The Serenity of Knowing

Time (January newsletter update)

2012-01-15T20:35:00.000-08:00

It’s interesting how my writing of the Bible is like an hourglass. The pages from which I copy show me how much I’ve done, and how much there is left to do. All of it happens in the space of time. I often wonder which will run out first: the pages, or the time. I’m rooting for the pages.

I’m lying in the hospital as I prepare this narrative. It’s nothing unusual really. I spend a lot of time here. Today I’m in for a chemo infusion as well as for another infusion that’s too complicated for me to explain. Bottom line–I’ll be here for eight hours. I don’t really mind, even though it occasionally gets tedious. It’s how I’m able to continue doing the things that I do.

Right now I’m writing in the Apocryphal Books. The calendar says hurry toward the invisible deadline. I am prone to do its bidding because I fear the loss of time. But in actuality, time is not the task-mistress we make her out to be. We just continue being surprised by her blinding swiftness, and by all the things left undone.

I cannot yet see the sleek face of time as she moves ever forward. I have only seen the nape of her neck and the gossamer train of her translucent gown. But perhaps she will take pity upon me and will stop and smile when it is my turn to fall into the slumber of her eternity. And with all my strivings and efforts, I should expect that it is the pages that will be left behind, eventually parched and forgotten.

As published in "St. Peter's Press," the monthly newsletter of St. Peter's Presbyterian Church in Spencertown, New York. At the time of publication, Phillip was still in the throes of the Apocrypha.

Prints available! At last!

2011-12-27T13:24:00.000-08:00

We both look at this image and smile. It wraps around us and we feel it. It's a picture that seems to have arms that can hold our souls. (We were there and we still feel this way when we look at it!!)

We've seen so many people be truly touched when they see this picture that we knew that someday there would be a good way to make it available for them to have to keep.

And today is the day. Small Batch Editions is releasing a limited number of prints of "Phillip in the Willows" in two different sizes. (Totally reasonable prices, too!) Click here to see!

This one is available, too! It's a picture of the Five Books of Moses (the handwritten and handbound version) open on Phillip's lap while he sits in one of his writing chairs in the living room.) Click here to see it!

Our important note: Small Batch Editions is run by Melissa Stafford. She finds photos. Beautiful, interesting, meaningful photos. And makes them available for lots of people to see. We are very honored to be a part of this.

“I like epics..."

2011-12-27T13:13:00.000-08:00

That's a quote from Phillip in the Wall Street Journal! Yes! THE Wall Street Journal! Read the whole quote and the whole beautiful and amazing and exciting article about our project here.

The article will appear in the print edition tomorrow.

(We are very, very excited.)

Penciling the index

2011-12-21T22:07:00.000-08:00

Binding the first volume

2011-12-21T20:55:00.000-08:00

Studying the binding of the dictionary

2011-12-21T20:27:00.000-08:00

Looking at the binding of the dictionary as research on how to bind the volumes of the handwritten volumes of the bible.

Strength Like Job (December newsletter update)

2011-12-12T19:10:00.000-08:00

There had once been a discussion early in the development of “The Serenity of Knowing,” which presented a series of “what ifs.” The more dooming question was, “What if you don’t live to finish?” Well, I must admit that these last 18 months have been quite challenging. I suffered a catastrophic illness in the summer and fall of 2010. My partner of twenty years passed away late this past winter. Now it’s near the end of fall 2011, and I’ve just had two invasive surgeries, while one of my favorite relatives is passing through death’s door. All that is left to do now is to love him.

There are moments when I think that I should take mind of Job. Then I think, why not Job? He remained steady in his beliefs. Then after a long bout of hideous trials he was restored. The Serenity of Knowing has waited untouched on my desk for these few weeks while I convalesce yet again. It has waited before. I look at the pages that are remaining to be copied, and their number is daunting. It will be another week or so before I have the strength to sit up and write. What will happen in the future is out of my hands. All I can do is have faith.

As published in "St. Peter's Press," the monthly newsletter of St. Peter's Presbyterian Church in Spencertown, New York. At the time of publication, Phillip was still in the throes of the Apocrypha.

