The end of presidential art...

Let me first start by saying I took the typing test today. I didn't meet the required wpm. I'm kind of pissed off because I know I type more than 45 wpm. I have been typing for the last two weeks solid, but for some reason though I had performance anxiety. It could of been the fact that the sheriff's office didn't give any directions or parking information to the facility where the typing test was held, or the fact that my fingers were numb from the 70 degree weather. I don't know, but I had the shakes. I was shaking so bad I looked like a drunk going through detox. I am mostly pissed because I never fail at tests. It just doesn't happen. I think I have flunked two tests my entire life. One of them was an advanced geometry test and the other a test to see how many pull-ups I could do. I think I only did four in a minute and you were supposed to do at least five. These are ancient history though. Anyway I can take the test again in thirty days if I want. I wasn't all that hepped up about it anyway. I just can't believe I failed though.:(Me????

The good news is I will be back to my regular blog schedule because the art fair has ended. I got a nice surprise when I came into work on Saturday. There was a basket that had homemade gingerbread cookies, spice cookies, and assortment of teas. It was from the Taylors. They are a family of clowns that were performing at the pavilion next door to the art barn. They are a family of five. Two of the kids are adopted and both of them have severe medical problems. One of the kids in particular took a liking to me. Aubrey is ten, black, and barely pushing two feet. I spent a lot of time justifying myself to him. He wanted to know all sorts of things about me especially why I was at an art show and not doing any art. I spent a good chunk of time on Thursdays and Fridays all month talking to him. I brought all the kids candy and talked to them like they were my peers. I offered to help move in their clown equipment when it was raining and windy. I got rather used to them. A lot of the people shied away from them, but I just treated them like I would any other person. I missed saying goodbye to time on Saturday, but they left the basket and note for three of the artists and myself. I was really touched by the letter they wrote. The mom said all the kids helped bake the cookies. I thought that was so cool. I especially felt like a stand out because here I was with a group of people (the artists) that I didn't even belong to and I was receiving recognition. I didn't give the kids any art supplies or anything special. Saturday, it felt good to be a good person. Most of the time I wonder why I even bother. Maybe that restored a little piece of my thoughts on my fellow man. I don't know. It sure was nice though.

There are a few other things that happened at the art show that were positive too. My booth mate (the guy in the booth next to me); Ralph and I shared lots of bantering and bad jokes about the White House, Dick Cheney, and medical ailments. He was really good for breaking the tension. He also taught me how to play gin and rummy 500. Ralph is beyond talented when it comes to woodwork. His passion is painting though. He is still developing in that area.

Toni, who in my opinion, is one of the best I have ever seen on colored pencils. She gets paid big bucks for her stuff and is amazingly humble. One day she was working on a drawing of some grapes in a crystal bowl. I was talking to her and I suddenly realize she was nervous. There were several people standing behind her with their mouths agape watching her as she worked. I started talking to her so she wouldn't be focused on them. She was so thankful you would of thought I did something spectacular. She kind of took to me after that. I told her Michael had started drawing and was having trouble with something that he couldn't quite put his finger on. She told me to grab his stuff and she would look at it. Not only did she do that, she also told him some insider secrets. She must have talked to him for about an hour. I thought that was super cool of her considering she teaches classes and gets paid for such advice. I felt a little bad though because one of the ladies in the art league had to sign up to get some Toni time.

Norma, what can I say? Norma can only be described as a rebellious, intelligent, hippie, disco star. Yeah that's about right. Someone out there has one cool set of grandparents in her and her husband. She does a lot of Native American art. I am usually not a big fan, but her use of color is very encapsulating. Although I enjoyed her art the true story in her is in the life she led and is leading. I had more discussions with her than I care to admit, but each was riveting. Each time it got more and more revealing. Very interesting.

Maureen seems to be the only pottery person in the art league. Her art is very beautiful. She teaches classes too. She is from Boston and has a really cute accent. She is feisty, but very tender. I bought a pin from her and she charged me less than she should have because she knew I was working for Christmas money. When I expressed interest in perhaps taking a class she brightened up. I asked how much it would cost and she wanted to know how much I had. I told her I didn't know how much I would have in January due to the back thing, but I would let her know as January drew closer. She put my name on the list anyway. Then told me she heard I made good truffles.

So on Saturday I was getting ready to leave and Maureen and Norma convinced me to join the Art League as an "art appreciator". Actually they had asked me during one of our picnics early in the month. I just thought it sounded too ridiculous. I did it though.

I guess I could remember this month as the time I sold my soul to Dick Cheney's cousin to make a buck. I think I will choose to remember it as the time I made friends with a midget clown, started referring to red wine as kool-aid, felt a little bit better about people, ate lots of cheese, and joined the art league.