Just Call Me Mrs. Speedman

My friends were sweet enough to contact Mr. Speedman, who was kind enough to write me a few love notes for my birthday.

We'll have a fall wedding.

Re-Hatching Here

(Disclaimer: This is another Repeat Offense. If you saw this on my skirt! blog, my sincerest apologies.)

You've seen his stuff. You just may not realize you've seen his stuff.

For over a hundred years, Hatch Show Print Shop has produced iconic music posters for renowed artists all over the globe.

Click here to take a gander at some of their handiwork.

Since 1984, the Nashville-based shop has been under the direction of Jim Sherraden, whose integrity to maintain the original design and process is quite apparent. Since joining the Hatch Show team, he has not introduced any new type fonts. That would "pollute" the brand, he said during his visit to Birmingham last week.

With antique wooden stamps and well-loved ink brayers in tow, Sherraden hosted a hands-on workshop on Saturday.

I was quite fortunate to be one of the handful of participants. We were all just blown away with how generous and accessible he was, allowing for us to use these famous images to create our own masterpieces.

I went to town:

I had a big ole time. And, I was endlessly IMPRESSED with the quality and philosophy of this talented team of printers. When so many of our industries are headed digital, it is such a pleasant reminder that old is still beautiful, that handmade is better, that what worked yesterday still works today.

Remember

"Keep all God's salvation stories fresh and present." (Micah 6:5, msg)

These words were spoken to the Israelites, many years after their exodus from Egypt. It had been ages since they walked on dry land between walls of water. The taste of manna was long gone from their tongues. They had forgotten how they'd been delivered. They lost sight of the past; their vision was clouded by the present. 

Isn't it all too often that we, too, see only what is an inch in front of our faces? We fail to remember the Lord's provision. We forget what He has accomplished.

This morning, I am compelled to write here of the Lord's salvation stories -- lest I forget when the sun moves behind its next cloud. 

Today, I sit in the paddle boat of my life, casting glance towards where I've been, but rowing my boat forward. I see the tumult of days previous, but I also see the steady hand of my Father, who brought balance and peace. Today, I proclaim the story of salvation, praying that in days ahead, I won't forget. 

This is Where I'm Headed

Oh, I love love love this idea for an embroidered headboard. I'm recording it here, so that perhaps, years from now, when I'm a proud homeowner, I can bring this idea into life!

Blueberry Whaaa?

If you would've asked me a year ago, I would have told you I didn't really like blueberries. Nope, I'd have said, "Yes, I've tried them. Unless under special circumstances, I just don't care for them." If you would have asked me for my opinion on raw tomatoes, my answer would have been similar. Likewise with chicken salad, but perhaps a with a little more vehemence, I might have replied: "H no to that mayonnaisey ick."

I cannot explain the why, but I have since warmed up to each of these three tastes. Not only that, but I seem to have an insatiable appetite for them. O'Carrs has perpetuated the idea with their fruit and chicken salad plate from heaven, Pepper Place's fresh tomato offerings have wooed me with their succulence. And Florence, Italy's Acqua al Due Blueberry Steak now has me salivating in my office chair. I recreated it for Father's Day this weekend. All parties agreed (with blue-dyed mouths) that it was a fruitful choice.

Blueberry Steak

I first tasted of this decadence when I studied abroad in Italy five years ago. I was hesitant, due to the fact that I wasn't keen on steak or blueberries. But, the menu item received accolades, restaurant patrons moaned in delight and I just had to try it for myself. While nothing can conjure up that premier Italian experience, this version of the recipe was quite delicious.

2 1/2 lb NY strip steaks, approx 1 inch thick
8 oz fresh blueberries
1/4 - 1/2 cup red wine (preferably a merlot or cabernet sauvignon)
1 tbs blueberry jam
1/4 tsp -1/2 tsp cinnamon
1 sprig fresh rosemary
salt & pepper

1. Remove the steaks from the fridge to bring them to room temperature, salt and peper each side of the steak and set aside on the counter. Heat oven to broil.
2. Put blueberries and red wine in a saute pan over medium heat. Let slowly he at up to a simmer then add the blueberry jam, about a teaspoon at a time. The jam is to add some sweetness, but it's best to add it slowly and continually taste to make sure the sweeteness is to your own personal taste.
3. Lower the heat to low, add cinamon and the rosemary sprig. Let the sauce cook so that it begins to reduce and thicken, approx 10 mins.
4. For 1 inch NY strip you can either grill or broil. I chose to broil. Place steak 3-4 inches from the heat, and broil for 12 mins turning every 4 or 5 mins for medium rare.
5. Remove the rosemary sprig from the sauce. Remove the steaks from the oven and place directly in saute pan. Cover with sauce and let sit in the sauce for approx 3-5 mins. Make sure to keep the heat on low as you do not want to cook the steaks anymore.

Another Year Older...

...Another year wiser. That's how the aphorism goes, anyhow. As I near my own birthday, I have to say, I beg to differ. I seem to be Benjamin Button-ing backwards in wisdom. Countless times over the last two years (since leaving my institution of higher learning), I have found myself in the company of people who 100%, put me in my humble place.

When it comes to knowing things about my growing and changing industry, I'm a baby. Being around this guy gave me a kick in the pants (or skirt). One dimensional journalists (or humans!) are so yesterday.

