I was at the Philadelphia SNAG conference. What a great city. I saw many good lectures, caught up with friends, talked philosophy of the metalsmithing/art field (and life in general), saw lots of gallery shows, an exhibition in motion at the museum had some great food. Even got to have an evening of fun with Karen and Nancy.

The experience put me in a happy/healthy frame of mind. Nothing like hanging with family to remind one of who you are and where you come from.

Last week I helped at the high school where visiting artist Arthur Ganson was working with kids from the art, science and industrial/wood shop departments to set up a chain reaction. Ingrid, Dan, Ben, Bruce, Sarah among others worked alongside the kids, teachers and Aurthur to create an amazing event that was set off on Friday at 1:00:

Check it out:
Same-sex marriage became legal in the State of Maine on Wednesday as Gov. John Baldacci signed a bill less than an hour after the state legislature approved it.
Glory be to this great country. Good on you all that helped make this happen. My wife and I deeply appreciate it, from the bottom and top of our hearts BLESS YOU!



And Toni, your Baily Tree is beautiful today!

I spent the weekend with Kristina teaching a class on metalworking for glass bead makers in Rockport ME. It was a great time. Thank you to Virgina and Ed for being such wonderful hosts. I think we all enjoyed the weekend.

And today:
At 1:47 p.m. this afternoon the Maine House of Representatives
enacted a bill allowing gay marriages in Maine by a vote of 89-57.
The bill, LD 1020, was sent back to the Senate to give it final
approval on Wednesday.
It will then be sent to Gov. John Baldacci for his signature (hopefully)

A little Island humor: