Shoofly Moonpie

I wasn't really that ready to go!!

2009-06-25T09:42:00.000-07:00

Hey this is Bill.....back in the land of extreme heat, extreme humidity. I guess that to sound surprised at this is to admit that I am truly just not that bright. But my time away had spoiled me completely.
There were probably skid marks outside the Baltimore airport...one set from my sneakers kicking and fighting to stay....the other where Howard sped off before I could run after him and Bert....yelling ,"don't leave me." I had such a wonderful time with you guys in Lancaster. I really did feel very much at home and I felt that I had landed in a nest full of new friends. I certainly feel good about what we were able to accomplish. I think that we did work to be proud of at the Lancaster County Youth Intervention Center. Thank you to all that made it happen. Thank you for all that everyone did to make me have such a good time. The feeding and entertaining of an aging artist is never easy...but you all did very well.
So back here (in the heat...did I mention heat) back here where we fry even water...it will soon be good to be home; but right now I am still missing the new friends I made there. I have tried not to go on and on about how smart, funny, clever, and good looking all of the ShooFlyMoonPie folks are...I do have to live with these people here. It was nice this morning out walking the bridge....this being the first day of shrimping season....and watching the dolphins do their little begging dance along side the boats. Getting back to work in the studio, dinner and movies with friends, it all adds up to real life....and I do have to get back to that some time. But what a nice time away with such good people...thanks so much. Bill

Morning coffee alone!

2009-06-21T09:11:00.001-07:00

This morning, I crawled down the stairs and made my coffee at around 5:30 am. Where was Bill? My coffee just was not the same. I miss you, Bill!

Yesterday, we drove to Baltimore for Bill's flight home. The time flew by while he was here. It was the best, better than I had ever imagined. We toured, gathered, taught, thought, looked, painted, sketched, laughed, evaluated, and played.

Now, we thank: Brad Verrico- web designer, and our most valuable local resource, Tasha Verrico- moral support specialist, and site manager, Howard Little- domestic engineer and bartender extraordinaire, Jessica Mailhot and Clint Castanzo- food prep champions and star neighborhoodies, Jean Sharf- photographer and Lancaster County's most valuable creative tour guide, Pixie Berman- hostess of memorable evening filled with non-stop laughter and local color museum guide, Carol Spenser Morris- our southern perspective and blog site creator, Cindy Moyer- totally talented teacher, food prep assistant, first event date, Jeremy Hollinger- general artist assistant, and humor monitor for "Pill", Anne Martin- artist assistant and Philly driver-tour guide, Bryan Hubbard-YIC's most valuable asset, The Red Raven Art Company, owners and Lee- reception hosts and home for Bill's art, Peter Barber of Two Dudes Painting, the teachers of Hempfield School District, and Target for their generous donations to supply our endeavors. Finally, to the residents of LCYIC, thank you for being eager participants in our new program. The staff who monitored our program were supportive and helpful. We look forward to many more experiences at the Center because of all of you. To the many people and friends who supported our fundraising and gave generously, listened and suggested, thank you.

Now to express our gratitude to Bill Myers, artist, teacher, humorist, guide, friend and courageous "first" for our program's launch. Thank you, Bill. You maintained steady on our shaky course, giving us smiles and laughter along the way. You were a wonderful house guest. We hope you will remember us well and come back many times to visit. Bert