Time Out (November newsletter update)

2011-12-12T19:05:00.000-08:00

Boy, time sure moves fast. I look back on this past month alone and can hardly believe the amount of hours I’ve spent working on the Serenity of Knowing. I also have to acknowledge the hours that have gotten away as well. I’ve tried to keep a journal that documents my daily activity, but I don’t seem to have the skill to keep pace with the speed of light. On the days when I don’t have to inch myself awake to be driven to the hospital for chemotherapy, or IVIG, or blood transfusions, I will often wait in the waxing sun light for my nurse to arrive to “check my vitals.” I’ve been hovering around 98 over 53 of late – a new normal for me.

On those mornings I’m a wastrel, slow to get out of my bathrobe. Still, at other times I am able to spring to my desk to renew my acquaintance with the dramas of the Apocrypha and such. My books have remained open and ready for my attention even after I have neglected them in favor of tasks like laundry and cake. These are filed away as soon as they are accomplished. On the other hand, Esdras, the Prophets, and all the stories devolving to the opening line of Genesis are ever stalwarts, never leaving me desolate. This is whether or not I’ve managed to write for ten minutes or for ten hours.

In the end is it not possible that no one will judge us for how we have used our time except for maybe ourselves. Surely there is nobility in washing clothes and changing diapers, or having a beer with one’s buddies. I would perhaps go so far as to say that there is some kind of nobility in hand writing the Bible. As for me, I’m deciding how to use this upcoming moment. Whoa! It’s already getting away.

As published in "St. Peter's Press," the monthly newsletter of St. Peter's Presbyterian Church in Spencertown, New York. At the time of publication, Phillip was still in the throes of the Apocrypha.

Vidalia (October newsletter update)

2011-12-12T19:00:00.000-08:00

Only upon completing the writings of the Prophets do I understand at last that there is another whole depth to Bible education. It was revealed to me, gradually, while preparing the indexes and back-stories for each volume. After perusing reams of research, I discovered how the different books of the Bible relate, not only to one another, but how they relate to history as well. I won’t say that these investigations are scholarly on my part, but I do come away knowing more than I could possibly have grasped at the first. I liken the process to peeling away at a sweet Vidalia – an analogy that has been clearly exhausted throughout the eons.

But if you will permit a small digression, you will no doubt understand how my eyes have been opened to the St. Peter’s experience. In my nascent state as a deacon, after having been a long-time member of this church, I uncover the hidden stratum of unlikely bonds that had heretofore eluded me.

Moving on however: when I have finally finished the copying of The King James Bible, it will fly from my hands and go on to have whatever life it chooses for itself. I shall miss it when it disappears from my desk. On the other hand, I know that it will bequeath to me the convictions and tools to achieve fresher and deeper layers in my kindred and community relationships. In my book, that’s a worthwhile legacy for a manuscript that still unfolds its profound lessons after five hundred years.

As published in "St. Peter's Press," the monthly newsletter of St. Peter's Presbyterian Church in Spencertown, New York. At the time of publication, Phillip was still in the throes of the Apocrypha.

Gratitude (September newsletter update)

2011-09-08T09:25:00.000-07:00

This was a particularly active summer in my extended family. I witnessed an ordination, visited my daughter out West, and was greeted at the airport by Laura at 1:00 am when I returned. Even though it was the middle of a workweek, she was smiling and buoyant. There were potlucks and homegrown fireworks to celebrate the Fourth of July, trips up to Olana to see the view, and there was the most adorable children’s parade through Spencertown. Trash and Treasure, Tea on the Green – time spent with these old friends was never more memorable.

And while I was busy being so royally entertained throughout the months of July and August, the Minor Prophets of the Bible found their way between the spaces in the giggling. Thus the pages of volume five are finished and waiting to be trimmed and stitched.

Hopefully volume six, which opens with The Apocryphal Books, will be an illuminating sprint onward to the New Testament. I say illuminating because the only association I have with The Apocrypha is the hymn: “See the Conquering Hero Comes,” from Judas Maccabeus. Perhaps I’m showing off a bit, but I can’t help it. The enrichment that has come from handwriting the Bible is equal to the enrichment that has come from friends and family. There is nothing to be except grateful and proud of you both.

As published in "St. Peter's Press," the monthly newsletter of St. Peter's Presbyterian Church in Spencertown, New York. At the time of publication, Phillip was in the throws of the Apocrypha.

