The series of ‘Little Books’ developed as my way of processing and documenting my own recovery, growth, and development. Each one came about as I struggled with a specific obstacle – I wrote my way through it. They are also how I stay connected with a spiritual solution. As I create and produce the books, my mind is engaged in a flow process. I lose myself and all track of time as I work, feeling as though I am lost in meditation, and come away refreshed.

All of the following titles are available for purchase. Each one is individually handmade. They are written and/or edited by me, laser printed on quality paper, hand folded, cut, and hand-bound by Japanese side stitch method using heavy card stock and co-ordinating cord. Each book is $10, and can be ordered by writing to me on the “Contact” page. Shipping is free. Please contact me if you have any questions.

• Let Go

The newest book in the collection. An edited selection of quotes by a variety of
authors.

• RIGHT NOW!

A personal manifesto, written as part of my MFA thesis exploration at California
College of the Arts.

• I Feel 

An altered version of the Twelve Steps, re-written as positive affirmations. Affirming:
“I have worked the steps, and they are true in my life today.”

• Baby Steps

A very simple, basic guide for living sober, one day at a time. With space to write
your own prayers, positive affirmations, and healthy actions.

• I Have Faith

A  little meditation book to affirm faith and the power of positive thinking.

This was the very first ‘Little Book’ I wrote. When I started back to school, I was more emotionally troubled than I ever realized. I was overwhelmed by learning computers, navigating administration, financial aid, and faculty. I was often angry and in tears. One day as I walked across campus I noticed the scowl on the face of a passing student. I was horrified as I thought, “Oh my God, I can only imagine how I look to other people as I walk around with my eyes puffy and red from crying, or my jaw clenched with anger!” It was at that point that I knew I couldn’t change the bureaucracy, and I was the one who had to change my attitude. The first thing that popped into my mind was “The Power of Positive Thinking.” I checked the book from the library and was dismayed to find it was religiously based and written by a minister. But I vowed to read it anyway, and judge it’s merits for myself. As I read through the many pages, I wrote down each specific direction for action. I made a little booklet out of blank paper, and wrote an action on each page. Then as I walked across campus, I read the book over, and over, and over. In a very short time, my attitude did a 180, and so did my performance in school. Nothing short of a miracle. True story.

• Twelve Step Prayers

The Twelve Steps, accompanied with a prayer for each step, thoughtfully written from the words and intent of the big book of Alcoholics Anonymous.

This book came about as I struggled with the concept of prayer. Because I had spent my life rejecting the confines of religion, I had also rejected the practice of prayer. When I started working the steps I felt disconnected by not being able to pray, so I carefully combed over and over the text of the  big book, writing a prayer for each step. I then made 12 bookmarks, one for each step – which I still produce, if you are interested. When I started making little books, this one was a natural.

I used these prayers many times a day. Whenever I was upset – angry, lonely, afraid, sad – I read them 1 through 12, over and over, until the discomfort passed. I believe this practice had a profound effect on my recovery.