Behind the Design: Found Writings

By: Bonnie Christine

Story Adapted From Pattern Magazine – Volume 2

Pattern Magazine is Bonnie Christine's quarterly print and digital publication for surface pattern designers, artists, and creative entrepreneurs who believe that how you live shapes what you make. This story first appeared in Volume 2, Rooted Rhythms, the autumn 2025 issue.

Inspiration is tucked in the in-between, in the everyday rhythms of our lives— cooking Black Bean and Corn Soup on a Tuesday evening, gathering wildflowers on the way to the studio, piecing together a puzzle on a rainy afternoon.

I traced my fingers over the worn pages of Great PawPaw’s journal. David’s grandfather was a strong man and a pilot, and he boasted the kind of temperament you couldn’t push around. But his heart was tender, and his kindness was constant; it was something you could lean against and rest in.

This tenderness flowed through each loop and line of his handwriting.

I thought of him, sitting at his table in 1943. A steady hand as he penned:

“I went to church this morning...”
“About 1 of snow...it was very pretty.”
“We bought a stove today...”

January, February, June, November. I pored over each journal entry, eager to be close to him again. It was as if, reading his words, I could see him curled up with our two-year-old daughter Ollie, telling her a story. Or sitting at the kitchen table, deep in conversation with David, grandfather to grandson.

Great PawPaw had a special gift of making everyone he met feel like they were his favorite. I’ll never forget it. We were halfway out the door when my son Bear whipped around and in his tiny voice said, “I love you one hundred!”

Without questioning what Bear meant or missing a moment, Great PawPaw responded, “I love you one hundred, too.”

He lived life fully, with community and integrity in every chapter. A truth emphasized throughout his journal entries.

Isn’t it beautiful how simple handwritten sentiments can convey a person’s story?

Grocery lists. Vegetables growing in the garden. Flight entries. Conversations with his wife Margaret. He swam every day and worked in his woodshop every evening.

"Marrell's Letters" by Bonnie Christine

I scanned some of these journal entries. They formed a pattern more beautiful than any motif I could ever design. This pattern tells a story of a man whom I loved dearly.

One of the most cherished patterns I’ve ever made came quite literally from the moments of every day.

It is rooted in memory. Rooted in the history of our family. As you spend time with those you love this season, as you flip through recipe boxes and open letters in the mail, cherish. Cherish the penmanship, the curve of each stroke. The most meaningful patterns are rooted in story. The most incredible inspiration is tucked in the in between of everyday.

Wanting More?

This story comes from Volume 2 of Pattern Magazine, Rooted Rhythms. The whole autumn issue, with every story and photograph, is at bonniechristine.com/patternmagazine.