family…father's day fishing

This Father's Day, I wanted to do something very special for Doc. We've had an incredible busy year between growing our business and nurturing our family, I wanted to give him an opportunity to relax his mind and recharge his soul. A Sunday afternoon to himself wouldn't suffice, and most likely, he would just balance his check book and do laundry. What he needed was to fish. You see, this is what makes Doc happy. It gives him a fresh perspective, an optimistic attitude and a brighter outlook.

Before D was on the scene, fly fishing was an activity and a passion we shared. Weekends were spent driving throughout California to fish spectacular blue ribbon trout waters, camp among bears and rattlesnakes or sleep in shady motels, and most terrifying to me, walk through poison oak. After D was born, our fishing was curbed, but sharing our love of fishing, the outdoors and nature with D was very important to us. We decided that the best and most pleasurable way to do this was to continue our yearly trek to our most favorite place on earth, Hot Creek Ranch. 

Hot Creek is beautiful. It embodies the notion and allure of "the west". We look forward to our annual trip with much anticipation. With D in tow, our routine has changed. Doc and I take turns fishing two hour shifts instead of fishing 8 hour days. In between fishing, we look for lizards, giant gopher snakes and rabbits. We have picnics, search for lost tackle and read on the shaded porch. While all this is fun, it's not always relaxing.

So, as our gift to Doc, D and I gave up our spots this year at Hot Creek and sent him fishing with his buddy from NYC where he could enjoy fishing eight hour days, taking naps in the afternoon and male camaraderie. Of course we couldn't send them on the road without the essential survival items, so we made these care packages. I had a tough time finding some macho fabric in my stash, so I cut the legs on a pair of Doc's old jeans and stitched up the cut edge. Despite the contents, I think the result was muy macho.

By all accounts, Doc had a great time, but I know he missed us terribly. We missed him too!

Tight lines,

F&N

tasty things…apricot + cherry upside down cake

Summer has not yet arrived is SF. It's been June gloom 100%. Despite the weather, I was able to bring the flavors of summer to my family with this super delicious, super tasty upside down cake recipe from Martha Stewart Baking. 

As luck would have it, I was able to pick up some fresh apricots and cherries from Frog Hollow Farms.  Both were super juicy and sweet with the perfect touch of tartness. The addition of almond paste and cornmeal in this recipe put me over the top…so yummy!

I am looking forward to warmer days and more baking!

Happy Summer,

F&N

family…discovery of a caterpillar

This past Sunday we discovered this HUGE caterpillar at my mom's house. It was crawling along the sidewalk in mid-afternoon just waiting to scooped up by some bird or smashed underneath the wheels of D's scooter. D knew right away that it wasn't a butterfly caterpillar, "it's not fuzzy." Curios, Doc did some internet research and learned we had found a white-lined sphinx moth caterpillar. 

When he hatches from a pupae, he will be hummingbird moth! 

D named him Cater Nemo [20,000 Leagues Under the Sea being the current obsession]. We decided to make a little habitat for our new fella and bring him home. I would have never believed that you could see caterpillar poop, or frass as it's called! What's more interesting is Nemo pupates underground. I think it takes about two weeks to complete this cycle. He's "underground" now. I hope he's ok. Will keep you posted on his progress!

Some interesting info and great photos here.

Happy Hatching,

F&N

photo of humming bird moth from here.

more letterpress…Hatch Show Print

OK, I will move on from letterpress as a topic after I introduce the Hatch Show Print. I'm sure most graphic designers, country music fans, and Nashville residents know about this amazing, historic print shop. I was just turned on to them yesterday by Ashley from The Wanderous who left a comment and link on my previous post. Hop on over to her blog and view her photos of the HSP shop. I've always wanted to see Nashville, and when I do, a visit to HSP will be Stop #1!

Even if you don't know Hatch Show Print, you will recognize their work. Take a look at their on-line catalog; you'll find oodles of inspiration. And while you're on the site, don't forget to take a virtual tour of the shop. I've posted a FEW among the many of my favorites. 

Just so you know, I've got a real sweet spot for the Man in Black, Johnny Cash. 

One day, this fine little print will have a home in my new kitchen.

Oh my, this is just too much! I hope you enjoy your tour of HSP and that it didn't burn a whole in your wallet like yours truly.

Enjoy,

F&N

wrap up on letterpress

So I'm pleased to report that my letterpress class was wonderful! I learned the basics about letterpress and its history thanks to a short "lesson" and handout prepared by Jordan. After our intro, Jordan gave us a demo on the machine, and then each of us cranked out - literally - forty proofs of all of our cards.

With Jordan's permission, I snapped a few shots of her studio.

Thanks to a generous classmate, I was FINALLY able to taste Tartine's morning bun! WOW, WOW, WOW!!

I was pleased that my thumbnail sketch took to the process nicely, but I was disappointed in my selection of typography. I think with a few adjustments, it'll get to a place where I'll be happy. But I had a great time anyhow!

F&N