Linda Richeson's Birthday

BIRTHDAY PARTY FOR

LINDA RICHESON

Today was very special. Today we celebrated Linda Richeson's Birthday (Jack's Wife) with a small family gathering in our conference room at lunch. With all the craziness of running a family business, sometimes the best time to get together is at the office! With that in mind we invited Linda to stop by the office when she ran errands today.

As she pulled into the parking lot, family gathered in the conference room. Candles were lit and when Linda walked in, everyone sang Happy Birthday. It is wonderful, in the midst of the craziness of a friday, to be able to take a few moments, gather together and celebrate.

Monday, Linda heads out to Britain to see her grown children and their family's. She has grandchildren near London from her daughter Louise and husband Simon. Up near Leeds, her son Duncan and wife Viv are expecting twins any day!

Happy Birthday Linda!

FRIENDS AT ART OF THE CAROLINAS

Left to Right

BRENDA MATTSON, STEVE QUILLER,

ROCKY ALEXANDER

Art of the Carolinas wrapped up on Sunday afternoon in North Raleigh, NC. The event was busy and offered over 40 instructors teaching a WIDE range of classes. I was blessed to work with three of great folks. Rocky Alexander is a NC resident. She teaches a variety of classes and workshops in NC. It was an amazing experince to have her demonstrating in the Richeson booth for three days. She taught me amazing things about our Richeson Oils I did not know!

Stephen Quiller flew in from Creede Colorado to teach Thursday, Friday, Saturday and Sunday. Steve is an amazing instructor and an incredible painter. The students ALWAYS rave about his classes. Over the four days he taught watercolor, watermedia, use of color and casein. I truly hated to say good bye to our friend at the end. However, I know as much as Steve loves teaching, he was REALLY excited about going home to Creede and an early snow!

Brenda Mattson taught classes all four days also. Brenda does work with pastel that most painters only dream about! In addition Brenda taught a collage class and mixed media class. It has been exciting watching Brenda expand her teaching into the other areas! In between classes Brenda helped me in the booth. I truly don't know what I would have done without Brenda's help in the booth!

If you get a chance to attend this show next year we would love to see you!

Art of the Carolinas Event

Steve Quiller Teaching Watermedia at

Art of the Carolinas

This week I have been in North Carolina at preparing for the Art of the Carolinas Show. For anyone who is not familiar with this event, it is a great way to take classes and see what's new in Art Materials.

My good friend Stephen Quiller is here this week teaching a variety of classes over a four day period. We tease him and refer to him as "The Maestro". He truly is an amazing painter and teacher. My dream is to one day have the time to take classes from Steve instead of always being a spectator.

To learn more about Steve and his work go to www.quillergallery.com

Art of the Carolinas Show

Another week on the road. I am quickly learning that a once a week post on the Blog is more realistic than daily!!! Tomorrow I leave for Charoltte NC. I visit customers and have the joy of visiting in the evening with my brother David's family.

David is not part of the family business. Some days I think it shows HE is the smart one!

Wednesday I head to Raleigh for the Art of the Carolinas Show. If you happen to be in the Raleigh area, consider stopping in Friday, saturday or Sunday to see. us. We are the the North Raleigh Hilton.

My good friend Steve Quiller will be teaching classes in water media. Still plenty of time to register! He is an amazing instructor.

Hope to see you there!

JACK'S 77TH BIRTDAY PARTY

GETTING READY TO BLOW OUT THE CANDLES!

This week was special. We celebrated my dad - Jack's 77th birthday with a small family gathering. Now you must remember that with the Richeson's, even a small family gathering is usually 20 or more. This night was no different.

Hard to believe Jack started in the Art Materials business when he was only 16 years old. That's 61 years ago! The industry has changed in more ways then you can imagine in that time. Still I can't think of a single person in this industry with as much knowledge on Artist Materials as my dad.

If you are ever curious about what the industry looked like in the 1950's...you must get a copy of his book -"Confessions of a Brush Peddler". It is truly an amazing read!

NEW!!! Richeson Oil Mediums

Richeson Oil Mediums and Richeson Oils

Just got images from our art department today on the packaging for our Richeson Oil Mediums. If you have never had an opportunity to try them, I am confident you will be pleased! These mediums are the perfect partner for the Richeson Oils introduced in August this year. The positive feedback has been exciting for everyone here!

