Love was in the air!

On Thursday morning, on the eve of the beloved {or despised} Valentines Day, I headed over to Rifle Paper Co. for their special event. I knew it was going to be a great day because as I pulled through the Starbucks drive through I found this little treat: a free birthday drink. I mean really, talk about a good start to your day! {I had totally forgotten that I had a free drink waiting for me obviously, considering February isn’t my birthday month.}

I arrived at Rifle and was greeted by some of the coolest people I have met in a while. Everyone that I met, working at Rifle and who came through the doors, were friendly and wonderfully creative. {I couldn’t have asked for more.} This was by far my favorite part of the event… the people. {So any extrovert would say.}

Lidia, Alaina and Emily – coolest ladies!!

Taylor and Tina

Some prints that I calligraphed on.

Megan – thanks again for all your help

Emily and Charlotte – you guys made my day!

All set up and ready to work

A good start to a great day!

Thanks for the beautiful flowers Rifle!

One part of the event that I wasn’t expecting to enjoy as much as I did was calligraphing everyone’s love notes… er, I should say, reading everyone’s love note. I know I kinda sound like a creeper when I say that, but reading all of the lovely, positive words of affirmation and respect was so heart warming. One guy didn’t even want to give me what he wrote because he was embarrassed that it was “too mushy.” I tried to set him at ease by telling him that “I’ve been reading and calligraphing people’s love notes all day.” Thankfully, he agreed to let me read and calligraph his note and I am so glad that he did because his message was one of my favorites. I’d tell you what he wrote, but I figure that’s his personal business. (I know, cliff hanger.)

And listen to this! Emily and Charlotte drove two hours so that they could meet me! {I know, I was shocked too!} ((I double checked that they had the right Samira.)) These two ladies were super sweet and so appreciated the art of calligraphy that it really blessed and encouraged me. Thanks for coming out ladies – it was so lovely to meet you both!!

Of course I would be selling myself short if I did not thank my faithful assistant Megan. Too bad we actually don’t work together. Thanks for hanging around after I calligraphed your pieces. Your photo skills (above) and helping with the flow of traffic was much appreciated!

As I was calligraphing on a print, people were gathered around watching me work in silence. Taylor broke the silence with a great comment, that I asked him to write down so that I can share it with you…

“Human talent and skill will always win in a competition with technology. When was the last time you saw people standing around watching a printer print?” – Taylor (Happy 4th Anniversary Taylor & Tina!!)

Last but certainly not least – my new besties: Lidia, Alaina and Mary… I had SO MUCH fun hanging out with you guys, calligraphing and chatting, until 10 pm. You guys are super cool and I hope we can do this again sometime soon!

Before this turns into the worlds longest post, I’m going to sign off with a photo that was taken by Dylon York. I don’t often get photos of me working {obviously it’s a little challenging when you are using both hands to work} so this was a treat! I asked him if I could use it for my Twitter page and he graciously agreed. Make sure you check out Dylon’s instagram ((you just must)) and the sweetest – most fun – video he made for his Valentine on February 14th! ((His love note that I calligraphed made a cameo – you’re gonna want to read what he wrote!))

I’m not much of a Valentine holiday girl. However, I will say that I think Cupid struck… I really loved my time with everyone that entered the doors at Rifle! Thank you Alaina and Anna, and everyone else involved, for inviting me up. I hope everyone had a lovely Valentine holiday and took the opportunity to tell someone how much you love and appreciate them. {And if you didn’t… it’s not too late!}