It's not often I have celebrity visitors in my booth, especially those with national exposure.

This past Sunday, I was in for a real treat! While tending the booth at the Christmas at Keeneland Art Show in Lexington, I noticed some people who looked very familiar to me.

I admit it - when I have free time during the day, I sometimes watch a few daytime soap operas, the ones on CBS being my favorite. Actually, the soaps are on my mini TV in the studio when I'm working, and I listen along while working.

One of my favorites is the Guiding Light - I've been watching it off and on since high school. So, imagine my surprise when I realized who these people in my booth were - none other than Marina Cooper and A.C. Mallet themselves! Of course, their real names are Mandy Bruno and Robert Bogue, who play the characters Marina and Mallet on the show. They were delightful to talk to; they asked me many questions about my art, and seemed genuinely interested in what I do. I was a bit flustered, of course, talking with people I see on national television every day! They were kind enough to take a few pictures with me, one of which is below (sorry for the poor photo quality - it was taken on my camera phone).

Marina (Mandy Bruno), me, and Mallet (Robert Bogue)

This weekend I'll be at the Cincinnati By Hand Art Show in Cincinnati, at the Duke Energy Center (Convention Center). There's a
coupon good for $1 off admission at this link, so print it out and come out and see and purchase spectacular art by artists from all over the region.

The following weekend, Nov. 29 & 30, I'll be at the Christmas at Keeneland Art Fair, held on the grounds of Keeneland Race Course at the Keeneland Entertainment Center in Lexington, Kentucky. Hope to see you there!

I'm very excited about a letter I've received from Lark Books the other week. It seems that one of my pieces has been accepted for publication in the upcoming Lark book, 500 Enameled Objects! I'm thrilled that juror Sarah Perkins chose one of my pieces for inclusion! I can't wait to see the work, a multicolored Silver Mache Bead necklace, in the final publication. I'll update any additional information on my blog when I find out more.

I'm also looking forward to seeing the premiere of my friend Julie Hassett's film, Joy. The film will premiere on November 9, 2008, at the Cincinnati Art Museum, which will also host a silent auction in support of the non-profit Foundation of Joy, an organization set up by Julie and others, dedicated to promoting parenthood and joining children and adults. .

From the film's website:

What can the perfect cake teach us about love and loss?

Have you ever passed someone at the grocery store and wondered what is going on in their life?

What can a 1997 Michigan pinot grigio teach us about the unexpected death of a loved one?

What's on your grocery list?

These questions and more are answered in Joy. When the death of their father doesn't bring sisters closer together, it takes an un expected journey to make them realize the importance of finding joy in life by living each day to the fullest and giving back. In this feature comedy, these sisters learn about love, loss, and paradise while on a trip to the grocery store.

JOY is the first feature film by Red Love. It is a co-production with Foundation of JOY, a public charity dedicated to promoting parenthood and joining kids with adults. Inspired by the life and beauty of Elizabeth Joy Hassett Weitz, the Foundation of JOY is a public charity dedicated to motherhood, music, and the joy of children. The Foundation will raise funds to support, as well as create, various programs for parenthood as well as support systems for kids. JOY joins kids with adults--through supporting adoption, pregnancy wellness, music and film programs for kids, foster parenting programs, mentor programs in the arts, and fertility research.

A little over a year and a half ago, Julie called and asked if I'd like to design a necklace for a film she had written with her two sisters after their father's death. Just prior to the start of shooting, Julie lost one of her sisters, who passed away while carrying twins. She said that the necklace would have a significant role in a portion of the film. Knowing Julie for many years, I was more than willing to design and create a necklace, and to show support after a tragic loss of both her father and sister in such a short period of time.

I wish the best of success to the film and the Foundation, and am happy I can be a part of this wonderful endeavor.