A jar full of fireflies . . .

This past weekend the pope was in New York City; Barack Obama was in Paoli; Hillary Clinton was in Conshohocken; but Judy Wilkenfeld was in Harleysville.

So that's where I was.

Joy, Judy, Karen, Kathryn, me

Two years ago I didn't even know what a blog was. One year ago I started my own. Today I have friends from all over the world that I know through blogging — some of them I've met. Over the weekend I met some more. All of them artists. All of them blow me away with their work.

Saturday the group you see above went junking under the guidance of Karen Cole First stop: the Barn Attic in Harleysville, Pennsylvania.

Avon presidential perfume bottles anyone?

I've never seen so much stuff, so well organized . . . ever!

Their business card claims that they carry 40,000 pairs of earrings. I can believe it. And I bet that the owner knows the story — and the location — of each pair.

Next stop was The Archive — 10,000 sq. feet of used and antique books, magazines, newspapers and paper collectibles. Oh my! We spent almost four hours there and came away with some wonderful finds.

You are probably thinking that it can't get any better than this. But it does!

A few phone calls between blogging buddies, and 24 hours later, the very talented and very gracious Judi Riesch and her husband opened their home to nine artists (well, eight artists and me) on Sunday. Not only did they feed and entertain us, but Judi also gave us a tour of her artwork and collections that are displayed beautifully throughout the house.

Judy Wilkenfeld's "The Twelve Tribes of Israel"

When Judy W. pulled out her fabulously giant piece of art The Twelve Tribes of Israel, we were all engrossed by her explanation of the work and the reasons she used the elements that she did in the enormous book. I have been a huge fan of Judy's since I first visited her site. Not only is her work beautiful and powerful, but the knowledge and detail that drive her leave me in awe every single time. So, meeting her and seeing this work in person . . . touching it . . . well . . .

(Pause for squealing and happy dancing)

And THEN, Bee Shay brought out her work. I fell in love yet AGAIN. Beautiful organic work -- right up my alley. Wouldn't you know that when my May/June copy of Somerset Studio arrived today, there was Bee's journal -- the one I'd just seen -- on page 37!

Michelle, Susanna, me, Bee, Judy, Kathryn, Judi, Karen, Joy and Jerri.

I'm still pinching myself.

Blogging. Who'd have known?