One note on the Oils...if you get frustrated by the oil at the top of New tubes of color, you will be thrilled with the Richeson Oils. We allow the color to rest for between 60 and 120 days after milling. This allows for maximum absorbtion of the oil into the pigment. After "resting" for an appropriate period of time, we test the oils, remove any excess oil and remill if needed before tubing, bringing artists only the best of the best!

Call us at 800/233-2404 for a dealer near you!

Learning and Product Expo Set Up Day

TRADE SHOW SET UP

Thursday was Set Up day for the Pasadena Learning and Product Show. It always amazes me how things look before all the booths are set up and ready for the artists. It looks like an impossible task! There is skid after skid of product waiting for the vendors to transform the space into a beautiful high energy store for the artists to shop.

This particular event has a long history in Pasadena. Started in the late 1970's by the Blacher Brothers. At that time the show was known as Tools of the Trade. The purpose of the show was to give artists a chance to try and experience product they may not be familiar with.

Tomorrow - pictures of the show after set up,

Pasadena Here I Come!

This past two weeks has been insane! Back to School is in full force for our dealers.....Tensions are high as we work to improve our dealer services to new heights of excellence.

In the midst of this, the Fall Teacher State Art Ed conferences are now in full swing. My brother Mike and Debbie in Sales are on the road until Thanksgiving. Steve just returned from an amazing event at Savannah College of Art (More on this soon), and I just landed in a wet and cool S. California(Dog gone it! I was hoping for sun!)

Oh yeah! I can't forget Jack (my dad) and Linda! They are in Newport Beach area for the National Watercolor Society annual event......which I understand was incredible!

The economy has meant doing more with less. We are travelling more, working later at night so we can get done what we would have done during the day. This next 12 monbths looks to be challenging but exciting. In talking with dealers yesterday....we all take a step back....touch our skin and realize...WE HAVE SURVIVED!!!!

As reports that economic recovery us starting but slow.....we are all still here. We have life to fight again another day!

NEW - KINSTLER MEDIUMS - NEW!!!!!

KINSTLER ALKYD and STUDIO PAINTING MEDIUMS

A number of years ago I had the honor of meeting one of today's greatest living portrait painters. It is a name I am sure many of you know...Everett Raymond Kinstler. The event was the third annual Art of the Portrait Conference. I was working the booth when a hush came over the room. In swept a man who is bigger than life. You instantly knew you were in the presence of greatness! My Dad - Jack had known Ray for sometime and brought me over for a personal introduction. It was an honor I will never forget.

A few years later, I had the privlege of visiting Ray's studio on Grammercy Park with my dad. It was an experience that defies explaination. To see a studio of Everett Raymond Kinstler.....AWESOME!!!!!!

To think that now our company has available Alkyd and Studio Painting mediums under the Kinstler name is truly exciting. For more information or to find out where you can purchase, please e-mail me at colleen@richesonart.com

PARTIAL BIO -

EVERETT RAYMOND KINSTLER is a native New Yorker who began his career at age 16, drawing comic books and hundreds of book and magazine illustrations, as well as covers for paper back books. As one of the "golden age" era of comic book artists, his illustrations for magazines, including The Shadow and Doc Savage, have influenced the pop art school.

Mr. Kinstler has painted more than 50 cabinet officers, more than any artist in the country's history. Six Presidents--Richard Nixon, Gerald R. Ford, Jimmy Carter, Ronald Reagan, George H. W. Bush and Bill Clinton have posed for him. His portraits of Ford and Reagan are the official White House portraits.

Mr. Kinstler is currently painting the official mayoral portrait of former NYC Mayor Rudolph Giuliani. Recently complete portraits include Sen. Robert Dole for the U.S. Senate; Neil Rudenstine, former president of Harvard University; Judith Rodin, former president of the University of Pennsylvania; and Donald Trump.

For Mr. Kinstlers complete Bio go to - http://www.everettraymondkinstler.com/

LIFE IN THE FAST LANE

UK ON SATURDAY

MARATHON ON SUNDAY!!!!

I suspect when most people think about "Life in the Fast Lane", they are thinking Fast Cars, lost of money, and parties. When you are involved in a family business, life in the fast lane takes on an ENTIRELY different meaning!

