I might have to make this Tattly tattoo permanent!
Last night, we met at Kickshaws Market for an evening of letter-writing– to friends, seniors, and women at @girlslovemail. It was all to celebrate National Letter Writing month and the Write_On campaign.
Even though I prefer small groups, as in one or two people, the gathering of 15 seemed intimate. I enjoyed getting to know new friends who also love paper as much as I do!
Thanks to all for a great evening!
When I’ve spent too many nights waking to dark thoughts, tossing and turning in the wee hours, I know it’s time to write.
Often getting the words on paper is all I need. I suppose that’s why I love printing so much. Whether it’s a powerful quote or an affirmation for a friend, the cards and prints make me feel more at peace with the world.
Today I received a love card in the mail from a friend from Turks and Caicos. It told me she was thinking of me– and of our time together. That’s also why I’m excited about our Write On evening, a chance to celebrate Letter Writing Month. On the 17th, we’ll gather at Kickshaws Market in Fredericksburg to write letters– to friends, senior citizens, or even women going through breast cancer treatment. Doing this as a group allows connections that we need so much these days. And knowing that someone will get a card in the mail just as I did today makes me happy.
All you have is now, this moment to make someone feel good. And I know you’ll feel better about yourself and the world, too.
…the less I sleep
…the more I worry
…and the more aches appear
But I haven’t stopped loving to learn.
The thing about letterpress printing is each time I ink up the press, I have something I need to figure out. Maybe it’s the paper. Is the ink too cold? What about the packing? Is that metal letter chipped? Why is it printing more on one side than the other?
At first, I feel frustration rising. And then I remind myself: you got this. I take some time and figure out what the problem is, and then…. Ta da! I love the feeling of success, too! I wish I’d discovered this early in my life. But I’m going to enjoy the time I have left with it.
Before the arthritis kicks in too much. #gettingoldhurts
I do love a good quote, especially when I am looking for some non-cheesy Valentine’s Day cards to print or send. This one does it for me.
I mixed a bright pink with a little black to come up with this shade of purple– I like it!
Now that I’m back at LibertyTown Arts sharing Lynette’s studio, I have a place to display some of my prints. So, if you are local, please do stop by and say hello!
Beginning again.
If I look back at this blog, I’ll bet I would find that phrase a hundred times.
Ok, maybe I’m exaggerating, but it’s got to be a lot. I seem to “begin again” often, which is not a bad thing. In fact, I love beginnings. When I taught, my favorite month was September, a chance for all of us- students, teachers, and staff– to do everything better. January always gives me a time to pause and reflect, which is where I am right now.
So, what’s new? Well, I am making a physical move of sorts. I’m moving one of my small presses into a space at LibertyTown Arts again. I’ve missed the connections wit friends and customers. Also, I’m adding a foiling machine to my collection. This will enable me to foil cards and other items, something I’ve wanted to try for a while. And finally, I can’t wait to try one of my Christmas presents– a 3D printer! I know I can letterpress print with a 3D print, and I’ve wanted to try it myself.
This week is a reflecting, cleaning, and organizing time for me. But come January, I’ll be playing, printing, and sharing again.
Photo on Best Running