Okay, I'm at the National Art Education Association Convention in New York right now and I am energized. I am energized by the passion these 7000 happy art educators have for teaching and for art! There are no strangers here. As my sweet mom used to say, "A stranger is a friend you haven't met yet." Well, Mom, today I am among friends. Just ask someone where the name tags are and you find yourself deep in a conversation..sharing funny stories..and it's mostly about our profession. No fish out of water here..No matter if you're from Memphis or Montreal..New York or Nebraska..you are among friends. So many, "take aways" from this..I can't even begin to count them. I do know one thing..come Monday afternoon in the Middle School Art Room...I am ready to rock some socks off of some artists! So what's the picture of the hot fudge Sunday all about? See that cherry on top? Well, that's what this conference is to my teaching..and this is just the first day.