Saturday morning I was gazing out a Hotel window in the UK....at 2:30pm I boarded an overseas flight for Minneapolis. I got home about 10pm Saturday night. Sunday Morning at 5:15 am we were headed for the Fox Cities Marathon where my husband Greg and I did a 13.1 mile walk and my son Scott(pictured with us above) did a 26 mile run. This is MY life in the fast lane.

In a family business you sometimes can't just walk out the door at 5pm...sometimes work overflows into the evening and weekends.....still to keep life in order and meaningful, Family and those issues in life one is passionate about MUST have a Priority. Sometimes that means a smidge less sleep and a craziness at times. It is a balance I often fail to achieve but know deep in my heart must be strived for.

I am grateful for the craziness.....thankful for family and that in a crazy world, we have work!

MAKING PROFESSIONAL WATERCOLOR PAPER

THE PROCESS

The visit to the Mill that makes our paper was amazing. Although I had seen it before, l learn something new with each visit. The images above give you just a glimpse of the process. The top image shows all the ingredients being broken down in a large VAT. The middle image shows the process a bit down the line as the newly formed paper is being heat dried. As the paper moves along the rollers the heat intensifies. The bottom image shows the paper coming off the machine The cream colored surface is the felts that give the papers their amazing surface.

The Papers made for Richeson are "Mould Made Papers". This process creates a paper as close to hand made as psossible without being hand made. The lifting ability and strength of this paper is phenomonal....another great feature is the paper does not emit an order when wet.

If you are interested in more information on the Mould Made papers offered at JRC please e-mail me at

colleen@richesonart.com.

PAPER MILL VISIT

WATER INLET FROM THE RIVER AXE

Today was a fantastic day! I spent the day at the Mill that produces our Premium Watercolor papers. If you had asked me when I was 25 if I would enjoy spending a day at a factory, I would most likely have looked at you as if you had lost a few marbles. Today I LOVE exploring the factories we use for our specialized product!

This day was a day of learning! The picture above is from a small inlet that draws water from the River Axe. This particular river is especially suited to making non alkeline papers for the fine art market due to the mineral deposits in the water from the Limestone located in the Mendip Hills. It is from these Hills, the river obtains run off containing mineral deposits

More tomorrow on other stages of the paper making process!

ON THE ROAD AGAIN

BEAUTIFUL WELLS ENGLAND

Yesterday I left home for beautiful Wells England. Seems like I was just in this part of the world! Oh yeah! I was!!!!! After being home for a little over a week from our Scotland workshop an opportunity presented itself for me to visit our paper mill and attend a Printmaking Conference in Bristol England. I arrived in London this morning and drove to wells.

The pictures above are from this classic medevial style town. The Cathedral in Wells is known arounf the world. I love walking the grounds and enjoying the trip back in time. The last picture is from the courtyard of my hotel. You can almost imagine ladies walking in long gowns and horses tied near by.

Tomorrow I will post some images from the tour of the papermill.

NEW! ECO FRIENDLY GESSO SLUDGE!!!!

f GESSO RESPONSIBLY!

100% Recycled Waste Pigments!!!

Here it is! Hot off the Presses! This Cool exciting new product has not even hit OUR shelves yet. Our first order is due in two weeks. We are excited beyond belief!! Tri-Art of Canada produces this HIGH quality gesso from 100% recycled waste pigments remaining from runs of acrylic production. Instead of disposing of the "waste", the material is used to manufacture a VERY high quality "Green Product". The end result is an amazing gesso with more pigment solids!

The Gesso Sludge will always be made to a neutral shade of grey. Colors will vary from batch to batch. Call our office at 800/233-2404 to learn which dealers are climbing on the early roll out. I am convinced once you try this product you will never want anything else.

THOUGHTS ON A CRAZY WEEK

ST ABBS HEAD

SCOTLAND

If you have been following the blog you know I recently returned from a few weeks in the Scottish Highlands with Maggie Price's Pastel Workshop. Like most folks after an extended time away from the office, chaos reins at my desk. Everyone who has ever taken a vacation or had to travel away for business knows, life does not stop because you are away.

The bills pile up, the list of calls to return has grown to unbelievable lengths, and life has gone on in our absence. This week has been full of tying up loose ends for the upcoming Learning and Art Expo in Pasadena, preparing for 6 other upcoming trade shows, introductions of new product....all on a deadline.

