Deadlines are Great

September 17, 2012

I am that girl. The one that works toward a goal at a pace that would make the world's slowest snail appear to be racing in the Grand Prix. The one that desperately needs a deadline. The one that will find a way to make a self-imposed deadline seem like an externally imposed one just to make sure the job gets done. And once that deadline is in place, I can appear to be racing in the Grand Prix or, at the very least, giving that snail a run for his money. The deadline is key to get me working at breakneck speeds.

Since moving to Lunenburg two and a half years ago, we have been working on getting my print shop up and running. I've still been printing but instead of a dedicated printing area I've been working from the comfort of my dining room. It was hardly and ideal arrangement but you do what you've got to do. In an attempt to shift us into another gear I volunteered the (yet unfinished) shop to be on the 2012 Lunenburg House Tour. We had a pretty tough month filled with late nights, early mornings and sore bodies but we got it done.

Saturday was a huge success. We had hundreds of people come through the door. Some people had never seen a letterpress shop and it was great to see their enthusiasm and answer their questions. Other people had intimate knowledge of a print shop and it was great to hear their stories and see the nostalgia in their eyes. And everyone had a chance to print. It was so great to see their eyes light up when they pulled an impression.

I also have a few thank yous. Firstly, to everyone who came out and supported the Lunenburg Heritage Society. Secondly, to all of the volunteers that worked so hard to make this year's tour so successful. Thirdly, I would like to thank Emily for helping into the wee hours on Friday night getting the final touches in order and then for volunteering in the shop on Saturday to greet people and give the tour when I was busy with other things. I couldn't have managed without her. And lastly, but certainly not least, to Brad for being my carpenter, my heavy lifter and my cheerleading squad. The shop looks fabulous and the dining room table will soon, too.