Flourish Forum
Forum Info & Support => Flourish Forum News => Topic started by: Erica McPhee on November 21, 2013, 02:10:48 AM
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I posted this on the blog but wanted to post it here in the forum as well.
Hello Calligraphy Peeps!
I have had several questions from people wondering what I am up to over here on the forum. Am I really giving away tutorials for free? Do I plan to charge for membership to the forum? Why am I not charging people?
The honest answer is, "I don't really know." I have a plan in terms of what my next steps are for myself in Calligraphy Land (to be revealed soon). But I don't yet know how that will play into the forum. I thought long and hard for many months about starting this forum. It has been months of work just getting it ready and then many, many hours adding content. Truth be told, I love every minute of it. So here is my best answer (and probably way more than anyone wants to know) about the "why's."
Ever see that movie, "Field of Dreams?"
It's the one with Kevin Costner where a voice tells him to build a baseball field and "they will come." Well, I heard that little voice. While it didn't say those exact words, it went something like this ...
The past 16 years of my life have been filled with joy, heartache, and challenges I never imagined I would face. My baby boy was diagnosed with autism, my darling daughter was paralyzed from the neck down with a bleeding disorder, facing an uncertain future, and my sweet third was one of the tiny fraction of a percentage of this generation to develop rheumatic fever at age 5. (My family will *never* play the odds.) And there have been other serious challenges without a public face or mention. But everyone faces challenges and many way worse than mine! And with every challenge we have been blessed. And with every blessing we have grown and flourished.
I have reached a point in my life where I am finally good with who I am. I know what makes me happy. It's time for me to be me. I tell my children, "find your thing." My thing has always been calligraphy. For thirty-five years my heart has gone pitter patter every time I see beautiful letters. I have spent almost my entire life working on my lettering and learning everything I can. However, if I die tomorrow and I haven't shared that skill with anyone, I can't take it with me.
So here we are...
I wondered if other calligraphers (instructors) would feel I shouldn't give it away for free. But here's the way I see it... there are many, many, many calligraphy instructors out there. Some are charging $20 bucks for a quick video class and getting thousands of students. Some charge $150 for a 3 hour workshop and filling the room. Some make just enough to cover the expenses for giving a class at the library or craft store. Then you have your pros that are teaching at conferences and traveling to guilds for workshops, etc.
I am flattered that anyone might think my little videos would somehow degrade the market for other calligraphy classes! I don't think by providing my videos for free, I am devaluing anything. I've never heard anyone ask, "Why does IAMPETH share all those videos for free?" or "Why are there over 50,000 calligraphy tutorial videos for free on YouTube?" Think of it this way, if I charged for those lessons, would it stop anyone else from making lessons? Absolutely not! So why should me not charging for them change that?
If anything, it should prompt people to want to take other classes with other calligraphers! If I stopped after my first class I would never be where I am today! I am obviously not the end all, be all in terms of teaching calligraphy. Every teacher has something valuable to offer. And no one teacher has bought the rights to teaching any one subject exclusively. We all have a different view to share.
I hope my lessons will also help bridge the gap that seems to be developing between "traditional" and "modern" calligraphers. Yes, I said it. It is my hope that all those looking to learn calligraphy will see how learning the fundamentals will greatly improve your skill. Whether you want to do traditional copperplate or your own personal style, learning good letterforms will ALWAYS be of benefit.
Calligraphy is experiencing a popularity I have never seen. We need to come together, help each other, and recognize the beauty of all that is lettering. I adore contemporary/modern calligraphy but I also do not want to see the tradition of beautiful Copperplate, Engrosser's Script, Round Hand, or whatever you want to call it, disappear. My hope is the flourish forum will be one of the places people come to learn about and share calligraphy. At the very least, it will always be a welcoming community for anyone who loves lettering of any kind.
Final question... will I eventually charge for membership to the forum?
I have considered making a paid section for members in which I (and other calligraphers) would elaborate and/or offer additional tutorials. However, at this time, I have no intention of charging for membership. I'm not selling, I'm sharing. I have committed myself to offering a full series on pointed pen calligraphy and it would not be fair for me to half way through say, "OK, folks, hope you like it so far, now pay up." That will not happen.
