In 2013 I found one of those cheap college-ruled composition books

and began to keep a journal of favorite writings from what I was reading.

As the months and years passed I added favorite song lyrics, scenes from

movies and even the spoken word. — I imagined a book that would be by my

bedside where I could have my own private library within reach. After hearing

from people who saw it, that if I ever printed it, could they have a copy... "Hav-

ing an audience makes one try harder", says Casanova on one of the pages

below. So, I filled two composition books as they became a living history of

how my entries grew as I added art for my 'audience'. The design & art

evolved as I eagerly worked between other professional deadlines.

At the age of 63 I was finally creating personal art. Free at Last.

I made 144 entries and here is an 85-page edited edition.

These pages are reminders of the enlightening power

of great writing. And how reading introduces us

to our better selves. To kindle imagination.

To acquire a taste for life-long-learning.

Happy New Year! Jan. 1, 2018

Robert Alan Johnson