I am a novice bookmaker and continue to learn how to make handmade journals. In the years since finding myself categorized as “disabled”, a loss of purpose haunted me. Formerly, working and singing as a musician and a guitarist kept my purposefulness alive. But in the years since 2015, my health has continued to be a challenge to activities that require me to be outside of the home.

Five years ago, Heather and I decided to date. By this time in 2020, we decided that we liked each other well enough to move in together. The decision was one of the best in my life. The wonder that continues to come out of our life together is that at 64, I am still having dreams come true. When we started dating, I had no idea that Heather would teach me how to make handmade journals. I had seen the beautiful journals that Heather had made in the past. Along the way, I told her that I would like to learn the craft. At the time, I didn’t tell her that learning to make handmade books was a lifelong dream of mine.

In the past few years, I’ve been making books for friends and family members as I practice and learn the craft. As I paint, sew, and curate the signatures, it seems that the book tells me what the recipient needs; whether it’s prayers, song, or another context. The process is a new form of prayer and meditation as well as craft, art, and creativity.

In the past, the writings I put here have been about life. And perhaps I will write more essay-type blogs. But for now, I just wanted to say, here’s what I’m doing. I’m making books, praying for the world to be filled with love, loving the moment I’m in, and creating books that can hold my stories, your stories, and any stories that need to be told—oh, and puppy-sitting. We have a new puppy, and she demands our attention. Sometimes, you have to sit with the puppy, and that’s good too.

As I learn to make different kinds of books, I hope to share them here. My purpose is simply to rejoice in the craft of book making, loving life, bringing what beauty I can into a world that continues to hurt and grieve.