Thank You!

Thank you, thank you, thank you!

To all of you sweet and precious friends and family members, and neighbors who have been so patient and supportive of the upcoming art festival!

To my sweet daughter Jennifer, who drops whatever she's doing to look at a picture of something I've emailed so I can have her input, which I trust implicitly.

To Janine, who has ewwwed and ahhhhed at all the right times, and even has literally delivered chicken soup and gatorade to my under the weather husband so I wouldn't have to be interrupted (and I don't think she trusted me to drive either!)

To Cyndie, Nina, Sabrina and Beth who have encouraged and offered words of belief and happiness for my being able to do this since it is my heart's desire.

AND

To all of you who have nodded and smiled at just the right time after the question, "What do you think of this? Is it the right color? Is the size right? Do you think anyone will like this?" And on and on. I do appreciate each and every ounce of energy you have spent in support of this passion of mine. And I just want to thank you now, before I glue one more tile, or paint one more brush stroke, or grout one more piece, or ... well, you get the picture! I am overwhelmed with gratitude and joy.

And speaking of picture, this morning when I walked in to the studio it pretty much looked like a bomb went off on the table! Holy smokes! Hope the clean up fairy comes soon!

The grouting table was still set up from yesterday, when I finished all the grouting (5 pieces!) at exactly 8:04 pm! Neighbors, thank you for not calling the home owner's association on us for all the mess (yeah, right! in Elk Park! I've still got my sense of humor!) Oh, and not picketing us for the grass that is now knee high to a giraffe. Thanks for not reporting that also ~ and feel free to cut it if it's too high for your expectations. It'll be next week before I get to it and with all the rain, well, it might be a good idea to tend to it. (PLEASE! - HaHA!)

This is one of my biggest fans. I know that because of the hours he spends in my company. Even if he is sleeping, he's a very BIG comfort factor for me. Thanks, Artemis. And thanks for warning me about the washing machine overflowing too ... big help! Don't know what I'd do without your curiosity and love.

And THIS MAN! I just can't find enough words to tell him how much I appreciate his support, advice, critique, enthusiasm, partnership and love. He has been the sweetest, most patient man in the world during this process. The other night he asked to see my inventory. After I showed it to him he truly looked so surprised at how much there is. You would think as many boards as he's cut, and trips to Michael's as he's escorted me on, and just things like that --- that he would've realized I was making stuff! Yesterday he attached hooks and eyes to word boards, and made display boards for the booth, and sympathized with my cut to pieces fingers, and smiled and was involved all with the stomach flu (or whatever that thing is going around that my sister called the "twisted stomach")!! Paul, thank you honey. You really ARE the best.

This guy keeps me in line ... and he keeps the stepping stones warm until I can get to tiling them! He also steals every last piece of ribbon he can find. Spartacus, you rock, buddy! Thanks for the support and the cuddles during nap time!

These are the display boards Paul made for Shannon's jewelry and ornaments. She's coming over this afternoon so we can paint and mock up a booth. Only 2 more days and we have to be there at 6:30 AM on Saturday. Did you know there are two 6:30's in a day? The show is from 9-5. I couldn't figure out how it was going to work, us setting up at 6:30 until my sweet friends, Janine and Edie explained to me that it was the AM selection of 6:30. Well! *Expletive here!* Who knew! And who's going to be responsible because we all know I cannot function until at least 8:00 AM! Yikes! Nor can Shannon - which is why we need the mock up session created in an afternoon time slot --- when we are awake and jamming, just naturally!

Work in progress ... still ... Just cleaned 3 grouted pieces, glued cork board onto the most recent "Notes" board, touched up some painting on a hanging, and thought about eating lunch.

Our LARGE display boards for the mosaic pieces to be painted and assembled this very day! They are 6' tall by 4' wide, and will be painted happy bright colors and then assembled in a big triangle for the middle of the booth. I'm beginning to feel excitement in my soul again --- very much like doing a show ... you know, one with the curtain going up and stuff. Just different ...

Some of the pieces on the "holding table" after being grouted yesterday.

Shannon and I are also having a photo shoot this afternoon, so be prepared - there will be a blogpost with all the new stuff. She has some really FABULOUS new pieces I can't wait to share with everyone! Consider yourself warned!

Some of the word signs, only these are in the very beginning stages of production. Wait til you see the final version - they rock!

And then there is the normal life that keeps on running in the background ...

This is the young lady that I mentor from Crossnore! She came over the help on Sunday ... and then took a break to go and see the goats, of course! She is an natural born instinctive artist. It is so nice to have the youthful, innocent, open outlook. Not allowed to show faces, but she is a stunning young lady, and informed me that in 1 month and 34 days (isn't that 2 months?) she will be 16 years old! Sounds like we might be partying in October ... FOR SURE!

And look what Mr. Boone has in his goat pasture now! Emus!

Just for the random Elk Park news, in case you're living for that!

Well, must get back to the work!

Thank you all again, from my very happy heart, soul, and core!

Cheri

p.s. Paul is feeling MUCH better today ~ thanks for all who've asked after him.