Man's best friend.

At the play

This afternoon I took these teenage grandchildren to the Children's Theater for a performance of Tarzan. I know I enjoyed it. I think Ashley did, too, but by the look on John's face, he is entering the "I'm bored" age. One reason I wanted to go see this is because the art group had painted pictures of twenty of the performers and the art was on display and for sale. I had taken photos of five of the performers for their portraits - because the artists couldn't come at the appointed time to the shoot - so I felt a little connected to them. There is always a lot to do in Wilmington.

Fire!

Fire in a fire pit. Pretty shapes.

Luscious macaroons

from the French store. A good place to take visitors.

lounging around

These cats have me pretty well trained now.

end of show

     This years Big Art Show was a rousing success. I am happy that it was, and I am happy that it is over.
     The older (more experienced) I get, the more I like to see a plan come together. I enjoy the plan, the communication it takes, recognizing the skills that the various people bring to the larger group, knowing that people are pleased with the contributions they are making, dealing with the unexpected, working with the crowds. I like to see the loose ends come together and for the process to go as smoothly as possible. I also like being a part of history, or the continuum, of a 36 year old community project.
     Sales were a little sluggish at first, but yesterday's sales brought the total of art sold to around 40K. After the artists who sold receive their 70%, and the rent of the facility and all other expenses are paid, the club's portion will go into the kitty for scholarships and a few other nice things. I like that all of that is done. It is encouraging for artists to know people appreciate their work and for the USO to earn their rent. This morning I have received lots of good feedback about the show.
     After nine days involved mostly with one thing but with many people, I am wandering lost around the house. What to do first! Time to regroup and refocus.

the big weekend

This is the weekend of the Azalea Festival. I have happy memories of this special time, and though it is not what it used to be, fun things are sill going on. I think one of them is our big art show. We extended it to nine days this year and added a raffle. Amid a festive event, the drawing was last night, and there were two happy winners. I enjoyed being part of it. I am going to have to watch this morning's parade on television later, but I hope lots of people will be lining the streets and catching the excitement of the marching bands, the waving beauties, and the decorated floats. There are tours of homes and gardens, concerts in various venues, and the azaleas are in bloom. There will be many places for picture taking, just like in the old days.

At the Black Sea Grill

sunsets

Today the weather was cool and the sky stayed a dull gray. I wondered if the sky would get pretty at sunset. It did. As the sun was dropping below the horizon, another evening show of glowing colors was displayed. The sunsets here are always beautiful.

let the show begin

The anticipation and preparation is behind us (art folks) and the show is ahead.
It is the Juried Show, and one of my crazy pieces got in. Some of the art is wonderful, and I am humbled.
The art has been brought in and hung. Tomorrow it will be judged and awards decided upon. Saturday will be the opening and the reception. And then for the next eight days, it is open and free to the public. Everyone is hopeful pieces will be sold. That is the idea behind all the work.
When I went back to my car today about 4 pm, the air was warm, the sky was blue, the dogwoods and azaleas were blooming, and it was all so pretty at the corner of 2nd and Orange. Here is a pic.

Rejoicing in the Resurrection

John 14:27-31

Peace I leave with you; my peace I give to you. Not as the world gives do I give to you. Let not your hearts be troubled, neither let them be afraid.You heard me say to you, 'I am going away, and I will come to you.' If you loved me, you would have rejoiced, because I am going to the Father, for the Father is greater than I.
And now I have told you before it takes place, so that when it does take place you may believe.
I will no longer talk much with you, for the ruler of this world is coming. He has no claim on me, but I do as the Father has commanded me, so that the world may know that I love the Father.