June newsletter update

2011-08-14T08:14:00.000-07:00

As a young interior designer I once ordered three thousand square feet of carpet for a showroom. It ended up not matching the Formica counters. As the “twenty something’s” say these days, “Dude, I totally freaked.” The client was pretty laid back, however, and agreed to accept a deeper discount and live with it. I bring this up now because I’m looking at mountains of discarded paper that the copying of the King James Bible has generated in my little apartment. It’s a pile of faux pas I can no longer lift. What’s more troubling is that I’ve been finding blunders in some of my already bound volumes. In a couple of places I’ve discovered failures to capitalize proper names. In others, I have conflicting spellings for the word “captivity” (or is it “captivitie.”) Whatever! I fear that these may suggest even more escapees.

So here’s the thing. I’m on the precipice of fifteen hundred hand written pages. Each is fifty-five lines long, and a foot wide. So what should I do, start again and cross my fingers? I had imagined at the beginning of these writings that I would be able to produce page after page of sheer perfection.

Not!

There’s a saying that states, “To err is human.” Seems like I’m guilty. When I confessed this to a friend over dinner, she just screwed up her face and said, “So, who isn’t? Could you pass the salt?” Then she unceremoniously tossed a few grains over her shoulder. The meal was delicious in spite of the mashed potatoes being a bit stiff.

As published in "St. Peter's Press," the monthly newsletter of St. Peter's Presbyterian Church in Spencertown, New York. At the time of publication, Phillip was still in the middle of the fifth of what will be eight volumes of the handwritten bible.

Opening Reception

2011-05-01T12:05:00.000-07:00

Our work was arranged and hung with great care at (Hi)story Labor(atory) and we met such nice and sincere people! Click here to see a small album of photos from the reception.

Hope you can catch the exhibit; it's up until May 31, 2011. (See this blog post for hours and info.)

Falling (May newsletter update)

2011-05-01T11:36:00.000-07:00

Last month I fell at church. I took a tumble at the head of the stairs on my way to coffee hour. I’ve had a number of spills in a variety of other places, so I’m kind of used to it.

What was so reassuring about falling down at St. Peter’s was the knowledge that love and kindness would quickly come to my aid. In the blink of an eye several parishioners had hoisted me to my feet and assisted me on my way.

It’s quite simple to draw parallels between that experience, and what I’ve read of God’s love throughout the stories of the bible. The people of the Lord seemed to always be stumbling in opposition to their covenant with the Almighty. Each time, however, they have been lifted up when they have had faith enough to cry out for help.

I will no doubt fall again. It would appear, however, that everything I’ve learned points to the hand of a God that is ever ready to reach out from all directions and lift me up again, regardless of what has caused me to falter.

As published in "St. Peter's Press," the monthly newsletter of St. Peter's Presbyterian Church in Spencertown, New York. At the time of publication, Phillip was in the middle of the fifth of what will be eight volumes of the handwritten bible.

Exhibit in Hudson, 4/30-5/31

2011-04-24T14:51:00.000-07:00

Come see some of our work in progress

at a gallery named (hi)story labor(atory)

in Hudson on Warren Street next

to the Carrie Haddad Gallery.

Also, please join us for an opening reception

Saturday, April 30th 6-8pm.

If you can't make it to the opening please

stop by at another time. The gallery is open

Thursday-Sunday 12-6pm and by appointment.

(hi)story labor(atory)

624 Warren Street

Hudson, New York

(518) 291-4779

Solace (April newsletter update)

2011-04-23T08:38:00.000-07:00

For many of us the waning days of winter have not simply been filled with difficult weather but full of personal turmoil as well. There were moments when my own soul was too weak to find the strength to write from my King James Bible. Thus I had failed to recall that the Bible is a strength unto itself.

Then on a forgiving afternoon I found myself turning the few pages of Lamentations. There my eyes casually fell upon a verse that read "Thou drewest near in the day that I called upon thee: thou saidest fear not." I believed those words and began to write again. I cannot say that all my trials are behind me. Nonetheless, I am assured that there is solace before me.

As published in "St. Peter's Press," the monthly newsletter of St. Peter's Presbyterian Church in Spencertown, New York. At the time of publication, Phillip was in the midst of the writings of the Minor Prophets.

Between the Seasons (March newsletter update)

2011-03-13T14:30:00.000-07:00

I am already anticipating the pastels of spring. For now, I remain indoors by a window and snug in my corduroys. As I gaze into the glistening forest I wonder how I, a man, am more fragile than the petals of a flower.