When it comes to being steeped in knowledge and understanding of the Word and its implications, I'm an infant, still taking my milk from a sippy cup. My wonderful church has provided iron-sharpening fellowship, but I am no theologian. I am no servant. I need to listen far more than I ever do to speak. Watch and learn more than I ever do boast.

When it comes to relationships, I'm a failure-- a selfish and inexperienced weakling. I need not tell you that when people get in each other's faces, when lives intertwine, it is a messy and painful lot. But, I thank God for the full-length mirrors that are other people, provided to show me my sin.

When it comes to knowing myself, I'm still taking small steps. I feel like I'm in the cocoon, waiting and spinning... hopefully soon to emerge with the wings of a risk-taker. Read this beautiful book and you'll know what I'm talking about. I'm still figuring things out.

So, I am another year older. Sure. But, wiser? Quite likely not.

Hey There

So, I've been MIA for a while. Here's a snippet of what I've been busy with:

Crafting: for this, for this, for fun. 

Browsing through this paper heaven in Va. Highlands:

Well-wishing beautiful new marriages:

Seeing and yucking it up with these dear friends:

I'll be back in all my loquaciousness soon! 

A Good Long Story

Click left to enlarge and read this (courtesy of design sponge).

It's cute and fun.

I love this idea.

And while I'm not in need of a wedding invite,

in fact I can't even see that day on the far away horizon,

I still like it.

While I do hope my story isn't as long as this one, I hope it's unique and exciting all on it's own.

Forgive the mush. With three friends' weddings in 2 weeks, I've got it on the brain.

A Sweet Life

You may have noticed, oh faithful non Google Reader reader, that I've added the above icon into the right-hand rail of my blog. I behoove you to check it out by clicking there or clicking here. Not only am I one-time (hopefully soon to be more often) contributor to this beautiful site, it is a stand-alone great way to aggregate the novel ideas and thoughts of women just like you and me! (If you're a fella and you're reading this, please do check it out regardless). 

I'm JS-in*

*JS-in = Just Sayin

Farmtastic

Americus, Georgia is a treasure box. I spent a lavishly picturesque few days dowwwwn there for a weekend wedding. Interspersed with sun showers and a good deal of mud was some gloriously beautiful weather, and the just-right set up for a friend's picture-perfect ceremony. The southern landscape was soaked in photo ops around every bend. Recorded here are just a few of the eyefuls I got during my time there:

I thought I might meet my end during a couple of jeep rides through the mud of this rain-logged path. We made a few stops for muscadines, blackberries, wine and giggles on our way to "proposal point" for a sunset like I've not seen in quite some time.

Because I just can't get my fill of roadside barns.

What a lovely bunch, no?

The wedding site was strewn with wildflowers and big mama sunflowers. The grass was green and tall, the sky SO blue.

And a STUNNING bride. Congratulations Mr. and Mrs. Hart!

Yep, that's about right.

c/o lucyknisley.com
(with thanks to Erin)
Click to enlarge

Design 09, Revisited

Remember when I set out on this new year with high hopes of realizing some artsy dreams?

Well, because my God has filled my own ideas and acts of faith with His energy, because He has fully equipped me to accomplish what I set out to do, because He is faithful....

I have some big news! 

Numero Uno: I have designed a website, and it is now LIVE at www.writingherstory.com. Check it out! It's still got a few links that are "in draft," but this web space now houses my online resume as well as some of my ongoing creative processes. I stumbled upon the picture on its homepage a few months ago. The shot was taken during my last summer in Athens, right before I moved to Birmingham to begin a new life. Little was certain that summer, as I drove away from what was familiar and towards what was unwritten. I clung to the scriptural promise that my mother repeatedly prayed for me: that the favor of the Lord would rest upon me, that the works of my hands would be established. 

That was TWO years ago. I marvel at the way I have been provided for -- the people that have filled my life with their beauty, art, laughter and wisdom, and the ventures that I have found myself working in and towards. How often do we sit back and really think about the prayers we've prayed and they ways that they've been answered in unique ways? I am indebted to the God who sees me, the God who hears my voice. 

The image of the vine-covered railroad crossing has certainly come to mean something quite significant for me. I've been at a creative crossroads, grappling with the implications of finding real uses for my interests. I can remember being the little girl who used markers and paste to create Cory's Story magazine in the basement of our home. I can still see the mark of a "Cory and Co." signature cards I created for family and friends to celebrate every special occasion. Hallmark? Puh-lease. I can still hear my little girl voice answering the age-old "What do you want to be when you grow up?" question. "An artist," I'd say. So, as I embark on the next pages of my story, I remember where I stood, look ahead to where I'll go, and trust that I'm still being written into a masterful tale. 

Along those lines, my second announcement is also an exciting one. I've long been fawning over the art of letterpress. It's such a lovely marriage of new and old technologies. After Providentially meeting a generous-beyond-generous local couple, I've recently had the chance to design and press-into-print my very first product. Check my website under "herCRAFT," or visit www.corybo.etsy.com to get a looksy at my very first attempt at the letterpressed notecard. I'm quite serious about learning and growing in this art, so stay tuned!

Exciting things on the horizon, as I seize the energy offered me by the God who created me for good works!