Cartography of the Mind (Part 12 of 17)

The following are excerpts of an illuminated book sent from Liza to the group. As usual, we publish typed excerpts of these along with the original photo. The best way is to read the text, of course, is to to experience it in its illuminated form.

On keeping a notebook

In high school, a group of my four best friends and I started a joint notebook. What began as our "clever" system of passing notes in class soon evolved into an erratic assemblage of drawings, stories, odes to Trig class, collages, quotes, photos, and what have come to be called "Official Lists." Eight years, dozens of cities, states, countries, and notebooks later, we still keep a notebook in constant circulation via snail mail. And I understand that each of us, here in this mail thread, is more or less swamped by pre-existing pressures and demands, but what are your thoughts on extending this project's horizons beyond the computer screen? Of course, the e-mails would continue on as normal, but the notebook would add a unique dimension to how we communicate. Whether words, lyrics, photos, ideas, collages, drawings, fragments, or blank pages, the options are entirely endless and entirely up to each of us.

In the words of sister Corita Kent

"Nothing's a mistake. There's no win and no fail. There's only make."

Comfort smothers the spirit and
changes
A slender snow-white swan
Into an indolent, fat goose.
Comfort prevents millions
From viewing the rising dawn...
Comfort
must be shunned like
pestilence
By those who
aspire to live
To fight,
to fly,
to sing.