Of course the answers to this and countless other questions are suggested again and again throughout the pages of King James. However, in my exploration of the books thus far, from The Pentateuch through to The Prophets, I find that the myriad of possible answers come atmospherically like the transition of seasons. They are at times enigmatic, but always with the assurance of truth.

Both gradually, and at once, the Bible reveals itself as alpha and omega, yin and yang. Questions masquerade as answers, answers stumble into the realm of more questions. I know which day is called the first day of spring, though I don’t know which day I can actually step outside to feel the first warm breezes upon my face. Nevertheless, I do have faith that such a day will come. In like fashion, the words of the Bible are teaching me that answers are rarely absolute. Rather, they are smudged across the blur of warm and cool. Therefore, I must be present in the shadow of my God. Only thus will I be able to brave this howling storm everywhere around me.

As published in "St. Peter's Press," the monthly newsletter of St. Peter's Presbyterian Church in Spencertown, New York. At the time of publication, Phillip was working on The Book Of Daniel.

February newsletter update

2011-02-15T11:24:00.000-08:00

Laura and I regularly inquire of one another concerning of our respective contributions to “The Serenity of Knowing.” Recently we explored fellowship and the work that she and I are creating. She also wanted my take on how I see those elements as fitting in with the precarious balance of my health.

First of all, I see our mission for “The Serenity of Knowing” as being in fellowship with communities of both believers and non-believers. My home at St. Peter’s allows me a place to blur the lines between doubt and certainty as I stumble through a myriad of biblical contradictions. Many in this congregation have led me in and out of that light to the great benefit of mutual understanding.

The part about health is very much a question of time. I’m constantly racing to complete pages in order to accommodate doctor’s visits, various therapies, and rest. In reality, I’m probably racing to complete pages before mortality catches up with me. Sometimes it happens that even with the racing things finally go unfinished. That’s life. I embrace it.

Phillip Patterson

As published in "St. Peter's Press," the monthly newsletter of St. Peter's Presbyterian Church in Spencertown, New York. At the time of publication Phillip was working on The Book of the Prophet Jeremiah.

Notes for the New Year (January newsletter update)

2011-02-14T11:22:00.000-08:00

It's the New Year and the “Serenity of Knowing” continues at a steady pace. There's a lot to leave behind in 2010 except for the many steps closer I got in this journey of exploration through King James. Laura continues to take pictures of my work and in 2011 hopes to put together a small book of photos and handwritten Bible passages. Here's a recent conversation we had about the Serenity of Knowing in the glow of the New Year.

Which Bible passage from your work in 2010 stays with you? The entire Book of Ruth continues to be my favorite thus far, with its message of loyalty and integrity. On the other hand, Proverbs left me in awe as it continuously delved into various ways to sidestep evil. It didn"t preach so much as it spoke eloquently.

What part of the Bible that you've got coming up in 2011 are you the most curious about? That"s a hard one. With the exception of Matthew, Mark, Luke and John, I have to confess my ignorance of pretty much everything that comes after Isaiah. However, The Books of the Apocrypha hold the greatest mystery, as they have never been visited in any of my religious education. With that said, however, I do seem to remember some mention of Maccabees.

How do you keep on going on days when you feel sick?

For one thing I"ve started writing in bed. I"ve outfitted my room in such a way, that on the difficult days, of which there seem to be quite a few, I don"t even have to get up. I keep prepared paper, pens, and a couple of research Bibles right next to me in my nightstand. In the end, though, it"s the compelling nature of the work itself that keeps me driven. I remain as excited about the prospects of what I will find as I was when I first wrote the words, "In the beginning.”

Phillip Patterson

As published in "St. Peter's Press," the monthly newsletter of St. Peter's Presbyterian Church in Spencertown, New York

Isaiah 40:10

2011-01-17T14:52:00.000-08:00

If any of you were peeking over my shoulder on January 1st, you might have noticed that I arrived at Isaiah, 40:10. Also I passed the 1200 page threshold, and can no longer hold all the volumes in my arms at one time. PP

December newsletter update

2011-01-08T13:21:00.000-08:00

As published in "St. Peter's Press," the monthly newsletter of St. Peter's Presbyterian Church in Spencertown, New York

Having never before read the Book of Proverbs, I had a picture in my mind of trite lessons that parents sometimes used to justify their own actions, "spare the rod and spoil the child" leaps to mind. I hadn’t considered the possibility that those particular pages offer a handbook for right living.