In the far off future, if it seems feasible, I may offer advertising on the home page or sidebar. I just don't know ... I'm kind of flying by the seat of my pants and taking it one day at a time.
I do know this... I have been given many gifts in life. And I feel at this time in my life I want to share what I know with anyone who wants to hear it. I look at these tutorials as an introduction to lettering. People from all over who have no access to calligraphy or maybe don't have the funds to pay for it, can now see how I do it. It may lead them to a further love and who knows, some day they may be conference and workshop attendees because they saw these little videos for free on line. It's all good. And it all contributes to growing the calligraphy community which is my ultimate goal.
Be brave. Love life.
Erica
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Erica, I can't tell you how much I'm touch by your words. What a life and challenges you have had... All your lifeas made the so incredible human person you are. Life is full of signs, you have seen them, and give for free, with heart is always good.
So happy to get in touch with you, I hope we'll meet for real one day, to share more and more :-* Nora
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My favorite citation for the both ways"In life everything is a sign" Paolo coelho : The Alchemist XO Nora
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Merci Beaucoup Nora! I hope we will meet in person some day, too. Hopefully in France at the calligraphy workshop you will host someday! ;D
I definitely believe in signs. They are everywhere. Some day I may share my synchronicities. Some are hard to believe even though I experienced them. But I believe in fairies, too. :)
Thank you for your sweet message!
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Dear Erica,
I know I've said it before, but I greatly appreciate you. You and your willingness to share you gifts, talents, and all the time you spend helping all of us. You really are a blessing. I cannot tell you enough just how much you helped me with getting my daughters wedding invitations ready. I honestly don't know how I could have done it all without your willingness to share and to help me. I will always be grateful. For me, to know that I have a dear friend in calligraphy, someone who really cares enough to help has made a difference in my life. It just fills my life with joy. I am truly happy and my family is happy. All your efforts means so much. Not just to me, but to so many people. You are an amazing friend, doing an amazing thing with this forum.
Thank you again for everything.
Love always,
Roseann
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Oh my goodness! Thank you Roseann! I'm going to print out your message and post it on my wall!
And I really hope you will share your invitation with us when you are done!
So, so glad I could help. There... mission accomplished! ;D It's all just icing on the cupcakes now!
HUGS!
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Thank you Erica for your generosity! This world is a better place because of you. May you continue to inspire hundred and thousands of people!
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Thank you so much! I really appreciate it! Makes it all worthwhile! :)
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You are the best, Erica! Thank you for everything you do.
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Thanks Joy! I miss you! :D
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Ditto what everyone said already. With the addition of:
KARMA
You have it in spades!!!!
Thank you thank you :)
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Thank you!!! :D Happy Thanksgiving!
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Such good news! Haven't checked the forum in a while (life gets busy), but SO many new and great resources! :) I love it!!
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Hi Sherry!
Great to see you again. Glad you are enjoying the new things we have added. I'm excited, too, for the momentum we are building!
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Wow, Erica, I am really humbled to be in this place here with you. After reading your message and your website, just wow. With all of your challenges, you have accomplished so much. You are so talented, and for you to start this and spend your time here is amazing. I am even more thankful to have found this forum. For the last nine years, I have not been active in the calligraphy community. Prior to that, I was not working for four years. It was during that time that I took so many classes and was active in our calligraphy guild, Pacific Scribes. During that time, I met so many calligraphers who I found to be so kind and generous. Now, I feel like I've found that again. When I think about those old days spent with my calligraphy friends, workshops and projects, it makes me a bit sad that I no longer have that due to work, family obligations and such. Time does that, doesn't it? Now, I'm excited to be a part of it again. Thank you from the bottom of my heart, Erica. I look forward to getting to know you.
Thanks so much and happy holidays to you and your family,
Sharon
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You are very welcome! And thank you, Sharon! Your message brought tears to my eyes. Now it is my turn to be humbled. :) It's true - people come into and out of our lives at various times. I'm really happy to be able to be a part of facilitating new friendships as we all share and enjoy what we love! I look forward to getting to know you as well! :D
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Erica - I just read your initial post in this thread and I'm so touched by your humanity.
