Martha + Jorge 4 Ever
Thursday, August 5, 2010 at 10:06PM Yesterday I was unpacking from my summer travels (the textiles, the canvas bags from British butchers, the shards of banana chips still in my socks) and growing accustomed to Philadelphia's inferno, when I got a call from Anthony over at Martha Stewart inviting me to attend a blogger event this evening at the MSO headquarters in NYC to coincide with this gigantic conference . It is always an honor and small miracle to collaborate with the terrific team over there. They are both detail oriented and incredibly fun, a rare combination. You can just tell that they have amazing parties.
Anthony envisioned a bit of on the spot calligraphy for the hundreds of attendees. At around midnight last night --that would be after I obtained second degree burns on the three most important fingers on my left hand from the broiler earlier in the evening-- I started thinking about what question I could ask each attendee that would elicit a good story. "What is a day you will never forget, that you remember always?" seemed like a good one. So with the magic of a manual feed tray I got to work on the cards. On the front: some info about Neither Snow and a vintage stamp (do I love the person who chose "Family Planning"? Yes I do.). On the back, a quote from Jorge Luis Borges' poem in "Dreamtigers." Here's part of the passage. The verse above just about sums everything up, doesn't it?
Here's the mock up:
I set up my little table, barely avoiding a catastrophe with a jar of sumi ink, as Martha Stewart walked by. I wish I had the opportunity to ask her what date she remembers always. It seems there are many to choose from. And then the sweet, enthusiastic, grateful, friendly parade of bloggers stopped by, quizzically picking up the cards as I rambled my pitch. To my astonishment, everyone has a date etched in their memory. Even people like me, who are terrible with dates, remembered at least one. I calligraphed wedding anniversaries, children's birthdays, engagements, the day a father passed away, first dates (like a Beastie Boys concert in 1993. Awesome.), the day of graduation from business school, the day a son graduated from college, the day an entrepreneurial woman started her blog. It was a treat to get to know a little bit about all of these stupendously talented folks who previously existed as web addressees. Here's a terrible photo of the scene: 
Then a rare moment of synergy. The synergy that I dream about, that I think Borges would approve of. Gayle approached and asked for her birthday: September 3, 1961. And then Annie, waiting patiently in line next to Gayle, gasped and said "that's my birthday, too!". Indeed it was. Even the same year. And here they are with their cards.
As I was getting in the elevator one of the catering staff bounded in, eager to catch a taxi uptown. "My sister is in labor right now. I'm headed to the hospital. I'm going to be an uncle!" It was all I could do not to hold him back so I could dash off "August 5, 2010." For the both of us, it is a day we won't soon forget.
this should be in a bigger font, right?: GIVEAWAY! read on...
Because I am always after a good story I am going to try a little giveaway with my handful of loyal readers. What is a date you won't soon forget and why? Please tell me in a comment blow. The best story gets a scan of his or her name in calligraphy to use for stationery, a rubber stamp, etc. And to new friends from tonight -- it was a pleasure to meet you! I'd love to hear more about your special days. And to all at MSO -- thank you for including me!
And so I say goodnight, with blistered fingers and a happy heart, from a world vivid and complex.
Reader Comments (6)
I got married two months ago, and although it would be expected for me to cite my wedding day, it's really not as simple as that. My wedding day was wonderful, and memorable, but it doesn't really compare to the first time I saw my husband (7-13-07).
It was one of those strikingly hot summer days in Chicago, where the pavement was so blistering that I could almost feel it through my shoes. I was meeting a group of friends for dinner and drinks. I noticed everything that day: the brown birds that fluttered in the grass, the distracted smile of a subway commuter, the way the evening sun glinted off the side of our famous skyscrapers. As I was sitting at dinner, listening to live music and laughing with my friends, I remember thinking that it was Friday the 13th. Already an auspicious day. Later we decided to walk to a hole-in-the-wall karaoke bar called the Blue Frog. We drank beer, we laughed some more. My friends hopped on stage and sang energetic eighties songs. I sorted through board games lining the walls of the bar. I was feeling so free, so happy. I had just completed my Masters program, I was living in a city I adored, and I was finally becoming the person I wanted to be. And then a man walked in the door. He had blue-green eyes and a sweet, knowing smile. Something like recognition rippled down my spine. We looked for each other throughout the night. We'd smile shyly, then glance away. I had just ended a 3.5 years relationship, so I didn't want to be seriously involved for awhile yet. But then when I was coming back to the bathroom, we finally met. I held his hand longer than was necessary when we shook hands. We leaned in close and shut out the rest of the world. I can't remember the conversation, precisely, but the feeling of it still returns to me now. Part exhilaration, part comfort. As he got ready to leave at the end of the night, he touched the small of my back, just so. Not presumptuously, and not with clear intent, but naturally, as if that was where his hand was meant to go. I felt protected, cherished--yet still so very free. I knew this man would never hinder me from anything I wanted to do. He'd just be there to bolster me, if I needed it. And yes, reader, I married him. :)
This is my memorable day, because it represents a distinct shift in my person. It was a day that brought me closer to myself, and though other days are momentous in their own ways, they more often than not represent a continuation, rather than an upheaval of one's world. Without a doubt, 7-13-07 was the luckiest day of my life.
ooh, wow. what an amazing opportunity. congrats. i love your ideas and am excited about remembering a special date. i have so many in mind. however mine would have to be the day i became a mother. i hope that is not too cliche. august 25, 2008 completely altered my life. my boy benjamin entered the world and changed my whole world with a swift swoop of heavenly bliss. an angel from above and now in my arms. nine months is not long enough to prepare you for all the love that fills your heart when a baby comes into your life. it's the best thing there is. xo.
Love your blog! I am calligraphy fangirl - I love love love it, but have no talent for it. So I hang out at awesome blogs like yours to get my fix. I am so terrible with dates; I remember events, even minute details, but I can never remember the dates. But June 26, 1971 was the day my parents were married, and they're still together, so I'd say that's a pretty good date. And it's one of the few I remember. Thanks for the giveaway!
mara, it was so fabulous having you at the event and i LOVED your idea to ask everyone about their most memorable dates.
I love that your most memorable date is the date you met your husband and that it is all so clear to you that you are able to take us back with you. It sounds like beautiful partnership. I wish for you mny more decades of wedded bliss. Your calligraphy is beautiful.
This is a most beautiful post and story. I was touched by the quote and your idea to calligraphy these special dates.
The day that stands out in my mind as one of the most significant dates in my life (besides my wedding day and the birth of my daughter) is the day I turned 50 years old~ January 16, 2004. As I was driving to work, I saw my face in the rear view mirror and exclaimed to myself that "Now I am free...I am now 50 years old." Little did I know at that moment, I was soon to begin a journey of inner work that continues in the present...work that is carrying me to a freedom from the binds of effects of abuse suffered in my childhood.
p.s. I took a traditional calligraphy class many years ago...I adore your contemporary style and would love to learn the art!