so, next week sarah and i will head on over to wisconsin via megabus to visit with betsy and have another weekend together to work on book stuff.   book stuff, which has been this lucid term we use when we want to talk about what we’ve been working on, has become more than just writing.  yes, we have been writing, a lot.  we hope to have nine more stories finished (along with 15 which are being commented on by close friends), but we are also hoping to start on art and envisioning this “book” as having a more visual piece as well.

i had started sketching and painting as of late, but needed a little inspiration.  so, i went to visit the MIA last week and came across an exhibit on artist books.  it was really interesting!  small books with poetry and stories, with paintings, sketches, photographs.  and these were in a museum!!  i was instantly re-focused on our work knowing that other people are making artist books and are being noted on their contribution to art and literature.  so, if you are in the minneapolis area, go and see it.  i gained some ideas from the exhibit and am a little more confident in making art.

with that said, i will contribute a piece of my own art.  i painted a little tractor with hopes it will bring up another farm story in my memory, or will tell one all its own.   my hope is more of these small sketches and paintings will help contribute to the story we are trying to tell.  i will leave you with that.

may you stay warm on this cold day.

en paz,

alisa