Letterpress......An Amazing Craft

What an amazing tour I had this morning of Boxcar Press located in Syracuse, New York.  I was fortunate enough to be introduced to Harold Kyle, owner and founder of this incredible letterpress company that has been in business for over 12 years.  Bella Figura and Smock are divisions of this fine business who specializes in custom and stock stationary all done in the once dying art of letterpress.

google images

Boxcar Press is located in the Delavan Building just west of downtown.  It currently houses many of the city's artists along with Syracuse's largest art gallery.

One of the people I met on my tour today is Bob.  He is a press operator who was finishing up a job for a wedding in Maryland later this spring.  It was obvious he was proud of the finished product and couldn't wait to tell us that it was printed using their newest silver foil stamping/ink.

As the tour continued, I met Cathy who seemed just as excited to talk about letterpress.  She seemed very passionate about preserving the rich history and doing what she can to keep letterpress on the map.

One of the incredible things I learned about Boxcar Press is their passion for the environment.  They practice environmental printing techniques, they believe in eco letterpress and they embrace progressive green business practices.    They are also entirely wind powered.  To learn more about the "green" portion of their business and the eco causes they support, click here.

Here is just a very small sampling of what this company has to offer.

Thank you Harold for your kindness and time in showing me around your place.  It  is truly beautiful.  You should be proud of everything it embodies and is about.  You are making a difference.

Sincerely,

Holly

All images unless otherwise noted are from any of the three websites associated with Boxcar Press.

My Incredible Family

It's taken me quite awhile to write this post because I really wanted to use the right words to tell you just how much my family means to me and how incredibly blessed I am to have them in my life.

I often wonder what I have done to deserve such incredible people in my life.  I'm just an ordinary person doing ordinary things.  Actually, there is definitely room for improvement.  So, why me?  Why am I the one that God chose?

One thing I do know for sure; not a day goes by that I don't thank Him for blessing me so greatly.

Mark and I were married 24 years back on October 8th. That was one of the happiest days of my life back then.  Little did I know how much more incredible it was going to get.  My love for that man grows exponentially every single minute.  He is my rock, my love, my spiritual advisor and most importantly my best friend.  We are true BFFs.

Joshua Christian Kay.  My first born. My #1 son.  My confidant. I always say to him, "until you have kids of your own you will never know the depths of my love for you".  No truer words have ever been spoken.  He is the sweetest, kindest and most loving 19 year old I know.  He makes me smile everyday.  The shot above was not posed and the photographer just snapped the picture.  It's perfect!

Above two images from etsy.com

I have the above two images on my "Words to Live by" board on Pinterest.  They are two of my favorites.  I couldn't have said it better myself.

This is my Chlobie Joykins.  Chloe Joy Kay.  Her name couldn't have been more perfect.  She brings such Joy to my life.  I certainly don't know what I would do without her.  She's spunky, witty, and very opinionated.  She brings laughter into my life just when I need it the most.  I wouldn't want her any other way.  

They are the love of my life.  I couldn't be more proud of these two extra special kids.  I am a better person because of them.  They truly are gifts from above.  Deep down inside I know that they are not mine to keep forever.  They belong to God.....children of God.  My heart is overflowing with gratitude towards God for allowing me to raise His children.  My only hope is that he approves so far.

Every good and perfect gift is from above, coming down from the Father.....who does not change like shifting shadows. 

James 1:17

Thank you all for allowing me this platform to humbly talk about my family.  They mean the world to me and I would be no one without them.

Blessings,

Holly

All photographs are by Dominique

It's all in the meaning......

                                                                           

HOW MANY TIMES HAVE YOU READ WORDS THAT TRULY HIT HOME.  IN OTHER WORDS THEY ARE QUOTES OR SAYINGS YOU REALLY WANT TO REMEMBER OR  "WORDS " THAT CAN REALLY CHANGE YOUR LIFE....

I WOULD LIKE TO SHARE WITH YOU THE ONES THAT MEAN THE MOST TO ME, AND IF THEY HAVE TRULY CHANGED MY LIFE........