As I was on a call, my cell was ringing, a line of staff stood at my desk and I hear the page overhead for me to call another department on an urgent issue. As the dust began to settle, I poured myself a cup of hot tea, pulled a Shortbread from my recent trip from the desk drawer, closed my eyes and dreamed about my trip next year back to Scotland. The image above of the Pirates cove area near St Abb's Head in Scotland is one of my very favorite places in Scotland.

If all goes well, Maggie will be taking a group there next year. Dreaming a little dream goes a long way to settling a stressed mind and body on a day like today. Consider joining Maggie in St. Abbs for the real thing in September 2010.

OUR LAST 24 HOURS IN SCOTLAND

COACH DRIVER GRAHAM AND BILL CANRIGHT
DINNER THE LAST NIGHT

It has been a week since I have been able to post anything. Unfortunately the trip back, jet lag and the Labor Day weekend all played a part in keeping me from my appointed task! I returned to the office on Tuesday after the Holiday weekend to a stack of work and e-mails that I suspect require 24 hours a day for a month to weed through (Ok..Richeson's exaggerate!).

Our last evening in Scotland as you can see from a previous Blog we were treated to a Piper bringing in the Haggis and making the Traditional Scottish Address to the Haggis. The pictures I have posted above are from a couple of our tables at the last night dinner.

Last is a picture of Maggie's Husband Bill and our Faithful Coach driver Graham. Graham was great...always on time and ever patient...he would go where few coaches are ever asked to go....places such as Sma'Glen in the Highlands covered with heather...just so a bunch of dedicated pastelists could experience something most only dream of.

Maggie is looking at coming back to Scotland in 2010 and working in the coastal fishing Village of St Abbs. Follow this blog and her web site to the right for details as they are available. This is a trip you won't want to miss!

LAST NIGHT IN SCOTLAND

PIPER

ADDRESSING THE HAAGIS

THE 2009 WORKSHOP GROUP

Last night was so much fun! At 1:30pm yesterday afternoon we started packing up all the painting gear for shipment back to the U.S. Painters came into our staging room in groups of four where we carefully packed up all the painting supplies. After 10 days in Scotland and lots of gifts to hand cary home I think everyone was thrilled they did not need to cpoe with getting gear on a plane on top of it all.

At 5:30pm we all met in the bar for a last night drink before dinner. At 6:00pm our Piper Stewart piped the goup into dinner in traditional Scottish style! One could not help but have goosebumps as the Piper played traditional Scottish music and the group followed through the hotel to the dining room.

After "Starters" (appetisers) the Piper returned with the chef who carriers the Haggis. The Piper marched the chef around the room as all stood in awe and paid tribute to the Haggis. Upon depositing the tray with the Haggis on a specially laid out table the Piper and the Chef toasted the Haggis with a "Wee Dram of Whiskey" then proceeded to address the Haggis with a traditional Scottish "Address to the Haggis" by Robert Burns.

Before retiring to bed we had a group photo. Unfortunately we were missing Jack & Linda Richeson, Anne, and Annette all who could only be with the group for part of the trip.

It was off to finish packing and an early night for all as the coach would be heading to the airport at 6:30am.

Kenmore Hotel Staff

RECEPTION DAY STAFF

The staff at the hotel in Kenmore has been amazing. Anything we need is their pleasure to provide. I encorage anyone traveling in the area to stop and spend the night.

GLAMIS CASTLE

BEAUTIFUL GLAMIS CASTLE

THATCHED COTTAGE IN THE VILLAGE OF GLAMIS

OUR PRAYING COW

Today was a wonderful day. The weather was forcast to be iffy so most decided to take sketch books and semi hard pastels. Surprisingly the weather was much better than expected. On arrival most of us toured the castle and then took a Tea Break.

While many went to sketch I took a walk into the Village of Glamis where I was delighted to find the Thatched Cottage pictured above. It is a treat to find a Thatched Cottage in Scotland. Typically most of the Thatched Cottages are found more towards the South of England.

Just before the coach departed to head back for Kenmore some of us took a few moments to visit with the Highland Cattle. I was especially delighted to find the Praying cow above!!!

Tomorrow is pack up day!

