I know it’s been awhile since I’ve sent an email. The drafts kept growing but never made to your inbox. I’m here now to share recent updates. I can’t lie, it pains me to send an email filled with self-promotion, but I also recognize that there are folks who might still be interested in what’s going on in my corner of the universe. Keep reading if that’s you!
We moved back to Illinois a year ago—time keeps flying by. Technically, Larry moved while the kiddo and I unexpectedly spent a few months in California. I’m going to count this as a year anyway. I’ve spent the past six months trying to get a steady pace of living, but Chicago has a habit of drastically increasing the speed. That’s why I love it though.
Since returning to Chicagoland and seeing how people are creating support networks, caregiving circles, discussion groups, art with their neighbors, jumping in front of authority to save each other, I am reminded every day that the hard work of writing, parenting, and building community is worthwhile. Everything lends itself to the ecosystem that keeps us moving forward.
So, what else is going on?
Exhibit A: Collage background for a new zine
It’s zine production season! I have an exciting editorial calendar and zero pressure to create, just the way I like it. I’d say more but I prefer to keep my mouth shut until the lineup is ready for release. But of course, you still get the occasional sneak peek shared with zero context!
Recent Appearances
We Grow the World Together contributors at Printers Row Lit Fest 2025
I haven’t been in your inbox but I’ve still been yapping and typing away. Check out the links below to see what I’ve been up to.
My virtual studio has been moved to Patreon, where posts are available with a free membership.
There are a few public posts for those of you who dread having to remember a new account password. (Though, please tell me you actually use a password management system!)
Last month, I wrote:
Organizing in the school pickup line: Chicago and nearby suburbs have been facing relentless attacks and state-sanctioned kidnappings by ICE and federal agents. I shared about how local parents are dealing with the impact of losing one of our own, Silverio Villegas Gonzalez, who was killed by ICE on September 12th.
Reflection on 2025 Printers Row Lit Fest: I share instant photos of We Grow the World Together contributors and a few thoughts on gracing the stage near my alma mater, Columbia College Chicago.
Whew, that’s all for now. I just needed to get caught up. Thank you for still being here!
In Solidarity,
Keisa / Sula
Who am I?
Six photos that helped me rediscover who I am in the past couple of years.
