Grey Moggie Press

pizza + kitties + a song

this weekend was filled with kitty love (they are so cute together now), new iphones for me and the mr., lots of coffee dates, and delicious pizza at seventh hill in eastern market. the pizza was fantastic (fresh artichokes!!!) and I loved the design of the logo and menu. you can watch the chef toss pizza dough in the open kitchen, and while the pies are baking he walks around the restaurant chatting with guests. it’s wonderful. 

oh, and passing the bar. I found out from a letter in the mailbox when we got home on friday night. I was so relieved. friends were already on their way to our place for a visit, so we chilled a bottle of champagne and opened it to celebrate with then. now i'm ready for the week, armed with this fabulous little song. i love everything about it!

good mail day

today was an excellent mail day. my 1 canoe 2 calendar arrived (didn’t i say i would do some calendar shopping over the weekend?). and i got the neatest package from vero. vero is a friend from law school and similarly exploring the i-don’t-want-to-be-a-lawyer path. she is a brand new cheesemonger at the cellar in southern california and blogging about it. i love reading about her cheese adventures!

today, i got a package full of cheese stickers from her. i was thinking about what i could do with the stickers since they deserve an amazing project, and i was reminded of a passage i read earlier today. in her fearful symmetry, two of the main characters are twins who have used an old bird cage full of plastic crucifixes sitting on top of a table plastered with hello kitty stickers to decorate an otherwise entirely white room. isn’t that a striking picture to imagine? maybe i can do something similarly strange with the cheese stickers.

oh, and here’s a lovely pocketbook, also from vero. she found it in a vintage shop and gave it to me as a graduation present this spring. i love it! thank you, vero!

Spring Quote Book

I decided to capture the last few weeks of law school in a collection of funny things I heard or said around school, at home, on Twitter. Using some inspiration from Elise's Get Crafty workshop, I made some paper from a random photo I took in our back yard (it's the background paper on the photo pages of the book).

I collected my favorite, funny outbursts and typed them out on yellow paper. Then, I gathered my favorite photos from those few weeks, or some of my favorite photos of the people involved in the quotes.

I put it all together with some book rings and happy tape. And voila...a funny book to help me remember what otherwise could be a very blurry time.

What now?

Kara, me, and Jessie at The National show.

The month of May was an absolute whirlwind. There were exams, THE PAPER OF DOOM, and graduation. My parents and in-laws were visited. I had girls' lunches and more than a few shopping trips while we tried to enjoy that small window of freedom between the end of law school and the beginning of bar review.

Dan, Jessie, Kara, Eric, Chris, Annabel, and Tim outside 930 Club for The National show

So that's what's now. I'm studying for the DC bar exam.  I go to class in the morning, study in the afternoon, and I study at night. I'm making flashcards, taking practice multiple choice exams, and writing practice essays until the end of July.

Steph and I eating yogurt and playing Mario Bros. at Mr. Yogato.

I've also got some projects brewing for the summer. In fact, I'm working on invitations for two different weddings. When I get a little farther along on them I'll share photos. For now, I'm sharing photos of these last few fun-filled weeks.

Jon, Jessie, Ryan, me, and Whit celebrating pre-graduation on the waterfront.

Thank you, Month of May for bringing it. See you next year and welcome to June. 

Goodbye, Law School; Hello, Funny Hat

I graduated from law school over a month ago, so this post is way overdue. However, on Monday my last grade was posted so I guess it's only been official for a couple days. Law school is over!

Reading for fun!

After I finish up with exams (so close, so close) I have a little over three weeks off before my bar exam prep class starts up. I have a few projects (some creative, some academic) whose loose ends need tying up, I'll be working part time, and graduation with all of its attendant parties falls within those three weeks, but I'm going to make some time for reading, too.

