Our ninth Open House ended today, it was very special to us, we thought it was, as much as any Open House, precisely what we intended and hoped for – a sharing of our lives, a celebration of our work, a festival of encouragement for the idea of creativity.

Sundays are always the quietest days of our Open Houses, and we relish the quiet and intimacy and chance to talk to people. The morning began quietly, I wasn’t sure anyone would come, but built up steadily through the afternoon. I believe the weekend drew between six and seven hundred people.

Maria sold a lot of art,  hers and others. The artists came and talked to people, the dogs herded sheep (Fate in her unique way), the donkeys and pony preemed for visitors and accepted many carrots. I am tired and soon will go to sleep,I want to write more about the Open House tomorrow.

Soon, we will begin planning for our October Open House, to be held on Columbus Day Weekend. We have to think about a theme for that weekend, that is traditionally the biggest and busiest. We experienced a  great deal of love, affirmation and support this weekend, it left both of us a little stunned, yet exhilarated. I have to think about it a bit.

I am grateful to the people who came and who followed the Open  House online. I so appreciate the many good words and thoughts. People generously donated to donation box we put out, we will cover all of the costs of hosting the Open House.

Maria did an amazing job selecting and curating the art at the farm, and at our Open Houses, people still very much want to hear poetry read. We obliged. More tomorrow, my fingers are going to sleep.