this fall

my friends and family know:

this fall has been very hard at work,

the hooligans very challenging

i have the best assistant in the universe,

and yet

work has been overwhelming.

 so when this surprise, 

beautifully wrapped in translucent paper,

came in the mail

i thought: this is it!

 the beauty of this gift

has touched my heart. why?

 this is essentially a government publication

but

julie johnson oversaw that the research presented inside

was honored by

her beautiful handmade paper

fine photos and writing and layout

and, 

finally, 

it's bound with her own twined dogbane.

did she know how 

 it so touches the thoughts i'm exploring

about the honorable harvest.

 a few walks help me get through the tough days.

and

 some of the contact prints emerging from the 

depths of the old enamel pot

are extraordinary.

and then

another

 gift.

yuko kimura and i agreed upon a trade

her tiny, exquisite sample book

came, also. 

i am in awe of this beautiful work

 it fits

in the palm of my hand.

i am grateful to these amazing artists,

(lori, you, too!)

who add such grace to my life.

thank you.