The Designer Says

The graphic designer side of me knows I’ll be referencing The Designer Says on those uninspired, caught-in-the-headlights days for years to come. There has to be more than one gem in the hundred plus leading graphic design minds included between the covers. Their musings cover everything from failure to collaboration to staffing a studio. My biggest concern remains to be not ripping my own hair out…

We Hope You Like This Song

Friends are important I think we all agree, they give you support, love, and hangover advice. If you’re lucky enough they become your family, the brothers and sisters held close by a bond other than blood – choice.

I’ve been friends with author Bree Housley for several years (though we’ve only hung out once in person, which is kind of awesome), and to know her is to know of her best friend Shelly Bridgewater. The two met in 4th grade where Shelly was the popular new girl and Bree was the introverted mulleted one. They quickly became best friends – navigating the rough waters of adolescence, rooming together in college, and making the transition of childhood to adult friends with ease. Bree went to portfolio school and started her career in advertising, Shelly got married and had a baby. And then passed away a week later due to complications from Preeclampsia. We Hope You Like This Song: An Overly Honest Story about Friendship, Death, and Mix Tapes tells the story of Shelly and Bree, and just what it takes to start the healing process after losing your best friend in the world.

I haven’t had as much time as normal to read this year, but I finished Bree’s book in less than 24 hours. It read like a young and awesome Judy Blume and I couldn’t put it down between bouts of laughing my ass off and wiping away tears. Do yourself a favor, read it. And then call your best friend.

Me and Bree, New Year’s Eve 2008