JOY

Today was one of my very favorite calligraphy days ever. I love making things and giving them as gifts. It is sort of the same way I feel when I’m knitting something for someone. I think about the joy of that exchange. Sharing gifts, especially those I have created.

The project today was finishing up this set of nametags that I made for the staff at Las Lajas. One day, during my last visit there in January, as I was sitting at a table in the restaurant/bar, Doris, one of the wait staff, stopped and chatted with me as I wrote. I told her that I was going to make them all nametags, and she provided me with the names.

What made it even more rewarding was the fact that I had to make my own gold ink. I thought I had a bottle here, and I do, but it’s empty. I took the plunge and mixed watercolor from a tube along with water to make it runny enough to flow. Another first: I “loaded the nib” with a paintbrush, instead of dipping it into the ink. It took just a little getting used to. Unfortunately, I have no idea of the wearability of this paint. In any event, the nametags will be covered with plastic.

Barbara and I are planning a trip there from March 17-19. I’m looking forward to sharing them.

I was listening to Julia Louis Dreyfus’ podcast today. She was interviewing Fran Lebowitz. One thing that made me happy was hearing Leibowitz say, “If someone says they love the process of writing, they are probably not very good writers.” I don’t have to force trying to love it. I also have a nice little break from the “deadline” feeling. Kathie is off next Friday, so I have two weeks to produce the next 20 pages. Love these breaks. That’s when I can do calligraphy.

I’m also happy that the auction is finished, and my watercolor paper is here, Soon, I’m going to start making cards again.