 October 8, 2009 Friends, I just came back from Chicago where I installed a Day of the Dead altar for my mother at the National Museum of Mexican Art. The altar is part of a collection titled "Coming Home," and yet, with my mother's death, I realize now I feel less grounded in Chicago than ever. Perhaps I have lost Chicago as home with my mother's crossing. I don't know. I am still in that state of imbalance, of walking about the world with only one shoe.
Home. I no longer live in Chicago. It is no longer my home. Or, I still live in Chicago because Chicago stories live in me. I will always be at home there. I have never felt at home there. I don't know if both are true, but I know this — I have no true home except the one on the page. If you are in Chicago this season, please stop by before December 14th when the altars come down. I would very much like for you to see it. To create it was something like writing. I was surprised at how much alike it was in collecting little things, hoarding them, arranging and moving them about, just the way I collect and gather up images, words, and spend hours and hours moving them about till they are just to my liking. On another note, I have been collaborating with the wonderful Chicana artist Ester Hernandez on the upcoming HAVE YOU SEEN MARIE book, a story in pictures for adults. For those readers who have heard the story and are waiting for the book, I will keep you posted on the progress of this project here. Ester and I are both excited to work with one another. Another San Francisco artist I am working with is the amazing filmmaker Lourdes Portillo. Our project is a screenplay for HOUSE ON MANGO STREET. And what revelations I'm making about my book even now. The characters are still talking to me, and I'm delighted by what I'm learning. We have no dates yet as to when this project will become a film, but if you have a couple of million bucks you want to donate to a worthy project, send it our way. In the meantime we are having a hell of a lot of fun working on the script. I will try my best to be better about updating my web page for all my readers. In between too much travel I am working on finishing the BRAVO, BRUNO kids' book and am currently editing the WRITING IN MY PAJAMAS. I am also having affairs with poetry on the sly when fiction isn't looking. Be aware this December 20th marks my 55th birthday. We will be celebrating here in San Antonio with a big party/fundraiser on behalf of my foundation — Macondo, a professional writers organization that brings together writers serving the underserved. Save the date, and don't forget — attire for the evening is LEOPARD!!!! A donation of $55 is appreciated, and yes, you can send in a donation even if you don't come. For more details, visit the Macondo Foundation website. Hasta soon, Sandra PS — Art auction and auction of my some personal items will be featured at a Macondo fundraiser in the spring. Watch my appearance schedule for more information.
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