The St John Bible

Dear Diary,

I had an amazing week in Minnesota.  Since the original St John Bible wasn't available for viewing Brad brought home the seven volume copy that his library owns.  This is the opening page of the gospel according to Matthew.  Despite being only a copy, it was still stunning.  Elaine and I watch a video that explained a lot of the bible's background.  One of the focuses of the creators was to include the women's story as much as possible and on this page, which shows the genealogy of Jesus, the mothers names are included with the fathers.  A nod to 20th century technology is also given with a DNA double helix woven into the illustration.

One of the most charming elements was found in the gospel of Mark when the calligrapher realized after completing the page that he had left out a line!  Since it took a full day to complete a page that is no small "oops"!  Instead of starting over, he used a tiny bird illustration to "lift" the line to its proper place. (extra)  This added a human element that I found endearing.  We all make mistakes and we learn to work with them!

I am writing this at 3 am on Friday and I will leave for the airport shortly.  There is a major snow storm coming to Maine Friday evening but I should be home well ahead of it and Emerson and I will be safely back in the house to watch the first flakes start falling.  I can't wait to see my little boy!  Yes Dorothy, there truly is no place like home!