Wonderful Florida

We've had such a wonderful time visiting friends here in Southwestern Florida. Landing in Ft. Lauderdale, we picked up a very comfortable Kia Sorrento, and ventured out onto Alligator Alley. Unfortunately, it was unseasonably warm and we never saw an alligator. There were lots of birds, some that looked like kingfishers, and some tall skinny ones of different shapes and colors; ibis, stork, egret, heron? some of each? Found our way to the Inn of Naples with no trouble and were thrilled that it exceeded our expectations.

We met up with old friends Steve & Rene Puchir and Stephanie Nichols. We piled into the Kia and headed for the Puchir's so we could see their home in Naples, then headed out to Marco Island for lunch. We had a great lunch at Snook's, one of Steve & Rene's favorites, then headed over to Fifth Avenue for some retail therapy. Lots of fun shops, and Arabesque made the day for me. The owner had been a paper rep and knows pens and paper. She stocks Caran d'Ache,Montblanc, and Lamy pens, including calligraphy nibs, Brause and other wonderful inks and gorgeous papers, and Bagallinis. For me, it would be one reason to go back. After drinks at one of the outdoor areas, we brought Stephanie back to her car so she could return to Tampa, then went for supper at Foxboro Sports bar. Yes, a Florida bar & grill dedicated to all sports New England. We sat directly under poster of Jim Rice in his Red Sox days. A good end to a fun day.

wesleyan potters

Back from Odyssey for two weeks and still unpacking. Really brings 75 Septembers to mind...'does time fly. Or does it barely creep along...

It's actually happening!

Things are coming together....the store is shaping up, and the calligraphers are starting to come in. We've got lots of piles started, and the shirts are all here. So, we're good to go. Tomorrow we open at 10, and the crowds won't disappoint, I'm sure.

The weather turned very nasty, and there were downpours. Of course, in the Boston area, this meant traffic problems, and missed connections, and people needing to be picked up at the bus and train. Alls well that ends well. Long days, short nights. Life is good!

Countdown to Odyssey

I can hardly believe that what Aimee envisioned 9 years ago is coming to pass - this week! This will be my 20th calligraphy conference, and each year I marvel at the continuing friendships, the immense talent, and the generous sharing of knowledge and technique. My peeps. This group makes me feel that I could go anywhere in the U.S. and many places in the world and have a friend.

For the last 5 or so years, I have worked for Brenda or John and not taken a class. An interesting way to experience the conference - I get to see all my friends, and not have the stress of a class! This year, I'm working for John and taking Vision Quest with Sharon Zeugin. We'll be painting, journaling, doing a little lettering, and relishing to atmosphere of being with more than 300 like-minded souls.

I'm headed up to Stonehill Thursday, picking up John and Adam at the Providence airport then to campus. I'll be taking pix along the way, trying to give you a flavor of what a calligraphy conference is.