Three Old Friends

Today I got another surprise in my Post Office Box.  

Not only did I receive another fun envelope, this cute little box made with Ten Second Studio stuff, but also (drum roll please) a big two page handwritten letter!!!  It was from my old friend/customer/ store volunteer Jane Ambrogi Becerra.  Jane is well known in these parts for her wonderful sense of humor and hardy laughter.  The letter though was kind, full of personal updates, chatty stuff and warm sentiments. It made my day.  I love getting handwritten letters.  I love getting fun envelopes.  Josh and the girls at the PO love that I get fun mail.  

Do any of you stampers remember Stampa Barbara?  Years ago, Gary Dorothy opened a small store off of State St in Santa Barbara.  My sister-in-law and I used to make the 90 minute drive from LA up there for a girl's weekend about once a year. Soon he moved into a slightly larger store on State St and then eventually into a beautiful big, newly built store also on State St.  Gary was amazing.  He not only remembered names but also details you might have mentioned during the last visit. His stamp designs were fervently waited for and when the new issue of Rubberstampmadness came out (in newspaper form back then) his ad was always the entire back page. There was no catalog, so groupies would copy the ad and keep them to create a personal catalog.  The only way to order was to call the store and the phones would be busy for days before one could get through to order the newest and best.  Years later when I had my own store, Gary decided to allow me to sell his stamps in my store.  I was so thrilled to have them.  He chose the images.  

Why am I talking about this?  I lost track of dear Gary several years ago.  Yesterday he asked me to be his friend on Facebook.  I am so happy to reconnect with him.  He has a wonderful website where he sells his photos.

My third friend is Lynne Perrella.  I mentioned her book yesterday "Art Making & Studio Spaces".. It is a wonderful book full of wonderful studios.  Just to see all the supplies and all the tools is intriguing.  Love the messiness of some (Michael deMeng) and the organized neatness of others (Pam Sussman). I love Judy Reisch"s beautiful studio and Judy Wilkenfeld's. You need to get this book. I am sure if you like peeping into artist's studios, you will love this book.

Thanks for stopping by today.  I really appreciate it.

Comments

[Seth]

I just ordered Lynn's new book. I cannot wait to get my hands on it!

[judy wilkenfeld]

Thank goodness we didn't photograph the other part of my studio when Michael is here, ha ha. I for one, cant wait to see the book.