Late last month, a package arrived from our researcher, Suzanne “Saucy Indexer” Ellison. I opened the package, saw it was a handmade book, and immediately set it aside. I was in the middle of teaching a chair class, plus my oldest daughter was about to arrive from Pittsburgh for her birthday.
After all the visitors – students, Maddy and her fiance – had left, I sat down with the book so I could give it my full attention. It is, of course, a fantastic document and a good story. It has everything: drinking, cats, a turtle and a mysterious visitor.
Suzanne kindly agreed to allow me to share the book with you via a video reading. If the video doesn’t appear in your mail reader, click this link to watch it.
I hope this story brightens your Sunday. Tomorrow, we’ll post Suzanne’s story about how she made the book, which is just as interesting as the book itself.
— Christopher Schwarz
Thank you. (I could say much more, but there are too many layers to how this hit me, so I’ll stop there.)
What a whimsical, creative and delightful tale of a very familiar Stick Chairmaker. I sincerely hope that he will be around to make many more chairs, and to share his unending curiosity, sharp wit and expanding woodworking knowledge with those of us who follow and care about him.
Hats off to Suzanne for her artistry and her most delightful and engaging tale.
It made my Sunday. Thank you.
Cheers,
Michael
Larry the Ferryman sounds similar to Tom that owned a local coffee shop i used to go to in the 90s
I shouldn’t think you have ever received a more precious gift.
Truly Superb!
Would love to buy a copy. Very entertaining.
I don’t remember reading a book as interesting as his one. I realize it is a story of Chris’s history of his shop and part o his life. This women who made this book is amazing. She grabbed me by the throat as I following the pages a grea testimonial to Mr Swartz. It was a pleasure reading it.
That’s a very cool gift!
Thank you for sharing. Truly a very kind gift.
Beautiful! May there be many more chairs (and other wonderful things) before the time comes!
Wow!
Simply lovely.
Great gift. Very imaginitive. Keep it safe, it’s priceless.
That’s just wonderful!
What an amazing book, in every way. Suzo is incredible!
What a wonderful gift!
Holy $h!+, what an excellent gift. May the day therein described be decades distant.
What a fantastic gift! and so kind.
It’s good to have people who love us. Thank you for sharing some of that around.
Beautiful book from a great individual. On a personal note, thanks again Suzanne for your gifts & book!
Merci pour ce partage ! Bravo Suzanne !
So beautiful: the concept, the writing, the making, the story, the sentiment, the gift. I take my hat off to this!
So creative and well-crafted. What a delightful way to start the week. Thank you, Suzanne! (And thanks also to you for reading, Chris!)
Very simply, just wow,
Precious and intriguing book that spoke to so many emotions. What a treasure!
That was just an absolute delight, Suzanne. So layered and beautifully done. You are a treasure.
🙂
Such a great story and book! Wonderful!