You have provided such a cool place for all of us to learn from, not only you but from each other. You've brought the love of lettering from all over the world together. That is no small task! But even before I read your post in this thread I've known since I joined that you are a special person with a gift of bringing people together in a kind and loving way. You're a awesome person with a BIG heart and I feel blessed that god brought us to you. That sounds cooky I know but that how I feel.
Anyway no need to respond just wanted to share with you my thoughts.
Hugs,
Nickki
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I hadn't seen this before, Erica. (Till Nickki commented and bumped it up!) I love everything you said. You have a beautiful, generous outlook on life. So glad to hear you overcame your challenges and didn't let them overcome you. And so glad you started this forum. I really value the skill you have shared and the warm, caring atmosphere you have created. I wouldn't be where I am getting back into calligraphy without it!
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Erica, thank you for setting up this forum and for your generosity in sharing. And also thank you to the regulars here who continually post and patiently answer questions us newbies have. Know that you are appreciated.
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Erica, I would like to Thank you for sharing with us, with me, these tutorials.
As you said, somebody cannot pay 120€ for a very few hours of workshop at the local shop (I was asked that money for a lesson by a non professional calligrapher and I found it very wrong, but maybe it's me and I have a wrong idea).
By the way, I really can't afford that kind of workshops and lessons in this moment of my life: I hope in the future I will, but now I'm just a young student who'd like to learn something new, have a new non-expensive hobby, and without you and your tutorials I couldn't learn anything about this world. I really appreciate your generosity and everything you wrote in this topic.
It's really a pleasure and a fortune to have the possibility of learning listening to your tender and full of love voice.
THANK YOU.
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Thank you all so much! It really does make it all worthwhile to know it pleases others and brings happiness to everyone! :) :-*
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I've been away for awhile but it's great to come back and see this place is HOPPING! You planted a seed, and see how much it's grown!
Thank you, Erica, for the incredibly dedicated hard work you do to help inspire the rest of us.
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Thanks Erica for your forum, really. I hadn't wanted to post and give away my creeper stalker identity but reading your post about your kids and how calligraphy has always been your thing and how you want to pass on a skill you can never bring to your grave, I just had to say I really appreciate it, and I feel inspired by your drive.
I'm not some expert calligrapher or some dedicated forum poster so I doubt my words carry lots of strength (in fact, I always read the forums without logging in, even!) but it's things and moments like these that make me think 'I should work hard too!' People face problems, and it's the dark side of things people seldom want to discuss at length about, but there is that one thing that carries them through to the light at the end of the tunnel, and it's that spirit that I always find so beautiful, the strength that's born out of vulnerability.
You're absolutely right when calligraphy classes are expensive. In Singapore, it's common to have $200 dollars for 3 hour sessions on modern calligraphy and nobody is interested in traditional calligraphy, so much so that even art stores here don't sell enough materials for dip pens! This august I think Eleanor Winters herself is coming to give a 2 day workshop that costs a whopping $500. I ordered myself her book instead and kept to good tutorials like IAMPETH and other calligraphers have generously offered, for free, at a low cost. I'm still learning, with the only pointed nib I managed to secure (thank god Nikko G is hardy), but it's with the grace of good people who share their knowledge am I able to properly train myself without feeling inadequate because I can't afford to learn from fancy workshops and masters of their craft.
So thank you, and thank you all for offering such opportunities. I don't say it since I'm just bookmarking good pages for reference for my 'reading material', but really, I do appreciate you all for sharing your knowledge. I'm eager to learn, just really glad I can. :)
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Pass the tissues...
Erica, you know how I feel. I'm a huge believer that God allows people's paths to cross for a reason.
I'm honored and blessed that with your schedule and responsibilities at home you still take out time to be personal with us.
You've ruined my mascara but I'm so happy to have read this. I often pop in to the "farm" with little time to rove around. I'm so happy that I did took extra time today.
May the wind always be at your back.
Hugs and smooches,
Daisy
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Thank you Brianna, Faeleia, and Daisy!