Here's a list of books I've picked up recently:

The Fun-Reading-Awaits-Me List
White Tiger by Aravind Adiga
Netherland by Joseph O'Neill
This is Water, by David Foster Wallace (capturing a commencement speech he delivered in 2005)
All Souls by Christine Schutt
Olive Kitteridge by Elizabeth Strout (just picked up the Pulitzer)
A Plague of Doves by Louise Erdrich

By the way, it's 90 degrees outside right now! Spring wouldn't just up and pass us by, would it? Summer isn't here yet, right? If so, I am in drastic need of a haircut because there is no way my split ends are going to stand up to summer humidity right now.

Also, I've been up since some really early hour this morning and went to bed at 3am. I think. These outlines are killing me. Anyway, the lack of sleep and the heat are getting to me and I need a nap. Back to outlines later...

murky music

I've spent a ridiculous number of hours at Murky Coffee's Arlington shop in the last three years.  This last semester, I loved studying there on Saturday nights during the hours leading up to closing time. I loved watching people head out for the nigh, and enjoyed the space more and more as it got later and quieter. I'd get a head start on my work for the week, enjoy some quiet time, and fill up on caffeine so I could head out for dancing or hanging out with friends later in the night. 

The Arlington shop closes later this week, so tonight was my last quiet, productive, Murky kind of Saturday night. Leaving there tonight had more of an effect on me than leaving my last class ever on Thursday, though perhaps it was because I was walking into a downpouring thunderstorm. Here's the music that kept me company during my last Murky Saturday.

Spring 2009 Exam Playlist
Rain...Bishop Allen
Dog Days Are Over...Florence and The Machine
South China Moon...Bishop Allen
When Life Gives Me Lemons I Make Lemonade...The Boy Least Likely To
Natural Man...Harlem Shakes
A Balloon On a Broken String...The Boy Least Likely To
Maurine...Say Hi
Technicolor Health...Harlem Shakes
TFO...Harlem Shakes
Nothing But Change, Pt. 1...Harlem Shakes
Either/Or...Wild Sweet Orange
Sunlight...Harlem Shakes
Angel, Won't You Call Me?...The Decemberists
O Valencia!...The Decemberists
Running Out...Mates of State
Losing Streak...Eeels
Live it Out...Metric
Gimme Sympathy...Metric
Sick Muse...Metric
Stadium Love...Metric

I must get myself to Paper Source. Today.

Elise posts that Arturo is on sale at Paper Source. Now. I've already crossed "go to dentist" off my list this morning, as well as, "pick up one million books about design and type at the library," so I think a trip to Paper Source on my way to the studio is a good reward for getting things done.

Stationery from my last studio day.

I'll be working on some volunteer projects at the studio today and printing a few fun projects tomorrow. Spring Break, I love you.

Speaking of love, Mr. Moggie is blogging again at Red Wattle. Here's the new banner I made that he requested for his birthday.

Thank you, thank you

Fall semester exams got the better of me this year. My last day of class and my last exam were so far apart that by the time the last exam rolled around I was exhausted, I had missed all pre-holiday celebrations, and all I wanted to do was fly to Maine and sleep, read, and eat for days (which I did). I made holiday cards earlier in the season and even with Mr. Moggie helping to add the finishing touches, I resigned myself to the fact that they would be late. Then all that sleeping and eating and reading got in the way and we did away with holiday cards altogether for 2008.* 

Not only did I do away with holiday cards,** I've also found myself behind on thank you cards which I feel is entirely unacceptable. I have a growing list of folks who deserve a thank you for being so sweet in the last couple months.*** The idea for this card had been brewing in my head for a while so the last time I was in the studio I printed several copies of it. I've already sent four!

I put a few up in the shop so if you find yourself a little late in sending a thank you message please pick one up; it should do the trick.

* We are hoping to reach everyone who would have gotten a holiday card from us, however, with a letter or card at some point during 2009.
** For the first time since 1998.
*** Yes, I am a couple months behind on thank you cards.

Missed Connections

So I post every day for a month, and then for a few more days. And then nothing, NOTHING, for a whole week. I've been studying. And drinking coffee. And outlining my study notes. And drinking Mountain Dew. Seriously, being a law student is very exciting.

