bar stool racing...right down the street

Only in Newark, Ohio can a man buy or design his very own bar stool racer. I personally do not know this man but I do admit to seeing him "driving" down Kelley Lane on his bar stool. Today all three major news channels covered his arrest for OVI...operating a vehicle while intoxicated! He some how wrecked his bar stool going 35 mph on Kelley after drinkng ...just 15 beers. He swears that alcohol had nothing to do with the actual road accident. I don't know about you but I first thought it was just one person's dream to drive his very own bar stool but tonight I have discovered this is a hidden racing event in Licking county. Do you think I need to notify Susan Fryer at the LCCVB of the new and upcoming hobby right in my very own neighborhood? Life never fails to amaze me... are there guardian angels of patron saints for bar stool racers? Smile and Good Night! Mary Helen Fernandez Stewart

the first day of Spring break...Yahoo!

Dentist appointment ...yuck but necessary. Then the girls and Tina and I went to Red Lobster for lunch to build up our fortitude. Tina rushed off to work and the girls and I ran a few errands...got Maya Rose's ears re-pierced with lovely pink flowers...went to Mr. Don's to pick up a few more things and Maya and Sabrina each got an old briefcase to be personalized into their own "Art briefcase" that makes everything portable and ready at a moments notice. We then made our way to the cabin and were met by three young deer waking from their afternoon nap. The three of us made a chicken recipe with fresh bright red peppers, onions and mushrooms, rosemary and I had the girls each peel the carrots for the last of ingredients. It was a simple meal with long grain wild rice and mushrooms but I enjoyed working with them to prepare a homemade dinner. They worked on their watercolors and brush strokes at the dining room table and both were enchanted by adding a sparkle finish to the layers of colors... Maya worked on a portrait image and Sabrina painted the church steeple from Oberlin College ...Marilyn Stocker had given me two back issues of the OWS exhibits and I shared them for inspiration. Tomorrow we have some printmaking on bright yellow tee shirts for the Spring break and then we will sew tropical buttons on the neckline for pizazz. We may try to do some Nature sketching from the front porch if I can keep Miss Sabrina quiet enough not to scare away the wildlife. Finally I want to share my King Tut coffee table book to see if they would be interested in going to the Columbus Museum of Art...we will see about visiting on Wednesday in case of predicted rain. Tonight I have been putting our supplies together and getting my quilting ready to be close enough for advice but not in their way. They are becoming more and more independent and ever so helpful in helping me collect "metal elements" for my sculpture I am trying to pull together. They have quite an imagination and they seem to understand what I want to happen. Children can empower the fear right out of the "what if" I fail thoughts that can creep into my mind when I do something new. Have a great night. Imagine and live in Peace, Mary Helen Fernandez Stewart

a chill is back in the air...please bless my baby plants...

I spent the whole day in my pajamas working and sorting in my studio. If you remember a few months back I had the opportunity and the audacity of sharing my messy messy studio and with no shame and even a great bit of pride. Vicki Noble and I will be working on a collaborative project as soon as I get a proper walking path worked out. Safety first is my motto and since my balance is still catty whompus ( spelling?)I have to take great care not to trip myself. I was so engrossed in this project...I have also started sorting summer colors and clothes to inspire my need to embrace the warmth of Spring. Tonight I am optimistic that the sun will return and my lilacs will survive these next cool nights. Tomorrow I have a dentist appointment and we had planned on a day of painting at Dawes but I do think we will have to reschedule and move indoors to work on an indoor and warm art project. Maya and Sabrina have been creating stone assemblages on their own with special collected stones from their back yard. I found this refreshing and told them about another artist that worked with found stones and wood...Melissa Panko.
I hope you enjoyed the additional photos and such in yesterday's blog... thank you Mr. Ken for your continued technical support as I attempt to improve my relationship with the computer. I love working once again with Ken and trust me he is very patient as I dig through the art process. Thank God for the Basketball on the educational sports channel and the rest of the family continue to stay in touch by long distance and emails. Sorry to say I am out because the Louisville Cardinals lost but the tournament continues its March madness.
I guess I better close early for tonight and get back to my "nest building" and storage consolidation. I have to admit I have been inspired by Somerset's publications about Women in their studios and where creative women work...the answer is simply splendid. EVERYWHERE! I am pleased to see a little progress with each step and reduction, reuse and recycle take on a total life of their own. Imagine and live in Peace, Mary Helen Fernandez Stewart

why I blog and why I read them....

