All quiet in the shop after a flurry of activity to get it all ready for the start of the Sign Magic Workshop tomorrow. Officially it doesn't start until Friday morning, but after nine other workshops we know better. One or two will show up first thing tomorrow, after lunch a few more and by suppertime everyone will be here, tired from a long day of traveling but excited to start in on the learning. The name tags await a few more finishing touches but are basically done.

The chairs are set out in anticipation with everyone's shiny new sketchbook ready to accept sketches of every description. I've heard from many of the students in the last few days as they prepare to come. I too am very excited, but not nervous this time. I look forward to seeing some old friends, and many new folks I have not yet met.

Out in the shop everything is laid out and organized. The samples are routed and the paint is ready. Everything is in its place. In a few hours it will look so different with eager students working on their projects.

The tenth Sign Magic Workshop is about to begin...

-grampa dan