I'm popping my head back into the blogosphere to share this cute print. Very Small Array has compiled the most common place for Craigslist Missed Connections for each state (like Metro in DC, Subway in New York, and Hooters in Texas - huh?) and put it on this map. How cool?

image from Very Small Array (via District, Schmistrict)

And now back to my regularly scheduled caffeination project. Catch you on the other side of exams, but I'm hoping for sooner!

Woot!

I made it through November and I blogged every day! Yay me!! Now, I'm in full blown final exam hibernation mode. I will come out of hibernation to get a few hours of sleep each day, for well-balanced meals until my appetite devolves into just a desire to eat Doritos and drink Mountain Dew as quickly as possible, for a few hours at the studio tomorrow to finish up some custom orders, for a few minutes each day to update my December book, and to celebrate Mr. Moggie's birthday next Saturday.

Last week, when I was still allowed to procrastinate with fun, silly things, I took a trip to Paper Source with a sweet friend who was visiting. She wanted holiday card supplies; I wanted labels. I walked out with labels, and also a few pretty sheets of paper, some new rubber stamps, and some free note cards they were giving away with purchases. There were 10 note cards and I've used them all to catch up on my correspondence project.

One evening last week, when I was still recovering from the off-and-on cold and was too sick to do homework, but not tired enough for bed, I worked on this Curbly project. It was super easy, but a bit time consuming to cut out all of the teardrops. I think my cutouts could have been a little (or much) larger, therefore requiring fewer to fill up the page, and that would have saved some time. I'm going to pick up some frames when I'm on break in a few weeks and hang these colorful designs on the wall above Mr. Moggie's dresser. There used to be a constant pile of clothes on the dresser hiding the now-blank wall. I'm hoping to put something in place before the pile makes a comeback!

I've got big plans for the few weeks I have off between exams and the start of spring semester (my last!!!).  (1) I'd like to take a look at this book, Printing by Hand, read Outliers, Bridge of Sighs, and Shakespeare's Kitchen. Then, I'm hoping to learn a bit more about our soon-to-be First Lady.  (2) I want to come up with a plan for making the holidays handmade and festive (for next year). These paper ornaments and this leaf garland seem like good places to start. I'll also be working on some goods for a collaborative snark pack of greetings, some new gift tags for the shop, and some custom invitations. (3) And then, I want to peruse these fun etsy shops for rubber stamps, handmade maps, and paper goods. (4) I also want to spend a day wandering around Second Story Books , a few mornings at the farmers' market with Mr. Moggie, and a few hours skating in the sculpture garden.

Thanks for making it through NaBloPoMo with me.  Stay tuned in December for updates on the December book, and the inverse relationship between my stress level as compared to the likelihood I will shower every day. It won't be pretty but it will be fun!

Friday Favorites: Winning Edition

It snowed today. I think. I looked out the window while I was making lunch and saw a pile of white stuff falling down. A minute later, I looked out again: nothing, save for some clouds and naked tree branches. Maybe that glimpse of falling snow was just the universe playing a trick on my eyes. Regardless of whether there was, in fact, snowfall in northern Virginia today, it's icicle- igloo-wool sweater-ice skate cold out there.

So here's what's keeping me warm today:

all photos from the charliemotel etsy shop.

I mentioned this shop earlier this week, but I couldn't resist posting about it again. Here are three items that say: "warm me up coffee cup." The shop contains cards, pins, and a writing set. Absoultely darling!

images from french paper, wordle, and uppercase

I wish I could remember where I came across French Paper this week, but I'm glad that I did. If you're looking for a large selection of pretty paper on the web, it's the place for you.  But, if you're looking for something that can turn the words from your website into a pretty graphic, go to Wordle.net. It can be a big time trap for those of us who like type, but I imagine it can captivate lots of other folks as well. And then, if you're looking for a fun package of type-related goodies, Uppercase has got you covered. I saw these delightful little packages featured on Coveiter earlier today.

