My name is Irene Pappas. I am Mary’s Director of Product Development. Mary invited her peeps to post on her blog and write about whatever so here is my whatever….It’s the end of the summer here at the Studios and what I mean by this is that some of our kids and grandkids have returned to school… so it’s a little quieter and also a little somber. I have worked for Mary for 13 years and our summers have always been bustling with the pitter patter of little feet and giggles. How cool is Mary to allow us to bring our kids to work with us on occasion — like when we’re in a bind or our childcare fell through or when a grandchild comes to visit. The older kids just love coming to the Studios and helping out. Many have become proficient staplers, sorters and shredders (if they were only old enough to get our coffee and lunches). And because there are markers and colored pencils in almost every pencil cup holder — we even inspired young artists.
We love when they visit our offices and deliver drawings or little twisted sculptures they’ve made with our supply of paper clips. They seem to shower Mary with gifts the most — they’re no dummies! Even sweeter –Mary posts these drawings up on her wall. We all post them or save them. It sincerely is a family here at the Studios — a culture Mary has created and continues to foster. We work hard and laugh harder. We are truly blessed.
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I am sure working at the ME Studio is one big happy family!!!
How darling are these drawings?? The mermaid would be a cute card…
Comment by cindy doyle — August 27, 2009 @ 3:40 pm
How awesome that Mary is now blogging!!!! Thanks for sharing your world with us.
Comment by Paulissa Kipp — August 27, 2009 @ 4:13 pm
I was so thrilled to see that Mary has started to blog!! I can’t begin to tell you how much I miss her Home Companion!! Autumn truly won’t be the same without her magazine and all of its fall eye candy to ooh and ahh over. Thankfully, I have kept all of my previous copies and could never tire of them. You’re the best, Mary!! Many blessings to you and your staff. That was a wonderful idea to have them contribute to your blog. God bless.
~ Wendy McDonagh-Valentine
http://Crickleberrycottage.blogspot.com/
Comment by Wendy McDonagh-Valentine — August 27, 2009 @ 4:15 pm
so very sweet! some of my most favorite pieces of art have been created by my little boys:) thanks for sharing! xox…jenn
Comment by noodle and lou — August 27, 2009 @ 4:22 pm
How many seeds of inspiration for future creativity must be planted during your lovely summers at work. I’m sure we will all harvest the fruits of that special time somewhere in the future through magazines, books, media and other venue as these proteges go on to inspire and excite us.
Comment by Jenny — August 27, 2009 @ 4:56 pm
I just love that drawing by Mikayla… it seems inevitable that she has artistic talent just like her grandma Mary! What fun they must have together, and what a wonderful family atmosphere to work in. Thank you for sharing!
Comment by Debi Ward Kennedy — August 27, 2009 @ 6:01 pm
Hi Irene!
What a neat post! I love the sweet glimpses of life at the Studios…and this one is particularly poignant…LOVE the beautiful drawings as well as the “backstage pass” that lets us know your kids and grands are so welcome there! I can’t imagine a more creativity-nurturing environment than the ME Studios!! It stands to reason that one whose artwork is so graced with the the joy and wonder of children of all ages would foster such a positive work environment. You are indeed blessed! Thank you so much for making this blog posible and for sharing so freely!
Blessings,
Becky
Comment by Becky Schultea — August 27, 2009 @ 8:13 pm
What lucky children. I would love to “hang out” with such talent and in such a joyful space.
Comment by Summers Bell — August 27, 2009 @ 11:30 pm
What lucky kids to get a chance to see how fun work can be!
Comment by Sarah Dillard — August 28, 2009 @ 8:41 am
Thanks for sharing these drawings. When I was a little girl, I would watch the Little Mermaid movie over and over again. I’m brought right back to that moment . . .what nostalgia!
Comment by Lydia, CluelessCrafter — August 28, 2009 @ 1:09 pm
What wonderful drawings! Mermaids,rocketships and trees {?}. It is the best part of working for someone loving,caring and creative. I can only imagine a whole new generation of artist who are now in the stapling and shredding dept.
Happy weekend!
xo Lidy
Comment by frenchgardenhouse — August 28, 2009 @ 7:40 pm
*I* wanna go to your work, too!
The mermaid picture is just adorable. Did you see the little sand dollar over in the right bottom corner?
Comment by Sharon — August 28, 2009 @ 7:51 pm
A dream job . What an experience for the kids and grands to be inspired by all that creativity. Like growing up in the artist’s and writer’s salons of days gone by!
Comment by Pam — August 28, 2009 @ 8:08 pm
This is a lovely post!! Wish I could be a part of that lovely setting! Thanks for sharing!!!!!
Comment by maryann — August 29, 2009 @ 1:46 am
Such a lovely post! I am sure the kids will remember and cherish those days just as much if not more, than the grownups. I bet it really is a wonderful place to work!!
Comment by Deanna Reaves — August 29, 2009 @ 9:25 am
I somehow always knew that Mary was that kind of gal… valuing the best of the best: children. Thanks for sharing.
Comment by Diane — August 30, 2009 @ 6:04 am
Oh hello, fellow Irene! It is so good to know that my favorite vreative person is also a nice employer! Thanks for sharing!
Comment by Irene — August 30, 2009 @ 6:28 pm
what is sweeter than a child’s drawing? thanks so much for sharing!
xo
Comment by elyse — August 30, 2009 @ 9:55 pm
Lots of future talent there!
mary
Comment by hoganfe handmade handbag originals — August 30, 2009 @ 10:55 pm
What great art, I love child like innocence in drawings. I also see skill and great creativity. Thanks for sharing, I’m inspired to complete my new children books.
Alethea J. Brown, author
I Don’t Want To Be A “Mom” Today !!!
http://idontwanttobeamomtoday.blogspot.com/
#children books
Comment by alethea j brown — August 30, 2009 @ 11:52 pm
Word cannot express how much I miss Mary’s Home Companion magazine! So glad to have found this blog!
Comment by Liz — August 31, 2009 @ 2:54 pm
Hey Irene!!!
It’s Bridget from the old Dallas store. I just found the blog this afternoon…it’s like old times!
I still have the old valentine you gave me in my collection…I can see it right now in my valentine basket.
Take care!
Comment by bridget {bake at 350} — September 9, 2009 @ 3:12 pm
Hey Bridget! Good to hear from you! I just visited your blog. Very nice and you and your hubby look fabulous and the cookies do as well (can I place an order?). Take care and stay in touch.
Comment by Irene — September 10, 2009 @ 10:48 am