Through this entire experience of handwriting the King James Bible, I have come across many ideas that are timeless. Timeless because the problems facing us in this young century have not changed much over these thousands of years. The only thing that seems to have changed is the weapons we’ve invented in order to afflict ourselves – so sad.

Perhaps it is difficult for an individual within the security of his or her home to affect significant change in the world at large. It is possible, however, to begin to begin change within one’s self.

Proverbs speaks greatly of vanity on the cellular level of the soul. It conversely offers remedies that open windows out to the fresh air of personal salvation. For me it’s a place to start. My own question revolves around how far I’m willing to go.

Phillip Patterson

Finishing Proverbs

2010-11-18T18:45:00.000-08:00

Upon finishing Proverbs I dove headlong into Ecclesiastes. Imagine my joy when I found a passage at the beginning of Chapter 3 that read: "To everything there is a season, and a time to every purpose..." It's one of the perks of the project. 3:1-8 PP

November newsletter update

2010-10-30T08:12:00.000-07:00

As published in "St. Peter's Press," the monthly newsletter of St. Peter's Presbyterian Church in Spencertown, New York

I had quite a lot of friends and family keeping me company as I overcame the personal health complexities of this past summer. For weeks at a time I was rarely by myself; I was a prince. Laura Glazer even visited me in the hospital a number of times and took photographs in my room.

Now that the leaves have turned, things are much quieter. Nephews have more demanding work schedules, nieces are busy with dissertations, job searches, and school. Even my daughter is about to make an important career move to Las Vegas. I'm very excited for her, and wish her all the best.

Now that I no longer drive and have fewer visitors to escort me on errands, one might expect me to feel isolated and lonely. Well, as it turns out, it's not that way at all. Passing the halfway point with my copying of the bible (finishing Psalms and crossing over into Proverbs), I have come to realize that I have a constant and fulfilling companion: the bible itself.

Each morning I look forward to the hours that will be free of nurses and health aides while I organize my pens. I serenely scribe the chapters and verses upon my papers and begrudge the interruption of a phone that brings me the necessary news of an outside world. While lost in the tales of the chosen people I often find myself smiling. I am astonished by the poetry of this 1611 King James version. Its words soothe me and speed the passing day. If I've learned anything, it's that the minutia of living will always attempt to devour the moments. I find it comforting, however, to know that there is a meaningful friend that never ceases to salve the aching soul.

I invite you again to visit lauraglazer.blogspot.com in order to keep up with our progress during the month.

In addition, there are some lovely photographs and comments that you might have missed if you're not on Facebook.

In spirit,
Phillip Patterson

Finishing The Book of Psalms

2010-10-30T07:43:00.000-07:00

Shortly after the little movie below I finished the 150 entries in The Book of Psalms. It was a bitter sweet departure as I numbered page 1,086. The poetry had been so often a healing balm. The Book of Proverbs awaits with no doubt more healing as well. PP

A little movie

2010-10-05T18:56:00.000-07:00

A little movie of handwriting the Book of Psalms.

How could I not be encouraged by this day?

2010-09-23T15:52:00.000-07:00

Showed one of the finished volumes to a gentleman this afternoon who was moved to say that he was inclined to pick up a bible and start reading it. Another person, who is in possession of one of the facsimiles of The Book of Ruth, got in touch with me to make a donation of the pens that I write with. How could I not be encouraged by this day? PP

About half-way through

2010-09-15T17:03:00.000-07:00

Looking forward to the coming season of chilly temperatures as I prepare to complete the Book of Psalms and cozy up with the Book of Proverbs. I'm about half-way though copying the complete Bible, and I'm feeling a bit frisky. Let's see how much I can finish in this next year.

In the meantime, it might be fun to see... if anyone will be able to guess how far along I'll be (chapter and verse) come January 1st, 2011. Post your thoughts here. Just remember. I got an AARP card this year. PP

Note on the photo: The dark shading on the edges of the pages indicates the progress of the handwriting. The shading comes from handling those pages as they're being copied. This photo is from May 2010, closer to the beginning of the Book of Psalms.

