Unfortunately that is not because I am hibernating, but because I am frantically getting ready to have a stall selling books at the Rondebosch Craft Market next Saturday. In the unlikely event that this blog has Capetonian readers, I would love to meet you there. There’s more information on my bookbinding blog.
The hibernation may continue for a while after next Saturday, as there is another project that I need to give time to and which I’ll mention again.
I’m not quite sure how succesful I’m hoping the market will be. I would obviously like it to succeed and to see how viable that would be as a way of earning an income. But if I sell out of stock, then I’ll be frantically making stuff for the next market, whereas I’m actually looking forward to a breather to pay attention to other things. Time will tell, it would just all be easier without a day job!
A vow of conversation 
July 4, 2011 at 7:57 pm
I know you’re taking time off. But perhaps you’ll post this tiny comment, er… suggestion. Because, yes! – it would be much easier for you without a day job.
You write: “if I sell out of stock, then I’ll be frantically making stuff for the next market”… And I thought: Stock! As in stock market!
And I then thought, what if you sold “stock” to those of us who believe in your craft and understand (or suspect) where all this might be leading? (I count myself ready to become a stockholder already!) For example, you could sell “certificates” at $100 each (or name your amount and your currency). We get a “fake certificate” (you could send them via email – nicely designed – or using one of your lovely book covers. The certificates could not be sold or traded. But it would entitle the bearer to good will and being part of community of supporters. Supporters could purchase 1 or more shares. And add to them at will. Make it an Orthodox non-profit so you aren’t taxed.
Just a thought. Or perhaps Divine Inspiration – I’m not in a position to know that.
As I’ve told you privately, you staked “everything” when you left the Cistercians to follow God’s call/your conscience. I’m willing to become a stake-holder in that! No strings attached.
I wonder what others might think….
July 4, 2011 at 8:43 pm
TheraP, you are very kind. I’m unsure about this at this point and have generally been rather hesitant about fundraising unless one is very clear what it’s in aid of. However, it’s not impossible that things may develop in such a way that something along these lines may not be a bad idea. But it is too soon to say anything, and at the moment I can’t think very straight anyway!
July 4, 2011 at 10:23 pm
I bow to your wisdom and respect your judgment.
Nevertheless, this idea having been put forward (by someone other than yourself), it may happen that others are in agreement. And if there’s a little groundswell of encouragement, it can do no harm. And might lead to good. Down the road… in God’s time. (In my view the “aid” would be on behalf of a life of prayer and bookbinding: Ora et Labora. IMVHO)
Peace be with you.
July 9, 2011 at 11:31 am
What sort of books are you selling – ones you have bought, or ones you are bound, or both? Anyway, hope it goes well.