making Dreams come true...............

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Charla and Ralph Devine with Katie our intern from Ohio University discuss partnerships with Jenny Pope.........

 this Learning Garden is for everyone.......................touch the earth....plant the seeds ......touch the future generations................

 Brent shares some of the plans with Mrs. Bolon..........moving out toward the pond and their habitats..............

 everything for cooking..........preparing..fresh organic foods to nourish the soul as well as the body.........thank you Jenny for your Dream.............

 the salad greens are almost three weeks old..........I am amazed at the rapid growth..........

 Friday we will all get a chance to pick...harvest ...and put together our own salad ...in pure celebration..........

 Jenny Pope.....you are a gift to my heart..........I am so grateful to have you come into my life.......I learn from you each time we meet............

 parsley........and blushing beauty peppers.....

 Erin thank you for everything you do to make this Dream come true...............

Six individuals .............Dream...........unite.......Plan...........
and a Learning Garden comes into LIFE.
The Learning Garden is for everyone............Imagine and Live in Peace,  Mary Helen Fernandez Stewart