Waiting for the fat lady to sing

2009-06-17T15:13:00.000-07:00

Hey there, it's Bill. Today is Wednesday....really the first day that I did not have anything that I HAD to do. That was nice. All of the 'must' are done, the 'gotta s' are all taken care of.
My time at the Youth Intervention Center really goes beyond words. At times, I was allowed a glimpse into the lives of the kids there, that was truly remarkable. It is always a surprise to me when ever I am in a teaching situation, just what I am allowed to learn. Things go beyond the "lessons " that I plan. We have talks about censorship, freedom, responsibility....and yes, there is even some talk about art as well. Lessons that I learn are almost always about leaving my ego and remembering that it is not about me. There where times when the mural we were working on went through good and bad times. Worse, there were times when good parts of the mural started heading to the bad. Letting go of my ego and letting a kid who was having a good time painting like I ask him....not saying "no not there.....that is the good part!!!!!" ....that was hard. I really want all involved to say ..."Bill is a genius, no wonder we paid big bucks for him to be here." Well that or something similar. My instinct is to jump in and make this picture that we are working on SO very good that all are dazzled. That is not ; nor should it ever be the project. It has to be the quality of the experience for the students. To me that is the hard part....to remember it really is not about me. That we did accomplish. At some point soon, there will be pictures posted here of the mural...I hope you will take time to look at that.
Huge thanks must go out to all that were involved. To Bert and Cindy...you are amazing women...smart, capable, and hardworking. Thanks Bert for getting it all started and being there all the way. Cindy did as much as I did every day of this program and the kids really loved this wacky woman who ranted about brain parts to them. We certainly could not have done without Jeremy and Ann our young volunteers. Thanks to them for a lot of work and giving us gray hairs and element of "cool". Thanks to Bryan and all of the staff of the Youth intervention Center. I have never worked with a staff at that kind of center who were as involved and as welcoming. There is more ...more thanks to be given and more activity to tell about, more tours with Jean ...but right now there are more cocktails to be taken care of. BILL

2009-06-15T03:37:00.000-07:00

Today, June 15, 2009, we will have our last classes with the kids at YIC. It has been very rewarding and touching to work with the young men and women there. They seem to like having a new activity to pass the time and I know they are learning some things from us as well. The staff has been very supportive of our program. I am looking forward to seeing ArtSmart continue with the help of the Lancaster community and our volunteers.

On Saturday, Bill taught a Snack and Sketch class. We all had fun and learned a different approach to drawing with gentle nudges from our instructor. Thank you, Bill.

Bill and I went to Adamstown on Sunday morning, bright and early. We loved the antiques, and quirky items in the flea markets but, both of us enjoyed people watching---fun stuff. In the afternoon we saw Lancaster's own Mary Haverstick's movie Home which is playing at the Penn Cinema. I loved that I could watch her creation on the big screen and that I have actually met her. I would recommend this movie because it tells a difficult story in a beautiful way.

We ended our day with Jessica and Clint and another fine dinning experience. So, there you have it, the latest update from some tired folks on the go. bl

2009-06-10T12:48:00.000-07:00

Have I mentioned that they are trying to kill me here???? Hey this is Bill and my butt is dragging....that or the road has finally risen up to greet me as the Irish say. Yesterday....that was Tuesday, Roberta and I took a long walk up town to the market and then back down to her neighborhood to F&M's big book sale. Now I do mean big. One of the largest in the country. Luckily, I was only looking for music so I was able to get out of there with a little bit of profit left from the pay for this trip. but don't let this weary traveler rest....oh,no........we headed out for Kennett Square. We were meeting Tasha and Brad for lunch. For those who do not know, Tash is Roberta's daughter and Brad the husband. If they were not just so damn likable; you would have to hate them just because they are one of those perpetually pretty families. I mean even the dogs are great looking. We managed to finagle not only lunch but also dinner out of them. Between the meals, we went to the Brandywine River Museum. This is a beautiful place right on the river and home to the Wyeth's work and some other of like ilk. A beautiful place indeed. After feeding me all day yesterday, I am sure that Brad got up this morning expecting my smiling face appearing over his oatmeal.
Instead today I did my first day of teaching kids at the Youth Intervention Center (YIC). Being ably assisted by Jeremy and Roberta, Cindy and I split the groups. Cindy taught them "smart art" and I just gave them paints and a surface ....prayed.....held on and hoped for the best. The best is what we got. Today was the shelter kids; tomorrow will be the detention kids. I t will be interesting to see the differences. Today it was nice to see that even the staff folks who show up with this kids participated. Pretty nice.
So yoga in a bit and then dinner next door with Clint and Jessica. I must have done something right in a previous life. Bill