I write on my blog to see my words and then dare to share them with others in search of a community where their marks and visions are free to just be. I have been reading Seth's Altered Page blog for almost a year and we "chat" informally about different collaborations like my latest "disintegration" project with about 100 other adventuresome artists. I enjoy creating work and the process with others even though it will never be in an exhibit for the world to see. Words are powerful and can generate a place and time for sharing in a spiritual communion. I guess I do not care if I am read but I feel empowered by putting my own opinions and fears out there in the Universe. I do believe this is a positive avenue for energies to be shared without a judgement call or a grade. It is like a photo... a moment in time.
Thursday at the gallery while I was a docent I realized I was bored. I found myself in admiration of Marilyn's watercolor class and her gosh darn dedication to spreading good news. Her students and Marilyn were engaged in an exciting play exercise of exploration. I know now that I am no longer needed except to do my work and support the LCA family. Working in the background is fine and I salute all those who are dedicated to growing and expanding our vision and mission. My dear Ken was watching both little ones and I would rather be there with them for this moment in time. Marilyn is off for an adventure in Art in California as I speak and I know she will come home even more energized with new ideas and inspirations to share. The work for the Spring exhibit continues to come in but honestly I have seen most of the work but Bravo goes out to Chris Lang's Mother Nature Chair in handfelted wool from her sheep. Kathy Anderson's newest painting vibrates in vitality on the wall and Melissa Panko's works need to be seen to totally appreciate. I need to refuel and refill my vessel and doing my work is my answer for right now. Please forgive me but I need to be needed and valued for more than just a clerk. I enjoy my outreach experiences and projects and possible exhibitions outside my comfort zone... do any of you ever have the courage to go where you might not be accepted but realize the risk taken is a reward in its own.
I am still mending and fighting my post procedure enormous headache...did they miss something? I have to trust that this is what is to be expected after this new method of saving the human brain. My vision still needs to show improvement but at least I can still see...fuzzy sometimes with no pattern or predictability as of 10 days later. Matisse... no I do not have a big head but I do find comfort in knowing he had to adjust...discovered new styles and techniques when he experienced the detoriation in his eyesight. Last night I made a "Danger Men Cooking" Curious George apron for Cole second birthday party today. They have a family night on Fridays where they all help to make a homemade pizza and now he is officially my special chef! Sewing at night is problematic but it was good to just not give in to frustration and a little "lack of proper vision" hold me back. I felt vindicated when I iron Curious George for my embraceable little monkey man!
Today we attended a two year old birthday party with three generations of family and friends uniting to celebrate the optimism a loved child can give the world. Bubbles, play dough, sugar cookies to ice or skip the cookie altogether and just eat the colors of icing right from the plastic knife! The children ranged from 3 months to 9 years old and the big kids... the adults had a good time if they allowed themselves to be free and play as an innocent child. Maya, Sabrina and Hannah went with us since their parents were working and just seeing them all playing and giggling together warms my weary heart by creating another shared memory for all of us. I know others who do not enjoy being with the young ones but once I lay the ground rules...1) no nose picking 2) no bleeding and 3) no vomiting...everyone can have a great time. I am thankful to Erin and Chance for sharing their moments here and now with everyone! Well I have been very verbose tonight but ...well that is just the way it is. I love so many things about my today and I realize our families hold the authentic key to our Happiness threshold. Imagine and Live in Peace, Mary Helen Fernandez Stewart

project runway in my background and daily OM

I have a hodgepodge of influences in my actual work process. I have been writing in my women's journal (especially the notes I rapidly took at Queen Brooks and her generous artist talk), listening to project runway and their problem solutions and listening to my daily inspirational music on daily OM. Today's music is about the great teacher...water. It shows us how to move with an ease, grace, to move through the world in determination and ease.The flow of energies and breaks and rings remind us of the process in making our own marks in our own valid manner. Today a gentle rain is invigorating my awakening garden and the lilies are bursting forward as well as the clematis. Just by looking at a resting clematis during the frigid winter months you never know if it really will come back and bloom once again. I am fortunate enough to have a deep violet variety outside my door but I have been drawn to Zinnias and their rainbow of colors...Are they hard to grow? Do my dear deer enjoy them on their salad bar? I have already decided to move my vegetables over to Tina's house because I doubt if they get many deer right off Main Street. I just love the anticipation of Spring.
Erin called yesterday and they have found a house in Reynoldsburg right off Broad Street. It seems they really like having grandparents nearby to be with the little ones. Chance has a rough schedule with working nights and we all can appreciate how this can affect the normal bio-ryhthmns in family life. Ken will go through the house inspection tomorrow so let us hope they receive great news. I am so happy to have my girls nearby and raising their beautiful families right in our backyard. It is the ease of just spending time with simple activities like a walk outside exploring through the eyes of a very curious child. My life is made up of small moments in time with those I love. I am so proud of how hard working you, my children have grown to be and what loving parents you are. Thank you for creating spiritual rituals and fun experiences that I look forward to sharing with my grandchildren this summer.
I have continued in my sorting exercises for my "Ramona" pieces and I can't explain the feelings I have when I hold their marriage certificate and family photos in my hands as I decide how to best incorporate whispers from Ramona's life as an artist. I continue to collect the fragile fibers and fabrics with handwork on them so I will run out real soon for my Goodwill run and treasure hunt. Have a peaceful day and take time to see the buds and blooms coming to life in the moist earth. Imagine and Live in Peace, Mary Helen Fernandez Stewart

better living through chemistry...