images from S.Stein, geekologie, and Made By Hank

For now, most days I carry my books around in a backpack. At the top of my list of anticipated life changes post graduation in May is no longer having to be a person who carries a backpack. I have seen cute handbags everywhere lately. For example, the olive and parsley project tote from S. Stein Designs would be perfect for carrying ink and paper to and from the letterpress studio. My iPod, cell phone, magazines, and non-heavy fun books could go anywhere with me in that cute ruffly bag from Made By Hank. Unfortunately handbags have gotten so pricey. Perhaps I could try what one guy did and pay my bills with a drawing of a spider. It didn't work for him; maybe banks would prefer letterpress? Seriously, check out the story here.

images from folding trees, pajiba, and nestprettythings

Folding trees had a 2-part tutorial on creating these sweet paper flowers this week. I tried my hand at it while watching Top Chef on Wednesday night, and they're not super difficult, though somewhat time consuming. If you're not a knitter (and I'm not, though I'd like to be) and you're looking for a relaxing craft to do while watching tv or a movie, these folded flowers might be the way to go.  The Time Traveler's Wife might be a good movie to watch while folding, given the role of paper arts in the book. However, it might be a while before it hits the big screen. I remember seeing the release date as December 2008 some time ago, but I have yet to see a trailer and now there is no official release date listed. Pajiba has a review of the wonderful book here. And if you're not so crafty but want some pretty handmade items, pick up goodies made by Tamar Schechner at NestPrettyThings.

 
images from Design for Mankind, Small Magazine, and Mew Paper Arts

Finally, check out this cool image from Andre Jordan I saw on Design for Mankind this week. If that's not enough, the new issue of Small Magazine is available online. Emily Martin from The Black Apple is a contributor. Then, tell your friends all about it on this sweet farm girl stationery from Mew Paper Arts.

One more thing: The winner of the Grey Moggie EtsyGreetings Carnival package, as chosen by the Random Number Generator is: Go Amie, who had the 24th comment. Amie, I'll be in touch to get your mailing address so I can send your Grey Moggie package to you!!

If you didn't win, fear not. I'm donating a few items to another giveaway taking place in early December. I'll keep you posted.  Or check out the Grey Moggie shop!!

Aging? Maybe.

I have a birthday coming up next month, and it's a big one. Perhaps because it looms over my head currently, I think that 29 is bigger than 30. On the other hand, it * is* the last year in my twenties. It seems like the end of an era, right?

The morning after Halloween, I showed up at my local coffee shop pretty close to 8am to get started on the weekend's homework. I ordered my vanilla latte and the barista asked if I had done anything fun for the holiday. I answered with: "Yeah!" Then he asked what I did to celebrate. "I watched a scary movie with my husband and some friends. We had a nice dinner and gave candy to trick-or-treaters." And he said, "That's all?"

My excuse: "I'm old and married." He laughed and handed me my espresso drink (which was delicious, as always).

Yesterday, after a monster Income Tax class session (4 hours to make up for the fact that the prof canceled class the week Thanksgiving week) I walked home to take a nap before my next class (Trusts & Estates) in an attempt to fight off that sore throat (which has improved immensely thanks to Mr. Moggie's soup).  I looked around for a fire because I was convinced the white flakes in the air were ashes. When I didn't see or smell fire or smoke, I wondered what was falling from the sky. And then it hit me: it was snow. I felt so silly for not realizing it earlier, and sad that the childish wonderment at the year's first snow had escaped me this year.

I enjoy Saturday nights at home with Grey Moggie and Mr. Moggie more than the crazy nights from my past, I can't decide if my favorite television channel is MSNBC or the Food Network, I've developed a streak of grey hair in my bangs, and I think about things like tax shelters and annuities. I blame the greying hair and financial planning proclivities on the fact that I'm a law student, but I doubt they would be as pronounced if I were a 22-year old law student instead of a 28-year old law student.

And then, tonight, I started to feel better about it all. On Teen Jeopardy, there was a question (or is it answer?) asking what show Chad Michael Murray won a Teen Choice Award for. None of the high school student contestants rang in, but I knew: One Tree Hill. I feel so youthful!