Faeleia - your gratitude carries as much strength as any! I so appreciate your kind words and your sharing them with me. I'm also glad you logged in because you can't see all the free video tutorials and print the free handouts without logging in! So be sure to check those out in the Pointed Pen Nirvana board. Enjoy your practice and let us know if we can help as you learn. :)
Daisy - I do know. HUGS! :-* :) (Sorry about the mascara! ;D)
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Thank you Thank you, Erica!!! ...for providing such a great place to read around, meet like minded 'crazy ink and nib people' and of course for all those awesome tutorials!
I won't add too much here - everyone who wrote in this thread said it so perfectly well, I can't top that ;)
Thank you so much - Dankeschön - tack så mycket! :)
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You're very welcome Jana! I appreciate your kind words. :)
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Hi Erica.....
Since the day I joined the forum, this is the second time I have visited and it is only now that I have read this post. So many things going on that I have not given much time to practicing calligraphy..... Your post brought tears to my eyes as well as flashbacks of various challenges that I have also had.... But with what you have been through and to still display this kind of generosity with your gifts is just something out of this world. Kindness beyond the prettiest letters anyone can ever produce.
Thank you, Erica. Thank you.
Sharon
@swirlsandstrokes
@shawie_gram
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Dear Erica,
Thank you for providing the Forum! It's a wonderful, caring place! I have learned so much from you and the other "regulars"! I also believe that God puts people in your path for a reason and I think that He used you to bring all of us together! I am praying for you and your sweet family!
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I haven't posted here before, but ...
Erica, this forum and the people here have grown so dear to me, thank you for providing a place to flourish. <3
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Hi Erica,
I knew your forum from someone here who told me you are so sweet for making this forum and shares so many things. (Bummer that I forgot whom! If you (readers) think that you are the person, please tell me so, because I want to thank your sharing as well.)
Thank you for your generosity and your kindness for sharing, Erica. I am amazed by your endurance and patience in living your amazing life. I am certain all of us acknowledge your positive attitude.
I still remembered that I post a new thread at 'Tool & Supplies' about getting calligraphy supplies in Indonesia. You have tried to help me by giving information about the sellers. I appreciated it very much. I have a good news for you, Erica. After a loooong searching, I have calligraphy tools already :) I have 2 holders and a few nibs. I practice almost every day. Even I don't have access to buy good quality of practice paper, I tried many brands of notebook that can hold calligraphy ink. After I found a descent one, I started practice from your tutorials.
When I printed out all the tutorials you have given us, I thought, 'Here is someone who is so generous and put all the heart and soul by providing these, I MUST PRACTICE HARD.' I am a newbie, but hopefully someday I (or some or all of us) can make you proud.
So, from the bottom of my heart, THANK YOU!!
Ernie
p.s Please forgive my English if it confused you because English is my second language.
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Thank you Sharon, Janis, Natascha, and Ernie. Your kind words mean the world to me. Each and every one lift me up and fill me with love.
Flourish has grown beyond my wildest dreams. And it makes me happy every single day that we have all come together, formed new friends, and share in this beautiful art.
Thank you! :)
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Hi Erica. Just wanted to say a few words, I landed at this forum while searching for copperplate info, After reading your post I had to reply here and say Thank you for your work and allowing people like me to learn from you.
I am no calligrapher and i don't even own a calligraphy pen, I just started with fountain pens and I may not be able right now to take advantage of all there is to gain in this forum, I am thankful I can see some examples of nice calligraphy and it reminds me of what my mom was able to do back in the day as she loved calligraphy and had her own book where she collected her work.
Thank you once more...
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That is so thoughtful of you jadehawk. Thank you for your post. Any calligraphy admirer is a friend of mine! :)
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Erica, I am floored and moved to tears by your words.
I only wanted to thank you for all that you do for us,
I really appreciate all the information and calligraphy
insights I can find in this forum. I am amazed at the
warm welcome I have experienced and I am looking
forward to spending many happy hours online. And
even offline I am starting to get involved and I love
it so much. It is so hard to find other people who are
willing to talk about ink, pens and paper and I cherish
finding just this group of people here.
So thank you, thank you so much!