Erasing supplies

2010-07-02T18:02:00.000-07:00

Supplies for erasing pencil lines on the pages of the handwritten bible as was mentioned in the Metroland article:

“It’s just a ratty pencil case filled with erasers and pens. But each thing in there means something..."

It's also on display until July 23, 2010 at The Paper Sparrow in Troy, New York. You can see fingerprint impressions on the erasers when you look closely at the print. (Thank you to Kate for pointing this out!)

"Let There Be Light" in Metroland

2010-07-01T18:57:00.000-07:00

We're jumping out of our skin today because this week our project is the subject of the cover story in Metroland. The author, Kathryn Geurin, accurately captures the motivations and progress of the project, the story of how we met, and the effects it's having on both our lives:

"They are not a likely pair, this aging black scribe and bubbly young Jewish artist. But there is a sort of yin and yang about their spirits that creates a balanced fit. Within moments of talking to either, the partnership makes wonderful sense."

Here's a lovely little excerpt about our Book of Ruth:

"It is, he says, his favorite book, 'because it’s about decent people doing decent things.' The cover of the facsimile bears a photograph of Patterson in his writing chair, an open volume resting across his arms, the lushness of the deep warm silks softened by the humility of his rolled sleeves and calloused hands."

Note: Cover photo by Joe Putrock

The Book of Ruth for you to own

2010-06-29T21:06:00.000-07:00

We are so excited to announce that the facsimile of The Book of Ruth is available to purchase online. It is positively radiant and came out just the way we envisioned.

There are 16 pages in the book with one color photograph on the front cover. It is signed by both of us on the inside of the back cover.

When the book is closed it is 8.5"x11" and when it is open it is 17"x11". The cover is printed on 110# watercolor cover and the inside pages are printed on 80# watercolor text. It was expertly scanned and printed by the McGreevy ProLab and ProPress.

(Copies are also available at The Paper Sparrow in downtown Troy in conjunction with our exhibit "Photographs by Laura Glazer with Works by Phillip Patterson" which is on view through July 23, 2010. See post below for more details.)

Opening reception

2010-06-28T19:29:00.000-07:00

The opening reception at The Paper Sparrow was great and talking to everyone was even greater. We never got tired of signing copies of our new book. (It's a very beautiful facsimile of The Book of Ruth.
Signed copies ~~will be available for purchase later this week~~
are now available here.)

Exhibit in Troy

2010-06-21T18:12:00.000-07:00

Come see photos from our project and some

of the pages of the hand written bible up close.

The exhibit is June 25 - July 23, 2010

at The Paper Sparrow Gallery,

288 River Street, Troy, New York

Please join us at the opening reception

Friday, June 25, 2010 as part of Troy Night Out

5:00 - 9:00pm

(Come see the show even if you can't
make it to the opening reception!)
The gallery hours are: 
Tuesday - Thursday: 10:00am - 4:00pm 
Friday: 11:00am - 5:00pm
Saturday: 10:00am - 4:00pm 

Extra volume

2010-06-16T17:15:00.000-07:00

Had a peasant surprise with volume three. It accidentally contained one book too many. Needless to say, adjustments have been made and I find myself ahead of the game. The index is finished and the pages are waiting to be trimmed. In the meantime I thought I'd do a special edition of Ruth. PP

Indexing volume three

2010-06-09T16:34:00.001-07:00

I'm organizing the index for the completion of the writing on volume three, (ending with Job). In some ways it's the best part of the project because I get to revisit all those characters, both sinister and noble, that always treat me like a well remembered friend. PP

Erasing the Book of Job

2010-05-29T20:36:00.000-07:00

Continuing with the book of Job, though it's been a couple of days of erasing the lines that I have to draw in order to keep the text in place. Thirty-two over sized pages in a row. That's a lot of graphite. I also broke my routine and used a regular pink eraser. That's a lot of rubber crumbs. I could only do that because I was working outside. PP

From the Book of Job

2010-05-24T18:07:00.000-07:00

Excerpt from the handwritten Book of Job:

For there is hope of a tree, if it be cut down, that it will sprout again, and that the tender branch thereof will not cease.

Though the root thereof wax old in the earth, and the stock thereof die in the ground:

Yet through the sent of water it will bud, and bring forth boughs like a plant.

But man dyeth, and wasteth away; yea, man giveth up the ghost, and where is he?

