From Sanford we swung over to one of the biggest arts and crafts show in the Southeast, ‘Fiesta in the Park’ in Orlando at Lake Eola. I helped with the mad rush of artisans turning in cash and checking out. I had to put on my mathematical hat and make sure I put the right envelopes and cash in the right places. Sandra parked the car and made her way to where I was and did her best stay out of the way as the show was closing all around her.

Nell Atkins is the leader and primary organizer of the entire event and has been for many, many years. She is incredible. No bureaucratic nightmares. No stifling egos. She handles this gigantic effort with grace and sure-sightedness. Way too many events are handled more and more by the immature control freak mentality. Especially by younger folks. Event organizers would do themselves well by observing Nell’s ability to pulloff a world-class event.

Nell brought out the piece that got the Best-Of-Show Award. The title is ‘Gnome Home’. It’s made of camphor and has an unbelievable amount of drawers carved into it. One drawer opens to 4 that opens to 2 that… Well, you get the idea. Gary Smith, of Melbourne, is the sculptor. He said it took him FOUR YEARS to carve. That’s patience. IF I don’t get a piece of art finished in 15 MINUTES I get antsy! The drawing above is of the ‘Gnome Home’.