HAVE YOU EVER KEPT A JOURNAL?  HAVE YOU EVER KEPT A THANKFUL JOURNAL?

I WRITE IN MY THANKFUL JOURNAL EVERYDAY.  SOMETIMES I WRITE THE SAME THINGS, AND THEN SOMETHING INSPIRES ME TO ADD MANY OTHER ITEMS.  TRY IT, IT WILL MAKE YOU REALIZE HOW MANY THINGS WE TAKE FOR GRANTED.

THIS ONE KIND OF FOLLOWS ALONG THE SAME LINES.

WHEN YOU THINK ABOUT HOW SIMPLE THESE 3 TASKS ARE, IS IT REALLY THAT HARD?  JUST THINK OF ALL THE HAPPINESS AND  PEACE IT CAN BRING.

I AM A BIG "FAITH" PERSON.  I PREACH IT, TEACH IT, BUT NOT ALWAYS PRACTICE  IT.  SO CONSEQUENTLY I GET IMPATIENT.  SO YOU SEE THIS IS A GREAT REMINDER.

THIS IS A NEW ONE FOR ME.  RECENTLY PINNED IT AND WILL BE MY NEW ONE TO PRACTICE.  MAKES SENSE DOESN'T IT?

THIS IS ANOTHER ONE OF MY VERY FAVORITES.  PLEASE STOP AND REALLY READ THIS.  THEY MAY NOT BE KIND, OR TREAT YOU WITH RESPECT, BUT REMEMBER THE ABOVE.  BE KIND AND PRAY FOR THEM.

AIN'T THIS THE TRUTH!!!!!! HE IS SOVEREIGN, HE HAS OUR BACK, AND HE HAS A PLAN.  BE PATIENT.  DON'T PRAY FOR PATIENCE, PRAY FOR WISDOM.

AND FOR THOSE OF US WHO AREN'T 21, OR HAVE THE BODY, SHAPE AND TALENT OF THE DANCERS ON DWTS, GIVE YOUR HEART CREDIT.

AGAIN ONE OF MY FAVORITES.  PLEASE DON'T BE MISERABLE OR MOODY.  THIS TOO WILL PASS.  ENJOY WHAT THE GOOD LORD HAS GIVEN US AND BE H-A-P-P-Y.

THIS IS A NEW ONE ALSO....ISN'T IT THE TRUTH.  THEN YOU COULD REALLY HONOR GOD'S REQUEST....SUNDAY IS A DAY OF REST.

IT'S NOT MY FAVORITE TO LIVE BY, BUT IT IS THE ONE THAT MAKES ME SMILE THE MOST.  I STARTED SINGING THIS TO MY FIRST GRANDCHILD, AND HAVEN'T STOPPED SINCE.   CAN'T WAIT TO SING IT TO MY NEW GRANDSON IN APRIL.

WELL THERE YOU HAVE SOME OF MY VERY FAVORITES.  I HAVE MANY MORE, BUT I MUST SAY THESE HAVE IMPACTED ME AND THE WAY I THINK AND LIVE MY LIFE THE MOST.  THANK YOU FOR LETTING ME SHARE WITH YOU.  I PULLED THESE ALL FROM MY "WORDS, WORDS, WORDS" BOARD ON PINTEREST....FOLLOW ME IF YOU LIKE. 

Chrissy

For the Love of Fall!

It's Fall y'all!!!

The word Fall itself conjures up so many wonderful, happy thoughts! It is by far my favorite season of all.  Of course, Summer is a very close second.

Cool, sunny days. Crisp, cold nights. Crackling fire in the fireplace.  Breathtaking colors. Big cozy sweaters. Boots. Crunching leaves underfoot. Hot chocolate. Pumpkin picking. Apple cider.

Check out this collage that I put together that perfectly portrays the incredible colors that Fall has to offer.  God is so amazing showing us what only He can do.

images courtesy of pinterest and google

I will admit that I am not a huge fan of Halloween. Sorry! I am however, a huge fan of Fall and all that goes along with it.