MAGGIE PRICE AND BILL CANRIGHT IN SCOTLAND

MAGGIE AND BILL AT THE KENMORE HOTEL

Mornings are a great time here in Scotland. Maggie and Bill were both excited about ou prospects of a day at Glamis Castle. But breakfast come first! Everyone in the group looks forward to the breakfast buffet.

It has been such a treat having typical Scottish breakfast items available each day. The porridge is a special treat as is the mushrooms and broled tomatoes. I know that may sound strange unless you've tried it....but somehow here in Scotland it is just right! Remember to check out Maggie's blog on her web site for more updates on the workshop.

SCOTTISH MORNING BY THE FIRE

MONDAY MORNING BY THE FIRE

My mornings have typically started right here! This is the fire by reception. I check my e-mail and update the blog before the group are down for breakfast each day. Hard to believe tomorrow is the last full day!

RED SQUIRREL WARNINGS!!!!!!!

HOW BIG ARE THOSE RED SQUIRRELS!!!!!

The first time I ever visited this part of Scotland I noticed signs alerting travelers to watch for Red Squirrels. The explaination point on the Red edged sign made me laugh. I could only imagine Squirrels the size of Elephants threatening to crush my car.

The locals explained to me the squirrels are endangered and the signs are to caution drivers to take care and not run over the squirrels darting across the road. Still, I can't help but smile every time I pass a Red Squirrel sign and see visions of squirrels the size of elephants threatening to crush my car.

Painting Heather in the Highlands

PAINTING HEATHER IN SMA'GLEN

Today was classic "PleinAire 101" ... Adjust your schedule to work with the weather. Since our arrival the weather has been one of our biggest challenges. We have seen more rain and blustery weather than I remember seeing EVER at this time of year in Scotland.

We were scheduled to be painting on the grounds of Glamis Castle(Today/Sunday). About 8:30pm last night as we were finishing dinner several of us came to the realization that our weather on Monday which was the day scheduled to paint the Heather in the Highlands was forcast to be rainy and blustery. Unfortunately that would NOT work for painting Sma' Glen.

Quickly we made a decision to flip flop the two days as Sunday(today) our Glamis Castle day was forcast to be pleasant, bright and sunny. A flurry of activity followed...could we confirm the coach would have a toilet (essential in the wild), what would we do about lunches (none were ordered as we planned to eat at the castle), could we rebook the Glamis Castle painting day?

With a lot of team work (our group is great) we decided to plunge forward and make the switch happen. While the day was not bright and sunny, and warm was NOT the word most of us would use, it has been an incredible day. The pictures above do not even begin to capture the beauty of what we saw. In spite of battling cold and grey the group produced some amazing work.

Tomorrow..on to Glamis Castle!

VISIT to the SMALLEST DISTILLERY IN SCOTLND

ARTISTS ENJOY EDRADOUR DISTILLERY TOUR

It is hard to believe today is Saturday the 29th. The group arrived in Kenmore on the 23rd. The workshop ends on September 2nd. Already everyone is talking about how the time has just been flying by. Today was painting around the local area. After spotty weather we were excited to see prospects of sunshine for most of the day.

The area around the hotel offers so many different painting sites. The really cool thing about painting so near the hotel is if we do get a shower everyone can easily pop back in the Hotel for a break.

A small group of our folks took a few houres today to visit the very exclusive Edradour Distillery. This special place has the distinction of being the smallest Distillery in Scotland. Although I have been on the tour several times, I never tire of it.

Well, off to bed! Tomorrow is an exciting new day.

FREE DAY AT THE WORKSHOP

TRAIN TO EDINBURGH and a VISIT TO "THE FRINGE"

Friday was our Free Day. This is the day our artist guests have free to paint, sightsee, or just wander and enjoy the countryside. I took a small group on the train to Edinburgh to enjoy the city. Many had arrived early and seen the city before the workshop started. Those folks stayed back and enjoyed the hotel and local sites. Some painted with Maggie and took advantage of some extra instruction.

The group that headed with me to Edinburgh on the train had a BEAUTIFUL day. One enjoyed the museums in the city. Some visited old friends and others toured the city. The city was alive with excitement. The Festival had just come to an end and "The Fringe" is nearing an end.

I had a GREAT time. When I was in school I dreamed of going to Edinburgh. At 17 I had an opportunity of a lifetime to spend three months with family in England. Knowing of my desire to see Scotland, my little English Grandmother took me by bus from the south of England to Scotland so I could see the country and city I had dreamed of. Ever since then Edinburgh has held a special place in my heart.