We are a bout to start

2009-06-08T14:17:00.000-07:00

Hey this is Bill.....ground control are you out there,,, I am so full of trust for these here machines. Anyway......we did make it to the Youth Intervention Center today to unload the loads of supplies that we have been given.
You know how it is; when Roberta first started talking to me about coming up here it was pretty much that yadayadayada yada thing....or maybe more like the Charlie Brown school teacher voice. Never did I really think that I would have to be here . I guess that I forget that Roberta is not just another idle talker. So be careful what you wish for. Truly, I am excited about this work with the kids that are in this facility. Everyone has been so wonderful and encouraging. Thanks Bryan and all that are helping and all that have given us supplies.
It has been a busy time. Friday at the gallery walk was fun and tiring. So many folks. I met three young people who had given up their spring breaks for coming to Ocean Springs to help with the Katrina recovery. One , a new gallery gal here, came down three times. Thanks Cassi. Mathew is an artist that is in the show at Red Raven with me and his "friend" Lauren will be volunteering to help with the Artsmart program with us. It makes you feel like you should behave better every where you go....there is always a connection.
It certainly has been more than just a busy time though. It has been a lot of fun. Roberta and Howard do not let me get far from a meal.....what is it guys, are we up to five a day. On Saturday, I knocked around with Pixie (sometimes known as Dixie) and ended that day with great food and beverages; but more importantly with so much laughter that I hurt. these smart people can tell a good story...especially when you consider that they are mostly Yankee. Of course you throw in Carol's deep south roots and a dog and a skunk...(.except or not involving a bride)....you just cannot miss. Clint from next door threw in his special finesse with the cooking while his special lady Jessica ' splained just how lucky....how very lucky she is...pretty much all the way home! I am really having a good time. Later.....Bill

2009-06-08T03:08:00.000-07:00

It is early Monday morning, June 8, our day to organize supplies and get ready for Bill's first day of teaching. Wow, things are moving very quickly for all of us.

The opening on Friday was very well attended even though the weather was not cooperating. Our special reception for Bill was highlighted with good food, great art and fun. Tasha manned a table with her Napkin Notes which, by the end of the evening, were filled with messages for the people of Mississippi.

Those of us who know Bill, know how he can work a crowd. We also know how fantastic his work is and now Lancaster is aware of that as well--Bill's art is amazing. Jessica's computer introduced gallery goers to his drawings and other works as it spooled away during the evening. Thank you, Shooflies!

Saturday, I introduced Bill to the Hole In The Wall Puppet Theater. We laughed and clapped through the performance of Rumpelstiltskin then, walked to Market to meet Pixie for a tour through the Quilt Museum. Bill and Pix went off for more adventures in the afternoon and we met for dinner at her home that evening. It was perfect. Good food, laughter, and great friends. How can you top that?

Sunday was a day of rest, relatively speaking. We took in the Queen Street Festival, The Lancaster Art Museum's exhibit, lunch, ice cream at the Chestnut Hill Cafe, dinner, and ended the evening with a concert at Long's Park.

I am having so much fun! bl

Help! They are wearing me out!!!!!

2009-06-05T05:58:00.000-07:00

Hey this is Bill.....a tireder and older Bill since getting here. These people have "entertained " me so very well.
I hit the ground running here. Got off the plane and rode with Roberta from Baltimore to Lancaster. Roberta gently frightened me with my social calendar.....Now understand, I don't think that I have ever before had a social calendar,...this thing was very full and the options kept a comin'.
So a couple of hours and a sandwich and biscotti later, I had my first date to go to a Dixieland Jazz fund raiser in Strasburg with Cindy and Bert (this is husband Bert; not Roberta Bert). It was a fun night with great music a bit of wine and new friends. Cindy is a retired art teacher and turns out that she and I knew a fabric artist in common. Bert is a great painter and seeing some of his work was a real treat. So instantly.....I am part of the "In Crowd".
Okay....I am up early on Wednesday....thinking :"how long have I been here?????" But not long to think....date number two is on her way. On the busy social schedule is "TOUR WITH JEAN". No one has told me the tour number one with Jean is the ''''Salt and Grease "tour. This so named because this is the tour where you stop at every Amish pretzel stand.....and I do mean EVERY. I had a great time with Jean....she has a sense of humor that some may find a bit skewed..........in other words she has my sense of humor. Truly, Jean did show me wonderful sights of the area. Lots of farmland, broom making on one farm, lots of "country smells" which she assured me I would be able to discern at the time of the quiz (pig, chicken, cow but all smells manure). Jean also told me of the local culture including something of the HOOTERITES. Now I may have the spelling wrong on that and she may not have meant the young woman with the tight tight pink top ; but let's face it with Jean....you just never know. Wednesday finished up with a wonderful dinner here at Roberta and Howard's. All of the folks who worked hard and figured out a way to get me here came for dinner.....and let me say....not a dud among them.
Thursday....out and about and off for a meeting with Bryan and the Youth and intervention Center. An amazing place. Bryan gave us the "deluxe" tour....seeing the place where we will be teaching (and a glimpse at a possible Nap room). But no rest for the weary here.....Roberta and I continued our day with shopping for supplies and a visit to the Red Raven Gallery where my work is residing for a while with Lee there. We finished up the day with a Yoga class...where I was the star (perhaps only in my mind) and good, good leftovers with Roberta and Howard. So no wonder I am tired....but not too....and everyone has truly be so gracious to me. Thanks. Bill

