what day is it?

This week was one of those this-feels-like-a-monday-on-wednesday AND this-feels-like-a-friday-on-wednesday.  At least today is Saturday and could sleep in, one of my favorite indulgences.  So here's a catch-up post so I can clear my head and the memory card on my camera.....

 

Another terrific weekend spent making cool stuff with old friends and new ones.  Kathy and Bill are The Best hosts and the additions they made to their compound are wonderful.  The weekend began with a delightful ride from the airport with new-friend-who-felt-like-an-old-friend-because-we-talked-and-talked-and-talked, Beth.  Fun to meet you in person Beth!  Mom drives to Valley Ridge each year from the Twin Cities so she can see hang out and try out the groovy things we like to do with paint.

Then we spent two days painting pages.  There's nothing quite like an extended workshop - to be able to set up camp and leave your stuff out for two days is really cool.  The artists made great stuff!  Great to see Judy, Bonnie, and Bernadette again.  And I got to give a hug to Tina and Marlynn - both are friends made online and met in person for the first time.  And it was delight to meet Kelley, Julia, Kaye, Michelle, Sue, Jennifer, Kathy, and the token dude, Gary.

And at VRAS they have a new community building not only for amazing lunches, but for a wine-and-cheese-or-soda happy hour.  I think we were all very happy - as in it was great to spend time together making art and making new friends.  For more photos of the weekend you can visit VRAS's album HERE.

EDIT:  OMG!  Look at my thumb and index finger on Kelley's shoulder!  It's covered in black spray paint.  What a riot.  Where were my gloves?

 

I feel so lucky to have the opportunity to teach at this wonderful place, and to have a classroom full of students who are eager to learn and play and made it so much fun.  It's so energizing to see creativity at work, and to be part of that.  And I'm grateful to my husband and kids - that they make it easy for me to get away, to be a full-time artist for a few days.  I'll be back in October 2009 and have already started inventing my class - can't wait! 

 

Since Shannon is still in the hospital I modified my return plans and caught a ride back to MN with Mom and Judy, and got to spend some time visiting with Mom and Dad, Shannon and her husband Andy, my Grandma, my cousins Kathy and Molly, and friends Virginia and Peggy.  So fab to see so many loved ones.  Whew!  Got alot in for less than 48 hours.  Shannon is doing much better and it was The Best to get to see her.  Keep your fingers crossed and your prayers coming in....hope she's out before her 40th birthday on the 17th.

Got home at midnight Tuesday, then headed out Wednesday afternoon for an MCR concert with Fallon and our friend Leci.  Home at 1 am.  Do you blame me for not knowing what day it was?

Twenty Crusades!  Phew!  I can hardly believe it.  Congrats to Sarah Harris from the U.K. for being the Top Hat Pick for No. 19.  I was late in getting No. 20 up but it's an easy one....plenty of time to try it before June 1st.  Come play! 

Wishing all you all a Happy Mother's Day!  I'm feeling so grateful to have time with my Mom this week, and to come home to three wonderful children.  I am so lucky!  Check this out, found in Sam's backpack:

Adorable!

Comments

[tina]

it all rocks!!!! so cool to meet you michelle. even though you don't know what day it is, you still managed to get your pics up before I did!! i guess working 3 shifts between mon and now might explain that. your mum is just the coolest. so glad you got time to spend with shannon; really hope she makes it home in time. and i see pics of yet another concert....... let's just call you rocker!!!LOL. Sam's note is evidence!!!! Happy Mother's Day to you and all the mothers across our little world.

[Lisa Hoffman]

Excuse me...was this post composed by a graphic artist?
It's fun, interesting and beautiful! I especially love the little white dots separating all of the photos keeping them from being too busy and visually cramped.
Your class was obviously filled with Creative Delightfuls. Love seeing their inspired faces.
The Valley Ridge Art Center looks like a comfortable and roomy venue. How great. Nothing better (or more important for students) than having enough room to spread out. Well done, Kathy and Bill!
The photo of Shannon/Michelle holding hands was enough to make us all grab for the tissue.

Well, there's more to comment on but hey, I'll shut up now.

Welcome Back. Your readers have missed you!

[Chris]

this made me cry.

[Julie Prichard]

Happy Mother's Day!

