But started it is - and thriving, and I am writing this from my swing surrounded by birds, flowers, butterflies, fountains, mountains . . . could it be better? My laptop is not up to the latest software, so I have carried my iMac out here on a special table and even managed to pull a phone cord through the window screen so I can get online. A hummingbird is torturing me as I type by hovering within two feet. . . just until I get my camera into position . . . and then being a wise guy and flying away. But one day I will catch him in all his irridescent glory - spinning wings and all - and what a picture that will make!

Again, something happened on the way to this forum, and the whole theme I had going for Volume 8 turned into something else - a journey into Art Journaling. I find it a fascinating art form which can incorporate so many of our interests - not the least of which is our constant quest to figure out who we are. And speaking of which . . .

You will meet a special friend of mine when you turn this page. She is a fuzzy little version of me and she’s been hanging around my studio for more than 30 years now - helping me figure out a lot of things, and starring in a series of Inner Children’s Books and another series of comic illustrations called “Dear Me!” (her name is Dear Me! actually). She has begged to be introduced to the Now What? readership. She thinks she’ll make some friends. We’ll see, but she better not be thinking of upstaging me or it’s back to the drawing board for her!

Vesta Abel writes for us this issue for the first (but not the last) time. She decided that Sheer Heaven would make good mocassins, and who was I to argue? We learn how to “fix” our digital photographs, explore a stunning Handmade Book Show at a Santa Fe Gallery and take a “last chance” look at what workshops you can still get into at Art Unraveled. And we even make some jewelry! The theme that was Volume 8 will now try to become Volume 9 without getting derailed. I wish it luck.

As usual, I hope this issue brings you creative joy, inspiration, and a chuckle or two. Carry on, then, as a British friend of mine says, and have at it.

jessica
(off chasing that hummingbird again . . .)