Best wishes,
Nicole
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Thank you so much Nicole for your very sweet message! I'm so happy you are enjoying and making connections! Hooray! ;D
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What you give to others freely, generously and without strings will always be returned 100 fold. Thank YOU for sharing freely, generously and without strings!!!! YOU are inspiring me to teach!!! Thank YOU!!! Jenny
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Thanks Jenny! :)
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This forum is really amazing. I too have been interested in calligraphy since I was 10! I have always loved it but never pursued to excel at it. Your lessons and this forum are a wonderful place to learn and improve. It is unlike other sites in that it is so full of relevant information for novices. It also makes the journey feel like a process rather than an impossible goal. It is very approachable and addictive and you are unlike the other calligraphy "experts" on the web.
I am excited about calligraphy again ! Yay!
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Hi Erica,
Just wanna join the others to thank you for your generosity. I found the forum while googling for calligraphy tips and local supplies and voila, Ernie's post on the forum came up. I haven't posted much, but I've read a lot and this forum and its lovely people has equipped me so much in the last couple of months. Your tutorials and tips are very friendly and easy to understand and it is also amazing to be connected with people around the world!
Again, many many thanks, Erica!
Maria
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Also adding my heartfelt thanks for your generosity, Erica! The pointed pen lessons have been a really great help in improving my writing. :)
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Thanks so much Diane, Maria, and Mapet! I really appreciate your very kind words. And I am so glad the forum is helping you learn calligraphy! :)
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I am glad this is here. I honestly wasn't thinking much about calligraphy when i got my dip pen, but now thanks to this forum I have realised what I can eventually do. (Oh BOY does that sound cheezy) anyway, thank you.
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Erica,
I am new to the forum and just read this post. I've just been moved to tears by your story, your words, your generous spirit, and what you are doing here! I've been doing modern calligraphy for five years and have built myself a fairly successful little business, though I've never taken the time to learn a traditional calligraphy style. Hats off to you for your desire to bridge the gap between contemporary and modern calligraphers! In one simple post you have just INSPIRED me to dive in and learn some traditional calligraphy styles in order to develop new skills and refine the ones I already have. Thank you for this and for everything you are doing.
<3
angi
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Hi Angi,
Thanks so much for this sweet post. I'm so happy to have inspired you. Congrats on your business, too! Welcome to Flourish! :D
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Thank you for bringing this back Angi!
Thank you, Erica, for your generosity and kind heart. You are such an inspiration to everyone! <3
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OOPS--I meant to say, "your desire to bridge the gap between TRADITIONAL and modern calligraphers." I'm sure you knew what I meant, ha!
Thank you again! I am stoked to continue this letter journey in a new way!
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Yes, thank you Erica, so much for posting these lessons. I am loving learning, and there are no classes near me nor do I have the funds to attend. I am spending time every day with your videos and worksheets and enjoying learning - thank you! ;D
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wow! When I opened this topic I was expecting to read something totally different. Bravo to you. I appreciate all the awesome, free calligraphy everything you provide. But I also appreciate everything you stated in this post. Blessings to you and your family. This was inspiring!
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Thanks Sandeeee, angeliqueink, collyermum (love that username!), and CHAKAMEDINA! I'm glad you all are enjoying Flourish! And I very much appreciate your posts. :)
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Hi Erica!!!
Wow, too many feelings of joy to share in a tiny box. I just read this post about "is it really free?" and I am blown away. For months of sharing on my own personal Instagram account and my blog, I have struggled with this same topic of charging. In the moment, I am absolutely happy to share what I know. If I ever want to charge, it MUST be in order to sustain myself financially and break apart from my day job (non-calligraphy). Sharing is truly caring. "I do not give because I have. I have because I give."
Thank you for sharing these beautiful thoughts. I have been a Flourish Forum member for some time, but never dove into the group. Will stick around and get more acquainted. Thank you again for your generosity and beautiful heart.
Sharisse
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Thank you for your kind words, Sharisse! I'm glad you are joining us. :)
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Erica,
Thank you so much for all your hard work and providing the FF. I am glad there is an online guild environment that is all things calligraphy!
I just want to tell you that I voted for you at IAMPETH for the most influential person poll. I wish you would have won it, because the time, money and sleepless nights keeping this environment going is the best thing that has happened to the calligraphy community. And IMHO, is why IAMPETH membership has exponentially grown too.