As the waters fail from the sea, and the flood decayeth and dryeth up:

So man lyeth down, and riseth not, till the heavens be no more, they shall not awake; nor be raised out of their sleep.

O that thou wouldest hide me in the grave, that thou wouldest keep me secret, until thy wrath be past, that thou wouldest appoint me a set time, and remember me!

If a man die, shall he live again? All the days of my appointed time will I wait, till my change come.

Thou shalt call, and I will answer thee: thou will have a desire to the work of thine hands.

Starting the Book of Job

2010-05-21T19:30:00.000-07:00

Started the Book of Job today. I knew little more about it than the hype. So far I'm pleasantly surprised by the ratio of mayhem to contemplation. I still have a ways to go so I'm just sitting tight. PP

Esther

2010-05-19T10:40:00.000-07:00

Starting the Book of Esther this morning. She's only ten chapters.
The book of Job waits with anticipating breath in the wings. PP

Drawing lines

2010-05-11T17:58:00.000-07:00

Line drawing is usually done while talking on the phone via Bluetooth.

The drafting board props right on to two over-turned laundry baskets.

Nehemiah

2010-05-11T16:40:00.001-07:00

As of this writing I'm up to chapter 8 of Nehemiah. It's been a couple of 14 hour sessions in a row. Today will be another long one. PP

Show and tell at St. Peter's Church

2010-05-04T18:10:00.000-07:00

Our "show and tell" at St. Peter's Presbyterian Church on Sunday, May 2, 2010, was excellent and invigorating! After we talked people came up and looked closely at pages from the handwritten bible. The church is in Spencertown, New York, and is 250 years old this year.

Second Chronicles

2010-05-04T16:36:00.000-07:00

Finished Second Chronicles last night, just as I ran out of paper. I'll erase lines this morning, then go out and purchase a few supplies. Can't wait to get into the Book Of Ezra. PP

Article in The Columbia Paper

2010-05-02T17:45:00.000-07:00

The Columbia Paper published an article on The Serenity of Knowing by Taitia Shelow with a great headline: Longhand project goes by chapter and verse. Here's the link:

www.columbiapaper.com/index.php/the-news/1129-by-taitia-shelow

Bookstore bibles

2010-04-21T19:13:00.000-07:00

Part of the bible selection at the book store.

Still here!

2010-04-10T21:12:00.000-07:00

Work on the bible and the photos continues

despite the silence here on the blog...we assure you.

Show and tell

2010-02-28T19:30:00.000-08:00

Phillip explained what it's like to hand write the bible attoday's

show and tell talk at First Congregational Church in Albany.

The talk was during the coffee hour after the service.

People asked great questions about the project,

some relating to what role HIV plays in the project

and others relating to the content of the bible.

The program for the service had a beautiful description of the project:

"Art speaks to our religious and spiritual life as much as the spoken word. The artist, Phillip, has been living with AIDS for more than 20 years. He took on this project as a way to gain more insight into his life and to face his mortality; he describes it as 'The Serenity of Knowing.' Photographer Laura Glazer has followed Phillip's work since early 2009. Phillip has finished writing the first five books of Moses."

Special thanks to Reverend Tony Green, Perry Junjulas,
and the members of First Congregational Church.

Article on All Over Albany

2010-02-28T15:52:00.000-08:00

We are very thankful for the recent

article on our project on the website:

www.alloveralbany.com

The writer, Jessica Pasko, descibed

the project using great words at

a perfect pace; it is a pleasure

to read. Thank you to Jessica and

to the readers who left such

thoughtful comments.

Interview

2010-02-12T19:25:00.000-08:00

Talking about hand writing the bible during the interview with

Diane Goettel from A & U magazine this past December.
(We used Skype! Diane's in Japan, we're in New York!)

Taming the excitement after the interview
with a piece of chocolate.

The article is available now in the February 2010 issue.
(Find the magazine at AIDS service organizations and at
some newsstands. Or order a copy by sending an email to mailbox@aumag.org)

You're invited!

2010-02-12T18:46:00.000-08:00

Sunday, February 28, 2010, around 11:30am

First Congregational Church, 405 Quail Street, Albany, New York 12203

Come take a look at the handwritten, hand-bound volumes of the bible on display during the coffee hour immediately following the church service. We'll talk a little bit about the project and show some pictures, too.

