622 press turns NINE!

June 22, 2017May 29, 2017 ~ Bess Paper Goods & Gifts ~ 2 Comments

A few months ago I was cleaning up after a long day of printing and my iTunes shuffled to a favorite old jam. As I was grooving and singing (and wondering what my neighbors thought of my song and dance routine through the open windows), I realized I had gone through the exact same steps to the exact same song once… more than once—countless times—before.

Over nine years, six homes, two countries, the beginning and end of a marriage, a ridiculously dramatic work life, family ups and downs, and a million other things, Bess has been the one constant in my life. Somehow this 135-year-old piece of machinery has always been whatever I needed—a creative outlet, a new skill to learn, something to fill my days when I was lonely, a boost of confidence, and finally a full time job I could move abroad.

So here’s to Bess, I can’t wait to see what the next nine years bring.

Swimming in Stars

November 10, 2015 ~ Bess Paper Goods & Gifts ~ Leave a comment

Last weekend I had what will perhaps turn out to be the most incredible experience of my time in Bermuda. We had spent the day out on a friend’s boat, and since there’s a good chance it would be the last boat day this year, we wanted to make the most of it.

After a day of calm water and clear skies, the sun set early—it is November after all. We were nestled between some of the smaller islands so trees blocked the lights from town and millions of stars were visible in the sky. At one point, silence fell as we marveled at the site over our heads.

Eventually the idea of a night swim came up, and when we jumped in, we discovered bioluminescent plankton in the water that lit up as they were disturbed. As we kicked our legs and moved our arms through the black water, it sparkled. Trails of tiny lights following our fingers and toes. Stars above us, stars around us, swimming in stars, reminding me how magical this world is.

May Snail Mail

May 2, 2015April 27, 2015 ~ Bess Paper Goods & Gifts ~ Leave a comment

I’ve done Card of the Month clubs in the past, and they were always kind of a pain, going to the post office that much. In my new life, it turns out it’s kind of great! I’m at the post office all the time anyway (plus it’s super close to our house), and sending a package every month makes me realize how quickly time is flying by.

One year ago, I was getting ready to tell the owners of my company that I was moving to Bermuda, hoping they would keep me on in some capacity, but not having any idea how that would go. Two years ago, I was on a whirlwind trip to Costa Rica with one of my dearest friends, both of us doing a little soul searching. Three years ago I was finally feeling settled in a new place, in love and happy… the year before that I was in the midst of an ugly, draining divorce. Life is crazy huh?

Anyway, the point of this post was really just to share the fun stuff I sent out in May’s Card Club! I went with a bit of a floral theme because, you know, April showers bring May flowers…. Remember, you can sign up here, or just send me an email.