Page 72 of Kate & Frida

From my beloved Ballard burrow

8/14/94

Dear Frida,

I’m over the moon for you. Life in Flight ! How can I help? Tell me what you need. Opinions? I have plenty of those, beginning with this one. You better not downplay yourself in this book. You are your story, Frida. You’re like Holly in Happy All the Time . “She fought to keep the ugly, chaotic world at bay and to keep a sweet, pretty corner to live in.” People need to know that they don’t have to fix acid rain or cure cancer to still make a difference in someone’s life.

Speaking of asking for help. Are you ready for it? I’m three chapters into writing a new novel. Last week I dug out the one that didn’t get published and read it again. What a difference a few years make. It’s so obvious to me now what was wrong with it. I thought it should be about my character getting to the place where she learned everything she was supposed to learn. Like there was an actual psychological destination she had to reach before she could start her real life. But that cheesy saying on t-shirts really is true, isn’t it? The journey is the destination. Frida, I’m never going to learn everything I need to learn, but that’s not the point. The point is to never stop learning and never expect to know everything you think you need to know. It’s hard to explain, but realizing that made me feel free. Like I can do anything. Run my own bookstore. Hop a plane tonight for Paris. Join you in Vietnam if you ever decide to go. How exciting would that be to have an adventure together in Asia of all places?

Now that Mom and I are into Big Talks, it’s like we can’t stop. She even bought me one of those three-way phones at Radio Shack so Franny can join in. We’ve had some intense moments, but every time afterward I feel better than before. Dad gets uncomfortable when the conversation gets too personal (female), so Mom fills him in later. Don’t worry. We still play gin rummy and dance to “Sweet Caroline.”

Love,

Kate

P.S. How cool is this coincidence? My mom had an aunt named Immy. It’s a great name, but I vote for Frida Rodriguez. That’s who you are.