Patti Edmon Artist

Happy 4th of July!! We've been hearing fireworks for a week now... and there's plenty more to come, but my favorite tradition is brunch with friends. In the mid-90s, a few neighbors started coming over for breakfast after we'd walked half a block to drink coffee and watch the 10K race. It grew into an annual event that we hosted until our friends Ron & Vickie took over. I look forward to relaxing with friends, some of whom I don't see most of the rest of the year. Over the weekend, Jim captured some fun shots of the sparklers we played with... kinda fun to end up with cool creative shots without photoshop or manipulation. I haven't had much studio time lately but I'm looking forward to making boxes for a few friends. The owner at the corner gas station is my source for empty Swisher Sweets boxes, so I walk out carrying a bag that makes it appear as though I chain smoke cigarillos! I recently finished a commission, a vintage wood cigar box, and while grat...

Nothing like a holiday to remind us how important people and tradition are in our lives. I often struggle with isolation- a chronic illness, making lemonade (art), even buying my supplies online and I got in a funk thinking about my lack of plans for the 4th. I stared back at my prednisone-puffy face in the hair salon (first time in six months) while clusters of tanned, slim gals chatted into cell phones and to each other - is it just me or do other people's parties always sound more exciting? I'm amazed by how quickly I let myself wallow in that 'left behind' feeling. The 4th of July has always been one of my favorite holidays. A dozen or so years ago my hub and I started wandering down to watch the 8:00 a.m. 10K race. From the comfort of chairs in the median, under beautiful old trees, we'd drink coffee, watch the runners sprint out Main Street, loop around and make their way back downtown. One year we invited a few people over for more coffee and brunch after the...