Hugs,
Amy
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In other words, the reason why it's free is because you are a good person and you realize a good thing doesn't have to have a price tag slapped on it.
Tank you, Erica
:D
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Thank you so much Amy! I am so touched by your thoughtfulness! :) :-*
Thanks Carina! :-)
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Dear Erica,
Thank you for all that you share. I am a "Newbie" to the Forum and am so appreciative of being able to receive the wisdom that everyone has to share. I count my blessings each day. I learned calligraphy 5 years ago with a C-2 nib and am in awe of all that I know now and willingly share because there are still those who do not know what the art of calligraphy is. In 2013 I was diagnosed with Stage 3 breast cancer and the fear of NOT doing all that I had planned to do in life motivates me each day to start a conversation as many times as possible about being a calligrapher. I'm in pursuit of living each of my dreams. I may not be as good or great as many but my foundation is firm and my love of the art keeps me hungry and wanting to learn more each day. What you have Erica, as well as me and other Forum members is described as "PASSION". It's the one that we would do everyday even if we weren't paid to do it. Thank you!
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Thank you for sharing Nettie! You hit the nail on the head! It's why my motto is "Be Brave. Love Life." Keep sharing and thank you! :)
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Read this waaaaay too late but it could have not been anymore timely. I am deeply encouraged by this post, Erica! I can't begin to explain how much.
Just my two cents on the free videos that you provide, I totally agree with you that it shouldn't hurt those who hold paid workshops. I think there are two types of calligraphy enthusiasts. There are self-learners (like myself) who totally appreciate all the available online resources and there are those who needs a physical presence--somebody right in front of them who will show them and teach them what to do. For the latter, the paid workshops does a lot of help!
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Thanks rorieboat! ;D
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I was expecting to read something different! Wow! I am deeply touched and encouraged by your post!
Plus, thank you for all your hard work, it also encourages me!
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Thank you so much for this forum, Erica. I am a rookie and I love this place!!! You have truly given us all a gift. :)
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Thank you cmccho and cyndih! :) <3
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Thank you so much for accepting me as a member and for sharing!!
Vivien
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Thank you, Erica. I just started learning pointed pen this summer and your tutorials have helped me greatly.
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Welcome @BabeVivien and @mikecharli ! So glad you have joined us and that the tutorials have been helpful!
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Dear Erica,
First, let me say how sorry I am that you've had these health challenges. Being a mother, I understand how painful it is to watch our children having problems of any kind, much less the ones that will not go away. I just said a prayer for you and your family.
It's so wonderful of you to give of yourself so generously to all of us. Thank you. I'm so pleased to have a place like this to go to seek advice. I'm 61 and I took a calligraphy class in my 20's and then life took over and my husband and I worked and raised our son. Now, I'm starting again and this time trying to get better at calligraphy and learn Copperplate. But, I made a mistake at the beginning of last year. I didn't know any better, but I almost feel as though I wasted a whole year learning a calligraphy script that was a creation of someone else. Many of the letters have never "felt" right and a year later, I'm still trying to "find my calligraphy feet." So, I bought the Eleanor Winters book about 2 months ago and I'm starting over learning the basic letterforms. I say all this to point out that you're right! Learning the basic letterforms is helpful and as Phyllis Macaluso said, "If you learn the classic way, then you can break the rules like an artist." And, when you break the rule, that will be your art and your own calligraphy and it will feel right to you. I think. I'm not quite there yet! I just know that the script created by someone else - although beautiful - was not a fit for me. I would be further along had I started with the classics. After I get this down, I would like to learn a modern script as well.
So, again, thank you so much and my best wishes for you and your family.
Liz
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Thank you Liz @lizabetht for your very kind words and your prayers. I so appreciate both. I am happy to hear you have found your way back to calligraphy. It’s hard to know where to start nowadays because there are so many calligraphy classes and tutorials, etc. While it may seem like you made a mistake in where you began, it’s OK because even though you weren’t learning a traditional script, you were learning how to use the pen, how to manage the ink, etc. So the experience is still valuable never the less.