I am watching the Oprah show about how they can now regenerate body organs for future transplantation in bodies who need new vital organs to sustain life...a quality life. Calorie restriction diets that could allow us to live younger in the later decades of our life... all of these studies and research experiments allow us to rebuild our own bodies in an incubation laboratory environment. Stem cells are the key to making science fiction before now an authentic reality. The art of science may allow us to regain strength and vitality to regrow an organ, our own organ with stem cells from our own bodies, to fill the transplant shortage. This is an incredible transformation in how we can fight disease and replace our own regenerated organs instead of tired,worn out and diseased organs. I am hopeful and positive that immune systems will offer hope for those surviving with a system that attacks its host body. I truly believe that God is guiding the minds and hands of these brave doctors making drastic changes in how we will heal in the very near future. The University of Pittsburgh grew a new finger tip for a man in his 70's by growth stimulation hormones and within 4 weeks the gentleman had a new complete finger.
For those who look at the time on my blog you will see that I am on Pacific time. I do not know how to change it so hang in there until I figure this out.
Oxygen therapy is another new method of restoring the bodies system for a calmer and more awareness and possible treatment for stroke victims to keep tissue alive after the damage of a TIA or major stroke. I wish I could share the sparks of energetic colors I could see with the brain...my eyes were closed last week during the intervention process. The only comparison I can make is the images of fireworks exploding in a dark sky and that is totally inadequate and short charge in the energy I could feel. Blood flow and good circulation is vital maintaining brain alertness and visual acuity into our eighties. I know I am looking for a miracle and read my "Real Age" emails daily and even got caught up in the free acacia berry controversy to improve my immune system. I am such a sucker but I will have to continue to increase my fresh fruits and vegetables daily to build up strength like David Murdock who went from 6 cents to a multi-millionaire. Real estate and Dole pineapple people made his first millions and now a well-being center for all who are struggling with cancer in North Carolina ...research in nutrition and disease research can make for better health. The study of metabolism in one drop on our blood and how our nutrition choices can include the super foods analyze which foods we need to continue to heal and regenerate cells that help to keep us feeling young. The healthier you eat the more you can create your beautiful works of art! If we feel good we can make great art! Imagine and live in Peace, Mary Helen Fernandez Stewart

Painting is not a means of communication or even self -expression, but rather a process of discovering or uncovering. Louis de Brocquy

I attended the Licking County Democratic Women in Public Service caucus where Jennifer Brunner, our Secretary of State as the honored guest speaker. This was a new experience for me but I felt informed and reassured by Mrs. Brunner's informative speech how we all can give service. No, I will not run for office but it is good to meet another woman, wife , mother who graduated from Capital Law School and went on to improve the election fiasco left behind by Blackwell. Our very own Julie Barrett was one of the women who received recognition for her service and dedication to lives in Licking county. Bravo Julie! I listened and learned and passed on information about our new location... many were still unaware that we had moved to 38 south Third Street. I received an email about the possibility of hosting one of their events in the gallery and have forwarded this question and possibility for further development and marketing. Each one of us as members can advocate for the LCA and the chance to share the space with others that may not be coming in on their own. It is just a thought....
Saturday Ken and I helped Mr. Don with his cocktail and wine soiree to promote his "tag" sale. Ken opened the bottles and I poured while others served delicious finger foods to potential customers. Even if you did not buy anything there was a good time socializing and seeing persons closed in by the Winter weather. There were some wonderful buys and precious memories to take a little piece of Don home to your individual studio to cherish. At the end of the night I washed the wine glasses and kind of enjoyed the hot sudsy water and the process of putting life back into some kind of order for Don as he downsizes from 2 condos to 1.
Today I needed more rest than usual but the sunshine filled my spirit as I went through collage materials, watercolor papers and just played with "art stuff". Little by little I am organizing clear plastic containers that stack and I can sort by month, season, and processes the stamps and colors I would need to start each month's projects. I found my inspiration for my spring fling piece but with everything going on I probably will not get to finish it on time. That is the problem with my fluctuating energies and it is easier to pick up my quiet needle and threads. Have a great week and I will hopefully see you at the opening. Imagine and live in Peace, Mary Helen Fernandez Stewart

Saturdays are for catch-up...

Ken is passing the day away with his beloved NCAA tournament and I am attempting to catch up with my emails...I have not been on the computer very much this week but Thank You Vicki for your kind words. Yesterday I got a new tire and rotated the other three to insure proper road security. I know it is a simple thing that we often forget to be grateful for especially when they work properly! I enjoyed my girls yesterday and we made plans to make some collages for Spring Break! WooHoo! We are helping Mr.Don with his "tag" sale tonight so that should be fun and I hope he gets a great turnout.
I am beginning to add the precious beads that I have been collecting for the Kath Walker piece... This part of the process gives me energy to continue on with a blaze of colors and possible textures. Tonight I will return home to continue my process as the headaches are beginning to let up and keeping me in bed more than I would like. I am getting back to my journal about my daily or almost daily influences as this exhibit slowly comes to life. When the weather is warmer and secure I want to dye some experimental colors on my cloths that I am collecting to incorporate into the assemblages. I work so slowly that sometimes I do get frustrated until I give myself permission to just let go and enjoy the steps I need to take to satisfy myself. I do know some short cuts for smaller projects but if I am going to do something I want it to be my best mark possible. Have a great weekend. Imagine and live in Peace, Mary Helen Fernandez Stewart