Decorating for this fabulous season is definitely a must on my to-do list.  Mums, pumpkins (especially white ones), wreaths and garlands top my list.  I found some incredible ideas that I may just have to try.

bhg.com

pinterest.com

Nothing says fall like when your front entrance is decked out to the fullest.  I love how the pumpkin above is hollowed out and a mum is placed inside.  Check out how some of those gourds are spray painted gold for a pop of bling!

How adorable is hanging the word "fall" on your front door.  Certainly something unusual that you don't see everyday.  Kim over at Sand and Sisal can give you the whole low-down on how to get it done.

thriftydecorchick.blogspot.com

josiejones.com

White pumpkins are my absolute favorite when it comes to fall decorating.  As a matter of fact I think I'll stop and pick some up today when I run my weekend errands.  There is a stand up the street from us that always has them every fall.  They are just so chic and add the right amount of contrast mixed in with your traditional orange pumpkins.

Now this is something that you don't see everyday!  Which is why I love it so much.  Wrap your pumpkins in black tulle and tie with wire  ribbons at the top.  A great twist on the pumpkins on your porch idea that is so popular. Mix those in with plain orange and white pumpkins, mums and some corn stalks and you'll be the talk of the neighborhood.  Oh, and don't forget a great wreath to top it all off on your front door.

mac-n-dix.blogspot.com

When Indian Summer rolls around, how about a picnic to enjoy some of the very last days of warmth.  Visit one of your area's county or state parks and live it up.  Bring a table cloth for the table, some chairs for lounging or reading, a frisbee or football for some outdoor exercise and throw your hiking boots in the trunk just incase you feel like a hike to work off all the scrumptious food you just devoured.

homegoods.com

The perfect way to end your picnic, or any other Fall day for that matter is by roasting some marshmallows by a fire.  Sitting around a fire all bundled up with blankets, making s'mores and singing songs brings back such sweet memories for me.

Can't build a fire any time soon?  No worries!  You can enjoy a different version of s'mores that doesn't require a fire at all.  You can make s'more trail mix.  All you need is Golden Graham cereal, mini marshmallows and chocolate chips.  Or, check out this recipe for a totally different version.  Either way, I'm sure they will both satisfy your graving.

I would be remiss if I didn't talk a little about Fall fashion.  Our Summers are so short here in upstate New York that I try and push it into September and October.  When the temperature finally does drop below 60 degrees, I love to pull out my cozy sweaters, jeans, boots and scarves.

Check out some of the fabulous Fall outfits I found on Polyvore.  I even created two myself. Can you guess which ones I did?

Well, that about wraps up everything I love about Fall and all that goes along with it.  Do you enjoy Fall as much as I do?  Or do you prefer another season instead?

Enjoy everything about Fall because the snow will be flying before you know it.  I know, I know, I just said that really bad four letter "s" word.  Sorry, it's a fact of life here in Syracuse.

Blessings,

Holly

PS.....the last two outfits are the ones I put together.  I wish shopping was that easy, and free too.  Oh well, a girl can dream can't she?

Happy Birthday Construction

I would like to introduce you to Fischer.........

Fischer just turned four and had an incredible birthday party.  I would like to share with you Fischer's party and all the fun and giggles that occured.

As you can see, this was a Construction themed party

Bouncy house, of course

Here is Dominic..he was the tatoo artist.

The attention to detail, was incredible.  Chocolate doughnuts for truck tires!

Little construction cones for juice.  Every little guest had their own personalized construction hat along with a little paint bucket filled with goodies.

Cute.......

The participants have arrived.......

This is the back of Fischer's head...great shot Nanny Chris...

All the kids wore personalized construction vests...and one for Dad too.  Speaking of bad shots..that's Fischer blowing out his Candles.  The cake is where?

Here is a very bad picture of a precious cake.....and it tasted as good as it looks.

They even borrowed construction signs from a local construction company.

Well unfortunately that's all the shots I have of the "construction party".  I was trying to help serve, etc. and didn't get as many as I wanted.

I hope you enjoyed the event!!