Love is the most re-energizing thing. It really is quite powerful—which makes it even more mysterious. What is this strange stuff, made up of intent and caring and thought and memory and just-showing-up.  I don’t know what combination of elements makes it come together in such an invigorating, healing, transcendent way…but when it happens, it’s everything.

After some disheartening news about Vernon’s situation over the past week, it was wonderful to spend a couple of days basking in the glow of all the people who came to support us as well as those those who donated their time and talent to make this even happen.  There were so many wonderful things to browse and buy, but for me, it was about the people…when there is that much love in one space, it’s tangible. I’m still carrying it in my heart this Monday morning.

Thank you again to all who sent your handmade art and items our way. And thank you to those who showed up. People from all different spaces of my life were there, even some who drove quite a long distance. We surpassed last year’s intake by a long shot and brought in around at least $8500.  I am humbled and blessed.

I must praise Thom and Nancy Hendricks in particular. Though Nancy and I only started gathering the goods a few days before, she pulled it all together on Friday afternoon with whirlwind energy. Both she and Thom worked tirelessly the whole weekend, taking money and keeping the spreadsheet. Thank you to Jen, who made t shirts to order, hand printed with a collection of Vernon’s published fonts. She also worked the whole weekend, making sure the drinks and snacks and kid’s craft table were always stocked. Thank you to all the musicians who played. Thank you to Marah and Alison who stayed the whole weekend, making/selling their unique jewelry. Their presence really did make it feel like an Artist’s Market. And of course, the biggest thanks go to Pattie, who owns the Art Supply (my second home) and gave us the space to use (as well as fresh gingerbread to eat.)  To everyone involved, even in the smallest ways, I feel the love! It makes my world go round…and gives me strength for the future.

Strangely, I have no photos of my own from the weekend, but here are some images from other people’s phones:

Ryane, a beautiful friend that I met at September’s writer’s conference, came down for her Christmas shopping.

Lisa, a family friend of many years bought the most fabulous gift item of all: a t-shirt, hand-printed with many of Vernon’s fonts (more will be available online soon.)

Gregory, a fellow CalArtian, drove down from LA and bought a painting. It turned out we were in Paris the same year this was painted.

“TheHere’s a taste of the music, this song brought to you by the lovely Alexandra Adolph.

https://www.facebook.com/erik.adolph.1/videos/419940561543954/?theater

“There is no mistaking love. You feel it in your heart. It is the common fiber of life, the flame that heats our soul, energizes our spirit, and supplies passion to our lives.” —Elisabeth Kubler Ross

Now, that quote has some serious weight coming from a woman who knows a lot about life…and loss…and love.