G A T H E R I N G S | Calligraphy

What a beautiful evening - a little on the muggy side - but still so very beautiful! So many beautiful ladies coming to learn such a beautiful art form - Calligraphy.

This evening's Gatherings class was taught by Betsy Greener, of Jackson, Mississippi. Teacher of Calligraphy at Millsaps College since 2008, Betsy did a fabulous job of giving step-by-step instructions for every aspect of the calligraphy process. She began by teaching us how to prepare the nibs with the proper amount of ink and how to properly hold our pens. As each lady practiced their letter placement and style, Betsy helped demonstrate the importance of breathing so that you can relax and enjoy the process.

The process started for Betsy at a young age. Originally from Texas, Betsy married and moved to Jackson many years ago, but has always kept the desire to aspire to follow her mother's example in writing a memorable letter. Betsy's mother, Shirley Bradham Faile, had beautiful handwriting and taught Betsy the art of being a lady - from the way she dressed and demeanor to her graceful handwriting.

In 2004, Betsy enrolled in Millsaps College community-enrichment class to be intentional in studying to acquire these traits. After hours of practice and patience, Betsy found herself volunteering to do her brother's wedding invitations, and from there, the rest is history. Betsy now teaches the very class she attended: "Calligraphy - The Art of Beautiful Writing" at Millsaps. Betsy's goal in teaching classes and workshops is to sustain the art of beautiful writing and correspondence by cultivating calligraphic artists who are willing to carry on the tradition.

Poised. Polite. And. Darn. Near. Perfect. Betsy's mother would have been so proud of her daughter. She did an amazing job on this Thursday evening inspiring us to not only "make time" but to take our time in penning. Many thanks to Betsy Greener for her absolutely wonderful instruction. And in the words of Dianne Swanson "she the best in the State" and there you have it!

Photo Gallery

As mentioned in an earlier blog post, Sombra Restaurant collects used liquor bottles for me. During the last year, I have been enamored with the idea of collecting old bottles to use as vases.

My hubby even rented a tile saw for me to see if we could figure out a way to cut them. Well, after many "a-trial-n-error", we discovered that the best bottles for cutting are the thick, heavy ones. Out of 75 bottles, we were able to use about 30 of them. But it was worth it. They are so very unique. And it's fun to be able to use something that would have literally been thrown in the trash. I have to believe there is a parable somewhere in this process. So when you see all these liquor bottles sitting on the tables, please don't judge me for drinking what was in them ... thank me for saving the environment! Ha!

Recipe for PopTarts

1 box Pillsbury pie crusts

Jelly or pie filling (I used jelly: grape, raspberry, and blueberry)

2 Egg whites

Frosting:

2 cups Confectioners Sugar

2 - 3 Tablespoons milk

1 drop red food coloring

Bring pie crusts to room temperature, then flatten out with rolling pin (not too thin); cut edges off with pizza cutter and make six 2x3 inch rectangles.

Brush edges with egg wash.

Place about 2 tablespoons of jelly or pie filling onto center of three of the rectangles; then place the remaining 3 rectangles on top of the ones with the filling.

Smash the edges with a fork to secure (not to hard or you will injure the crust and the filling will run out).

Bake at 350 degrees for 10-12 minutes until golden brown.

Once cooled, mix the powdered sugar, milk and food coloring in a bowl and then drizzle over top of pop tarts. You can also place sprinkles on top.

Store in an airtight container for up to 72 hours. Two pie crusts makes 6 Poptarts.