proof

Part of my visa application requires that I prove I am a professional artist. For weeks I’ve been gathering documents—royalty statements, my latest agent agreement, contracts for upcoming gigs. I suppose I’ll bring copies of my books to the interview. What makes me legit in their eyes, I wonder. A 12-page CV can be faked, as can a website…still, I took some new selfie headshots yesterday since I promised myself I’d update them annually and then missed a year. My dress is lopsided and so is my hair. A “real” author would hire a professional photographer, I suppose, and I may go back to doing that next year but for now, Photo Booth works for me. I’m slowly clearing out my drawers and found this piece of fabric that I didn’t remember buying. Figured I might as well take some photos before putting it in the bag that’s going to my friend’s elementary school. I’ve already delivered five bags of craft supplies, along with seven bags of books to the neighborhood book fair, and as many bags of shoes and clothes were taken to the local donation bin. Next I need to figure out how to sell some of my furniture…and how much to ship.

The move to France isn’t guaranteed but we’re closer than before. After getting several offensively low offers on my condo, we got two respectable ones and I accepted the buyer most likely to get approved for a mortgage. The other offer came from a buyer who’s getting jammed up by the government shutdown. I feel for him but I can’t afford to wait for our elected officials to work things out. I might run into problems, too, when I fly to Columbus this week for three school visits. I’m supposed to fly out at 7am and reach the first school by 11am, but with TSA workers and air traffic controllers not getting paid, I’m sure there will be delays. Crossing my fingers and hoping for the best…

At least it finally feels like fall here in Chicago. I’ve had to spend a lot of time out of the house due to viewings and most recently the 2-hour inspection. Grateful to have museums, and galleries, and a movie theater nearby. I haven’t exactly made a bucket list for Chicago but I wouldn’t mind riding the Ferris wheel at Navy Pier before I go. See the city from a different perspective. Chicago has taught me something new about the limits of beauty. It can soothe and seduce but ultimately I need more from a city. Not sure I’ll find that in France but I’m ready to learn just what it takes to keep this “legitimate” artist satisfied…