ShooFlyMoonPie, A Sweet Beginning

2009-06-05T02:34:00.000-07:00

Announcement! Bill is in the house!!! Since picking him up at the Baltimore Airport on Tuesday, Bill and I have been laughing and smiling. He is a delightful guest and spreads his good humor to everyone he meets. We have dinned, walked, driven, attended sport yoga, shopped, introduced and enjoyed every moment since his arrival.

Thank you, ShooFlyMoonPie! We are not just talking about an idea, but have moved into the DOING phase. I am very proud and grateful to all of you for your support, ideas and dedication. This is a realization of a dream. My heart is full. Lancaster is opening its arms to embrace Mississippi, Bill Myers, and our ArtSmart project.

Tonight, we have Bill's opening reception. The Red Raven Art Company is introducing Bill's work to the Lancaster art scene. Thank you, Art, Fred, Gina, and Mary Lou. Lee, you are a shinning star of enthusiasm and have been so helpful in every phase of this project.

Howard, Tasha, and Brad, you have been hearing about my ideas for a long time. You listened with patience and guided me when I got stuck. I am a very lucky person to have all of you in my life.

August 29, 2005

2009-06-02T18:08:00.000-07:00

Artist Bill Myers is here- a journey that began 4 years ago though none of us knew it at the time.

We are a group of people drawn together for many different reasons but with the goal to support our dear friend, Roberta, whose infectious vision for helping artists affected by Hurricane Katrina became our vision too. Please visit Shoofly Moonpie website to learn more about Roberta's vision and our projects.

Many many people have traveled from Lancaster County to the Gulf Coast to be involved in the rebuilding. I was sent there 2 1/2 weeks after the storm, to Ocean Springs, MS, when a plea from a national nonprofit came requesting a web designer and lifeguards. I was both and was sent with six other strangers into the what became a life-changing event.

My 10 days there were exhausting. Food was sometimes hard to come by, soup kitchens in churches, amazingly abundant food- where and how still a puzzle. when we slept it was on exercise mats at the YMCA in Ocean Springs. The Y made showers available to anyone 24/7 and everyone was dirty. I washed and dried loads and loads of towels, lifeguarded and created a web site so the rest of the world could help manage donations for what was really needed. Volunteers were spending valuable time sorting through parking lot loads of clothes, winter coats? Though there was not one leaf on a tree, it was 90°.

When I left, I need counseling. I felt guilty for leaving these sweet people there in the nothingness of chaos and loss. What good was I or anyone?

I met Roberta Little several years later and she was dreaming. She, a refugee, an artist, an activist wanted to make some difference in the lives of those artists she left behind. Shoofly Moonpie was born. I will let you read more of that endeavor elsewhere.

Artists. No home or studio. Some losing every image they ever made. Bill Myer is one such. He is here to share not his personal devastation but his art. He is here to help us, to contribute some small or huge or life changing way to the lives of children in our community. I hope he will write something too. I hope he finds the time to tell us all what he sees in us. csm