Day Twenty Six

November 25

Later tonight I think I am going out to celebrate and relax.
And tomorrow will be my first rest day.

Well as to the pictures 'Stamped Signed', this is my official international
signature. Now!
And let the happy dance begin....

Yes I have tied everything in, stamped the maple leaf on and signed her.

Now all that is left is to start polishing and sanding.

And as of now I did what could not be done.

In the first week of the symposium one of the sculptors stepped me aside and told me I would not finish.
The reason given; because I was not a professional and they were and they knew who would finish and who would not.
That I would be an embarrassment and be laughed at.
And not get paid.....
I was thrown back by this lecture and judgment.
For a week this person reminded me everyday, by reaffirming they thought I was a loser....
And to be honest I almost gave in to their will.
I had never doubted I would finish until this persons words ate at me day after day....
I thought of just up and leaving in the night. And this was when I was in the most pain and things began to look dark.
I started to wonder if other artists felt the same elitist attitude....
I carefully talked with each artist secretly trying to read their thoughts and unspoken judgment.
Some had doubts and concerns for me but none seemed to reveal I would fail.

Then the words came to me....
Know the song  "A country Boy Can survive"
Those words started to echo, and I realized these city grown folks just have not met a down home farm boy....
And we have a way of just getting done what has to be done....
Others here referred  to me as the magician, for the magic of always having a fix for their problems.

But not that was not the magic, of it all...
It was just the way my parents raised me....
To help when you can and find a way to get through....

If you do not have a fix for the problem you build one....

And that is what we farm boys do... right, we keep at it.

Stand tall and all will be all right.

So to my parents.... You did right ... This work is to you....
Thanks Mom And DAD...

At this time I will mention I approached this artist and offered a days help.
They seem to be more pressed for time.
I did not do this to gloat or spite, but to honestly help because they need it.
Well my offer was declined but maybe later they will reconsider.

OK enough of the soft talk ....

Well It is not all fun and sculpting at this here Symposium.
There is other serious work to be done like deciding the future of young artists....
The Local Lions Club, yup they have a Lions Club here in Brusque....
The Lions are sponsoring a poster contest, and the winning poster is to be sent to the United States, to be further judge against other children from around the world.
And well we were delegated as the judges....
Here are pics of all the talented entries, the fist in the pictures was in fact chosen as the winner...

And also attached pictures of local Lions club reps.

Well here, for comparison, are two women in the world who will never meet....
They will always be back to back, but never the two shall meet.



Here are pictures of me putting in the final details.

And work of the day.

Monday I hope to have "Armi" free of the pile of debris and free of the tent poles....