Historic Valley Junction Fall Art Market

My goodness, the Fall Art Market was so much fun!!!! When I woke up yesterday, the rain was pouring down, and I wondered how I would even set up my crazy collages without them getting drenched and ruined, but the rain settled down, and by the time Adriaan and I started setting up there was only a slight drizzle. He helped me completely waterproof the tent, and I just have to say, that man is my hero! After he headed back home, the fabulous Renee Mak came to help support me at the event, full of the most inspiring stories and information she shared from the Creative Connection Event she came from in Minneapolis. She brought me goodies from the conference including Starbucks coffee, which I will be breaking open here in a minute. My goodness, Renee's response to the new artwork alone was enough to must make my cheeks hurt from the perma grin that my face couldn't help but make.

Iowans are amazing. Despite the weather, there were lots of people who came with their umbrellas and can I just say, I met the most amazing people! I also sold some artwork, and got an award of excellence.

Maybe my day was so good because of the Hawkeyes rain jacket I bought from Hyvee in the morning, it sure kept me dry. However, there was a whole lot of God Bless America in my tent, and that's just what I experienced... a whole lot of blessing. Plus, I collaborated with the girlies on a number of my collages, and they're just so cheerful, you can't help but smile when you're surrounded by them. Thanks to all of you who came out to the event, and to Randi for watching the girlies...

I'm also posting just a couple of the pictures that Elina drew while I was at the Art Market. These girls inspire me every single day...

Here's a far away view of my tent.

Here I am in my Hawkeye's rain jacket with my Award of Excellence.

One of the drawings I came home to...