No wonder your memory card was full...what a great post! I love how you took the time to get to know each of your students and even to post their work so we could see...that's really going the extra mile as far as I am concerned! YOU rock!

Glad you were able to swing by and visit your family too...what a special trip indeed.

Welcome back!

[Flo]

wow, I'm exhausted just reading about your schedule :)

another lump in the throat here with that pic of you and Shannon holding hands, so glad you got to see her, and I hope she gets home for her birthday

Table is still looking amazing - you're right that a year's wear and tear has only improved it, like a fine wine :)

Hope the MCR gig was good, I'm sure it was, those boys know how to put on a show!

Sam's note is priceless, and I am stupidly envious of the lucky ladies (and gent) who got to escape and slap paint about for a few days in great company

welcome home :)

[Terri]

Happy Mothers Day...I just love Sams note, its heartwarming!

[Jennifer White]

What a freakin' post! LOVE all the Valley Ridge references, we did have a FABULOUS time and am now an official groupie, fanatic, etc. I'm glad you had a great trip back up to MN... and are finally back on the home front.

[Kimi]

Once I saw you & your sister's hands, I just started crying. What a lovely & special photo. Missed you!

Happy Mother's day.

xoxo

[audrey h.]

Love all the pics and I am so jealous as I would love to be able to take a class by you. Happy Mothers Day........hope you have a great one :)

[cindi]

i loved the pic of you and shannon's hands...*thinks of my sisters*
and the note from sam...*still has tears in eyes*
i hope you have a very wonderful 'MOM'S DAY!" = D

[Carrie]

Rock on!!! Your workshop sounds so completely awesome, I wish I could sign up for the next one! Who knows, maybe by then I can afford to take the time off and travel :)
The pic of your and Shannon's hands is beautiful. And I'm jealous of your adorable daughter's concert count! Lucky girl :)
The note from Sam is so precious. Happy Mother's Day!

[Judy Wilkenfeld]

Happy Mothers day.
You amaze me with your talent but even more so that you fit in so much and be such an amazing mum!
Congrats to you!
Brilliant post.
xo

[Kaz]

wow wow and wow again. great post, love all the graphics. Happy Mothers Day!
lucky thing seeing Gee and MCR, bet they rocked.
have a great mothers day!! KAZ :-)

[Ellen-Mary]

Wow! I thought I was busy. Looks like you had as much fun as your students did.

Glad to hear your sister is getting better.

Happy Mother's Day!

[maralena]

WOW, what a entry. I'm exhausted. Thanks Michelle for bringing the ROCK back into my life. It's like that old Bob Seger song... "You can come back baby, Rock and Roll never forgets." I am so jealous of that fun get together with you and your art pals! The evidence is proof! Glad you had a Happy Mothers Day.... and I'm loving Crusade 20. Hugs, Maralena

[kristen robinson]

Absolutely AWESOME my friend from the class to seeing Shannon (and hearing she is doing better...I am praying she is out of there this week). Looks like the class was perfect and I have no doubt everyone feel in love with you. Borrowing a phrase from you "YOU ROCK".
XOX
Kristen

[Cindy Dean]

Great Post. I got tears in my eyes when I saw the photo of you and your sisters hand. What a great photo. I may have to do that one with my sisters. So sweet.

[monica magness]

alright, am I s'posed to choke up over that card Sam made you? cuz I did! How kuhl is he!!! Wha? no Hannnah Montanna card???? they must have sold out. ;)

Geez, it's no wonder you didn't know what day it was- you NEVER slept!

Get rest, but not too much...

I bet you dream in SPRAY PAINT coated clothing.

Nah, you prob. dress up everyone in H.I.M. concert tee's and sing.

Happy days, Monica :)

p.s. Tina is a blast! I would love to meet her one day.

[Kelley]

Hi Michelle - my jeans definitely ROCK and so do you!!! Thanks so much to you, Kathy and Bill for a fantastic experience. I had a blast. Valley Ridge is awesome. It was great to meet your mom too. I showed everyone my jeans and now they all want a pair. Mine will be Michelle Ward originals, the rest will be poor imitations. When I got home I went right out and bought some spray paint, now I have to find time to practice.

I'm glad you were able to spend time with your sister. Happy late Mother's Day.

I'm going to try the new Crusade. I've downloaded a little music to inspire me and remind me of my time at Valley Ridge.

Thanks again for a great workshop!!

Kelley