Labor of Love, part two

"This funny thing happens when people ask where I am from... 'Mississippi,' I say. 'Oh wow!' They say. I can tell they've never seen a real live racist before. --Harrison Scott Key November's postcard is out and I am already getting responses about assumptions about the south. I received the Oxford Americans "Best of the South" issue and have been slowly reading. I want to send copies to all my friends because I think it exemplifies some of the best things about the south. With a sense of humor. But I wonder how this humor, self-deprecating as it is, such as the above passage about Mississippi, translates to those who haven't spent much time there. I want to know what other people think. I am a northern for sure, but after ten years in Louisiana, there are things I miss that I didn't understand before. I'm not going to be able to figure it out here; that is for another day in another medium.

But today is for inspiration. Some times I don't hear from friends or penpals for a while. And then my mail comes in a flood and includes a series of postcards from a friend in New Orleans, Lorraine. She also sent this awesome book about sending letters and the importance of communication. Such a good envelope to open and enjoy while I have been so tired and unsure of myself.

New postcards getting printed Friday. You will hear from me soon.

November! Hello!

October is more summer-like here than I expected but today is grey and drizzly, slowly clearing. The dust bowl of back yard has been moistened and, despite all out ignored best intentions of the hundreds of things we want to plant there, grass just up and grew. That's good. Around this house right now it is helpful to have growing things with self-determination. Unlike these cats sitting next to me, patiently waiting to be fed again. That said, it doesn't mean things don't get done. They are just not the things we mean to do.

First, I planted the second half of our herb garden--now we have 5 pots (though 2 are edible flowers--those count!).

Meanwhile, Andy made another batch of the best red beans ever. He makes dinner often but this is consistently my favorite and the only thing we can figure as his secret is his true Louisiana bloodline (back to his grandpa from Ohio, but that's another story. There is a lot of Louisiana in him).

I've been binding books and cutting covers for new datebooks. They are not specific to start on any particular date so you don't need to wait for a new year. A few weeks ago we wandered around the Mission and found all these great covers. On the inside of our home we started handing things. Like a collection of creepy animal portraits over our stove. But you'll have to come over for dinner to see that. But this nice little postcard from Travis will greet you. Hey, friends on the east coast, especially New York--hello. After spending a few storms in Louisiana while faraway friends listened to the news and worried, it was my turn. Take care, all!

This is Not the Culture Shock I Was Looking For

Espresso in the morning, now over ice, my suitcase unpacked, reorganized, repacked. The temporary housing situation continues though now I am reunited with the Storage Unit of Stuff. Unfortunately, no matter how carefully I thought I packed months ago, I am still culling shirts I never wear, shoes that don't fit,and kitchen utensils I don't want to move. Though I wake in the morning and do this for a while, I am still a bit on vacation mode. Ride a bike, listen to the radio, nap, visit friends.

Or pick elderberries from the bush that hides the door to the house and make elderberry cordial. We drank it last night, a tablespoon mixed with a glass of white wine while playing Scrabble. Incidentally, I had my highest scoring game ever. That might not be related. This was supposed to be a post to tell you I have books for sale, that postcards are on their way. Instead, this is to let you know I am putting the lag in jet lag. I am leaving for a short Baton Rouge visit and then a week in Asheville for the Ladies of Letterpress Conference, to talk to all sorts of printers about their techniques and experiences. When I get back, I should have postcards for you. Of course, I am still moving to California in a few weeks, and despite my intentions, I suspect my ambitious work plans will be subdued by "an uncooperative reality.*" While my vacation culture mode continues, I have these two photos for you. The first is a sign in an alley in Venice, one of the most magically picturesque places ever because there is no place like it. Second is from Milan, a detail of the only remaining MAC architecture projects.

See you in a week! *did you listen to this weekends' This American Life story about meeting Piers Anthony. This is what I missed in Italy.

One More Trade

I promised more. This is a lazer-cut metal piece by Kathryn Hunter of Blackbird Letterpress. This piece I received after volunteering in her shop for a few days. Now I work there sometimes, and we are working on a collaboration. I pulled the first proofs tonight--a sixty week date book made with all hand-set type. This it why I got home at midnight. If you happen to be in New Orleans this month, check out her show at LeMieux Gallery on Julia Street. It will be worth it. You can also view other work on her blog, there is a link on the right, under Blackbird Letterpress.
Also pictured are two photos taken across the river by my friend Jason , Christmas Day last year. He lives in Los Angelos now, but the original LA is still in his heart.