I am stoked!

I am sooo happy that my friend, Sandy, has finally decided to do a blog. She claims that she won't be "blogging" much, only posting photos, but I think she may find it more addicting than she thought. Sandy is so amazing! Sitting next to her in a workshop is like being a kindergartener sitting next to a 5th grader in an art class. She is so good and fast and creative that when you are on step ONE she is already on step 4.. nudging the instructor for the next set of instructions. She has more energy than just about anyone I know when it comes to "getting things done" and "remembering" things to do. Yeah, I have good intentions, but they all don't get the follow through that I find in Sandy!

I thought it was only me, but everyone feels like that kindergartener in a classroom setting. I met Sandy about 8 years ago when she returned to the guild after a long haitus. I believe it was just before our 20th anniversary with Capital City Scribes. There was a lot of talk about her when she returned of how great a calligrapher she was and that everyone was happy to have her back again. Sandy is a charter member and has been a member of the guild since it's inception doing calligraphy for longer than you can imagine, although by looking at her you wonder, "How can that be? You look so young!?" She worked for the Governor doing her craft back in the 80's and raised two daughters as a single mother, most of their lives, Holli and Steph. She is very involved in their lives as well as her three grandchildren whom she adores. [They're going to KILL me for posting this '80s photo with the BIG hair, but you know we ALL had it!!! I loved the '80s.]

I have never met another person as dedicated and passionate about actually DOING calligraphy. She loves sitting for 12 hour stints writing her beautifully, hand crafted, flourished and decorated envelopes for weddings as well as creating works of art on certificates, study group projects, guild exhibit pieces, envelopes for exchanges, birthday presents and a multitude of other things that ANY recipient just salivates over.

I feel very blessed to have her in my life and consider her one of my "muses". When I get "blocked" I turn to her and/or look at past projects she has done to spark that inspiration or creativity back into my soul again! I feel very fortunate to have these kind of creative people around me in my everyday life. What did I do before I met my "peeps" in the guild. It has been a lifesaver for me.

Sandy is one of the most compassionate, thoughtful and giving people I have ever met. Her thoughtful ways, as well as being non-judgmental and honest, make it so easy to love her. To have a friend like this in one's lifetime is all you could ever ask for. I treasure her. Did I mention her smile!? OH, well if you know Sandy.... she is always smiling!!!

Anyway... keep track of her blog and check it out when you can. She doesn't have much there at the moment, but she will be posting some masterpieces shortly, I know. Thanks, Sandy for your love and friendship as well as a bucket full 'o incredible awakenings and inspirations for us all to draw from! See "LetteringLady" Sandy Odom on my links of blogs or click the link above. Enjoy!