Free and open to everyone! (Church attendance not required!)

Cookie jars

2010-02-05T15:33:00.001-08:00

Family cookie jars for oatmeal cookies.

Bread alone

2010-02-05T15:24:00.000-08:00

It was a long and rewarding day of work. About the 7th. hour my mind played upon the phrase that... "man does not live by bread alone." I thought about it as I continued writing. Eventually I stopped for an hour and made myself the most delicious oatmeal cookies. It made getting back between the pages all the more satisfying. PP

Blood pressure

2010-01-20T19:00:00.000-08:00

Blood pressure reading at today's doctor's appointment.

After Thanksgiving dinner

2010-01-17T18:30:00.001-08:00

With Morgan after Thanksgiving dinner.

At the train station

2010-01-17T18:13:00.001-08:00

At the Hudson train station on Saturday
to pick up Morgan.

Volume two

2010-01-10T19:14:00.000-08:00

Volume two of the handwritten bible is finished and will be bound by hand soon. Work will begin on volume three promptly.

Update

2009-12-22T06:22:00.000-08:00

On Dec 20, 2009, at 9:56 PM, Phillip L. Patterson wrote (via email):
Just finished 2nd Samuel, chapter 10. Beginning to feel like I'm making headway.

Bible page

2009-12-16T19:09:00.000-08:00

Completed bible page on the table in the living room.

Working room

2009-12-14T15:45:00.000-08:00

The writing room as the living room for an afternoon.

Email exchange regarding the picture of the boots

2009-12-14T14:35:00.000-08:00

Saw the new installment. It almost made me cry. PP

Really? How come?

Wasn't expecting it. Lots of personal things there. My childhood, my daughter, my Grandfather, the history of the books I've read, and also...it's a beautiful shot. PP

Apartment bookshelf

2009-12-13T18:05:00.000-08:00

Boots

Closeup

2009-12-09T19:31:00.000-08:00

A closeup of a page in progress.

Hats

2009-11-03T17:29:00.000-08:00

Three generations of hats.

The Plain Bibles

2009-09-27T17:30:00.003-07:00

Two plain bibles, one handwritten.

Chair and table cloths

2009-09-21T14:41:00.000-07:00

Hand sewn.

Writing the bible

2009-09-20T10:27:00.000-07:00

Working while at the Old Chatham Sheepherding Company.

Walking

2009-09-18T14:09:00.000-07:00

Walking to find a good place to work, out of the sun,
hoping for a spot in a shadow.
(At the Old Chatham Sheepheding Company.)

The opening reception

2009-09-18T14:02:00.000-07:00

Last night's opening reception was amazing.

Each guest's presence was felt,

each moment was meaningful.

At the gallery on opening day, September 11, 2009.

Workside table

2009-09-14T17:20:00.000-07:00

Book bound by hand, a practice version in preparation for binding the completed volumes of the handwritten bible.

Family bible

2009-09-12T12:14:00.001-07:00

The family bible kept company by the handwritten and handbound version of the first five books.

Favorite worn armchair

2009-09-11T15:47:00.001-07:00

The lamp next to my chair is already lit; it will still be a few hours before the sun brightens the living room window. Nevertheless, I scribe the first words of the day with the indelible black India. My writing hand is still a bit stiff. As it loosens, the “As” and “Gs” come much more smoothly, and quickly, and gradually I am lost in a world of thee and thou for at least the next eight hours.

Bedroom workroom

2009-09-11T15:28:00.001-07:00

A room for sleeping, sewing, drawing of lines, and calculating measurements for bookbinding. Dreaming, too.

Hand

2009-09-10T14:09:00.000-07:00

In the writing chair holding the first five books of Moses.

Exhibit announcement

2009-09-10T11:02:00.000-07:00

Please come see...

Recent Work: Photographs by Laura Glazer

at The Little Gallery at The Sage College of Albany

140 New Scotland Avenue

(The Little Gallery is on the first floor of Rathbone Hall.)

Exhibit dates:

September 11, 2009 - October 9, 2009

Opening reception:

Thursday, September 17, 2009, 4-8pm

Gallery hours:

Tuesday - Friday: 12-4pm

Saturday: Closed

Sunday: 12-4pm

Monday: Closed

Also by appointment, call: (518) 292-1795

Open First Friday, October 2: 5-9pm