"Try not to resist the changes that come your way. Instead, let life live through you. And do not worry that your life is turned upside down. How do you know that the side you are used to is better than the one to come?" -Rumi

This quote sums up much of my past year. I've described it to some as having been turned upside down, everything shaken out of my pockets, and then put right side up, looking at everything with new eyes. It has been jolting (in a good way) and has reorganized my life- inside and out. Its rather incredible when these times happen. The fog begins to clear further, and we can see more honestly what IS as oppose to believing the illusions that we tell ourselves. Journaling is one of the catalyst for me. When I know I need to, I will sit and start "free writing" for 15 mins. This means that I just start writing whatever comes to mind and can't stop and check the internet or my phone or be distracted for 15 mins.  By then, I have broken through to where I will keep writing until everything comes out that needs to. Once I've emptied myself, I can better listen and the answers and insights come.

One of the really beautiful things as of late is all the stories I am hearing in regards to these little book ornaments.  This season in particular, people are sharing why they are purchasing a memory book ornament.  Some are literally in memory of people's passing, some are to commemorate a child's newfound love for reading, and one person's son is a brain cancer survivor and finds writing to be therapeutic.  Many are going to grandkids from their grandparents.  All of them are being purchased with great intention and good will...and I'm sending love out with each one of them and to each of you this holiday season.  May we all be conscious of each other as we prepare for, navigate, and enjoy the holidays.

I've been doing large leather journals with hand-stitched words for awhile now, but I usually stitch them with leather stripes across the background.  I've gotten multiple comments from customers at shows who say that those journals are too "clean and straight" looking.  They wanted to see something more rugged and organic with less planned out shapes.  These were created with those customers in mind.  Thank you for the inspiration!