You may want to check out Salman’s tutorials (http://theflourishforum.com/forum/index.php?board=45.0) as they are excellent for learning a beautiful Engrosser’s Script copperplate.
Best of luck on your calligraphy journey! :)
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Hi
This is my first post. I am grateful for your willingness to share your time and talent with the group. I am just starting out again to create on online presence with calligraphy and I believe this will be a wonderful start.
Thank you for sharing your personal story about your children and the struggles you are facing. I am awed by your positive approach.
Thank you
Jennifer
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Thanks Jennifer! @Jennifer_T
Hope you are finding fun things here at Flourish. I appreciate your kind words! ;D
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Erica, I wept as I read through all the loving messages left by forum members, who truly appreciate all you are, all that you do, and how encouraging you are to everyone. You stand as a beacon for what a human being CAN be, and that is a rare and wondrous gift.
Each one of us who passed through the doors of your calligraphic home here, are touched by the community of sharing and caring you have created. We come here for many reasons, having found out about The Flourish Forum from other scribes, IAMPETH, You Tube videos — or someone who saw our struggles in another group and whispered through a private message that we’d find a warm welcome and all the information and guidance we could possibly need or want here in your “home.”
It truly is a home—and you greet every person at your door with a smile, and a willingness to help each person find their way around. I remember my first days, trying to learn how to post, and being so fearful of making a mistake. You wrote, “Don’t worry about making a mistake. If you post in the wrong place, I can move it where it needs to go. I’m here to help!” And help you did. You made it easy to take the plunge and make that first post.
There is simply no other place in cyberspace quite like this. The warmth, the camaraderie, the master penmen and penwomen who so generously give of their time to help budding scribes, and encourage them to continue refining their studies. The Flourish Forum in one-of-a-kind, and so chock full of sage information that most any question we could have will find an answer in one of the helpful threads.
On a personal note, I have to say that you are one of the rarest individuals, and someone I now treasure immensely. Thank you, thank you, thank you for caring enough to share all of this with all of us. We are the ones so very blessed!
Debi in Las Vegas
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Thank you Debi (@NevadaDeb),
I have read your post several times trying to absorb every word. I am both humbled and overwhelmed at your kindness, compassion, and very thoughtful words.
Sending love right back to you in Nevada. :-*
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The best achievements are attained by people who pull together in the same direction because they want to, not because they are paid to or out of some faux notion of duty that they ought to because they’ve paid to be there or been paid to be there. I love sharing knowledge and I personally get an infinite amount of satisfaction if something I have said or done has helped someone, even in a small way, and allowed them to progress from some impasse or through some trickiness.
Journeys like this never end, you just move from place to place, sometimes starting at the base of a seemingly insurmountable cliff but somehow making progress. Encouragement and support from enthusiastic friends helps no end. I’ve played musical instruments for most of my life and that brings its own challenges and frustrations. But it is all character building and coming through this makes you stronger. I’m late to fatherhood, having a 3 month old baby boy at 52. Erica, I can’t begin to imagine how you have coped with what you have had on your plate, but sharing the journey only makes it easier to cope, whatever the journey is and wherever it goes.
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Thank you Andrew! What a lovely response. Wow - congratulations on your baby boy! That is fantastic - no greater joy. You’re just a year ahead of me. Enjoy every moment. <3
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Hello Erica!
You are our light.. I´m a baby.. and need see to much things here, but I can tell one thing with knowhow: you have too much love to share with all of the world! Thanks for love us!
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Thank you @RoseliGomes ! Your message warmed my heart. :-*
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<3 8-)***
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Good insight, Erica.
Personally, I do calligraphy because I absolutely love letters, papers, and pens. Please don't ask me why, LOL! I don't plan to make it into a business because (for me) it will take the fun so any open source is helpful. However, I do see your point and I am fine with it.
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I love letters, too! I often wonder why I love them so much and I can't ever come to a final conclusion. ;D
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I am revisiting this thread and say hello to everyone who joins this conversation and give a big themb up to @Erica McPhee again for this heartfelt share she offer for the Calligraphy community .
THANK YOU ERICA :D
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Thank you @Cyril Jayant ! I appreciate that! :-*
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Thank you Erica. I'm sure it takes a good deal of time to keep up with all the work involved in keeping the forum moving in a positive and helpful direction.
