(available on Amazon as of today, and for order at your local bookstore within a week or two)
There comes a time in life when we realize there is less in front of us than there is behind us. At 57 years old, I know I won't make 114. But there remains a sense I'm only half-way there. That the best is yet to come. That there is plenty of time to make more mistakes, and then fix them, and learn from them, not just in my furniture, but in my life as a whole. The end is not in sight.
Finishing this book brought out that half-way feeling in spades. That this book is half as good as it could or should be. That there is still a huge body of unexplored knowledge and experience to pursue, and understand. That there is so much more to integrate into the book, modify and refine the ideas it explores. It is half as good as it could be, just like me.
What makes us happy is perhaps the stupidest simple question ever. But Harvard has spent over 100 years researching the question, with a big book out recently, and promises of more conclusions to come. In the meantime, their draft conclusion is "friendships make us happy." Perhaps this will branch into another 100+ year study understanding why friendships make us happy.
The Manual Manual tackles the same topic. For while friendships do make me happy, I find it is my work that makes me friendly, and even defines my ability to be a friend. The word "kind" has the meaning of both being affectionate, and a type or group similarity. Friends are kind in both senses. And it is the kindest act of all, for me, and the basis of friendship, to make or do something for someone I love. This should be the foundation of all human work--making in kindness for our kind. When it is, then work always gives us joy and makes us happy.
This is a lesson half-learned in my life. I look back on the unkindness I've received, and the unkindness I've given, and still give when it should have been otherwise. But the end is not in sight. There will be many more mistakes, and opportunities to correct them, yet.
---
Bringing The Manual Manual to press has been a nearly 10-year long struggle, from the ideas and the research to working with publishers and then losing them. It could easily have been a 20 year struggle, and likely a better book. But even at 67 I'd still be half-way there, as I'd have redefined the project, having learned there is so much more to it.
Now that the book is available to more than just friends and family, I hope to hear from strangers what they think. I'm sure that some will be kind, and some not. One straw hat doesn't fit everyone. I just hope that if you do pick it up and give it a read, you find something good to take away and integrate into your life. We all need a little more kindness.
Oh -- if you're wondering what's in the book, it's not a long sentimental plea for everybody to get along. It's what's on the cover and back-- your guide to learning creative handwork. The back cover for more info:
Recent Comments