Don't forget to leave a comment to win your own Grey Moggie greetings.

And just so you know you're not alone: Everyone hates this ad!

Nothing to report

I spent the day divided between the library and my favorite coffee shop, nose in my books. Now I'm settled in at home, watching I'm Not There with Mr. Moggie. I've never really cared for Cate Blanchett, but man, she is amazing as Bob Dylan. I might have to become a fan.

Photo from Murky Coffee MySpace page.

One of my oldest friends is coming to visit tomorrow. I am so excited to see my Mr. Kleenex, even though we'll both be studying most of the weekend.

Steph, me, and Mr. Kleenex during his visit last fall.

You learn something new every day

    
What you see up there is an image of the California job case. It represents the way that letters are arranged in a drawer of type. At Pyramid Atlantic, where I rent studio time to do my letterpressing, there are many, many typefaces available in drawers laid out in just that way. It's like Christmas every time I go to the studio, discovering new typefaces, new projects, learning new techniques.

On Friday, I went to the studio to work on engagement party invitations for friends of ours.  The invitations required more text than I had previously used in one project: 11 lines! It took me about an hour and a half to set the type. I experienced an incredible feeling of pride when I pulled the first invitation off the press. Spending that much time setting type really made me feel connected to the work. Wow, I sound like a big dork! But it was amazing and I was on such a printing high when I left the studio.

Yesterday, in attempt to procrastinate reading a ridiculously long copyrights case, I researched movable type, letterpressing, and handmade paper. During my research, I stumbled upon a wonderful piece of trivia. According to wikipedia:

Prior to the adoption of the California Job Case, the capital letters were stored in a separate drawer or case that was located above the case that held the other letters; this is why capital letters are called "upper case" characters while the non-capitals are "lower case".

Doesn't that tidbit just kind of blow your mind? A little bit? Well, if that doesn't do it for you, perhaps you are more interested in what I learned when I finally got around to reading that copyrights case. Did you know that the Supreme Court thinks it's cool for Congress to extend the copyrights of already existing, in addition to future, works? It's true. Eldred v. Ashcroft, 537 US 186 (2003).

What it's like to be a student

Most law students (as far as I know) dream often about not returning. I have found it more and more difficult to return to classes after each break, whether it's as long as last year's carefree summer*, or a long weekend filled with looming deadline dread. Something (and for the life of me, I cannot figure out what the something is) keeps bringing me back, and with only one academic year left, I am confident that I will not quit. On the other hand, I can guarantee that I will contemplate quitting at least weekly.

 

Before the start of this past Spring semester, I needed to do something (a different something). I've always loved paper and fantasized about opening up a stationery store about as often as I pictured my early departure from law school.  So, back in January, I spent an afternoon buying supplies at Paper Source and started spending more time working on crafty projects.

From this blog you can see that I've actually spent a great deal of time making cards, working on scrapbooks, creating mix cds with crafty liners, and many other projects.  I worried somewhat that spending several hours a week at my craft table with glue sticks instead of at my desk with casebooks was really going to hurt my GPA. Now, I can report that I kept up with my homework, my GPA did not suffer, and I was offered a position as an editor of my journal. And I'm much happier now than I have been at all throughout this long journey called law school.

I have a dear friend starting grad school very shortly and I wanted to give her an excuse to take some time away from her studies every once in a while to do something unrelated to school.  Before she left, I gave her a stack of these cards to keep on her desk so that she can keep in touch with friends and family near and far. Good luck, K, and I hope to get a letter from you soon!

If you're a student looking for a way to procrastinate, I've got a few of these cards left - they'll be available in my Etsy shop.

*I started writing this post a few weeks before classes started for my third (AND FINAL!!) year of school. Now that the school year has started, I am surprised and happy to report that going back is not nearly as difficult when you can see the light at the end of the tunnel. If there are any 1Ls or 2Ls reading, know that it does get (somewhat) better. Hang in there.

Moving on

from all the books I had to read during the school year, to all the books I want to read this summer!