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I'm taking an hour or so break from writing envelopes and decided to read a couple of threads that I haven't read before.
I wish I hadn't opened this thread.
I've been wiping my eyes for the past 10 minutes and I have only managed to read upto the beginning of page four.
I'd like to blame smoke in my eyes, but I don't smoke. (I spose I could blame the wifes cooking, but we had salad for tea).
Nope, they are man tears and I'm not worried to admit it.
Such pain and truth in near equal measure.
Life can be such a ******* at times, but shoulders are broad on 'chosen' ones.
As for the learning of calligraphy,... we have to learn at our own pace, or at least, I do. I only wish I knew about this forum earlier, but then, as it goes, life and other things took my time, but I am so, so glad I found it when I did.
There is an old saying over here in the UK, and I'll share it later. It sums up my true feelings.
From a personal perspective -
I struggle with my calligraphy practice, but I do try to put in at least a couple of hours practice daily if I can, which, being totally honest, is probably an hour longer than I used to do prior to joining this website. I used to collect fountain pens, and was a member of a really nice fountain pen forum with a lot of very nice people, but due to being bullied by a few arsehats (I'd pay a few quid to see them treat me in real life the way they did when they were sat behind a computer monitor ;D ;D ;D), I left shortly before finding this forum. My gain, there loss.
I have learnt so much in such a short time. I feel blessed to have seen such beauty in peoples writings and flourishing. I have laughed at many posts here...... and every bit of it is free.
Would I put my hand in my pocket and pay for the site? In a heartbeat!
Long may the enjoyment continue.
Thank you Erica for all your hard work, and thank you to the members that make this forum what it is.
Oh, and the saying,...... ermmmm.....
Tiz ok, I'll clean it up ;D
"I'm as happy here as a pig in ****" (insert smelly word).
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Thank you so much @Mark T ! We have such a kind and thoughtful group of folks here at Flourish. I am so sorry to read about what happened at the other forum (but it does not surprise me). I’ve worked really hard over the years to keep this a happy, friendly environment where ALL feel welcome!
It makes me feel so good to hear Flourish is encouraging your practice and taking you to the next level. That was always my only hope for members - to learn, thrive, and love letters.
We like to say in Maine, “Happy as a clam at high tide!” Same sentiment! ;D
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Returning to the forum after a hiatus, your heartfelt post was the first thing that greeted me Erica, and it touched my soul!
As you've navigated through joy, heartache, and unforeseen challenges, your resilience shines through.
This space has always been a haven where enthusiasts like me, wrestling with time constraints, congregated, learnt, and shared in the enchantment of letters. And should the day come when this space transitions to a paid model, I believe, many would pay without thinking twice.
Thank you for creating a haven that feels like a comforting embrace, even after prolonged absence. Here's to wishing you a future filled with warmth, continued growth, and the same generosity that has touched our hearts and to the heartfelt and thriving future of Calligraphy Land!
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It’s so nice to see you here again @Garima ! I hope you are doing well! And thank you for such a very kind sentiment. It warms my heart. :-*
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Hi Erica
A heartfelt "thank you" for this place that calligrapher's can meet and discuss the thing we all love doing. How you managed to do this with all you have had to do and continue to do is nothing short of inspirational. I really appreciate it. I haven't been here for awhile because I had to take time away from calligraphy to do some things that are not fun, but necessary. I was so pleased that I could just log in even though I haven't been here since the beginning of the pandemic.
There is a treasure trove of expertise here. Thanks again for making it possible.
Liz T
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Thank you Liz! I love hearing this. And I’m so happy to see you back at calligraphy and here at Flourish! :-*
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Hi Erica,
This is Loan and I just joined. I was the lucky recipient of your Christmas card last year and it is on my inspirational wall.
I just read your introductory bio and I’m sadden to hear so much tribulations have happened to you. Thank you for sharing your difficulties, and I appreciate you and respect you even more.
I don’t post in Instagram but I follow many calligraphers. I’m glad to find this safe space away from social media.
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That is so kind of you Loan! And I’m happy to see you here at Flourish! :-*