| Monopoly! What adult doesn't have memories of playing Monopoly with friends? Playing Monopoly with Herb Ritz, my best friend in junior high, remains one of the strongest memories from my early teens. When I was thirteen, the same age as Hanna when she created this magnificent drawing, Herb and I would sit on my bedroom floor for hours at a time playing the game. Looking at this drawing reminds me exactly where in my room we sat to play -- a little to the side of an overstuffed armchair, near my dresser, with my bed behind me. My room had triangular-shaped leaded glass windows on two sides. I can vividly recall one game we played when the light coming in through the windows was particularly beautiful. It was a blue day in Los Angeles. Light filtered through the large Pittosporum tree and camellias that were outside my bedroom's windows. Herb became a famous photographer, but unfortunately, he died young. Art is a magical thing. An evocative drawing, like Hana's, takes you places. I hadn't thought about those Monopoly games for a while. This picture reminds me how much I miss my friend. Over the upcoming holiday I am sure many of you will be playing board games with friends and family. I can think of no better inspiration for drawings of your own than this one by Hana. Note the incredible detail in every part of the drawing including the shadow of the chair projected on the carpet which makes clear that sun was streaming in through the window. If you make a drawing you love -- please send it to Emma so she can consider it for Stone Soup. New Blog PostsNew posts from our Stone Soup Bloggers have come in, and people are enjoying hearing their ideas on everything from nature to sport to sewing. Thank you, bloggers! Remember, if you want to blog for Stone Soup, go the Click here to Submit button and upload a proposal. You are not limited to fiction or poetry. Blogger Jessica Crocker has posted a Christmas felt Santa project. In Jessica's own words, "These hand sewn ornaments are easy to make and make great gifts. I cut the shapes out free-hand for mine, but there are plenty of free templates on the internet if you prefer." I have lots of red felt on hand. My daughter and I will be making this project to hang on our tree. Blogger Lucas Cooke has a thought-provoking essay "Books versus Video Games." Read Lukas' blog and join those (including me) who have already left comments to tell Lukas what you think of what he's saying. California FiresIf any of you experienced the fires up in Sonoma, Napa, and Lake Counties or are currently caught up in the fires burning from Ventura County to San Diego we hope you are all safe and well. Do please send us anything you have made (or are making) about these immense, life-changing, memory-searing events. We always want to share your photographs, drawings, stories, poems, and music, whatever they might express. Until next week, William | 
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