Tag Archives: Paper Source

Day 121: Ed, Brian, Jena, Aprill, Sam, Tyler and others

121-2I’ve become a huge fan of Paper Source – especially my local store here in Georgetown. It’s been a lifesaver for the Year of Letters. I don’t know of any other paper retailer with the level of quality and variety as Paper Source that beats their reasonable price point. And the staff is extremely helpful.

I’ve become a pretty regular face in the store since starting my letter-writing project – enough so I guess that they kindly invited me to a workshop that they had recently to teach cardmaking and giftmaking techniques. It was great – and they even had some snacks and wine for everyone.

I probably should have incorporated some of the new techniques I learned into this letter to them, but stay tuned, you’ll see some new things in my cards in the coming days and weeks.

 

I used one of Paper Source's bags to make a liner for the envelope.

I used one of Paper Source’s bags to make a liner for the envelope.

Ed, Brian, Jena, Aprill, Sam, Tyler and others,

121-3Thank you very much for your kind invitation to attend Crafter’s Night Out last evening led by Aprill and Sam. I learned several new techniques – like how to apply gilded edges, use washi tape and even make my own gift bags. Your entire team is exceptional and it is always a pleasure to be in your store.

Thanks again,
Reed Sandridge

P.S. I also bought the marbling set…keep a look out on YearOfLetters.com for some marbling!

Day 120: Rhonda

I’m the proud father of a baby rhino. Yep, check’em out here.

I didn't have a rhino stamp, but I embossed an elephant on her card. In Nepal, you can see rhinos, elephants and if your lucky, tigers.

I didn’t have a rhino stamp, but I embossed an elephant on her card. In Nepal, you can see rhinos, elephants and if your lucky, tigers.

Day 120-4

The rhino on my screen saver was happy to have some new company.

My boss just came back from a trip to Bhutan and Nepal and brought me back this little guy. Although she felt the earthquake, she had already left Nepal to travel to Bhutan when the 7.8 magnitude quake rocked the small Himalayan nation. I can only imagine how eery it must feel to realize that places you visited just days ago, monuments that you photographed and people whose eyes you looked into are no longer with us.

My thoughts are with all the people of Nepal right now.

Day 120-3

Rhonda,

Thank you so much for the hand-carved rhino – that was very thoughtful. I’m glad that you and the other travelers are all safe – what a devastating earthquake. I look forward to hearing more about your travels.

-Reed

My coworker Jake also received a rhino from Rhonda. He put his to work guarding some Trader Joe's Chocolate Covered Almonds. Sadly I have to report that two almonds were poached under his watch on the first day.

My coworker Jake also received a rhino from Rhonda. He put his to work guarding some Trader Joe’s Chocolate Covered Almonds. Sadly I have to report that two almonds were poached under his watch on the first day.

Day 118: Yunel Escobar, Washington Nationals

escobarLast night the Nationals started a three-day series with the Atlanta Braves. The Nats have been slumping, but one of the players who has been producing both in the batter’s box as well as on the field is utility infielder Yunel Escobar who the Nats picked up in a crazy multi-team deal that sent pitcher Tyler Clippard to Oakland.

In the fifth inning Escobar had to leave the game after suffering an injury due to an aggressive slide by Braves shortstop Andrelton Simmons into third base. I thought I would send the Cuban-born ballplayer a letter and wish him a speedy recovery.

Day 118

(Spanish translation)

Dear Yunel,

Welcome to Washington! We are very happy to have someone with your talent on our team. 

Braves shortstop Andrelton Simmons knocked Yunel Escobar’s glove off, and the Nationals third baseman out of the game. . (Photo by Scott Cunningham/Getty Images)

Braves shortstop Andrelton Simmons knocked Yunel Escobar’s glove off, and the Nationals third baseman out of the game. . (Photo by Scott Cunningham/Getty Images)

I’m writing you to wish you a speedy recovery – I was watching the game last night when Simmons hurt you. I hope that it’s nothing serious and that you can get back to the field in the coming days. 

Warm regards,
Reed Sandridge

P.S. Also, thanks for being a part of the deal that sent Tyler Clippard to Oakland – he drove me nuts!

Day 117: Robert

My friend Robert lost his father recently. As is the case more and more, I heard the news on Facebook – which is always an oddity for me. You want to show support but don’t necessarily want to “like” it on Facebook. So I decided to drop him a handwritten note.

Day 117 tequila

I got this shot glass at a going away party for Robert when he left DC a few years ago. Seemed fitting to us it today.

Robert was back in Louisville, KY this weekend with his family as they came together to celebrate his father’s life. And while I felt sad for my friend and his family, I could see through the photographs that they truly celebrated his life. And if his father is anything like Robert, he wouldn’t have wanted people to be sad, he probably would have preferred everyone to take a shot of tequila and get back to contributing to our community (unless that involved driving!)

So…here’s to Robert’s dad!

Day 117

Robert,

I’m so sorry to hear about your father. I can only imagine what a wonderful and interesting man he was. It’s never easy losing the people we love the most and I hope that it somehow comforts you to know that others are keeping you in their thoughts.

Lots of love to you and your family,
Reed Sandridge

 

 

 

Day 114: Clint Robinson, Washington Nationals

Photo: minorleagueball.com

Photo: minorleagueball.com

One of the great stories this Spring Training was that of Clint Robinson. The 30-year-old has spent his professional baseball career playing for a variety of minor league organizations. The Nationals invited him to Spring Training with the hopes of making the 25 man roster and what do you know, he made it! It’s the kind of story that makes you want to support those who have worked so hard for so many years for this moment. Clint earned it and I’m excited to watch him play this year.

Now if I could just get Clint to come out and help my softball team with our hitting. Bryce Harper joined us a few years ago – so it could happen!

Let’s go Nats!

Day 114

Dear Clint,

Congratulations on making the Nationals roster this year. I know that you have worked very hard to get here and I’ve enjoyed watching you play. That triple you hit off of Porcello deep to center in Boston was beautiful.

Day 114-2I’m intrigued about your bat collection. I am a bit of a collector myself – not of bats (although I wouldn’t be opposed to collecting bats) but of items that tell a great story. Speaking of stories, I heard that you have some miracle bat that you are carrying around that hasn’t broke in over two months of use. That sounds like a record probably for you – you hit the ball pretty hard.

Anyway, I’m excited to cheer for you this year. I’m a huge Nats fan and want to welcome you to our city and wish you a great season – and many more to come. Good luck tonight against the Marlins.

Reed Sandridge
(@ReedSandridge)

P.S. I read that your wife Samantha is expecting. Congratulations to you both. Enjoy this special moment in your life.