It's funny reading your own words in print. To be honest, I really don't do it. Once my 'work' for a book is done, I don't look at it again. The books pass through my hands as I hand them out, mail them out, give them out, and I glance with half-closed eyes at it all. It's equal parts perfectionism, nerves, and exhaustion, I do believe.
Eventually, though...there reaches a time when enough separation has passed from the initial writing of the words so that I can actually - sometimes - read them again. There's often an unfamiliarity that appears then, which is lovely, so that I can finally - with fresh eyes - really read and hear and see what the words mean, that is - what I meant for them to say.
Through some magic (I do believe), I have been blessed in recent years to work with some amazingly good people. People who support and nurture, people who sometimes see something in my own words and work that I may not have originally seen. People who put enormous heart and energy into new ideas and collaborations. Or, just for example - people who willingly work with me over the dinnertime hour in a house full of five (five!) children, all clamoring for mama's and the new visitor's attention, with their sticky fingers oh-so-close to the fine letterpress prints he toiled over. Yes, good people.
Working with Shambhala Publications/Roost Books these past five years has been just such an experience. Good people. Recently, Daniel at Roost Books dreamed up this latest project we've been collaborating on this fall. A limited edition letterpress print piece, featuring a quote from The Rhythm of Family.
All of this talk of the seasons of mine? It may not always be as poetic as I wish for it to be, but oh, it is sincere. There is no greater magic in the world that I have found than sharing the natural world with my children, seeing it all new through their eyes, and rooting ourselves - together - in the earth. Wonder and delight. My hope is that this print - these words - says just that. I think he did something really magical with this print. I'm honored.
The print is 9x12, which is a wonderfully standard pre-cut frame size (ah...), printed on acid-free, 100% cotton paper.
In order to get these prints to you in time for the gift-giving days ahead, and to save myself from being in the post office on said gift-giving days, I'm keeping my shop open with these prints (and my books) for just one week only, or until the prints sell out. On December 19th, I'll close the shop for the holidays, ship all remaining orders, and take a little break until reopening on January 4th. (Please read the description carefully for holiday shipping time!)
I am so grateful that 'what I love to do' and 'work' are blended happily into what we call life. Thanks, friends, for reading today and everyday...and for your encouragement and support as well.
The First Day letterpress print is available in the shop now.
