Love on the Run–San Mateo, California • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • •

It all started with twitter...isn't that odd? Christopher owner of Porridge Papers, tweeted one day, "Who wants some swag?" Well that's just a silly question. Shouldn't he be asking who doesn't want some swag? It would obviously be a much shorter list. Well I took Christopher up on his offer and one awesome snail mail delivery later we became fast friends.

Truth be told, I had always known about Porridge Papers. They make beautiful paper and Christopher had created an amazing retail space where he delighted his local followers with a wide variety of stationery and gifts. But there was something else Christopher did that had caught my eye, and it is called Love on the Run.

For the last four years Christopher has teamed up with several local businesses to put on a free event centered around the idea of spreading a little love in his town of Lincoln, Nebraska. He appropriately named the event Love on the Run. Porridge Papers invites the community to come into their shop, type a love note on one of their antique typewriters, enjoy some good food, music, or even snap a photo and then roll up their note, stick it in a bottle and have it hand delivered to a lucky recipient on Valentine's Day. I wanted in!

I grew up in a town where traditions like Christopher's Love on the Run were a big part of life. It is these types of events that make a town, or a city, a community. It is something, as an adult, I missed. So here I was a small business owner living in a slightly larger city with the chance to start a tradition that would take my city one step closer to being that close knit community I want for my children. Love on the Run-San Mateo had to happen.

Lucky for us, Christopher is as amazing as his handmade paper. After our first phone conversation it was easy to see we shared the same enthusiasm for our communities, small businesses, and giving back. It was decided, seemingly easily, that world domination for Love on the Run was a given and the first step was to expand from Lincoln, Nebraska to San Mateo, California.

And so on February 11th and 12th, at Flywheel Press, we had our first annual Love on the Run-San Mateo. In a word it was spectacular. BUT to really be honest one word just isn't enough. The overwhelming generosity from Sibby's Cupcakery, The Ravioli House, Kathy's Kreative Kakes,
San Mateo Firefighter's Association not only made the event possible, it made it a weekend to remember for Flywheel Press as the new kid downtown, and for our entire community! We can't thank them enough. On both days the shop was buzzing with activity. We had well over 100 Valentines typed on our four antique typewriters. There were over 75 limited edition posters printed by curious patrons, along with countless coasters. Everyone's jubilation for the event and all of its activities was contagious. We had people of all ages printing, typing and playing on the fire engine!

Again we want to say thank you! Thank you to all the sponsors, the valenteers who helped deliver the notes of love (Rose Ashdown, Katie Beckheyer, Danielle Petty, and Rich Seguine).

We are so excited to see how we can top it next year. So don't worry if you weren't able to join us this year, make sure you pencil us in next for next year because Love on the Run-San Mateo is here to stay!

x O x O x

Flywheel Press

Can we be in the "tree of trust" ? • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • •

"This is a safe place. A place where we can feel free sharing our feelings. Think of my office blog as a nest in a tree of trust and understanding. We can say anything here..."

Okay so let's be honest, I am not the best at this blogging thing. It isn't as if there is a lack of things to write about. Shoot, those of you who have the pleasure to know me personally, know that it will be a cold day in hell when I don't have something to say about, well, about darn near anything. I have never been known to keep my thoughts to myself...ever.

So with that being said, here is the quintessential year in review. A late New Year's resolution for 2012, a recap and a promise (no fingers crossed) to be a far better blogger in 2012!

Now without further ado, our Flywheel Press 2011 year in review. Thank you all for making 2011 so amazing. I am not sure how you all plan on topping your love and support for 2012 but I am sure looking forward to seeing it all unfold! Cheers!