Let it Rain

I've dusted off the ole April Valentines at fourhatspress.com.

An opportunity

I've not had much reason to write here lately. A whole lot of contemplation, but without the fruits that have made it all that worthy to share. But, I'm feeling reflective this morning, remembering the ways that this blog has helped me to grab a hold of some truths that I've been fearful to look in the face. There's something about wrestling to put words to things that makes them confront-able.

The reality is that this summer will mark the two year anniversary of when (what I sometimes consider) my "real job" came to an end. My college education and the beginning of my "career' were halted and for almost two whole years since then, I've been working a silly, but fun job while learning letterpress, printing and trying to figure out my next step. It's been an adventure, and at most times, thrilling. In moments of forgotten trust in Providence, it's also been frustrating, stressful and terrifying.

I've encountered financial setbacks, and lost opportunities. I've applied to jobs, internships, residencies closeby and far away. I've teeter-tottered back and forth about moving to learn the art of letterpress from others versus staying put, getting higher paying-work and saving up towards the end of getting my own equipment to be able to learn the hard way. I've wondered what it is I really want to do, and if I have the courage to actually swallow the fear of my inadequacies and just do it.

The truth is I'm a quarter of a century old, and I have no idea what I'm doing with my life.

I come again to a cross roads where I have the choice to either cower at the unknown or rise up to challenge and beauty of the Great Perhaps. I pray for the sunny outlook I once had, the "everything to look forward to, and nothing to dread days."

I'm in a position to see the Lord not only change my external circumstances, but to see Him do something dynamic within my heart. I'm asking for wisdom, for courage, for clarity. I'm wanting to see the adventure in whatever befalls.

I remember seeing an advertisement years ago in a magazine. It was for a paint company of some sort, and pictured a couple standing in an empty white-walled room. The girl looked bright-eyed, the fella a little overwhelmed. The ad stated that when some people find themselves with a blank slate, it's daunting. For others, it's unlimited opportunity.

With supernatural assistance, I choose to see possibility in this present uncertainty.

Sitting in a Tree

Another wedding invite off the press. Check out these Pacific Northwest-inspired lovelies: my first attempt at printing on a colored paper. The orange color of the sun was slightly browned by the blue tint underneath. The impression/inking was a bit of a challenge, as there were varying stroke sizes and large areas to fill in with black ink, but overall, I'm pleased with the outcome. A fun project to work on, and a happy occasion to celebrate.

Prayers and blessings for the upcoming marriage of two more friends!

Don't let your words fall flat

Send a kind note on one of two new flat cards from four hats press!

Get em here or here.

March on Over

If you didn't get on the Calendartine train last March, it may be time to fall lucky in love with the idea that every day is Valentine-worthy. Check out March cards from four hats press here and here. Or, get them in person on over here.

Charm your body

I ran across this little book, entitled 1000 Things To Do, while sifting through an exhibit at the New York Center for the Book Arts a few weeks ago during my foray in the Big City.* For twenty or thirty pages, the book goes on with these non-related one-liners, suggestions of commendable, fun or purposeless things to do. I think I liked this page for the challenge to "Charm your body into thinking all things are possible." I can't say why this struck me. I have no idea what charming your body entails. But, for unspeakable reasons, I find it an inspiring dare. I want to figure out what it means and do it. I want to be randomly kind, brave and encouraging. I want to believe again that --though I am in my mid-twenties, that though I will soon have been out of college as long as I was in it, that though I am still floundering to figure out my life and its goal-- anything is attainable.

*By the way, I have had this song in my head off and on since I've been home. What gives?

Mulling It Over

Jumping off a giant snowball in Brooklyn's beautiful Prospect Park

I've been home from my Big Apple Adventure for just about two weeks now. I'm in partial disbelief that the whole thing ever happened. I was there for an entire week, experiencing the city under 19" + of fresh glorious snowfall. I had the chance to meet with wonderful printers, designers, bookmakers, business people and artists. I even got a peek at the craft dreamworld that is the Etsy headquarters in DUMBO. I traversed the city by foot, by bus, by subway. I ate cheaply. I sought out free cultural experiences. I went to the YMCA and to church. I took walks through the park. And when I wasn't bundled up and hustling through the gridlock, I was sitting in coffee shops, sipping and reading. And I was praying prayers and crunching actual numbers. I dreamed and then thought realistically.

It was a week filled with note-taking and observing. I asked probing questions of everyone I crossed. Where do you get your health insurance? What are some of the biggest annoyances of city living? Is the rent too damn high here?

For a week, I was caught up in the pace. And I loved it. I relished moments of silence on the subway, where I could sit and read, making great use of my travel time. I loved emerging from each underground tunnel to a new street corner, lively and with a distinct personality of its own. I loved finding people who share my love for paper goods, for printed matter. The city air, however chilly, however polluted, was intoxicating.

But here I am... home on Southern soil, warm in my cozy kitchen. The roads of this town are familiar and the days are busy. I've not had much time for the kind of thought that my week in the big city afforded me. I've thought enough to know that a move there would be hard. It would require sacrifice. It would mean distance from those I love. And these are real weights on a decision scale that swings back and forth with every minute.

I'm still praying for guidance, for direction, for more faith.