In 1995 and 1996 I faced the toughest battle of my life. The arts and crafts vendors who were in business at the time helped me through it with words of encouragement, prayers, and most of all by purchasing my publication. There are times some of us go through when life seems hopeless, impossible, and we are covered in darkness. It is those times when God sends his own brand of sunshine in the form of people, events, or an idea to give you strength and help you through it. Like the crafters that were there for me several years ago, I am asking you to offer some encouragement and prayers to a couple crafters that are going through some difficult times now. Also, let's ask God for a prosperous year on the craft show circuit. This is my Easter message to all of you. See you down the road somewhere!

While I was growing up in a rural farming community in North Central Michigan, everybody knew everybody else. A car or truck drove by our driveway at most every couple hours. Most of the time we knew the first name of the driver of that vehicle.

For my first ten years my biggest frustration was not being able to capture the valuable information many of you have shared with me. Today, even though we are miles apart, we can still have that small town communication and familiarity. With the power of e- mail, we can communicate more frequently, efficiently, and economically.

With the economy the way it is, it is critical you let me know what is happening at the shows so I can get information back to everyone else. Also please let me know what shows I need to add into the listings and how you did at each of the shows so I can make the information going back out as accurate and up to date as possible.

Finally, I will be taking a more active role in the publicity effort to get more traffic into these shows. As I try out new ideas, I will need your input to find out how successful the ideas I try work out. Stay tuned.

Two minutes is all I ask, As you lay your head down on your pillow tonight... Please, as your eyelids droop shut, Imagine a boy, A laughing boy, A playful boy, Light of hair and light of eyes. A boy who won't sit still. A gentle boy, a thoughtful boy who's heart knew no bounds.. Now this boy is a sad boy, His laughter doesn't come so often, His eyes dart full of suspicion, Hair unkempt a hidden, inner condition. His heart still full of love and life, His spirit, grown weary with lies and deceit. The sparkle gone, a resignation His laughter now a confirmation... He will be beaten again, With fists and words he's tried to fight, A frightened boy, who knows little light. From drink and drugs, he'll be exposed With light from the Divine, He'll follow the right road... Through food and ridicule he's known to hide... He needs your light, your prayers right now For the Lords' light to follow and guide. This boy I love with all of my heart, He's weeping, always inside.. For a father he wants so desperately, And a hatred given to willingly... This is a son, not just of my body, He's your brother or your neighbor If you have only one minute, please pray... He's trying so very hard to be brave, And yet worries about his mom. If you have taken the time to read this plea, Please, take a minute and pray with me God, through your love and Divine mercy, Protect and shield this child of yours... Through the sacrifice of your only son, Allow mine to grow in your justice and glory In your name, shelter my son from the storm, I humbly ask this....amen Farah Rose Chelsea, MI

Being a parent myself, this has to be one of the worst times in history to raise a child. There are so many wrong messages being sent. I can't imagine bringing up a child alone.

Let's make another Easter prayer to give them both peace, strength, and wisdom to get through the darkness they are in. May one more child find and live a happy and peaceful life. May one more mother keep her courage, be inspired, and find the means to do what is necessary to bring that happy and peaceful life to her child. GW

I just received word that Hildred Peabody, founder of the Vermontville Maple Syrup Festival Craft Show passed away in March. She started the show back in 1970, and held it for over 30 years.

Her son Doug Kelsey informed me of her passing this week. Doug helped Hildred with the show the last few years and will be taking it over.

Let's remember Hildred in our prayers also.

Over the last two weeks I have completed both the Midwestern Crafter Magazine and the Late Edition of The Michigan Crafter Magazine!

My easter special is free postage. Purchase either the Michigan or Midwestern Crafter Magazine for $25.00 or both magazines for $45.00. This offer is good through April 15, 2004.

I totaled my car in December. Sales have not been strong enough to replace it over the winter. Your orders will help me get back on the road and get me some working capital to put my ideas for publicity into motion.

To order a magazine or two, click on my website below, or call me at (586) 726-1125. Or, see me at a show. Once again, Happy Easter Everyone!