Status update

Seven minutes. That’s how long I’ve been staring at my blinking curser because I simply don’t even know where to begin this post. A lot has changed my friends….

Let’s start with the big one: As of last Saturday, I live in Bermuda! Longer post on this coming shortly, but here’s the abbreviated version: For the last year and a half or so, I’ve been dating a man who lives here. After many trips back and forth, we’ve taken the plunge and decided to cohabitate! Personally I’m thrilled to take this step with him and can’t wait to see what our future brings. Professionally, excitement is just barely edging out apprehension.

I quit my job. And didn’t get a new one. For the first time in nearly 15 years, I won’t have a steady paycheck arriving safely in my bank account every two weeks. That’s not to say I’m drinking Swizzle on the beach every day—I’m growing my freelance design business (get in touch here) and giving 622 press the time and attention it deserves!

Speaking of time… For the first time since I got serious about letterpress, I’m going to have it! I’ve become so accustomed to working my 40+ hours at the magazine and then coming home to work nights and weekends at the press I almost don’t know what to do with all my free time. I’m going to draw. I’m going to do yoga. I’m going to brush up on my French. I’m going to have a garden. And I’m going to prototype all the product I eventually want in my shop.

Oh right, the shop. One of the things that has really been crystallizing for me over the last couple years is the ultimate goal is for 622 press. I’ve found that while I love collaborating with clients on custom projects like business cards and wedding invites, I don’t want to do that full time. My greatest joy comes from creating something for myself or just for creation’s sake—and then having someone else like it so much they must have one of their own! I also want to have an outlet for all the other things I make—ceramics and crochet, paintings and textiles. And finally, whenever I participate in an art fair or other event, I’m reminded how much I do like talking with people about what I do. What’s the perfect combination of all of these things? Retail.

The shop will not be here in Bermuda (more on that to come too), but hopefully by the time we move back to the U.S., I’ll have enough of the pieces in place to start things up. So that’s what I’ve been up to! Stay tuned friends, and expect a lot more behind the scenes and lifestyle posts, as well as a peek inside island life. Thanks for sticking with me!