LOVE RUNS THE WORLD
About a year ago, I got inspired to create something for St. Jude through my passion for hand lettering. I had a friend who was diagnosed with Hodgkins and had been treated at St. Jude (read more about her here), so I knew firsthand how incredible this company was for children dealing with diseases. After a few conversations, my best friend Tonya and I signed up for the 2018 race, and I got to work on ways I could contribute.
After many hours of concepting letters, I came up with the design for a shirt - “Love Runs the World”. Its meaning was dual-part; because of the love and donations people give, St. Jude can keep its doors open and take care of the sick children at no cost to their family. And it also meant, in a more light-hearted way, “ Love Runs the World” because of the St. Jude marathon runners who dedicate their time to training for the 5k, 10k, half, or full marathon.
Race day came on Saturday, December 1st. Tonya and I had driven down the night before to sleep in Memphis and have a little bit of downtime before we ran the next morning. We were absolutely filled with adrenaline at the start of the race. We hadn’t really taken the time to study the course and its terrain, but around mile 6, my body was starting to ask, “Rosemary, what the ^&* are you doing?!”. I quickly realized I had not at all properly continued training long distances since my last half mid-October, and I definitely hadn’t prepped for those unexpected hills! OUCH!
But, guys, do you know what? Tonya and I ran the entire course non-stop. What encouraged us to not give up? Well, having each other as accountability partners was huge, but the main reason was running through St. Jude’s campus and seeing the children with signs encouraging us and cheering in whatever capacity they could.
Tonya and I right after crossing the finish line at St. Jude’s 2018 half marathon.
The children were outside- with their masks, their oxygen tanks, their wheelchairs - holding signs for US. I knew that if these children could do that for us, I could definitely run this race for them. To say that those hours were emotional is a huge understatement.
Physically, emotionally, mentally.. there were so many challenges. But I’d do it all again (and I plan to!) to help those children win THEIR race.
Thank you all, again, for your support for these children. Every shirt purchased helped a St. Jude child, and every kind comment and word of encouragement helped me along the race, too.
Nichole of Lawrence Designs promoting the “Love Runs the World” shirt.
The ladies of OUTsideIN supporting St.Jude! Another amazing company that gives back.
Let’s all remember we’ve all got something to race for, and we can cross the finish line if we don’t give up.
So what’s your race for 2019? What’s going to get you to the finish line?
Love,
Rosemary
JOE + DARCY'S WEDDING // 09.25.16
Although handlettering will always and forever be my ultimate passion, I'm an artist. And as an artist sometimes you just like to express yourself outside of your typical art form. I've designed party invites, I've styled weddings, painted murals, just to name a few. But when Darcy came to me asking me to do the flowers for her wedding, I was both shocked and ultimately honored!
Of course, I said yes. I'm always up for a challenge, and I'm always wanting to grow creatively. So I dove in headfirst, sending Darcy flowers that I felt worked well together, and we were off to a very fun start.
A few days before the wedding, my house literally turned into a flower shop overnight, and it was a crazy 4-day rush of creativity and beauty. It was my biggest floral production to date with a bridal bouquet, bridesmaids wreaths, corsages, farm tables, and an archway- just to name a few. Thanks again, Darcy and Joe, for trusting me with the details of your beautiful day (and a huge thank you to Micheline and Caitlin for being INCREDIBLE assistants)!
Here's a glimpse into their wedding day, brought to you by the talented Brandon Rice Films.
And a few pictures by the also talented Caley Newberry.