My daughter Mandie was blessed to spend a semester of studies at Dalkeith near Edinburgh when she was in college. She shares that special feeling about Edinburgh. I was so excited to be at the fringe I called her from a phone kiosk to share the day with her. If you have never travelled here, I would encourage you to put this on your bucket list!

PAINTING AT BLAIR CASTLE

Maggie and the Artists Setting up to

Paint By the Creek

Today was our day to paint at the famous Blair Castle. After two days of dodgy weather we were grateful for dry and cloudy! The grounds are amazing and the castle is incredible.

At 2pm those who wished to take a break from painting took a run on the coach to The House of Bruar for a mini shoping trip. Part of the cool thing at the House of Bruar is the section like the Food Hall at Harrods. Also behind the shopping area is a hiking path up to the Falls of Bruar. Some of our folks headed up that way to stretch their legs.

We got back to the Kenmore Hotel about 5pm. Maggie did a quick critique. After that I grabbed my computer and here I sit in the Lobby by the fire waiting for dinner. Life is Good!

KILLIN, SCOTLAND

FLOWERS,FLOWERS AND MORE FLOWERS!

The scenery here is an artist's dream. The little shop above was just down the road from where the group was painting yesterday at the Falls of Duchart. Everywhere you look there is an opportunity for a Masterpiece.

Today was really an exercise in patience for our artists. Unfortunately the remants of Hurricane Bill crossed Scotland resulting in heavy gusts of wind and blowing rain. The day was not lost however. Maggie worked with the group in a large open room made avaiable to us by the hotel. It was a great opportunity for teaching and learning!

Tomorrow we are at Blair Castle. I am going to bed dreaming about the prospects of sun!

MAGGIE PRICE DEMO AT FALLS OF DUCHART

Maggie Demo's on Our First Day Out in the Field

Today was our Painting Day at the beautiful Falls of Duchart. The day started promisingly with bright sunshine. After a great breakfast, everyone grabbed their painting gear, boarded the bus and headed for the Falls.

After taking the gear off the bus, Maggie did a wonderful demo. From their things got VERY interesting!!!! The artists set up and began to paint. The first 45 minutes were good. Then the sky started to spit rain. Then the spitting got heavier.....then heavier.

About then Maggie suggested a break for lunch. Some brought sack lunches, others had a great Pub Lunch. Unfortunately the rain kept starting and stopping...never long enough to pick back up where we atarted so we called it a day. Fortunately we made it back to the hotel early enough some could continue painting in the hotel for the couple of hours before dinner

OUR ARTIST'S SCOTLAND HOME

KENMORE HOTEL

KENMORE SCOTLAND

Yesterday (Sunday) we picked up the group by coach from the Edinburgh Airport. Many of the group arrived early and spent some time visiting the city and surrounding area. Maggie Price, Bill Canright and myself positioned ourselves in the International Arrivals area at 10:30am. By noon we had all but two of our painters accounted for.

Unfortunately, two of our folks had missed stateside connections resulting in missing their overseas flight. After a little bit of digging and with some help from the airlines we found out they were booked to come in Monday morning.

Once we knew all were accounted for, we headed to Kenmore to settle the group in. Arrival day is always an "easy" day. Everyone rests up and we meet for drinks on the house in early evening before enjoying a great Welcome Dinner.

Just a little bit about our hotel. It was established in 1576. That is almost unimaginable in U.S. terms! Britain has very strict rules on how historic properties can be updated. Imagine a warm fire in the lobby, multiple levels with little nooks and crannies. Each guestroom with it's own teapot and biscuits(cookies) waiting daily! In additional to being the oldest Inn in Scotland, the hotel is also known as a place Robert Burns visited and wrote one of his famous poems!

This place is an artist dream come true! Tomorrow we paint at the Falls

PITLOCHERY SHOPPING DAY

TRADITIONAL FISH AND CHIPS

Just want to give you a "taste" of one of my favorite things we get to experience when we visit Scotland with a painting group. I absolutely LOVE Fish and Chips made the way only the Brits can do. I have been accused of negatively affecting the economy when I leave because sales for Fish and Chips significantly decrease when I leave!

Don't forget to click on Maggie's Web Site to the right. Maggie is adding even more fun stuff.