The Spirit of the Plants
You most likely know I have a new book coming out.
It arrives today.
Today.
All the address labels for pre-ordered copies are ready.
Your book is my first priority.
After a moment of being thrilled.
Mail is slow, 'tis true.
But with any luck, you will have your pre-ordered copy by the end of the month, as promised.
A sweet Halloween treat. (No tricks.)
Didn't pre-order?
Didn't get the gifts?
You aren't too late.
As a bow of appreciation, those specials will continue to be available
until midnight, October 31:
Free shipping (in the continental USA) on two or more copies.
Free access to the audio book immediately.
📖
I've been making a virtual quilt every morning for over two years.
I've had several exhibits.
And I envisioned a book, as well.
In fact, a series of five books.
This past February, my daughter and I sat down to create the first book in the series,
The Spirit of the Plants,
Which pairs my virtual quilts with Matthew Becker's sublime herbal poetry.
Justine had already designed the cover.
Stunning. Magnificent. Awesome.
Her design skills are just part of her many great talents.
Thank you dearest dottor.
But there was much to do.
With Jackie A. cheering us on, we labored.
Every day, for many hours.
We stared at our screens and moved images.
But we only had a week.
Not enough time, no matter how devoted we were.
We hoped to continue while Justine was in Costa Rica (her winter home),
But that was not to be.
In fact, we didn't get back to work on the book until she returned in May.
The deadline was tight then.
We felt some pressure.
We created.
We revised.
We edited.
We corrected typos, on our own. Uh-oh.
My beloved editor Betsy bowed out; she doesn't do poetry.
We did it and did it and did it some more.
Until, at last, we were ready to send it off to the printer.
Then there were proofs.
And more proofs.
Getting the color right isn't easy.
At last, we were ready to be on the press.
Every unnoticed mistake now replicated thousands of times.
Oy.
Then to the bindery.
Boxed.
Onto the truck.
From Kansas to the Catskills.
That truck arrives today.
The Spirit of the Plants in my hands.
The Spirit of the Plants in your hands.
The Spirit of the Plants in the world.
Finally, I'm teaching herbal medicine wordlessly,
Weaving your heart into the green world as I've always wanted to.
Finally, a direct transmission of healing words, for the greatest good,
Revealing the most subtle herbal actions.
Thank you Matthew.
It is in beauty.
It is beautiful.
It is a giveaway dance.
Breathing with the plants, creating with the plants.
All hearts beating as one with the heartbeat of the earth.
Green blessings on every page.
Green blessings everywhere.
Great gratitude.
Sparkling joy.
