Whew! It's been a while!
It feels good to write to you all again. During my break from writing here, I've been working on some other writing, for this book I'm authoring. I'll keep it a secret as to what it's about, so you all have something to look forward to, but I'll give the first hint: It's an academic book! I'm beyond excited, and ridiculously tired from researching, but it's all in a hard day's work, huh? I've been working on it for a year and a half, and my goal right now is to finish all the research this summer. And, I counted--as of today, I have 90 pages written. Not gloriously finished, and ready for publish, but written nonetheless. I haven't counted my pages for research material yet, but I do have an 11 page bibliography that's Spot On. Ha ha ha! Research goddess, no?
The latest book I finished pulling quotes on is called Habibi by Craig Thompson. It's an astonishingly beautiful graphic novel about the life of two slave children. One, a slave because of her gender, a sex slave. The other, a slave because of his skin color. Lost in time and in place in the Middle East, one wonders where and when this book takes place--as it tells tales and spills forth pains of the past, present, and future. This wasn't the first time I read this amazing book, I bought it secondhand last black Friday (what a ridiculous, made up "holiday" but if I'm going to take part, y'all know I'm buying books) and have been making all of my friends read it since. It's a quick read because your eyes will be glued to its beauty--it even brings beauty to the horrid. You won't want to look up. 
I have to share with you all my favorite passage, "Dodola: What happened to my child?
Zam: She’s been with you all along. Try holding her instead. 
Dodola: My arms aren’t big enough."626

My heart breaks each time. But sometimes, to feel and know that you are human, and to fully live your one life, is the most beautiful thing you can do. 
Send all your strength to me in this time of research, I'll need it. In the meantime, I'll be working hard! Write to you all later about the quilt! Much love!